Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

Big machines, hands-on experiences, and a chance to inspire the next generation — NUCA Dozer Day is coming to Oklahoma City for the first time! In this episode of Digging Deep, we sit down with Ben Arthur, President of NUCA Oklahoma, to hear how this one-of-a-kind event is bringing the construction industry to life for kids and families across the community. Ben gives us an inside look at what att...

In this episode of the Digging Deep Podcast, we sit down with Nick Williams for an important conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the challenges people may face both on and off the job. Nick shares his perspective on recognizing when someone may be struggling, the importance of starting difficult conversations, and how coworkers, friends, and family members can support one ano...

Luis sits down with Marc Krichman, founder of 811Spotter and now with Irth, for a conversation about technology, damage prevention, and the contractor side of the 811 process. They talk about how 811Spotter got started, the challenges contractors face when managing 811 workflows, and how technology can help make the process more efficient.

What can the history of damage prevention teach us about where the industry is headed? In this episode of Digging Deep, Luis sits down with Scott Landes and Benjamin Dierker, co-authors of Holding Back Disaster, for a conversation about the story behind the book and the evolution of damage prevention in the United States. Scott and Benjamin share what inspired them to write Holding Back Disaster,...

What does the OKIE811 Member Services Department do? In this episode of Digging Deep, Bo and Luis are joined by Eva Donahue, Liaison for Member Services at OKIE811, to discuss the value of becoming an OKIE811 member, the resources available to member companies, and how Member Services help utility companies stay connected with the OKIE811 notification system.

In this special episode, host Sy Kirby of the Blue Collar Business Podcast interviews William Bohannon to discuss the importance of building a strong safety culture, preventing damage to underground utilities, and the role of OKIE811 in protecting workers and communities. Bo also shares his background and talks about the new school initiative program coming soon to Oklahoma classrooms. Special Tha...

Luis sits down with Dr. Paul Dickinson to discuss how fiber optic technology, distributed fiber sensing, and conduit pathway infrastructure can help protect underground utilities, improve damage prevention, and support safer excavation practices.

Luis and Bo sit down with Sharri Hiller to discuss utility coordination before construction, including Design-Survey requests, pre-excavation meetings, and why identifying utility conflicts early can help projects move forward safely and efficiently.

In this latest episode of Digging Deep, Luis is back from the Common Ground Alliance Conference in Colorado Springs and joins Bo to share key takeaways, industry insights, and conversations shaping the future of damage prevention. From education and outreach to excavation safety and industry collaboration, they dive into what stood out most from this year’s event.

Bo and Luis chat with Senior Vice President Mike Iadanza from Mason Private Locating to break down the difference between private and public lines, why understanding them is so important, and why misconceptions around the two still exist.

From the city of Austin, Texas, Luis and Bo are attending the Facility Notification Centers Association conference to connect with peers from across the country, exchange new ideas, and learn more about what different centers are doing to improve communication, innovation, and damage prevention.

On this episode, Bo and Luis sit down with Mell Greenall, CEO of Before You Dig Australia, to talk about their process, how their system works, and the importance of damage prevention. It’s a great conversation filled with insights, shared experiences, and a global perspective on excavation safety.

We sat down with Sam Hall, Vice President of the Damage Prevention Institute (DPI) at the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to talk about CGA’s mission, how DPI supports the industry, and why best practices are key to protecting people, property, and essential services.

In this episode, Luis talks with Nathan Manzano, Operations Team Lead at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, about the importance of protecting natural gas pipelines and preventing excavation damage. We also learn about Nathan’s experience in the industry, what he’s seen in the field, and the key lessons he wants crews and excavators to remember to keep everyone safe. Want to dive deeper into safe...

On this episode of Digging Deep, Luis and Bo go international and visit with Laura Knight, the Head of Marketing and Business Operations at LSBUD, UK's underground utilities notification service. Check out the similarities, differences and how we all support excavation safety - all around the world! Want to dive deeper into safe excavation and damage prevention? Join us at the Oklahoma Excavation...

In this episode, Luis and Bo sit down with Chanell Alaniz, President of OKC ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals), to talk about why safety protocols matter—on every job, every time. Practical tips, real-world perspective, and what it takes to keep crews safe and projects moving.  Want to learn more about the excavation industry? Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Oklahoma Excavati...

Luis and Bo break down what to do when damage occurs on a jobsite—how to report it the right way, who to notify, and why honesty and responsibility matter every time. Reporting quickly helps protect crews, the public, and keeps small incidents from turning into major emergencies.

New episode 🎙️ Digging Deep with Nicole Rhodes — CEO of Center Phase Energy, OKIE811 Board Member, and a leader with deep experience in planning, coordination, and utility construction operations. We talk about how OKIE811 has evolved over the years, what growth really looks like in damage prevention, and why strong relationships between excavators, locators, and operators matter more than ever.

In this episode, we break down the different training options available for you and your crews—so you can choose what fits your operation best. We cover: ✔️ What to expect at Expo 2026 ✔️ Safety Days 2026 and on-site learning opportunities ✔️ Online training options you can access anytime ✔️ Customized, dedicated trainings built around your team’s needs

On the latest episode of Digging Deep, Bo and Luis break down what it really takes to excavate safely during the winter ❄️🚧. They talk about extra safety measures to take in low temperatures, how frozen ground changes the game, and what crews need to watch out for to stay safe and compliant when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Cold weather or not, safety always comes first.

In our latest podcast episode, we welcome William Bohannon to the OKIE811 team! He joins the Education and Outreach Department as a new Liaison, teaming up with Luis Rendón to strengthen our community education efforts in safe excavation and damage prevention.

In this episode, Luis Rendón from OKIE811 and Ruben Mendez from Texas811 discuss damage prevention, safe digging, and public education. They share insights from their work in different states, highlighting common challenges, outreach strategies, and the shared mission of keeping people and underground facilities safe.

In this week’s episode of Digging Deep, we talk with Noel Rojas from Gridhawk, who shares his experience in the field of locating underground lines — and how clear communication with excavators helps prevent costly mistakes and keeps crews safe.   Noel’s story reminds us that when everyone’s on the same page, the job gets done right — and safely.

In this episode, Luis talks with Jerrell Welch, Director of Operations at OKIE811, about what happens behind the scenes at the center. They dive into daily operations, teamwork, and leadership — and how it all comes together to keep things running smoothly.   It’s a great conversation that offers an inside look at the people making safe digging possible across Oklahoma.

In this episode of the OKIE811 Podcast, Luis sits down with Megan Jester, QA and AI Support Supervisor at OKIE811, to explore how AI is transforming the way we work — not by replacing people, but by empowering them. From real-time call support and chatbots to quality assurance, discover how OKIE811 uses AI to help humans help people.