Best Golden Hour Project Podcasts (2025)

1
Merriam Woods/Russell Crag - An Update on Access and Development! 38:11

4d ago38:11

38:11

Members of the Central New Hampshire Climbers Association are on the pod today to share full details about the current status of climbing and development at Merriam Woods/Russell Crag. Things are in full swing and we need your help! Jay is joined by Chris Vaughn, Katie Vaughn and Mike Gagnon to tell you all about it: We’ll talk about: The current s…

1
#088 Why Can't Anyone Find New Employees In The Trades? If They Do, Why Can't They Keep Them? 36:45

6d ago36:45

36:45

In this episode we dive deep into the pressing issue facing the construction industry today: the difficulty contractors encounter in finding skilled labor. As the demand for skilled tradespeople continues to rise, many contractors are struggling to fill positions, leading to project delays and increased costs. We explore the root causes of this tal…

1
Francis Sanzaro: Zen in Imperfect Conditions (in Life and Climbing) 1:03:03

6d ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Author, philosopher, and long time climber Francis Sanzaro is back on the pod to dive into how to manage your mindset (for both climbing and life) during times of loss, grief, overwhelm, or even just less than perfect conditions. Francis is the author of The Zen of Climbing, a must read for any climber seeking to develop a stronger mindset toward c…

1
Conrad Anker: Exploring Legacy, Loss & Livelihood in Climbing 1:10:59

13d ago1:10:59

1:10:59

Few people have amassed a more impressive resume in the outdoors than climber, mountaineer, and author Conrad Anker. Just read his Wikipedia page, for starters! Included in Conrad’s accolades are two summits of Everest under his belt (including one where he found George Mallory’s body), a prolific list of first ascents around the globe, and a 26 ye…

1
#087 Top 3 Trades In Construction, My Recommendation To Start A Well Paying Career Without A Degree! 37:28

14d ago37:28

37:28

In this episode we dive into the world of construction trades and explore lucrative career paths that don’t require a college degree. If you're looking for a rewarding career that offers both financial stability and the opportunity to work with your hands, this episode is for you! Join us as we break down the top three trades in construction that a…

1
Heroes and Tragedies of White Mountain Rescues with Ty Gagne 1:03:48

20d ago1:03:48

1:03:48

New Hampshire native and author Ty Gagne joins the pod today to discuss the harrowing and heroic history of rescues in the White Mountains. Ty shares his in depth knowledge on some of the most well known rescues in The Whites, and what we can learn from them in regards to decision making, leadership and risk management. We’ll also discuss how the m…

1
#086 Get Hired In Construction Management, No Degree Required! 40 Hour Online Certification 22:52

21d ago22:52

22:52

You do not need a college degree to start a career in construction management. In this episode we interview one of the first students to complete the 40 hour Construction Project Management certification course on CourseCareers.com (available at the link in my bio). He shares his struggle finding a job before the course, how many interviews and job…

1
Balancing Grades on Your Climbing Menu with Miguel Lopez 55:52

27d ago55:52

55:52

Rumney climber Miguel Lopez has been racking up some major sends lately (check out his recents sends of Butt Bongo and Rocketman) But what has this 5.13 climber been enjoying just as much? Dumpster diving - the exercise of sending routes with 2 or less stars on Mountain Project. Miguel shares why he started this practice, and how it’s benefited his…

1
#085 Happy Wife Happy Blue Collar Life, Keys To A Successful Marriage In The Construction Industry 1:03:44

1M ago1:03:44

1:03:44

This week’s episode offers a fresh perspective! While Chelsea isn’t part of the construction industry, her husband is, and she’s gained significant popularity on social media for sharing her experiences as a blue-collar wife. In this episode, Chelsea opens up about her pride in her husband’s profession, navigating his unpredictable work hours, copi…

1
Historic FAs and Dirtbag Days: A Legendary Journey from Devil’s Lake to the World with Dave Groth 1:13:05

1M ago1:13:05

1:13:05

Dave Groth is one of the undisputed forefathers of Devil’s Lake climbing. With over 40 years of climbing under his belt, he joins me full of tales about the evolution of Devil’s Lake and his legendary climbing exploits across the US and the globe. You’ll hear about Dave’s experiences at Yosemite, Eldorado Canyon & Waco (where legend Ron Kauk crashe…

1
#084 A Message For Gen-Z, Advice For A Successful Life In Construction 22:31

1M ago22:31

22:31

In this episode we address the work ethic and social aspects of generation Z. Why millennials, gen-Xers, and boomers do not understand Gen-Z, and vice versa. Most importantly why this creates an opportunity for Gen-Z to easily find success. Listen and share! What is the Construction Mentor Podcast? This podcast covers everything there is to know ab…

1
The Evolution of Climbing Culture, Climbing as a Parent + Downgrading with Andy Salo 1:24:47

1M ago1:24:47

1:24:47

Andy Salo is a longtime climber with roots in Niagara Glen, The Gunks, Rumney and most recently, Rifle. We’ll reminisce about bouldering at The Glen, and then dive into a wide ranging conversation about climbing with small children, how mentors and partners affect your climbing journey, fostering an inclusive climbing culture that makes space for p…

1
Jim Lawyer Answers Your Questions 1:24:55

2M ago1:24:55

1:24:55

Jim Lawyer joins me today to answer your listener questions! Jim will tell us about his recovery journey from major back surgery, his experiences at Serra Do Cipó in Brazil, how he balances rock climbing and photography at the crag, and what makes for his favorite kind of climbing day. Plus, we’ll debate the ethics of ‘Belationships’ and the criter…

1
#083 Is The GC Trying To Screw You? How To Deal With A Difficult Superintendent 31:05

2M ago31:05

31:05

All subcontractors feel like the general contractor, specifically the superintendent are out to screw them. Sometimes it feels like the site super is playing a zero-sum game. Sometimes it feels like they are setting you up to fail. Sometimes it seems like they are trying to use your own information against you and hang you with it. Other times it f…

1
The Golden Days of Developing the Red River Gorge with Chris Snyder 50:31

2M ago50:31

50:31

I just got back from the incredible Red River Gorge and walked away with a new appreciation for the world class climbing there. When I was paging through the guidebook, one name kept popping up: Chris Snyder. Chris was deeply involved in the golden days of development of the Red, and he’s joining me today to share the history of the storied and bel…

1
The First Ascent of Middle Child + The Ethics of Developing Choss with Brian O’Leary 57:19

2M ago57:19

57:19

Brian O’Leary just did the first ascent of the hardest mixed climb in New England: Middle Child, an M-13 at the mica mine. We’ll talk about his process for sending the route and what M-13 means in the mixed climbing world. Then, we’ll discuss the complicated ethics that arise when developing on choss. Plus, Jay helps Brian choose his first 5.13 spo…

1
#082 What Project Types Are Best For Your Career? 19:04

2M ago19:04

19:04

People always ask me, what types of companies should I try to work for? What types of projects are best for my career? How do I make the most money? Listen to this episode and let's discuss the difference between core and shell construction versus T.I. construction (tenant improvement). What do those terms mean? Do they pay differently? Is one type…

1
Grades and Followers Don’t Define You with April Davidson 1:07:09

2M ago1:07:09

1:07:09

If you’re a climber on Instagram then you’re probably familiar with April Davidson of @yeahapril. With almost 100k followers and multiple brand partnerships, the word ‘influencer’ might immediately come to mind when you think of her. April, however, doesn’t really see herself as an influencer. She has strong opinions on the current state of social …

1
#081 Going From Homeless & Sleeping In A Cici's Parking Lot, To 7-Figure Entrepreneur In This Trade! 38:37

2M ago38:37

38:37

In this episode we sit down with Sedrick Seta Tuimoala, a construction entrepreneur with a WILD story. He shares his story; migrating to America to find out that he is not qualified to be in the military, sleeping in the parking lot of a pizza pace, losing money on his first project and becoming a 7-figure construction entrepreneur. He also shares …

1
Climbing Hard Into Your Sixties and Beyond with Chuck Odette 49:08

3M ago49:08

49:08

For those of us who think of climbing as a way of life, it can be daunting to address the truth of aging. Chuck Odette, a 5.14 climber who is still cranking hard at 69 years old, is here today to help us get psyched on making climbing a lifelong sport. In this conversation, we’ll get to the bottom of what it takes to keep your climbing game strong …

1
Chasing the Ice on Scotland’s Ben Nevis with Chris Andrews 58:06

3M ago58:06

58:06

Jay just got back from a fantastic trip to climb Ben Nevis in Scotland! Of the many incredible climbers that Jay met while staying at the CiC Hut, Chris Andrews was a standout for his knowledge and wisdom of the mountain. Today, Chris joins the pod for a unique chat about Scottish climbing. You’ll hear about the ethics of ice climbing in Scotland, …

1
#080 Breaking Barriers In Construction Without A Degree, Climbing The Ladder In Project Management 44:48

3M ago44:48

44:48

It does not matter who you are, what you are, or where you come from... the sky is the limit in the construction industry. If you ever needed to hear a story prove it to you, then this episode is for you! In this episode we sit down with Renae Sams , founder of Build-her.org A non-profit that focuses on supporting young woman in construction and tr…

1
Balancing Your Physical and Mental Game with Joel Unema 57:17

3M ago57:17

57:17

Joel Unema is on the pod today for an insightful talk about training, mindset, and even finger skin care. Joel is a 5.14 trad and sport climber, v14 boulderer, a route developer, a coach for ClimbStrong. You’ll hear Joel’s thoughts on the importance of route development for a community, why a climber’s identity should be focused on effort instead o…

1
#079 Genius Sales Strategy For Kitchen Remodeling, A Hiring Strategy Everyone Wishes Used, & #75Hard 46:30

3M ago46:30

46:30

In this episode we sit down with Steve Ardi, owner and operator of Rock Valley Cabinetry. Steve use to work on Wall Street but today he owns a Kitchen Remodeling Company. Steve shares how he made that transition, how he made it through the shutdowns of 2020, a hiring strategy that EVERYONE wishes they could use, and a unique sales model that enable…

1
The Ins and Outs of Brand Sponsorship with Jenny Fischer 1:02:56

3M ago1:02:56

1:02:56

Jenny Fischer, CEO of Ocun North America, is here today for a great chat about running a business in the climbing industry, how sponsorship relationships work between climbers and brands, and her own climbing journey. You’ll hear about her love for the Cochise Stronghold climbing area in Arizona, her thoughts on being a Boulder local, how she found…

1
#078 Do College Degrees Matter In Construction? How About Race Or Gender? Find Out What Matters Most 1:12:18

3M ago1:12:18

1:12:18

This is an AMAZING episode. We sit down with Gloria Fuentes Co-Owner of GloJoy Co, a design-build Construction Management firm based in NYC but who operates in several locations on the east coast. Gloria shares her story, what it was like growing up outside of the US while her father worked in the oil industry, what life is like for people in other…

1
The Second Ascent of Reality Bath with Balin Miller 47:55

3M ago47:55

47:55

Balin Miller joins the pod today to talk about his incredible solo ascent of Reality Bath in the Canadian Rockies, a Wi5+/6- ice climb that hasn’t seen a repeat ascent the very first ascent by Mark Twight and Randy Rackliff in 1988. You’ll hear Balin’s step-by-step accounting of this incredible climb. Plus, he’ll share what it was like to grow up i…

1
The Blind Crusher: Justin Salas 1:01:15

3M ago1:01:15

1:01:15

Professional climber Justin Salas has many accolades under his belt, including six national championships and a 2018 world championship. He is a V11 climber outside, and he is also legally blind. Today, Justin shares how climbing changed his life after he became blind at 14 years old. He’ll also share his thoughts on what it takes to be a professio…

1
#077 Will A.I. Replace Humans In Construction Jobs? & Is America The Greatest Country On Earth? 1:09:19

3M ago1:09:19

1:09:19

In this episode we sit down with Johnny Maghzal from Togal AI. Johnny is an expert in A.I. in construction. He shares the product we is working on and how that is meant to enhance the human experience in construction. He also shares what is was like growing up in the Middle East, migrating to America, whether or not he thinks that America is the gr…

1
Critique Jay’s Climbing with his Climbing Coach, Galina Parfenov 57:58

4M ago57:58

57:58

This is one you won’t want to miss - Jay’s climbing coach, Galina Parfenov, is on the show today to publicly critique Jay’s climbing! Galina Parfenov is a full time remote climbing coach that specializes in building individualized training programs for climbers of all ages and ability levels, with a focus on strength training and form analysis thro…

1
#076 Bare Knuckle Fighting & Owning A Construction Business After Abusive Upbringing and Addiction 1:23:29

4M ago1:23:29

1:23:29

In this episode we sit down with Patrick Brady, bare knuckle fighter and construction business owner. Listen to this episode to find out how that combination came about! He walks us through his childhood, growing up in a abusive home, leaving college to make more money in the trades, battling sobriety, finding discipline while fighting professional…

1
Mastering Ice Climbing with JC Dubeau 59:52

4M ago59:52

59:52

Ice climbing extraordinaire JC Dubeau joins me in the studio today for a fantastic conversation about his incredible career in ice climbing. He’ll share his thoughts on the mindset and training necessary for ice climbing, how he navigates danger when soloing, how ice climbing differs by region, his gear opinions, and the ways in which ice climbing …

1
#075 From Couch Surfing To Making 100K Plus In The Trades, Alayna Joy's Inspirational Turnaround! 47:04

4M ago47:04

47:04

In this episode we sit down with Alayna Joy. Alayna shares an inspirational story that took her from rock bottom to making over 100k per year in the trades. She discusses how she got on the wrong path in life, her battle with addiction, finding an opportunity to turn her life around in trade school (as the only woman in class), ultimately leading t…

1
#074 You Do Not Have To Be Fat And Out Of Shape In Construction Jobs, Prioritizing Health & Fitness! 41:17

4M ago41:17

41:17

In this episode we sit down with Justin Startari, better known by his social media handle _bluecollarfitness_ . Justin shares his unique story that lead him into the construction industry, why he dropped out of college to pursue a career in the trades, how he prioritizes his health and fitness while working in a physical job, and more! Listen, lear…

1
#073 From Digging Holes To Owning 4 Construction Businesses, A Limitless Career In Construction 54:35

4M ago54:35

54:35

In this episode we sit down with Cody Hansen owner and operator of several construction businesses, including civil construction companies and a construction media company. Cody shares his story taking us through his start in construction, his service in the military, working in the union, then leaving his high paying job to take a leap of faith by…

1
#072 Homeschooled, Married At 20 Years Old, Now Construction Entrepreneur, and Not Missing Out! 39:09

5M ago39:09

39:09

In this episode we sit down with Shawn Martin, a 20 year old entrepreneur in construction. Shawn did not have the "traditional" upbringing we have come to know in the U.S. but Shawn does not feel like he is missing out. Shawn shares his story, what it was like being homeschooled, being raised on the jobsite, getting married at 18 years old, buildin…

1
#071 Teaching Trades In Prison, Entrepreneurship, Safety Director, A Few Jonte's Construction Jobs! 46:00

5M ago46:00

46:00

In this episode we sit down with Jonte Hawkins, a guy who has done it all in construction. Jonte takes us through his story, starting in Baltimore, getting an education in the trades, starting his own business, teaching in Federal prison, becoming a licensed builder all over the US, and being a safety director for a national general contractor. He …

1
#070 Does This Trade Lift More Than You? Power Lifting & Making 100K After Taxes In This Trade! 1:12:32

5M ago1:12:32

1:12:32

In this episode we sit down with "Joshua Savage Maw" aka "jmawnster" on IG. He shares his story coming up from a turbulent childhood, how that forged him into the man he is today, how he found himself in his trade, and why power lifting is important to him as a leader in the industry. Not many people think of this trade when they think about a care…

1
The Best of First Ascent - Reboot Edition 37:09

5M ago37:09

37:09

We’ll be taking a break from the podcast for the holidays, but in the meantime, enjoy this special compilation episode celebrating all of the amazing guests who have joined us on First Ascent since the reboot. Thank you so much for supporting the show, especially as I’ve navigated a reboot after we all lost Lee. Have a wonderful holiday season, and…

1
#069 Serving A Greater Purpose With A Construction Business While Raising A Family With 7 Children! 58:47

5M ago58:47

58:47

In this episode we sit down with Melvin Martin the owner and operator of Martin Family Craftsmen. Martin shares his story growing up in Mennonite culture (similar to Amish), and what it was like leaving that culture while growing his thriving carpentry business. Martin also shares what it is like to balance business with raising a family of 7 child…

1
The Crimpers of Devil’s Lake with Kenz Hack and Garrett Hopkins 49:06

6M ago49:06

49:06

Devil’s Lake crushers Kenz Hack and Garrett Hopkins join the show today to shine a light on the fantastic climbing community that has popped up at the Lake in recent years. You’ll hear about the new zine Dirtbag the Lake, Kenz’s approach to climbing photography, how the current Devil’s Lake climbing community has grown and changed since Jay’s time,…

1
#068 Building Foundations, Mental Health In Construction with The Wealthy Iron Worker 52:20

6M ago52:20

52:20

For the first time we have a guest join the podcast for a second episode. After our last episode, the Wealthy Iron Worker and I started discussing a recent tragedy in his life, and how important it is to address the mental health crisis in construction. Whether you've lost a loved one, experienced depression, struggled substance abuse, or faced fin…

1
Innovations of Ice Climbing Gear with Charlie Faust of Beartooth Alpine Equipment 56:13

6M ago56:13

56:13

If you’re an ice climbing gearhead, then you’ve probably heard about the new picks by Beartooth Alpine Equipment. Cofounder Charlie Faust joins the pod today to tell us all about them. He’ll share how Beartooth Alpine came to be, how their picks differ from other brands on the market, the role gear advancement has played in changing the sport of ic…

1
#067 Is It Easier To Fool A Man, Or Convince Him He's Been Fooled? Make 100K In This Trade No Degree 1:02:49

6M ago1:02:49

1:02:49

In This episode we sit down with "The Wealthy Iron Worker". Rusty shares his success story in the iron working trade, where he see's opportunity in the industry, why the industry is in dire need of mentors, and his take on the impending population collapse in the construction industry. What is the Construction Mentor Podcast? This podcast covers ev…

1
Finding Your Footing After a Health Challenge with James Schroeder 35:48

6M ago35:48

35:48

James Schroeder (aka Fudd) is back on the pod today to talk about his recent health journey with a severe heart arrhythmia. He’ll share how the health issue came to light, the surgical processes he went through to correct the issue, what the recovery process has been like for him, and how it has changed his perspective on life, fitness, and climbin…

1
#066 The Worst Advice For High School Students and 10 Skills To Develop To Guarantee Success! 37:57

6M ago37:57

37:57

In this episode I share terrible advice I hear parents give their children. It happens to be the same advice I received when I was in High School. As an alternative, we cover 10 valuable skills that you can begin to develop while you are still in High School (or any stage in life). What is the Construction Mentor Podcast? This podcast covers everyt…

1
Listener Questions - The Ice & Mixed Climbing Edition with Brian O’Leary 49:10

6M ago49:10

49:10

Ice climbing season is just around the corner! Today, avid ice and mixed climber Brian O’Leary is on the pod to answer your ice, mixed and dry tooling questions. We’ll talk about the best ways to train for ice and mixed climbing, how the design of the tools you use will affect your performance, Brian’s thoughts on the need for more dry tooling rout…

1
#065 Stealing Your Job? Can A Robot Or A.I. Replace The Blue Collar Worker in Construction Jobs? 39:57

7M ago39:57

39:57

Will A.I. or Robots steal jobs from hard working professionals in construction? The answer is "not anytime soon"! Listen to this episode for the main reasons why, where technology is actually helping humans improve their work experience, and what A.I. experts actually see for the future of construction! What is the Construction Mentor Podcast? This…

1
A Climber Running for Office—State Senate Candidate Rusty Talbot 53:14

7M ago53:14

53:14

Rusty Talbot, candidate for NH Senate District 1, joins me on the pod today for a discussion about public service - both in the state house and at the crag. Rusty is an avid climber, the owner of the North Country Climbing Center in Lisbon, NH, a firefighter, and a search and rescue leader. Today, Rusty shares how climbing informs his approach to p…

1
An Update on Merriam Woods/Russell Crag with Chris Vaughan and Mike Gagnon of CNHCA 53:17

7M ago53:17

53:17

Today Chris Vaughan and Mike Gagnon join me on the pod to discuss the latest developments at Merriam Woods and Russell Crag! We’ll talk about the history and future of Merriam Woods, how the development of a parking lot will majorly improve access, some of the best routes at the crag (for all skill levels!), the land management challenges in the ar…

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