- Episodes -

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 his skills on the back of bucking broncos with a passion that knew no bounds. Kaycee’s journey to rodeo stardom is a testament to his unwavering dedication and unyielding spirit. With countless hours of training and sheer determination, he rose through the ranks, leaving a trail of victories in his wake. His unparalleled talent and fearless approach to bareback riding have earned him a rightful place among the sport’s elite, with an impressive collection of six World Champion titles to his name. Beyond the glitz and glory of the arena, Kaycee is a humble cowboy at heart, grounded by his love for family, faith, and the Western way of life. Through triumphs and setbacks, he remains a beacon of inspiration for aspiring cowboys and rodeo enthusiasts worldwide, proving that with passion, perseverance, and a whole lot of grit, anything is possible in the arena of life. Join me as I sit down with Kaycee Feild to uncover the stories, challenges, triumphs, and lessons behind his illustrious rodeo career, and discover what it truly means to be a champion in the world of rodeo. This is Kaycee’s second appearance on Powerline Podcast with his first being episode number 88. If you’d like to dive deeper into who Kaycee is and what it takes to build a winning mindset, I’d highly recommend listening to his first episode as well. Also if you’re interested, Quanta Services has created a short film about Kaycee that you can find on their website www.Quantaservices.com

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 it will help you answer some of those questions or at least make things a little bit clearer for you. Enjoy!

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 straight from real world experience so please enjoy!

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 consider. Justin and I also dive into leadership and crew dynamics. Enjoy!

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. We also chat about becoming a barehand lineman for Southern Cal Edison.

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 he found the line trade, and why he is a leading advocate for veterans in the trades. If you’ve listened to Powerline Podcast in the past then you’ve heard me talk a lot about VEEP or the Veteran Electrical Entry Program. Madison is one of a few special individuals behind the success of the program. If you’re looking for more info about the program and how to apply visit https://in2veep.com/

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 of safety and has created innovative tools and policies that advance safety as one of the company’s core values. Among his numerous contributions to safety at Quanta and across the industry is The Capacity Model™, a unique safety approach that seeks to limit harm from serious injuries. There is a ton of value in this episode so please enjoy!

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.

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 recount of his near-death experience as an apprentice. If you only choose one episode to listen to it’s this one. Enjoy!

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 being number 99.

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 life.

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!

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.

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 industry. Listen in as Ryan and Redgie explore the dynamic landscape of Quanta Services, unraveling the secrets behind their success and the impactful role they play in shaping the future leaders of skilled trades.

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.

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 connecting with linemen everywhere “Lost To The Trades”. Find this episode on all podcast platforms including YouTube.

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 after a hurricane to the precision required in constructing and maintaining urban distribution lines, Don paints a picture of daily triumphs and challenges in the trade. As a dedicated mentor and the lead instructor of Quanta’s electrical line worker program, Don now imparts his wealth of knowledge to the next generation of linemen, emphasizing safety and craftsmanship. This episode offers a rare opportunity to gain a profound appreciation for the unsung heroes of the grid and insight into the future of this vital trade. Whether you’re a seasoned lineman, an aspiring apprentice, or simply curious about the heartbeat of our power infrastructure, Don Muzzy’s journey is bound to leave you charged with newfound admiration.

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 awe-inspiring experiences in the vast expanse of space. With a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective, Kimbrough draws striking parallels between his time on the ground and high above the Earth. Through candid anecdotes, Kimbrough shares the invaluable lessons he’s learned throughout his extraordinary career. Discover how his military training and expertise translate seamlessly into the challenges faced by craft laborers, offering a fresh perspective on dedication, precision, and teamwork.

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 infrastructure inside and out. The conversation dives deep into the current and future landscape of energy solutions, exploring Quanta’s innovative strides in leadership, communication, and safety. Duke also opens up about overcoming adversity – both in his professional and personal life. This is a rare opportunity to gain exclusive insights, learn industry trends and understand the driving forces that power modern life, straight from the expert himself. Subscribe now to Powerline Podcast and never miss an episode featuring thought-provoking guests who bring their personal experiences to the forefront of every conversation. Get ready to be motivated, informed, and inspired by the stories that power our world.

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 with a gift for storytelling. He’s been in the industry for 20+ years and has worked all over North America doing everything from major transmission projects to helicopter line work and major disaster relief after the fires in California. Clint takes his years of experiences as a lineman and puts them into his music creating something very unique to us as line workers. Enjoy this conversation with Clint Vick and please go follow him and subscribe to his music on platforms like Spotify and YouTube. Link to Clints music on Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/6KsdPmwyGV4eRwnJFkcvg4

Noah was a Load Master in the United States Air Force with two tours to Afghanistan. It was the second tour that changed Noah’s life and left him struggling with extreme PTSD and depression. Noah reached out to me and said “Hey Ryan, I have a pretty powerful story for veterans that I’m ready to share. Could I come on the show to talk about it?” His story was a powerful testament to me that you just never know who’s listening and whose life you’ll impact for the positive. I’m proud of Noah for battling hard and fighting to live. Please share this story with anyone that you feel may value it’s content. Life is worth living and you’re always just one decision away from a different life. Much Love.

As linemen, we don’t always get insight into how the company is managed. Perspective is everything because we often say things like “The company is making tons of money on this one” when in fact they probably aren’t. It’s often a communication breakdown between management and the line hands. Brandon has been on both sides, lineman and management so we talk about it in this episode with the hope of shedding some valuable insight for both groups. We also talk about surviving a helicopter accident and what he would do differently next time if given the opportunity.

Cain is a female lineman from the East Coast of Canada. I had a lot of fun recording this episode with Cain. She is a driven individual that genuinely loves the job she chose. It wasn’t easy to get where she’s at today and this episode is loaded with solid gold advice on how to get there. It can all be boiled down to really hard work and the fact that you just need to get it done.

Scott is the Western Region Account Executive for Dragon Wear FR and Justin is the Safety and Environmental Manager for Clark County PUD. My conversation with these two is all about the importance of building solid relationships at work. Safety is about so many different things but two pillars are relationships and solid communication. These guys have lived by these pillars while working together to build outstanding gear and safety programs for our industry. We can all learn a lot from them and there is tons of value in this episode.

Ryan has been grinding in line work for many years. He’s one of those guys that started where everyone does, at the bottom but has risen through the ranks and has had a great career so far. This episode is full of straight talk on everything line work. It’s packed with value so please enjoy.

Paul and his wife had to go through something that no parents should ever have to go through, the loss of a child. Sudden and unexpectedly Paul’s daughter Guiliana developed a rare form of cancer that took her life in under a year. The positive impact that Guiliana was able to have on so many lives will echo in time for years to come. Paul openly shares his experience going through this trying time and what a group of rodeo linemen is achieving through their fundraiser “Climbin For Kids”. Climbin For Kids is a Lineman rodeo team that raises money for St Jude Children’s Hospital. It was started to carry on Guiliana’s legacy by helping kids and families through tough experiences like hers. Details about how to help can be found using the QR code in this post or by email [email protected]

Derek Egroff has had an extensive career in the line trade with a huge emphasis on all things high-voltage transmission. He’s been involved with hundreds of transmission projects and assisted in creating energized bare-hand programs, helicopter procedures, and countless other endeavors over his lengthy career. Derek is now giving back to the trade as a training instructor. In this episode, we dive into a few exciting projects that he was a part of including one of the world’s only catenary systems used for power lines as well as pioneering helicopter rope access for line work in Canada. We also explore some topics around training and adult education as it relates to the trades.

Bryce is a lineman originally from Arizona now living and working in Northern California. The question “What does it truly mean to be a journeyman lineman” is one that I’ve asked myself many times. Bryce and I collectively have more than 40 years of experience in this industry so we tackle this question head-on in this episode. Hopefully, you guys get some value from it, and at a minimum, you start to answer the question yourselves.

I first met Jason in Lawrenceburg Indiana a few years ago. We were randomly placed as pole partners in the final event of the Whiskey City Rodeo. Jason reached out to me a few weeks ago and said hey I’d love to be on the podcast if you’d have me. Of course, I said yes and it was awesome to hear his story. Turns out he has competed at the International Lineman’s Rodeo in Kansas 22 times in his career. If that wasn’t special enough, he and a few others decided to form a team to raise money for St. Jude’s Hospital and they crushed it! They raised thousands of dollars and were able to present the check on stage during the awards banquet. They are returning to the ILR this year with the team and goals of reaching new highs. If you feel called to support this cause (full details are in the episode about why they chose this cause) then you can scan the QR code in the photo above or reach out to them at [email protected]