The Next Greatest Thing

Arkansas Valley Electric
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Arts
  • Updated Semimonthly

The Next Greatest Thing” is a podcast powered by the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation. This podcast is a place where we come together with electric experts, and dedicated operators to discuss current co-op events, leading-edge technologies, and communicate with AVECC members. We are Arkansas Valley Electric, changing the communities we serve.

  1. 22h ago

    Getting to Know Nathan Gibbons

    What does it take to keep the power flowing across the River Valley? New electrical engineer Nathan Gibbons shares how an AVECC internship turned into a career serving the community he calls home, while giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the teamwork that keeps the lights on. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Meet Nathan Gibbons 00:25 – From AVECC intern to full-time electrical engineer 01:14 – How internships shaped his career path 01:33 – Discovering a passion for electrical engineering 02:08 – A day in the life of an AVECC engineer 03:08 – Supporting reliable power for cooperative members 03:49 – The teamwork and culture behind the cooperative 05:01 – Getting to Know Nathan: Favorite work snack 05:30 – Exploring the River Valley & the National Forest 06:17 – Hunting, fishing, and outdoor hobbies 06:27 – Bass Pro, hometown pride & closing thoughts

    7 min

  2. Jun 17

    Pay Your Way: Learning about Ways to Pay at AVECC

    Paying your electric bill has never been easier. In this episode, Member Services Coordinator Brooke Becker walks through AVECC's convenient payment options, from SmartHub and AutoPay to kiosks and Vanilla Direct, and shares simple tips to make bill pay stress-free. Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome & Episode Introduction 00:35 – Meet Brooke Becker 01:09 – Every Way You Can Pay Your AVECC Bill 02:42 – Why So Many Payment Options Matter 03:30 – The Shift to Digital Payments 04:08 – Do Different Generations Pay Differently? 05:49 – Helping Members Feel Comfortable Going Digital 06:42 – Real-Life Benefits of Digital Payments 07:52 – Everything the SmartHub App Can Do 09:14 – Brooke's Best Bill-Pay Tips 10:14 – Final Thoughts & Where to Get Help

    11 min

  3. Jun 1

    Getting to Know David Kendrick

    What does it really take to keep the lights on? In this episode of The Next Greatest Thing, longtime Right-of-Way Supervisor David Kendrick shares stories from nearly two decades at Arkansas Valley Electric, the importance of maintaining reliable right-of-way, and one unforgettable encounter with a swarm of bees while working in the field. It’s a behind-the-scenes look at the people and work that keep power flowing across the River Valley.

    36 min

  4. May 29

    Don’t Assume It’s Safe: Electrical Safety Myths Debunked

    We use electricity constantly, but most people never stop to think about the risks hiding in everyday routines. In this episode, Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity shares simple, practical safety tips that could protect your home, your devices, and your family.  Episode Breakdown 00:00 – Introduction to the episode & guest Kerri Taylor from Safe Electricity 02:00 – What Safe Electricity does and why electrical safety education matters 06:30 – How modern homes use more electricity than ever before 08:45 – Outlet overloads, extension cords & warning signs homeowners miss 13:20 – Smart home technology and hidden electrical risks 16:15 – DIY electrical work vs. hiring a professional electrician 19:00 – Lithium-ion battery safety: phones, laptops, e-bikes & more 23:00 – Safe charging habits and why charging devices in bed is dangerous 25:40 – Electrical safety tips for kids and teens 29:30 – Vehicle accidents involving power lines & what NOT to do 32:45 – Pool safety, docks, lightning & outdoor electrical hazards 36:15 – The “taco” explanation for weather watches vs. warnings 37:15 – Tree climbing, substations, drones, fishing & overhead power line safety 40:30 – How parents can teach electrical safety in a way kids will remember 45:00 – Common electrical safety myths debunked 48:30 – Why you should ALWAYS assume a downed power line is energized 50:15 – Kerri's most important electrical safety takeaway 53:00 – Where listeners can find trusted electrical safety resources

    56 min

  5. May 1

    Getting to Know LaDonna Holman

    Go behind the scenes with LaDonna Holman as she shares what it takes to keep payroll, accounting, and member services running smoothly at Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative. From her 12-year journey with the co-op to the family culture that makes it all worthwhile, this episode highlights the people and purpose behind the scenes.

    12 min

  6. Apr 29

    What Linemen Want You To Know

    Go behind the scenes with AVECC lineman Eric Shelton as he shares what really happens when the lights go out. From storm restorations and safety tips to the heart behind the job, this episode offers a new appreciation for the crews working to keep the power on.

    27 min

  7. Apr 1

    Getting to Know Journeyman Lineman, Landon Blair

    Long hours. Mountain backroads. Storm calls at midnight. Meet Landon Blair and hear why serving his community as a journeyman lineman is more than a career, it’s a calling.

    11 min

  8. Mar 16

    What's Up With Wave Rural Connect?

    Get the latest on how WAVE Rural Connect is expanding service, improving reliability, and helping rural families and businesses stay connected like never before. In this episode, James Ratterree shares what’s changed over the past year, how members are really using their internet today, and what’s ahead for the future of fiber in our communities. Tune in to hear how local service, real support, and smarter connectivity are making a difference across the River Valley.

    25 min
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Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

The Next Greatest Thing” is a podcast powered by the Arkansas Valley Electric Cooperative Corporation. This podcast is a place where we come together with electric experts, and dedicated operators to discuss current co-op events, leading-edge technologies, and communicate with AVECC members. We are Arkansas Valley Electric, changing the communities we serve.

Information

  • Creator
    Arkansas Valley Electric
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    148
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Next Greatest Thing
  • Show Website
    The Next Greatest Thing