Labor Lounge Podcast

New Jersey Department of Labor & Workforce Development Acting Commissioner Kevin D. Jarvis joins Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the evolving future of work, worker protections, and workforce development across the Garden State. Drawing on his background in labor law and public service, Jarvis explains how the Department of Labor and Workforce Development is modernizing systems, strengthening en...

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 org...

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...

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 lab...

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 dig...

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...

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...

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 m...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Mike Schloff of Maplewoodshop. He is the Founder and CEO of Maplewoodshop, a leading provider in woodworking education solutions for schools, camps, Maker spaces, and community centers. Mike created Maplewoodshop in 2016 with the mission of developing life skills in all children through woodworking. He started by teaching hundreds of students direc...

In this special episode, Labor Lounge Podcast goes LIVE from the 11th Annual Women Business Leaders Forum by NJBIA. Anthony and Cyndie are joined by powerhouse podcast producers Carey Balogh and Lauren Sleeman of Brand Groupies for a behind-the-scenes look at how the podcast is made - and why podcasting is a powerful tool for brand visibility, business development, and executive thought leadership...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Rob Smith, Executive Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Carpenters Technical Centers. Rob shares how a family legacy in carpentry and education led him from the field to teaching and ultimately to leading apprenticeship and training across six states and D.C. The conversation explores the evolution of debt-free education into higher education...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Tim Wakefield, founder and CEO of Dead Calm Seas Marine Services. Tim shares how his Navy background and passion for the ocean led him to build a multimillion-dollar marine services company that now leads projects in offshore wind, salvage, subsea infrastructure, and underwater archeology. The conversation highlights the vital role of safety, train...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jack Kocsis Jr., CEO of the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey (ACCNJ). With more than 35 years leading the organization, Jack brings a rare depth of experience from both the construction site and the negotiation table. He reflects on the evolution of labor management partnerships, the origins of the Carpenter Contractor Trust, and h...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jessica Ramirez, a Partner with the Law Offices of D’Arcy Johnson Day and a trial attorney specializing in serious personal injury, sexual abuse, medical device, and product liability litigation. She is an assemblywoman of the 32nd district serving Jersey City and Hoboken. She has served on the New Jersey Ethics Committee and served as an Eminent D...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Jon Young, newly appointed Political Director of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters. With nearly 30 years of experience in the labor movement and public service, Jon shares his powerful journey from working construction in Camden to leading policy for one of the most influential unions on the East Coast. Jon also reflects on...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Todd Vachon, a union carpenter, faculty member in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University, and Director of the Labor Education Action Research Network (LEARN). As the Director of LEARN, Todd oversees the University’s labor education programs, including classes, research, and workshops for workers, unions, and...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Edward DeAngelis, founder of EDA Contractors, which he established in 1999. Under Ed's leadership, EDA has become a top provider in the exterior envelope sector, specializing in roofing, masonry, and architectural wall panels while earning recognition as a top workplace in Philadelphia for six consecutive years. Ed is committed to high-quality work...

In a special "bonus" episode of Labor Lounge Podcast, Q104.3’s Ken Dashow sits down with Co-Hosts Anthony and Cyndie to discuss the inspiration behind the podcast, its mission, and what listeners can expect. They explore how Labor Lounge shines a spotlight on the skilled trades industry, offering real conversations, expert insights, and stories from those shaping the field. You can listen to Ken D...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Reverend Dr. Willie Dwayne Francois III who serves as Senior Pastor of Fountain Baptist Church in Summit, New Jersey and President of the Black Church Center for Justice and Equality—a national think tank and policy advocacy organization. He also serves as Associate Dean of NYTS and Associate Professor of Theology at Union Theological Seminary, whe...

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Joseph Jingoli, Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of JINGOLI, Chairman of DCO Energy, and an owner and investor in a family of companies covering all facets of the construction and energy-related industry. Joe is also a partner in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. With more than four decades of expertise in constructio...

Meet William Sproule, Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS). Bill oversees the development of policies, day-to-day operations, and expansion of work opportunities for union membership for more than 43,000 members across six states and several trade groups. Starting as an apprentice carpenter in 1989, he worked his way up through the ranks...

Meet Labor Lounge Podcast Hosts Anthony Abrantes, Assistant Executive Secretary-Treasurer of Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters (EAS), and Cyndie Williams, Executive Director of Carpenter Contractor Trust (CCT). Tune in to hear them discuss their professional history and vision for Labor Lounge Podcast.  Anthony Abrantes is an accomplished professional who provides invaluable l...