In this opening installment by Kalea Abernathy, M.A., LPC, and Peter Yibo Pan, B.A., the authors explore how the gut-brain axis, nutrition, and mental health intersect—especially for tradespeople balancing demanding work, family sacrifice, and overall well-being.

In this firsthand account, contractor and business owner Mary-Anne of Westcom Plumbing and Gas Ltd. and Westcom Roofing and Sheetmetal shares how weight training transformed her physical health, reduced chronic pain, and helped her build long-term resilience in the construction trades.

An inside look at the Construction Industry Alliance for Suicide Prevention reveals how CIASP Executive Director Sonya Bohmann and her team are raising awareness, providing free mental health resources, and working toward a zero-suicide construction industry.

From feeding a llama at dawn to leading a veteran-first plumbing company, this inspiring story follows Tulsa contractor and Army Special Forces veteran Antonio Delacerda’s journey to purpose, mental wellness, and connection through the trades.