Jason is joined again by Kate Schroeder and therapist Barbara Hettinger for a raw, deeply personal conversation about mental health and suicide in construction. They dig into why disrespect and disconnection in the industry can push workers toward numbing behaviors, and Barbara introduces a powerful plumbing metaphor for understanding mental health: proactive shut-off valves and repairs versus the catastrophic full-system shutdown of a breakdown or crisis. The episode closes with a guided breathing meditation Barbara uses with her own clients, along with an honest reminder that reaching out for help, whether that's a therapist, a coach, or the 988 crisis line, is never something to be ashamed of. This episode is a compassionate, practical look at why proactive emotional maintenance matters just as much in construction as it does anywhere else in life.

Additional Resources:
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• Playlist -   Superintendent to Field Commander: The Lea...
• Related Podcast - Guided Meditation AUDIO ISOLATED - For Repeat Use — https://elevateconstruction.libsyn.co...
• Related Podcast - The Mental Health Crisis in Construction, Feat — https://elevateconstruction.libsyn.co...
• What to Watch Next - How To Manage Stress At Work And At Home
• What to Watch Next - Why Is Construction So Stressful​?
• Suggested Book - Leadership and Self-Deception (4th Edition) — https://a.co/d/01MQuX5x
• Canva Asset - https://www.canva.com/design/DAFTV5N6...
• Blog - https://elevateconstructionist.com/me...

Key Moments in this Podcast:
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01:39 - Discussing the book Leadership and Self-Deception and getting out of the box
06:47 - What Barbara is most excited about in her work right now
08:57 - Kate's reflection on neglecting her relationship with herself
11:37 - Introducing the topic of suicide rates in construction
13:07 - Jason connects the six human needs to numbing behaviors
16:05 - Barbara on disrespect, connection, and dopamine seeking
18:51 - Introducing the plumbing metaphor for mental health
20:23 - Shut-off valves: local repairs versus a full system shutdown
23:56 - Why proactive repair is cheaper than an emergency breakdown
30:27 - Different resources for different people: hot water versus cold water supply
34:41 - Why anger often masks fear in high-pressure leadership moments
39:00 - Reflecting on the true cost of treating workers poorly
51:16 - A guided breathing meditation using the triangle breath
59:57 - Explaining how meditation helps rewire the brain over time
1:09:08 - Closing thoughts: figuring it out means asking for help, and a plug for the 988 crisis line

Proactive repair, whether it's a marriage, your health, or your own mind, is always cheaper than the emergency that comes from ignoring it. On we go, taking care of ourselves so we can take care of each other.

Resources
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Check out our website for more info: https://www.elevateconstructionist.com/

Access resources to elevate your operations: https://elevateconstructionist.com/re...

Listen to the Elevate Construction podcast: https://elevateconstructionist.com/po...

Check out our training programs and certifications: https://elevateconstructionist.com/tr...

Subscribe to my YouTube channel: @jasonwilliamschroeder

Learn More About Jason
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Jason Schroeder is the founder and COO of Elevate Construction IST, a company focused on elevating construction by providing valuable insights, effective solutions, and high-quality training. With his extensive experience in the construction industry, he created the Field Engineer Boot Camp and Superintendent Boot Camp, immersive training courses designed to produce high-performing leaders who can lead their teams in the right direction. Through Elevate Construction IST, he aims to scale his training programs throughout the nation to help more construction companies elevate their operations to the next level.

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Email: jasons@elevateconstructionist.com
Phone: +1 (602) 571 8987
#Construction #ProjectManagement #Leadership