Claim OwnershipThe HODCAST - Conversations Worth Having - with Sam La Roche
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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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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 thinkingThis 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 LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #CharlesArthur #SocialWarming #SocialMedia #Technology #Polarisation #DigitalWellbeing #TogetherWeCanBuy Charles' Book Social Warming - https://amzn.eu/d/0aM2i0lIRead Charles' Blog The Overspill - https://theoverspill.blog Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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 industriesA grounded conversation about quality, consistency and the future of building.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #GeorgeBlundell #ExploreModular #MMC #ModularConstruction #ConstructionLeadership #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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.
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 serviceA 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.
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.comwww.coachbusiness.schoolWhat 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 lastA 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.
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 opinionThis 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.
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 NosedaTogether, 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 LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #ConstructionPodcast #Leadership #Training #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What actually keeps young people engaged in training and work, and why do so many systems fail them?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Martyn Price MBE shares his experience of building employability and training models that focus on people first, not just outcomes.We talk about• Why dropout rates remain high• The role of relationships in employability• What makes pre employment programmes effective• How industry and training providers can work together• What leaders need to change if they want better resultsA grounded and insightful conversation about creating pathways that work for young people and the industries that need them.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #MartynPriceMBE #Employability #SkillsGap #ConstructionCareers #YouthDevelopment #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Rupert Bates joins Sam La Roche to discuss the future of house building in the UK, what leaders are really talking about, and how media, industry and education must align to inspire the next generation.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TogetherWeCanShow House Media - https://www.showhouse.co.uk/WhatHouse? Awards - https://www.whathouse.com/awards/BBQ Magazine - https://www.thebbqmag.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why is construction struggling to attract young people, and what do we need to change to fix it?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Dan Edwards, Founder of Constructed Pathways, shares what he has learned from working directly with young people, schools and industry leaders.We discuss📉 Why many young people do not see construction as a real opportunity🎓 How education and industry have lost connection👷 What employers can do to attract and retain new talent🧱 How Constructed Pathways is helping rebuild the talent pipeline🌍 What it will take to close the skills gap for goodA practical and honest conversation for educators, employers and anyone invested in the future of the construction sector.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #DanEdwards #ConstructedPathways #SkillsGap #Education #ConstructionCareers #Apprenticeships #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do you attract people who are not ready to buy, commit or make a decision?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Jill Willis, Founder of Attract & Engage, explains why the answer lies in stronger storytelling, better communication and a clearer understanding of the 95 percent who are not yet ready to take action.We talk about:📰 The influence of her journalism background🏗️ What construction can learn from consumer brands🎓 The value of connecting businesses, schools and communities📣 How to market construction to the next generation👷 What needs to change to close the skills gapA thought provoking conversation for leaders, educators and anyone shaping the future of the industry.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #JillWillis #ConstructionMarketing #Storytelling #SkillsGap #FutureWorkforce #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What happens when someone hits rock bottom and chooses to climb their way back up?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Logan Price, Degree Apprentice, Mental Health Ambassador and advocate for innovation and sustainability in construction, opens up about his journey through mental health struggles and recovery.We explore:How he faced suicidal thoughts and rebuilt his mindsetHis climb of Mont Blanc to heal and raise awareness for mental healthThe role construction played in finding purpose and belongingHow AI, sustainability and young people can change the future of the industryA powerful conversation about resilience, hope and finding purpose through pain.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #LoganPrice #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Construction #Inspiration #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week Sam La Roche talks with Mark Imray about the real state of UK construction. Mark started as an apprentice and worked his way up to construction director and beyond, giving him a lifetime of insight into how the industry works. They explore what the sector needs in 2025, why mentoring matters, what apprentices are facing on site and how strong leaders can shape the future.#TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Why is the construction industry struggling to attract and keep people, and what can we do to fix it?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Andy Stevens, founder of The Build Network UK, talks openly about the challenges that are stopping people from joining the industry and what needs to change.We cover:👷 The barriers to bringing new people into construction💬 When and how recruitment should really begin📉 The lack of oversight and accountability in the sector🏗️ Why collaboration and communication are key to real changeThis is an honest conversation about the future of construction and the people trying to make it better.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #AndyStevens #BuildNetworkUK #Construction #Recruitment #SkillsGap #Leadership #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Can failure be the foundation for future success?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Nick Brasier, Construction Director at Stonebond, shares how the lessons learned through failure have shaped his leadership and approach to building teams in construction.We talk about:👷 How challenges and setbacks became turning points💬 Why good leaders learn more from mistakes than victories🏗️ How experience and reflection create better outcomes on site🌍 Why resilience and humility are key to long-term successA powerful and honest conversation about leadership, learning and the value of failure in building better people and projects.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #NickBrasier #Stonebond #Construction #Leadership #Failure #Success #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does true regeneration look like beyond the headlines?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Darren Rodwell, former Leader of Barking and Dagenham Council, shares his perspective on leadership, housing, and creating opportunity in one of London’s most ambitious boroughs.We talk about:🏙️ The real challenges of regeneration and renewal💬 Balancing housing growth with community needs👷 Why construction and councils must work together🌍 What it takes to deliver lasting change for local peopleAn honest and inspiring look at leadership, regeneration and the future of local communities.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #DarrenRodwell #BarkingAndDagenham #Leadership #Regeneration #Housing #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What does the construction industry really need to attract more people?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Christian Hatherall-Good of The Lee Marley Group shares his insight on the power of training, what draws people into the trade, and why investment is the key to solving the skills gap.We talk about:👷 The role of training in shaping the workforce💬 What motivates people to join construction📈 Why investment is the missing piece in the puzzle🌍 How the industry can build a more sustainable futureA grounded and forward-thinking conversation about people, opportunity and progress.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #ChristianHatherallGood #Construction #Training #Investment #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What’s it like starting out as a young woman in one of the most male-dominated industries in the world?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Tegan Pryor, NVQ Level 2 Bricklayer at GSQ Brickwork Ltd, shares her journey from apprentice to fully qualified bricklayer.We explore:👷 Her experiences on site as a woman in construction🧱 The importance of training, mentorship and support💬 The influence of social media and representation📈 What it means to earn respect through skill and attitudeA raw and honest conversation about training, resilience and challenging perceptions in construction.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #TeganPryor #WomenInConstruction #Bricklaying #Apprenticeships #Training #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
When a life-changing accident forces you to stop, you see the industry differently.In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Justin Manley talks about his journey in construction, the accident that changed everything, and how it shaped his views on training, mentorship and the skills gap.We talk about:👷 Lessons learned from recovery and resilience💬 The culture of safety and care on construction sites🏗️ How training and mentoring can prevent future accidents📉 Why the skills gap is a people problem before it is a numbers oneAn honest, grounded conversation about growth, purpose and what it means to truly build people.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #JustinManley #Construction #SkillsGap #Resilience #Training #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
How do we give apprentices the tools, patience and guidance they need to succeed in construction?In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Bill Guiver, Training Manager at GSQ Brickwork Ltd and an integral part of Site Ready Solutions, shares his journey from apprentice to trainer and what he has learned across three decades in the trade.Bill talks about:🧱 His earliest memories of bricklaying👷 The changes in training from the 1980s to today📉 The construction skills gap and how to bridge it💬 Why apprentices need patience and understanding to grow into valueThis is a grounded, practical conversation about what training really looks like on the ground.Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB LtdPowered by Garry Staines#TheHodcast #BillGuiver #Bricklaying #ConstructionTraining #Apprenticeships #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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