Ruction Nation

Ruction Nation
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A podcast built by the trades for the trades. Real talk from real workers. No fluff. Just stories, struggles, and success from the front lines of the job site.

  1. 7 Aug

    People Need to Talk, Building Relationships in Construction, Behind the Hard Hat with Cody and Nick

    In this episode of Behind the Hard Hat, we wrap up the conversation by talking about something that's often overlooked in construction, relationships. Every person on a jobsite has a story. From builders creating homemade campers to hunters, golfers, fishermen, parents, and hardworking tradespeople, everyone brings a different perspective to the table. Taking the time to talk, listen, and build genuine relationships doesn't just make work more enjoyable, it makes teams stronger. One of the biggest takeaways from this episode is simple: people need to talk, and people want to talk. The best conversations often happen when we slow down, ask questions, and learn from each other's experiences. If you enjoyed this episode, we'd love to hear from you. Drop your thoughts, questions, or topics you'd like us to cover in the comments. Your feedback helps shape future episodes of Behind the Hard Hat. Like the video if you enjoyed it.Subscribe for more conversations with construction professionals, industry leaders, and the people who keep our jobsites moving.Leave a comment and keep the conversation going. We'll be back with another Behind the Hard Hat episode in ten episodes with more great guests and more real conversations from the construction industry.

  2. 24 Jul

    Back to Building: Mike Kancilia's Journey Through the Trades

    Mike Kancilia has seen the construction industry from multiple perspectives. From working for a general contractor to joining a structural steel subcontractor, he's built a career on hard work, adaptability, and a willingness to learn every side of the business. Now, as he recovers from an injury, Mike has his sights set on returning to the general contracting world and taking the next step in his career. In this episode of Ruction Nation, Mike shares the lessons he's learned throughout his journey, how working in different trades has shaped his approach to construction, and the mindset it takes to overcome setbacks while staying focused on the future. We dive into the realities of career growth, the value of seeing projects from different perspectives, and what it means to keep building. When he's not on the jobsite, Mike is an avid outdoorsman who enjoys spending his time hunting, fishing, and exploring the outdoors. Whether he's on a mountain, in the woods, or on the water, he brings the same passion and determination that have defined his career in construction. Join us for a conversation about resilience, career transitions, and why sometimes the path back is what makes you a better builder.

  3. 10 Jul

    More Than Likes: Building a Blue Collar Legacy with Dick Frost

    Dick Frost is a blue-collar worker, equipment operator, and content creator who has built a loyal following by showing the unfiltered reality of life in the trades. Whether he's running a vac truck in the oilfield or operating heavy equipment on a highway crew, Dick represents the grit, discipline, and work ethic that keep industries moving. What sets him apart isn't just the work he does, it's his willingness to talk about the parts of the job that often go unspoken. In this episode, Dick opens up about the mental health challenges many tradespeople face, the pressures of balancing work and family, and why vulnerability is just as important as toughness. His honest approach has made him a trusted voice in the blue-collar community, reminding others that asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. This conversation goes beyond the jobsite, exploring resilience, purpose, and what it truly means to build a life in the trades. If you work with your hands, lead a crew, or simply appreciate authentic conversations, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

  4. 26 Jun

    Making Construction Fun Again with Joey Brown

    Joey Brown is a Project Manager and construction content creator best known for his viral comedy skits that bring the everyday realities of the construction industry to life. Through relatable humor, Joey has built a loyal following by highlighting the personalities, challenges, and communication breakdowns that occur between project managers, superintendents, architects, subcontractors, owners, and skilled trades. Drawing from his real-world experience in commercial construction, Joey creates content that resonates with professionals across every corner of the industry. His videos blend comedy with authenticity, offering an entertaining look at jobsite culture while showcasing the dedication and hard work of those who build our communities. Beyond social media, Joey is passionate about promoting the construction industry, encouraging the next generation of builders, and demonstrating that professionalism and humor can go hand in hand. By making people laugh about the challenges they face every day, he's helping create a stronger sense of community throughout the construction world. Whether he's managing projects on the jobsite or creating content online, Joey Brown continues to prove that construction isn't just about building structures. It's about building relationships, sharing experiences, and having a little fun along the way.

  5. 12 Jun

    The Working Waters of Alaska with Mr. Fishen

    For most people, the Bering Sea is something they only see on television. For Mr. Fishen, it's been his workplace, his livelihood, and a way of life. In this episode, we sit down with Mr. Fishen, a seasoned commercial fisherman who has spent years working the unforgiving waters of Alaska's Bering Sea. From battling powerful storms and freezing temperatures to chasing some of the world's most valuable fisheries, he shares what it takes to survive and succeed in one of the toughest industries on earth. Join us as we discuss life at sea, the realities behind commercial fishing, the sacrifices made away from family, and the lessons learned from a career built on resilience, hard work, and respect for the ocean. Whether you're fascinated by Alaska, commercial fishing, or stories of people who make their living in extreme conditions, this conversation offers an authentic look into a world few ever experience.

  6. 29 May

    Code, Coordination & Coverage with Zach Grandstaff

    In this episode of Ruction Nation, we sit down with Zach Grandstaff, Project Manager at H2O Fire Protection, to talk about what it really takes to deliver complete fire protection systems from start to finish. From sprinkler development and system design to coordination, installation, inspections, service, and repairs, H2O Fire Protection covers every phase of the process. Zach shares insight into the challenges of managing fire protection on large construction projects, the importance of coordination between trades, and how proper planning keeps projects moving safely and efficiently. We also dive into the realities of working in the construction industry, problem-solving in the field, and what it takes to keep buildings protected and code compliant. Whether you work in construction, project management, fire protection, or just want a behind-the-scenes look at how these critical systems come together, this episode delivers real industry insight from the field.

  7. 15 May

    Beneath the Surface with Pete Cohen

    Pete Cohen is a Senior Project Manager with GPRS, specializing in ground penetrating radar technology and subsurface scanning for the construction industry. With extensive experience helping teams detect and map what lies beneath the surface before excavation or construction begins, Pete plays a key role in improving jobsite safety, efficiency, and project planning. Beyond his technical expertise, Pete is known as a dedicated father, trusted leader, and genuinely solid human being who values relationships as much as results. His ability to combine industry knowledge with humility, professionalism, and real-world perspective makes him a respected voice both on and off the jobsite. In this episode, Pete shares insights into the world of ground penetrating radar, the evolving future of construction technology, and the lessons he’s learned balancing leadership, family, and life in a demanding industry.

  8. 1 May

    FFA to Fabrication: Ashley Staley’s Story of Skill and Steel

    In this episode of Ruction Nation, we sit down with Ashley Staley, a structural steel welder who’s as sharp as she is skilled. Ashley’s journey started in FFA, where she first built the foundation of hard work, discipline, and hands-on learning that would carry her into the welding world. Today, she’s making her mark in the shop, earning respect not just for her precision and work ethic, but for her quick wit and down-to-earth personality. Ashley shares what it’s really like working in structural steel, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and how her background in FFA helped shape her path. From early sparks to mastering her craft, she talks about the pride that comes with building something that lasts and the mindset it takes to keep improving in a demanding trade. Looking ahead, Ashley has her sights set on becoming a Certified Welding Inspector (CWI), pushing herself to grow beyond the booth and into the next phase of her career.

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About

A podcast built by the trades for the trades. Real talk from real workers. No fluff. Just stories, struggles, and success from the front lines of the job site.

Information

  • Creator
    Ruction Nation
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    31
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ruction Nation
  • Show Website
    Ruction Nation

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