Have you ever wondered what it feels like to control thousands of tons of steel, stretching nearly three miles behind you? In this captivating conversation, Willie sits down with Matt Oleski, a train engineer whose decade-long railway career provides a fascinating glimpse into one of North America's most essential yet mysterious professions.

Matt shares his journey from construction work to becoming a fully qualified engineer, detailing the rigorous training process and career progression from brakeman to conductor to engineer. You'll discover the astonishing physics behind train operations—like how even empty rail cars weigh 30 tons, and a fully loaded train requires more than a mile to stop. Perhaps most surprising is the confirmation of an old railway warning: "rolling cars don't make noise," as steel wheels on steel rails can move massive weight in near silence.

Beyond the technical aspects, this episode explores the profound impact railway careers have on family life. With unpredictable on-call schedules and trips lasting up to 30 hours, Matt credits his wife Shelby's understanding and support as crucial to his success. Their story highlights the delicate balance railway families must maintain and the importance of making time count when at home.

The conversation takes fascinating turns through Matt's parallel passions for hunting and fishing in Northern Ontario, including his specialty for turning often-maligned Canadian goose into gourmet delicacies like pastrami and "goose poppers." His enthusiasm for musky fishing reveals how these outdoor pursuits provide necessary mental balance to the high-responsibility demands of railway work.

Whether you're curious about trains, outdoor life in Northern Canada, or the human story behind essential infrastructure, this episode delivers authentic insights into a world most people never see. Join us for a journey along the tracks of one engineer's remarkable life and career.