Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Powerline Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Why You Need an Ace in the Hole | Kevin Taylor | 223 | 24 Sep 2026 | 02:00:07 | |
Who do you have in your corner when life starts getting heavy? Ryan sits down with returning guest Kevin Taylor, a longtime lineman who spent nearly 12 years with CenterPoint Energy before heading outside and working on the road for several more years. Kevin first appeared on Powerline Podcast in Episode 76, and this time the conversation goes much deeper into mental health, road life, family, safety, and the people who helped him through some of his hardest seasons. Together, they talk about the reality of isolation on the road, therapy, alcohol, the pressure to appear fine, and why having people you can actually call matters. Kevin shares the idea behind his personal “boardroom,” a small group of trusted people he relies on for different parts of life, and explains how that support system helped change the way he handles difficult moments. Kevin also opens up about the serious 2022 accident that left him in ICU, forced him to relearn everyday tasks, and permanently changed how he thinks about risk, decision-making, and the ripple effect our choices can have on the people around us. He also shares why he started the Ace of Spades Project, built around one goal: helping someone through a place he already knows firsthand. The conversation explores what it really means to have an “ace in the hole,” why sometimes the person struggling will not be the one to reach out first, how road life can amplify isolation, and why one person showing up at the right time can matter more than they realize. Whether you’re a lineman, traveler, foreman, apprentice, spouse, parent, or simply someone trying to show up better for the people around you, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to handle everything alone. If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available.
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUESTS: KEVIN TAYLOR⚡️ TikTok: @aceofspadesproject YouTube: @AceofSpadesProject Instagram: @itskmfit 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| 3 Linemen Have A Very Real Conversation | Christopher Thomas & Clint Vick | 222 | 17 Sep 2026 | 02:04:11 | |
What does brotherhood look like when life gets hard? Ryan sits down with Christopher Thomas and Clint Vick for a deeply personal conversation about mental health, isolation, identity, and what it really means to look out for one another in the trades. Christopher is a Marine Corps veteran and journeyman lineman with more than 15 years in the trade, whose career has evolved into training, leadership, and helping strengthen the culture around the people doing the work. Clint returns to Powerline Podcast for a second time (listen to his first episode here). He is a longtime journeyman lineman whose career has taken him through utility work, barehand transmission, years on the road, leadership, and substation construction. Clint is also a very talented country artist; check out his music here. Both share openly about periods in their lives when they struggled to keep going, the isolation that made those periods harder, and the people who helped simply by showing up and continuing to check in. Together, they talk about the toll of road life, chasing overtime, losing connection at home, moving from the tools into increasingly isolated leadership roles, and tying too much of your identity to the job. More importantly, they talk about what helped: honest conversations, friends who kept calling, finding the right person to talk to, rebuilding purpose, taking care of your physical health, reconnecting with family and community, and creating a culture where checking on someone is simply part of the brotherhood. This episode isn't about having the perfect words. It's about knowing your people, noticing when something changes, making the call, and staying connected. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 in the U.S. or Canada. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUESTS: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS & CLINT VICK⚡️ Christopher's Instagram: @gummy_bears_and_deadlifts Clint's Instagram: @vickclint 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| What If Mental Health Was Treated Like Jobsite Safety? | Wykisha Thomas-McKinney, Nate Strickland & Tyler Smith | 221 | 03 Sep 2026 | 01:30:51 | |
What if mental health was treated with the same urgency as every other jobsite safety risk? Ryan sits down with Wykisha Thomas-McKinney of MATES North America, alongside Nate Strickland and Tyler Smith of Summit Line Construction, for an important conversation about suicide prevention, mental health, and what it really means to look out for the people working beside you. Wykisha is the Program Operations Manager for MATES North America, helping bring the peer-led suicide prevention model into North American construction. Nate is Summit Line Construction's Safety Director and shares both his professional perspective and personal experience with depression and losing close friends to suicide. Tyler is a Senior Project Manager with 23 years in the industry, including roughly 18 years living the realities of field and road work. Together, they unpack some of the pressures that can make construction and line work uniquely challenging: long rotations, isolation, missed family milestones, relationship strain, workplace trauma, substance use, and a culture that has historically told workers to put their game face on and keep moving. The conversation also breaks down the MATES Network of Safety, including General Awareness training, peer Connectors and advanced suicide intervention training designed to put support directly inside the workforce. The goal isn't to turn coworkers into therapists. It's to give people the tools to notice when something is wrong, ask the question, listen, offer support and help someone find the right resources. They also discuss why leaders set the tone for psychologically safer crews, why being vulnerable doesn't make someone less tough, how to check in with a coworker who seems off, and why building a mental-health plan before a crisis can make it easier to know where to turn when things get difficult. Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, foreman, supervisor, safety professional, contractor, leader, spouse or friend, this episode is a reminder that safety doesn't stop at the hard hat. CONTENT NOTE: This episode discusses suicide, suicidal thoughts, depression, substance use, loss and workplace trauma. If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:
Learn more about MATES North America: ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast
⚡️GUESTS: WYKISHA THOMAS-MCKINNEY & NATE STRICKLAND⚡️ LinkedIn: Wykisha Mckinney | Nathaniel Strickland MATES NORTH AMERICA PILOT Website: matesna.org Instagram: @matesnorthamerica TikTok: @matesnorthamerica LinkedIn: MATES North America Pilot Facebook: @MATES North America Pilot 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| How Do You Build a Life Like This? | Dennis Kelly | 220 | 06 Aug 2026 | 01:16:18 | |
What does it take to build a life most people only dream about? Ryan travels to New York to sit down with Dennis Kelly for his third appearance on Powerline Podcast, and this time, they do it in person. Over the course of the visit, Dennis takes Ryan inside the world he has built, from KR Utilities and multiple businesses to airplanes, helicopters, supercars, motorcycles, racing, and the experiences that define his “Live the Lifestyle” mentality. Dennis shares how he went from working in the line trade to building his first fitness centre while working six tens, using every spare hour and available dollar to keep moving forward. He explains why small steps compound, how reputation creates opportunities, why relationships matter, and what it means to live according to your own values instead of someone else’s expectations. This conversation is not about copying Dennis’s lifestyle. It is about deciding what you want your own life to look like and taking practical steps toward it. Dennis breaks down the mindset, work ethic, calculated risks, relationships, and problem-solving that helped him build seven businesses and create a life centred around freedom, progress, and meaningful experiences. Topics covered:
Interested in storm work with KR Utilities? Join the KR Utilities storm list by visiting KRutilities.com. Subscribe to Powerline Podcast for more conversations with the people building careers, businesses, and lives beyond the trade. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUEST: DENNIS KELLY⚡️ Instagram: @denkelly10 | @krutilities LinkedIn: Dennis Kelly | KR Utilities 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| How Does a Company Survive 100 Years? | Rod Paul & Justin Tate | 219 | 23 Jul 2026 | 01:05:19 | |
How does a company survive for 100 years in one of the most niche industries in America? Ryan sits down with Rod Paul, President & CEO of Bashlin Industries, and Justin Tate, leader in Sales & Product Development, to explore the story behind one of the utility industry's most trusted manufacturers. From humble beginnings to becoming a name generations of lineworkers rely on, Bashlin's journey has been defined by one constant: adapting to change. Rod and Justin share how the company has navigated a century of industry shifts through product innovation, customer feedback, leadership transitions, and a commitment to earning trust one product at a time. They also discuss the challenges facing modern manufacturing, including workforce shortages, automation, robotic welding, and what it takes to continue building products in America. The conversation explores why trust is earned through consistency, how companies stay relevant across generations, the importance of listening to customers, and why every successful business eventually reaches another moment where it must adapt or risk being left behind. Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, manufacturer, business owner, or simply interested in leadership and innovation, this episode offers valuable lessons from a company that has spent 100 years evolving alongside the industry it serves. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUESTS: ROD PAUL, JUSTIN TATE & BASHLIN INDUSTRIES⚡️ ROD PAUL / BASHLIN INDUSTRIES Website: bashlin.com Instagram: @bashlininc YouTube: @bashlinindustriesinc.9630 LinkedIn: Bashlin Facebook: Bashlin Industries X: @bashlininc JUSTIN TATE LinkedIn: Justin Tate 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| 3 Myths About Manufacturing Transformers in America | Bart Gaskey & Todd Davis | 218 | 09 Jul 2026 | 01:17:09 | |
Why the electrical industry is entering a decades-long boom. Ryan sits down with Pennsylvania Transformer Technology’s Bart Gaskey and Todd Davis inside one of North America’s largest transformer manufacturing facilities to explore the growing demand for power infrastructure and why the future of the electrical industry has never looked stronger. Bart is a strategic manufacturing leader with decades of experience across transformer manufacturing, grid infrastructure, and large-scale energy projects. Todd is a longtime manufacturing leader who has worked across multiple transformer manufacturers and now helps lead operations at Pennsylvania Transformer Technology. Together, they break down the myths surrounding American transformer manufacturing, explain why massive investments are flowing back into domestic production, and reveal how AI, data centers, electrification, renewable energy, and grid expansion are creating one of the biggest opportunities the electrical industry has seen in decades. The conversation explores why transformers are far more complex than most people realize, what it takes to build equipment that powers millions of homes and businesses, how Pennsylvania Transformer Technology is preparing for the future with major facility expansions, and why hundreds of new careers are opening for the next generation of skilled tradespeople. Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, engineer, contractor, manufacturer, student, or simply curious about the future of North America’s electrical grid, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important industries most people never get to see. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUESTS: BART GASKEY, TODD DAVIS & PENNSYLVANIA TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY LLC (PTT)⚡️ BART GASKEY LinkedIn: Bart Gaskey TODD DAVIS LinkedIn: Todd Davis PENNSYLVANIA TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY LLC (PTT) Instagram:@patransformer TikTok: @pennsylvania.transformer YouTube: @PATransformer LinkedIn: Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC (PTT) Facebook: @PATransformer Website: https://www.patransformer.com/ 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| How Do You Become Someone People Want to Follow? | Randy Smith & Brian Allen | 217 | 02 Jul 2026 | 01:06:43 | |
What does it take to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow? Ryan sits down with Randy Smith and Brian Allen, two leadership development professionals with decades of experience helping organizations build stronger teams, develop future leaders, and create lasting workplace cultures. From coaching supervisors and designing leadership programs to working alongside field operations and preparing the next generation of leaders, Randy and Brian share the lessons they’ve learned about earning trust, developing people, and leading with intention. The conversation explores why leadership should begin long before a promotion, how engaged leaders create stronger crews, why mentorship and communication matter more than ever, and how AI can become a valuable tool without replacing the experience, judgment, and relationships that define the trades. Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor, or executive, this episode offers practical insights on developing leadership skills, building stronger teams, and preparing the next generation of the workforce. 🔔 If you work in the pipe, sheet metal, or mechanical trades, be sure to follow The Pipeline Podcast as Randy and Brian launch their new show dedicated to sharing stories from the field, celebrating their people, and developing the next generation of leaders. Going live with Episode 1 in the next few weeks! 🔔 Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| Father & Son Linemen on the Future of the Trade | ISS 2026 Perspectives Panel | 216 | 18 Jun 2026 | 00:41:54 | |
What responsibility do we have to the next generation entering the trade? In this special episode, Ryan shares a live recording from the Perspectives Panel at the 2026 Infrastructure Safety Symposium (ISS), where he moderated a discussion on one of the industry’s most important challenges: generational knowledge transfer. Featuring two father-son duos from the utility industry, the panel brings together leaders, journeymen, and apprentices to explore how experience, leadership, and safety knowledge can be passed down as skilled workers retire and younger crews step into larger roles earlier in their careers. Carey Kostyk, President of Valard Construction, joins his son Pat Kostyk, Journeyman Lineman at Valard Construction, alongside Jeff Ziemba, Manager of Contractor Safety at Pepco Holdings Inc., and his son Jeffrey Ziemba, 4th Year Apprentice Lineman at Delmarva Power. Together, they discuss the realities of entering the trade, the importance of mentorship, why communication and trust matter, and how organizations can help bridge the experience gap while building a safer future for the next generation of lineworkers. Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or industry leader, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on developing future leaders and ensuring critical lessons aren’t lost as the trade evolves. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUESTS: CAREY KOSTYK, JEFF ZIEMBA & VALARD CONSTRUCTION⚡️ CAREY KOSTYK LinkedIn: Carey Kostyk JEFF ZIEMBA LinkedIn: Jeff Ziemba VALARD CONSTRUCTION Instagram: @valardconstruction LinkedIn: Valard Construction 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| The Lineman Who Wants To Change The Industry | Matt Ferguson | 215 | 11 Jun 2026 | 01:10:33 | |
What does it take to turn a simple idea into something that could change an entire industry? Ryan sits down with Matt Ferguson, a journeyman lineman, storm worker, and inventor who spent years working in the field before developing a safer approach to one of the most common tasks crews perform every day. From chasing opportunities to break into the trade, to working long hours on storm restoration, to surviving early setbacks as an apprentice, Matt shares the experiences that shaped both his career and his perspective on safety. The conversation explores why some of the best innovations come from the people doing the work, how a chain from Home Depot and an old set of pole tongs sparked an idea in his dad’s garage, and why challenging “the way it’s always been done” is critical to moving the industry forward. Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or someone looking to make a difference in your trade, this episode is a reminder that small ideas can have a big impact. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUEST: MATT FERGUSON⚡️ LinkedIn: Matthew Ferguson 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| Drilling Is More Art Than Science | Jake Brown, Brad Minerick & Jonathan Pipsair | 214 | 04 Jun 2026 | 01:46:52 | |
What happens before a single power line ever goes up? Ryan sits down with Jake Brown, Brad Minerick, and Jonathan Pipsair to pull back the curtain on foundation drilling, one of the most important and least understood trades in the utility industry. Jake is a VP-level drilling operations leader overseeing projects across North America. Brad is a superintendent who has spent years balancing road life, family, and leadership in the field. Jonathan brings more than 40 years of experience in foundation drilling, including marine and amphibious projects throughout the Everglades and Louisiana. Together, they share what decades in the trade have taught them about road life, family sacrifice, career growth, leadership, and the hidden work that happens long before the lights turn on. The conversation explores why drilling is more art than science, what most people never see behind reliable power, the realities of spending years on the road, and why the higher you climb the ladder, the more you should understand what you're asking for. Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or simply curious about the people who build the infrastructure around us, this episode offers a rare look into the foundation of line work. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| The Realities of Being a Powerline Apprentice in 2026 | Shayla Gaffney | 213 | 28 May 2026 | 01:10:39 | |
What does it actually take to become a good powerline apprentice in 2026, and why are so many young apprentices feeling behind before they’ve even really started? Ryan sits down with Shayla Gaffney, a final-year powerline apprentice and content creator, sharing a more honest look at what apprenticeship actually feels like for the next generation entering the trade. From line school and storm work to learning under pressure and finding the right crew, Shayla speaks openly about the reality of becoming good at something that takes years to master. They dig into why apprentices can’t rush the process, the pressure of constantly feeling behind, the importance of crew culture and mentorship, and how the right foreman can completely change an apprentice’s confidence and future in the trade. Shayla also shares lessons from storm work, learning by watching experienced linemen, and why good apprentices focus less on chasing the title and more on earning trust over time. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUEST: SHAYLA GAFFNEY⚡️ Instagram: @shaygaff.co TikTok: @shaygaff.co 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| Why the Best Foremen Refuse the Title | Andrew Morgan | 212 | 21 May 2026 | 02:16:28 | |
Why are so many good foremen burning out? Ryan sits down with Andrew Morgan, a Texas distribution foreman lineman who came up working backyards, reconductors, and storm work. From climbing poles as an apprentice to leading crews in the field, Andrew speaks from years of experience building and maintaining the power grid. Together, they dig into the controlled chaos of line work, why today’s foremen are losing the time needed to mentor the next generation, what “bodies in the bucket” really means for the trade, and the leadership burden most people outside the industry never see. Andrew’s reflection on the Quanta Elite call: “I didn’t turn those wrenches. I didn’t sag that wire. I just gave them a path.” reframes leadership in the trades in a way every crew leader will recognize. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUEST: ANDREW MORGAN⚡️ Instagram: @andrewmorgan19 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| His Dad Was Inside the Towers on 9/11 (Almost). He Built the Freedom Tower. | Josh Nieves | 211 | 14 May 2026 | 01:44:16 | |
What does it actually take to make it in the trades? What is the industry getting wrong about the next generation coming up behind us? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Josh Nieves, a New York City-raised IBEW Local 3 master electrician and the youngest card-carrying superintendent in the local's 15,000-member history. Josh's father, a Light Heavyweight Golden Glove champion turned signatory contractor, had maintenance contracts inside both World Trade Center towers on 9/11 and survived only because of a doctor's appointment that morning. Years later, at 24 years old, Josh got the call to be sub-foreman on the Freedom Tower while standing on top of the Empire State Building looking directly at the build. Together, Josh and Ryan dig into what a real union meeting looks like when brotherhood is alive and well, the leadership gap that's quietly eroding organized labor from the inside, why Josh sold his brand new house to buy a 160-acre farm in search of purpose, how he built a coaching practice and workforce development career from a single LinkedIn post, and what every contractor needs to hear about recruiting the next generation. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast ⚡️GUEST: JOSH NIEVES⚡️ LinkedIn: Josh Nieves Instagram: @joshnieves_ 🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️ Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| What It Really Means To Be Union | Lori Maclean | 210 | 01 May 2026 | 01:29:23 | |
What does it really mean to be union, and what does it take to make the brotherhood worth fighting for? In this episode, Ryan sits down with Lori Maclean, a former BC Hydro HR professional and IBEW Local 258 staff member turned business manager candidate, who brings a rare dual perspective from both sides of the table. As a mother of two journeyman linemen, Lori's connection to the trade runs deep, and she doesn't hold back on what it takes to strengthen the union from the inside out. Together, they dig into what a strong hall really looks like, why brotherhood and community are the IBEW's greatest assets, how mental health support needs to become a bigger priority for the union, and why showing up for your members has to mean more than just showing up at contract time. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| A Letter to Linemen and their Families | Happy National Lineman Appreciation Day | 209 | 18 Apr 2026 | 00:05:58 | |
April 18th is National Lineman Appreciation Day. This episode is for the ones who got the call at 2 in the morning. The ones who kissed their sleeping kids on the forehead and drove toward the storm. This is a solo episode, no guest, just Ryan. Short and intentional. Because some things don't need to be long. They just need to be true. Ryan draws on 15 years in the trade, responding to storms across North America and performing barehand work on energized 500kV lines, to talk about what linemen actually do, what they give up, and why the trade gets into your blood and stays there. He also speaks directly to the linemen listening, the ones who never needed a parade, but deserve to hear it said clearly: thank you. If you're a lineman, or you love one, share this. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| The Leadership Lesson Every Young Worker Needs | 208 | 09 Apr 2026 | 01:22:28 | |
What does it actually take to step into the workforce and earn respect from day one? In this special panel episode, Ryan hosts a diverse group of leaders at the LazyQ Ranch for a candid conversation with high school rodeo athletes preparing to enter the world beyond the arena. The panel brings together a World Champion Barrel Racer, Jordon Briggs, a 24-Time World Champion Roper, Jackie Crawford, a Marine Corps Veteran & Quanta Services Veteran Advisor, Donny Farmer, a 26-Year Journeyman Lineman & Quanta Services Superintendent, Kyle Seaward, and a 28-Year Journeyman Lineman & Quanta Energized Services Advisor, Rob Mitchell, all sharing the hard-earned lessons they wish someone had told them starting out. Together they dig into what real leadership looks like before you ever get a job title, how your reputation will follow you everywhere in a trade that's smaller than you think, why emotional control is a skill as important as any technical one, and how gratitude, punctuality, and follow-through can separate you from the crowd faster than talent alone. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| How He Became A Lineman After Losing His Leg | Brandon Crawford | 207 | 26 Mar 2026 | 01:05:09 | |
What would you do if you lost your leg at 15 and then decided to become a lineman? That's exactly what Brandon Crawford did. Born and raised in Arkansas, Brandon lost his leg below the knee in an ATV accident the week before 10th grade. Doctors gave his family a choice: amputate now, or try to save it and risk losing it anyway. They chose to try and he lost it regardless. He never looked back. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Brandon for a raw, honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a life in this trade when the odds are stacked against you. Brandon talks about climbing poles on a prosthetic leg, earning respect the hard way, his battle with PTSD, and why his wife's ultimatum may have saved his life. He opens up about storm work, brotherhood, the guys who shaped him, and why he's passionate about safety culture and training the next generation the right way. This isn't an inspirational poster. It's a real story about a real lineman and it'll hit home for anyone who's ever been told what they can't do. Topics covered:
✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 Instagram: @powerlinepodcast TikTok: @powerlinepodcast YouTube: @powerlinepodcast LinkedIn: Powerline Podcast Facebook: @Powerline-Podcast HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucas LinkedIn: Ryan Lucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 | |||
| What Rodeo Taught JJ Harrison About Crew Culture | 206 | 19 Mar 2026 | 01:11:06 | |
Ryan sits down with JJ Harrison, pro rodeo clown, master communicator, and Quanta Services ambassador for one of the most unexpected and inspiring conversations in Powerline Podcast history.JJ has spent 20+ years performing at the highest levels of pro rodeo, including the National Finals. He's a stand-up comedian on the world's most dangerous stage, dodging bulls while keeping thousands entertained. But underneath the painted face and the football bits is a former schoolteacher with a master's degree, a guy who really gets people, and has found a powerful mission bridging the rodeo world with the skilled trades.In this episode, JJ breaks down what it takes to communicate like a pro, how crew culture in the arena mirrors life on a job site, what "crew flu" does to a team, and why he's all-in on Quanta Services and the Quanta Express stagecoach program. He talks about the line school at LazyQ, scholarships for the next generation, and why linemen deserve the same celebration as soldiers and first responders.Topics covered:- JJ's path from teacher to rodeo clown to Quanta ambassador.- Communication skills every tradesman needs.- Crew culture, "crew flu," and team-first leadership.- The Quanta Express stagecoach and its mission in the trades.- LazyQ Ranch line school and next-gen workforce development.- Why supply and demand makes the trades the best career decision right now.- Physical longevity, recovery, and why you have to keep moving.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱TikTok: / powerlinepodcast Instagram: / powerlinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / powerline-podcast Twitter: / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com | |||
| Why the Trades Are About to Explode in Opportunity | Tyrel Crystal | 205 | 12 Mar 2026 | 00:41:36 | |
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Tyrel Crystal for a candid conversation that bridges the gap between the line side and the civil/underground world and why understanding each other’s work matters more than ever.Tyrel shares what it’s been like watching the “door get kicked open” with Quanta-level opportunity, going from underground utilities and civil work into larger-scale projects like ROW development, pad sites, pole sites, and major infrastructure builds. From leadership lessons to real talk about discipline, communication, and growth, this one is packed with takeaways you can apply on any crew, in any craft.In this episode we get into:- What civil + underground crews do that line crews don’t always see- How Quanta opens up a bigger “menu” of opportunities (and what you do with it)- The Elite Foreman conversation: leadership, trust, and why foremen are the “quarterbacks”- Why discipline beats motivation (and what that looks like on the job)- Saying yes to the little reps that lead to the big rooms- How line + civil teams can work better together through effective communication.- What Tyrel is most excited about heading into 2026: data centers, gas/power generation, aging infrastructure, and long-run utility replacement.- What kind of people crews need right now: attitude, work ethic, humility, willingness to learnIf you’re a foreman (or want to be), a young hand trying to level up, or someone who wants a clearer picture of how these projects come together, this one’s for you.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱TikTok: / powerlinepodcast Instagram: / powerlinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / powerline-podcast Twitter: / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com | |||
| He Didn’t Choose College After High School. Here’s What Happened Next | Hudson Lucas | 204 | 05 Mar 2026 | 00:28:32 | |
In October 2025, Hudson and I attended the International Lineman’s Rodeo. At the time, he had just graduated high school. College didn’t feel like the right path. He was unsure what came next. Like so many young people today, he felt the weight of expectation but not the clarity of direction. In this episode, we sit down and talk honestly about where he’s at. We talk about school. ADHD. Dyslexia. Pressure. Identity. The experience at the Rodeo. What surprised him. What shifted. And what he thinks his next steps might be. This isn’t a polished success story. It’s a real conversation about being 18 and trying to figure out your life. If you’re young and unsure what comes next, this episode is for you. If you’re a parent navigating these conversations at home, this episode is for you. If you believe there are meaningful paths outside the traditional college route, this episode is for you. Sometimes clarity doesn’t come all at once. Sometimes it starts with a conversation. | |||
| Why Linemen Must Be Visible Online | Jesse McKeral | 203 | 19 Feb 2026 | 01:19:48 | |
Jesse McKeral isn’t just a lineman. He’s a teacher. A safety leader. And one of the most recognizable voices in the trade online through his platform @afewclickslow. In this episode of the Powerline Podcast, we talk about: • What mentors did right and wrong when we were coming up • The biggest mistakes apprentices are making today • Why safety and operations shouldn’t be at odds • What linemen misunderstand about moving into leadership • How social media is changing the way the trade learns • And why visibility matters more than ever for the future of linework Jesse shares honest lessons from the pole, the classroom, and the safety side of the industry. If you care about training better apprentices, building trust in safety roles, and elevating the next generation of linemen this one’s for you. | |||
| Leading Through Communication: Risk, Complacency & Culture in the Trades | Alex Lacey | 202 | 12 Feb 2026 | 01:10:55 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Lacey to talk about leadership, risk, and why communication – not compliance – is what actually keeps crews safe. We unpack the current state of safety in the trades, why memorizing rules isn’t the same as understanding risk, and how complacency quietly creeps into even the most experienced crews. Alex breaks down how leaders can explain risk in a way that actually lands, what the data says that most people miss, and why culture ultimately determines whether a crew thrives or drifts into cruise control. 🎧 Topics include: • Why understanding risk matters more than memorizing procedures • What causes complacency in experienced workers • The communication gap between leadership and the field • How to build honest bottom-up dialogue • Coaching people out of cruise-control mode • Leadership habits that immediately improve crew safety • Personal growth and mindset in high-risk industries This episode is for foremen, supervisors, safety professionals, and anyone who wants to lead people–not just enforce rules. | |||
| Inside APS’s Safety Coach Program: How Human Performance Is Changing Safety | Vinney Massey & Darrell Yoakum | 201 | 03 Feb 2026 | 01:11:15 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with safety professionals from Arizona Public Service to unpack a different way of thinking about safety, one rooted in Human and Organizational Performance (HOP) and the belief that error is normal, learning is vital, and blame doesn’t improve work. We explore how HOP shows up in real-world, high-risk environments like linework and substations, why traditional safety approaches often fall short, and how APS’s Safety Coach Program is helping shift safety culture from compliance to learning. This conversation goes deep into trust, accountability without blame, and how crews move from feeling like “the problem” to becoming part of the solution. The group shares hard-earned lessons from decades in the trade, from working the tools, to foreman roles, to shaping safety culture at scale. We talk openly about resistance in the field, measuring impact beyond incident rates, and what it really takes to build a learning organization where people feel safe to speak up. 🎧 Topics include: • Human & Organizational Performance explained • Why error is normal in complex work • Accountability vs blame • The APS Safety Coach Program • Building trust between safety and crews • Creating a true learning culture • The future of safety in the trades This episode is for anyone who’s tired of safety being treated like paperwork and ready to talk about how work actually gets done by people. | |||
| High-Risk, High-Responsibility: Inside the World of Substation Work | Juan Huerta & Beau Tubbs | 200 | 29 Jan 2026 | 01:11:20 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Juan Huerta and Beau Tubbs from Arizona Public Service for a deep dive into the world of substation work—one of the most critical, high-risk, and least understood parts of the power system. We unpack what a real day in the life of a substation electrician looks like, why precision matters when the margin for error is slim, and how trust, communication, and accountability show up differently inside a substation than out on the line. This conversation goes beyond job titles and into the weight of responsibility that comes with working where everything connects. Juan and Beau also share hard-earned lessons on collaboration between crafts, “failing safely,” teaching complex systems to apprentices, and creating environments where crews feel comfortable speaking up when something doesn’t feel right. We also talk candidly about stress, mental health, and what it takes to stay sharp—both on the job and at home. 🎧 Topics include: • A day in the life of substation professionals • Why substations are critical to grid reliability • Trust and communication in high-risk environments • Collaboration across multiple crafts • Teaching, mentoring, and passing knowledge forward • Mental health and stress in high-responsibility roles Whether you work in substations, linework, or anywhere in the trades, this episode offers a rare inside look at the people and precision that keep the grid running. | |||
| What It Really Takes to Build Trust, Culture, and Strong Crews | APS Foremen Roundtable | 27 Jan 2026 | 00:59:17 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with APS foremen Casey Lozier, Eric Eager, and Andrew Schonhoff for an honest roundtable conversation about what really holds crews together in the trade. We talk openly about trust, mentorship, brotherhood, and the human side of being responsible for people — not just production. This conversation goes beyond the job and into the realities foremen face every day: balancing expectations, teaching the next generation, handling conflict, supporting mental health, and creating crews where people actually want to show up and work for each other. The panel shares lessons learned the hard way, stories from the field, and practical insight on how culture is built through small daily actions — not titles or speeches. This episode is for anyone who’s ever worked on a crew, led one, or is about to step into more responsibility in the trade. 🎧 Topics include: • Building trust on crews • Teaching and mentoring apprentices • Brotherhood and crew culture • Mental health on the job• Conflict resolution and communication • What foremen wish they’d learned earlier Whether you’re on the tools, running a crew, or moving toward more responsibility, this episode offers a rare look at the conversations that matter most in the field — but don’t always get said out loud. | |||
| Craft Labor Professionals: How Trust, Brotherhood, and Accountability Are Earned | 198 | 22 Jan 2026 | 01:11:54 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Brian "Biscuit" Alston, Artie Garcia, and Todd Wilson from Arizona Public Service for a raw conversation about what really changes when the work stops being just about you and starts being about everyone else. We talk about the moment responsibility shifts, how trust is earned from crews who used to be your peers, and why brotherhood still matters in a trade that demands both accountability and care for the people beside you. This isn’t about titles it’s about ownership, respect, and carrying the trade forward the right way. The conversation covers mentorship, culture, hard decisions, mistakes, and the unseen weight that comes with being responsible for people, production, and safety. Whether you’re still on the tools or stepping into more responsibility, this episode speaks directly to that transition every tradesperson eventually faces. 🎧 Topics include: • The responsibility shift from tools to people • Earning respect without titles • Brotherhood, culture, and accountability • Mentoring the next generation • Hard lessons learned on the job • Carrying the trade forward with pride | |||
| Electric Utility Executive: How to Lead in Today’s Energy Industry | Mackenzie Rodgers | 197 | 20 Jan 2026 | 01:02:43 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Mackenzie Rodgers, Vice President of Transmission & Distribution Operations at Arizona Public Service, for a powerful conversation on leadership, legacy, and long-term growth in the utility industry.Mackenzie shares her journey from interning at APS to stepping into a VP role—along with the lessons she learned along the way that continue to shape how she leads today. We talk about the influence of family legacy, earning trust in the field, making decisions under pressure, and what it really takes to grow as a leader without losing connection to the crews doing the work.We also dive into what it’s like to lead in a traditionally male-dominated industry, how respect is built over time, the role mentorship plays in developing future leaders, and what Mackenzie believes APS is doing well—and where there’s still room to grow.This episode is packed with insight for anyone in the trades, utilities, or construction industry—whether you’re just starting out, leading crews in the field, or navigating leadership at the executive level. | |||
| Power Industry Expert: Karl Studer, The TRADES are the place to be for years to come! | 196 | 15 Jan 2026 | 01:21:17 | |
Karl Studer’s story is one of grit, vision, and staying rooted in where you came from. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan sits down with Karl Studer, Executive Vice President Electric for Quanta Services, to unpack his journey from growing up on a ranch in Idaho to becoming a lineman, building and scaling his own power line companies, and ultimately stepping into executive leadership at one of the largest infrastructure companies in the world. Karl shares the lessons he learned early on in the field, what it really takes to start and grow a line company, and how his time on the tools shaped the leader he is today. We dive into leadership, safety, culture, fatherhood, and why staying connected to the craft matters even at the highest levels of the organization. This conversation is about more than titles and success. It’s about work ethic, responsibility, building people, and leaving the trade better than you found it. If you’re a lineman, an apprentice, a foreman, or someone who believes in the long-term value of the trades, this episode will resonate. | |||
| Elden Rivas | The Mistakes That Almost Ended His Career and How He Never Gave Up | 195 | 09 Jan 2026 | 01:40:04 | |
In this episode, Ryan sits down with Elden Rivas — a Houston-based lineman from North Houston Pole Line, dedicated family man, and someone who takes his craft and his health seriously. Elden shares where his journey began, how he found his way into the line trade, and the mentors and moments that shaped him. We talk about balancing family with long days, why discipline matters, and how focusing on health has transformed both his life and his work in the field. This conversation is for every young person looking for direction, every lineman trying to stay sharp, and every parent working hard to build a legacy for their family. Elden’s story is proof that you can show up strong at work, strong at home, and still grow into the person you’re becoming. | |||
| America's Favorite Lineman | Austin Carr | 194 | 12 Dec 2025 | 00:31:26 | |
Austin Carr is a lineman from Florida and goes by the name America's Favorite Lineman on social media. I caught up with Austin for a quick tailgate sit down interview at the International Lineman's Rodeo. He shared his journey into the trade, advice for young apprentices and linemen, and how social media has changed his life in a positive way. We even talked about money and how the most money he ever made in a single day didn't come directly from line work. | |||
| Why a Pro BMX Racer Chose The Line Trade | Walker Finch's Story | 193 | 04 Dec 2025 | 01:14:09 | |
Walker Finch grew up chasing podiums as a professional BMX racer – now he’s chasing a career that gives him purpose, brotherhood, and a future. In this episode, we explore Walker’s transition from the athlete lifestyle into the blue-collar trades, his years in construction and water utilities, his decision to attend line school, and how living the western lifestyle shaped his values and path. Walker’s story is a message to every young person, every former athlete, and every kid looking for direction after school or sport: there is a life waiting for you in the trades. This is a raw, honest look at identity, mindset, grit, and the journey to becoming a lineman. | |||
| 192 | Lineman and Skydiving record holder | Adam Boggio | 20 Nov 2025 | 01:29:12 | |
Adam Boggio lives two lives most people could never imagine: one on the lines and one in the sky. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we dive deep into Adam’s journey as a lineman, how he stepped into the world of professional skydiving, the near misses, the mindset, the fear, and the moments that changed him. Adam opens up about mastering risk, trusting your crew, building courage, and the power of choosing a life that pushes you every single day. If you’re a lineman, an adrenaline junkie, or someone searching for purpose this episode will hit home. | |||
| How to Escape a Toxic Job and Build Wealth with Real Estate | Kassidy Warren | 191 | 06 Nov 2025 | 01:29:39 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Kassidy Warren who went from a career in the electrical industry to building financial freedom through real estate investing. After experiencing the pressures of corporate life and burnout, he made a life-changing pivot transforming mindset, health, and career along the way. We break down the lessons he carried from the trades into entrepreneurship, the mindset shifts needed to escape a toxic job, and how he built a thriving portfolio of short-term rentals and boutique hotels. He also shares a step-by-step masterclass on how anyone with a W2 job can launch their first STR in the next 12 months. If you’re stuck in a job that’s draining you, curious about STR investing, or ready to scale into true financial freedom, this episode is packed with insights and action steps you can use right now. Disclaimer: The information shared in this episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. Neither the host nor the guest are providing financial, investment, or legal advice. Always do your own research and consult with a licensed professional before making any financial decisions. Any strategies or examples discussed are personal experiences and may not be suitable for your situation. | |||
| Step & Touch Potential | The Simulator Changing Safety Training | Steve Kopp | 190 | 30 Oct 2025 | 00:55:52 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Steve Kopp, VP of Safety, Health, & Environmental with MJ Electric and the creator of the Step & Touch Potential Simulator an innovation that’s transforming how linemen learn grounding and bonding. Steve shares his career journey in electrical safety, the difference between “safety on paper” and real jobsite culture, and the mindsets that keep crews accountable. We then dig into the process of creating the simulator from the “aha” moment to prototyping, testing, and earning Quanta’s CEO Innovation Award. Finally, Steve talks about the real-world impact this tool is having across the industry, what’s next for safety training, and his advice for anyone looking to bring new ideas into the trades. Whether you’re in the line trade, in safety, or just curious about how innovation comes to life in the field, this episode offers valuable lessons. | |||
| Building Crews, Culture & Careers in Utility Construction | Mike Blandin | 189 | 23 Oct 2025 | 00:57:55 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Mike Blandin, a foreman with Canadian Utility Construction (CUC), part of Quanta Services. Mike shares his journey in civil and gas utility construction, from breaking into the trade to leading crews on major projects across Canada. We dive into leadership lessons from the field, the realities of running a crew, and what separates a good foreman from a great one. Mike also opens up about crew culture, communication, and mental health in the trades, plus what it takes to stay grounded while managing the pressure of production and safety. Finally, we look ahead at the future of civil and gas utility work in Canada and how being part of Quanta Services connects CUC and its crews to something much bigger. Whether you’re in the trades, curious about utility construction, or looking for leadership wisdom, this conversation delivers real insights straight from the jobsite.
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| Journeyman Gear | How a Lineman Turned Jobsite Ideas into a Business | Jared Greenlee | 188 | 16 Oct 2025 | 01:36:36 | |
In this episode, I sit down with Jared Greenlee a second-generation IBEW journeyman lineman, storm hand, and the founder of Journeyman Gear. Jared shares his story of growing up in the trade, committing two decades to storm response, and ultimately turning his jobsite experience into a fast-growing tool brand. We cover everything from the mindsets that separate apprentices from journeymen, to the process of moving from idea to product launch, to how Journeyman Gear tools are improving safety and efficiency on real jobsites. Jared also offers candid advice for tradespeople who want to start something of their own whether it’s a tool, a service, or a business. If you’re a lineman, in the trades, or curious about how innovation comes straight from the field, this conversation will inspire you. | |||
| The Pressure Every Lineman Feels (But Few Talk About) | Dean Bell | 187 | 09 Oct 2025 | 01:00:42 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan sits down with Dean Bell, a veteran lineman and foreman with decades in the trade. Dean pulls no punches as he shares what separates good leaders from great ones, how to earn trust under pressure, and why money, mindset, and mental health are the real make-or-break factors in this industry. From raw lessons learned on the job to advice every apprentice and foreman needs to hear, this is a conversation about leadership, longevity, and the truth about life in the line trade. | |||
| The Pilot That Turned a Crisis Into a Real Estate Empire Worth Millions | Steve Rozenberg | 186 | 25 Sep 2025 | 01:15:47 | |
Steve Rozenberg went from flying international jets to building one of the fastest-growing property management companies in the U.S. scaling to over 1,000 units before making a successful exit. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we dive deep into:
If you’re in the trades, an aspiring entrepreneur, or just someone looking to turn setbacks into opportunities, Steve’s story is packed with lessons on resilience, leadership, and building lasting impact. Connect with Steve Rozenberg: https://steverozenberg.com/ 🎙️ Subscribe for more interviews with leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators shaping the trades. | |||
| The App That Could Change the Trades Forever (JNCTN) | 185 | Alex Wakeland, Dan Stemp, Benjamin Moore | 18 Sep 2025 | 01:26:25 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Wakeland, Dan Stemp, and Benjamin Moore from JNCTN, the team behind a groundbreaking digital credential system for the trades. We dive into the real problem of verifying training and certifications on jobsites, how JNCTN’s technology works, and why it matters for safety, compliance, and efficiency. From reducing fraud and onboarding delays to helping crews deploy faster in emergencies, this conversation shows how digital credentials could transform the future of work in the trades. Whether you’re a contractor, union member, or apprentice, you’ll want to hear how this app could change the game. | |||
| The Surprising Way the Trades Can Launch You Beyond the Line | Alex Wakeland | 184 | 03 Sep 2025 | 01:54:17 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Alex Wakeland a General Foreman, content creator, and tech innovator who’s proving the trades can open doors far beyond the job site. We dive into what it really takes to build high-performing crews, the leadership lessons that stick, and how skills learned on the line can become a launchpad into tech, innovation, and bigger opportunities. From crew culture and safety to social media, AI, and the next generation of linemen this conversation is packed with insights every apprentice, journeyman, or leader needs to hear.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱TikTok: / powerlinepodcast Instagram: / powerlinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn: / powerline-podcast Twitter: / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com | |||
| Nobody Tells You THIS About Becoming a Lineman… | Brandon Fiscus | 183 | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:59:06 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Fiscus, a lineman turned senior leader at Allteck who now oversees recruiting, apprenticeship, and union workforce development. Brandon shares hard-earned lessons from over 20 years in the trade covering everything from leadership and crew culture to mental health, money mistakes, and what it really takes to succeed long-term in line industry. If you’re an apprentice, a journeyman, or anyone looking to grow in the trade, this conversation is packed with the advice you won’t find in a textbook. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱 TikTok: / powerlinepodcast Instagram: / powerlinepodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?... LinkedIn: / powerline-podcast Twitter: / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCAS Instagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥 Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com | |||
| What the Next Generation of Linemen Need to Hear | Chase Anderson | 182 | 15 Aug 2025 | 01:09:37 | |
Chase Anderson has been leading in the powerline trade for years, earning respect in one of the toughest industries out there. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we go deep on what real leadership looks like on the job, why mental health in the trades can’t be ignored, and where the future of line work in Canada is headed. We also talk about the opportunities young linemen should be paying attention to right now, the challenges crews face in the field, and the lessons Chase has learned from years of leading under pressure. If you’re in the trade—or thinking about joining—this episode is packed with honest, hard-earned advice from someone who’s been there. | |||
| 181 | Wind at Work | Karissa Murillo & Chris Bruner on Renewables, Leadership & the Future of Energy | 19 Jun 2025 | 00:53:01 | |
What does it take to build one of the largest renewable energy projects in U.S. history? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we head into the wind side of SunZia with Karissa Murillo and Chris Bruner of Blattner. Together, they break down the scale, coordination, and leadership it takes to install hundreds of turbines across remote terrain, and why this work is about more than just clean power. Karissa and Chris talk about the team dynamics, culture, and communication challenges on a job this size, and how leading people well can be just as important as hitting production goals. They also share what surprised them about the powerline world and what they wish the trades knew about each other. Whether you're on the line or in renewables, this episode connects the dots on the future of the industry, and the people powering it. | |||
| 180 | Leading from the Ground Up | Gabe McCoy on Crew Culture, Growth & the SunZia Experience | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:54:32 | |
Gabe McCoy didn’t plan to become a foreman, but the job had other plans.In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Gabe opens up about his journey from groundman to respected leader on one of the most ambitious transmission projects in the country: SunZia. He shares the growing pains of stepping into leadership, what it takes to truly earn your crew’s trust, and why building team culture is more than just getting the job done. For Gabe, leadership is about showing up, reaching out, and being someone worth following - on the good days and the hard ones. If you’re in the trade, leading a crew, or trying to become the kind of lineman others remember, you’ll want to hear this one. | |||
| 179 | The Weight of the Role | Josh Price on Leadership, Legacy & the Reality of Running a Crew | 29 May 2025 | 00:41:07 | |
Josh Price isn’t just running a crew, he’s building a legacy. In this episode, Josh shares his path from small-town lineman to foreman on the SunZia project, the largest renewable energy transmission project in U.S. history. He opens up about the responsibility that comes with leading others, the difference between running a crew and truly leading one, and how staying grounded: mentally, physically, and emotionally, makes or breaks the job. From helicopter-only access in remote terrain to the quiet pressure of knowing your crew is watching every move, you’ll hear what leadership really looks like in the field. | |||
| 178 | Building the Standard | Shawn Scribner on Leadership, Safety & Growth in the Trades | 15 May 2025 | 01:00:03 | |
What does it take to lead in today’s environment? In this mobile episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas hits the road with foreman Shawn Scribner for a ride-along through the SunZia project, the largest renewable energy infrastructure project in North America. From the driver’s seat, Shawn opens up about what it really takes to build trust, lead crews, and grow in the field. The conversation covers: Setting goals with purpose If you’re serious about raising the standard in your work, your crew, or your mindset, this one’s worth the ride. | |||
| 177 | Safety Starts in the Field | The ISS 2025 Foreman Panel | 08 May 2025 | 00:51:58 | |
Recorded live at the 2025 Infrastructure Safety Symposium (ISS), this special panel episode dives into one of the most critical, and overlooked, roles in safety: the foreman.Hosted by Powerline Podcast’s Ryan Lucas, this conversation features seasoned foremen from across the industry who bring raw, unfiltered perspectives from the field. Together, they unpack the real gaps between policy and practice, how safety culture is felt on the job, and why leadership at the crew level is make-or-break for performance and protection.What makes a safety pro respected on site? This isn’t theory. It’s real talk from the front lines.Whether you're a foreman, safety leader, or someone who makes decisions that impact the craft. This episode is a must-listen. | |||
| 176 | Let the Linemen Lead | Bryce Hubbard’s Playbook for Culture That Lasts | 24 Apr 2025 | 01:41:32 | |
Foreman Bryce Hubbard breaks down how to lead with purpose, build unshakable team culture, and turn tailboards into powerful leadership moments. With hard-won lessons from the field and one unforgettable story about saving a child’s life this episode is a playbook for anyone serious about raising the standard. | |||
| 175 | The Fitness & Recovery Blueprint for Hardworking tradesmen | Eric Hinman | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:53:31 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Eric Hinman, a hybrid athlete and entrepreneur who has mastered the balance of fitness, recovery, and high performance. Eric shares how tradesmen and linemen can optimize their health while working demanding jobs, avoid burnout, and build a resilient mindset for long-term success. From HYROX training to recovery hacks like ice baths and sauna therapy, Eric breaks down practical steps anyone can take to improve their strength, endurance, and daily energy. Whether you’re worn out from the grind or looking to level up your fitness, this conversation is packed with game-changing advice you don’t want to miss! | |||
| 174 | They Said She Couldn’t Do It—Now She’s Proving Them Wrong | Shelby Wiedenbeck | 03 Apr 2025 | 01:25:13 | |
In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Shelby Wiedenbeck, a lineman breaking barriers in the powerline industry. Shelby shares her journey into the trade, the challenges she faced as a female in a male-dominated field, and the mentors who helped her along the way. She opens up about the biggest misconceptions, the hardest parts of the job, and what needs to change in the industry to create more opportunities for women. Whether you’re in the trade or just looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation. | |||