Arc Junkies

Jason Becker
  • 0.0 (0)
  • HOW TO
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Arc Junkies is a Welding Podcast that is on a mission to help, educate and inspire the next generation of welders. Each week I talk to a new guest about their journey as a welder. Throughout the episodes, we cover different techniques, processes, variables, technical information and life lessons.

  1. 8 HR AGO

    Weld Wednesday From the Shop Floor to the Code Book: Volunteering with AWS Committees w/ Bill Komlos

    In this special episode of Weld Wednesdays with AWS, recorded live at the Inspection Expo & Conference in Austin, Texas, Jason Becker sits down with longtime AWS volunteer and industry veteran Bill Komlos for an in-depth conversation on volunteering on AWS code committees. While most welders, inspectors, and fabricators rely on AWS codes every day, few understand how those standards are actually developed. Bill shares his journey from local AWS section involvement to national technical committees, explaining how volunteers from across the industry—inspectors, fabricators, engineers, and educators—collectively shape the codes that govern welding worldwide. This episode covers why committee participation is open to the public, how involvement can accelerate your career, and why real-world shop experience is essential to keeping codes practical, relevant, and safe. Jason and Bill also discuss mentorship, networking, the value of diverse perspectives, and why the next generation of welders and inspectors is critical to the future of AWS standards. If you've ever complained about a code requirement—or wondered how to get involved in shaping them—this episode is for you.   For more information on how you can get involved with the AWS Click Here

    58 min

  2. 1 DAY AGO

    395. Over-Welding, Under-Earning: The Real Cost of Bad Welding Habits w/ Nate Bowman

    Welding productivity is one of the most misunderstood topics in the industry—and it's costing shops serious money. In this episode, Jason Becker sits down with Nate Bowman to break down the reality behind arc-on time, operator factor, deposition rate, and weld volume. Together, they explain why welders aren't "only welding 11 minutes an hour," how over-welding quietly drains profitability, and how small operational changes—like proper weld sizing or adding an extra grinder—can save thousands of dollars over time. This conversation isn't about blame. It's about data, efficiency, and building high-performance welding operations that benefit both welders and business owners.   🔥 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

    2h 15m

  3. 3 FEB

    394. America's Skilled Trades Are Facing a Workforce Cliff — Brian Huff Explains Why

    In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with Brian Huff, founder and CEO of Midwest Technical Institute and Delta Technical College. Brian shares his perspective on the growing skilled labor crisis, why the U.S. is facing a massive workforce shortage, and how removing shop class and technical education from K–12 schools created the situation we're in today. The conversation covers workforce demographics, infrastructure demand, energy production, AI-driven growth, and why construction and skilled trades remain recession-resistant careers with lifetime opportunity. Brian also explains how trade schools can rebuild the pipeline and why this problem must be treated as a national priority — not just an industry issue. This is a big-picture discussion about the future of skilled labor, education reform, and why the trades matter more now than ever.   🔥 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

    1h 23m

  4. 27 JAN

    393. Speed Does Not Equal Skill w/ Alex McNamara

    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

    1h 60m

  5. 20 JAN

    392. 50 Years Under the Hood w/ George Rolla

    In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason sits down with George Rolla, a pipe welder, inspector, educator, and industry leader with over 50 years of hands-on experience in the welding trade. George shares his journey from welding in the Canadian Arctic and North Dakota oil fields to becoming an AWS Senior Certified Welding Inspector, Certified Welding Engineer, and founder of the California Welding Institute. Together, Jason and George have an honest, in-depth conversation about what's broken in welding education, why instructor quality matters more than ever, and how poor training creates ripple effects throughout fabrication, inspection, and code compliance. They also discuss fast-track training done the right way, the realities of workforce development, the challenges of welding codes becoming law, and why documentation, ethics, and real-world experience still matter in a rapidly changing industry. This is a must-listen episode for welders, inspectors, educators, and anyone who cares about protecting the integrity of the trade.     🔥 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://www.battlbox.com/arcjunkies 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

    2h 42m

  6. 14 JAN

    Weld Wednesdays w/ AWS Leveling Up in 2026 – Where do I start and How AWS Can Help? Feat. Dr. Josh Burgess

    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

    1h 8m

  7. 13 JAN

    391. They Can't Take My Education Away From Me w/ Josh O'Neal

    In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with Josh O'Neal for a wide-ranging conversation on education, certification, and career development in the welding industry. Josh shares his journey through welding, inspection, and education, including his experiences pursuing credentials like CWI and CWE, navigating student loans and scholarships, and building quality systems that support AWS Accredited Testing Facilities. The discussion also dives into workforce development, credit-for-experience programs, and how industry certifications can translate into academic credit. Key topics include: Welding education pathways and career mobility AWS certifications, scholarships, and member involvement Quality Assurance Manuals and ATF setup Credit-by-exam and equivalency programs in education Balancing work, family, and professional growth Why education is something no one can take away from you This episode is a realistic look at the trade-offs, sacrifices, and long-term rewards of investing in your education and your career in welding.   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.   ISOTUNES: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.  Use ARCJUNKIES10 at checkout and save $10 on your purchase

    1h 49m

  8. 30/12/2025

    390. Annual CrossPod with the Boys

    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

    2h 28m
See All (500)

Trailer

About

Arc Junkies is a Welding Podcast that is on a mission to help, educate and inspire the next generation of welders. Each week I talk to a new guest about their journey as a welder. Throughout the episodes, we cover different techniques, processes, variables, technical information and life lessons.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Becker
  • Years Active
    2017 - 2026
  • Episodes
    500
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Arc Junkies

You Might Also Like