The Better Roadways Podcast

Hosted by James Golden

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Mar 2025

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About the show

A Podcast from pavement management and preservation activist James Golden surrounding the topics, products, and companies involved with creating better roadways for America!

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20 recent

March 5, 2025Episode 224 min

S03 EP 02 - 25+ Years in Pavement Management: Lessons, Insights, and the Road Ahead

With over two and a half decades in the pavement management industry, I’ve seen it all—roads built to last and roads that failed before their time, cities that invested wisely and others that paid the price for neglect. In this episode of the Better Roadways Podcast, I’m sharing the hard-hitting lessons, industry shifts, and insights I’ve gained from working with municipalities nationwide.We’ll break down what’s changed, what’s stayed the same, and how the future of pavement management is evolving with technology, AI-driven condition assessments, and smarter preservation strategies. Whether you’re a public works professional, an industry insider, or just someone who’s ever hit a pothole and wondered why, this episode is for you.Buckle up—this is 25+ years of pavement wisdom packed into one episode. Let’s dig in. 🚧🎙️

January 15, 2025Episode 110 min

S03 EP01 - It's National Pothole Day & Potholes Are A Choice!

In this special National Pothole Day episode of the Better Roadways Podcast, James Golden dives deep into the world of potholes, their causes, and—most importantly—how they can be prevented. With the bold statement, "Potholes are a choice," James explores how proactive pavement preservation and preventive maintenance can significantly reduce or even eliminate the need for costly and frustrating repairs.This episode highlights the critical role municipalities and roadway professionals play in creating better, longer-lasting roadways for communities. Drawing from decades of industry expertise, James discusses the value of adopting a preservation-first mindset, empowering cities and towns to maximize taxpayer dollars while improving safety and mobility.Whether you’re a public works professional, an advocate for better roadways, or just someone tired of dodging potholes, this episode will inspire you to see these nuisances as preventable—not inevitable. Please tune in and learn how to make better choices for our roadways and communities!

March 18, 2024Episode 310 min

Going Beneath the Surface

In this episode, James dives "beneath the surface" to understand why roadways become poor and fail even when no potholes are present.

March 1, 2024Episode 211 min

The Harsh Realities of Worst to First

ON this episode of the Bteer Roadways, James Golden dives into understanding the impacts of a worst to first maintenance and repair program

February 5, 2024Episode 113 min

Pavement Management: Streamlined

The traditional approach to pavement management, characterized by lengthy and expensive field assessments, has led to inefficiencies and frustration among professionals in the field. This episode aims to highlight how leveraging GIS systems, municipal data, high-definition video, artificial intelligence, and expert analysis can provide quicker, more accurate, and cost-effective pavement condition assessments. Data-driven decisions today, better roadways tomorrow™ Pave the Way 👊🏻

October 2, 2023Episode 158 min

EP 015 - The Rise Of Informed Public Expectations

In the world of infrastructure maintenance and repair, where budgets are tight and public expectations are high, it's essential to ensure that every dollar spent is effectively utilized. Roads, the lifelines of communities, often bear the brunt of weather and wear, demanding constant attention. In this episode, we delve into the art of stretching your road maintenance budget while delivering quality outcomes and under the public microscope.

September 4, 2023Episode 148 min

EP 014 - Unveiling The Pothole Predicament

In the realm of roadways, maintenance, and repair, staying ahead of challenges requires a deep dive into trending topics and public concerns. As we explore the ever-evolving landscape of pavement management, one question stands out: Are potholes truly a problem in the US? Today, we delve into this pervasive issue, shedding light on the significance of potholes and their impact on motorists and roadways alike.

August 28, 2023Episode 137 min

EP 013 - An Ounce of Preservation Is Worth A Pound Of Cure

As stewards of our nation's roadways, the challenge of managing deteriorating infrastructure looms large. A vital solution lies in preventive pavement maintenance, a strategy that not only revitalizes our roads but also ensures long-term sustainability. In this episode, we'll delve into the compelling reasons why focusing on preventive measures can revolutionize the way we approach road maintenance.

August 22, 2023Episode 127 min

EP 012 - America, We Have An Infrastructure Problem

America's infrastructure problem is no longer a secret, yet the full extent of this issue often remains hidden from the public eye. As we engage with communities, municipalities, and engineering partners, it becomes increasingly clear that our roadways are in dire need of attention. From local gatherings to networking events, questions about the deteriorating state of our infrastructure have become a staple. In this episode, we'll delve into the core of the problem and explore a fresh perspective on how to reshape the future of our roadways.

July 31, 2023Episode 1111 min

EP 011 - There's More To Road Conditions Than Meets The AI

I don't know who needs to hear this, but an AI-only approach to your pavement management program will not solve all of your problems....yet. Here's my hot take on the good, the bad, and the ugly of AI condition assessments, the current state and quality of the data, and where it's headed.