The Construction Cafe

S4E33 From Strings to Sensors: Robots, Layout, and the Future of the Trades

What do robots, layout, and generational grit have in common? Tristen sits down with Sandra Grigoletti of CSC Robotic Engineering to explore the evolution of construction layout — from strings and sticks to SLAM-enabled robots. They dig into how robotic solutions are reshaping jobsite ergonomics, safety, and equity for future generations of craft workers. It's a nerdy, heartfelt, and forward-looking episode you won't want to miss.

S4E32 Troop Checks and Toolbox Talks: Mental Health on the Jobsite

In this episode of The Construction Cafe, host Tristen Magallanes welcomes back safety professional and Navy veteran Shawn Love to talk about mental health in the construction industry. Together, they dive into the challenges of stigma, the parallels between military and construction cultures, and how leaders and peers can play a role in supporting workers' mental well-being. From troop checks to toolbox talks, accessible resources to alcohol use, this honest conversation offers insight and actionable ideas for a healthier industry.

S4E31 Standing Up for Mental Health in Construction with Sonya Bohmann

In this episode of The Construction Cafe, Tristen Magallanes speaks with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, about the critical link between mental health and safety in the construction industry. In honor of Construction Safety Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, they discuss the cultural barriers to mental health conversations, the risk factors unique to construction, and the importance of approachable, actionable resources. Sonya shares how CIASP is helping companies of all sizes take meaningful steps—through tools like the stand-up pledge, needs analysis, and free trainings—to support worker well-being and prevent suicide. This episode is a call to action: standing up for mental health is standing up for safety.

S3E30 Fighting Fire Through Fire Protection Engineering with Parisa Nassiri

In this final episode of Women in Construction Week, Tristen sits down with Parisa Nassiri, a senior fire protection engineer at Holmes US, to explore her unique career path. From navigating gender disparities in engineering education to earning her master’s in fire protection engineering, Parisa shares how she found her way into this critical but often overlooked field. She discusses the importance of fire safety regulations, the challenges of being taken seriously in male-dominated spaces, and the need for greater flexibility and equity in the industry. Tune in for an insightful conversation on shaping safer buildings and advocating for the next generation of women in engineering. #WICWEEK2025

S3E29 Bridging Jobsite Experience and Classroom Lessons in Construction with Adrienne Sraver

From building hospitals to building future industry leaders, Adrienne Sraver has done it all! A Project Executive at Barton Malow Builders and an instructor at Ohio State University, Adrienne takes us on a journey from the jobsite to the classroom. She shares how navigating occupied renovations in healthcare construction prepared her for mentoring the next generation. We chat about confidence, adaptability, and why the best construction lessons aren’t always found in textbooks. Whether you're laying foundations or laying out lesson plans, this episode is packed with insights on bridging industry experience with education.  #WICWEEK2025