In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with John Malecki, former NFL player turned successful YouTube creator and entrepreneur in the maker space. John shares his unexpected journey from professional football to building custom furniture and creating engaging content on YouTube. He provides valuable insights on overcoming perfectionism, implementing metalwork into woodworking projects, and growing a successful brand online.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning from professional sports to woodworking and content creation

• Tips for makers to effectively incorporate metalwork into their projects

• Essential advice for aspiring YouTubers and content creators

• The importance of storytelling and audience engagement over perfectionism

• John's favorite projects, including building smokers and custom furniture

• Development of his successful brand, Shop Shades

Memorable Quotes:

• “I didn’t quit football to become a maker. I'm a maker out of necessity.”

• “If you want to win on YouTube, stop making content for you and start making it for your audience.”

• “We need more people with their hands on welders and their hands on tools—we're in dying trades.”

Resources Mentioned:

• SmokerBuilder.com: Kits and resources for building smokers (SmokerBuilder.com)

• Shop Shades: Stylish and comfortable safety glasses (johnmalecki.com)

• Creator Playbook: John's mentorship program for content creators (johnmalecki.com)

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• See all the different courses you can start learning today - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M

Check out all of John Malecki’s Content

• Website - johnmalecki.com

• Build YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@John_Malecki 

• Unscrewed YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@JohnMaleckiUnscrewed 

• Instagram - @john_malecki - https://www.instagram.com/john_malecki/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this week’s episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Jason Corder, a 28-year veteran of Ironworkers Local 433 in Los Angeles and current Welding Program Manager for Iron Workers International. Jason shares insights into the comprehensive role of an iron worker, union benefits, the apprenticeship process, and advice for aspiring tradespeople.

Key Topics Covered:

• What differentiates ironworkers from traditional welders

• Overview of the iron worker apprenticeship and journeyman progression

• Common welding processes in ironworking (SMAW, FCAW)

• Misconceptions about climbing tests and height fears

• Modern practices and the legacy of riveting

• Job stability, overtime opportunities, and vacation structures

• Advantages of joining the Iron Workers Union, including paid maternity leave

• Essential skills and attitudes for success in the ironworking trade

• Typical jobs and responsibilities of ironworkers

• Earning potential and pay structure for ironworkers

Memorable Quotes:

• “The biggest thing in any skilled trade is have the heart and show up.”

• “Women make better welders than men...the attention to detail.”

• “My job as a foreman is to find out where that person is gonna make the most money for themselves and the company's gonna make money at the same time.”

Resources Mentioned:

Iron Workers International: Official website for more information about apprenticeships and careers https://www.ironworkers.org 

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20:

• Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb

Jason Corder Contact:

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-corder-493a89249/ 

• Email: [email protected]

Connect with Beau Wigington

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Adrian Benitez, welding instructor at SteelTech Academy, part of the BZI group of companies. Adrian shares how he unexpectedly landed his role, what it's like training new welders in structural steel, and why attitude matters more than experience. From self-shielded flux core tips to game-changing tech like the Beam Champ, Adrian dives deep into what makes BZI different—and why it might be the right place for your next welding job.

Key Topics Covered:

Adrian’s unique journey from California to SteelTech Academy

The role of bilingual training in welding education

Why knowing how to use a grinder is harder than most think

Differences between self-shielded and dual-shield flux core welding

What the Beam Champ is and how it makes jobs safer and faster

How BZI builds structures from the top down

Training structure and certifications offered by SteelTech Academy

Day-to-day life for welders working field jobs at BZI

Safety investments and personal gear provided by BZI

Advice for newcomers breaking into structural welding

Memorable Quotes:

“I thought I was gonna go in the field to weld—but I landed at SteelTech Academy instead.”

“People call us wire monkeys, but high deposition never lies.”

“Amateurs do it until they get it right. Professionals do it until they don’t get it wrong.”

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

Basic Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M

Guest's Content & Contact:

Instagram: @meadrian1717 https://www.instagram.com/meadrian1717/

Connect with Beau Wigington

Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/

Email: [email protected]

WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa

In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Jason Becker, former host of Weld.com and current owner of Underground Metalworks and Weld Works Training Center as well as host of the Arc Junkies Podcast. Jason shares expert insights and practical advice on successfully preparing for and passing welding certification tests, emphasizing critical techniques, common pitfalls, and essential tools for welders at all experience levels.

Key Topics Covered:

• The importance of understanding and following hold points in welding tests

• Common weld test failures and how to avoid them

• Essential preparation techniques for test plates

• Recommended specialty tools for welding tests

• Differences between bend tests and x-ray tests

• How to maintain your welding certifications

• Practical advice for managing test anxiety and maintaining consistency

Memorable Quotes:

• "Prep is 80% of a successful weld."

• "Test day is not the day to add flare—weld like you do every day."

• "Practice until you can't get it wrong."

Resources Mentioned:

• Underground Metalworks: Welding classes and booth rentals in Orlando, Florida https://underground-metalworks.com 

• Weld Works Training Center: Accredited testing facility for welding certifications https://weldworkstestinglabs.com/ 

• Weld Metals Online: Welding test practice kits https://weldmetalsonline.com 

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Basic Inspection Concepts and Methods - https://foxly.link/tbRDjA 

• Visual Inspection: Tools and Techniques - https://foxly.link/QMlJmd 

• Weld Faults: Inspection and Causes - https://foxly.link/9T3dtc 

Guest's Content & Contact:

• Instagram: 

• @arcjunkiespodcast https://www.instagram.com/arcjunkiespodcast/ 

• @underground_metal_works https://www.instagram.com/underground_metal_works/ 

• Websites

• https://arcjunkies.com/

• https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

●  Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 

●  Email: [email protected]

●  WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

●  https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Guy Seguin, a welding educator at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, and creator behind Sewing with Fire Welding. Guy shares practical insights into side gigs welders can pursue, common projects to tackle for extra income, and essential considerations for successful side jobs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Most common side gigs welders encounter

• Essential tools and skills for successful welding side jobs

• Avoiding costly mistakes on projects

• Pricing jobs effectively and setting appropriate rates

• Liability concerns and how to manage risk in welding side projects

• Selecting the right welding equipment for side jobs

Memorable Quotes:

• "Any transferable skill is valuable. If you've got laboring experience or anything that can transfer over to welding, apply that first."

• "You don’t need a fancy fixture table; a concrete floor, a square, and a measuring tape can be just as effective."

• "Start slow, acquire tools, and build your skills and reputation steadily—slow and steady wins the race."

Save 20% On American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

●  https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M 

Guest's Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.instagram.com/sewingwithfirewelding/ 

• TikTok: @sewingwithfirewelding https://www.tiktok.com/@sewingwithfirewelding 

• Take Guy’s Free Course - https://foxly.link/j7xUUD 

• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sewingwithfirewelding 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrvmeZtqtbTAaiXlrqwKfXw 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding

• Email: [email protected]

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

• https://foxly.link/Qj0VEa 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Brian Baer, owner of Baer Welding in Providence, Utah. Brian shares insights on transforming Baer Welding from a small residential-focused business into a company handling major corporate projects and high-end ornamental fabrication. Brian discusses the importance of company culture, strategic business transitions, and integrating automation to enhance efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

• Shifting business focus from residential to large-scale commercial and ornamental projects

• Implementing automation to reduce errors and improve efficiency

• Importance and impact of company culture and social media

• Strategies for bidding projects accurately and profitably

• Training new employees on specialized alloy welding

Memorable Quotes:

• “Quality, quality, quality, and efficiency. Always thinking the next step ahead.”

• “Social media has improved our company culture and helped recruit the next generation of fabricators.”

• “Automation didn't get rid of people, it got rid of the mistakes.”

Resources Mentioned:

• Automated Layout Technologies: Manufacturer of automated layout and fabrication tables - https://www.automatedlayout.com/ 

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• Find the course thats right for you here - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M 

Guest's Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @baerwelding https://www.instagram.com/baerwelding/ 

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/baer-welding-co/ 

• Website: https://baerwelding.com/ 

• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@BaerWelding 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Mason Bongers and Dallas Reed, Application Engineers at Prima Power Laserdyne, from inside one of their advanced laser cells. Mason and Dallas share insights into laser welding, cutting-edge drilling applications, and their personal journeys into laser technology.

Key Topics Covered:

• Differences between continuous wave (CW) and quasi-continuous wave (QCW) lasers.

• Importance of gas flow in laser welding.

• Prima Power Laserdyne’s Vulcan project, a high-power laser competing with electron beam welding.

• Laser drilling applications for aerospace components.

• Advice for newcomers interested in becoming laser application engineers.

• Overcoming challenges in laser programming and machine operation.

Memorable Quotes:

• “Gas flow is incredibly important. I've done welds where I'm changing things every single time and it just looks terrible. I change the gas flow a little bit—perfect weld.” – Mason Bongers

• “This isn't an unskilled position where you're just pressing a button and letting it run. We need people that can look at the welds, holes, and cuts and say, 'This is good, this is bad, let's change this.'” – Mason Bongers

• “You say I can't, but I'm gonna find a way to do it.” – Dallas Reed

Resources Mentioned:

• Prima Power Laserdyne Website: Explore products, studies, and technical resources https://foxly.link/a7DvIr

• Prima Power Laserdyne YouTube Channel: Tutorials and demonstrations https://foxly.link/Yiu8il

• Google Scholar: Recommended resource for academic research papers on laser technology https://scholar.google.com

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Check out all the different courses available - https://foxly.link/t8aJ0M

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington speaks with Alex Rogers, an entry-level tender and diver who recently graduated from The Ocean Corporation in Houston, Texas. Alex shares his firsthand experience of entering the exciting and challenging world of commercial diving and underwater welding, highlighting what newcomers can expect from training, job opportunities, and life offshore.

Key Topics Covered:

• What commercial diving school entails, from dive science and construction to underwater welding and burning.

• Transitioning from diving school to working offshore: securing jobs, necessary certifications, and specialized offshore training.

• Day-to-day realities of working offshore, including schedules, work expectations, safety standards, and life aboard diving vessels and rigs.

• Personal adjustments required for living offshore, including handling long shifts, confined spaces, and staying connected with family.

• Insights into saturation diving and the supportive roles entry-level divers provide.

Memorable Quotes:

• “An underwater welding job is pretty few and far between. You're more likely to do underwater burning than actual welding.”

• “The rules are written in blood—safety is paramount. Everyone wants to make it home safe and in the same state they came out there.”

• “You really gotta be dedicated to it. If you're considering it, do your homework ahead of time, commitment is key.”

Resources Mentioned:

• The Ocean Corporation: Commercial diving school in Houston, known for excellent training and job placement assistance - https://oceancorp.com/

Save 20% On Related American Welding Program Courses With WELD20

• Basic Inspection Concepts and Methods - https://foxly.link/tbRDjA

• Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb

Alex Roger’s Content & Contact:

• Instagram: @alex.rog_ https://www.instagram.com/alex.rog_/

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Clint Evashkevich from The Onyx Grove Company, a talented TIG artist known for creating stunning stainless steel artworks. Clint shares his journey transitioning from heavy industrial welding by day to intricate TIG art at night, exploring how his work incorporates unique techniques to achieve vibrant colors and precise textures. He discusses his setup, from laser etching to chilling plates, and reveals common pitfalls and essential tips for aspiring metal artists. Clint also highlights the collaborative spirit within the TIG art community and his partnership with his wife, who complements his metalwork with woodworking.

Key Topics Covered:

• ​How to effectively set up TIG art projects using laser etching.
• ​Importance of using chill plates like steel and copper to manage heat distortion.
• ​Layering techniques to achieve depth and realism in TIG art.
• ​Mastering color control through cup sizes and gas flow.
• ​Common TIG art mistakes, such as clear coating colors, and how to avoid them.
• ​Practical advice for newcomers on getting started in TIG art without expensive tools.
• ​Insights into Clint's creative process and his collaborative work with his wife at The Onyx Grove Company.

Memorable Quote:

• ​"Just do it. If you've got a TIG torch, find any piece of steel and play. Draw something simple, practice lines, and just experiment. It’s the best way to learn."                               - Clint Evanshkevich

Recommended American Welding Program Courses

• ​Basic Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory - https://foxly.link/Uy3PrA 
• ​Intermediate Gas Tungsten Arc Welding Theory - https://foxly.link/N6xR8p  

Clint Evashkevich’s Content & Contact:

• ​Instagram: @theonyxgrovecompany https://www.instagram.com/theonyxgrovecompany/ 
• ​YouTube: http://www.facebook.com/theonyxgrovecompany 
• ​Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/theonyxgrovecompany 
• ​TikTok: @the_onyx_grove_company https://www.tiktok.com/@the_onyx_grove_company 
• ​Website: https://www.theonyxgrovecompany.com/ 

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• ​Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/ 
• ​Email: [email protected] 
• ​WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp 

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Miguel Millan, aka Datboimiggz, a tank welder, about essential advice for stepping onto welding jobsites, key insights into tank welding, common pitfalls to avoid to keep your job, and how networking can lead to new opportunities. 

Key Takeaways:

• Getting Started in Welding: Miguel's journey from roofing with his father to discovering welding and transitioning into tank welding.

• Jobsite Essentials: The importance of awareness, trust, active listening, and managing complacency to stay safe and valuable on a jobsite.

• PPE Requirements: Critical PPE items you must have and why safety compliance is essential for your long-term health and employment.

• Jobsite Conduct: How improper cell phone use, failing to follow site rules, and lack of awareness can quickly end your career.

• Finding Welding Jobs: Practical tips for finding new jobs, networking effectively, and presenting yourself professionally to employers.

• Tank Welding Insights: Unique challenges, required skillsets, typical schedules, and practical welding test expectations for tank welders.

• Increasing Your Jobsite Value: Miguel’s tips on how to stand out positively, help your crew, and adapt to your foreman’s preferences to become invaluable on the job.

• Entrepreneurship in PPE: Miguel shares his journey of launching his PPE brand, handling challenges with logistics, and his personal inspiration behind the designs and color schemes.

Miguel Millan’s Advice for Welders:

• Always be ready to adapt; flexibility is crucial.

• Be proactive and helpful to keep the job moving forward.

• Make safety and proper PPE use a top priority for long-term career sustainability.

Miguel Millan's Contact Information:

• Instagram: @datboimiggz https://www.instagram.com/datboimiggz

• TikTok: @datboimiggz https://www.tiktok.com/@datboimiggz

• Website for PPE Gear: https://datboimiggz.com/

Related Courses From The American Welding Program

Basic Shielded Metal Arc Welding - https://foxly.link/xelOeb

Basic Wire Process Welding - https://foxly.link/XXJUk1

Connect with Beau Wigington:

• Instagram: @beaudiditwelding https://www.instagram.com/beaudiditwelding/

• Email: [email protected] 

• WELD App: @beaudidit

Download the WELD App:

https://foxly.link/b7xDzp