Arc Junkies

In this weeks episode, I sit down with Alex McNamara, a trades advocate, welder, rigger, and content creator who has become one of the loudest voices pushing for skilled trades education and tool literacy. Alex shares her unconventional path—from theater and set building to welding, rigging, and managing massive international live events, including work in Saudi Arabia. The conversation digs into why shop class disappeared, how that decision created today's skilled-labor shortage, and what individuals can do locally to help rebuild trades education. We also discuss women in the trades, workplace culture, confidence on the jobsite, the realities of PPE and workwear design, and why being yourself actually makes you better at your craft. This is an honest, funny, and deeply important conversation about identity, work ethic, and the future of skilled labor. 🔥 Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community. Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent. 🎙️ Arc Junkies Podcast Website: https://arcjunkies.com Instagram: @ArcJunkiesPodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn (Jason Becker): https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-becker-45407b72 🧢 Arc Junkies Merch:https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home 🏭 Underground Metal Works Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals Website: https://www.underground-metalworks.com 🤝 Friends of the Show & Sponsors 🧰 BattlBox Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly Website: https://alnk.to/90Chh6D Instagram: @BattlBox Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox 🏛️ American Welding Society — Conferences Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership AWS Inspection Expo & Conference Event Info: https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/ Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Free gift at the event 🧤 Outlaw Leather LLC Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last Website: https://outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: 15% off all in-stock leather goods ⚡ Everlast Welders High-performance welding machines without the high price tag Website: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases 🎧 ISOtunes Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication Website: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10 Instagram: @isotunesaudio Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES10 Offer: Save $10 on your purchase

In the first Weld Wednesdays with AWS episode of 2026, I'm sitting down with Dr. Josh Burgess, current President of the American Welding Society and Senior Program Manager for Metallurgical and Welding Engineering at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dr. Burgess shares his path from welding in high school and competing at the national level to earning his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering. Along the way, AWS played a pivotal role—providing scholarships, networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development that shaped his career. This conversation covers: How AWS membership opens doors at every career stage The value of section involvement and industry networking Leadership development through volunteering Welding metallurgy, inspection, and failure analysis Workforce development and future career paths in welding Emerging technology like additive manufacturing and automation Whether you're a student, working welder, inspector, educator, or industry leader, this episode highlights why welding remains one of the most versatile and opportunity-rich trades available today. For more on how you can get involved with the AWS Click Here

As we wrap up the year, I'm joined by Kevin Johnson, Max Ceron, and Frankie Vargas for our annual end-of-year cross-pod roundtable. We talk candidly about FabTech, the real ROI of in-person podcasting, and why live shows don't always move the needle the way people expect. Kevin breaks down what went into this year's Fabricator Olympics, what he learned running a large-scale event, and why organization and efficiency matter just as much in events as they do in fabrication shops. We also dig into arc-on time, shop inefficiencies, and why welding is often only a small percentage of what a welder actually does day to day. The conversation shifts into the welding labor shortage and skills gap—where those numbers come from, whether they're accurate, and why retention, culture, apprenticeships, and shop conditions matter just as much as recruiting new welders. We also cover why so many welders leave the hood for other roles, how benefits factor into pay decisions, and what schools and employers need to change if they want people to stay in the trade. This is an honest, unscripted conversation about where the industry really is—and where it needs to go next. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com 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 Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Inspection Expo and Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Fronius: Instagram: @FroniusUSA Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10. Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase

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 trades and the creator world: passion, curiosity, and the willingness to push through burnout. The two share battle-tested lessons from years of welding and content creation, including graphic shop injuries, why safety training still matters, and the surprising truth behind videos that take days to make… but flop anyway. We talk about burnout, chasing excitement instead of trends, stolen content, algorithm frustration, writing textbooks, and why the work only becomes sustainable when you genuinely love it. This episode is a must-listen for welders, educators, content creators, or anyone trying to build something meaningful — even when the numbers don't show it. Follow Dusty on Instagram Here Checkout his YouTube channel Here Checkout his Website and get his Textbook Here Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com 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 Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Inspection Expo and Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Fronius: Instagram: @FroniusUSA Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10. Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase

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 visibility of metal art, and why companies like Activision, Diablo, and Call of Duty keep calling David for custom sculptures. The two dive into tools, techniques, laser welding safety, blacksmithing crossover, and the role of social media in bringing more people into both welding and art. David also shares behind-the-scenes stories, including his newest anime sculptures and upcoming maker-camp goals. Whether you're a welder, artist, or someone who loves hearing passionate creators talk about their craft — this episode delivers. Give David a Follow on Instagram, Facebook & TikTok @Madero_Co Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com 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 Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Inspection Expo and Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/inspection-expo-and-conference/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Fronius: Instagram: @FroniusUSA Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10. Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase

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, and how modern schools can stay aligned with industry needs. They discuss the importance of mentorship, keeping students motivated through real shop experiences, and why strong industry partnerships are key to helping graduates find jobs and confidence in their craft. Eric also talks about community impact—how events, competitions, and outreach can inspire future tradespeople to take pride in skilled work. Whether you're a welder, instructor, or just passionate about the trades, this conversation is full of insights, humor, and respect for the craft that built our world. For more information on the American Welding Society Click HERE

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-world insight from decades in the field, explains what it truly costs to employ a $20/hour welder, and compares modern wages to those from the 1940s — revealing that welding has, in fact, kept pace with inflation. He also talks about career decisions, negotiating pay, and why money alone shouldn't drive your passion for welding. Whether you're new to the trade or a seasoned pro, this episode will challenge your perspective, inspire you to invest in your skills, and remind you that opportunity still exists for those willing to put in the work. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com 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 Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Pipeline Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/pipeline/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Fronius: Instagram: @FroniusUSA Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10. Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase

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 believes welding instructors are more than teachers—they're life changers. Jason and Ryan discuss the importance of purpose in education, how to break bad welding habits influenced by social media, and why hands-on teaching still matters more than anything. Matt joins in to share a student's perspective on mentorship, community, and the need to eliminate gatekeeping in welding education. This episode is full of wisdom, humor, and heart—a must-listen for anyone who believes welding is more than a job; it's a calling. Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253 Email: Show@arcjunkies.com 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 Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/ Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Pipeline Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/pipeline/ Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event. Outlaw Leather LLC Outlawleather.com Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch. Fronius: Instagram: @FroniusUSA Website: https://bakersgas.com/collections/fronius-accupocket ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10. Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase