Asphalt Talk

This episode of Asphalt Talk features Dr. Sam Goodwin, keynote speaker for the 2026 MAPA Summer Social in Kansas City. Sam shares his remarkable journey of traveling to all 193 countries, the life-changing experience of being taken hostage and wrongfully imprisoned in Syria, and the lessons he learned about resilience, leadership, and navigating uncertainty. The conversation also previews Sam’s keynote message, “Winning Through Uncertainty,” and explores how leaders can turn challenging and unpredictable situations into opportunities for growth.

Dale Williams sits down with Llans Taylor, Transportation Planning Director at the Missouri Department of Transportation, to break down the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). They discuss how projects are selected, how funding shapes the program, and what challenges MoDOT faces in delivering a five-year plan.

Getting to know the MAPA 2026 Conference Keynote Speaker.

In this special episode of Asphalt Talks, we sit down with 2025 MAPA Summer Social keynote speaker and former St. Louis Blues enforcer, Reed Low. Reed gives us a preview of what attendees can expect from his keynote address — from his inspiring journey to the NHL, to the lessons he's learned in life after professional hockey.

But Reed’s involvement doesn’t stop at the podium. He’s spending the entire day at the Summer Social, connecting with attendees, serving as auctioneer for the Emerging Leaders auction, and even donating a one-of-a-kind St. Louis Blues game experience to be auctioned off.

Reed brings energy, authenticity, and passion — and he’s sure to be a highlight of this year’s event. Don’t miss this preview of what’s shaping up to be one of the most memorable MAPA Summer Socials yet.

Meet Eric Schroeter: Deputy Director & Chief Engineer, MoDOT (Missouri Department of Transportation)

Learn a little bit about Col. Tillman and what attendees of the 2025 Annual Conference will hear during the keynote

In this 2-part podcast, we discuss the upcoming MAPA/AAPA joint meeting that will be held at the National Center for Asphalt Technology (NCAT), where the group will visit their test track and asphalt lab. In Part 1, host Rick Biermann sits down with Joe Bardill and Brian Kelso. Joe is the current chairman of the MAPA Emerging Leaders, and Brian chairs the AAPA Young Leaders. Together, they discuss the history of the MAPA/AAPA joint meeting. Both Brian and Joe have attended many of the previous joint meetings, and they share their experiences and the value members gain from attending. In addition to reflecting on past meetings, they share their expectations going into a new setting, as this will be the first time the meeting is held away from Branson, MO.

In Part 2, Rick talks about the history of NCAT and what our members can expect from their visit to the test track and lab with Nathan Moore, the Assistant Director for Test Track Research. They dive a little deeper into the details of track construction, operations, and all the research that undoubtedly leads to better asphalt pavements. Happy listening, and we hope to see all of our MAPA and AAPA members at the meeting!

This episode will recap the 2024 Missouri Legislative Session along with a discussion on the 2024 Missouri Primary and how the November election will impact the asphalt paving industry.

Getting to know Reed Ryan, the Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance. The listeners will get to learn about Reed's vision for the APA and the resources they provide.

In this episode we will learn about how Mitch Holthus got into broadcasting, how he prepares for a game and preview of what attendees at the MAPA Summer Social will hear during his keynote speech.