Onward Shift Podcast | Mental Health in Construction cover art

Onward Shift Podcast | Mental Health in Construction

Onward Shift Podcast | Mental Health in Construction

By: Hosted by Vishal Narbheram Electrician and Founder of Onward Shift
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Summary

 The conversations most people avoid are often the ones that matter most. The Onward Shift Podcast explores honest discussions around mental health in construction and the challenges people face both on and off the job site. Each episode dives into real topics like stress, suicide, addiction, grief, anxiety, wellbeing and personal growth. Through open conversations with guests from around the world, the aim is to break the silence around difficult topics, encourage better mental health conversations and remind people they’re not alone. Together we are stronger so no-one should feel alone!Hosted by Vishal Narbheram, Electrician and Founder of Onward Shift Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Electrician to Advocate: Vishal Narbheram on Mental Health & Onward Shift

    Electrician to Advocate: Vishal Narbheram on Mental Health & Onward Shift
    May 1 2026

    In this episode of The Hurt Locker Podcast, The podcast that opens a door into men's mental health. Real Men. Real Stories. Real Mental Health Conversations, host Yinka Yesufu sits down with Vishal Narbheram, founder of Onward Shift, for a powerful and honest conversation about mental health, identity and resilience. Vish shares his personal journey through mental health struggles while working in the construction industry an environment where conversations around emotional wellbeing are often overlooked. He opens up about the pressures, the internal battles and the turning points that led him to seek therapy, understand emotional regulation and ultimately create Onward Shift a platform designed to make mental health support more accessible within construction. The conversation also explores wider themes, including race and diversity within the industry, the impact of societal expectations and social media on younger generations and the importance of building safe, supportive communities where men can speak openly without judgement. This episode is not just a story it’s a reflection on what happens when men begin to talk and the change that can follow when they do.


    Key Topics

    • Mental health challenges within the construction industry
    • Emotional regulation and the role of therapy
    • Race, diversity, and lived experience in construction
    • The pressures facing young people today
    • Building support systems and safe spaces for men
    • The creation and mission of Onward Shift
    • Turning personal struggle into purpose


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction & Guest Credibility00:59 A Day in the Life: Routine & Structure02:50 Personal Background & Entry into Construction06:16 Race, Diversity & Industry Challenges10:51 Overcoming Racism & Building Resilience20:52 Recognising Mental Health Struggles30:28 Therapy & Emotional Regulation39:16 Talking to Youth & Breaking Stigma47:33 Mental Health in Construction52:18 Support Systems & Industry Change57:03 Onward Shift: Purpose & Platform01:00:45 Self-Care & Personal Responsibility01:04:36 Advice to Younger Self & Closing


    🎙️ Support & Stay Connected

    🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.

    🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.


    Links to Onward Shift:

    Facebook - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

    Instagram - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠⁠

    TikTok - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠⁠

    LinkedIn - ⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠⁠

    Website - ⁠⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠⁠

    Vishal Narbheram - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ ⁠


    Links to The Hurt Locker Podcast:

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100092582456788

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thehurtlockerpod/

    TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@hurtlockerpodcast

    Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thehurtlockerpod

    Website - https://thehurtlockerpod.libsyn.com

    Courageous Productions - https://www.instagram.com/courageous_productions/?hl=en

    Tim Roe (production artist) - https://www.linkedin.com/in/timroewp/
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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Grief, Vulnerability & Healing: A Conversation with Kate Nudds

    Grief, Vulnerability & Healing: A Conversation with Kate Nudds
    Apr 13 2026
    SummaryIn this heartfelt and compassionate episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram sits down with award winning grief coach Kate Nudds to explore the many forms grief can take and how we learn to live alongside it. Grief is not limited to the death of a loved one. Kate explains how loss can show up through bereavement, estrangement, serious illness, pet loss and even anticipatory grief the pain of knowing loss is coming. Together, they unpack the physical and emotional impact grief can have on the body and mind and why vulnerability and safe spaces are essential during the grieving process. Kate introduces the concept of “continuing bonds,” explaining how healing does not mean forgetting but integrating the memory and meaning of what or who has been lost. The conversation offers practical tools such as journaling, writing letters, spending time in nature and simply learning how to sit with emotion rather than suppress it. This episode is a reminder that grief is not something to fix it is something to understand, honour, and navigate with compassion.💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around bereavement, illness, and emotional loss. Please listen with care.Key TopicsDifferent types of grief: bereavement, estrangement, anticipatory griefThe physical and emotional effects of griefContinuing bonds and integrating lossSupporting others through presence and listeningJournaling and expressive writing techniquesThe significance of pet lossGrieving serious illness or diagnosesManaging grief triggers and fluctuating emotionsNature and community as healing toolsCreating safe spaces for vulnerabilityChapters00:00 Introduction & Guest Introduction01:03 What Is Grief and Why It Matters02:07 Understanding Loss Beyond Death03:31 The Complex Relationship with What’s Been Lost06:11 Physical and Emotional Effects of Grief08:13 Continuing Bonds and Integration09:35 Acceptance and Managing Pain10:58 Different Grief Responses & Safe Spaces13:00 What a Grief Coaching Session Looks Like14:29 Vulnerability in Grief Support16:10 Kate’s Personal Story20:24 The Art of Listening22:42 Practical Ways to Support a Grieving Friend24:39 Grief Triggers and Emotional Waves26:40 Grieving Someone Who Is Still Alive28:41 Navigating Illness and Anticipatory Grief30:56 Journaling and Expressive Techniques33:37 Normalising Pet Loss36:11 The Significance of Emotional Bonds with Pets40:49 Multiple Losses in a Short Period42:15 Finding Hope After Personal Loss45:28 Accepting Grief Around Diagnoses49:00 The Healing Power of Nature and Community49:32 The Importance of Talking51:18 Where to Find Support🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Follow Onward Shift:* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠Follow Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ You can find Kate here: Linkedin - ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/katenuddsgriefcoaching/TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@grievethenachieve?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pcInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/grievethenachieve/Website - https://www.grievethenachieve.co.uk
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    54 mins
  • The Pain Tank: Why Men Die by Suicide - Dr. Susie Bennett Explains

    The Pain Tank: Why Men Die by Suicide - Dr. Susie Bennett Explains
    Mar 30 2026
    SummaryIn this powerful and research-led episode of the Onward Shift Podcast, Vishal Narbheram is joined by Dr. Susie Bennett, whose academic work focuses on understanding male suicide and the deeper cultural factors that influence men’s mental health. Dr. Bennett unpacks the alarming reality of male suicide rates and explores how masculinity, loneliness, emotional suppression and societal expectations shape men’s inner worlds. She introduces the concept of the “pain tank” a powerful analogy describing how accumulated emotional pain, when left unprocessed, can lead to suicidal thoughts. The conversation dives into emotional regulation tools, the impact of childhood adversity, the role of isolation and why community and connection are essential protective factors. Rather than framing suicide as weakness, Dr. Bennett reframes it as the result of overwhelming pain combined with limited coping mechanisms. This episode challenges cultural narratives around masculinity and highlights the importance of giving men language, connection, and practical tools to process emotion safely.💬 Trigger Warning: This episode contains discussions around male suicide, emotional distress, and mental health struggles. Please listen with care.Key TakeawaysMale suicide is deeply connected to cultural expectations around masculinityEmotional suppression increases psychological riskThe “pain tank” analogy explains how accumulated distress builds over timeLoneliness and isolation are significant suicide risk factorsEmotional regulation skills can reduce suicidal vulnerabilitySuicide is often a response to overwhelming pain, not weaknessCommunity and connection act as protective buffersTherapy is one of many tools available for emotional growthChildhood adversity can shape adult coping patternsRedefining masculinity is crucial for improving men’s mental healthChapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Susie Bennett and Her Work02:40 Why Men’s Mental Health Matters05:09 Understanding Male Suicide Rates07:53 Emotional Expression and Masculinity10:39 Loneliness and Isolation as Risk Factors13:24 Therapy and the Journey to Self-Understanding15:41 The “Pain Tank” and Emotional Regulation18:45 Cultural Influences on Men’s Mental Health21:25 The Symphony of Suicidal Sorrow24:06 Finding Personal Tools for Processing Emotion26:59 Social Media and Mental Health Awareness33:35 Societal Pressures on Men34:42 The Importance of Connection and Support36:27 Barriers to Seeking Help38:29 Therapy and Emotional Literacy40:54 Practical Emotional Regulation Tools45:24 Root Causes of Male Suicide48:10 The “Chord of Pain” Explained53:38 Cultural Identity and Emotional Restriction55:08 Building Community in a Disconnected World01:02:53 The Impact of Failure on Men’s Mental Health01:05:38 Performance Pressure and Isolation01:10:41 Redefining Masculinity01:17:28 The Evolution of Masculine Ideals01:21:08 Community as Prevention01:25:06 Childhood Adversity and Long-Term Effects01:28:38 Resources and Final Reflections🎙️ Support & Stay Connected🎙️ If you like this episode, please like it and share it.🎙️ Don’t forget to subscribe for more updates.Follow Onward Shift:* Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠* Facebook: ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/onwardshift/⁠⁠* TikTok: ⁠⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@onwardshift⁠⁠* LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/onward-shift/⁠⁠Learn more about the mental health support we offer: ⁠⁠https://onwardshift.com⁠⁠Follow Vishal Narbheram on LinkedIn here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/vishal-narbheram-56bb3a194/⁠ Learn more about Dr. Susie Bennett on his LinkedIn profile here: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/bennettsusie/See Susie’s website here: https://malesuicideresearch.comFind Susie on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/male_suicide_research/
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    1 hr and 29 mins
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