.jpg)
The Obvious Podcast
A podcast presented by the Associated Builders and Contractors Florida East-Coast Chapter (ABC-FEC), where we discuss today's news, economy, and political sphere from a perspective that really should be obvious.
Hosted by ABC-FEC’s Peter Dyga (CEO) and Sonny Maken (COO), each 20-minute episode provides listeners with a quick overview of the week's most pressing issues, cutting through the clutter of conflicting information to deliver clear, concise insights. Whether it’s about regulations or political decisions affecting the construction industry, economic shifts, or conflicting messages from news sources, this podcast strives for a straightforward point of view.
Subscribe now for candid conversations, expert opinions, guest perspectives, and a fresh take on the challenges and opportunities shaping our sector and the nation’s future.
The Obvious Podcast is a production of ABC-FEC. Unless otherwise stated, all content reflects the opinions of the guests and hosts. Each episode is also available in audiovisual format on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3TqIo1G. For comments and questions, email theobvious@abceastflorida.com.
Episodes
101 episodes
Celebrating 100 Episodes
In this special broadcast, Peter and Sonny celebrate the milestone 100th episode of The Obvious Podcast, reflecting on the show's growth, impact, and purpose since its launch in August 2024. They discuss why the podcast was created...
99 - Tourism Vs. Pilgrimage
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the difference between traveling as a tourist and making a pilgrimage, as Peter reflects on his recent spiritual journey through Portugal, Spain and France. The conversation explores faith, leadership, p...
98 - Workforce Development 101 - Part 2
In this episode. Peter and Sonny complete their discussion on the basics of Workforce Development. This is Part 2. They take a deeper look at how registered apprenticeship programs work in Florida and why they remain one of the most effec...
97 - Workforce Development 101 (Part 1)
In this episode, Peter and Sonny break down the terminology, policies, and education models shaping Florida's construction workforce. They explain the differences between workforce development, career and technical education (CTE), vocational t...
96- America’s Semi-Quincentennial
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss America's 250th birthday, the enduring principles behind the Declaration of Independence, and why freedom, meritocracy, entrepreneurship, and free markets continue to shape the nation's success.
95 – Policy vs. Politics
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the critical difference between policy and politics and why that distinction matters to the future of the construction industry. Drawing directly from ABC's founding principles, they explore the merit sh...
94 – Guaranteed Job? Listen to This Episode
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the groundbreaking partnership between ABC and Meta to launch America's Workforce Academy, a first-of-its-kind workforce development initiative designed to address the skilled labor shortage in construct...
93 – Sonny in the Hot Seat
In today’s episode, the roles get reversed. Peter puts Sonny in the hot seat. He asks about pressing topics in the association management world, so listeners can learn his perspective on these issues. They touch on:► M...
92 – Hidden Dangers Facing Your Organization (Part 2)
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the hidden dangers organizations face when they lose sight of their mission, values, and long-term vision. Building on the previous episode, they explore how leaders can identify internal and external th...
91 – Hidden Dangers Facing Your Organization (Part 1)
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss a comment by Tucker Carlson on the Megyn Kelly podcast, in which they both disagree with President Trump over the war in Iran. Yet Sony disputes Carlson’s view that every war fundamentally transforms soc...
90 – Commemorating Memorial Day
In this episode, Peter and Sonny discuss the true meaning of Memorial Day and why it remains one of the most important yet misunderstood American holidays. They reflect on the sacrifices made by U.S. military service members, the distinction be...
89 – Why DC Matters to Your Business
Businesses of every size and why contractors need a stronger voice in federal policy discussions. They break down how government regulation, labor policy, immigration reform, workforce development, and project labor agreements (PLAs) influence ...
88– Social Engineering at the Cost of American Business
In this episode, Peter and Sonny explore how regulatory policies shape today’s business environment and impact the American business. They share insights from Citadel’s CEO, Ken Griffin, on post-election shifts after Donald Trump’s 2024 vict...
87 – Does the End Justify the Means?
In this episode, Peter and Sonny deconstruct the classic Machiavellian quote. They explore the limits on free speech, why and how they should apply, and what is justified to obtain targeted outcomes. They also explain why Peter is wearing th...
86 – Styles Of Communications That Complement Each Other (P3)
In this 3rd and final episode of our series on communications, Peter and Sonny dig deep into how different styles of communication in leadership. They explain how it can still produce solid results as they complement each other toward reachi...
85 – When We can’t Agree on Anything (P2)
In today’s episode, Peter and Sonny continue our series on Communications by delving into when communications are no longer effective. They argue that this starts with the government. It seems like it’s starting in the 80s; we are unable to ...
84 – The Challenges of Communications
In today’s episode, Peter and Sonny start a series of three episodes about communications. What happens when they go right, when they go wrong, when there’s a lack of leadership, etc. Most problems will boil down to communication....
83 – The Real Meaning of Easter
In today’s episode, Peter and Sonny delve into what Easter really is. They touch on its meaning for us, for Christianity, and for the world.The full audiovisual version of this episode is available on YouTube: https://y...
82 – What Qualifies Us to Sit in This Chair
In this episode, Peter and Sonny expand on their areas of expertise. Association management, non-profit institutions, leadership, politics, economics, and more. It is this experience that qualifies our hosts to sit between their chairs and t...
81 – Taking a Stand (Part 2)
n today’s episode, Peter and Sonny concluded the conversation started in episode 79 about our chapter’s legacy in political advocacy. Over the last 50 years, we have taken a stance on what we believe is right, and because of it, our voice is...
80 – Enduring World Peace
In this episode, Peter and Sonny delve into the current conflict in the Middle East. They delve into what the endgame is and how the world must make a small sacrifice, like with gas prices, to achieve a bigger, longer-lasting result that wil...
79 – Taking a Stand (Part 1)
In today’s episode, Peter and Sonny delve into our chapter’s legacy in political advocacy. Over the last 50 years, we have taken a stance on what we think is right, and because of it, our voice is respected. This is the reason why Vice Presi...
78 – Success is Contagious
In this episode, Peter and Sonny delve into how when our country goes well, then our industry goes well. They go through a list of accomplishments from the first year of the current administration and analyze the positive effects they’ve had...
77 – The Importance of Leadership
In this episode, Peter and Sonny recap their trip to San Diego to attend the Kellogg Executive Leadership Forum. They share what they learned about the partnership between the association leaders and the volunteer leaders from the Board of D...
76 – Countercultural by Choice
As America’s flirtation with socialism continues, Peter and Sonny discuss how, in other Latin American countries, things keep getting better with the application of common sense. Rents in Buenos Aires fell after rent control was abolished. E...
