Explore every episode of the podcast The HODCAST - Building Conversations

Charlie Collison isn’t just a bricklayer — he’s a master of his craft, a mentor to the next generation, and proof that building walls can also build a legacy.

In this episode of The Hodcast, Charlie sits down to share the untold story behind the trowel: from his earliest days on site to becoming one of the UK’s most recognised figures in the bricklaying world.

We talk about the mindset needed to survive and thrive in the trades, the pressures that come with setting the standard, and what it really means to earn respect in an industry where nothing is handed to you.

Whether you're laying your first course or looking to leave your mark, this conversation is packed with hard truths, raw insights, and moments that’ll make you stop and think.

🎧 Listen now — and hear how brick by brick, Charlie built more than just walls.

Garry Staines has seen both sides of the trowel — from building his own successful brickwork company to launching Site Ready Solutions, a training hub designed to give the next generation of tradespeople a fighting chance.

In this episode of The HODCAST, Garry opens up about the growing skills gap in construction, why the industry is crying out for fresh talent, and how we can reshape the future of trades — not just by teaching skills, but by changing mindsets.

🎯 We dig into:
– What’s going wrong with how we train young people
– How Site Ready Solutions is flipping the script on construction education
– Garry’s journey from bricklayer to business leader
– Why soft skills matter just as much as technical ability
– How to create real opportunity — and real pride — in the trades

This is a must-watch for employers, educators, apprentices, and anyone who cares about the future of construction.

📢 Got thoughts on how we train and inspire the next generation? Let’s talk in the comments.
👍 Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone making moves in the industry.

👇 WATCH NOW — and hear why Garry believes the future is still being built, one apprentice at a time.

#ConstructionTraining #SiteReadySolutions #GarryStaines #TheHODCAST #Bricklaying #Apprenticeships #UKConstruction #SkillsGap #TradesEducation #Inspiration #Leadership #FutureOfWork

Tony Humphreys: Didn’t Want the Job… Now He Runs the Show

Tony Humphreys never wanted to join the building trade — but fate (and family) had other plans.

In this episode of The HODCAST, Tony shares how he went from reluctant hoddy to the Production Director of A&D Brickwork, one of the South West’s leading bricklaying firms. We talk early resistance, the family legacy that shaped his journey, and the apprenticeship program he's built to give others a future in the trade.

It’s a story of turning doubt into drive — and building more than just walls.

Family roots. Future builders. Real talk.

Varsha Patel is FA Essex Coach of the Year 2024 and founder of #GirlsCanBuild — a movement proving that girls can lead, build, and break barriers on and off the pitch.

In this inspiring episode of The Hodcast, Varsha shares how she’s changing lives through grassroots football and construction, coaching under-10s girls with purpose and power.

We talk about:
– Coaching girls in football
– Empowering future builders and leaders
– Winning FA Coach of the Year
– Creating real change in male-dominated spaces

This episode is for anyone passionate about youth empowerment, women in leadership, and the future of sport and construction.

This week on The Hodcast, Terry Farnham pulls no punches.
From sacrifices made to brutal lessons learned, Terry opens up about the harsh realities of working in construction — and what it really takes to keep going when times get tough.

If you’ve ever been on site, managed a crew, or just wondered what the building game is really like behind the scenes, this is the episode for you.

🎙️ New episodes every Tuesday at 6am. Follow The Hodcast for more honest conversations from inside the industry.

Lee Fuller’s journey is one of the most powerful we’ve heard on The Hodcast.

From addiction and courtrooms to life on-site and eventually running his own media business, Lee shares what it really takes to turn your life around — and why he’s now helping others do the same.

We talk about fatherhood, failure, second chances, and building a brand from the ground up.

If you’ve ever felt stuck — this is the episode you need.

#TogetherWeCan

Bob Noseda has spent decades shaping the UK’s construction training landscape — but in this episode, he opens up like never before.

We talk honestly about:
– Why full-time college courses are failing learners
– The power of hands-on, site-based experience
– What’s broken in the current system — and how we fix it
– The urgent need for collaboration between education and industry

Bob’s message is clear: if we want better outcomes for young people, we need to rebuild the system from the ground up.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone working in training, education, construction — or anyone who believes in building a better future.

#TogetherWeCan

There’s a crisis unfolding in our classrooms and workplaces — and it’s time we talked about it.

In this episode of The Hodcast, Gary Stringer shares his powerful perspective on why the education system is letting young people down, how mental health is being ignored, and why construction could be the answer to rebuilding futures.

We cover:
– The hidden struggles in schools– Why teachers are losing their passion– How the construction industry is offering new hope– And the critical mental health conversations we all need to have

If you care about young people, leadership, and building a better future — this one’s for you.

#TogetherWeCan

From design failures to leadership flaws, this conversation gets to the root of what’s really going wrong — and what we can do about it.

👀 Get a sneak peek of what’s coming.
📅 Full episode drops Tuesday 17th June at 6AM.

#TheHodcast #SpotifyPodcast #JamesCollinson #ArchitectureTruths #ConstructionLeadership #BuiltEnvironment #PodcastTrailer #ConversationsWorthHaving #TogetherWeCan

Charlie Thorp has trained, assessed, and inspired thousands of bricklayers — and in this episode of The Hodcast, he opens up like never before.

Now retired from FE and working as an End Point Assessor for City & Guilds, Charlie shares his view on what’s working, what’s broken, and how we make sure the next generation of apprentices get the training — and belief — they deserve.

We cover:
– His journey from lecturer to assessor– The problem with “just passing people”– The role of mentorship in modern apprenticeships– The future of the bricklaying trade in the UK

This is a story of standards, structure, and giving people a chance to succeed the right way.

#TogetherWeCan

James Collinson, MD of Design Spec, believes architecture has lost its way — and it’s time to rebuild from the ground up.

In this episode of The Hodcast, James opens up about what’s broken in the design process, how better collaboration could transform construction, and how mergers and acquisitions can actually help the older generation pass on their businesses, skills, and knowledge to the next.

We talk about:
– The design-build disconnect
– Collaboration between trades and architects
– Creating buildings that serve people, not just policy
– Legacy through smart business transitions
– What leadership in construction really looks like

If you're thinking about the future of the industry — this is the conversation.

#TogetherWeCan

Greeny is a legend in the world of bricklaying — but what sets him apart isn’t just his skill.
It’s how much he cares.

In this episode of The Hodcast, Greeny opens up about why he still loves the job, why training the next generation matters so much, and how bricklaying became more than a career — it became his purpose.

This one’s full of heart, honesty, and straight-up wisdom.

#TogetherWeCan

Loren Janes isn’t just an educator , she’s a builder of second chances.

In this emotional and inspiring episode of The Hodcast, Loren opens up about founding Changing Futures, why she had to write her own learning materials, and how leading with heart can break cycles that textbooks never will.

This is a conversation about purpose, perseverance, and rewriting what’s possible.

🎙 Hosted by Sam La Roche
📅 New episodes every Tuesday

#TheHodcast #LorenJanes #ConversationsWorthHaving #ChangingFutures #TogetherWeCan #LeadershipWithHeart

Lee Marley went from apprentice to founder of one of the UK’s biggest brickwork companies — a business now worth over £100 million.

In this episode of The Hodcast, he shares the story behind that growth, and why people, passion, and purpose are just as important as profit.

For anyone chasing long-term success — this conversation delivers.

#TogetherWeCan

Steve Murphy is the definition of resilience.

From a disciplined start in the military to building one of the UK’s best bricklaying subcontractors, Steve’s story took an unexpected turn with a devastating cancer diagnosis and the collapse of his business.

In this episode of The HODCAST, hosted by Sam La Roche, Steve shares how he kept going, what cancer taught him, and how laughter and loyalty kept him afloat when life got dark.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines
#SteveMurphy #TheHodcast #ConstructionLeadership #MentalHealthInConstruction #TogetherWeCan

What does it take to build a truly inclusive community?

In this episode of The HODCAST, host Sam La Roche speaks with Miriam Chalkley, founder of FLEX Community, about how her personal experiences of exclusion inspired her to create space for others.

Together, they explore:
🔹 The difference between being included and truly belonging
🔹 Why inclusion starts with listening
🔹 How FLEX is creating lasting change across workplaces and communities

A must-listen for leaders, changemakers, and anyone passionate about building a better, more welcoming future.
#TogetherWeCan | Powered by Grayson (GB) Ltd and Site Ready Solutions.

Perry Blake was written off — until he picked up the pen and rewrote his story.

After a childhood marked by trauma and time behind bars, Perry could’ve given up. Instead, he built the 21up Movement, mentoring young people through music, mindset, and real-life experience.

In this deeply personal Hodcast conversation, Perry opens up about the road he took — and why he’s so committed to helping others avoid it.

🎙 Hosted by Sam La Roche🔊 Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions & Grayson GB Ltd
🗓 New episodes every Tuesday at 6AM

#TheHodcast #PerryBlake #21upMovement #TogetherWeCan #MentorshipMatters #RedemptionStory #YouthEmpowerment #PodcastUK

From rural Spain to the streets of Basildon — Jenny Ibarra has made service her mission.

In this heartfelt episode of The HODCAST, Jenny opens up about her journey into community work, her role at Signpost Basildon, and the real stories behind the systems we don’t often see.

This is about more than support services, it’s about human connection, trust, and the quiet heroes who fight for people when nobody’s watching.

🎙️ Hosted by Sam La Roche
Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines
#JennyIbarra #Basildon #SignpostBasildon #TheHodcast #CommunityLeadership #TogetherWeCan

When the numbers grow but the meaning fades — what’s left?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Justin Walton opens up about his journey from financial success to finding deeper fulfilment. We talk about money, mindset, and why purpose matters more than profit.

If you’ve ever asked yourself “What’s all this for?” — this conversation is for you.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

The SuperTrowel 2025 final caused more noise than any competition before it. Now, Jack Dawson, Co-Founder of SuperTrowel, joins The Hodcast with host Sam La Roche to share his side of the story.

In this conversation we cover:🔥 How SuperTrowel became the most talked-about competition in the trade💬 The truth about the 2025 final and the controversy surrounding it👷 What comes next for bricklaying competitions and apprentices in the UK

If you have seen the headlines or the comments online, this is the full story behind them.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #SuperTrowel #JackDawson #Bricklaying #Construction #TogetherWeCan

When it comes to regeneration, who should take the lead in building Basildon?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Cllr Jessica Power, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Jobs and Skills and Social Value Manager for Skanska, talks about her belief that regeneration must start with the community itself.

She shares what “Basildon, building Basildon” really means, why social value matters, and how change can be lasting when local people are the ones building it.

This is a story of service, community, and leadership rooted in place.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #JessicaPower #Basildon #Community #Regeneration #TogetherWeCan

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 attitude

A raw and honest conversation about training, resilience and challenging perceptions in construction.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd

Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #TeganPryor #WomenInConstruction #Bricklaying #Apprenticeships #Training #TogetherWeCan

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 one

An honest, grounded conversation about growth, purpose and what it means to truly build people.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #JustinManley #Construction #SkillsGap #Resilience #Training #TogetherWeCan

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 value

This is a grounded, practical conversation about what training really looks like on the ground.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #BillGuiver #Bricklaying #ConstructionTraining #Apprenticeships #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

Apprenticeships are the foundation of construction, but are we giving them the respect and support they deserve?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Dan Carey, Director of Core4 and host of Hard Hat Chat, shares his insights on:
👷 Why apprentices matter now more than ever🧱 The culture of construction and life on site📉 The impact of the skills shortage on the industry🏗️ What construction needs to do to secure its future

Packed with straight-talking insights from one of the industry’s most passionate voices, this conversation is for anyone who cares about the future of construction.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #DanCarey #Core4 #HardHatChat #Construction #Apprenticeships #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

What does social value mean beyond the paperwork?

In this episode of The Hodcast, hosted by Sam La Roche, Helen Clements, Social Value Lead at Morgan Sindall, talks about what it looks like in practice on building sites.

We cover:
👷 The reality that 85% of construction is still men
💬 Why diversity matters for stronger teams and communities
🏗️ How to deliver social value that makes a lasting difference
🌍 What the future of construction could look like with greater inclusion

This is about people, purpose and building an industry that serves everyone.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #HelenClements #Construction #SocialValue #DiversityInConstruction #TogetherWeCan

What can industry and education learn from each other?

In Part 2 of The Hodcast with Jack Dawson, Co-Founder of SuperTrowel and Programme Manager at Hertford Regional College, host Sam La Roche dives into his story.

Jack shares his journey into bricklaying, why he chose to teach, and his thoughts on how to bring colleges and the construction industry closer together.

This is about building skills, passing on knowledge, and giving apprentices the best possible start in the trade.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #JackDawson #Construction #Education #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

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 change

This 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 Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #AndyStevens #BuildNetworkUK #Construction #Recruitment #SkillsGap #Leadership #TogetherWeCan

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 success

A 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 Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #NickBrasier #Stonebond #Construction #Leadership #Failure #Success #TogetherWeCan

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 people

An honest and inspiring look at leadership, regeneration and the future of local communities.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #DarrenRodwell #BarkingAndDagenham #Leadership #Regeneration #Housing #TogetherWeCan

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 future

A grounded and forward-thinking conversation about people, opportunity and progress.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #ChristianHatherallGood #Construction #Training #Investment #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

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 gap

A thought provoking conversation for leaders, educators and anyone shaping the future of the industry.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #JillWillis #ConstructionMarketing #Storytelling #SkillsGap #FutureWorkforce #TogetherWeCan

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 mindset
• His climb of Mont Blanc to heal and raise awareness for mental health
• The role construction played in finding purpose and belonging
• How AI, sustainability and young people can change the future of the industry

A powerful conversation about resilience, hope and finding purpose through pain.

Sponsored by Site Ready Solutions and Grayson GB Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #LoganPrice #MentalHealth #SuicideAwareness #Construction #Inspiration #TogetherWeCan

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

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 Ltd
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#TogetherWeCanShow House Media - https://www.showhouse.co.uk/

WhatHouse? Awards - https://www.whathouse.com/awards/

BBQ Magazine - https://www.thebbqmag.com/

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 good

A 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 Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #DanEdwards #ConstructedPathways #SkillsGap #Education #ConstructionCareers #Apprenticeships #TogetherWeCan

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 Noseda

Together, 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 Ltd

Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #ConstructionPodcast #Leadership #Training #SkillsGap #TogetherWeCan

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 results

A 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 Ltd
Powered by Garry Staines

#TheHodcast #MartynPriceMBE #Employability #SkillsGap #ConstructionCareers #YouthDevelopment #TogetherWeCan