Mike and Mick reminisce over the good old days and the rise of independent distributors. The days of small businesses and the differences in today's industry.

Mike Ballance shares stories with Mick Fritz and Evan Thibaud about his origins in the industry and how the booster business got primed!

You may be the best blaster on-site or know your rock more than anyone else, but taking a trip down the road to see how other blasters apply their knowledge to different rocks can be a humbling trip. In this episode, Evan Thibaud and Paul Sterk discuss different blasting practices they've seen and how variables such as stemming and sub-drilling can vary greatly depending on the rock.

Paul Sterk and Evan Thibaud talk about odd times when abandoned explosives have been found in the communities around blasting operations. They dive into some stories which could’ve ended terribly and how communication with local fire departments and training is needed.

In this Father's Day episode, Dan Sterk, son of our Co-host Paul Sterk, is a surprise guest to share what it was like growing up as the 21st generation of his family in the mining industry. Dan reveals how he found his own way with the advice and guidance of his father.

Long-time manager of Wampum Hardware Company, Jay Elkin shares his story and the story of a hardware company that is in a leading position in their area of explosives by staying true and providing quality services over the years.

Derek Bowen shares his origin story with Evan Thibaud and opens up about some odd encounters with homeowners. For every bad story, there are handfuls of heartwarming examples of stewardship for neighbors.

Past president of SAMSSA and Chairman of NORCAT, Tom Palangio, has held countless positions of influence in his local mining community. Evan Thibaud asks Tom how his early roles morphed as he adapted into the career he has today and the development of fragmentation analysis.

"Challange them on how we can make that work" Paul Sterk and Evan Thibaud discuss the importance of training and the methods different companies use over the years.

Consultant and business owner, Mike Koehler shares how getting your hands dirty is valued in the explosives industry and its addition to creating the joy behind pressing the button.