Ruction Nation

Ruction Nation
  • 5.0 (2)
  • Business
  • Updated Biweekly

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. 1d ago

    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.

    1h 20m

  2. May 29

    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.

    53 min

  3. May 15

    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.

    1h 6m

  4. May 1

    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.

    1h 24m

  5. Apr 17

    What 10 Trades Taught One Man About Work with Logan Sharp

    Logan Sharp is a seasoned tradesman whose career spans some of the toughest and most demanding corners of the industry. From his early days working sleigh rides and logging operations, to turning wrenches as a diesel mechanic to superintendent, and now an owners rep. Logan built his foundation the hard way, through long hours, physical work, and hands-on problem solving. Over the years, he’s expanded his skillset across lumber operations, heavy highway and ready-mix maintenance, custom builds, and commercial construction. Today, Logan brings that same grit and experience into the industrial construction world, where precision, efficiency, and leadership matter more than ever. What sets Logan apart isn’t just the range of industries he’s worked in, it’s the depth of knowledge he carries from each one. He’s known for his work ethic, his ability to adapt, and his willingness to share what he’s learned with others coming up in the trades. A true “learn it, live it, pass it on” kind of guy, Logan Sharp represents the backbone of the workforce someone who’s earned every bit of his experience and continues to build on it every day.

    1h 44m
  6. Always in Demand with Bobby Armstrong

    Apr 3

    Always in Demand with Bobby Armstrong

    In this episode, we sit down with Bobby Armstrong, aka Blue-Collar Code, an HVAC tech with over 20 years in the trade, to talk about what it really takes to build a life and career in the blue-collar world. Bobby shares his journey from rock bottom to a successful career arc and the lessons he learned along the way. He talks about discipline, dependability, and doing every job like it’s your own home or your family’s. We get into the differences between residential and commercial work, why service work is always in demand, and how the trades continue to offer recession-proof opportunities for those willing to show up and put in the work. We also talk about the money in the trades, the importance of budgeting, and how social media has opened unexpected doors for Bobby and others in the industry. If you’ve ever thought about skipping the traditional path, getting into the trades, or just want a real, no-BS conversation about work ethic and opportunity, this one’s for you.

    1h 45m

  7. Mar 20

    Cody and Nick: Behind the Hard Hat

    In this special episode of Ruction Nation, Cody and Nick switch things up and put each other in the hot seat for a real, unfiltered conversation about what it actually takes to grow in your career. From facing early struggles and feeling like the “young, green guy,” to dealing with the pressure that comes with promotions and responsibility. They break down the humbling role pride plays in your career, the truth behind choosing the right team, and why high school and even college fail to prepare you for the real world. This episode dives deep into the mental and physical demands of the construction industry, what it feels like to be overwhelmed, and how to find balance while still pushing forward. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to perform, questioned your path, or wondered if you’re really ready for what’s next—this one’s for you.

    1h 30m

  8. Mar 6

    Don’t Be a One-Trick Pony: Big Mike on Welding, Grit, and Making Your Own Opportunities

    Big Mike is a seasoned tradesman who’s spent years working in the toughest environments the blue-collar world has to offer. From starting out in irrigation to building a career in welding and iron work, Mike’s journey is built on hard lessons, long days, and a commitment to mastering the craft. In this episode, Big Mike dives into the realities of working in the trades and why being a “one-trick pony” can hold you back, the unexpected benefits of becoming a welder, and the harsh truths many people don’t hear before entering the industry. He shares firsthand experiences about safety on the job, the dangers welders face every day, and how weather, pressure, and high-risk environments shape the mindset of those in the field. Mike also opens up about managing anger in high-stress jobs, learning from demanding instructors, and the value of both trade schools and real hands-on experience. For anyone thinking about entering the welding trade or anyone who respects the grit of blue-collar work. Big Mike delivers honest insight, practical advice, and stories from a life built in sparks and steel.

    1h 21m
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

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
    27
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Ruction Nation
  • Show Website
    Ruction Nation