The HODCAST - Building Conversations

The HODCAST
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The Hodcast is hosted by Sam La Roche and features apprentices, tradespeople, and industry professionals in meaningful conversations about learning the trade, building a career, and continuous development — on site and beyond. From early experiences to leadership insights, it’s a platform for shared learning and growth.New episodes every week.Follow now for conversations worth having. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. He Built Culture Before It Was Content | Stu Whiffen | The Hodcast

    1D AGO

    He Built Culture Before It Was Content | Stu Whiffen | The Hodcast

    There was a time when culture was built in rooms, not feeds. Before everything became content. Stu Whiffen joins Sam La Roche to reflect on representing a generation of cultural operators who worked before social media shaped how we create, share and consume. Stu’s journey spans musician, club promoter, promoter at The Pink Toothbrush in Rayleigh, founder of Pod Bible, host of Off The Beat & Track, and his work with Explore Modular. He has helped shape music scenes, podcast culture and now operates within modern construction. Few people move between worlds like that while keeping credibility intact. We talk about • Stu's Early life • The rise of podcast culture and founding Pod Bible • Running grassroots venues in a changing world • How famous people are just ordinary people put on pedestals • The difference between attention and authenticity • Why some people build platforms while others chase them This is a conversation about longevity, identity and doing the work before anyone is watching. Hosted by Sam La Roche Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd Powered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #StuWhiffen #PodBible #ExploreModular #MusicCulture #Podcasting #Leadership #togetherwecan Find Stu in all these places and more! https://podbiblemag.com The MMA Fanshow Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/5eIcTOTNLtoKP3xmZlRU21?si=75132efb72e74ef9 Off the Beat and Track - https://shows.acast.com/offthebeatandtrack Hardcore Listings Podcast - https://open.spotify.com/show/2KYr2UbR0VucEUlMD95NpD?si=dd24c21799ca46eb Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 20m
  2. Why Social Media Thrives on Division | Charles Arthur | Conversation #43

    FEB 10

    Why Social Media Thrives on Division | Charles Arthur | Conversation #43

    Why does social media feel more hostile, divided, and polarised than ever? In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Charles Arthur explores how social media platforms shape behaviour and why division is not an accident, but a by product of how these systems are designed. Charles Arthur is an experienced journalist and author, best known for his work covering technology and its impact on society. As the former technology editor at The Guardian and the author of Social Warming, he brings a rare combination of technical understanding and social insight. We discuss • How social media platforms reward outrage and conflict • Why nuance struggles to survive online • The psychological effects of algorithm driven content • What Social Warming reveals about our digital habits • How awareness can reduce the pull of tribal thinking This is a calm, thoughtful conversation for anyone who wants to better understand the forces shaping online behaviour and public debate. Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd Powered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #CharlesArthur #SocialWarming #SocialMedia #Technology #Polarisation #DigitalWellbeing #TogetherWeCan Buy Charles' Book Social Warming - https://amzn.eu/d/0aM2i0lI Read Charles' Blog The Overspill - https://theoverspill.blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    53 min

  3. FEB 3

    Why Construction Needs a Motorsport Mindset | George Blundell | Conversation 42

    How can lessons from motorsport improve the way we build? In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, George Blundell, Managing Director of Explore Modular, shares how racing shaped his thinking around precision, preparation and performance. We talk about • Why by working together we achieve more • Parallels between motorsport and modular construction • Leadership under pressure • What construction can learn from high performance industries A grounded conversation about quality, consistency and the future of building. Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd Powered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #GeorgeBlundell #ExploreModular #MMC #ModularConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 4m

  4. JAN 27

    Marketing, AI and Building a Legacy | Clare Friel | Conversation #41

    In this episode of The Hodcast, I am joined by Clare Friel, Managing Director of Friel Marketing, for a wide-ranging conversation about marketing, AI, leadership, and legacy in a digital and construction-led world. We talk about how people and businesses really behave online, not how they intend to. Clare shares her perspective on authenticity without virtue signalling, how leaders should decide when to speak publicly and when to stay quiet, and why clarity and standards matter more than ever as AI reshapes how work is done. We also explore women in construction and leadership. What is still misunderstood, the pressure that comes with visibility, and why real cultural change only happens when behaviour changes, not when policies are written. The conversation then moves into performance and growth. How do you define high performance when metrics are easy to track but meaning is harder to measure? How do you balance pace with depth in a world that rewards immediacy? And what responsibility comes with having a voice when digital footprints last far longer than intentions? We close by stepping back from careers and platforms to ask the deeper question. When titles and metrics are stripped away, what does a good life actually look like, and what is non-negotiable if you want to avoid the regrets of the living? The Hodcast is a podcast about the work of becoming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 3m

  5. JAN 20

    Why the Military Is Construction’s Most Untapped Talent Pool | Will Draper | Conversation #40

    Why is construction overlooking one of the most skilled and disciplined talent pools available? In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Will Draper, founder of Military to Masonry, explains why ex military personnel are ideally suited to construction and how better pathways could transform both the industry and the lives of service leavers. We talk about• The transferable skills veterans bring to construction• The realities of transitioning out of the military• How Military to Masonry creates clear routes into the trade• What construction employers need to understand• Why purpose, structure and teamwork matter after service A thoughtful and practical conversation about recruitment, responsibility and building a workforce that values experience and character. Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #WillDraper #MilitaryToMasonry #Veterans #ConstructionCareers #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 6m

  6. JAN 13

    How to Unlock the Alcohol Free Advantage | Andy Ramage | Conversation #39

    Exclusive for Hodcast listeners! www.authenticbrew.com Our listeners gets a 10% discount throughout January if they use ‘AR10’ at checkout!For more from Andy Ramage go to the links below! www.andyramage.com www.coachbusiness.school What if high performance is not about doing more, but removing what is holding you back? In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Andy Ramage shares how taking a break from alcohol can improve sleep, clarity, relationships and overall performance in everyday life. This is not about perfection or elite sport. It is about practical changes that help normal people feel better, think clearer and live with more intention. We explore• The benefits of taking a break from alcohol• Why sleep is the foundation of performance• How alcohol affects stress, mood and decision making• The connection between wellbeing and family life• How to build sustainable habits that actually last A thoughtful and accessible conversation for anyone curious about improving their health, focus and quality of life. Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #AndyRamage #AlcoholFree #Wellbeing #Sleep #Performance #Lifestyle #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    56 min

  7. JAN 6

    How You Actually Change an Industry | Garry Staines | Conversation #38

    How do you move from running a business to shaping an industry? In the first episode of the new year, Sam La Roche sits down with Garry Staines to reflect on the progress made since his last appearance on The Hodcast and how new initiatives have reshaped his approach to leadership, training and influence. Garry shares insight into• Building Site Ready Solutions and new training pathways• The importance of mentoring and long term thinking• What it means to become a person of influence• How leadership evolves as responsibility grows• Why real change requires action, not opinion This conversation sets the tone for the year ahead. Practical, reflective and focused on creating lasting impact. Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #GarryStaines #ConstructionLeadership #Training #Mentoring #Influence #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min

  8. 12/30/2025

    The Conversations That Defined 2025 | The Hodcast Highlights

    This special episode of The Hodcast brings together some of the most powerful moments from conversations recorded throughout 2025. Hosted by Sam La Roche, this highlights episode features clips from• Charlie Collison• Cllr Jessica Power• Lee Marley• Richard "Greeny" Green• Bob Noseda Together, these voices reflect the themes that shaped the year. Training, leadership, skills, regeneration, resilience and the future of construction. Whether you are listening for the first time or returning to revisit the moments that stood out, this episode captures why honest conversation still matters. A reflection on a year of conversations worth having. Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd Powered by Garry Staines #TheHodcast #ConstructionPodcast #Leadership #Training #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
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The Hodcast is hosted by Sam La Roche and features apprentices, tradespeople, and industry professionals in meaningful conversations about learning the trade, building a career, and continuous development — on site and beyond. From early experiences to leadership insights, it’s a platform for shared learning and growth.New episodes every week.Follow now for conversations worth having. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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