In this weeks episode, I sit down with Alex McNamara, a trades advocate, welder, rigger, and content creator who has become one of the loudest voices pushing for skilled trades education and tool literacy.

Alex shares her unconventional path—from theater and set building to welding, rigging, and managing massive international live events, including work in Saudi Arabia. The conversation digs into why shop class disappeared, how that decision created today's skilled-labor shortage, and what individuals can do locally to help rebuild trades education.

We also discuss women in the trades, workplace culture, confidence on the jobsite, the realities of PPE and workwear design, and why being yourself actually makes you better at your craft. This is an honest, funny, and deeply important conversation about identity, work ethic, and the future of skilled labor.

🔥 Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors

The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community.

Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent.

🎙️ Arc Junkies Podcast

• Website: https://arcjunkies.com
• Instagram: @ArcJunkiesPodcast
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253
• Email: [email protected]
• LinkedIn (Jason Becker): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72

🧢 Arc Junkies Merch:https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home

🏭 Underground Metal Works

Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals

• Website: https://www.underground-metalworks.com

🤝 Friends of the Show & Sponsors

🧰 BattlBox

Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly

• Website: https://alnk.to/90Chh6D
• Instagram: @BattlBox
• Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES
• Offer: Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox

🏛️ American Welding Society — Conferences

Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership

AWS Inspection Expo & Conference

• Event Info: https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/
• Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES
• Offer: Free gift at the event

🧤 Outlaw Leather LLC

Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last

• Website: https://outlawleather.com
• Instagram: @outlawleatherusa
• Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES
• Offer: 15% off all in-stock leather goods

⚡ Everlast Welders

High-performance welding machines without the high price tag

• Website: https://bit.ly/37xJstI
• Instagram: @everlastwelders
• YouTube: Everlast Welders
• Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES
• Offer: Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases

🎧 ISOtunes

Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication

• Website: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10
• Instagram: @isotunesaudio
• Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES10
• Offer: Save $10 on your purchase