Down With The Dig

September is Suicide Prevention Month. Unfortunately, every year 45,000 Americans die by suicide, and the rate is higher in the construction industry than in any other occupation. In this episode, we speak with former Business Manager of Akron Local 894, Bill Orr. Bill's family has been affected by suicide, which he shares on DWTD.

This episode follows the journey of Joan, a member out of Local 125 in Youngstown. Hear his experience of what the non-union sector was like prior to joining the Ohio Laborers' Union.

Shella hosts CEO of StrongArm Technologies, Sean Petterson.  StrongArm Technologies was founded in 2013 on a seemingly simple mission: Deploy cutting-edge technology and data to protect the world's Industrial Athletes from preventable strain, injury and death. Listen as they discuss this and more on this episode of DWTD.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted joins host Vince Irvin to discuss In-Demand Jobs Week  which is recognized May 2-6, 2022. Their discussion covers the significance of this week, some of the jobs needed the most right now, and what we can do to connect those looking and those hiring. Listen to the full episode here.

In this episode, KJ arrives on a job site during a major wind storm over 550 feet in the air. Listen to his account in his own words.

Join Randy and Tony for a special episode as they discuss the best songs about work.

Pam B went into work on a typical hot summer day. Her shift was wrapping up when a vehicle intruded into her work zone, striking her and sending her airborne some 40 feet away. Hear the full story in Pam's own words on Real Construction Stories from DWTD.

Coming soon to the DWTD family, Real Construction Stories. In these episodes, you will hear real stories from real members. We hope you enjoy our initial installment - Panic at the Theater.

Luis Font, currently a Field Coordinator for the Laborers' District Eight Organizing Committee (DEROC) - shares the challenges with his upbringing. He sheds light on how joining the Laborers' Union helped turn his life around and how he works every day to give back and maximize the second chance he received. Listen to the full story here.

The holiday season is filled with cheer, hope, and gift-giving. So it's fitting that this week's guest is Jacques Smith. Jacques was confronted with a terminal diagnosis due to an aggressive liver disease. However, in 2018 Jacques was gifted a second chance at life after receiving a liver transplant facilitated through Lifebanc. Jacques sits down with Shella on Down With The Dig and shares his incredible story and how he is making every day in his new life count.More about Lifebanc can be found here.

Hilti Business Unit Manager - Ed Selz joins Down With The Dig. Ed gives our audience a brief overview of Hilti's core products and specialties in North America. Then Ed goes into the products he manages, particularly human augmentation, which includes exoskeletons. Listen as he describes his role and how Hilti is  working with LiUNA to help improve exoskeleton technology. To find out more about Hilti North America, please click here.

The historic $ 1.2 Trillion Infrastructure Bill sets a significant investment in our inland waterways system. This work can be a vital source of jobs for our members and beyond. To discuss these projects in greater detail, Shella sits down with President and CEO of Waterways Council Inc. - Tracy Zea.

In honor of National Apprenticeship Week, the Ohio Laborers' Apprenticeship Program hosted a round table discussion with Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, Major General Deborah Ashenhurst, Director of the Department of Veterans Services, Ralph E. Cole, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of the Ohio Laborers' District Council, and Vince Irvin, Ohio Apprenticeship Coordinator. The panel's purpose was to discuss the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation and Veteran Services employment goals and how they align with the Ohio Laborers' Union Apprenticeship Program and other registered apprenticeships programs.

Congressman Tim Ryan returns on LNN to discuss the potential of the Senate passed Infrastructure Bill. Listen to the exclusive interview - led by Sara Guice.Listeners can also view the full interview on our YouTube channel here.

A special news bulletin from Liuna Network News (LNN) about the evolving situation happening at the Lima Refinery. Listen as  Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan visits affected building trade workers at  Laborers' Local 329 Hall.View the full newscast and other content here.

Host Sara Guice interviews Business Manager of Lima Laborers' Local 329 - Tim LuceWireman. Tim discusses the history and significance of the Lima Refinery. He also shares the Local's impact on the community and the potential future of Allen County if good jobs were to leave the area.To keep Ohioans working in the Lima Refinery, please tap here.

Adrian Harrison, Field Representative for the Laborers' District Council of Ohio joins OLUY to discuss his role with the District Council and his experience within the Laborers' Union. During his career, he has worked various roles all while proudly serving the membership.Enjoy the full conversation with Bethany.More about the Laborers' District Council

Pamela Bradek has an exciting journey. With a successful and rewarding fifteen-year career in Law enforcement and currently holds a commission in Ohio. In 2019 Pamela sought a career in road construction with the Laborers' Local 245 in Ashtabula. A seemingly fitting career move with her experience directing traffic as a law enforcement officer. Still, nothing could prepare her for July 7, 2020, when Pamela was struck by a distracted driver while flagging for a paving crew. Listen as Pamela details that incident and the aftermath of that unforgettable day.

Bethany Friedrichsen, Project Manager for Thrive Peer Support, joins the show. Thrive is an organization that restores hope and embraces all pathways for recovery from substance use disorder and improved mental health. By fostering trusting relationships, community engagement, and personal growth - their peers experience long-term recovery and success. Listen to how they are impacting communities and changing lives.Learn more about Thrive. Information about Homeless Hookup CLE can be found here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Business Manager and Secretary-Treasurer of the Laborers' District Council of Ohio, Ralph E. Cole, joins OLUY. Since Mr. Cole's introduction to the Laborers' Union in 1967, it's been his life's work to advance the Ohio membership and the labor movement overall. His passion and determination earned him seemingly every role within the vast Laborers' organization, and those same qualities shine through in this exclusive interview with Bethany. Listen as they discuss Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBA's), policies, and much more.

Glenn McGinley, Acting Director of Loss Prevention Operations for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (Ohio BWC), returns on Down With The Dig. In this episode Glenn details how the BWC and the Laborers are working together to make job sites safer. He also talks about the impact  COVID-19 has had on the agency and its programs.More information about the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation can be seen here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

This week - Karl Jefferson,  Tri-Funds Field Coordinator,  joins the Down With The Dig Podcast.  Karl walks the audience through what Tri-Funds is and shares one of its biggest goals: to bring labor and management together - to expand market share, win projects and jobs, enhance health and safety, and train for the future. Listen to how Karl assists with this role and more for Laborers and Signatory Contractors.More information on Tri-Funds can be found here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Chartered in 1939, Dayton Local 1410 has been serving its eight-county jurisdiction with pride and passion. Down With The Dig speaks with Vice President of the Local - Jason Lautensleger, on his role, the Local's community efforts, and their vision moving forward. Information about Local 1410 can be found here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

This week, Dorsey Hager - Executive Secretary Treasurer of the Building Futures Program is our guest on Down With The Dig. Dorsey goes in depth about the program - which equips members of underserved communities with life skills and prepares them for entering a building trades apprenticeship program. These apprenticeship programs often leads to jobs that transforms a family into the middle class, away from poverty. Listen to the incredible work the Building Futures Program does and how they plan to move forward.More information on the program can be found here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Get ready to rev up on this episode of Union Wild as Randy talks motorcycles. Randy covers a brief history of motorcycles in America, and some of his best stories while riding the open road.Submit a topic that may be covered on Union Wild here - or record a message to the show by clicking here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Warmer weather is approaching, and your host Randy McGuire has you covered for your outdoor barbecue. Weigh in on your thoughts of Randy's recommendations, or submit a topic that may be covered on Union Wild here - or record a message to the show by clicking here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

We celebrate Women in Construction Week with Amy Hall, a  prominent leader within the  construction industry. Amy is the President of Ebony Construction, Inc. Her journey to leading one of the most successful DBE businesses in Ohio is an interesting one. Find out how she managed to grow Ebony Construction in a male-dominant industry and her plans for the future of the company. In addition to being a successful business leader, Amy is a life-coach and Ambassador for Esturado Mini Hospice  - a care facility in Guatemala.Here's a closer look at Ebony Construction, Inc.Find out more information about the Esturado Mini Hospice Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

We catch up with ATSSA President and CEO, Stacy Tetschner. Stacy shares some highlights of the recent ATSSA 2021 Convention and Traffic Expo, such as the Roadway Worker Protection Summit, the Workforce Development Open Forum, and Smart Work Zones, in his second appearance on the show. He also gives a glimpse into what this year's National Work Zone Safety Awareness Week will look like during the pandemic.For more information about ATSSA, its flagship publication can be found here.Find the National Work Zone Memorial here.Schools and educators can find a link to  downloadable coloring books here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Glenn McGinley, Acting Director of Loss Prevention Operations for the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation (Ohio BWC), joins Down With The Dig. Glenn discusses his role with the Ohio BWC. This episode will give you a look at the BWC's policies on health, safety, and insurance coverage for our hard-working Ohioans. Find out more about the Ohio BWC by clicking here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

This is a podcast by Laborers for Laborers. In our first episode, Matt Archer - Administrator of the Benefits Office dives in to health insurance. Ohio Laborers District Council has been instrumental in providing quality benefits to hard working members and their families for over 50 years. Matt informs members on some of the most underused benefits and clears up misconceptions of Ohio Laborers insurance coverage. The links below that can help members better navigate their insurance.Find out more about your insurance benefits here.Livehealth online information© 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

We catch up with the Business Manager of Lorain Local 758, Charlie Fashing. Charlie has been in his role for three years. He discusses some of the responsibilities he oversees for the Local. In Charlie's spare time, he participates in wildlife conservation in a variety of ways. From shooting professionally to mentoring youth - Charlie gives back with the backdrop of the great outdoors. Listen to his story on this episode of Down With The Dig.Find out more information about Local 758 here.Here's more information about the Union Sportsmen's Alliance.To learn more about Pheasants Forever - visit here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Matt Bruning - the Press Secretary of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT), joins Down With The Dig. Listen as Matt discusses the department's important 2021 goals - such as roadway safety, public awareness campaigns, and Ohio's future transportation infrastructure. Matt also talks about the Ohio State Highway Patrol's informative new online dashboard. This episode will have you informed on ODOT's priorities and plans as they kick off the new year.Listeners can see the new ODOT website here.Ohio drivers can get real-time traffic updates here.The new Ohio State Highway Patrol's work zone dashboard can be found here.Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Dr. Bill Billotte from ASTM joins the show. ASTM is an international standards organization that develops and publishes voluntary consensus technical standards for a wide range of materials, products, systems, and services. In this episode, we again look at exoskeletons, their use, and their impact on the construction industry. Views and Comments of this program do not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2021 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Down With The Dig season one is in the books. This episode walks through our journey and highlights some of the most impactful stories and interviews. Get a feel for the show and hear about some of the exciting topics on the horizon. Thanks for making us one of the fastest-growing podcasts; we'll be back strong in 2021!All episodes can be found hereViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

The 10th annual Irish Echo Labor Leader Award Winner is our very own Cleveland 310 Business Manager - Terry Joyce. Terry joins the show once again - to give us background on the award and his accomplishments as a strong labor leader. The Irish Echo is the nation's foremost Irish newspaper and is a staple within the community. The paper also covers the entire gambit of Irish life, from the blue color workers on up to the highest levels of public office. Terry's pride and gratitude are on full display in this episode. Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Hello Down With The Dig listeners - for helping us become one of the fastest-growing podcasts, we wanted to give something back. Union Wild, with Randy McGuire, is a new show that will be added under the umbrella of Down With The Dig. Randy will speak about the issues and topics you care about most. Listen to his pilot episode here and let us know what you think! Email, or send a recording to be shared on the show.Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Bethany Billi, Executive Director of Ohio LECET and Chief of Staff for Ohio Laborers' District Council joins the show. Bethany shares her passion of member safety with us; as well as the initiatives and plans Ohio LECET is working on for its signatory contractors.  She also chronicles her journey to leadership and shares the opportunity available within our industry and beyond. Take the safe driving pledgeTune into the virtual safe driving event on December 10 at 5:00 p.m. EST.Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Colin Sikon returns on Down With The Dig. During this episode, Colin details the projects on the horizon for Cleveland for both private and public sector careers. These jobs extend far past traditional heavy highway jobs. There are thousands of sewer, and water lines vital to the city of Cleveland and Laborers help service these utilities that are often taken for granted. This is just one of the many different sectors Laborers can craft out productive and interesting careers. Laborers' Local 860 website Laborers' Local 860 Facebook PageViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Travis Parsons, Associate Director, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for the LHSFNA returns on Down With The Dig to inform you on how to stay safe on the job site.  Find out how to keep you and others safe while building your community's infrastructure. Here's where you can find the latest COVID information from LHSFNAViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Exoskeletons and exosuits may have been around for years in other industries, but how practical are they in the construction industry? Luckily, Dr. Maury Nussbaum of Virginia Tech and Dr. Carisa Harris from UC-Berkley - are two experts working on finding the answer to that. They give their thoughts and findings in this episode of Down With The Dig. Listen and find out  what this new technology is, what it could mean, and its impact on construction in the near future. Take the survey to help further their work hereViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

The current pandemic has impacted all our lives in many ways. There is also a lot of information surrounding COVID-19, but what are the facts and misconceptions about the virus? Travis Parsons, Associate Director, Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for the LHSFNA, sets the record straight on Down With The Dig. His interview will give you the most recent and best information to protect you and your family during the Fall season. Here's where you can find the latest COVID information from LHSFNAViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Greg Hauser, Senior Technical Adviser for JCK Underground - gives Down With The Dig the scoop on tunnels. Get an insider's view of how tunnels can be an important part of our nation's infrastructure from the expert. Greg's creative technical innovations and leadership have earned him accolades in the underground construction industry.  Examples include completion of Section 4 of the Brightwater Conveyance System and the rescue of the BT-3c Contract, which required mining through a stranded slurry TBM.Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Colin Sikon, Cleveland native and Local 860 member speaks on Down With The Dig. He details the vast work opportunities for Laborers in both the private and public sectors. Now over 4,000 members strong, Local 860 represents a wide variety of members that touches the heavy highway sector, in addition to mailroom workers, and county employees. Hear how the Local is expanding and looking for future opportunities to secure good-paying, safe careers under their three county Jurisdiction and beyond.Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

October is Depression Awareness Month. This week's episode tackles this issue and other mental health issues with field expert, Jamie Becker. Jamie is the Laborers' Health and Safety Health Promotion Director. She oversees department issues spanning health care legislation, crisis management, wellness programming, benefit development, behavioral health, mental health, substance use disorders, and drug-free workplace programming.Mental health issues permeate throughout our lives. If you are struggling with or know someone struggling with these issues, this episode could be the first step in improving the situation. Below is a list of resources and guides for better mental health.Critical Incident Stress ManagementMental Health ResourcesViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

The mission of Laborers' CARE, a charitable organization, is to aid the brothers and sisters of the Laborers' Union in their most pressing time of need. The charitable fund achieves this by providing immediate financial assistance for families to meet short-term obligations - such as rent, food, vehicle, utilities, and other family needs. Listen to its inception and their stories of fun, caring, and unity in this episode.Donations Request form can be found here.The charitable fund's website and information can be found here : http://www.laborers-care.usViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

The Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council is the umbrella organization for more than 29-member local unions working in the construction industry in the Greater Cleveland region. The affiliated trade unions is comprised 10,000 highly-skilled and highly-trained craftworkers working with developers, building owners contractors and individuals who rely on a productive and professional workforce.  Tune in and listen to the great work the council does from President, Terry P. Joyce and Executive Secretary David J. Wondolowski. Find out all the projects the council is part of by visiting their website.Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Women only make up about 3% of all the building trades across the United States - even though the industry offers good wages, health care, and a quality retirement. In this episode, April Ogden, President of Local 809 and Regional Apprenticeship Coordinator, illustrates the opportunities within the Laborers' Union. Although her journey is a winding and adventurous path; she will explain how other women can achieve success with a comparable attitude and drive. Interested listeners can apply to the Laborers' Apprenticeship program by clicking hereViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Trench safety is a serious problem in construction, killing about 25 workers per year. Walter Jones, Director of Occupational Safety and Health (OSH) for the Laborers' Health and Safety Fund of North America - discusses the most common issues with trenching. Contractors and workers who perform this type of work should listen and always do their best in making sure everyone is safe on the job.For more information related to trenching, please visit the Laborers' Health and Safety website.Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Bernie Kosar speaks with hosts - Matt and Shella, about the importance of holistic medicine. Bernie faced many injuries throughout his legendary career and has learned the best approaches to healing the entire human body. We hope you find interest in this story of how Bernie has overcome pain and suffering to arrive at a place of helping others with their physical and mental pain. Views and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

Understanding your benefits can be difficult. In this episode, you will hear from Amy Toy, Insurance manager for the Ohio Laborers' Benefits Office. Amy will walk through the questions she receives most often from members.For more information about the Ohio Laborers' Benefit Office, please visit -  www.ohiolaborers.comViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.

What's the future like for the Laborers' Union? Recruitment and Apprenticeship is a major factor and leading that battle is Vince Irvin. Vince has been a member of the Laborers' Union for many years, working in many areas of the construction industry. When the opportunity became available for him to become an ambassador for the Laborers' Apprenticeship Program, he jumped at the opportunity.In this episode, Vince explains how the apprenticeship programs works, and how changing demographics is effecting the Ohio Laborers' recruiting efforts to meet the paradigm shift in the construction industry. Such as introducing more women into the industry.For more information on how to get started with Ohio Laborers' Apprenticeship go to: https://oltapp.comViews and Comments of this program does not reflect those of Ohio Laborers' District Council and LIUNA. © 2020 Ohio Laborers' District Council All Rights Reserved.