Best Ironworker Podcasts (2025)

In this episode, we sit down with the mind behind Smokedogg Customs to break down one of the wildest builds on the show floor — a 1000HP, tube-chassis Mercedes 300SEL widebody built to be driven hard. What started as a neglected, rusty chassis turned into a full one-off race car, featuring a chopped roof, custom widebody, C6 Corvette suspension, an…

1
389. Gas Junkies w/ Tim Kinnaman 2:04:10

Play Pause

9d ago2:04:10

2:04:10

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Tim Kinnaman returns to continue our deep dive into welding history, shifting the focus to gas welding and cutting. We explore how oxy-fuel processes developed alongside early electrical advancements, why oxy-acetylene welding became the dominant method for decades, and how industrial chemistry played a c…

1
386. If You Want to Do It Long-Term… You Better Love It w/ Dusty James 1:32:55

16d ago1:32:55

1:32:55

In this episode, I sit down with returning guest and long-time friend, Dusty James of Pacific Arc TIG Welding, for one of the most honest conversations yet about the realities of doing anything for the long haul — whether it's welding, creating content, teaching, or building a business. Dusty and I break down what truly keeps people going in the tr…

1
Episode 192- Dead Dogs with Al Gaetano 1:28:43

17d ago1:28:43

1:28:43

Al is back and Brendan's dog is no longer with the company.lBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Weld Wednesdays w/ AWS The Skilled Trades Gap Isn't a Myth — It's a Warning 1:00:30

23d ago1:00:30

1:00:30

In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I sit down with Andrew Brown, host of The Lost Art of Skilled Trades Podcast, live from FABTECH 2025 in Chicago. Andrew and I dig into the real numbers behind the Skilled Trades shortage — including the projected need for over 320,000 welders by 2029 and the retirement wave that could pull more than 157,0…

1
385. Metal Art Is Just Weird Welding w/ David Madero 1:39:06

27d ago1:39:06

1:39:06

In this episode, Jason sits down with returning guest and internationally recognized metal artist David Madero for a high-energy conversation about the explosive growth of metal art and its impact on the welding industry. They talk about how competitions like the Fabricator Olympics are inspiring a new generation, how Metal Shop Masters changed the…

1
Episode 191- Sean O'Brien Jr and reunions 1:13:20

27d ago1:13:20

1:13:20

Sean jr is back with the boys to discuss doing comedy in Nashville and more.By Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
How Ringbrothers Set a New Bar for Custom Cars ft. Ryan Fielding - Lead Fabricator 1:39:17

29d ago1:39:17

1:39:17

Ringbrothers’ latest builds, especially Octavia, have pushed custom car fabrication into a whole new league. In this episode, we sit down with Ryan Fielding, their lead fabricator, to break down what really goes into building cars at this level — from CAD and 3D printing to long nights, tight timelines, and the teamwork behind it all. Follow Ryan: …

1
384. Rope Access Welding: The Wildest Welding Jobs You've Never Seen 1:38:40

1M ago1:38:40

1:38:40

In this episode, I sit down with Chad Umbel, co-founder of Rigging International Group (RIG), to explore the world of rope access welding, inspection, and high-angle industrial work. We talk about how Chad got into the trade, what rope access training really looks like, and why IRATA and SPRAT certifications matter. Chad breaks down how RIG hires a…

1
Episode 190- Sick Dogs with Marc Fitz and Bobby C 1:23:13

1M ago1:23:13

1:23:13

Thanksgiving is discussed, Bob hates cruises and moreBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Episode 189- Jumper Cables 1:16:27

1M ago1:16:27

1:16:27

Car troubles prevent Jumptown from joining the program....the boys audible and enjoy a Sunday togetherBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
188- Boston Comedian Dave Russo 1:17:43

2M ago1:17:43

1:17:43

Russo on the road stops into the garage to discuss the current state of comedy and moreBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Weld Wednesday w/ AWS Welder to CWI Making the Leap Without Loosing Your Identity 43:57

2M ago43:57

43:57

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker chats with Eric Cunningham, a passionate educator and welding program director who's spent years shaping the next generation of welders. Eric shares his path from being a hands-on fabricator to leading an entire welding program, the challenges of balancing classroom and real-world learning, a…

1
Episode 187- Booking 101 with Matt Misci 1:00:30

2M ago1:00:30

1:00:30

Comedian and head booking agent at Nick's Comedy Stop, Matt Misci joins the boys to talk about comedy, booking talent and moreBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
383. The Spark That Started It All: Tim Kinnaman on the True History of Welding 2:11:28

2M ago2:11:28

2:11:28

In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with welding historian Tim Kinnaman for a fascinating look at how modern welding was born. Tim walks us through the incredible journey from ancient discoveries of static electricity to the development of arc power sources and early machines built by companies like Lincoln Electric, …

1
382. Confidence Doesn't Equal Competence: The Truth About Welding Wages 46:33

2M ago46:33

46:33

In this solo episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason breaks down the real reason welding wages aren't skyrocketing — the skills gap. He dives deep into what employers actually pay to keep a welder on staff, why so many applicants are failing basic tests, and how underqualified welders are holding back wages across the trade. Jason shares real-wor…

1
Episode 186- The boys are back 1:04:49

2M ago1:04:49

1:04:49

Back from hiatus and ready to go...halloween candy and moreBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
381. Don't Quit w/ Jason Becker 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72?lipi=urn%3Ali%3Apage%3Ad_flagship3_profile_view_base_contact_details%3BKipEwR3uQXCmCjaEfNzo6w%3D%3D Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies …

1
380. That First Minute Changes Everything w/ Ryan Eubank 2:14:26

3M ago2:14:26

2:14:26

In this week's episode, Jason Becker welcomes back longtime friend and mentor Ryan Eubank, along with his student Matt Nonato, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to be an educator in the welding world. Ryan opens up about his morning rituals, how he transforms students' lives through discipline and compassion, and why he believe…

1
Episode 185- Tenured Professors 1:17:41

3M ago1:17:41

1:17:41

A major announcement is unveiledBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Weld Wednesdays w/ AWS Starting a Welding Business What I wish I Knew w/ Kevin Johnson 58:24

3M ago58:24

58:24

In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I sit down with Kevin Johnson, host of the Welding Business Owners Podcast, owner of JAMW Fabrication, and mastermind behind the Fabricator Olympics. Kevin shares lessons learned from starting his welding business, the importance of outsourcing, developing standard operating procedures, and finding a prof…

1
Stay Away From"Exotic Engine Swaps" - Cool on Paper, Nightmare in Reality 53:16

3M ago53:16

53:16

We’ve all seen the viral builds — a W12 in a WRX, a jet engine in a Civic, or some crazy exotic swap that looks amazing on paper. But here’s the reality: most of those projects end up unfinished, stuck in the shop, or burning way more time and money than anyone expected. In this episode, we’re breaking down why exotic swaps and wild setups usually …

1
379. "The Questions That Build Safer Welds." w/ Kim Meszaros 1:11:15

3M ago1:11:15

1:11:15

This week, Jason talks with welding engineer Kim Meszaros about the why behind codes and standards. Kim explains how ASME Section IX and other codes evolve—not as busywork, but as lessons learned from incidents, accidents, and new technologies. They discuss how welders should approach WPS compliance as more than a signature on paper, the role of sa…

1
Episode 184- The Ryder Cup with Jon Knochel 1:14:21

3M ago1:14:21

1:14:21

Brendan on life support after a big weekend which the boys discuss America's collapseBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Fronius Friday from FabTech 2025 46:03

3M ago46:03

46:03

In this Bonus episode of Arc Junkies, I sit down and chat with Wesley Doneth and Chris Bajek from Fronius USA to talk about some of thier new equipment hitting the market this year. If you didn't get a chance to make it to FabTech, you can get an inside scoop of whats coming your way in the world of welding technology from Fronius USA. Check out Fr…

1
378. The Story of the Bead Man w/ Dante Terrell 1:05:36

3M ago1:05:36

1:05:36

This week on Arc Junkies, I sit down with Dante — a pipe welder and rap artist who's built a career balancing two worlds. Dante shares his story of starting in the shipyards, transitioning into pipe welding, and how music became a creative outlet that resonated with welders everywhere. We dive into the realities of life on the road, failing and pas…

1
Episode 183- Timothy James and Country Music 1:38:09

3M ago1:38:09

1:38:09

Rising Boston based country music artist Timothy James joins the boys to discuss his journey from Ironworker to guitar picker. Check him out at www.therealbostoncowboy.comBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Bonus: Weld Wednesday w/ AWS Dr. Josh Burgess Recorded at FabTech 2025 8:35

3M ago8:35

8:35

In this bonus episode of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS I'm chatting with incoming president Dr. Josh Burgess. Dr. Burgess started his career as a welder in High School and had an unquenchable thirst for more knowledge which has lead him down an incredible path as the incoming AWS President. For more information on how you can get involved click Here…

1
182- Sports Frauds 1:29:29

3M ago1:29:29

1:29:29

From Danny Almonte to NBA refs..the boys discuss Sports fraudsBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
Special Drop in- The State of A Nation 21:10

4M ago21:10

21:10

Brendan and Fitzy review a nationBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice

1
377. From Puppets to Pit Bikes: Alex Jordan's Welding Journey 1:20:08

4M ago1:20:08

1:20:08

Alex Jordan may spend his nine-to-five building animatronics and puppets for places like Universal and Disney, but that's just the beginning of his welding story. After hours, Alex runs his own job shop, dives into 3D printing as a fabrication tool, and shares his knowledge through YouTube and social media. In this episode, we talk about how 3D pri…

1
Episode 181- Joe From Gloucester 1:24:24

4M ago1:24:24

1:24:24

After many months of trying to nail down the unofficial Mayor of Gloucester we finally got Joe in the garage. From daily affirmations to the Greasy Pole this episode has it allBy Brendan Ahern, Danny Gillis and Matthew Fitzmaurice