Arc Junkies - podcast cover

Arc Junkies

Jason Beckerarcjunkies.com
Arc Junkies is a Welding Podcast that is on a mission to help, educate and inspire the next generation of welders. Each week I talk to a new guest about their journey as a welder. Throughout the episodes, we cover different techniques, processes, variables, technical information and life lessons.

Episodes

290. First Impressions w/ Gerald W. Brister

Joining be this week is Mr. Gerald W. Brister. Gerald has been in this industry for 47+ years as a Welder, Supervisor, Inspector and most recently an Educator. Over his time in the industry he’s had the privilege of working on the pipeline, oil, platforms and even underwater. Gerald has some awesome stories as well as some tips for success that he discusses during the show. Follow gerald on Instagram Here Check out his YouTube Channel Here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTu...

Aug 21, 20231 hr 29 min

289. Fusing Passions w/ Sara Gardner

In today’s episode, I am talking with Sara Gardner, a welder turned Welding Engineer, Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Educator, and a part-time Welding Instructor. Sara started welding back in high school and developed a passion for this trade. While working as a welder, she decided to pursue a degree in welding engineering at Ferris State. It just goes to show you, that welding can take you on a journey you may have never considered. All it takes is one little spark to light an e...

Aug 14, 20232 hr 36 min

288. Keep on Dabn'n w/ Dabbndaddo

In this weeks episode I am chatting with Mitchell Moore aka Dabndaddo on Instagram. We discuss his method for stainless steel tig art, his process, some settings and chat a little about life in general. Follow Mitchell on Instagram @dabndaddo Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_de...

Aug 07, 20231 hr 6 min

Weld Wednesday w/ AWS Talking Automation with Sam Chance

In this month's episode, I am chatting with Sammuel Chance, a welding engineer with Vermeer. We talk about incorporating automation into large scale heavy manufacturing. There are several advantages using automation in heavy manufacturing, but there are some limitations as well. For more information on how to become an AWS member, or to get involved with your local section, head on over to AWS.org

Aug 02, 20231 hr 14 min

287. Im Good...?

This isn’t a typical episode, it’s not about welding, but it is about some of the issues we as welders face. I feel that it’s a topic that many of us struggle with and therefore it’s a topic I wanted to address on the show, because I am sure many of you all are going through something. I told you all awhile ago, that my mission with this show, is to help, educate and inspire the next generation of welders. That doesn’t stop at welding. I’ve spoken with a lot of people in our community recently a...

Jul 31, 20231 hr 27 min

286. Doing Hard Things w/ Jared Massic

This weeks guest is my buddy Jared Massic. Jared is a welding instructor with Maple Mountain High School in Utah. He's a super passionate welding instructor and his students recently cleaned house in welding at the Skills National Competition in Atlanta, Georgia. Check out Jared on Instagram @mmhs_welding Check out the Utah CTE Ecpo @uv.cte.weld.expo If you are looking for some coaching when it comes to teaching, check out @khristenmassic Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTub...

Jul 24, 20231 hr 20 min

285. Going Off-Road w/ Daniel Adams

In this week’s episode Daniel Adams of @phockerfabs and I chat about his journey getting into off-road fabrication. We discuss his process of building custom UTV frames for off road racing. In addition we talk about some different tricks when it comes to bending pipe and tube, some shop safety, and having strong work ethics. Daniel also drops some big news for the welding community. Check out Daniel on Instagram @phockerfabs Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www...

Jul 17, 20232 hr 54 min

Weld Wednesday w/AWS Building the Trades with Andrew Brown

In this month’s episode I’m chatting with Andrew Brown from @toolfetch we discuss his journey from being in IT back in 2001 and how one event changed his entire trajectory. He’s now a huge skilled trades advocate and promotes skilled trades across social media to help drive conversations about the skilled trade shortage. For more information on how to become an AWS member, or to get involved with your local section head on over to AWS.org...

Jul 12, 202350 min

284. Additive Manufacturing w/ Teresa Melfi and Amanda Dodge

In this weeks episode, i am chatting with Teresa Melfi and Amanda Dodge about the Additive Manufacturing process. This is some really cool technology that will make for some big changes in our industry. Learn more about Additive manufacturing here Check out everything Lincoln has to offer here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3A...

Jul 10, 20231 hr 9 min

283. Back to the Lab Again w/ Nate Bowman

Nate Bowman returns to the show this week. We have a great conversation about all things welding, his travels since his last visit, and what he has in store for the remainder of the year. Follow Nate on Instagram @weldscientist Check out his YouTube Channel Here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_...

Jul 03, 20232 hr 52 min

282. Paying Tuition w/ Dayne Rusch of Vyper Industrial

In this episode I am chatting with Dylan Rusch from Vyper Industrial. The guys over at Vyper are the Epitome of the American Dream. In this episode Dylan and I talk about some of the lessons learned, struggles, and wins the company has faced since they opened just a few years ago. We also discuss the launch of their newest product Vyper Energy which is a healthier alternative to some of the other choices currently available on the market. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTub...

Jun 26, 20231 hr 26 min

281. Dragging Up On Education

In this week's episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, I discuss the increasingly concerning trend of welding educators leaving their teaching positions to return to the industry. I take a deep into the many reasons behind this shift, including issues of pay disparity, administrative policy concerns, limited resources, and ballooning class sizes. However, it's not all about the problems – we also explore potential solutions. I ignite discussions about rethinking educational funding, improving policy...

Jun 19, 202323 min

280. Welding with The Devil w/ Diesel D

In this weeks episode i'm chatting with Diesel D out of Toronto Canada. Diesel is a former chef turned self taught machinest and welder. In his free time, Diesel creates custom Tig Welded Art pieces. In this episode we chat about his background and his journey into the world of Tig Welding Art. Give Diesel a follow omn instagram @Tig_devil and @destructive_asylum_13_fab Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunki...

Jun 12, 20232 hr 33 min

Weld Wednesday Hood Time w/ Jordan Packer

In this edition of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I’m chatting with Jordan Packer. Jordan is a Bronze Metalist for the 2023 World Skills Welding Competition that took place at Lincoln Electric last year. In this episode we talk about how he started his journey to the world stage, how he prepared to compete at Skills USA, his training for world skills, and what it takes to be a winner. AWS Summer of Learning click here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/...

Jun 07, 20231 hr 5 min

279. Breath it in, or Block it w/ Cliff Day

Today’s guest is Cliff Day owner and operator of O2 Armor. I originally met Cliff through a mutual friend when I was working with CREW Collaborative. Cliff is a Veteran Air Force Pilot and current commercial pilot. In this episode we discuss his military service, welding events, welding safety and the story behind O2 Armor nasal filters. Get your O2 Armor filters here Follow O2 Armor on Instagram @O2Armor Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjun...

Jun 05, 20231 hr 16 min

278. From Nascar to NASA

In this episode, I am talking with Amourette McDonagh. She started welding back in college and then got into an internship welding for NASCAR. She's now doing Research and Development for NASA to weld in Outer space. There are a lot of things to consider when welding in outer space and many more variables to deal with than welding here on earth. Follow Amourette on Instagram: @thespacewelder Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast925...

May 30, 20232 hr 44 min

277. Head Up, Hood Down, and Move Forward

In this episode I am talking with Evan Carpenter from BNM_Performance fab on Instagram and YouTube. Evan is a self-taught welder who now owns a custom performance fabrication shop and builds custom parts for automobiles. On his YouTube channel, Evan walks you through his builds in a step by step process to teach people how to build their own performance parts. Evan has a great story about how he got into this trade and built his company from the ground up. Follow Evan on Instagram @bnm_performan...

May 22, 20232 hr 4 min

276. Making A Difference in Education w/ Danny Cobb

In this weeks episode, I am chatting with Danny Cobb, a CWI/CWI, Welding instructor and owner of American Welding Labs Ft. Smith Arkansas. After teaching welding at a local college, Danny thought to himself, there’s got to be a better way. So he took a chance and struck out on his own to start his own welding school and teach welding the way he knows it needs to be taught. I can completely relate to what he’s talking about and the route he decided to take. In this episode we chat about his weldi...

May 15, 20232 hr 53 min

275. Going Through Changes w/ Charles McCarthy

In this weeks episode, I am chatting with Charles Mcarthy owner and operator of McCarthy Fab. Charles is a highly skilled young fabricator and entreprenuer. He's expanded his shop a couple times so far and is preparing for his biggest expansion to date. Join us a we discuss how he got started in the industry, the new technology he's adopting in his shop, and how he organizes the volume of work in his facility with limited space and a small crew. Give Charles a follow on Instagram @McCarthy_Fabri...

May 08, 20232 hr 40 min

Unlock Your Full Potential: The Power of Lifelong Learning and How to Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Industry

In this month's edition of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I am chatting with Paisley Cameron, Shanen Aranmor and Dr. Rick Polanin. Join us as we discuss the importance of being a life long learner and how you can stay up to date in the welding industry as technology continues to evolve. Resources in this episode: AWS Conferences: https://aws.org/events/conferences Weld-ED: https://www.weld-ed.org/ Nickel Institute: https://nickelinstitute.org/ Project MFG: https://www.projectmfg.com/...

May 03, 20231 hr 8 min

274. Understanding How Welding Works w/ Al Curtis

Today’s guest is Al Curtis a Welding Engineer out of Chattanooga Tennessee. I linked up with Al through a mutual contact, Kyle Carrol who I met at the Grand Opening of Underground Metal Works last year. Al is a wealth of information. We chat about his welding journey and then we take a deep dive into some of the more detailed fundamentals of welding that are often overlooked by welders and educators a like. There's a lot of great info in this episode so you may want to have a pen and paper ready...

May 01, 20232 hr 39 min

273. Be Emotionally Attached to your Work, Not Your Money w/ Drew Petty

Drew is a business owner out of Knoxville Tennessee. If you are part of the welding community on Instagram, you have no doubt come across Drew’s profile. Drew and his team do a little bit of everything when it comes to welding and fabrication. It was a pleasure having him on the show as a guest for this weeks episode. During our conversation, Drew shares valuable insights into his welding journey, starting and managing a business, bidding on work, and the highs and lows of running a welding vent...

Apr 24, 20232 hr 2 min

272. Big News w/ Stephanie Hoffman

Ok, so Stephanie and I have been teasing a big announcement for the past couple of weeks. Tune in to this weeks episode to hear about the big announcemnent between myself and Stephanie form Underground Metal Works. Underground Metal Works on Instagram: @undergroundmetalworks Sign up for classes: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/classes Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www....

Apr 17, 20231 hr 8 min

Weld Wednesday w/ Lexi McDermott, Brandy Killeen, and Robert Watson

In this month's edition of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS, I am chatting with Lexi McDermott, Brandy Killeen, and Robert Watson. We did an Instagram live on 4/5/23 and discussed their experience with AWS and how it has been helping them in their careers since they started to get involved. For more information on AWS, head on over to their website. Aws.org

Apr 12, 202352 min

271. The King of Sh!t You Shouldn't Do w/ Anthony James

Anthony James is a young and dynamic entrepreneur who's shaking up the welding and repairs scene with his mobile welding business. With a keen business mind and a passion for his craft, Anthony is making waves in the industry and inspiring other aspiring welders to follow their dreams. Not only is Anthony a skilled welder, but he's also a rising YouTube star, where he shares his daily work and experiences with his growing fanbase. Today, we dive into Anthony's journey as an entrepreneur, the cha...

Apr 10, 20231 hr 3 min

270. Over Saturated w/ Dabswellington

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, I am chatting with Sean Flottmann aka Dabswellington. I had the opportunity to catch up with Dabs at Ink the Bay in Tampa Florida. We had an awesome time chatting about his progression in the industry, doing metal art, traveling across the country to spread the good word about welding and his passion to his craft. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com Linked...

Apr 03, 202353 min

269. SKILLED with 3M

In this week’s episode I am chatting with Martha Bennett Global Vice President of Marketing Excellence for 3M and Cedric Smith a welder out of Minnesota. 3M recently put out a documentary entitled Skilled that was released at the Sundance Film Festival, which highlights different industries in the Skilled Trades to bring awareness and information to the next generation. As most of you all know, there’s a huge shortage of people across all industries of Blue Collared Trades. 3M is doing their par...

Mar 27, 20231 hr 7 min

268. Find Your Passion w/ Dusty James

In this weeks episode, I am bringing back Dusty James. He just produced an amazing video which is a combination of 3 of his passions, welding, filming and creating music. We talk about the video, finding your own passion and making time in life to do the things you enjoy. Check out Dusty on Instagram Here Check out Dust's Vidio The Beginning Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast Email: Show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apa...

Mar 13, 20231 hr 2 min

267. Cross-Pod Marathon w/ Max Ceron and Kevin Johnson

In this episode I’m doing a cross-pod with my buddies Max Ceron from the CWB Association Podcast, and Kevin Johnson with the Welding Business Owners Podcast. We recorded about 4 hours of content covering many topics like skilling up your workforce, the upcoming wave of automation, the welder shortage, work life balance and many other topics. This is a 3 part series. Tune in to part 1 on the @arcjunkiespodcast 3/6 Part 2 on the @weldingbusinessownerspodcast on 3/13 Part 3 on the @cwbgroupwelding ...

Mar 06, 20232 hr 41 min

Overcoming Obstacles: Women in Welding

In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, host Jason Becker sits down with three accomplished women in the welding industry: Tiffaney Orff, owner of Welding Women Syndicate; Kelli Royals, Navy veteran and professional welder, and author of the children’s book, Willow Discovers Welding; and Amy Roosa, founder of The Safety Rack, an organization that advocates for better PPE for women in the trades industry. The conversation dives into some of the unique challenges that women in welding face on ...

Mar 01, 202348 min