Meet Valerie A. Stakes, RUGGED’s new columnist, as she shares her powerful journey of using endurance training and meditation to build the mental and physical resilience needed to navigate a life-changing cancer diagnosis.

Discover how trades leaders can overcome the hidden mental and operational costs of "carrying it all" by implementing five practical strategies to build a more sustainable, sharp, and connected professional life.

Follow the harrowing yet hopeful journey of Shaun Carlyon as he battles childhood trauma, the physical and mental tolls of firefighting, and a life-threatening addiction to rebuild his life and launch a mission to help other tradespeople find their voice.

After inheriting his family plumbing business amid tragedy and growing it into a $13 million company, Nate Agentis hit burnout—and found a new calling helping tradespeople build healthier lives, not just bigger businesses.

As mental health conversations gain momentum in the trades, these six podcasts are breaking stigma and offering honest stories, practical tools, and support for tradespeople who don’t want to face challenges alone.

RUGGED Mind and Body’s Road Show events brought tradespeople together for golf, community, and honest conversations about burnout, reinforcing the importance of investing in both personal well-being and professional growth.

Prostate cancer is highly survivable when caught early, yet many men—especially in the trades—delay screening, making regular checkups and open conversations a potentially lifesaving choice.

Journeyman plumber Omar Harris shares how his love of cooking, family time, and simple meal prep helps him stay healthier, save time, and thrive on demanding jobsites.

Cutting through nutrition hype and influencer noise, this article returns to the basics—showing how everyday food choices, label reading, and balance can support not just physical health, but mental well-being too.

Fueled by real stories, growing community, and a commitment to the next generation, RUGGED continues to prove that a strong career in the trades starts with a strong mind and body.