Elliot Washor, co-founder of Big Picture Learning, joins Anthony and Cyndie to share his five-decade journey transforming education through real-world, hands-on learning. Washer explains how Big Picture Learning’s innovative model connects students with internships, mentorships, and meaningful workplace experiences that prepare them for long-term success beyond the classroom. He highlights the organization’s impact in underserved communities, the recent $18 million investment from Bloomberg Philanthropies to expand these programs, and why building social connections, practical skills, and purpose-driven learning is critical for the future workforce. Washor also shares inspiring success stories of students excelling in skilled trades, returning as mentors, and helping reshape what education can achieve.

https://www.bigpicture.org/

(1:19) Introduction to Dr. Elliot Washor and Big Picture Learning
(2:39) Why Dr. Washor began questioning traditional schooling
(5:15) What schools miss when preparing students for real jobs
(7:28) Why internships, mentorship, and relationships matter
(9:33) The Bloomberg Philanthropies grant with Big Picture Learning and the Carpenters Union
(12:20) Connecting students to paid work, college credit, and career pathways
(16:25) Redefining success beyond graduation or getting a job
(19:24) Why middle school and high school career exposure matters
(22:31) Reaching communities furthest from opportunity
(37:16) A student success story that shows the power of this model

A message from Labor Lounge Podcast Co-Hosts Anthony Abrantes and Cyndie Williams.

Season 2 launches on June 10, 2026! Same honesty. Same curiosity. Bigger conversations.

This is Labor Lounge. Let’s get into it.

Dr. Benjamin Dworkin, founding director of the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship (RIPPAC), joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the importance of civic engagement in sustaining a healthy democracy. He shares how RIPPAC works to counter political cynicism, encourage informed participation, and foster respectful, nonpartisan dialogue in an increasingly polarized landscape. Dr. Dworkin looks ahead to how education and dialogue can help restore confidence in democratic institutions.

https://www.rowan.edu/ric-edelman-college/centers/rippac/

(2:05) The purpose behind the Rowan Institute for Public Policy and Citizenship
(5:54) Why civic education matters for voters and workers
(7:49) Connecting students and the public with elected officials
(10:03) Misconceptions about civic engagement and political power
(12:19) Reading, writing, and listening as key leadership skills
(14:22) Rebuilding trust through transparency and respect
(17:46) Civic engagement wins: marriage equality and minimum wage
(21:42) Making politics feel human, respectful, and even fun
(33:06) How labor unions shape strong public policy
(36:13) The internet, algorithms, and the future of democracy
(42:29) Why people must take ownership of democracy

Frank V. Radomski & Sons, Inc. Chairman Philip Radomski and President Mary Kate Radomski join Anthony and Cyndie to share the 100+ year evolution of their family-founded construction firm - from Depression-era coal hauling to major institutional and industrial projects across the region. They discuss a thoughtful generational transition of leadership, the company’s deep commitment to union labor, and why safety, training, and “knowing how to build” remain core to their success. The conversation also explores how apprenticeships create long-term, high-paying careers, why union contractors outperform on safety and efficiency, and how reframing construction as a lifelong profession is critical to the future of the industry.

https://radomski-builders.com/

Episode highlights:
(1:19) Meet Philip and Mary Kate Radomski
(2:14) The 100-year history of Radomski & Sons
(5:40) Why knowing how to build still matters
(9:00) Passing leadership to the next generation
(11:09) Why the trades are a real career path
(15:31) Why union labor, quality, and safety matter
(19:39) Community impact and long-term careers
(25:05) Advice for young people entering construction
(30:23) Closing thoughts on partnership and legacy

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill to talk about how unions and workforce development can shape the state’s economic future. Sherrill shares her approach to expanding apprenticeships, aligning education with industry, and preparing workers for a rapidly changing economy. She reflects on the role of organized labor in protecting jobs, wages, and dignity, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for New Jersey’s working families.

(2:39) Workforce development priorities for New Jersey
(3:21) Infrastructure jobs and the Gateway Tunnel Project
(4:06) Aligning labor, higher education, and industry
(5:29) Governor Sherrill’s personal union family story
(7:40) Why labor plays a key role in affordability and the middle class
(10:54) Job growth strategies and expanding apprenticeship programs
(12:25) How labor benefits the entire workforce
(15:16) Pension investments and economic impact
(16:33) Key industries driving New Jersey’s future
(17:54) AI and the future of work
(19:55) Measuring workforce development success in New Jersey
(21:01) Why labor must have a seat at the table

Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss how unions power the middle class and why the state is investing heavily in apprenticeships and workforce development. Raised in a union family, Davis shares how organized labor shaped his path and how it continues to drive economic opportunity and community stability across the Commonwealth. He outlines new funding for career-technical education, the $20B Amazon data-center project with $10M in targeted workforce development, and Pennsylvania’s approach to balancing business growth with worker protections.

https://www.pa.gov/ltgovernor

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Opening and show setup with Anthony and Cyndie
07:41 – Introduction of Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis
08:23 – Austin shares how his union upbringing shaped his values and opportunities
09:55 – How unions create generational wealth and family stability
11:57 – The origins of workers’ rights: weekends, work hours, and safety from union advocacy
12:42 – The ongoing fight to protect organized labor and resist “right to work” efforts
13:38 – Growing up in McKeesport and seeing how unions built stable communities
14:40 – Pennsylvania’s investment in workforce development and apprenticeships
15:48 – Expanding career and technical education to meet the state’s labor demand
16:38 – Balancing business growth with worker protections under the Shapiro administration
17:05 – The $20B Amazon data center investment and workforce development funding
18:27 – Pennsylvania’s commitment to clean and renewable energy projects
19:07 – Bipartisan efforts to speed energy and infrastructure development
20:22 – Bringing both parties together under a shared “Pennsylvania jersey”
21:32 – How cooperation across political lines benefits workers and families
22:22 – The future of organized labor and new union movements across industries
23:46 – Rising union popularity and rebuilding the middle class across all sectors
24:09 – Closing remarks and appreciation for Austin Davis’s leadership

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie are joined by Kiewit Senior VP Wayne Thomas to discuss the Francis Scott Key Bridge rebuild in Baltimore: one of the largest infrastructure projects in the region’s history. He explains why Kiewit chose a progressive design-build approach and a voluntary Project Labor Agreement, and how the firm’s partnership with union labor will create hundreds of career-track jobs for local workers. Thomas shares how Kiewit’s hands-on workforce development efforts - community events, school outreach, and even door-to-door recruitment - are helping residents access apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs. He also reflects on the company’s 140-year history, its employee-owned structure, and its commitment to building not just bridges, but sustainable middle-class careers.

https://www.kiewit.com/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of guest Wayne Thomas and overview of his role at Kiewit
02:21 – Wayne shares Kiewit’s 140-year history and employee-owned culture
03:42 – Story of how Wayne joined Kiewit and stayed for nearly four decades
04:51 – How Kiewit grew from bricklaying to national infrastructure leadership
05:49 – The company’s expansion into mining, energy, and heavy construction
06:44 – Discussion on Kiewit’s employee-ownership model and its impact on culture
07:47 – Recounting the Key Bridge collapse and Kiewit’s immediate response
08:49 – How Kiewit was selected for the rebuild and the progressive design-build model
09:52 – The project’s scale, trades involved, and job creation potential
10:57 – Kiewit’s community outreach and workforce development partnerships
12:00 – Apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship initiatives for local residents
13:02 – Why Kiewit committed to a voluntary Project Labor Agreement (PLA)
14:01 – The value of union labor and fair pay for skilled tradespeople
15:19 – Economic ripple effects and creation of long-term middle-class careers
16:01 – Community and government collaboration supporting the rebuild
17:05 – Using the Key Bridge project as a model for workforce-driven infrastructure
18:45 – Wayne’s vision for sustained careers, not just temporary jobs
20:03 – How residents can get involved or apply for opportunities on the project
21:02 – Closing reflections and appreciation for partnership between Kiewit and labor

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy for a candid conversation about his administration’s enduring partnership with organized labor. Governor Murphy reflects on eight years of landmark achievements: from raising the minimum wage and expanding apprenticeship programs to strengthening collective bargaining, protecting workers from misclassification, and making full pension payments for public employees. He also shares the stories behind recent legislation requiring labor history in public school curriculum and banning “captive audience” meetings, ensuring the next generation understands the legacy of labor rights in America. As he prepares to leave office, Governor Murphy discusses what comes next for labor in New Jersey, the culture shift his administration sparked, and why staying “at the table” will be essential for the future of working families.

https://nj.gov/governor/

https://eascarpenters.org/

https://cctmarketing.org/

00:00 – Welcome and show introduction by Anthony and Cyndie
01:20 – Introduction of Governor Phil Murphy and overview of his partnership with labor
02:08 – Discussion of new legislation on labor history curriculum and “captive audience” meetings
03:56 – Governor reflects on the importance of labor education and Peter J. McGuire’s legacy
04:55 – How Murphy’s administration built a comprehensive pro-labor agenda
06:17 – Key achievements: minimum wage, earned sick leave, project labor agreements, and pensions
07:03 – Governor’s advice for the future: stay at the table regardless of political change
08:42 – Reflecting on bipartisan progress and labor’s ongoing influence in New Jersey
09:52 – Major wins for public sector workers and pension reform
10:35 – Misclassification enforcement and whole-of-government approach to worker protection
11:18 – Record investments in infrastructure, education, and job creation
12:04 – How culture change and policy combined to strengthen worker protections
13:14 – The next generation of apprenticeships and workforce development
14:07 – Building lasting change: minimum wage, sick leave, and project labor agreements
15:28 – Governor discusses what’s next after leaving office and plans for the future
17:46 – Closing reflections and gratitude for his legacy with New Jersey’s working families