Beneath the Blacktop cover art

Beneath the Blacktop

Beneath the Blacktop

Written by: Midsouth Materials Region
Listen for free

About this listen

 Beneath the Blacktop is more than a podcast—it's a journey into the heartbeat of the materials and construction industry. Produced by CRH’s Midsouth Materials region, which spans Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Alabama, this podcast pulls back the curtain on the people, processes, and purpose behind the work we do every day. Whether you work in the industry or are simply curious about what it takes to build and maintain the roads, infrastructure, and communities around you—this show offers a seat at the table. Each episode features candid conversations with voices from every corner of our business: - Plant operators and field crews sharing what a day on the job really looks like - Experts in safety, training and development, and government relations breaking down the decisions that shape our work Leaders and innovators highlighting how we’re preparing for the future - And even voices outside the company—from mental health professionals to equipment providers—who bring fresh perspectives and vital insights to the challenges and successes we experience in this space You'll hear stories of grit, innovation, resilience, and teamwork—told by the people living them. Whether it's exploring what goes into paving a highway, the emotional toll of the job, or how our teams are leading the way in safety and sustainability, Beneath the Blacktop is here to inform, inspire, and connect. So if you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build the world beneath your feet—or want to get to know the incredible people who make it all possible—hit subscribe and join us as we dig deeper, think bigger, and go beneath the blacktop.Copyright 2025 Midsouth Materials Region Economics Political Science Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Paving the Way: Training, Tech & Talent with Paul Albrecht

    Paving the Way: Training, Tech & Talent with Paul Albrecht
    Aug 8 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Paul Albrecht, Regional Director of Training and Development for the Midsouth Materials Region at CRH, to explore how career development, training programs, and emerging technologies are shaping the future of the construction industry. From hands-on skills to digital tools, Paul offers insight into how companies like Barriere, APAC Alabama, and APAC MS/TN are equipping employees for long-term success.

    We cover:

    • How our company is evolving training for both traditional and tech-based roles
    • The value of mentorship and internal mobility in career growth
    • How internship programs are creating career pathways for the next generation
    • Advice for anyone looking to break into the industry or move up the ladder

    Whether you're new to construction or looking to grow your career, this episode is packed with practical guidance and real-world insight—straight from the front lines of workforce development.
    Show More Show Less
    31 mins
  • Paving Policy: How Government Affairs Shapes the Road Ahead with Ryan Lindsey

    Paving Policy: How Government Affairs Shapes the Road Ahead with Ryan Lindsey
    Jul 24 2025

    In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Lindsey, Executive Vice President of Government Relations at CRH Americas, to uncover how advocacy and public policy impact everything from asphalt plants to paving crews. Ryan takes us behind the scenes of CRH’s Government Affairs team, sharing how they work with lawmakers to support the construction industry and ensure smart, effective infrastructure policies are in place.

    We cover:

    • The role of government relations in construction and materials
    • Key issues facing the industry in the Midsouth region
    • How CRH advocates for pro-growth policy at state and federal levels
    • Why employees should care about legislation—and how to get involved

    If you’ve ever wondered how laws and regulations affect life on the job site, this episode brings the big picture into focus—one policy at a time.
    Show More Show Less
    45 mins
  • Lab Tested, Road Ready: Inside the Asphalt with Lexie Verdin

    Lab Tested, Road Ready: Inside the Asphalt with Lexie Verdin
    Jul 10 2025

    Join us as we talk with Lexie Verdin, Lab Technician at Barriere Construction, about her journey into the construction industry and her hands-on role in asphalt quality control. Lexie shares what a day in the lab looks like, how her work impacts the job site, and her perspective as a woman working in a technical trade.

    We cover:

    • What goes into testing construction materials
    • The connection between lab work and road performance
    • Navigating challenges and finding mentorship in the industry
    • Advice for young women exploring careers in construction

    A must-listen for anyone curious about what’s happening beneath the blacktop.
    Show More Show Less
    30 mins
No reviews yet