We turn loose resolutions into real quality improvements by focusing on knowledge sharing and outcome-driven goals. Along the way, we normalize failure as a learning tool and announce an accreditation update for core drilling vs testing. If you are attending the Technical Exchange, make sure to ask Brian for his autograph. Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org . Related information on this and other episodes can ...
Feb 25, 2026•36 min•Season 6Ep. 7
AASHTO re:source Quality Manager, Tracy Barnhart, joins us to talk about continual improvement. We share some tips on how to build a culture of quality and ask listeners to send us their quality-related New Year’s resolutions. Share your resolutions here: New Year’s Resolutions for Continual Improvement – Fill out form Related Information: aashtoresource.org/quality aashtoresource.org/events Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aa...
Dec 18, 2025•24 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Get a glimpse inside November’s Virtual Technical Exchange’s Mastering Laboratory Management Panel Discussion. In this episode, we take clips from that session to share insights from industry professionals Zack McKay, Joseph Kerstetter, Kishore Kotha, and Seth Winters. Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org . Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org ....
Nov 25, 2025•23 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Brian and Kim discuss the newly redesigned AAP Procedures Manual. It presents the requirements of the AASHTO Accreditation Program in a new format that is easier to read and understand. This new version integrates the old procedures manual with the newer policy and guidance documents that AASHTO re:source had been issuing on its website. It also includes helpful links that can take the reader to other documents or websites to learn more. There are also additions to the procedures manual that are...
Oct 28, 2025•44 min•Season 6Ep. 4
Pete Unger takes us behind the curtain of the global laboratory accreditation system that quietly protects our everyday safety. With nearly five decades of experience, Pete reveals how a problem with redundant product testing in the 1970s sparked an international movement that revolutionized how we ensure quality in construction materials and beyond. The conversation unravels the fascinating evolution of laboratory standards from early negotiations between the US and Denmark to today's sophistic...
Sep 09, 2025•39 min•Season 6Ep. 3
The digital revolution has reached the world of construction materials testing, and it's happening faster than many of us realize. In this eye-opening conversation with Mike Copeland, Quality Program Manager at the Idaho Department of Transportation, we explore the remarkable ways artificial intelligence is transforming how state DOTs handle testing data, quality assurance, and technical decision-making. Mike shares his journey from struggling with data trapped in PDFs to developing sophisticate...
Aug 05, 2025•36 min•Season 6Ep. 2
Steve Read, retiring after 20 years with the City of Seattle, shares his experience as a materials engineer and insights on leadership, quality management, and cross-agency coordination. He discusses his journey from heavy-equipment operator to materials lab supervisor and the importance of developing communication skills in technical professionals. Whether you work in construction, engineering, public administration, or simply drive on public roads, this conversation offers valuable perspective...
Jul 15, 2025•47 min•Season 6Ep. 1
Season five wraps up with hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson reflecting on the season and the ever-evolving podcast itself. This shorter season marked a shift from weekly to biweekly episodes, prompting honest conversations about the sustainability and future direction of AASHTO re:source Q&A podcast. The hosts highlight memorable conversations with industry experts, including beloved guest Bryce Hanlon from Oklahoma DOT and Matt Lineman from North Dakota DOT, who shared valuable insights o...
Mar 11, 2025•13 min•Season 5Ep. 17
Dive into our latest episode as we explore the critical need for laboratories to evolve from mere compliance to a thriving culture of continual improvement. Brian Johnson shares valuable insights from the recent Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop, highlighting a new strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing operational practices within laboratories. Throughout the episode, we address the pivotal role that AASHTO plays in guiding laboratories towards adherence to rigorous standards, emphasizing t...
Feb 25, 2025•42 min•Season 5Ep. 16
We dive into the 2025 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange with insights from key planners Bob Lutz and Tracy Barnhart. This episode focuses on the event's unique structure, networking opportunities, and targeted sessions for various professional roles. Attendees can expect valuable insights, interactive experiences, and assurance of fresh content during the event on March 17-20, 2025 in Bellevue, WA. Learn more on our website: https://aashtoresource.org/events Send us Fan Mail Have questions, co...
Feb 11, 2025•38 min•Season 5Ep. 15
Oklahoma DOT's Bryce Hanlon brings his proactive approach to geotechnical engineering processes. In this follow-up episode to S4 E07, he discusses the importance of effective communication, data management modernization, and how a unified team approach enhances project delivery and efficiency. Related information: S4 E07: Geotechnical Investigations at Oklahoma DOT Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org . Related ...
Jan 28, 2025•56 min•Season 5Ep. 14
Have you heard about the new AASHTO Accreditation Program policy on masonry unit and prism testing? Discover the historical context beginning with the 2019 updates to the ASTM C1716 standard for compression testing machines that left some labs wondering if their compression machines are compliant. This discussion reveals how labs are now categorized based on their capacity to test full-size versus reduced-size specimens. Our exploration unpacks how these distinctions simplify the process for cli...
Jan 14, 2025•26 min•Season 5Ep. 13
In the final part of this series, uncover the essential subsections of Section 3.5 of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual. Our exploration reveals the significance of independence of judgment, the importance of transparency in conflict scenarios, and how demonstrated job performance can outweigh formal education in personnel qualifications. Discover the historical context and evolution of temperature guidelines and learn how labs can navigate unexpected challenges, like seasonal shutdowns...
Dec 31, 2024•28 min•Season 5Ep. 12
Unlock the secrets of the AASHTO Accreditation Procedures Manual with us as we dissect Section 3.5. Navigate the critical responsibilities of accredited laboratories in reporting significant changes within 60 days, per section 3.5.1. We break down what constitutes a 'major change’ and highlight our role and the potential sanctions for non-compliance. Learn more as we go through the first half of Section 3.5, in part one of this two-part series. Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want ...
Dec 17, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 11
What if the dreaded corrective action process could be transformed into a beacon of opportunity? Join us as we introduce and explore the "Four I's of the Corrective Action Process" concept. This fresh approach transforms common sense ideas into a memorable strategy that enhances the understanding of the process while keeping continual improvement as its focus. Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org . Related infor...
Dec 03, 2024•20 min•Season 5Ep. 10
This episode explores the development and significance of the new AASHTO R 119 standard, officially titled “Standard Practice for Grinding the Ends of Cylindrical Concrete Specimens.” Brian shares his firsthand experience in creating this standard, highlighting the collaborative efforts with various state DOTs and the importance of standardizing concrete practices. Listeners will learn why AASHTO R 119 is crucial for those working with ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) and how it addresses ...
Nov 19, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 9
This burning question is at the heart of our latest episode, where we unravel the complexities of choosing the right organization for aggregate and rebar evaluations. We navigate the nuanced scopes of CCRL and AASHTO re:source, addressing why each offers these services and how customer demand has fostered an overlap. Explore the essentials of proficiency sample programs and the critical distinctions in assessment services—CCRL’s focus on specific testing methods versus AASHTO’s broader coverage....
Nov 05, 2024•18 min•Season 5Ep. 8
Unlock the secrets of effective laboratory monitoring with insights from Greg Uherek, Manager of Business Development and Technical Services. Greg sheds light on the specifier feature of the AASHTO re:source website, a game-changer for agencies that require AASHTO Accreditation like DOTs and California's Division of the State Architect. Journey through the evolution of laboratory monitoring from outdated methods to the cutting-edge specifier tools that enhance transparency and accountability. Gr...
Oct 22, 2024•40 min•Season 5Ep. 7
What's the secret to engaging volunteers and fostering a supportive, inclusive committee environment? Find out as we welcome Matt Linneman, Chief Engineer for North Dakota DOT and Chair of the Committee on Materials and Pavements (COMP), along with AASHTO liaison Casey Soneira. We discuss effective volunteer engagement, from creating psychological safety to micro-engagements that encourage wider participation. They share thoughts on succession planning, the balance between industry and academic ...
Oct 08, 2024•48 min•Season 5Ep. 6
Ever wondered how and why a new proficiency sample scheme was created? Special guests John Malusky and Ryan LaQuay join hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson to reveal the meticulous planning process behind the Hamburg Wheel Tracking samples, a groundbreaking addition to AASHTO re:source's Proficiency Sample Program. Hear firsthand accounts of the logistical challenges faced during its development, the steps taken to prevent segregation, and the lessons learned from pilot studies with DOTs that hi...
Sep 24, 2024•33 min•Season 5Ep. 5
Transform your organization's approach to quality with Benjamin's strategies for engaging and empowering the workforce. Empowering employees with responsibility and capability at the ground level can operationalize quality, ensuring that processes like equipment maintenance and accurate data reporting are meticulously followed. Benjamin shares how transparency and stakeholder involvement can shift the mindset from viewing new processes as burdensome to seeing them as opportunities for improvemen...
Sep 10, 2024•43 min•Season 5Ep. 4
This episode reveals laboratories' most common pitfalls with implementing AASHTO R 18, such as calibration record-keeping, training and competency evaluation, and internal audits. Learn how to sidestep these issues by implementing robust quality management practices. Listen in to transform your laboratory practices and get tips to move beyond standard compliance. Read this episode's companion article or watch the video on YouTube . Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest...
Aug 27, 2024•52 min•Season 5Ep. 3
What if your organization could lead a quality management revolution? Join us as we explore AASHTO re:source's roadmap for 2024 to 2027 with Bob Lutz, the Director of AASHTO re:source. Bob shares the inspiration and process behind this ambitious strategy, which aims to transform the construction materials, testing, and inspection industry. Learn how identifying key stakeholders and understanding their needs laid the foundation for a bold vision and mission that promises to shift the paradigm fro...
Aug 13, 2024•35 min•Season 5Ep. 2
Curious about what’s in store for this season? Get ready for an array of compelling topics covering common findings in standards like R18, new proficiency sample programs, and essential equipment maintenance tips. This episode kicks off with a promise of enriched content quality, a new bi-weekly release schedule, and a sneak peek into potential video episodes. With over 160 episodes in our archive, we're dedicated to making this new season as informative and engaging as ever. We also share some ...
Jul 30, 2024•16 min•Season 5Ep. 1
We share some of the highlights from this past season and explain why we take a break in March and April (spoiler, it's because of the AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange). Related information: AASHTO re:source Events The Stream by AASHTO: A Conversation with AASHTO President, Craig Thompson S4 E05: Paving with Recycled Plastic - Hawaii's Pilot Project - Part 4 S4 E07: Geotechnical Investigations at Oklahoma DOT S4 E10: Soft Skills: Dealing with Stress S4 E15: Talking Balanced Mix Design with Il...
Feb 27, 2024•18 min•Season 4Ep. 39
We share the audio from January 2024's webinar "A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling." Related informaiton: AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind-the-scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling http://aashtoresource.org/lap Send us Fan Mail Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org . Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org ....
Feb 20, 2024•39 min•Season 4Ep. 38
Get a high-level overview of why a laboratory's AASHTO Accreditation is not an "umbrella" accreditation that extends to other locations. Related information: S1 E13: FAQ - Mobile Lab Accreditation S1 E16: Understanding Technician Certification Requirements S1 E35: FAQ - AASHTO Accreditation Directory S1 E37: FAQ - Multi-Site and Off-Site Personnel S2 E09: FAQ - Can I back-date my accreditation to when I received my assessment? S2 E20: Terminology - Accreditation, Certification, and Related Terms...
Feb 13, 2024•29 min•Season 4Ep. 37
We go through Brian's inbox to answer some of the questions he's been asked recently. Related information: S3 E17: From the Cutting Room Floor - Consensus Standards S2 E19: FAQ - Refusal of Service S1 E39: FAQ - Policy for New Lab Internal Audits and Management Reviews S1 E31: FAQ - How long does it take to get accredited? AASHTO re:university Webinar Series: A Behind the Scenes Look at Assessment Scheduling AASHTO Accreditation Policy and Guidance on Refusal of Service Specifiers Send us Fan Ma...
Feb 06, 2024•38 min•Season 4Ep. 36
How familiar are you with fine and coarse aggregate specific gravity tests? Does your knowledge surpass Kim's? It's not difficult, but find out as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities for AASHTO T 84/ASTM C128 and AASTHO T 85/ASTM C127. Related information: Common Findings In Aggregate Testing S4 E34: Common Findings in Aggregate Testing - Part 1 S2 E31: Top Nonconformities for AASHTO T84 and ASTM C128 Top Nonconformities AASHTO T84 and ASTM C128 S2 E05: FAQ - Which report findings...
Jan 30, 2024•33 min•Season 4Ep. 35
Have Kim's guesses of common nonconformities improved as we move along in this series? Find out how she does as we discuss some of the most common nonconformities during aggregate testing in regards to general equipment, AASHTO T 11/ASTM C117 and AASHTO T 27/ASTM C136. Related information: S4 E32: Common Findings in Concrete Assessments: ASTM C138, C172, C173, C231, C617, C1231 S4 E18: FAQ - What is the difference between an observation and a nonconformity? S3 E34: Sieve Requirements and ASTM E1...
Jan 23, 2024•27 min•Season 4Ep. 34
