Why Union

In this episode of Why Union , we sit down with Martin Helms , Executive Director of Helmets To Hardhats, to talk about the life-changing opportunities available to veterans and transitioning service members through the union skilled trades. Drawing from his own journey from military service to the trades, Helms shares how Helmets to Hardhats helps veterans find purpose, stability, brotherhood, an...

In this episode of Why Union , host Tyler Jeffries kicks off Season 2 with a powerful conversation featuring DeMaurice Smith—former Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, former Assistant United States Attorney, and author of Turf Wars . Releasing on the day of the NFL Draft, Smith reflects on his journey from the courtroom to leading one of the most high-profile unions in the country....

In this episode, we sit down with Elise Bryant (former Executive Director and current board member) and Chris Garlock (current Executive Director) of the Labor Heritage Foundation—a DC-area nonprofit that preserves and promotes U.S. labor history and culture through music, art, theater, and storytelling. Elise and Chris share stories about finding labor art everywhere—from Charlie Chaplin's "Moder...

In this episode of Why Union , host Tyler Jeffries sits down with Sidney and Darwin Bonilla —two brothers whose shared childhood, strong family roots, and cultural identity helped shape their paths to leadership in the labor movement. They reflect on growing up with deep respect for hard work, family, and community, and how those values guided them into the trades and union life. Darwin Bonilla, S...

In Episode Two of Why Union , host Tyler Jeffries sits down with two of labor’s most recognizable voices on social media — Proud Union Guy and Union Proud Warrior — to explore how a new generation is learning about the trades through TikTok and Instagram. With hundreds of thousands of followers and millions of likes between them, Sean and David have built powerful platforms by sharing real, boots-...

In the premiere episode of Why Union , host Tyler Jeffries sits down with Maryland State Senator, union electrician, and author Cory McCray to discuss how an apprenticeship with IBEW Local 24 transformed his life. From his early struggles in Baltimore to his rise as a community leader and legislator, McCray shares how the “earn while you learn” model opened the door to stability, opportunity, and...

The Why Union podcast peels back the layers of the labor movement through honest, unfiltered conversations. Host Tyler Jeffries interviews voices from across the trades and unions, uncovering the stories that shape them. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .