The Construction Cafe

Hosted by Tristen Magallanes

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Latest episode

Jul 2025

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About the show

Podcast for construction culture👷🏻‍♀️ cutting-edge concepts 🚀unspoken voices 🗣️ with the vibe of sitting at a cafe sharing your favorite cup of ☕️

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33 recent

July 2, 2025Episode 3338 min

S4E33 From Strings to Sensors: Robots, Layout, and the Future of the Trades

What do robots, layout, and generational grit have in common? Tristen sits down with Sandra Grigoletti of CSC Robotic Engineering to explore the evolution of construction layout — from strings and sticks to SLAM-enabled robots. They dig into how robotic solutions are reshaping jobsite ergonomics, safety, and equity for future generations of craft workers. It's a nerdy, heartfelt, and forward-looking episode you won't want to miss.

May 21, 2025Episode 3242 min

S4E32 Troop Checks and Toolbox Talks: Mental Health on the Jobsite

In this episode of The Construction Cafe, host Tristen Magallanes welcomes back safety professional and Navy veteran Shawn Love to talk about mental health in the construction industry. Together, they dive into the challenges of stigma, the parallels between military and construction cultures, and how leaders and peers can play a role in supporting workers' mental well-being. From troop checks to toolbox talks, accessible resources to alcohol use, this honest conversation offers insight and actionable ideas for a healthier industry.

May 7, 2025Episode 3142 min

S4E31 Standing Up for Mental Health in Construction with Sonya Bohmann

In this episode of The Construction Cafe, Tristen Magallanes speaks with Sonya Bohmann, Executive Director of the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention, about the critical link between mental health and safety in the construction industry. In honor of Construction Safety Week and Mental Health Awareness Month, they discuss the cultural barriers to mental health conversations, the risk factors unique to construction, and the importance of approachable, actionable resources. Sonya shares how CIASP is helping companies of all sizes take meaningful steps—through tools like the stand-up pledge, needs analysis, and free trainings—to support worker well-being and prevent suicide. This episode is a call to action: standing up for mental health is standing up for safety.

March 8, 2025Episode 3042 min

S3E30 Fighting Fire Through Fire Protection Engineering with Parisa Nassiri

In this final episode of Women in Construction Week, Tristen sits down with Parisa Nassiri, a senior fire protection engineer at Holmes US, to explore her unique career path. From navigating gender disparities in engineering education to earning her master’s in fire protection engineering, Parisa shares how she found her way into this critical but often overlooked field. She discusses the importance of fire safety regulations, the challenges of being taken seriously in male-dominated spaces, and the need for greater flexibility and equity in the industry. Tune in for an insightful conversation on shaping safer buildings and advocating for the next generation of women in engineering. #WICWEEK2025

March 7, 2025Episode 2935 min

S3E29 Bridging Jobsite Experience and Classroom Lessons in Construction with Adrienne Sraver

From building hospitals to building future industry leaders, Adrienne Sraver has done it all! A Project Executive at Barton Malow Builders and an instructor at Ohio State University, Adrienne takes us on a journey from the jobsite to the classroom. She shares how navigating occupied renovations in healthcare construction prepared her for mentoring the next generation. We chat about confidence, adaptability, and why the best construction lessons aren’t always found in textbooks. Whether you're laying foundations or laying out lesson plans, this episode is packed with insights on bridging industry experience with education. #WICWEEK2025

March 7, 2025Episode 2840 min

S3E28 Nailing Success in Business and Motherhood with Sarah Ahrendt

Who says you have to stick to one career path? Sarah Ahrendt went from nursing to running a thriving construction company—and she’s not looking back. In this episode, she shares how critical thinking, resilience, and adaptability helped her transition into the industry and thrive as CEO of Ardmor Construction. From balancing business ownership with motherhood to setting boundaries and outsourcing the right tasks, Sarah proves success isn’t about doing it all—it’s about doing it right. Tune in for an empowering conversation on paving your own path in construction and why a solid foundation is just the beginning of what you can build. #WICWEEK2025

March 7, 2025Episode 2734 min

S3E27 From Hard Hats to High Stakes with Mayra Soto

Mayra Soto’s career has taken her from the remote, rugged landscapes of mining projects to the fast-paced world of venture capital. In this episode, she shares her journey from growing up around her family’s construction business to managing large-scale infrastructure projects and eventually diving into the world of construction technology startups. We explore what it takes to secure funding in ConTech, the challenges of being a woman in both construction and venture capital, and why more diverse founders need to step into the startup arena. If you’re curious about how innovation gets funded in the built world, or you’re a woman looking to break into tech and construction, this conversation is full of insights, advice, and a few hard-earned lessons. #WICWEEK2025

March 6, 2025Episode 2631 min

S3E26 Project Management and Building a Legacy with Neha Thakker

In this episode of The Construction Cafe, Tristen Magallanes chats with Neha Thakker, a Project Manager at BHM Construction, about her journey from intern to leadership. Neha shares insights on mentorship, industry challenges, and the evolving role of women in construction. She also highlights the importance of early exposure to construction careers and the lasting impact of the projects we build. Tune in for a conversation on leadership, problem-solving, and shaping the future of the industry. #WICWEEK2025

March 6, 2025Episode 2541 min

S3E25 Digital Twins & Disrupting Construction Tech with Sarah Causey

What happens when cutting-edge technology meets the traditionally rigid world of construction? In this episode, we dive into the evolution of digital twins, the rise of construction tech, and how data is reshaping the built environment. Tristen sits down with Sarah Causey CEO of Implexus Lab, a powerhouse in BIM and digital transformation, to explore the intersection of gaming engines and building intelligence, the challenges (and triumphs) of being a woman in tech-driven construction, and why imposter syndrome might just be your best career tool. #WICWEEK2025

March 6, 2025Episode 2433 min

S3E24 Legacy, Research and Buildability with Simi Aluko

PhD candidate Simi Aluko joins The Construction Café to discuss equity, innovation, and legacy in construction. From her structural engineering roots to rethinking buildability and workforce well-being, she shares insights on navigating biases, making construction more inclusive, and why real change must align with industry values. Tune in for a powerful conversation on bridging academia, research, and real-world impact in the built environment. #WICWEEK2025