Focus: Establishing credibility through writing, credentials, and training.

Key talking points:

• Writing for trade journals and publications to build authority.
• Getting your first safety designation (COSS, COSM, CSP, etc.).
• Becoming an OSHA-authorized trainer to generate recurring revenue.

Focus: Smart ways to start building your consulting business before leaving your 9-to-5.

Key talking points:

• “Feast-or-famine” income cycles in consulting.
• How to register your company officially and start aging your business entity.
• Ethical side-hustling — avoiding conflicts of interest while building experience.

Focus: How to pick a powerful business name, define your client avatar, and secure your online presence.

Key talking points:

• Choosing a memorable name that speaks to your target market.
• Avoiding ego-driven names that confuse clients.
• Setting up your domain, email, and digital “real estate” like a pro.

This week, Sheldon sits down in person with his friend and fellow safety disruptor, Sam Goodman – The Hop Nerd. Known for his sharp takes on Human & Organizational Performance (HOP), his book Safety Sucks, and his wildly popular “Darrell the Safety Man” YouTube character, Sam brings humor and real-world insight to the conversation.

Together, they dive into:

• The reality of working for yourself (the freedom and the grind).
• Why corporate “safety theater” (like inflatable mascots and wacky campaigns) misses the point.
• The creative process behind Darrell, and how absurd safety moments often come from real-life experiences.
• How leaders can move from “doing safety to people” → to “doing safety with people.”
• Why silence is dangerous in organizations, and how curiosity builds trust.
• The connection between psychological safety, worker mental health, and reducing tragedies in high-risk industries.

It’s candid, funny, and thought-provoking—just what you’d expect when Sheldon and Sam get together.

• “Darrell the Safety Man” is funny because it’s true—most skits are based on real experiences.
• Engagement isn’t costumes, posters, or slogans—it’s giving workers a seat at the table.
• Safety pros must move away from “cop mode” and build trust through curiosity and respect.
• Silence in the workplace is dangerous—leaders must create space where workers feel safe to speak up.
• Worker mental health (and construction suicide rates) must be part of the safety conversation.

Sam Goodman is The Hop Nerd, a leading voice in Human & Organizational Performance, safety culture, and innovative approaches to worker engagement. He’s the author of Safety Sucks, host of The Hop Nerd Podcast, and creator of the satirical YouTube character “Darrell the Safety Man.” Sam uses humor and candor to challenge outdated safety practices while championing human-centered approaches.

Keywords: mental health in safety, suicide in construction, Dr. Jay Allen, Sheldon Primus, safety FM, signal trilogy, ISO 45003, safety podcast, psychological safety, safety and trauma, safety burnout, safety culture, safety systems, behavior-based safety, human and organizational performance, safety and empathy, workplace stress, safety leadership, EHS mental health, construction safety suicide, performance improvement plan, safety management, occupational mental health, safety consultant podcast, safety awareness, safety and music, system pressure, safety book, hop vs bbs, signal transmission trilogy

In this powerful and vulnerable joint episode, Sheldon Primus sits down with Dr. Jay Allen—author of the Signal Transmission trilogy—for a deep conversation on the intersection of mental health, organizational systems, and safety. From system-induced burnout to suicide in construction, they expose the mental toll behind the clipboard.

This is more than a safety episode—it’s a raw, necessary reminder that behind every risk matrix is a human life. Topics include:

• Suicide prevention and stigma in the workplace
• Psychological safety and ISO 45003
• The truth behind performance improvement plans
• Music, trauma, and tattoos as storytelling
• Systemic pressure, empathy, and when it’s time to leave a job

You’ll laugh, reflect, and maybe tear up. This one stays with you.

This week on the Safety Consultant with Sheldon Primus, Sheldon welcomes Rosie De Leon Nogueras, host of Boogie On Rosie Woman. Rosie opens up about her six-year sobriety journey, the challenges of breaking free from toxic relationships, and the surprising role music communities like Phish’s fellowship tables played in her recovery.

Together, Sheldon and Rosie explore:

• The courage it takes to choose yourself and leave unhealthy situations
• How music, fashion, and community can be tools for healing
• Rosie's journey from DUIs and rock bottom to thriving as a podcast host
• The importance of finding your people and support groups in sobriety
• Why positivity and persistence can change your entire path

Rosie’s story is a reminder that safety isn’t just about compliance or consulting—it’s about protecting your whole self.

This week on The Safety Consultant Podcast, Sheldon shares an honest and practical look at what it means to invest in yourself — especially as a safety consultant or aspiring entrepreneur in the EHS world.

Whether you're prepping to leave your job, building up credentials for better contracts, or just trying to stay ahead of the curve, this episode focuses on:

• Why training matters BEFORE opportunity shows up
• How to stack your credentials for proposal success
• Choosing the right certifications for your industry
• Leveraging employer-paid training while you can
• Strategic moves for consultants expanding globally

You’ll also hear Sheldon’s personal journey with international certifications like ISO 45001 and his current work on the OTHM Level 7 diploma with DBHSE International.

🎧 Short episode. Big mindset shift. Let’s level up.

📌 Episode Description

LinkedIn was built for networking—but lately, it feels more like a spam factory. In this episode, Sheldon Primus dives into the frustrating rise of copy-paste sales pitches and constant cold DMs that flood professional inboxes.

With his trademark wit and honesty, Sheldon explains why this approach destroys trust, what authentic networking really looks like, and how you can stand out by building genuine professional relationships. He also shares an update on his new coaching program (Sheldon.Coach) and why the “Know, Like, Trust” principle is still the key to successful consulting.

If you’ve ever felt bombarded on LinkedIn or wondered how to cut through the noise, this episode is for you.

💡 Key Takeaways

• Why LinkedIn is slipping from networking into spam territory.
• The “Know, Like, Trust” principle—and why it’s missing from modern pitches.
• How volume-based sales tactics hurt real connection.
• Sheldon’s experience managing 10,000+ followers (and spam overload).
• Why authentic outreach still beats automation.
• A sneak peek at the Sheldon.Coach soft launch.