Powerline Podcast

Hosted by Ryan Lucas

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Episodes

271

Latest episode

Jun 2026

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EN-US

About the show

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 apart 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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60 recent

June 11, 20261 hr 10 min

The Lineman Who Wants To Change The Industry | Matt Ferguson | 215

What does it take to turn a simple idea into something that could change an entire industry?Ryan sits down with Matt Ferguson, a journeyman lineman, storm worker, and inventor who spent years working in the field before developing a safer approach to one of the most common tasks crews perform every day.From chasing opportunities to break into the trade, to working long hours on storm restoration, to surviving early setbacks as an apprentice, Matt shares the experiences that shaped both his career and his perspective on safety.The conversation explores why some of the best innovations come from the people doing the work, how a chain from Home Depot and an old set of pole tongs sparked an idea in his dad’s garage, and why challenging “the way it’s always been done” is critical to moving the industry forward.Whether you’re an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or someone looking to make a difference in your trade, this episode is a reminder that small ideas can have a big impact.Topics covered:Breaking into the line trade and earning opportunitiesLessons learned from storm workWorking through fear and setbacks as an apprenticeWhy experience creates better solutionsThe problem with accepting “the way it’s always been done”How Matt developed his pole tong safety innovationInnovation, safety, and improving the tradeWhy workers should share their ideas and challenge old assumptionsMatt’s vision for the future of the industry✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⚡️GUEST: MATT FERGUSON⚡️LinkedIn: Matthew Ferguson🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ryan Lucas⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: ⁠⁠⁠⁠powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com⁠

June 4, 20261 hr 46 min

Drilling Is More Art Than Science | Jake Brown, Brad Minerick & Jonathan Pipsair | 214

What happens before a single power line ever goes up?Ryan sits down with Jake Brown, Brad Minerick, and Jonathan Pipsair to pull back the curtain on foundation drilling, one of the most important and least understood trades in the utility industry.Jake is a VP-level drilling operations leader overseeing projects across North America. Brad is a superintendent who has spent years balancing road life, family, and leadership in the field. Jonathan brings more than 40 years of experience in foundation drilling, including marine and amphibious projects throughout the Everglades and Louisiana.Together, they share what decades in the trade have taught them about road life, family sacrifice, career growth, leadership, and the hidden work that happens long before the lights turn on.The conversation explores why drilling is more art than science, what most people never see behind reliable power, the realities of spending years on the road, and why the higher you climb the ladder, the more you should understand what you're asking for.Whether you're an apprentice, journeyman, supervisor, contractor, or simply curious about the people who build the infrastructure around us, this episode offers a rare look into the foundation of line work.Topics covered:The hidden trade behind every power lineWhy drilling is more art than scienceThe realities of life on the roadFamily sacrifice and career growthThe generation gap in the tradesLeadership, ambition, and climbing the ladderPride in building something tangibleWhat decades in the field teach you about success✌️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

May 28, 20261 hr 10 min

The Realities of Being a Powerline Apprentice in 2026 | Shayla Gaffney | 213

What does it actually take to become a good powerline apprentice in 2026, and why are so many young apprentices feeling behind before they’ve even really started?Ryan sits down with Shayla Gaffney, a final-year powerline apprentice and content creator, sharing a more honest look at what apprenticeship actually feels like for the next generation entering the trade. From line school and storm work to learning under pressure and finding the right crew, Shayla speaks openly about the reality of becoming good at something that takes years to master.They dig into why apprentices can’t rush the process, the pressure of constantly feeling behind, the importance of crew culture and mentorship, and how the right foreman can completely change an apprentice’s confidence and future in the trade. Shayla also shares lessons from storm work, learning by watching experienced linemen, and why good apprentices focus less on chasing the title and more on earning trust over time.Topics covered:Why so many apprentices feel behind in today’s trade cultureThe reality of learning under pressure on a crewWhy becoming good at line work takes years, not monthsThe difference the right crew and foreman can makeLearning by watching experienced linemen workWhy rushing the process hurts more than it helpsThe mental side of apprenticeship nobody talks aboutStorm work, confidence, embarrassment, and growthCrew culture, mentorship, and earning trust over timeWhat young apprentices actually need to hear entering the trade✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠X: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠⁠⁠⁠⚡️GUEST: SHAYLA GAFFNEY⚡️Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@shaygaff.coTikTok: @shaygaff.co🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ryan Lucas⁠⁠⁠⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: ⁠⁠⁠powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com⁠

May 21, 20262 hr 16 min

Why the Best Foremen Refuse the Title | Andrew Morgan | 212

Why are so many good foremen burning out?Ryan sits down with Andrew Morgan, a Texas distribution foreman lineman who came up working backyards, reconductors, and storm work. From climbing poles as an apprentice to leading crews in the field, Andrew speaks from years of experience building and maintaining the power grid.Together, they dig into the controlled chaos of line work, why today’s foremen are losing the time needed to mentor the next generation, what “bodies in the bucket” really means for the trade, and the leadership burden most people outside the industry never see. Andrew’s reflection on the Quanta Elite call: “I didn’t turn those wrenches. I didn’t sag that wire. I just gave them a path.” reframes leadership in the trades in a way every crew leader will recognize.Topics covered:The foreman's time trap: paperwork, planning, and the mentorship gapWhy time-based apprenticeships create "bodies in the bucket"Complacency, decision-making, and getting the crew home safely"Looks good from my house." The phrase every lineman knows, but hatesThe Quanta Elite call and my first thought: "What did I mess up?"Why building the next generation matters more than titles✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠⁠⁠X: ⁠⁠⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠⁠⁠⚡️GUEST: ANDREW MORGAN⚡️Instagram: ⁠⁠@andrewmorgan19🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠⁠Ryan Lucas⁠⁠⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: ⁠⁠powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com

May 14, 20261 hr 44 min

His Dad Was Inside the Towers on 9/11 (Almost). He Built the Freedom Tower. | Josh Nieves | 211

What does it actually take to make it in the trades?What is the industry getting wrong about the next generation coming up behind us?In this episode, Ryan sits down with Josh Nieves, a New York City-raised IBEW Local 3 master electrician and the youngest card-carrying superintendent in the local's 15,000-member history. Josh's father, a Light Heavyweight Golden Glove champion turned signatory contractor, had maintenance contracts inside both World Trade Center towers on 9/11 and survived only because of a doctor's appointment that morning. Years later, at 24 years old, Josh got the call to be sub-foreman on the Freedom Tower while standing on top of the Empire State Building looking directly at the build.Together, Josh and Ryan dig into what a real union meeting looks like when brotherhood is alive and well, the leadership gap that's quietly eroding organized labor from the inside, why Josh sold his brand new house to buy a 160-acre farm in search of purpose, how he built a coaching practice and workforce development career from a single LinkedIn post, and what every contractor needs to hear about recruiting the next generation.Topics covered:The Freedom Tower call that came in while Josh was standing on the Empire State BuildingWhat an IBEW Local 3 union meeting felt like at 18: "a scene out of Goodfellas"The CBA gut check Josh ran with 80 field leaders, and what it revealed about union leadership todayWhy the skills gap is really a leadership gap and what the difference looks like in practiceThe boxing analogy every aspiring leader in the trades needs to hearWhy "construction workers don't want another pizza party", and what they actually wantHow to flip the recruiting question from "why should I hire you?" to "why should I come work for you?"Mental health in the trades and why the industry can't keep sitting back✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠TikTok:  ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠⁠X:  ⁠⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠⁠⚡️GUEST: JOSH NIEVES⚡️LinkedIn: ⁠Josh Nieves⁠Instagram: ⁠@joshnieves_🎙️HOST: RYAN LUCAS🎙️Instagram: ⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Ryan Lucas⁠⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: ⁠powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com

May 1, 20261 hr 29 min

What It Really Means To Be Union | Lori Maclean | 210

What does it really mean to be union, and what does it take to make the brotherhood worth fighting for?In this episode, Ryan sits down with Lori Maclean, a former BC Hydro HR professional and IBEW Local 258 staff member turned business manager candidate, who brings a rare dual perspective from both sides of the table. As a mother of two journeyman linemen, Lori's connection to the trade runs deep, and she doesn't hold back on what it takes to strengthen the union from the inside out.Together, they dig into what a strong hall really looks like, why brotherhood and community are the IBEW's greatest assets, how mental health support needs to become a bigger priority for the union, and why showing up for your members has to mean more than just showing up at contract time.Topics covered:What a strong union hall actually looks likeWhy the Brotherhood is the IBEW's most important brand assetHow community and connection have eroded, and how to get it backMental health in the trades and why the union needs to lead the chargeThe unique perspective of raising two journeyman linemenCommunication in the line trade and why unclear communication costs livesWhat the IBEW does well and where the real opportunity lies✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram:  ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠TikTok:  ⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠YouTube: ⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠X:  ⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: ⁠@ryanwlucas⁠ TikTok: ⁠@ryanwlucas⁠LinkedIn: ⁠Ryan Lucas⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com

April 18, 20265 min

A Letter to Linemen and their Families | Happy National Lineman Appreciation Day | 209

April 18th is National Lineman Appreciation Day. This episode is for the ones who got the call at 2 in the morning. The ones who kissed their sleeping kids on the forehead and drove toward the storm.This is a solo episode, no guest, just Ryan. Short and intentional. Because some things don't need to be long. They just need to be true.Ryan draws on 15 years in the trade, responding to storms across North America and performing barehand work on energized 500kV lines, to talk about what linemen actually do, what they give up, and why the trade gets into your blood and stays there. He also speaks directly to the linemen listening, the ones who never needed a parade, but deserve to hear it said clearly: thank you.If you're a lineman, or you love one, share this.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram:  ⁠@powerlinepodcastTikTok:  @powerlinepodcastYouTube: @powerlinepodcastLinkedIn:  ⁠Powerline Podcast⁠Facebook: @Powerline-PodcastX:  @PowerlinePodcstHOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: @ryanwlucas TikTok: @ryanwlucasLinkedIn: Ryan Lucas💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com

April 9, 20261 hr 22 min

The Leadership Lesson Every Young Worker Needs | 208

What does it actually take to step into the workforce and earn respect from day one?In this special panel episode, Ryan hosts a diverse group of leaders at the LazyQ Ranch for a candid conversation with high school rodeo athletes preparing to enter the world beyond the arena. The panel brings together a World Champion Barrel Racer, Jordon Briggs, a 24-Time World Champion Roper, Jackie Crawford, a Marine Corps Veteran & Quanta Services Veteran Advisor, Donny Farmer, a 26-Year Journeyman Lineman & Quanta Services Superintendent, Kyle Seaward, and a 28-Year Journeyman Lineman & Quanta Energized Services Advisor, Rob Mitchell, all sharing the hard-earned lessons they wish someone had told them starting out.Together they dig into what real leadership looks like before you ever get a job title, how your reputation will follow you everywhere in a trade that's smaller than you think, why emotional control is a skill as important as any technical one, and how gratitude, punctuality, and follow-through can separate you from the crowd faster than talent alone.Topics covered:What leadership looks like without a titleBehaviors that build trust fast, and destroy it fasterWhy your reputation will beat you to the next job siteControlling emotions under pressure: breathing, preparation, and mindsetCommunication skills that can save lives in the line tradeWhy gratitude is a daily practice, not a feelingAdvice from five high-performers on what they'd tell their younger selves✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ 📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠TikTok:  ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠⁠X:  ⁠⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠⁠HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: ⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Ryan Lucas⁠⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: ⁠powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com⁠

March 26, 20261 hr 5 min

How He Became A Lineman After Losing His Leg | Brandon Crawford | 207

What would you do if you lost your leg at 15 and then decided to become a lineman?That's exactly what Brandon Crawford did. Born and raised in Arkansas, Brandon lost his leg below the knee in an ATV accident the week before 10th grade. Doctors gave his family a choice: amputate now, or try to save it and risk losing it anyway. They chose to try and he lost it regardless. He never looked back.In this episode, Ryan sits down with Brandon for a raw, honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a life in this trade when the odds are stacked against you. Brandon talks about climbing poles on a prosthetic leg, earning respect the hard way, his battle with PTSD, and why his wife's ultimatum may have saved his life. He opens up about storm work, brotherhood, the guys who shaped him, and why he's passionate about safety culture and training the next generation the right way.This isn't an inspirational poster. It's a real story about a real lineman and it'll hit home for anyone who's ever been told what they can't do.Topics covered:Losing his leg at 15 and the road back.Why he chose linework and how he convinced a school to let him try.Climbing poles on a prosthetic and the adaptations nobody talks about.PTSD, mental health, and the moment his wife changed everything.Storm work, brotherhood, and the bonds the trade builds.Safety culture — training vs. policing, and why the difference matters.Why he wants to be an instructor and give back to the next generation.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here: ⁠⁠https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/⁠⁠📱FOLLOW THE PODCAST ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱Instagram:  ⁠⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠TikTok:  ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠@powerlinepodcast⁠⁠LinkedIn:  ⁠⁠⁠Powerline Podcast⁠⁠⁠Facebook: ⁠⁠@Powerline-Podcast⁠⁠X:  ⁠⁠@PowerlinePodcst⁠⁠HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: ⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠ TikTok: ⁠⁠@ryanwlucas⁠⁠LinkedIn: ⁠⁠Ryan Lucas⁠⁠💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: ⁠powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com⁠

March 19, 20261 hr 11 min

What Rodeo Taught JJ Harrison About Crew Culture | 206

Ryan sits down with JJ Harrison, pro rodeo clown, master communicator, and Quanta Services ambassador for one of the most unexpected and inspiring conversations in Powerline Podcast history.JJ has spent 20+ years performing at the highest levels of pro rodeo, including the National Finals. He's a stand-up comedian on the world's most dangerous stage, dodging bulls while keeping thousands entertained. But underneath the painted face and the football bits is a former schoolteacher with a master's degree, a guy who really gets people, and has found a powerful mission bridging the rodeo world with the skilled trades.In this episode, JJ breaks down what it takes to communicate like a pro, how crew culture in the arena mirrors life on a job site, what "crew flu" does to a team, and why he's all-in on Quanta Services and the Quanta Express stagecoach program. He talks about the line school at LazyQ, scholarships for the next generation, and why linemen deserve the same celebration as soldiers and first responders.Topics covered:- JJ's path from teacher to rodeo clown to Quanta ambassador.- Communication skills every tradesman needs.- Crew culture, "crew flu," and team-first leadership.- The Quanta Express stagecoach and its mission in the trades.- LazyQ Ranch line school and next-gen workforce development.- Why supply and demand makes the trades the best career decision right now.- Physical longevity, recovery, and why you have to keep moving.✌️SUPPORT THE PODCAST HERE ✌️ Hit up our website here:https://www.powerlinepodcast.com/ 📱FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA📱TikTok:  / powerlinepodcast Instagram:  / powerlinepodcast Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...LinkedIn:  / powerline-podcast Twitter:  / powerlinepodcst HOST: RYAN LUCASInstagram: / ryanwlucas TikTok: / ryanwlucas 💥INQUIRIES OR GUEST SUGGESTION💥Email: powerlinepodcast@quantaservices.com