Above & Below

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode of Above & Below, host Sonya Bohmann sits down with Jared Bartholomew, a 20-year-old senior at Williamson College of the Trades, who shares how a high school twist of fate led him to discover his true passion: masonry.
 
Jared opens up about life at Williamson, where discipline, structure, and service shape every student’s journey. From working co-op jobs to competing in SkillsUSA and bricklaying competitions, Jared’s story highlights the power of purpose, pride in craft, and how finding the right path can change your life.
 
Whether you’re a student, parent, or part of the construction industry, this episode is a reminder that passion and purpose can be found in unexpected places.

What does it really mean to lead by serving others? In this episode, hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik sit down with Greg Sizemore, Vice President of Health, Safety, Environment, and Workforce Development at Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC), to explore the core principles of servant leadership in the construction industry.
 
Greg shares insights from his decades of experience, discussing the importance of culture, mentorship, and genuine care in leadership. This episode offers a compelling look at how humility and service can strengthen safety, mental health, and retention across the workforce.

In this episode of Above & Below, host Sonya Bohmann sits down with Kristy Domboski, the newly appointed Chair of the CIASP Board of Trustees, for a candid conversation about what’s next for the organization.
 
Kristy reflects on CIASP’s evolution—from its early ties to CFMA to becoming a 501(c)(3)—and shares why this work is so personal to her. With a two-year term ahead, she outlines her vision for CIASP’s future, including expanding resources, increasing industry collaboration, and continuing to push toward a Zero Suicide Industry.
 
Plus, Sonya turns the spotlight on Kristy with a few rapid-fire personal questions to help listeners get to know the leader behind the title.
 
Whether you’re new to CIASP or deeply involved in construction safety, this episode offers a meaningful look at where we’re headed—and who’s helping lead the way.

In Episode 19 of Above and Below, hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik sit down with Vikram Kapur for a thoughtful conversation on mindfulness and safety in the construction industry.
 
Vikram shares why mindfulness isn’t about meditation — it’s about awareness, presence, and the ability to respond rather than react. From daily walk-throughs to crisis moments, he explains how mindful leadership can create safer, more connected job sites.
 
Together, they explore how small mindset shifts can lead to big impacts, and why building a culture of safety starts with being intentional — moment by moment.

In this intimate and thoughtful episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann is joined by Sally Spencer-Thomas to explore the subtle, yet powerful, ways workplace culture is shaped.
 
Together, they dive into what it means to feel seen and heard on a job site, how small moments of intention can shift the mental health landscape in construction, and why the best cultural change often begins when no one is watching.
 
This episode is a reminder that leadership is not just a title—it’s a series of choices we make every day, especially when it comes to creating a culture of care.

In this powerful episode of Above and Below, Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik sit down with leadership strategist and keynote speaker Ted Ma to explore how mentorship—both formal and informal—can reshape the culture of the construction industry.
 
From apprenticeships to executive roles, this conversation dives into the emotional side of leadership, the importance of building real human connection at every level, and how everyday interactions—“the moments, not the meetings”—can be opportunities to lead, support, and transform.
 
Whether you’re a seasoned project manager, a craft worker, or just starting out, this episode will inspire you to reflect on how you’re showing up for others—and who you’re letting show up for you.
 
🔗 Download Ted’s free white paper, Everyday Mentorship:
https://mailchi.mp/27a1f1e1d42c/jsbyw51s80