The Power Element Podcast

In Episode 105 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Neil Tolson, Executive Director of EICA,to talk about the bigger purpose behind the Safety Wallet and why it matters to the electrical construction industry. Neil breaks down how this digital credential system helps workers keep track of certifications, training records,and qualifications without relying on stacks of cards o...

What do Samurai and Journeyman Linemen have in common? More than you think. In this episode of Everyone Leads, we connect Bushidō to the IBEW Code of Excellence and explore what true professionalism, courage, and accountability look like when the stakes are real and people are depending on you.  In the second half, we shift gears into imprinting and how work habits are passed along to coworkers. T...

In episode 103 of The Power Element Podcast, the crew welcomes Steve Foster, Director of Corporate Safety Training at MYR Group, in the SoCal studio for a casual conversation about what it really takes to build safer, stronger crews. From leadership at every level to training that actually sticks, Steve shares lessons from a career spent in the field and in safety, plus what he believes needs to c...

In this episode of Everyone Leads, we sit down with Zach Brown, Journeyman Lineman and Safety Training Manager with MYR Group, to break down two things every lineman and leader faces daily: how to fuel the body for demanding work and how to lead when safety and productivity are both on the line. We kick things off with an Ask Copilot segment answering a question every working hand has asked at som...

In Episode 101 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with a Superintendent and Journeyman Lineman from Sturgeon Electric California for a candid debrief following the Top Gun Leadership Summit. Coming from the front lines of the power utility industry, the conversation centers on real-world leadership, what resonated at the summit, what challenged existing mindsets, and how...

We’re kicking off an all-new series, Everyone Leads. Along with a milestone moment as The Power Element Podcast celebrates its 100th episode. In this special episode, Host Raul Guardado and Producer Paul reflect on the journey that brought us here and the leadership lessons learned along the way. The show features an “Ask Copilot” segment that looks at the power utility industry then and now, expl...

In Episode 99 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Dave Berke of Echelon Front to discuss leadership rooted in accountability, humility, and real-world experience. Dave shares insights shaped by his career as a U.S. Marine Corps fighter pilot and his work today developing leaders through Echelon Front. The conversation also highlights the release of his new book, The...

In Episode 98 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Justin Wren—former UFC fighter, humanitarian, and founder of Fight for the Forgotten- to discuss leadership through service, purpose, and action beyond the spotlight. Justin shares his powerful journey from professional fighting to advocating for some of the most vulnerable communities in the world. Through Fight for...

In Episode 97 of The Power Element Podcast, Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Jason Gardner, former Navy SEAL and leadership instructor at Echelon Front, to explore what it truly means to lead from the front. Jason brings decades of experience in high stakes environments and shares practical insights on building resilient teams, combating complacency, and embracing the principles of Extreme Own...

In Episode 96 of The Power Element Podcast , Raul and Producer Paul sit down with Missouri Valley JATC’s Leigh Conducy to launch our Top Gun Leadership Summit series. From field‑tested leadership lessons to building mentorship, strengthening culture, and sharing stories from the trade, this conversation sets the stage for a powerful lineup of episodes recorded live at the Top Gun Leadership Summit...

In Episode 95 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. This episode features Shawn Becker, a first-year line school student. Shawn left a memorable impression at the International Lineman's Rodeo, as he took the initiative to seek out Journeyman Lineman for advice, demonstrating the drive and curiosity that help shape the future of our ind...

In Episode 94 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Joe Maynes. Joe is a Journeyman Lineman and is a part of the World Champion Sturgeon Electric California/IBEW Local 47 Rodeo Team. In this episode, we talk about competition mindset, the drive to win, and what it takes to perform under pressure. Joe shares his journey f...

In Episode 93 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Power Element Podcast Alumni, Tony Bravo. Tony is a Journeyman Lineman and SCE Training Manager. Tony talks about the evolution of the trade, leadership, and the importance of mentorship. Tony shares his journey from working in the field to training the next generation...

In Episode 92 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Steve Sarnocinski. Steve is the Senior Vice President of Jobsite Solutions at Milwaukee Tool. Steve discusses the latest advancements in safety and productivity and shares more on Milwaukee Tools' journey of disruptive innovation, especially their commitment to deve...

In Episode 91 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining the show is Jenny Lavin, CEO/co-founder of Union Care Solutions. This episode dives deep into the unique challenges faced by lineworkers, focusing on mental health, psychological safety, and the importance of peer support in the trade. Whether you're a seasoned lineman, apprent...

In Episode 90 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining Producer Paul is Elden Rivas. Elden works out of IBEW Local 66 in Houston, Texas, and shares his incredible journey into the line trade—from working in refineries to finding his true calling in linework. Elden opens up about his passion for helping others, his role as Vice Presiden...

In Episode 89 of The Power Element Podcast, we’re recording live from the 2025 International Lineman’s Rodeo. Joining us is Eddie Finnegan, Safety Manager and USMC Retired, who brings a powerful blend of military discipline and frontline safety experience. Eddie shares hard-earned lessons from his time in the Marine Corps and how they translate into a proactive, empowering safety culture in the ut...

In Episode 88 of The Power Element Podcast, we bring back in studio Codey Gandy from Echelon Front. Raul and Codey break down what we call, Murphy's Laws of Leadership and Communication. This conversation covers a spin on "Murphy's Laws of Combat" and how we apply it in our day to day roles. Thank you, Codey Gandyechelonfront.com @echelonfront@codey.gandy This podcast is powered...

In Episode 87 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with the founder of Peak Sleep, Eric Rogers. Eric shares practical tips for improving sleep hygiene, optimizing your environment for daytime rest, and choosing foods or supplements that support better sleep. We also discuss how to manage fatigue, including tactical napping, and how fatigue management affects culture within the ind...

In Episode 86 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with the Senior VP of Product Marketing at Milwaukee Tool. This episode was recorded live at the 2025 ⁠ @MilwaukeeTool ⁠ Pipeline Event. Zach shares what drives Milwaukee's culture, their commitment to supporting the trades, and then shares some insight on safety trends and technology, including AI. Thank you, Zach Richman. This p...

In episode 85 of The Power Element Podcast, host Raul Guardado sits down with Mark Finch, Sr. Account Manager at Altec. Mark opens up about his journey and how quality equipment affects culture and safety in the industry. Thank you, Mark and Altec. This podcast is powered by: Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tools, Klein Tools, and High Vol...

In Episode 84 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Product Manager from Milwaukee Tool, Kim Ackley. This episode was recorded live at the 2025  @MilwaukeeTool  Pipeline Event. Kim shares her journey into product development and what it means to design with linemen in mind. From the gritty realities of stripping covered conductors in the field to the subtle ways safety habits...

In episode 83 of The Power Element Podcast, host Raul Guardado sits down with Chris Larson, a journeyman lineman and President of Larson Elite. Chris brings a wealth of experience and insight to the conversation, diving into the evolving trends within the industry and the culture that shapes it. To close out the episode, Chris opens up about his motorcycle accident, sharing how it impacted his lif...

In Episode 82 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Journeyman Lineman/Lineman Blogger Aaron Leblanc "bobsdecline" This episode was recorded live at the 2025 Milwaukee Tool Pipeline Event. Paul and Aaron recap the Pipeline, discuss some of the latest videos on his channel, and explore social media trends. Thank you, Aaron LeblancThis podcast is powered by Sturgeon Electric and...

In Episode 81 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Journeyman Lineman and Trades Trainer Steve "Coach" Lekvold. They recap highlights from the 2025 rodeo season and explore the timeless wisdom of Coach John Wooden’s Pyramid of Success. This conversation offers valuable insights on how these principles can elevate your personal growth and professional performance. Thank you, S...