Episode 27: The Power of Speaking Up: Fred Mills on Mental Health and the Future of Construction

Episode 27: The Power of Speaking Up: Fred Mills on Mental Health and the Future of Construction

In this episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann and co-host Zulq Malik are joined by Fred Mills, founder of The B1M, the world’s largest video platform for construction, reaching millions of people each month.   Fred shares how he built a global media brand to change the perception of construction—and what led him to use that platform to speak openly about his own mental health journey. Behind the success, Fred opens up about his experience with depression, the pressure of leadership, and the turning point that led him to seek help and ultimately help others.   The conversation explores the growing movement around mental health in construction, the importance of authenticity in leadership, and why the industry must move beyond awareness and into action. From jobsite culture to global impact, this episode highlights how real change happens when people are willing to speak up.   With millions reached through his work and hundreds of thousands raised for mental health initiatives, Fred’s message is clear: we are only just getting started.

Episode 26: A Decade of Progress: Building a Movement in Construction Mental Health with Stuart Binstock

In this episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann and co-host Zulq Malik are joined by Stuart Binstock, former CEO of CFMA and one of the early leaders behind the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention.   Stuart shares how a single article in 2015 sparked a powerful industry-wide response, leading to the creation of CIASP and a movement that continues to grow today. Together, they reflect on how far the industry has come, the challenges that remain, and why communication and connection are at the heart of meaningful change.   The conversation also dives into real-world topics shaping today’s job sites, including the importance of Narcan training, the role of Employee Assistance Programs, and the ongoing shift from transactional leadership to a more human-centered approach.   This episode is both a look back and a call forward—reminding us that safety is not just physical, and that investing in people is the most important work we can do.

Episode 25: The Pod-aversary: One Year of Conversations That Matter

In this special anniversary episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann and co-host Zulq Malik reflect on the first year of the podcast and the conversations that have shaped it. From powerful guest stories to unexpected moments of connection, they revisit the episodes that made them laugh, challenged their thinking, and, at times, left them deeply emotional. They also share what has surprised them most, what has been hardest, and why these conversations matter now more than ever. This episode is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person, and behind every story is an opportunity to connect, support, and make a difference. As the podcast looks ahead to the future, one thing is clear: these conversations are only just beginning.

Episode 24: Women in Construction and the Power of Speaking Out with Julia Flanagan

In this episode of Above and Below, CIASP Executive Director Sonya Bohmann sits down with Julia Flanagan, a surveyor working in heavy construction.   Julia shares how she found her way into the construction industry, what it’s really like working in the field on major infrastructure projects, and why she believes it’s important to speak openly about the challenges people face in this industry.   From growing up around construction to building a career on jobsites across major projects, Julia talks about the path that led her to surveying and what a typical day in the field looks like. She also discusses the importance of visibility, honesty, and sharing personal experiences so others know they are not alone.   This conversation explores career paths in construction, the realities of jobsite culture, and why open conversations about mental health matter across the entire industry.

Episode 23: Women in the Trades: Grit, Safety, and Showing Up with Chelsea Fenton

In this episode of Above and Below, CIASP Executive Director Sonya Bohmann sits down with Chelsea Fenton, a union laborer with LIUNA Local 596 out of Holyoke, Massachusetts, known online as That Union Laborer.   Chelsea shares her path into the trades, including being turned down twice before earning her spot on the third attempt, and what 14 years in the field has taught her about perseverance, work ethic, and building a name you are proud of. The conversation also goes deeper into the realities women face on job sites, including safety concerns, allyship, workplace facilities, pregnancy and postpartum challenges, and the practical protections employers are required to provide.   Chelsea also explains how she became a social media voice for union labor, using TikTok and Instagram to recruit and support more women into the trades, and why she wants her daughter’s job sites to look different in the future.