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Powerline Podcast: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Ryan Lucas
This podcast is for anyone in the power line industry. Those of you that love to build and maintain power lines at work and after work. This is a collection of stories from line workers around the world. This is a community for us to share where we’ve been, who we’ve worked with, projects we’ve been a part of and hopefully pass on some of those key lessons that we could all learn from. This podcast will be a mix of line workers and their stories as well as other professionals sharing about how to keep a healthy mind, body and spirit.
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- 1 weeks ago2h 0m
Why You Need an Ace in the Hole | Kevin Taylor | 223
Who do you have in your corner when life starts getting heavy?Ryan sits down with returning guest Kevin Taylor, a longtime lineman who spent nearly 12 years with CenterPoint Energy before heading outside and working on the road for several more years. Kevin first appeared on Powerline Podcast in Episode 76, and this time the conversation goes much deeper into mental health, road life, family, safety, and the people who helped him through some of his hardest seasons. Together, they talk about the reality of isolation on the road, therapy, alcohol, the pressure to appear fine, and why having people you can actually call matters. Kevin shares the idea behind his personal “boardroom,” a small group of trusted people he relies on for different parts of life, and explains how that support system helped change the way he handles difficult moments. Kevin also opens up about the serious 2022 accident that left him in ICU, forced him to relearn everyday tasks, and permanently changed how he thinks about risk, decision-making, and the ripple effect our choices can have on the people around us. He also shares why he started the Ace of Spades Project, built around one goal: helping someone through a place he already knows firsthand. The conversation explores what it really means to have an “ace in the hole,” why sometimes the person struggling will not be the one to reach out first, how road life can amplify isolation, and why one person showing up at the right time can matter more than they realize.Whether you’re a lineman, traveler, foreman, apprentice, spouse, parent, or simply someone trying to show up better for the people around you, this conversation is a reminder that you do not have to handle everything alone.If you or someone you know is struggling, support is available.U.S. + Canada: Call or text 988, 24/7.If there is immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst⚡️GUESTS: KEVIN TAYLOR⚡️TikTok: @aceofspadesprojectYouTube: @AceofSpadesProjectInstagram: @itskmfit🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
- 2 weeks ago2h 4m
3 Linemen Have A Very Real Conversation | Christopher Thomas & Clint Vick | 222
What does brotherhood look like when life gets hard?Ryan sits down with Christopher Thomas and Clint Vick for a deeply personal conversation about mental health, isolation, identity, and what it really means to look out for one another in the trades.Christopher is a Marine Corps veteran and journeyman lineman with more than 15 years in the trade, whose career has evolved into training, leadership, and helping strengthen the culture around the people doing the work.Clint returns to Powerline Podcast for a second time (listen to his first episode here). He is a longtime journeyman lineman whose career has taken him through utility work, barehand transmission, years on the road, leadership, and substation construction. Clint is also a very talented country artist; check out his music here.Both share openly about periods in their lives when they struggled to keep going, the isolation that made those periods harder, and the people who helped simply by showing up and continuing to check in.Together, they talk about the toll of road life, chasing overtime, losing connection at home, moving from the tools into increasingly isolated leadership roles, and tying too much of your identity to the job.More importantly, they talk about what helped: honest conversations, friends who kept calling, finding the right person to talk to, rebuilding purpose, taking care of your physical health, reconnecting with family and community, and creating a culture where checking on someone is simply part of the brotherhood.This episode isn't about having the perfect words.It's about knowing your people, noticing when something changes, making the call, and staying connected.If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate support, call or text 988 in the U.S. or Canada.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst⚡️GUESTS: CHRISTOPHER THOMAS & CLINT VICK⚡️Christopher's Instagram: @gummy_bears_and_deadliftsClint's Instagram: @vickclint🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
- Sep 3, 20261h 30m
What If Mental Health Was Treated Like Jobsite Safety? | Wykisha Thomas-McKinney, Nate Strickland & Tyler Smith | 221
What if mental health was treated with the same urgency as every other jobsite safety risk?Ryan sits down with Wykisha Thomas-McKinney of MATES North America, alongside Nate Strickland and Tyler Smith of Summit Line Construction, for an important conversation about suicide prevention, mental health, and what it really means to look out for the people working beside you.Wykisha is the Program Operations Manager for MATES North America, helping bring the peer-led suicide prevention model into North American construction. Nate is Summit Line Construction's Safety Director and shares both his professional perspective and personal experience with depression and losing close friends to suicide. Tyler is a Senior Project Manager with 23 years in the industry, including roughly 18 years living the realities of field and road work.Together, they unpack some of the pressures that can make construction and line work uniquely challenging: long rotations, isolation, missed family milestones, relationship strain, workplace trauma, substance use, and a culture that has historically told workers to put their game face on and keep moving.The conversation also breaks down the MATES Network of Safety, including General Awareness training, peer Connectors and advanced suicide intervention training designed to put support directly inside the workforce. The goal isn't to turn coworkers into therapists. It's to give people the tools to notice when something is wrong, ask the question, listen, offer support and help someone find the right resources.They also discuss why leaders set the tone for psychologically safer crews, why being vulnerable doesn't make someone less tough, how to check in with a coworker who seems off, and why building a mental-health plan before a crisis can make it easier to know where to turn when things get difficult.Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, foreman, supervisor, safety professional, contractor, leader, spouse or friend, this episode is a reminder that safety doesn't stop at the hard hat.CONTENT NOTE: This episode discusses suicide, suicidal thoughts, depression, substance use, loss and workplace trauma.If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available:United States: Call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.Canada: Call or text 9-8-8 for the Suicide Crisis Helpline.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.Learn more about MATES North America:matesna.org✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst ⚡️GUESTS: WYKISHA THOMAS-MCKINNEY & NATE STRICKLAND⚡️LinkedIn: Wykisha Mckinney | Nathaniel StricklandMATES NORTH AMERICA PILOTWebsite: matesna.orgInstagram: @matesnorthamericaTikTok: @matesnorthamericaLinkedIn: MATES North America PilotFacebook: @MATES North America Pilot
- Aug 6, 20261h 16m
How Do You Build a Life Like This? | Dennis Kelly | 220
What does it take to build a life most people only dream about?Ryan travels to New York to sit down with Dennis Kelly for his third appearance on Powerline Podcast, and this time, they do it in person. Over the course of the visit, Dennis takes Ryan inside the world he has built, from KR Utilities and multiple businesses to airplanes, helicopters, supercars, motorcycles, racing, and the experiences that define his “Live the Lifestyle” mentality.Dennis shares how he went from working in the line trade to building his first fitness centre while working six tens, using every spare hour and available dollar to keep moving forward. He explains why small steps compound, how reputation creates opportunities, why relationships matter, and what it means to live according to your own values instead of someone else’s expectations.This conversation is not about copying Dennis’s lifestyle. It is about deciding what you want your own life to look like and taking practical steps toward it. Dennis breaks down the mindset, work ethic, calculated risks, relationships, and problem-solving that helped him build seven businesses and create a life centred around freedom, progress, and meaningful experiences.Topics covered:What “Live the Lifestyle” really meansStarting a business while working full-time in the tradeTaking one step and solving one problem at a timeWhy your reputation can create opportunities years laterBuilding relationships before you need somethingUsing linework as the foundation for entrepreneurshipWhy success brings bigger problems, not fewer problemsDesigning a life around freedom, values, and experiencesLearning to fly airplanes and helicoptersDennis’s Hurricane Helene rescue and relief effortsBuilding businesses without taking an early paycheckWhy small actions compound into extraordinary resultsInterested in storm work with KR Utilities? Join the KR Utilities storm list by visiting KRutilities.com.Subscribe to Powerline Podcast for more conversations with the people building careers, businesses, and lives beyond the trade.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst⚡️GUEST: DENNIS KELLY⚡️Instagram: @denkelly10 | @krutilitiesLinkedIn: Dennis Kelly | KR Utilities🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucasTikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
- Jul 23, 20261h 5m
How Does a Company Survive 100 Years? | Rod Paul & Justin Tate | 219
How does a company survive for 100 years in one of the most niche industries in America?Ryan sits down with Rod Paul, President & CEO of Bashlin Industries, and Justin Tate, leader in Sales & Product Development, to explore the story behind one of the utility industry's most trusted manufacturers. From humble beginnings to becoming a name generations of lineworkers rely on, Bashlin's journey has been defined by one constant: adapting to change.Rod and Justin share how the company has navigated a century of industry shifts through product innovation, customer feedback, leadership transitions, and a commitment to earning trust one product at a time. They also discuss the challenges facing modern manufacturing, including workforce shortages, automation, robotic welding, and what it takes to continue building products in America.The conversation explores why trust is earned through consistency, how companies stay relevant across generations, the importance of listening to customers, and why every successful business eventually reaches another moment where it must adapt or risk being left behind.Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, manufacturer, business owner, or simply interested in leadership and innovation, this episode offers valuable lessons from a company that has spent 100 years evolving alongside the industry it serves.Topics covered:The history of Bashlin IndustriesSurviving 100 years in a niche industryWhy innovation never stopsBuilding products lineworkers trustCustomer-driven product developmentLeadership through changeThe future of American manufacturingWorkforce shortages and skilled tradesRobotics and automation in manufacturingLessons from a century of adaptation✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst⚡️GUESTS: ROD PAUL, JUSTIN TATE & BASHLIN INDUSTRIES⚡️ROD PAUL / BASHLIN INDUSTRIESWebsite: bashlin.comInstagram: @bashlinincYouTube: @bashlinindustriesinc.9630LinkedIn: BashlinFacebook: Bashlin IndustriesX: @bashlinincJUSTIN TATELinkedIn: Justin Tate🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@q
- Jul 9, 20261h 17m
3 Myths About Manufacturing Transformers in America | Bart Gaskey & Todd Davis | 218
Why the electrical industry is entering a decades-long boom.Ryan sits down with Pennsylvania Transformer Technology’s Bart Gaskey and Todd Davis inside one of North America’s largest transformer manufacturing facilities to explore the growing demand for power infrastructure and why the future of the electrical industry has never looked stronger.Bart is a strategic manufacturing leader with decades of experience across transformer manufacturing, grid infrastructure, and large-scale energy projects. Todd is a longtime manufacturing leader who has worked across multiple transformer manufacturers and now helps lead operations at Pennsylvania Transformer Technology.Together, they break down the myths surrounding American transformer manufacturing, explain why massive investments are flowing back into domestic production, and reveal how AI, data centers, electrification, renewable energy, and grid expansion are creating one of the biggest opportunities the electrical industry has seen in decades.The conversation explores why transformers are far more complex than most people realize, what it takes to build equipment that powers millions of homes and businesses, how Pennsylvania Transformer Technology is preparing for the future with major facility expansions, and why hundreds of new careers are opening for the next generation of skilled tradespeople.Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, engineer, contractor, manufacturer, student, or simply curious about the future of North America’s electrical grid, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at one of the most important industries most people never get to see.Topics covered:Why the electrical industry is entering a decades-long boomThe truth about manufacturing transformers in AmericaWhy AI, data centers, and electrification are driving unprecedented demandHow large power transformers are designed and builtWhy every transformer is custom engineeredThe nearly 100-year history of Pennsylvania Transformer TechnologyWhat it takes to manufacture 765 kV transformersThe logistics of transporting equipment weighing hundreds of thousands of poundsHow Quanta is expanding domestic manufacturing capacityWhy skilled trades offer one of the most secure career paths todayHundreds of career opportunities available in transformer manufacturingThe future of North America’s electrical grid✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst⚡️GUESTS: BART GASKEY, TODD DAVIS & PENNSYLVANIA TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY LLC (PTT)⚡️BART GASKEYLinkedIn: Bart GaskeyTODD DAVISLinkedIn: Todd DavisPENNSYLVANIA TRANSFORMER TECHNOLOGY LLC (PTT)Instagram:@patransformerTikTok: @pennsylvania.transformerYouTube: @PATransformerLinkedIn: Pennsylvania Transformer Technology LLC (PTT)Facebook: @PATransformerWebsite: https://www.patransformer.com/🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwluca
- Jul 2, 20261h 6m
How Do You Become Someone People Want to Follow? | Randy Smith & Brian Allen | 217
What does it take to become the kind of leader people actually want to follow?Ryan sits down with Randy Smith and Brian Allen, two leadership development professionals with decades of experience helping organizations build stronger teams, develop future leaders, and create lasting workplace cultures.From coaching supervisors and designing leadership programs to working alongside field operations and preparing the next generation of leaders, Randy and Brian share the lessons they’ve learned about earning trust, developing people, and leading with intention.The conversation explores why leadership should begin long before a promotion, how engaged leaders create stronger crews, why mentorship and communication matter more than ever, and how AI can become a valuable tool without replacing the experience, judgment, and relationships that define the trades.Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, foreman, supervisor, contractor, or executive, this episode offers practical insights on developing leadership skills, building stronger teams, and preparing the next generation of the workforce.🔔 If you work in the pipe, sheet metal, or mechanical trades, be sure to follow The Pipeline Podcast as Randy and Brian launch their new show dedicated to sharing stories from the field, celebrating their people, and developing the next generation of leaders. Going live with Episode 1 in the next few weeks! 🔔Topics covered:Why leadership isn’t defined by a job titleDeveloping leadership skills before the promotionWhat engaged leadership looks like in the fieldBuilding trust and stronger workplace culturesWhy mentorship and communication still matterPreparing the next generation of trade leadersHow AI can support, not replace, skilled workersEmbracing technology while keeping people firstLeadership lessons for every stage of your careerWhy Randy and Brian are launching The Pipeline Podcast✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
- Jun 18, 202641 min
Father & Son Linemen on the Future of the Trade | ISS 2026 Perspectives Panel | 216
What responsibility do we have to the next generation entering the trade?In this special episode, Ryan shares a live recording from the Perspectives Panel at the 2026 Infrastructure Safety Symposium (ISS), where he moderated a discussion on one of the industry’s most important challenges: generational knowledge transfer.Featuring two father-son duos from the utility industry, the panel brings together leaders, journeymen, and apprentices to explore how experience, leadership, and safety knowledge can be passed down as skilled workers retire and younger crews step into larger roles earlier in their careers.Carey Kostyk, President of Valard Construction, joins his son Pat Kostyk, Journeyman Lineman at Valard Construction, alongside Jeff Ziemba, Manager of Contractor Safety at Pepco Holdings Inc., and his son Jeffrey Ziemba, 4th Year Apprentice Lineman at Delmarva Power.Together, they discuss the realities of entering the trade, the importance of mentorship, why communication and trust matter, and how organizations can help bridge the experience gap while building a safer future for the next generation of lineworkers.Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or industry leader, this conversation offers valuable perspectives on developing future leaders and ensuring critical lessons aren’t lost as the trade evolves.Topics covered:Generational knowledge transferBridging the experience gapMentorship and workforce developmentLeadership at every levelSafety culture and communicationCreating environments where people can speak upThe changing role of apprentices and journeymenRetaining and transferring institutional knowledgeDeveloping the next generation of lineworkersBuilding a safer future for the trade✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: @powerlinepodcastTikTok: @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn: Powerline PodcastFacebook: @Powerline-PodcastX: @PowerlinePodcst⚡️GUESTS: CAREY KOSTYK, JEFF ZIEMBA & VALARD CONSTRUCTION⚡️CAREY KOSTYKLinkedIn: Carey KostykJEFF ZIEMBALinkedIn: Jeff ZiembaVALARD CONSTRUCTIONInstagram: @valardconstructionLinkedIn: Valard Construction🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com
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About Powerline Podcast
This podcast is for anyone in the power line industry. Those of you that love to build and maintain power lines at work and after work. This is a collection of stories from line workers around the world. This is a community for us to share where we’ve been, who we’ve worked with, projects we’ve been a part of and hopefully pass on some of those key lessons that we could all learn from. This podcast will be a mix of line workers and their stories as well as other professionals sharing about how to keep a healthy mind, body and spirit.
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