Talk the TAUC

Kirk Westwood
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Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

  1. Building a Culture That Saves Lives: Sonya Bohmann on Suicide Prevention in Construction

    6D AGO

    Building a Culture That Saves Lives: Sonya Bohmann on Suicide Prevention in Construction

    Did you know construction workers are 5 times more likely to die by suicide than from workplace injuries? In this powerful episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP). With over a decade in construction and a deeply personal connection to suicide prevention as a loss survivor, Sonya brings both industry expertise and authentic advocacy to this critical conversation. She reveals the sobering reality that construction sees 5,000 deaths by suicide compared to just 1,000 fatal workplace injuries annually. Sonya discusses practical tools for building cultures of care, breaking down mental health stigma, and implementing mental health champions on job sites. As Sonya powerfully states, "Is it about the mission or is it about a monument?" This episode challenges every construction professional to ask: Are we doing enough? Sonya Bohmann is the Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention (CIASP), where she leads national efforts to reduce suicide risk and promote mental health across the construction workforce. With over a decade of experience in construction and as a loss survivor who lost her sister to suicide 17 years ago, Sonya brings both professional expertise and personal advocacy to this critical mission. She works with contractors, unions, and industry leaders to build supportive cultures, expand awareness, and equip organizations with free resources to protect workers' well-being and make mental health a core component of construction safety. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) The staggering statistics that reveal construction's hidden crisis (03:37) How a loss survivor found her calling leading CIASP (07:44) Mission versus monument: keeping suicide prevention work ego-free (09:49) Breaking the stigma starts with making mental health conversation commonplace (14:53) Mental health champions: creating identifiable allies on every job site (19:11) Building cultures of care that go beyond pizza parties (24:28) When you feel trapped: resources for workers with no way out (26:47) The future of mental health in construction: making it what we just do Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: For more info visit: https://www.preventconstructionsuicide.com/ 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC

    29 min
  2. Culture First: Justin Azbill on Building Safer, Stronger Jobsites

    12/16/2025

    Culture First: Justin Azbill on Building Safer, Stronger Jobsites

    Why are we losing 20 times more construction workers to suicide than job site accidents? In this important episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Justin Azbill of Tribal Group to tackle one of construction's most critical challenges: building safety cultures that actually save lives. Justin brings decades of frontline experience—from Marine Corps service to ironworker, firefighter, and safety leader for major contractors like Suffolk Construction and Canestro. He discusses the alarming reality that the industry loses approximately 20,000 workers annually to suicide and substance use disorder, and shares how his innovative Ally Code training is equipping leaders to address mental health proactively. Justin emphasizes that "a culture doesn't change overnight—it could be five years till you see ROI." Can your company afford to wait? Discover why true safety starts with respect, inclusion, and leadership that puts people first. Justin Azbill is a workforce development and safety specialist with Tribal Group, where he helps contractors and unions strengthen jobsite culture through training, leadership coaching, and inclusive safety programs. A former Marine, ironworker, and firefighter, Justin has held senior safety leadership roles with Suffolk Construction, Canestro, and Milwaukee Tool. He founded Mission Mindset Us to address the construction industry's mental health crisis, which claims approximately 20,000 lives annually. Justin holds a PhD and advocates for a holistic approach to safety centered on respect, accountability, and empowering people at every level of the jobsite. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) From Marine Corps to ironworker to firefighter—Justin's unconventional path into construction safety (10:23) The shocking statistics behind construction's mental health crisis (13:41) Why traditional safety approaches miss the mark on culture and respect (17:44) Understanding the four mindset risks that lead workers to crisis (22:28) How the Ally Code is training leaders to spot warning signs and intervene early (28:40) Breaking down the real causes of substance use disorder on jobsites (30:07) What's next for Tribal Group and the future of the trades code Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: https://www.mission-mindsetus.org/ TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC The Construction User Magazine back issues The Construction User podcast ar...

    33 min
  3. Building the Next Generation: Angie Simon on the Heavy Metal Summer Experience

    12/02/2025

    Building the Next Generation: Angie Simon on the Heavy Metal Summer Experience

    How did one mechanical contractor president turn a pandemic idea into 51 camps across North America in just five years? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Angie Simon, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE). With 35 years at a union mechanical contractor—including 14 as President—and a term as SMACNA National President (2019-2021), Angie saw the workforce crisis coming and decided to act. She launched HMSE in 2021 as a two-shop pilot program teaching high school students about skilled trades through hands-on experience. Today, it's grown to 51 camps across North America, reaching nearly 900 students in 2025. Angie discusses the power of hands-on learning, changing parental perceptions, and building confidence in the next generation. "I thought we were gonna drop a little pebble in the water... I think we're doing a boulder right now, and I think we got tidal waves coming." How can your company get involved? Angie Simon is Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Heavy Metal Summer Experience (HMSE), a workforce development program that grew from 2 pilot camps in 2021 to 51 camps across North America. She spent 35 years at Western Allied Mechanical, including 14 years as President, and served as SMACNA National President from 2019-2021. Recognizing the construction industry's workforce crisis during the pandemic, Angie created a hands-on summer camp introducing high school students to skilled trades careers. HMSE has reached nearly 900 students and continues expanding rapidly. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Why a SMACNA president saw the workforce crisis coming during the pandemic (03:19) The missing piece in construction recruitment: getting parents on board (05:15) How two shops in East Palo Alto became a nationwide movement (10:42) When a Rhode Island graduate went from camper to employee in one year (16:22) Why high school students can weld fire pits but pre-apprentices cannot (23:26) Stop complaining and get some skin in the game: advice for contractors (29:40) What's next for Heavy Metal Summer Experience and how you can help Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: Heavy Metal Summer Experience Website: https://www.hmse.org/ Email Contact: info@hmse.org (reaches Angie Simon directly) TAUC Website Kirk Westwood TAUC The Construction User Magazine back issues

    36 min
  4. IMPACT: Strengthening the Future of Ironworkers Through Partnership

    11/18/2025

    IMPACT: Strengthening the Future of Ironworkers Through Partnership

    How is IMPACT tackling the construction workforce shortage that everyone's talking about? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Aaron Bast, the incoming CEO of IMPACT—the Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust. A 30-year ironworker veteran and former business manager of Ironworkers Local 5, Aaron brings firsthand perspective from both the field and management side. He discusses how IMPACT is tackling workforce shortages through expanded training and pre-apprenticeship opportunities while fostering stronger collaboration between contractors and unions. Aaron shares his vision for helping small to medium contractors grow their businesses to create more ironworker jobs and explains the culture shifts necessary for advancing jobsite safety. "The most important thing in our industry is our signatory contractors because we can have the best ironworkers in a room, but if there's no contractors to work for, then none of us have jobs," Aaron emphasizes. Aaron Bast is the incoming CEO of IMPACT (Ironworkers Management Progressive Action Cooperative Trust), bringing 30 years of hands-on ironworking experience to the role. Prior to joining IMPACT, Aaron served as business manager of Ironworkers Local 5 for a decade, where he focused on strengthening partnerships with signatory contractors and creating job opportunities for union members. His career spans both open shop and union construction, giving him a unique perspective on the challenges and advantages of each model. Aaron's leadership approach is rooted in his field experience—from apprentice to journeyman, foreman, and general foreman—combined with his understanding of the business realities contractors face. At IMPACT, he's focused on helping small to medium-sized contractors grow their businesses, expanding workforce training and pre-apprenticeship programs, and building stronger labor-management partnerships across the ironworking industry. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Aaron reveals his 30-year journey from ironworker to CEO and his very first job interview (02:10) Why signatory contractors are the most important part of the union construction industry (03:09) The real reasons workers choose union construction over open shop (19:47) What makes strong labor-management partnerships actually work in the field

    26 min
  5. Science on the Jobsite: Research-Backed Safety in Action

    11/04/2025

    Science on the Jobsite: Research-Backed Safety in Action

    What shocking trend is claiming more construction worker lives than falls and electrocutions combined? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Chris Cain, Executive Director of CPWR (the research and training arm of North America's Building Trades Unions). With her background as an industrial hygienist and years in OSHA enforcement, Cain brings unique expertise to construction safety challenges. Cain discusses advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat exposure, ergonomics, and mental health, along with focusing on emerging concerns like the opioid crisis plaguing construction workers. "We're trying to foster that and to promote it, but when you think about occupational safety and health, when you're in a large firm, you think about it as part of your risk control," she explains. How can large contractors better mentor smaller firms in safety practices? Chris Cain leads CPWR’s national efforts to make construction jobsites safer, healthier, and more resilient. She bridges research and the real world—advancing data-driven practices on fall prevention, heat and silica exposure, ergonomics, and mental health. Under her leadership, CPWR partners with labor, contractors, owners, and government to turn evidence into training, tools, and campaigns that save lives and improve performance across union construction. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Chris Cain and her role leading CPWR's research-backed safety initiatives (03:48) Top safety challenges facing the construction industry today (09:52) Recent strides in preventing suicides and overdoses in construction (16:19) Helping small contractors adopt new safety technologies (21:01) How contractors can partner with CPWR for better safety outcomes Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Resources: Chris Cain LinkedIn CPWR Construction Chart Boo...

    25 min
  6. Ryan Posnikoff-From the Field to the Future: Bridging Labor and Tech in Megaprojects

    10/21/2025

    Ryan Posnikoff-From the Field to the Future: Bridging Labor and Tech in Megaprojects

    Why do most construction apps fail the eight-minute test for field workers? Kirk Westwood sits down with Ryan Posnikoff, Vice President of Product Management at Contruent, who brings a unique dual perspective to construction technology. Starting as a union member with UA Local 488 in Edmonton following his father's footsteps, Ryan completed his apprenticeship in Alberta's oil and gas sector before overseeing major energy infrastructure megaprojects. Over 15 years, he evolved from boots-on-ground tradesperson to tech innovator, helping companies manage billions in capital through strategic data insights and purpose-built software. Ryan discusses bridging the gap between field workers and technology, emphasizing that "construction's biggest challenge is it's an information challenge." The conversation explores actionable data, digital trust, and what construction tech gets right and wrong. Ryan Posnikoff brings over 15 years of experience in the construction industry, beginning his career on jobsites overseeing massive oil and gas and energy infrastructure projects across Canada. His hands-on knowledge of field operations laid the foundation for his transition into construction technology, where he now works as a product leader helping organizations deliver complex megaprojects more efficiently. With deep expertise in aligning field needs with digital tools, Ryan is passionate about bridging the gap between boots-on-the-ground realities and cutting-edge innovation. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) Ryan’s path from union tradesperson to tech executive at Contruent (05:04) Transitioning from field operations to technology and strategy roles (12:24) What actionable data really looks like for different construction roles (20:33) How successful products are built and common mistakes in construction tech (28:59) Getting buy-in from skilled labor and building digital trust on job sites (36:58) Ryan defines what success looks like for construction technology solutions Share with someone who would be interested, like, and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!

    39 min
  7. From Coal to Code: Revitalizing Homer City

    10/07/2025

    From Coal to Code: Revitalizing Homer City

    Why is Western Pennsylvania becoming the unexpected center of America's AI revolution? Host Kirk Westwood sits down with Shawn Steffee, Business Agent for Boilermakers Local 154 and seasoned union leader in the energy sector. A Homer City native who became a boilermaker in 2002, Steffee was elected Executive Board Trustee in 2017 and appointed Business Agent in 2018, gaining national recognition for his advocacy of union labor and fossil fuels industry. He believes natural gas and AI infrastructure represent the next industrial revolution for Western Pennsylvania. The conversation covers the devastating impact of coal plant closures, the $10 billion Homer City transformation into an AI-powered natural gas facility, and how union building trades are preparing for massive construction opportunities ahead. Steffee discusses workforce training needs, environmental advantages of natural gas over renewables, and his vision for replicating this model across coal country. "I really don't know a damn thing about AI, but the building trades sure as hell know how to build power plants," Steffee explains. Can this project become the blueprint for saving America's coal communities? Shawn Steffee is a seasoned union leader and advocate for skilled labor in the energy sector. A native of Homer City, Pennsylvania, he began his career as a Boilermaker in 2002, serving in various supervisory roles. In 2017, he was elected as an Executive Board Trustee for Boilermakers Local 154, and in 2018, he was appointed as a Business Agent. Steffee has been instrumental in political advocacy, serving as Chairman of the Local 154 LEAP Committee, and is recognized nationally for his efforts in promoting union labor and the fossil fuels industry. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) How Shawn got his start in the boilermaker trade after manufacturing job loss (03:25) Growing up in Homer City and witnessing the coal plant's impact on community (05:39) The devastating ripple effects when Homer City coal plant closed (08:33) Why Western Pennsylvania is becoming the next Silicon Valley for data centers (12:04) Safety and environmental advantages of natural gas over coal and renewables (16:...

    25 min
  8. Then vs. Now: What History Teaches Us About Building Faster

    09/26/2025

    Then vs. Now: What History Teaches Us About Building Faster

    From the Empire State Building to the Panama Canal, history is full of examples where massive projects were built at astonishing speed. So why does it feel like construction today takes longer than ever? In this episode of Talk the TAUC, host Kirk Westwood sits down with Connor Watumull, Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, for a wide-ranging conversation on the pace of building. Together, they trace how regulation, compliance, financing, and an explosion of paperwork reshaped the industry—from a world of engineer’s notes and political green lights to today’s gauntlet of permits, pay apps, lien waivers, safety reports, and inspections. Connor shares what’s been gained, what’s been lost, and how we can strike the right balance between speed, safety, and accountability. Looking ahead, he paints a vision of how better systems and smarter technology could help contractors cut through red tape, unlock innovation, and get back to what they do best: building. Connor Watumull is Co-Founder and CEO of Miter, a comprehensive platform transforming how contractors manage people, projects, and payments. With deep expertise in construction technology and business operations, Connor focuses on streamlining the complex regulatory and administrative challenges facing modern contractors. His work at Miter addresses the growing paperwork burden that has become a significant barrier to construction efficiency and growth. Connor brings a unique perspective on how technology can help the industry balance necessary compliance requirements with the need for speed and scalability in an increasingly regulated construction environment. Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode! Talk the TAUC podcast is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.  Discussion points: (00:00) The shocking comparison between historic subway projects and today's timelines (05:23) Why gear closets and legal codes have surprising similarities (06:37) Historical mega-projects that would be impossible to build today (12:01) The paperwork marathon contractors face before breaking ground (16:01) How Texas and China became the future of fast infrastructure (19:45) Lessons from Brooklyn Bridge builders that modern contractors need

    28 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Talk the TAUC podcast (formerly Construction User 2.0) is brought to you by The Association of Union Constructors (TAUC). Your host, Kirk Westwood, is Director of Marketing for TAUC. Kirk has helped many organizations tell their stories as a photographer, blogger, web-streamer, and consultant. In each episode, we’ll explore the latest labor trends, industry insights, and important issues in the world of construction. Our guests are industry leaders, subject matter experts, and innovative visionaries discussing how we are building the ‘world of tomorrow.’ TAUC is made up of more than 1,800 contractor companies that utilize union labor for their projects, as well as local contractor associations and vendors in the industrial maintenance and construction fields. TAUC’s mission is to act as an advocate for union contractors and enhance cooperation between all parties to achieve the successful completion of construction projects.

Information

  • Creator
    Kirk Westwood
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2025
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2022
  • Show Website
    Talk the TAUC