Powerline Podcast

In this episode of the  Powerline Podcast , host Ryan Lucas sits down with Olympic swimmers Nic Fink and Charlie Swanson for an inspiring conversation about what it takes to become a champion. From balancing Olympic-level training with full-time careers to mastering the mental and physical demands of elite competition, Nic and Charlie share their unique journeys, invaluable lessons, and key insigh...

How do you stay strong, healthy, and injury-free in a physically demanding job? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Rindal shares the HOW — practical steps to implement better movement, nutrition, and recovery strategies into your daily routine. We cover how to make work a tool for building strength instead of breaking you down, simple nutrition tips to fuel your body, and recovery methods that actually wo...

What’s holding you back from performing at your best? In this episode, Dr. Kevin Rindal breaks down the concept of Human Capacity — what it is, why it matters, and how you can troubleshoot your own body to prevent injuries and improve performance. We explore practical tools for identifying your physical limits, boosting mobility, and overcoming chronic pain. Whether you’re a lineman, tradesperson,...

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we sit down with Dr. Kevin Rindal, founder of Vimocity, to explore the power of Finding Your WHY and how it impacts every aspect of your life and career. Kevin shares his personal journey from growing up on a farm to creating a revolutionary injury prevention system that’s changing the lives of blue-collar workers. We dive deep into purpose, mindset, and Vimoc...

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we reconnect with Tony Bravo, an accomplished bladesmith and   Forged in Fire champion, to explore the intricate craft of knife making. Tony takes us through his journey from his early days in bladesmithing to his experience competing on national television, sharing the skills and dedication that have defined his career. We dive deep into the fundamentals of f...

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we are joined by Isaac Piche, UAS Standards and Operations Manager at Quanta Aviation Services, who shares his journey into the rapidly advancing world of drones and UAV technology. Isaac reveals how drones are transforming the utility and infrastructure sectors, enhancing safety, and driving operational efficiency. From his early experiences to managing cutti...

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we sit down with George Coleman, President of Potelco, and Kody Kilshaw, President of PAR West, to explore their unique journeys and leadership philosophies in the power and utility industry. From George’s roots in a three-generation lineman family to Kody’s background in sports and finance, both leaders share the influences and lessons that shaped their caree...

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we sit down with Damir Novosel, President of Quanta Technology and a pioneer in the power industry, to discuss his remarkable journey from Bosnia and Herzegovina to becoming a key leader in the advancement of electrical power grids. Damir shares insights from his extensive career, the innovations he has spearheaded at Quanta Technology, and how these advanceme...

In this episode, we connect with Derek Gonzales, an underground lineman who has transitioned to a key role at Chance Hubble, to discuss his unique journey and the lessons he's learned along the way. Derek opens up about his early years, the interests that sparked his passion for the line trade, and the experiences that shaped his career as a lineman. He shares candid insights into the challenges h...

In this episode, we sit down with Felipe Carrillo, a dedicated groundman and successful entrepreneur, to explore his inspiring journey from his early days in the line trade to building his own business. Felipe shares how his upbringing and background shaped his work ethic and passion for the industry, detailing his start in linework and the lessons learned through starting his journey in the trade...

In this episode, we sit down with Flint Robinson, a lineman and veteran, to explore his journey from his childhood roots to becoming a lineman. Flint shares stories from his early years, growing up in a family with a military background and a grandparents' saddle shop, and how these experiences shaped his work ethic and passion for linework. We delve into his apprenticeship days, the challenges an...

In this episode, we explore the remarkable journey of Kyle Gunsauls, a third-generation leader in the aviation industry, as he shares insights into his family's legacy with PJ Helicopters and his role in shaping its future. From his childhood, deeply rooted in aviation, Kyle's story is one of passion, innovation, and leadership. We discuss the evolution of PJ Helicopters from a fixed-wing crop dus...

In this episode, we dive deep into the life and career of Josh Luck, a former Marine Corps Officer who transitioned from flying AV-8B Harrier Jets to leading initiatives at Northwest Lineman College and Quanta Services. Josh shares his journey from childhood, which shaped his resilient character, to his time at Boise State University, where a pivotal decision led him to the Marine Corps. He opens...

In this episode, I sit down with Aaron Witt, the visionary founder of BuildWitt, to explore his journey from a white-collar family background to becoming a transformative force in the construction industry. Aaron shares the story behind his mission to "make the Dirt World a better place" and how his early experiences in construction shaped the vision for his company. We delve into the challenges h...

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 current challenges facing the industry, the impact of e...

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 industry forward in BC, Canada. Paul has recently r...

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 the military and in the trade. We recorded this epis...

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 to the trade that’s given him so much. This episo...

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 why this is the best time to enter this aspect of t...

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 accessories has taken off in a huge way. Listen to his...

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 their history and talk about what to expect in the fut...

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 professional and the line worker or tradesman. David's o...

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 hasn’t been an easy path and I believe that you w...

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 in North America and Matt Compher is the VP of Sa...

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 curtain look at these systems and the individuals tha...