177 | Safety Starts in the Field | The ISS 2025 Foreman Panel

What does it take to build one of the largest renewable energy projects in U.S. history?In this episode of Powerline Podcast, we head into the wind side of SunZia with Karissa Murillo and Chris Bruner of Blattner. Together, they break down the scale, coordination, and leadership it takes to install hundreds of turbines across remote terrain, and why this work is about more than just clean power. Karissa and Chris talk about the team dynamics, culture, and communication challenges on a job this size, and how leading people well can be just as important as hitting production goals. They also share what surprised them about the powerline world and what they wish the trades knew about each other. Whether you're on the line or in renewables, this episode connects the dots on the future of the industry, and the people powering it.

Gabe McCoy didn’t plan to become a foreman, but the job had other plans.In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Gabe opens up about his journey from groundman to respected leader on one of the most ambitious transmission projects in the country: SunZia.He shares the growing pains of stepping into leadership, what it takes to truly earn your crew’s trust, and why building team culture is more than just getting the job done. For Gabe, leadership is about showing up, reaching out, and being someone worth following - on the good days and the hard ones.If you’re in the trade, leading a crew, or trying to become the kind of lineman others remember, you’ll want to hear this one.

Josh Price isn’t just running a crew, he’s building a legacy.In this episode, Josh shares his path from small-town lineman to foreman on the SunZia project, the largest renewable energy transmission project in U.S. history.He opens up about the responsibility that comes with leading others, the difference between running a crew and truly leading one, and how staying grounded: mentally, physically, and emotionally, makes or breaks the job.From helicopter-only access in remote terrain to the quiet pressure of knowing your crew is watching every move, you’ll hear what leadership really looks like in the field.

What does it take to lead in today’s environment?In this mobile episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas hits the road with foreman Shawn Scribner for a ride-along through the SunZia project, the largest renewable energy infrastructure project in North America.From the driver’s seat, Shawn opens up about what it really takes to build trust, lead crews, and grow in the field. The conversation covers:Setting goals with purposeLeading from experience—not egoMaking safety personalSupporting the next generation of linemenMental health in the tradesWhy communication still matters mostIf you’re serious about raising the standard in your work, your crew, or your mindset, this one’s worth the ride.

Recorded live at the 2025 Infrastructure Safety Symposium (ISS), this special panel episode dives into one of the most critical, and overlooked, roles in safety: the foreman.Hosted by Powerline Podcast’s Ryan Lucas, this conversation features seasoned foremen from across the industry who bring raw, unfiltered perspectives from the field. Together, they unpack the real gaps between policy and practice, how safety culture is felt on the job, and why leadership at the crew level is make-or-break for performance and protection.What makes a safety pro respected on site? This isn’t theory. It’s real talk from the front lines.Whether you're a foreman, safety leader, or someone who makes decisions that impact the craft. This episode is a must-listen.

Foreman Bryce Hubbard breaks down how to lead with purpose, build unshakable team culture, and turn tailboards into powerful leadership moments. With hard-won lessons from the field and one unforgettable story about saving a child’s life this episode is a playbook for anyone serious about raising the standard.

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Eric Hinman, a hybrid athlete and entrepreneur who has mastered the balance of fitness, recovery, and high performance. Eric shares how tradesmen and linemen can optimize their health while working demanding jobs, avoid burnout, and build a resilient mindset for long-term success. From HYROX training to recovery hacks like ice baths and sauna therapy, Eric breaks down practical steps anyone can take to improve their strength, endurance, and daily energy. Whether you’re worn out from the grind or looking to level up your fitness, this conversation is packed with game-changing advice you don’t want to miss!

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Shelby Wiedenbeck, a lineman breaking barriers in the powerline industry. Shelby shares her journey into the trade, the challenges she faced as a female in a male-dominated field, and the mentors who helped her along the way. She opens up about the biggest misconceptions, the hardest parts of the job, and what needs to change in the industry to create more opportunities for women. Whether you’re in the trade or just looking for an inspiring story of perseverance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and motivation.

Want to take your lineman career to the next level? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with seasoned leaders Jose Trevizo and Wayne Pickard to break down what it really takes to step up in the trade. From earning respect on the crew to handling high-pressure situations, they share hard lessons, leadership insights, and the unspoken rules of leading in the field. If you’re an apprentice lineman or seasoned lineman looking to grow in this industry, this conversation is packed with advice you won’t hear anywhere else. Tune in and learn from the best!

Want to become an apprentice lineman but not sure how to stand out in your interview? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Tyler Thompson, a former lineman turned manager at BC Hydro, to break down EXACTLY what hiring teams look for in apprentice candidates. We cover common mistakes, how to talk about your experience (even if you don’t have much), and the best way to prepare so you walk into your interview with confidence. If you’re serious about landing an apprenticeship, this is a must-watch!