The ".4 Employee": Valuing the 21st Century Construction Workforce EP2 2025

Thankful for The Geothermal Boom: Scaling the Drilling Industry

In this pre-Thanksgiving special, Brock and Dave kick things off with lighthearted banter about the trials of coaching youth basketball and the realities of sports parenting . The conversation soon pivots to a deep dive into the history of American labor. Dave recounts his father’s experience during the post-war industrial boom—specifically how Caterpillar once hired 7,000 people in a single week—and contrasts that era with the difficulties of today’s automated hiring landscape . A central theme of the episode is the preservation of "Tribal Knowledge," the essential, unwritten skills passed down by veteran workers . The hosts illustrate the value of this knowledge with a story about how Toyota utilized Ford’s own abandoned quality manual to revolutionize manufacturing . They apply these lessons to the drilling industry, critiquing the "Johnny" method of unstructured apprenticeship and advocating for a blend of classroom theory and field experience . On the technical front, Dave troubleshoots a client’s slow penetration rates, explaining why switching from roller cone to drag bits and using proper fluids is essential . Finally, the duo discusses the massive scaling required for the upcoming geothermal boom, warning new investors that deep pockets cannot bypass the laws of physics or the need for experienced drillers . The episode concludes with a special guest appearance by Brock’s 7-year-old son, Bo .

Veterans in Geothermal The Driller Newscast Replay EP153

The Driller Honors Veterans working in geothermal.   In EP 153, we explore the powerful connection between military service and the geothermal industry. Special Guest Nick Fry, a U.S. Army veteran and now a leading geothermal consultant, discusses how his experience on deployment shaped his understanding of energy security. He explains how military leadership and experience managing uncertainty are directly transferable skills for the challenges of subsurface work. Learn why veterans are a perfect fit for the mission-driven world of geothermal energy and how the industry can better recruit this exceptional talent pool for a more resilient and efficient future. Find the full video at TheDriller.com

Armageddon Got The Drilling Wrong, But the need for Drillers Right!

What's truly "spooky" this Halloween? The unprecedented demand for drilling professionals! In Episode 3 of The Drillercast, hosts Brock and Dave discuss the industry's workforce "nightmare", from record-breaking apprentice classes to new legislative support. Fitting the holiday, they analyze the drilling inaccuracies in the blockbuster Armageddon. While the movie's physics are a "nightmare", the hosts agree with its core premise: it's easier to teach a driller to be an astronaut than an astronaut to be a driller. Why? Because drilling is more than a procedure; it's a "science and an art", requiring microsecond adjustments and a feel that takes years to develop. Listen to the full episode to hear why the skills of a driller are truly out of this world.

The ".4 Employee": Valuing the 21st Century Construction Workforce EP2 2025

New Episodes Alert!  The average water well company employs 4.4 employees. Have you worked with a .4 employee? This episode of the Driller Podcast offers an insightful look into the current landscape of the drilling industry. The discussion emphasizes the importance of a skilled, well-compensated workforce, underscoring that training and development are essential for achieving long-term business success and profitability. With a detailed look at the industry's significant revenue—over $10 billion in 2024—the episode underscores the value and productivity of a smaller, highly efficient workforce. The hosts share valuable insights into the need for clear career paths and continuous learning, arguing that a strong foundation in training is essential for retaining top talent and preparing the next generation of industry leaders.

YOU GOT DRILLING _ HARDHATS VS HELMETS EP1 2025

Episode 1 - 2025 - Join hosts Dave and Brock as they kick off the new season with a bang, tackling one of the most debated topics in the industry: safety helmets. They dive into a heated discussion about why it's time to ditch the old hard hats and embrace new technology. Dave shares a powerful personal story about how a hard hat saved his son from a serious drilling accident. They also explore why the industry resists change and how it can lead to more profitability. Tune in to this and all future episodes on thedriller.com to find out how you can contribute to the conversation.