Above & Below

CIASP
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Mental Health

Above and Below is the official podcast of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). Hosted by Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik, this series explores mental health in construction from every angle—what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. With honest conversations, expert insights, and real stories from the field, Above and Below brings awareness to the challenges the industry faces—and the people driving meaningful change.

  1. 6d ago

    Episode 38: 7-OH: The Opioid Risk Hiding in Plain Sight

    A concentrated opioid product is being sold in gas stations, smoke shops, and convenience stores, often marketed alongside or as a form of kratom. Many people may not understand the risks until dependence has already taken hold. In Episode 38 of Above and Below, Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik speak with career safety and health professional Ron Sokol about 7-hydroxymitragynine, commonly known as 7-OH. Unlike traditional kratom leaf, concentrated 7-OH products have potent opioid properties and can carry serious risks, including dependence, withdrawal, respiratory depression, and overdose. Ron shares his family’s personal experience after his youngest son was introduced to kratom as a way to improve focus and creativity, then encouraged to try concentrated 7-OH. What followed was a rapid progression into dependence, an unsuccessful attempt to stop alone, severe withdrawal symptoms, and a difficult path back to recovery. The conversation also examines why 7-OH presents a serious workplace safety concern. Construction workers perform high-risk tasks involving heights, heavy equipment, tools, and moving energy. Substance use, withdrawal, insomnia, and emotional distress can all compromise the attention and judgment needed to work safely. Ron’s story is also one of family, faith, professional support, and perseverance. His message is clear: Do not try to face addiction alone. Have the uncomfortable conversations, learn what products are available in your community, and connect people with qualified help. This episode includes discussion of addiction, withdrawal, suicide risk, and a workplace fatality.

  2. Oct 12

    Episode 37: Stronger Than the Silence: Rigorous Honesty and the Road to Recovery

    Recovery is not a single decision or a straight path. It is an ongoing practice of honesty, connection, and choosing to keep moving forward. In Episode 37 of Above and Below, Sonya Bohmann speaks with Mike Dirksmeyer and Santiago Heidlett, two of the tradespeople featured in CIASP’s Stronger Than the Silence video. Mike, a Boston carpenter and general superintendent, and Santiago, a peer counselor with Sheet Metal Workers Local 28, share their experiences with substance use, addiction, treatment, and long-term recovery. They discuss how alcohol and drugs became ways to fit in, escape pain, or keep difficult emotions at a distance. They also explain why 12-step programs worked for them, what rigorous honesty looks like in everyday life, and how peer support can reach someone in a way that professional advice sometimes cannot. The conversation explores relapse, grief, self-forgiveness, family relationships, and age-appropriate conversations with the next generation. Mike and Santiago also reflect on how recovery has allowed them to experience life more fully, face difficult days without using substances, and offer hope to others who may be struggling. Their message is clear: Recovery does not make life perfect, but it makes life possible. Be honest, stay connected, and just keep trying.

  3. Sep 28

    Episode 36: From Awareness to Action: Building a Suicide Prevention Program with COMPASS

    Awareness is important, but what happens when a worker asks for help? In Episode 36 of Above and Below, Sonya Bohmann speaks with Dr. Bradley Evanoff and Sami Tayeb of Washington University in St. Louis about COMPASS, a practical ten-step framework that helps construction organizations build and sustain suicide prevention programs. Bradley and Sami explain how COMPASS was inspired by Australia’s MATES in Construction program and adapted to meet the unique needs of the U.S. construction industry. They discuss the role of leadership, labor partnerships, peer connectors, crisis navigation, employee and member assistance programs, general awareness training, and postvention planning. The conversation also explores the barriers workers may face when seeking care, including limited health benefits, provider shortages, and a fragmented support system. Most importantly, it offers contractors and unions a practical place to begin. The message is simple: A program does not have to be perfect on day one. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Start where you are, build on the safety systems already in place, and keep moving forward.

  4. Sep 21

    Episode 35: It Doesn’t Make You Any Less: Breaking the Silence on Mental Health in Construction

    What happens when the person trusted to move the heaviest loads is quietly carrying an unbearable one? In this episode of Above and Below, Sonya Bowman and Zulq Malik speak with crane operator, union business agent, and mental health advocate Chris about his experiences with depression, anxiety, and alcohol—and the long road toward accepting help. Chris explains how his father’s persistent, judgment-free support helped him take the first step and why sharing his story has become part of his own healing. Together, they explore the stigma surrounding mental health in construction, the importance of checking in with coworkers, and the responsibility leaders have to make these conversations part of everyday safety culture. They also discuss therapy, employee assistance programs, naloxone, 988, and a new NJIT initiative designed to connect workers and their families with potentially life-saving resources. It’s an honest, hopeful reminder that asking for help does not make anyone less capable and that a genuine “Are you okay?” can change, or even save, a life.

  5. Aug 24

    Episode 34: Mental Health Is a Safety Issue: Tim Irving on Changing Construction's Future

    In this episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann welcomes Tim Irving, retired Deputy Director of OSHA's Directorate of Construction, for a conversation about the evolution of workplace safety and why mental health must be part of it. Tim shares the personal experience that led him from electrical contracting into a lifelong career in safety, including a devastating workplace incident that forever changed his perspective on protecting workers. He also reflects on the early days of bringing suicide prevention into the construction safety conversation, the resistance he encountered, and the milestones that helped establish mental health as an essential component of occupational safety. Together, Sonya and Tim discuss the power of data, leadership, collaboration, and culture change, along with the growing movement to ensure mental health is recognized alongside every other workplace hazard. From the creation of OSHA's Suicide Prevention Stand Down to the inclusion of mental health resources in OSHA 10 and 30 training, this conversation highlights how far the industry has come and the work that still lies ahead. This episode is a powerful reminder that protecting workers means caring for both their physical safety and their mental well-being.

  6. Aug 17

    Episode 33: Building a Culture of Care: Kara McCaffrey on Making Mental Health Part of Every Jobsite

    In this episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann sits down with Kara McCaffrey, third-generation owner and Chief Wellness Officer at Houck Specialty Contractors, to discuss how wellness, leadership, and access to care can transform the construction industry. Kara shares the deeply personal experiences that shaped her passion for suicide prevention, including the loss of her brother, and how her background in healthcare IT ultimately led her back to construction with a renewed purpose. Together, they explore what it means to build a workplace where employees feel supported, respected, and connected to the resources they need. From innovative wellness initiatives and leadership development to breaking down language, cultural, and mental health barriers, Kara explains why investing in people is one of the most important investments a company can make. This episode is a powerful reminder that creating healthier workplaces starts with making help accessible and ensuring every employee knows they matter.

  7. Jul 27

    Episode 32: Beyond Language: Building Safer Construction Cultures Across Every Jobsite

    In this episode of Above and Below, hosts Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik welcome Anthony Bowers and Eric Torres for a conversation about one of construction's biggest opportunities: moving beyond language barriers to build workplaces rooted in cultural understanding, trust, and psychological safety. Drawing from their experience leading multilingual construction teams, Anthony and Eric explore how cultural values influence communication, leadership, recognition, teamwork, and safety on the jobsite. They discuss why language is only part of the equation and how understanding different cultural perspectives can help leaders create environments where every worker feels respected, valued, and empowered to speak up. The conversation also offers practical strategies that any organization can implement immediately, from building trust through personal connections and servant leadership to recognizing teams collectively, improving communication, and creating workplaces where everyone has a voice. Whether you lead a crew of five or five hundred, this episode offers actionable insights for strengthening safety, improving communication, and creating a culture where every worker belongs.

  8. Jul 13

    Episode 31: Beyond Words: Eli Embleton on Language, Leadership, and Belonging in Construction

    In this episode of Above and Below, host Sonya Bohmann welcomes Eli Embleton, Dream Manager and Leadership Development leader at Zachry Corporation, for a conversation about leadership, belonging, and the connection between communication and mental health. Eli shares his unique journey into the construction industry, from learning Spanish while living in South America to becoming a safety professional and ultimately helping employees pursue their personal and professional dreams. Together, they explore how language barriers can contribute to isolation, why creating a culture of respect unlocks hidden talent, and how investing in people strengthens both organizations and individuals. Eli also opens up about his own mental health journey and the life-changing experiences that shaped his passion for helping others. Through stories of vulnerability, forgiveness, and leadership, he demonstrates how creating psychologically safe workplaces allows people to grow, connect, and perform at their best. This episode is a powerful reminder that when we invest in people, remove barriers, and create a culture of belonging, we don’t just build better teams. We build a stronger industry.

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About

Above and Below is the official podcast of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). Hosted by Sonya Bohmann and Zulq Malik, this series explores mental health in construction from every angle—what’s working, what’s not, and what needs to change. With honest conversations, expert insights, and real stories from the field, Above and Below brings awareness to the challenges the industry faces—and the people driving meaningful change.

Information

  • Creator
    CIASP
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    39
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Above & Below