Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

Big machines, hands-on experiences, and a chance to inspire the next generation — NUCA Dozer Day is coming to Oklahoma City for the first time!

In this episode of Digging Deep, we sit down with Ben Arthur, President of NUCA Oklahoma, to hear how this one-of-a-kind event is bringing the construction industry to life for kids and families across the community. Ben gives us an inside look at what attendees can expect from Dozer Day, from getting up close with heavy equipment to discovering the people, skills, and careers that keep our communities growing.

We also dig into what it took to bring Dozer Day to OKC and why introducing young people to construction and the skilled trades is so important for the future of the industry.

Plus, Ben shares more about the mission of NUCA Oklahoma and how the organization is working to strengthen the industry through workforce development, education, and community involvement.

In this episode of the Digging Deep Podcast, we sit down with Nick Williams for an important conversation about mental health, suicide prevention, and the challenges people may face both on and off the job.

Nick shares his perspective on recognizing when someone may be struggling, the importance of starting difficult conversations, and how coworkers, friends, and family members can support one another. We also discuss breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and why creating a culture where people feel comfortable asking for help can make a difference.

This episode is a reminder that sometimes simply checking in, listening, and being willing to have a conversation can have a meaningful impact.

If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health crisis, call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. Help is available 24/7.

Luis sits down with Marc Krichman, founder of 811Spotter and now with Irth, for a conversation about technology, damage prevention, and the contractor side of the 811 process. They talk about how 811Spotter got started, the challenges contractors face when managing 811 workflows, and how technology can help make the process more efficient.

What can the history of damage prevention teach us about where the industry is headed?

In this episode of Digging Deep, Luis sits down with Scott Landes and Benjamin Dierker, co-authors of Holding Back Disaster, for a conversation about the story behind the book and the evolution of damage prevention in the United States.

Scott and Benjamin share what inspired them to write Holding Back Disaster, some of the stories and people they discovered along the way, and how decades of lessons, challenges, and progress have helped shape the damage prevention industry we know today. It’s a look back at where the industry has been—and a conversation about why those lessons still matter for the future of safe excavation and underground utility protection.

What does the OKIE811 Member Services Department do?

In this episode of Digging Deep, Bo and Luis are joined by Eva Donahue, Liaison for Member Services at OKIE811, to discuss the value of becoming an OKIE811 member, the resources available to member companies, and how Member Services help utility companies stay connected with the OKIE811 notification system.

In this special episode, host Sy Kirby of the Blue Collar Business Podcast interviews William Bohannon to discuss the importance of building a strong safety culture, preventing damage to underground utilities, and the role of OKIE811 in protecting workers and communities. Bo also shares his background and talks about the new school initiative program coming soon to Oklahoma classrooms.

Special Thanks: Our thanks to the Blue Collar Business Podcast for producing and editing this episode and for allowing us to share it with the Digging Deep audience.

Luis sits down with Dr. Paul Dickinson to discuss how fiber optic technology, distributed fiber sensing, and conduit pathway infrastructure can help protect underground utilities, improve damage prevention, and support safer excavation practices.

Luis and Bo sit down with Sharri Hiller to discuss utility coordination before construction, including Design-Survey requests, pre-excavation meetings, and why identifying utility conflicts early can help projects move forward safely and efficiently.

In this latest episode of Digging Deep, Luis is back from the Common Ground Alliance Conference in Colorado Springs and joins Bo to share key takeaways, industry insights, and conversations shaping the future of damage prevention. From education and outreach to excavation safety and industry collaboration, they dive into what stood out most from this year’s event.

Bo and Luis chat with Senior Vice President Mike Iadanza from Mason Private Locating to break down the difference between private and public lines, why understanding them is so important, and why misconceptions around the two still exist.