- Episodes -

This is Jimmy’s second time on PLP. Almost two years have passed since he was last on the show so we had a ton of new things to catch up on. Jimmy recently started his own power line company. This is one of those things that every lineman has thought about at one point or another so we get right into the pros and cons of running your own company as well as so much more. Plus if you’ve ever thought about traveling to work in another country, you’ll want to listen to this episode.

Join host Ryan Lucas as he relives some key clips from the past 10 episodes of Powerline Podcast. This is a new series where Ryan shares insights and commentary around select clips from previous episodes. Powerline Podcast Website: https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/

Aaron is a Canadian military veteran, Lineman, and successful YouTuber. He has amassed nearly 100k subscribers on his channel “Bobsdecline” where he makes videos about the daily life of a journeyman lineman on the east coast of Canada. This episode has been one of the most requested episodes to date. We pack this conversation with value so please enjoy. Episodes can be found on all podcast audio platforms and now are available in video form on our YouTube channel. Link in bio for details.

The subject of mental health amongst trade workers needs to be talked about more. Depression, divorce, and suicide are at an all-time high. Jaret Warren has been in the line trade for almost 2 decades and like many in this trade he has suffered with his own mental health issues but unlike most, he was willing to sit down and talk about it. We need to do this more. We need to talk about this subject and we need to do all we can to help before we lose more amazing family, friends, and coworkers. Much love. If you are in the USA and need help now, dial 988 for the National Suicide Prevention Line. If you are in Canada and need help now, dial 1 833 456 4566. Most companies have an Employee Assistance Program and so does the IBEW if you are union.

Joe is a men’s fitness and mindset coach, father, and husband. In this episode, he shares with us the tools you need to start living a life filled with meaning and purpose. We talk about overcoming depression, addiction, and anxiety with fitness, nutrition, and mindset. This episode is packed with value so get out your notebook.

Dean is a second-generation Journeyman Lineman with an extensive background in transmission and energized barehand work methods. He’s a good friend and I can say I genuinely loved working with him. Growing up with a father as a lineman and now having almost 20 years in the trade himself, we talk a lot about how the trade has changed. There is tons of value in this episode so please enjoy.

This is Daniels’s second time on the show. He is a lineman from Cali and I suggest you go back and listen to episode 94 if you want to get Daniels’s full story. He is an inspiration and motivation to anyone that is looking to get their life on track. Addicted to alcohol, 300 lbs, and recently in a near-fatal workplace accident, he decided to make a change and gain his life back. Fully healed, he is now addiction free, in the best shape of his life, and is helping others to live life to its fullest.

This is Dylon’s second appearance on Powerline Podcast and won’t be his last. Every time I chat with Dylon I learn something. Since we’re heading towards summer I thought it would be a great time to get on here and chat about dehydration, heat illness, and how they lead to cognitive decline. We can all do better when it comes to our physical and mental fitness so I hope this episode helps prepare you for the season ahead.

John Goodson “Goody” is a line hand from Oklahoma. I met Goody on TikTok. It’s amazing how great social media can be if used in the right way. He has a great page where he tries to impart lessons learned from his years in the line trade. Give him a follow and listen in to this episode to hear his story. TikTok @Goodson_of_the_john

This is Dennis’ second time on the podcast. If you’re interested in hearing more of his backstory of becoming a lineman, I suggest that you go back and listen to episode 042. A lot has happened since the last time we talked so I decided to get him back on the show to chat. I’m always so motivated after talking with Dennis. In this episode, we dove deep into his entrepreneurial side. He owns multiple businesses including 2 fitness centers and a powerline contracting company. On top of the businesses he is a fixed-wing pilot and supercar owner who truly models his mantra: “Live the lifestyle.”

Bo became a lineman at a super young age and has been in the industry ever since. We chat about all aspects of line work from building transmission lines, to business, social media, and mental health. Bo also manages a couple of Instagram pages which we dive into call @lockedandtagged and @semi_bolt. This episode is packed with value so please enjoy!

James is one of the most active people I know. He is a South African born trainer, coach, and business owner in the health and wellness industry. It can be incredibly difficult to know how to begin your health and fitness journey. There is so much content online and it’s hard to choose who to follow and what advice to take. This conversation is for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or looking for a new perspective. There’s definitely something we can all learn and apply from this podcast.

Inspiration is the word that instantly comes to mind after hearing Daniel’s story. Once upon a time he was 300 lbs and addicted to alcohol. Sober and well on his way to becoming a healthy man he was involved in an electrical flashover while working in a vault in Hollywood. The incident left his face severely burned with a long road to recovery staring back at him. This could send even the strongest of men back into a downward spiral but not Daniel. He recovered stronger than ever. As I said, inspiration is the word that comes to mind. Daniel is now healthier than ever with a strong, fit body and clear mind ready to help others master their own mindset.

Mackenzie Gillan is a lineman apprentice from Ontario, Canada. I just met her in person at the International Lineman’s Rodeo where she cleaned house taking home three awards in the apprentice category. I’ve followed Mackenzie for the last couple of years and one thing that I’ve noticed is that very view people out work her and I believe this is what sets her apart. Enjoy the conversation.

Scott has led an adventurous life of world travel, mountaineering, sharks, fire, and arc flash. To find out how these are all connected to line work you’ll have to listen the episode. You’re going to love this one! It’s exciting and informative all at the same time. Find it on all podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcast and so many more.

This is way more than just a podcast about tools though we do dive into that. Mike and Steve have led interesting lives. Mike is from Texas and grew up with a passion for music and Steve is an East coast born and raised US Army veteran. Both of these guys open up to me sharing their stories and lessons learned in life. We also go in-depth about the history of Milwaukee Tool and the things Milwaukee has done to put itself on top of the tooling industry. You definitely don’t want to miss this one! Oh and p.s. we had a ton of fun and lots of laughs.

In this episode I’m joined by a panel of industry professionals to answer a variety of frequently asked questions about how a veteran can transition from active duty to a career as a power lineman. Following this panel discussion are testimonies from four veterans that have just recently entered the Veteran Electrical Entry Program (VEEP) and are well on their way to a career in the power line trade. Joining me on the panel is Robbie Foxen, Executive Director Missouri Valley Line Constructors Apprenticeship, David Ball, Quanta Services Director Quanta Electrical Line Worker Program, Kevin Castle, American Line Builders Area Joint Apprenticeship, and Jason Iannelli, Electrical Training Alliance Director of Outside Curriculum.

Emily Flynn is a Line Mechanic from New Zealand. In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we dig into a bunch of topics ranging from traveling the world to mental health and being a female in a male-dominated industry. I really enjoyed this conversation with Emily and I know you’ll get a ton of value from it.

This is chapter 07 of the reading of the book The American Lineman. It’s being read by Brady Hansen. The book is written by Alan Drew in collaboration with The Northwest Lineman Collage (NLC). Go back and listen to all of the previous chapters of The American Lineman on Powerline Podcast. This is a detailed book describing the origins of line work in American history.

Kaycee is a six time world champion bareback cowboy from Utah. He comes from a family of winners and we dive deep on how to create a winning mindset for yourself. We also chat a lot about how important the trades are and why ranch & rodeo kids are a perfect fit.

Randall just recently topped out as a journeyman lineman and is passionate and excited about his future in the trade. We talk about being true to yourself and following your heart when it comes to choosing a career and how nobody is going to just hand you a journeyman ticket. You have to earn it through discipline and hard work. He also shares some tips and tricks for you young folks out there on how to interview for apprenticeship. Randall has built a massive community on social media so we also dive into ways you can use social to positively impact your life. Enjoy!

Hank is a second generation lineman that’s had a passion for the trade since the second grade. He shares lessons learned over his 24 years in the trade and how amazing it was to have his father as a bucket partner.

Jude Jolma returns to Powerline Podcast for the second time. If you want to know his full story go back and listen to episode 31. Jude is a lineman and now IBEW Local 125 rep. He gives us some great insights from this new perspective.

This is a special episode specifically drawing your attention to the Power Discord. What’s a Discord? Check out this episode for the answer to that question. Zeus Hawaii has created the first-ever discord for line workers and it’s amazing! Big shout out to Kenny Adams from Linetalkers Podcast for pulling us all together for this episode and Cyril (aka Zeus) for putting a huge amount of effort into building this Discord channel. Members in this episode are Robbie Wiggs, Josh Langley, Kenny Adams, Matt Santiago, Cyril Onti, and My Self Ryan Lucas.

Kyle is a Journeyman Lineman and part-time apprenticeship instructor who’s passionate about raising the next generation of lineworkers. Find this episode of Powerline Podcast on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Tony is a Lineman, a father and a knife maker. What started as a hobby led him to become a Forged In Fire champion and will now be a craft that he pursues forever. Find this episode of Powerline Podcast on all major podcast platforms including Apple Podcast and Spotify.

Braam is a US Military Veteran. His family hails from South Africa and he’s done a bunch of crazy jobs before finding linework. Some of these jobs include playing ice hockey, cattle ranching, and Alaskan commercial fishing and guiding. It’s safe to say his true love, other than his soon to be wife Taylor, is the outdoors. He now combines his passion for guiding and the outdoors with helping his fellow vets through Wounded Warrior Outdoors and is just starting his new career in linework. This episode is a great one for anyone to listen to whether you’re just starting out in the trade or you’ve been in the trade for years and need a new perspective.

I’ve followed Kyle for quite a while now on social media. He’s a lineman and a man that has always made time to look after himself by staying fit and super positive. He’s motivated me on numerous occasions to get my ass in the gym and look after my mental and physical health. Kyle is also a veteran and shares some great advice for vets trying to find a new path after the military.

Sean was a commercial fisherman, he’s a chef, father, husband, Lineman, Barehand Lineman, and also a long time practitioner in the sports of Mui Thai and Jiu Jitsu. This episode is packed with life lessons and value. I hope you enjoy.