Best AREMA Podcasts (2026)

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EP 10: Exclusive- Hariss Harun Talks TMJ, JDT Era, Singapore’s Asian Cup Rise & Forrest Li’s Impact at Lion City Sailors 1:38:44

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13d ago1:38:44

1:38:44

In this power-packed episode, Singapore football icon Hariss Harun takes us through the defining moments of his career- from his early love for the game and breakthrough at NFA, to becoming the youngest-ever international debutant for Singapore at just 16. He opens up about his time at FC Barcelona’s La Masia, near-moves to Europe, and the transfor…

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The Emerging Technologies Panel Continued: Exploring the Future of Rail 52:43

26d ago52:43

52:43

In this special follow-up to the Emerging Technologies panel at the AREMA 2025 Annual Conference & Expo in Indianapolis, host Walt Bleser and panelists Doron Cohadier (RailVision) and Jason Schindler (Object Computing) continue the exploration of how artificial intelligence is transforming the rail industry. The conversation dives into the evolutio…

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EP 9: Madhu Mohana on LionsXII Triumphs, National Team Fallout, Negeri Sembilan Stint & MSL Journey 1:10:34

27d ago1:10:34

1:10:34

In this episode, Madhu walks through his career chapters- from his early football beginnings to LionsXII’s MSL title win, national team highs and lows, and the twists that shaped his stints with SAF Warriors, Tampines, and Negeri Sembilan. He opens up about his controversies and suspended fines, tough opponents, club releases, and the move that bro…

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Building Better Rail: Lessons from Watford and AREMA's Rising Leaders 36:54

1M ago36:54

36:54

In this episode, host Walt Bleser chats with the two latest Watford Fellowship recipients, Matt Kirby, PE, MLE, M.ASCE, AVP/Director - Rail Public Projects & Programs at Michael Baker International, and Daniel Rappaport, Civil Engineer III – RLE at Chicago Transit Authority. The Watford Fellowship Program gives grants to two young rail or transit p…

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EP 8: Controversy, Comeback & Chaos- Shakir Hamzah on LionsXII, Malaysia & Untold Personal Battles 1:14:22

2M ago1:14:22

1:14:22

In this episode, Singapore footballer Shakir Hamzah opens up about his time with Young Lions, LionsXII, and Kedah, including winning the Malaysia Super League and FA Cup. Shakir gets candid about being fined, managing red cards, and balancing NS with football. He also talks about mental resilience, public perception, and life after football.…

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Sustainability & Resiliency Take Center Stage at RREC 35:54

2M ago35:54

35:54

This episode, our host chats with Christopher Barkan, PhD, Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and Director of RailTEC, and Peter Masson, Director at TRC and Chair of Technical Committee 13 – Environmental about the upcoming Railroad Environmental Conference (RREC) and the new Sustainability & Resiliency (S&R) Day. The collabor…

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EP 7: From Fierce Competitor on the pitch to Head Coach: Alam Shah Opens Up on Industry Secrets, Arema Malang Days & Goal Machine Legacy 1:27:48

3M ago1:27:48

1:27:48

Singapore football legend Noh Alam Shah reflects on his fiery career- from S.League dominance, to his 7-goal haul against Laos, trials abroad, and of course, the infamous 2007 brawl. A raw, honest dive into legacy and what comes after the final whistle.By sportswire

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EP 6: Mamat speaks on His Arrest, Time with Sailors, Pocketing Spurs & the Heartbreak of AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 1:03:56

4M ago1:03:56

1:03:56

In this episode, Zulqarnaen Suzliman AKA Mamat gets real about his football journey- from boyhood clubs and his NFA days to his pro debut and national cap at 20. He opens up about his arrest, the heartbreak of AFF Suzuki Cup 2020, and pocketing Son Heung-min against Spurs, while reflecting on injuries, setbacks, and his goals ahead.…

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EP 5: Trent Buhagiar: Winning the Community Shield against LCS, Challenges he faced in Serie-B, and his journey in the A-League & Beyond 48:22

4M ago48:22

48:22

In this episode of The Sportswire Podcast, Trent Buhagiar opens up about winning the Community Shield against the Sailors, overcoming hurdles in Serie B, and charting his path through the A-League and beyond.By Sportswire

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Rolling Forward: AREMA’s Next Chapter Starts in Indy 41:05

4M ago41:05

41:05

In what has become an annual tradition, Walt sits down with the incoming and outgoing AREMA Presidents ahead of the AREMA Annual Conference & Expo. Outgoing AREMA President William S. Riehl, III, PE, F.SAME (Genesee & Wyoming Inc.) reflects on a year of strategic partnerships, expanded member value, and the importance of steady leadership. He will …

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EP 4: From Arema Malang to Singapore Football – Ridhuan Muhamad Talks Career Highlights, Corruption in the Game, and The Local Football Scene. 1:07:24

4M ago1:07:24

1:07:24

In this episode of The Sportswire Podcast, we sat down with former professional footballer Ridhuan Muhamad as he reflects on his remarkable journey from playing for Arema Malang in Indonesia to carving his path in Singapore football. Ridhuan opens up about his unforgettable moments on the pitch and shares his candid thoughts on corruption in footba…

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EP 3: Shawal Anuar's Untold Stories: NFL to SPL; Forrest Li & His Rise From Amateur to National Team 49:34

5M ago49:34

49:34

From getting scouted while playing semi pro to playing under Forrest Li, Shawal Anuar opens up about his journey, the experience of working with the boss, and how his sudden rise to fame has shaped his family life.By The Sportswire Podcast

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Mind the Overhang 46:22

5M ago46:22

46:22

This episode, Walt sits down with Theo Vallis, VP Commercial, Luminary Logistics Solutions, and President of The Railway Industrial Clearance Association (RICA), and Greg McComas, Senior Manager Dimensional Clearances, BNSF, and Chair of AREMA’s Clearance Technical Committee. The trio takes a 360-degree view of the world of clearances and the movem…

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EP 2: Daniel Bennett Breaks Silence on SPL Relegation system, Ryan Reynolds, European Wages at Wrexham FC & Clash with Noh Alam Shah 1:03:55

5M ago1:03:55

1:03:55

In this explosive episode, Singapore Football Legend Daniel Bennett opens up like never before. From his unfiltered thoughts on whether a SPL relegation system should be implemented in Singapore, to drawing parallels with Ryan Reynolds’ Wrexham revolution, Bennett dishes out insights on how clubs should be run and what more can be done to support t…

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EP 1: More Foreigners, Less Singaporeans; Is That the Only Way Up for the Singapore Premier League? 55:11

6M ago55:11

55:11

At just 28, Adam Swandi was forced to retire from professional football after being diagnosed with cardiomyopathy; a condition that weakens the heart muscle and affects the heart's ability to pump blood around the body. This would be a life-changing moment that no athlete would ever see coming. In our first episode, Adam opens up about how it was l…

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Engineering Leadership in Action: Kate O’Connor on SEPTA’s Front Lines 37:44

6M ago37:44

37:44

In this episode of Platform Chats, Walt Bleser sits down with Kate O’Connor—Chief Engineer at the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) and member of AREMA’s Board of Governors—for a conversation that covers everything from 100-year-old bridges to modern-day megaprojects, and a little career wisdom in between. Kate shares her j…

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From Résumés to Results: Host-Turned-Guest Walt Bleser Shares His AREMA Journey 53:27

8M ago53:27

53:27

To mark Platform Chats’ 10,000-download milestone, we’ve flipped the script and the mic. For the first time, our regular host is the interviewee. In this episode, guest host (and previous guest) Keith Bailey, founder of Articulated Intelligence and MC of the AREMA 2025 Annual Conference, chats with Walt Bleser, President & CEO of ARE Corporation, a…

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Building Bridges (Literally) with Bridges to Prosperity 43:59

10M ago43:59

43:59

Ditch the desk job—this Platform Chats episode takes us to Rwanda, where engineers swapped spreadsheets for socket wrenches and the cubicle for Kigali. Host Walt Blesser talks with Jim Costigan, PE, Senior Engineer – Field Services, Modjeski and Masters, and Erin O'Malley, PE, Bridge Engineer, HDR Engineering, about building a suspension bridge by …

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On Track with the League of Railway Women 41:47

10M ago41:47

41:47

On this episode, host Walt Bleser celebrates the podcast’s 40th episode milestone by chatting about the importance of the League of Railway Women (LRW). Joined by the new LRW President Lisa Tackach (Head of Marketing at the Railroad Construction Co), as well as LRW Members Andrea Neithold (Head of US Public and Government Affairs at CN) and Tiffany…

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Building Connections: The AREMA 2025 Railroad Bridge Symposium Preview 36:18

1y ago36:18

36:18

This episode previews the AREMA 2025 Railroad Bridge Symposium, happening February 4-6 in Fort Worth, Texas. Guests Ron Berry, PE, General Director of Services at BNSF Railway, and Duncan Paterson, PE, of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AKA the Wizard of Steel), share what attendees can expect. Spoiler: it’s not just about bridges—it’…

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Rails to Success: Navigating FRA Grants and Funding 51:43

1y ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of Platform Chats, host Walt Bleser sits down with Amanda Ciampolillo, Deputy Director of the Office of Environmental Program Management, and Karla Maffett, Deputy Director of Project Delivery, from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Together, they discuss the FRA's mission to enhance rail safety and efficiency through strat…

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From Concept to Construction: A New Guide for Steel Railway Bridge 38:16

1+ y ago38:16

38:16

This episode focuses on the collaboration between AREMA and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) to create a publication that complements the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering, Chapter 15 - Steel Structures by providing detailed guidance on design decisions for steel railway bridges. The guide, The AREMA/NSBA Guidelines for the Design of St…

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AREMA Leadership Transition: Insights from Ray Verrelle and Bill Riehl 35:35

1+ y ago35:35

35:35

In this annual episode, we’re diving into the transition between outgoing President Ray Verrelle (Vice President/Sr Project Director - East Region, HNTB) and incoming President Bill Riehl (Chief Engineer Structures, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.) Ray shares insights from his tenure, reflecting on his journey from civil engineering to leading AREMA and the…

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Engineering Collaboration: How AREMA Student Chapters Shape the Future of Rail 39:44

1+ y ago39:44

39:44

In this episode, Walt chats with Aaron Dean (Product Development Engineer, Advanced Rail Systems, LLC) and Nicole Anderson (Transportation Engineer/Student, PHMSA/Morgan State University). Aaron is one of AREMA’s Student Chapter Coordinators and a former President of one of AREMA’s first Student Chapters, the Railroad Engineering and Activities Clu…

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Mastering Communication with Keith Bailey 45:37

1+ y ago45:37

45:37

In this episode, Walt talks with Keith Bailey, Co-Founder of Articulated Intelligence, who you may recognize as the AREMA Annual Conference emcee. He helps people who have great ideas become better communicators. Keith shares strategies for effective communication emphasizing the power of stories. They are the gift we give to the audience. He also …

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Rails and Rising Stars: A Journey with Luv Sehgal 33:17

1+ y ago33:17

33:17

In this episode, Walt chats with Luv Sehgal (Senior Rail Engineer, ARUP). A native of India, Luv grew up surrounded by the world’s fourth-largest railway network, making it easy to fall in love with rail as a kid. He took that passion and propelled it into an accomplished engineering career. From winning the CEEAA Young Alumni Achievement Award pre…

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Meet the 2023 Railway Woman of the Year, Kari Gonzales 52:40

2y ago52:40

52:40

This episode, Walt chats with League of Railway Women 2023 Railway Woman of the Year Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MxV Rail. The pair discuss transitioning and rebranding MxV Rail (formerly TTCI) from an FRA-managed testing facility to the world’s premier advisory for the rail industry. They’ll also consider the value and importance of maintainin…

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2024 Hiring Trends 43:41

2y ago43:41

43:41

Soft skills, that little extra something.…what does it take to match the right person to the right job in the rail industry? Hiring qualified employees is critical in the railroad industry, these two guests are at the forefront. Kevin Forrest, Talent Advisor at CSX, and Andrew Stahl, Founder of Stahl Recruiting, understand the ins and outs of the r…

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A Sneak Peek at the AREMA 2024 Sustainability & Resiliency Symposium 34:39

2y ago34:39

34:39

The AREMA 2024 Sustainability & Resiliency Symposium is almost here. On this first episode of Season 4 and the New Year, Walt chats with two key members of the event's success: Ned Bagniewski, PE, ENV SP (HDR), and Leo Thorbecke (TRC). The trio talks about some of the exciting changes in rail around sustainability, resiliency, and the events planne…

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What Does NRC Have in Store for 2024? 36:41

2y ago36:41

36:41

We end 2023 with a look ahead to 2024. This episode, Walt chats with Ashley Wieland, President of The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) about their upcoming Conference in January 2024 and what’s in store for NRC in the future. The duo discusses the safety resources NRC provides its members and the industry as well as …

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2023 Hay Award Winners Discuss Merchants Bridge 43:34

2y ago43:34

43:34

In this episode, Walt chats with the winners of the 2023 Dr. William W. Hay Award about their project “Merchants Bridge Main Span Trusses & East Approach Replacement.” Crossing the Mississippi River and originally built in 1890 by attorney turned engineer George Morisson, the Merchants Bridge is the second oldest bridge in St. Louis and has exceede…

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Setting Goals and Leveraging Opportunities for Success 40:40

2+ y ago40:40

40:40

As seasons change, so do the terms of Association Officers. On this episode, Walt chats with outgoing AREMA President Trent Hudak, PE, Director Engineering Services, BNSF Railway, and incoming AREMA President, current Senior Vice President Ray Verrelle, PE, Vice President Engineering Services, Amtrak. The trio discusses the importance of goal setti…

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The Impact of Association Memberships 51:03

2+ y ago51:03

51:03

On this episode, Walt continues his exploration of other Associations with Nate Irby, Executive Director of the Railway Tie Association (RTA). They consider the impact Association membership can have on a career, especially for a young professional. Tip: Immerse yourself and say yes! They also discuss the value of member testimonials and the import…

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Meet Tony Hatch, Rail Industry Icon 45:12

2+ y ago45:12

45:12

On this episode, Walt chats with rail industry icon Tony Hatch, Senior Transportation Analyst, ABH Consulting. With over 30 years of experience as an independent transportation analyst, he wants to change the dynamics of railroads and the current public perception of the industry through the power of accurate information. Hatch pulls no punches as …

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The Importance of the American Short Line 48:10

2+ y ago48:10

48:10

We are back after a brief hiatus with a question. What do you know about short lines and other regional railroads? There’s more to rail than the cross-country trek; short lines represent a crucial, somewhat unknown, part of North American infrastructure. This episode host Walt Bleser chats with American Short Line and Railroad Association (ASLRRA) …

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What are the AREMA Functional Groups? 40:12

3y ago40:12

40:12

What exactly are the AREMA Functional Groups? What role do they play in shaping the content we see at the Annual Conference and in our Manuals? In this episode, Walt sets out to answer those questions and others with two of the newest Functional Group leaders. Mike Atzert (Burns & McDonnell) is a Director of the Engineering Services Functional Grou…

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Sustainability in the Railroad Industry 41:17

3y ago41:17

41:17

In this first episode of the new year, host Walt Bleser chats with Dava Kaitala and Mark Coleman, two active Committee 13 – Environmental committee members about sustainability in the railroad industry. Dava Kaitala is the National Class 1 Rail Vice President for Jacobs and holds a JD from Texas Tech University. Mark Coleman is the Director of Adva…

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International Opportunities in the Rail Industry 41:13

3y ago41:13

41:13

On this episode, Walt chats with AREMA members James Michel (Railway Safety and Risk Management Consultant) and Thomas Cornille (Independent Consultant and former Watford Fellow), two members of the US Watford Committee as they share their experiences with the Watford Conference, an international conference for railroad professionals and on other i…

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Student Resources and Career Paths 42:59

3y ago42:59

42:59

Are you a student looking to find your career path? While you may not have even considered railroading, let us put it on your radar. Many of the engineering (yes, even civil), technical, and communications fields apply to the railroading industry and there are resources available to students to help them find their way. In this episode, Walt Bleser…

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Recap of the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference 41:27

3+ y ago41:27

41:27

The AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo has come and gone, but not without talking to the two major players in making sure the event goes off without a hitch. On this episode, we talk to AREMA staff, Beth Caruso, IOM, CAE, Executive Director and CEO, and Desiree Knight, CAE, CMP, DES, Senior Director, Education and Meetings to hear the ins and outs…

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The Importance of Committee Work and Leadership 41:58

3+ y ago41:58

41:58

On this episode, Walt chats with Frank Miller, PE (AECOM), and Kevin Hicks, PE (TranSystems) two outgoing members of the Functional Group Board of Directors, the group that manages the technical committee operations for AREMA. Between them, they have over 60 years of experience in committee work and committee leadership. They’ll discuss the ability…

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First Look into the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference 38:18

3+ y ago38:18

38:18

The AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo is almost here! On this episode, Walt chats with two members who play key roles in the success of the event. Mike Freeman, PE (Union Pacific) is President of the AREMA Board of Governors and Joe Bamert, PE (Norfolk Southern Corporation) serves as chair of the Conference Operating Committee which provides valu…

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Non-Traditional Careers Paths to the Rail Industry 37:24

3+ y ago37:24

37:24

It’s a family affair on this episode as host Walt Bleser chats with two generations of AREMA members about the different paths they took to a career in civil engineering. William “Bill” Riehl, III, Chief Engineer Structures, Genesee & Wyoming has over 35 years of experience in the rail industry, and his son William “Will” Riehl, IV, Territory Sales…

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Rebranding in the Rail Industry 44:48

3+ y ago44:48

44:48

Does the railroad industry have an identity issue? How do employers rebrand post “The Great Resignation”? How can railroads of all types draw the best talent when faced with fierce competition from tech and other areas of transportation? In this episode, Walt tackles these questions with Michele Malski, founder of Succession Planning for Railroads …

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Dr. William Hay 44:32

3+ y ago44:32

44:32

Dr. William W. Hay was a railroader and educator who mentored generations of leaders in the rail industry and his influence is still felt today, over 20 years after his passing. But who was Dr. Hay? Why were those who knew him inspired to create the Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence in his honor? In this episode, host Walt Bleser sits down wi…

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Women in the Rail Industry 44:52

4y ago44:52

44:52

It's Women’s History Month and on this episode, Walt interviews Cassandra M. Gouger (Union Pacific) and Krista Keene (Amtrak) as they reflect on the different paths and opportunities that led them both to a career in rail and leadership positions within AREMA. The group will touch on the history of women in rail, and the unique challenges women in …

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The Next Generation in Railroad 43:05

4y ago43:05

43:05

In this episode, Walt chats with Jaclyn Whelan (Conrail) and Skylar Leach (Amtrak) two young professionals who are eager to share their unique perspectives on joining the rail industry and AREMA. Along the way, they discuss their hopes for the future and the feeling of walking into a committee meeting alone for the first time. Yes, TikTok will be m…

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Debunking Myths of Committee Membership 42:46

4y ago42:46

42:46

Think you need years of experience to join a committee or that you must be an engineer? Then this episode is for you. Host Walt Bleser sits down with Committee 24 Chair Ashley Pate, AVP Business Development Manager, TranSystems and Committee 15 Vice-Chair Ruth Brown, PE, Chief Engineer Bridges & Structures, Norfolk Southern Railway, two committee m…

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Preparing for Winterization 43:30

4y ago43:30

43:30

This episode, host Walt Bleser, PE, talks with Brian Lindamood, PE, SE, Vice President, Chief Engineer of Alaska Railroad. A Past AREMA President and Committee Chair, Brian offers his unique perspective on the subject of winterization and what a railroad needs to do year-round to prepare. Who best to discuss winterization with than a resident of Al…

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How to Successfully Present Your Ideas 39:11

4y ago39:11

39:11

Have you ever wondered what it takes to present your project or idea at the AREMA Annual Conference? On this episode, host Walt Bleser sits down with two experts on the topic: Program Committee Chair and AREMA Senior Vice President, Trent Hudak, Director Engineering Services, BNSF Railway, and Program Committee Staff Liaison Stacy Spaulding, CAE, S…