Alaska Powerline features conversations with utility leaders and others who are shaping the future of electric energy in Alaska. The podcast discusses electric power policy and educates listeners on the unique issues facing Alaska’s electric utilities.
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This podcast is for anyone in the power line industry. Those of you that love to build and maintain power lines at work and after work. This is a collection of stories from line workers around the world. This is a community for us to share where we’ve been, who we’ve worked with, projects we’ve been apart of and hopefully pass on some of those key lessons that we could all learn from. This podcast will be a mix of line workers and their stories as well as other professionals sharing about ho ...
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154 | Leaders Shaping the Future of Infrastructure in the West | Loren Chandler, Dylan Welsh, Stephen Galagarza
1:40:57
In this episode, we sit down with three of the most influential leaders in the power infrastructure industry in the Western USA. These trailblazers have been at the forefront of transforming the region's energy landscape, driving innovation, and ensuring the reliability and sustainability of the power grid. We'll explore their insights on the curre…
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Dave Messier, Infrastructure Division Director for Tanana Chiefs Conference, discusses how his team is working to reduce the cost of energy for tribal villages. Most of Tanana’s members rely on diesel generators to generate power for their microgrids. Integrating solar PV battery systems with the diesel generators has been successful in providing m…
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You don’t get many chances to listen to two linemen with over 100 years of power line experience talk about the trade for more than an hour. Robin has two journeymen tickets, one as an electrician and one as a lineman. He also bootstrapped his own power line business for over 25 years and during his career was extremely influential in driving the i…
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152 | Veterans & Linemen | Turning Canadian Vets into Linemen | Jordan Geddert & Jamie Lowe
1:33:17
There are all kinds of great programs for veterans in the USA but what about Canada? I’m asked this question all the time. Is there a program for helping Canadian Vets get into the line trade? These two guys are spearheading this initiative alongside the IBEW. They are IBEW union journeymen linemen that have incredible stories of service both in th…
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This episode with lineman, Larry Lopez is about as raw and reel as it gets. Larry grew up in a rough area in LA and by all accounts shouldn’t have made it but he did. He not only made it but is thriving and a large part of that has to do with becoming a journeyman lineman. Larry’s been around a long time now and is heavily involved with giving back…
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150 | URD LINEMAN | The BRUTAL TRUTH about our aging Underground Electrical system | Mark Savage
1:53:27
Put aside your personal opinions about underground vs overhead power lines for a minute. Mark has spent his career building and maintaining our aging underground infrastructure and you might want to hear what he has to say about it. We talk about his time in the US military, how he got into the trade, the state of underground work in America, and w…
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Today more than ever you have opportunity to do multiple things. Do you have an idea for a product but also work a regular job? So do both! That’s what Landon Dees has done and it’s paying off big time! Landon is a lineman and entrepreneur. He and his business partner started a company called Line Work Bucket Products and their line of bucket acces…
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Electric utility rates fluctuate, which is often confusing. Sarah Lambe, CFO at Homer Electric Association, discusses the process of creating electric utility rates, the factors that change rates and how rates affect the entire electric system.由Alaska Power Association
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148 | Line Distributers | J.L. Matthews Co: A behind the scenes look | Danny Matthews & Harrison Matthews
1:12:06
If you are like me then you love the history in the line trade and that’s why I love having guests like the Matthews on the podcast. J.L. Matthews Co has been a staple in the power utility community since Joe Matthews started the company in 1946. His descendants, Danny and Harrison still own and operate the business today and are here to share thei…
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147 | Safety Professional | How a “Safety Guy” becomes a LEGIT part of the LINE CREW | David Flener
1:23:31
What I absolutely love about David and this conversation is how real he is. You can tell that every piece of advice and every comment comes from a place of actually living through it. I’m not going to say this is rare to see but it’s refreshing when you do come across someone so genuine. This episode is packed with value for both, the safety profes…
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146 | Braam Botha | Lineman Apprenticeship: START to FINISH look at what it takes to be a LINEMAN
1:14:11
This is Braam’s second appearance on the podcast with his first being episode 081. The reason I brought him back on the show this time was to talk specifically about apprenticeship. Braam is a United States veteran. He started his working career in commercial fishing then guiding in Alaska. This led him to find a home in the power line industry. It…
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Quanta Service’s (AED) program has saved 42 lives (including several civilians) so far. Quanta’s Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program aims to increase the rate of survival for people suffering sudden cardiac arrests wherever their crews are. Jack Mauel works for Stryker, the leading manufacture of (AED's) Automated External Defibrillators…
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INN Electric Cooperative provides safe and reliable hydropower to three remote Alaskan villages; however, delivering the electricity to the meters comes with unique challenges since its grid isn’t connected to a larger transmission system. How does the small co-op deal with harsh winters, remote living, and the high cost of electricity production? …
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Few people give any thought to the state of the power network that lays beneath their feet. Americas grid is complex and rapidly aging with very few skilled tradesmen that are qualified to work on this network of equipment. John is a journeyman cable splicer and trainer with many years focusing on the underground craft. Join us for a behind the cur…
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143 | Mark Paulsen & Dylon Koch | Why HYDRATION is so VITAL for UTILITY workers You can’t afford not to listen to this episode because it might cost your life. There is a rise in incidents caused by dehydration and heat-related illness within the power utility industry. So I brought on the show the foremost experts on the topic. What I learned was …
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Safety is a top priority in the electric industry. That’s why Frank Adams, safety manager for Matanuska Electric Association, continually reviews policy procedures, accesses risks and ensures MEA is meeting compliance standards. But power safety is not only about lineworkers. The general public also needs to know how to respond to the dangers of el…
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Wayne has been a lineman in Canada for years. He’s seen the ups and downs of the industry north of the 49th parallel and is here to talk about it. Wayne’s experience spans a wide range including major storm response, energized barehand, and leading as a foreman. There is a ton of value in this episode so please enjoy! ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ …
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16 year old Alex would never have guessed he would not only be a lineman but also be good at it an love it. He was a gamer who loved computers. Now he's been putting that energy and love of tech towards innovations in the line trade. You're going to want to hear what he has to say about AI, new technology and our trade. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌…
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With rising pressures to diversify generation and deploy renewable energy sources, balancing the grid and integrating new technologies has proved challenging. Some resources are dispatchable, while others aren’t. The cost to consumers must also be taken into consideration. Dustin Highers, vice president of corporate programs at Chugach Electric Ass…
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AJ Martinez is a Texas lineman with an extremely positive look on life and line work. His story is an uplifting example of how this industry and trade is one in which you can truly build a wonderful life. Aj is very active in creating educational and entertaining content on platforms like TikTok as a way to give back to this community that’s given …
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139 | Nick Figliolo & Tater | How TRADES and LABRADORS are changing VETERANS' Lives | Warrior's Wingman
1:24:50
Nick Figliolo is a blue collar tradesman and dog lover. He decided he wanted to give back to veterans and in 2018 his passions were combined and Warrior’s Wingman was born. Warrior's Wingman is a non-profit organization providing professionally trained gundogs to veterans. They offer Labrador Retrievers that are trained for fieldwork and companions…
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138 | Bill Bosch | Why does Lineman Appreciation Day exist and what's the current state of our trade.
1:18:02
Bill Bosch has an increadible list of accomplishments that describe his contributions to the line trade. He is a Lineman, International Lineman Hall of Fame inductee, Northwest Lineman College Campus President, VP of Apprenticeships & Client Solutions, Electric Industry Professional, Leadership Coach, and Keynote Inspirational Speaker. Happy Linema…
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Kaycee Feild, a living legend in the world of rodeo, is a six-time Bareback Riding World Champion whose name is synonymous with unparalleled talent and fearless determination. Born and raised in Spanish Fork, Utah, Kaycee was practically born in the saddle. From a young age, he was drawn to the adrenaline rush and raw excitement of rodeo, honing hi…
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There are always so many question when you’re first starting into the trade. It’s hard to know what to do. You ask questions like, should I sign the IBEW books, should I go to line school, is there work out there, what do I need to know to get started?? This podcast is with two linemen and instructors from the NorthWest Lineman College in Idaho and…
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Mark Groves has an impressive resume in the power line industry. He is a lineman and inductee in the Lineman Hall of Fame. He also is an avid inventor of tools for our trade such as the widely used Ox Block and the Transbanker. Mark now sits as the acting President of the NorthWest Lineman College in Idaho. This episode is packed with value drawn s…
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Justin is a lineman who now travels the country educating line workers about fall arrest and fall restraint. In this episode we talk about a company that he works for called FallTech and what they are doing to innovate in the safety gear industry. The gear we wear is often an afterthought when in reality it should be at the forefront of what we con…
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This is the second time Josh has been on the show but the first time was way back in 2019. Josh is an OG Powerline Podcast listener and fan. If you’d like some more background on Josh go back and listen to episode 16 of the pod. Josh is a Journeyman Barehand Lineman with SoCal Edison. In this episode, we talk a ton about leadership and line work. W…
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Will Chaney, CEO and General Manager of Nushagak Cooperative, talks about the Nuyakuk River Hydroelectric Project, a proposed run of a river hydroelectric facility that will generate up to 12 MWs of electricity in an area long dependent on diesel fuel for power. As part of the project, electricity and optical fiber would be provided to the communit…
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132 | Madison Jefferson | Former Marine Scout Sniper and advocate for veterans in the trades
2:04:29
Madison performed multiple tours over seas with the United States Marine Corps. His military career came to an end after being severely wounded in a gunfight in Afghanistan. Like so many veterans, he found himself re-entering civilian life not knowing what his next move would be. In this episode Madison talks about his experiences as a Marine, how …
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Matt Compher serves as Vice President of Safety, Health, and Environmental for Quanta Services. He brings 25 years of safety management experience to the management team, the last 19 of which were spent in the electric utility and underground infrastructure construction industries. Compher is responsible for cultivating Quanta’s pervasive culture o…
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John (Stix) Sevier is a blue collar safety professional with a personal burn story that you’ll want to listen to. John speaks from the heart and has made it his life’s mission to ensure each and everyone makes it home safely at the end of the day. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON…
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When I was thinking of starting a podcast back in 2019, Chris was the first guy that I told. Fast forward a few years and I’m finally getting to sit down with him and have him on the show. Both Mack and Chris are energized barehand linemen that have travelled the country perfecting their craft. This episode is packed with value, including Mack’s re…
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What happens when an old school lineman uses the tools of the new generation? You get one hell of a learning opportunity. John Goodson is an old school line hand that has been using the new ways of social media (TikTok) to connect with and teach the next generation of hands. This is Goody’s second appearance on the podcast with his first episode be…
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David (Omar) Thielk is a journeyman lineman that is now giving back to the line industry through instructing and teaching the next generation of line workers. I love Omar’s perspective on life and line work. We talked a lot about some outside-the-box subjects that I think you guys would be interested in and of course, we talked a ton about line lif…
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The Alaska Energy Authority’s mission is to “reduce the cost of energy in Alaska.” Executive Director Curtis Thayer tells us how the energy office diversifies and maintains power sources in both urban and rural communities. The office has also received $206.5 million grant to update transmission lines, purchase batteries, and provide much needed re…
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We've had an amazing year full of wins with the podcast. There were some viral moments, great guests, a new studio, and a bunch of travel. Join me as I put a bow on the year that was 2023. This is also available as a VLOG on YouTube. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱…
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Terri Harper, CFO at INN Electric Cooperative, discusses the ins and outs of the Power Cost Equalization Program. PCE has been making electricity affordable for rural Alaskans for decades. However, the reporting can seem overwhelming at times. Why is the program so important, and how can cooperatives streamline their reporting efforts?…
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This is Steve and Mike’s second appearance on the podcast. I love having these two on the show because they are leaders not just in the industry that they represent but also in the way they move through life. I learn something valuable every time I talk to these guys and I know you will get a lot out of this episode. Enjoy! ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HE…
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125 | Lineman | A conversation about line work, legacy, meaning, and purpose with Paul Koehler
1:33:46
This is Paul's second appearance on Powerline Podcast. He’s recently returned from the International Lineman's Rodeo so we dive into his experience at the rodeo and the massive donation Climbn For Kids was able to make to St Jude Children’s Hospital. We also talk about the trades, leadership and passing on a legacy. ✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hi…
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The similarities between Iceland’s and Alaska’s power grids are striking. What can Alaska learn from Iceland’s successful energy transition to renewables? Gwen Holdmann, associate vice chancellor for research at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, shares her thoughts and reminds our listeners to look at not just the end results, but also the journe…
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Exciting New Episode! The wait is over, Powerline Podcast crew! We're thrilled to announce the release of our latest episode featuring an industry powerhouse - Redgie Probst, the COO of Quanta Services! Hosted by Ryan Lucas, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a deep dive into the world of the infrastructure and craft labor indus…
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123 | Lazy Q Instructors | RJ Powers & Matt King-Allen | Teaching the next generation of Linemen
2:02:24
RJ and Matt are skilled craftsmen in the power line trade. They are both journeymen linemen and now instruct the next generation of tradesmen at Quanta's advanced training facility on the LazyQ ranch. What you can expect from this episode is a lot of the hard honest truth about the line trade and what it takes to become a lineman in today's world.…
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Ashly Holland Fry is a singer and songwriter with a connection to the trades. Her father was a tradesman and her husband is a lineman. Ashly’s band is called Little Jane and the Pistol Whips and hails from the state of Montana. We had a great conversation about being an artist, the trades, her brand new album “Long Road Ahead”, and the song that is…
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In this episode, Director Erin Whitney provides an overview of the Arctic Energy Office and informs our listeners about the new Arctic Energy Ambassador program. The ambassadors will focus on Alaska's regional priorities and help move those priorities to fruition through the DOE. Only twelve ambassadors will be selected. Deadline to apply is Novemb…
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In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Don Muzzy, a distinguished power lineman and mentor with decades of experience in America's power grid. Don's gripping stories and invaluable insights provide a vivid glimpse into the challenges faced by linemen who ensure our cities and towns stay powered. From major storm response af…
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Remarkable astronaut, Shane Kimbrough, sits in with Powerline Podcast Host Ryan Lucas for a down-to-earth conversation that bridges the worlds of blue-collar craft labor and space exploration. During the conversation, we delve into Kimbrough's captivating journey, from his distinguished military background as an Apache helicopter commander to his a…
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119 | Duke Austin Quanta Services CEO | Powering the Future: Leadership, Communication, and Safety
1:20:58
Powering the Future: Leadership, Communication, and Safety | Quanta Services CEO Duke Austin | Ep119 In this inaugural episode in the new Powerline Podcast studio, host Ryan Lucas welcomes visionary CEO of Quanta Services, Duke Austin. As a fourth-generation leader in the electric utility business, Duke knows the electrifying world of power infrast…
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Joe Waggoner, of Golden Valley Electric Association, has been a journeyman lineman for 16 years. He discusses the education and training requirements for the job and gives our listeners a peek into the daily and exciting life of Alaska’s linemen.由Alaska Power Association
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I first heard of Clint Vick and his music while going through barehand school at the Lazy Q Ranch about 2 years ago. We were sitting around studying one night, listening to some tunes and one of the fellas said "hey put on some Clint Vick". Since then I was hooked and have wanted to have him on the show. Clint is a lineman, singer and songwriter wi…
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Relying on diesel energy is costly, logistically difficult, and unsustainable in the Arctic Circle. Tom Atkinson, general manager and CEO of Kotzebue Electric Association, discusses how Kotzebue is utilizing renewable energy sources to power its isolated and remote service area.由Alaska Power Association
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