Ep 17 - 17 Days in the Dark: A Lineman's Perspective on the 2026 Ice Storm

Ep 23 - The Leadership Crisis in Linework: What Every Lineman Needs to Hear

Title: How to Build a Winning Line Crew Culture | Leadership Lessons from Utility Veterans YouTube Description: What separates a good line crew from a great one? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran linemen Alex Wakeland, Jake Stinnett, and Brandon Corbitt for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, mentorship, and what it really takes to build high-performing teams in the electric utility industry. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, groundman, utility supervisor, contractor, or someone preparing for a career in linework, this episode is packed with practical advice from professionals who have spent years working on transmission and distribution systems across the country. The conversation explores how strong leadership creates safer jobsites, why investing in people matters more than ever, and how experienced linemen can help develop the next generation of the workforce. The guests also share lessons they've learned from the field, discuss the importance of accountability, communication, and trust, and explain why a crew's culture can directly impact both safety and productivity. A major part of this discussion focuses on Alex Wakeland's support of the JNCTN (Junction) program, including why he believes structured mentorship, professional development, and investing in future lineworkers are essential to strengthening the electric utility workforce. His perspective highlights how programs like JNCTN help prepare the next generation of utility professionals while reinforcing the values that keep crews safe and successful. In this episode: * Building a strong line crew culture * Leadership lessons from experienced linemen * Developing apprentices and groundmen * Safety, accountability, and communication * Why mentorship matters in linework * The future of the electric utility workforce * Alex Wakeland's support of the JNCTN (Junction) program * Advice for current and future utility professionals (1:11) - Meet the Crew (2:06) - Choosing Jobs and Crew Trust (4:34) - How They Got Into Linework (8:54) - Apprenticeship and Traveling (10:19) - First Day on the Job (14:47) - Mentors and Trade Culture (17:02) - Substance Abuse on the Road (19:13) - What Good Leadership Looks Like (24:05) - College vs Trade Respect (28:31) - Safety and Field Reality (33:33) - Best Parts of Linework (38:42) - Fixing Hiring Paperwork (41:09) - Worst Part Away From Home (44:42) - Apprentices and Work Life (46:34) - Company Versus Crew (54:23) - Union Solidarity Example (57:56) - Training Gaps and Crane Risk (1:02:50) - Stop Work Authority Reality (1:05:42) - Three-Man Crew Flaws (1:08:25) - Responsibility And Spine (1:12:06) - Burned On Storm Calls (1:16:29) - Storm Work Hurts Training (1:19:57) - JNCTN Fix For Storm (1:27:39) - Paperwork And Privacy Wins (1:34:06) - Transparency Pushback (1:41:15) - How To Find JNCTN If you're passionate about linework, electric utilities, power restoration, transmission, distribution, utility leadership, apprentice linemen, or the future of the power grid, this episode delivers valuable insight from professionals who live it every day. Subscribe for more conversations with the people who build, maintain, and protect the electrical grid. 🌐 Learn more about the show: https://powergridtalks.com [https://powergridtalks.com/] #PowerGridTalks #Lineman #ElectricUtility #UtilityLeadership #PowerGrid #Transmission #Distribution #Linework #UtilityJobs #ApprenticeLineman

Ep 22 - First Step to Becoming a Lineman: CDL Process Explained

If you're serious about becoming a lineman, your Commercial Driver's License (CDL) is one of the most important first steps you can take. In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Harry Packwood of Idaho CDL Training to break down the CDL process, explain why it's essential for a successful linework career, and share practical advice for anyone looking to enter the electric utility industry. Whether you're exploring a career as an apprentice lineman, preparing for line school, or looking to understand what utility companies expect from new hires, this conversation delivers real-world insight from someone who has helped countless people begin their journey in the trade. In this episode, you'll learn: ⚡ Why a CDL is critical for aspiring linemen ⚡ How to prepare for the CDL testing process ⚡ Common mistakes that hold applicants back ⚡ Tips for getting hired by utility contractors and power companies ⚡ What employers look for beyond technical skills ⚡ Career advice for anyone entering the electric utility industry PowerGridTalks brings you conversations with the leaders, linemen, contractors, and innovators who keep the power grid running. If you're passionate about linework, electrical infrastructure, storm restoration, utility careers, or workforce development, this podcast is for you. (0:34) - Why CDL Feels Intimidating (3:10) - Harry's CDL Journey (5:39) - Why Utilities Require CDL (8:14) - Common CDL Mistakes (12:09) - Restrictions and Unrestricted CDL (15:39) - Test Tips (18:16) - Permit Test Misconceptions (19:52) - Study Over Memorize (22:16) - Pass Rates And Retests (24:54) - Physicals And Drug Rules (26:50) - How Long It Takes (28:15) - Permits And Support (31:28) - Future Safety And Vetting (37:23) - CDL For Linemen (39:08) - Find The Program 🌐 Learn more and listen to every episode at https://powergridtalks.com [https://powergridtalks.com] 👍 If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to Like, Subscribe, and Share to support more conversations with industry professionals.

Ep 21 - Millions Watch His Videos; Here's What Austin Carr Wants Every Lineman to Know

What does it really take to build a successful career in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Austin Carr for an in-depth conversation about life in the line trade, the realities of working in the power industry, and the skills required to succeed in one of the most demanding careers in America. From storm restoration and emergency response to safety culture, leadership, training, and workforce development, Austin shares firsthand insights into the challenges and rewards of being a lineman in today's rapidly evolving utility sector. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, utility professional, contractor, line school student, or someone considering a career in the skilled trades, this episode delivers valuable lessons from the field. You'll learn about: ⚡ The realities of working as a lineman ⚡ Electric utility industry career paths ⚡ Storm restoration and outage response ⚡ Safety practices that save lives ⚡ Leadership and teamwork in linework ⚡ Workforce development and recruiting the next generation ⚡ Lessons learned from years in the field ⚡ The future of the power grid and utility workforce (0:27) - Meet Austin Carr (3:19) - America's Favorite Lineman (5:17) - First Tower Climb Reality (9:35) - Overtime Life in Florida (13:51) - First Viral Tie Wire Video (15:08) - Why He Started Teaching Online (19:00) - Industry Ego and Stigma (21:57) - Best Parts of Linework (26:02) - Advice for Apprentices (30:50) - Quick Fire Opinions (34:01) - Future Plans and Training (36:17) - Where to Follow and Final Thanks PowerGridTalks brings you real conversations from the people who keep the lights on—from the bucket trucks to the boardrooms. If you're passionate about electric utilities, transmission and distribution, power restoration, linework, energy infrastructure, and grid reliability, this episode is for you. 🌐 Visit the PowerGridTalks website: https://powergridtalks.com [https://powergridtalks.com] 🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with utility leaders, linemen, contractors, engineers, and industry experts who keep America's electric grid strong.

Ep 20 - Inside PowerOutage.us: The Data Behind Major Storm Restorations

What really happens behind the scenes during a major power outage? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with Matt Hope of PowerOutage.us to break down how real-time outage data is collected, tracked, and used during some of the biggest storm restorations across the United States. From hurricanes and ice storms to everyday grid disruptions, Matt explains how utilities, emergency managers, linemen, and the public rely on accurate outage reporting to understand what's happening on the electric grid. The conversation dives into storm restoration logistics, utility communication, outage mapping technology, grid reliability, and the growing role of data in the future of the power industry. If you work in electric utilities, linework, storm response, grid operations, or emergency management, this episode delivers valuable insight into the systems helping keep America informed when the lights go out. In this episode: ⚡ How PowerOutage.us tracks outages nationwide ⚡ The role of data during storm restoration ⚡ Challenges utilities face during major weather events ⚡ How linemen and crews benefit from outage visibility ⚡ The future of grid monitoring and outage reporting ⚡ Why accurate outage information matters to the public Whether you're a journeyman lineman, utility professional, apprentice, contractor, or someone interested in power infrastructure, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the technology driving modern outage awareness. (2:10) - Origins and Acquisition Story (6:12) - SEO and Media Momentum (7:38) - Traffic Spikes and Scaling (9:32) - Where Outage Data Comes From (13:05) - Data Challenges and Utility Coordination (16:49) - Biggest Events and Historical Archive (19:12) - User Feedback (27:33) - Public Friction and Outage Tool (32:07) - Sponsored Utility Access (34:04) - Future Vision and Security (36:00) - Industry Communication Needs (38:22) - Final Thoughts and Sign Off Listen to more episodes and connect with the show at: PowerGridTalks.com [https://powergridtalks.com/] #PowerGridTalks #PowerOutageUS #Lineman #ElectricUtility #StormRestoration #PowerGrid #Utilities #GridReliability #OutageMap #UtilityIndustry #Linework #ElectricGrid #Infrastructure #Transmission #Distribution #UtilityLife

Ep 19 - Leading From The Line: Johnny Priest on Leadership in the Utility Industry

What does real leadership look like in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran lineman Johnny Priest for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, accountability, safety, and what it takes to earn respect in the line trade. What does real leadership look like in the electric utility industry? In this episode of PowerGridTalks, host Thomas Williamson sits down with veteran lineman Johnny Priest for an in-depth conversation about leadership, crew culture, accountability, safety, and what it takes to earn respect in the line trade. Johnny is a 58 year veteran in the industry and started his career on the hooks back in 1967 with Duke Power. He's held many executive level positions with companies across the USA as well as spending time working with key companies in Australia, New Zealand, Puerto Rico and served with the 101st Airborne in Vietnam. Johnny says he has never had a bad day since leaving the jungles in Vietnam and has worked to mentor and develop many employees in the industry to achieve their goals and their own level of success! From storm restoration and high-pressure job sites to mentoring apprentices and building stronger utility crews, Johnny shares hard-earned lessons from years in the field. Whether you're a journeyman lineman, apprentice, groundman, utility contractor, or someone considering a career in linework, this episode delivers real-world insight into the mindset and leadership required to succeed in the electrical utility industry. You'll hear discussions about: ⚡ Leadership in linework and utility operations ⚡ Building trust and accountability on crews ⚡ Safety culture in the electric utility industry ⚡ Mentorship and developing young linemen ⚡ Storm work, teamwork, and field decision-making ⚡ Utility career growth and personal development ⚡ The realities of life in the powerline trade (1:23) - Early Days at Duke (3:42) - Old School Linework (6:41) - Wages Then and Now (11:13) - Moving Into Management (13:54) - Building a New Business (17:55) - Storm Work and Big Bets (23:22) - Leadership Mindset Shift (29:30) - See You At The Top (32:19) - Safety Rules in Blood (39:11) - Combat Leadership Lessons (42:59) - Career Moves And Vision (48:19) - Cancer Fight And Perspective (51:57) - Global Work And Australia Safety (55:40) - Hard Hats And Fall Protection (1:00:55) - Leading With Care (1:05:27) - Respect The Field Crew (1:08:03) - Legacy And Final Thanks PowerGridTalks brings you real conversations from the people who keep the grid strong — from bucket trucks to boardrooms. If you work in electric utilities, power distribution, transmission, substations, or overhead line construction, this episode is packed with valuable insight from someone who has lived it. 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations with linemen, utility leaders, contractors, apprentices, and industry professionals. 🌐 Visit: https://powergridtalks.com [https://powergridtalks.com]