Episodes
Join host David Johnson on this episode of 'Long Live the Trades' as he sits down with Mike Sharp, a truck driver who hauls heavy equipment and embodies the spirit of the blue-collar community. From navigating job sites to dealing with unions and developing a strong social media presence, Mike shares insights into his world. Discover the camaraderie among blue-collar workers, the challenges they face, and the pride they take in their skilled trades. Dive into discussions about authenticity,...
Published 04/26/24
Published 04/26/24
Join host David Johnson as he sits down with skilled tradesmen Jessie Demler and Sam McKamey, delving into the challenges of the trades, mental health, and the pursuit of work-life balance. From sharing personal experiences to discussing the role of mentorship and employer support, this episode sheds light on the importance of open communication and healthy coping mechanisms in demanding blue-collar jobs. Tune in for valuable insights and actionable advice to navigate the trenches of the...
Published 04/19/24
Embark on an electrifying journey with Tyler Blanchard, the blazing beacon of pipeline welding prowess from West Texas. Join us as Tyler shares his riveting tale, from humble beginnings to mastering the flames of the oil industry. Dive deep into the crucible of mainline welding, fabrication, and the art of pipeline pigging. Experience the sizzle of social media solidarity as Tyler sparks connections with fellow welders. Get ready to stoke your passion and forge your path in the fiery world of...
Published 04/12/24
Join host Brent Flavin and co-host Shannon Corley in a riveting conversation with Lia Lamela, a resilient tradeswoman, as she shares her journey from adversity to triumph in the male-dominated world of construction. Explore the challenges, rewards, and the urgent need for inclusivity and cultural shift in the trades industry.
Published 04/04/24
In this episode, we hear from Sarah Matthews, a 19-year-old ironworker, about her journey in the trades. From her beginnings in high school welding classes to joining a steel erection company, Sarah shares her experiences as a young woman in a male-dominated field. We discuss her challenges, including earning respect and overcoming fear at heights, as well as her goals for the future, such as joining the ironworkers union and expanding her skills. Join us as we delve into Sarah's inspiring...
Published 03/26/24
Join host David Johnson as he dives into the world of welding with award-winning welder Jordan Packer on this episode of Long Live the Trades. Jordan shares his journey from competing at WorldSkills and winning bronze to starting his own business, Kickstart Welding. From central Utah to Cleveland, Ohio, Jordan takes us behind the scenes of the intense training process and the exhilarating experience of competing on a global stage. He also offers valuable advice for those interested in...
Published 03/21/24
In this episode, join musicians Luke Healy and Jesse Denaro, known as Lakeview, as they delve into their blue-collar backgrounds and their unique approach to country music in Nashville. From working multiple manual labor jobs while pursuing their music dreams to staying true to their authentic sound despite industry pressures, Luke and Jesse share their inspiring journey. Discover how they connect with their working-class fans through high-energy shows and relatable music, and learn about...
Published 03/12/24
In this episode of the podcast, host David Johnson delves into the critical topic of advocating for skilled trades and nurturing the next generation of workers. Joined by Andrew Brown, an entrepreneur deeply embedded in the trades community, they explore Andrew's journey sparked by the events of 9/11, which led him to champion the trades. Together, they uncover the pressing need to address labor shortages as seasoned workers retire, challenge negative perceptions deterring young talent, and...
Published 02/29/24
Join hosts David Johnson and Brent Flavin for an insightful conversation with Beau West, aka Misfit Welder, as they delve into his remarkable journey in the welding trade. From overcoming early career struggles to embracing technological advancements, Beau shares invaluable perspectives on the industry. Discover the importance of welding education, insights on innovation, and the power of giving back to the next generation of welders. Tune in for a captivating discussion that showcases the...
Published 02/21/24
Join The Long Live the Trades podcast as Justin, a Navy veteran turned automotive fabricator and welding entrepreneur, shares his riveting journey. From working on Vipers at a Dodge dealership to crafting custom exhausts for Koenigsegg supercars, Justin's story spans resilience, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Tune in to learn about his transition from military service to welding entrepreneurship, his ventures in online welding education and manufacturing, and his commitment to inspiring...
Published 02/15/24
Join us for a riveting episode of Long Live The Trades as we dive deep into the journey of Bryn Otto, a 19-year-old welder who defies expectations and embraces the blue-collar spirit. From humble beginnings to homeownership and dreams of early fatherhood, Bryn shares his inspiring tale of grit, determination, and the pursuit of the American dream. Tune in as we celebrate the unsung heroes of the trades and discover the true heartbeat of the blue-collar community.
Published 02/07/24
Get set for an adrenaline-fueled episode featuring Brandon Cancienne, the unstoppable pipeline technician! Join us as we delve into his electrifying work experiences, passion for the outdoors, and his impactful charity efforts. From crazy on-the-job incidents to the importance of teamwork, Louisiana cuisine, and quality work boots, this episode is packed with excitement and inspiration. Don't miss out on Brandon's journey of giving back to local communities – tune in now! Check out the non...
Published 01/29/24
A podcast episode featuring welders Gerald W Brister and Michael Ewing discussing their backgrounds, experiences in various welding jobs, advice for young people entering the trades, the importance of being valuable, differences between ambition and ego, work boots, and aims to equip the next generation. 
Published 01/22/24
A talk with Donald Flanagan, a shift supervisor, where he shares his career journey and experiences working in petrochemical plants. It covers his background, advice for getting into the industry, importance of safety and continuous improvement, work-life balance challenges, and passion for helping others find jobs
Published 01/17/24
A talk with Donald Flanagan, a shift supervisor at Chevron Phillips Chemical, where he shares his career journey and experiences working in petrochemical plants. It covers his background, advice for getting into the industry, importance of safety and continuous improvement, work-life balance challenges, and passion for helping others find jobs
Published 01/16/24
On this episode Richii and The Captain discuss deleting trees, fishing, social media bans and surviving an apocalypse with special guest Shane Labedelle. A Tiktok sensation better known as the king of hydraulic cylinders.  Find BoomNation Download App: ⁠https://join.boomnation.com/wwMt/8z0wqgdh⁠ Website: ⁠https://boomnation.com/⁠ Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/boomnationusa/⁠ Tiktok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@boomnationusa?_t=8ZUUDIhxHKt&_r=1⁠ Find Richii: Youtube...
Published 03/26/23
Join Richii and the Captain go deep into Snake Venom, Monster marketing plan, and the Blue Collar backstory of Richii. Live from the lil' Boosie recording studio in Baton Rouge, Louisiana this is Long Live the Trades.  Find BoomNation Download App: https://join.boomnation.com/wwMt/8z0wqgdh Website: https://boomnation.com/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomnationusa/ Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@boomnationusa?_t=8ZUUDIhxHKt&_r=1 Find Richii: Youtube Channel:...
Published 01/31/23