Arc Junkies

In this special National Welding Month edition of Weld Wednesday with AWS, host Jason Becker sits down with three guests who each represent a unique and exciting path that a welding career can open up. Kicking things off is Austin Ross — known across social media as A-Ross Welding — a pipeline welder with roughly a decade of experience and a member of Pipeliners Union 798. Austin breaks down the real cost of life on the pipe, how to break into the industry as a helper, what it takes to earn your spot, and why attitude and thinking ahead can make or break your career out there.

Next up, Richard Johnston from The Ocean Corporation in southwest Houston, Texas joins the show to pull back the curtain on the world of commercial diving. Richard — a third generation diver — explains what commercial diving actually looks like day to day, the range of environments divers work in, how the training program at OceanCorp.com prepares students with zero prior experience, and why the career is far less dangerous than its reputation suggests. Closing out the episode is Brian Wills, a motorsports fabricator, race car builder, and Formula Drift Prospect Series competitor who builds and races his own cars under the Nasty Habit Motorsports banner. Brian shares how fab school launched him into drifting, what goes into building a competition-ready drift car from the ground up, and why welding has made it possible for him to spend the last five years doing exactly what he loves.

Jason sits down with Sheldon Wray, head of Industrial Technology and Innovation Strategy at Lincoln Electric, for a conversation that is equal parts inspiring career story and inside look at the future of the welding industry. Sheldon shares how he went from studying electronics and computer engineering in LA to falling in love with welding at night school class — and how one chance encounter at a career fair changed everything. He breaks down Lincoln Electric's legendary welding school, what it actually takes to earn your place in the field, and the inside story behind the development of the game-changing Lincoln Electric 300C.

The guys also dig into the retirement of the iconic Lincoln 225 tombstone, where AI and robotics are headed in the fabrication world, and the emerging role of handheld laser welding technology. Plus, Sheldon opens up about earning his MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Business — while working full time in Cleveland — and why he believes failure isn't something to fear, it's the first step toward mastery.

Passing the CWI exam is a huge accomplishment — but it's only the beginning.

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with veteran welding inspector Daryl Peterson to discuss what new Certified Welding Inspectors really need to know after earning their certification.

From ethics and inspection authority to metallurgy, code interpretation, and non-destructive testing, this conversation breaks down the real challenges that many new CWIs face when they step into the role for the first time.

Daryl shares insights from 40 years in welding inspection, including the importance of mentorship, understanding QA vs QC responsibilities, and why gaining experience in NDT methods like PT, MT, UT, and radiography can dramatically improve your effectiveness as an inspector.

They also discuss common industry myths, welding metallurgy concepts that inspectors must understand, and how unethical decisions early in your career can have serious consequences.

If you're a welder thinking about becoming a CWI — or a newly certified inspector trying to figure out your next move — this episode is packed with practical advice from someone who's spent decades in the field.

Topics include:

• What new CWIs should focus on after passing the exam

• The difference between QA and QC inspectors

• Why ethics and integrity matter in inspection

• How NDT experience can accelerate your career

• The metallurgy concepts inspectors must understand

• Common welding myths and misunderstandings

"You've never seen me sober."

For years, Justin built a respected name in the welding industry — sharp, disciplined, professional. But behind the scenes, there was something no one saw.

In this raw and honest conversation, we talk about high-functioning alcohol use in the trades, what it looks like when success masks a problem, and the moment Justin realized he hadn't been truly clear-headed in nearly a decade.

We cover:

• What high-functioning drinking really looks like

• The culture of alcohol in welding and blue-collar industries

• Productivity after quitting drinking

• Identity, reputation, and vulnerability

• Financial literacy and long-term career planning in the trades

• Why not hitting "rock bottom" can be the most dangerous place to live

If you work in welding, fabrication, construction, or any skilled trade, this conversation may hit closer than you expect.

This isn't about judgment. It's about ownership.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol, help is available: Alcoholics Anonymous – aa.org SAMHSA National Helpline – 1-800-662-4357 (24/7 confidential support)

This is Blue Collar Talk — the real version.

🔥 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

Recorded live at the Inspection Expo & Conference (IEC), this episode captures a powerful discussion on the future of welding inspection and the rapid integration of AI and automation into the field.

Jason Becker hosts a live panel featuring Amanda Young, Vice President of McNDT Pipeline, Ltd., and Lee Pialet, President of Pioneer Steel Services, Inc..

The conversation explores how digital weld scanning systems, AI-driven defect recognition, and code cross-referencing software are reshaping the role of the Certified Welding Inspector (CWI).

Topics include:

• How AI interprets weld scan data • The reliability and limitations of automation in inspection • What skills remain irreplaceable • How inspectors can adapt without being replaced • The balance between craftsmanship and machine intelligence

AI is moving fast. The real question isn't whether it's coming — it's how we prepare for it.

If you're a CWI, welding engineer, fabricator, or industry decision-maker, this is a conversation you need to hear.

🔥 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

In this special episode of Weld Wednesdays with AWS, recorded live at the Inspection Expo & Conference in Austin, Texas, Jason Becker sits down with longtime AWS volunteer and industry veteran Bill Komlos for an in-depth conversation on volunteering on AWS code committees.

While most welders, inspectors, and fabricators rely on AWS codes every day, few understand how those standards are actually developed. Bill shares his journey from local AWS section involvement to national technical committees, explaining how volunteers from across the industry—inspectors, fabricators, engineers, and educators—collectively shape the codes that govern welding worldwide.

This episode covers why committee participation is open to the public, how involvement can accelerate your career, and why real-world shop experience is essential to keeping codes practical, relevant, and safe. Jason and Bill also discuss mentorship, networking, the value of diverse perspectives, and why the next generation of welders and inspectors is critical to the future of AWS standards.

If you've ever complained about a code requirement—or wondered how to get involved in shaping them—this episode is for you.

For more information on how you can get involved with the AWS Click Here

Welding productivity is one of the most misunderstood topics in the industry—and it's costing shops serious money.

In this episode, Jason Becker sits down with Nate Bowman to break down the reality behind arc-on time, operator factor, deposition rate, and weld volume. Together, they explain why welders aren't "only welding 11 minutes an hour," how over-welding quietly drains profitability, and how small operational changes—like proper weld sizing or adding an extra grinder—can save thousands of dollars over time.

This conversation isn't about blame. It's about data, efficiency, and building high-performance welding operations that benefit both welders and business owners.

🔥 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

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with Brian Huff, founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College.

Brian shares his perspective on the growing skilled labor crisis, why the U.S. is facing a massive workforce shortage, and how removing shop class and technical education from K–12 schools created the situation we're in today.

The conversation covers workforce demographics, infrastructure demand, energy production, AI-driven growth, and why construction and skilled trades remain recession-resistant careers with lifetime opportunity. Brian also explains how trade schools can rebuild the pipeline and why this problem must be treated as a national priority — not just an industry issue.

This is a big-picture discussion about the future of skilled labor, education reform, and why the trades matter more now than ever.

🔥 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

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

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason sits down with George Rolla, a pipe welder, inspector, educator, and industry leader with over 50 years of hands-on experience in the welding trade.

George shares his journey from welding in the Canadian Arctic and North Dakota oil fields to becoming an AWS Senior Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Engineer, and founder of the California Welding Institute. Together, Jason and George have an honest, in-depth conversation about what's broken in welding education, why instructor quality matters more than ever, and how poor training creates ripple effects throughout fabrication, inspection, and code compliance.

They also discuss fast-track training done the right way, the realities of workforce development, the challenges of welding codes becoming law, and why documentation, ethics, and real-world experience still matter in a rapidly changing industry.

This is a must-listen episode for welders, inspectors, educators, and anyone who cares about protecting the integrity of the trade.

🔥 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://www.battlbox.com/arcjunkies
• 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