The Power Element Podcast

Raul Guardado

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. Join your hosts, Raul Guardado and Producer Paul, as they sit down with friends and colleagues both within and outside the power line industry. Follow Us: Instagram: @californialineworks​ Facebook and YouTube: Californialineworks

  1. Sep 28

    Leadership without a title with Morgan Ricks | Everyone Leads Series - Episode 110

    Leadership isn't always a title. Sometimes it's simply seeing what needs to be done and stepping up to do it. In Episode 110 of The Power Element Podcast, Producer Paul sits down with Morgan Ricks, Journeyman Lineman and General Foreman for Sturgeon Electric's Nevada Line operations, for an authentic conversation about leadership, humility, personal development, and the responsibility that comes with influencing others. Drawing from his experiences in the military, the line trade, and leadership roles across the country, Morgan shares how discipline, routine, and a commitment to continuous improvement helped shape his career. The conversation explores the difference between being a skilled craftsman and becoming a leader, why leadership development is becoming increasingly important in the trades, and how creating a culture people want to be part of starts with ownership and communication. Morgan also reflects on the mentors who impacted his life, the importance of decentralized command, the value of staying humble, and why developing future leaders requires patience, trust, and a willingness to let people learn through experience. Whether you're a groundman, apprentice, journeyman, foreman, or someone simply trying to become better both professionally and personally, this episode offers practical leadership lessons rooted in real-world experience. In This Episode: • Leadership without a title • The impact of mentorship and wisdom in the trades • Extreme Ownership and decentralized command • Creating a culture people want to be part of • Personal development and continuous learning • Military lessons applied to the line trade. • Building leaders instead of followers • The importance of humility and accountability • Why every professional needs a trusted "council" of mentors and advisors "The day you stop learning is the day you're done."Whether you're leading a crew, developing apprentices, or improving your craft, this episode reminds you that real growth happens through the daily process of learning, improving, and doing the work. This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries. Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit ⁠www.lineco.org⁠ for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988. The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

    Leadership without a title with Morgan Ricks | Everyone Leads Series - Episode 110
  2. Sep 14

    Authentic Content, Safe Linework & First Response with Aaron Leblanc "bobsdecline" - Authentic Content, Safe Linework & First Response | Episode 109

    Recorded at the 2026 Milwaukee Tool Pipeline, Producer Paul sits down with journeyman lineman, troubleman, and content creator Aaron LeBlanc, better known online as Bobsdecline, for a conversation about linework, safety, leadership, emergency response, and authentic content creation in the power utility industry. Aaron shares his favorite tools and innovations from Milwaukee Pipeline 2026, including the new wire puller, expanded battery capabilities, and jobsite products that can make long shifts safer and more practical. He also explains why the best trade content should feel like an experienced lineman teaching an apprentice on the job, not someone reading from a rehearsed sales script. The conversation goes deeper into Aaron’s work as a utility troubleman and first responder. He discusses responding to house fires, vehicle accidents, downed power lines, live-front transformers, and other emergency situations where linemen must quickly identify electrical hazards, communicate with emergency personnel, and make the scene safe. Aaron and Paul also discuss the emotional side of emergency response, the importance of seeking help after difficult incidents, and why conversations about mental health are becoming more accepted across the power utility and construction industries. The episode also explores how Aaron uses Bobsdecline to provide practical lineworker education, create training resources, learn from other linemen around the world, and build trust through transparency. From accepting feedback and acknowledging mistakes to protecting your credibility when working with brands, Aaron explains why authenticity remains one of the most valuable things a creator can bring to the skilled trades. The conversation closes with Aaron’s partnership with Climbin’ for Kids, his limited-edition challenge coin supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, and rapid-fire lessons for apprentices, foremen, and the next generation of lineworkers. Whether you are a journeyman lineman, apprentice, foreman, troubleman, utility professional, first responder, or skilled-trades content creator, this episode offers practical lessons on safety, leadership, communication, career longevity, and representing the line trade with integrity. Follow Aaron “Bobsdecline” LeBlanc YouTube: Search “Bobsdecline”Instagram: Search “Bobsdecline”Facebook: Search “Bobsdecline” Aaron’s primary content is available on YouTube. For direct questions or conversations, connect with him through Instagram or Facebook. Learn more about Climbin’ for Kids and its work supporting St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Instagram: Search “Climbin’ for Kids”Donation link: St. Jude Telethon 2026: Climbin4Kids Bob's Decline Fundraiser - Events for St. JudeSupport Climbin’ for KidsThis episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee ToolKlein ToolsWye DeltaHigh Voltage IndustriesVimocityAd music provided by Daniel Sanchez: Instagram:@d.s.s._beats | @DSSbeats Follow The Power Element Podcast: Instagram:@CaliforniaLineWorksYouTube: CaliforniaLineWorksFacebook: CaliforniaLineWorksThe Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. [open.spotify.com], [podcasts.apple.com] May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988

    Authentic Content, Safe Linework & First Response with Aaron Leblanc "bobsdecline" - Authentic Content, Safe Linework & First Response | Episode 109
  3. Sep 3

    Training that actually sticks with Kyle Gawloski | Everyone Leads Series - Episode 108

    In this episode of the Power Element Podcast's Everyone Leads series,  Raul Guardado sits down with Kyle Gawloski, Director of Safety Training for MYR Group, for an authentic conversation about leadership, training, and what it takes to build a strong industry. The discussion starts with leadership lessons from Extreme Ownership and explores how ego can help or hinder growth, especially when it comes to learning, teaching, and accepting feedback. Kyle shares his unexpected journey from journeyman lineman to training professional and explains why effective training must go beyond PowerPoint presentations and compliance checkboxes. The team tackles a common challenge across the industry: How do you create buy-in when crews see training as just another requirement? Through stories, field experiences, and practical examples, they discuss the importance of connecting training to the real work crews perform every day, making it relevant, engaging, and applicable. Drawing inspiration from the book Chop Wood, Carry Water, the conversation shifts to the value of fundamentals, delayed gratification, and mastering the process. Whether you're an apprentice working toward your ticket, a journeyman developing your craft, or a leader responsible for developing others, this episode offers valuable insights on growth, humility, and continuous learning. Topics Covered:   Why ego can be a barrier to learning and leadershipCreating buy-in for training programsThe difference between compliance training and meaningful developmentWhy storytelling is one of the most effective teaching toolsThe importance of apprenticeship fundamentalsDelayed gratification and long-term success in the tradesFeedback, readbacks, and improving crew performanceBuilding a culture where everyone leads  Key Takeaway:"Training only works when it leaves the classroom and shows up on the job." Whether you're leading a crew, developing apprentices, or working to improve your craft, this episode is a reminder that real growth happens through the daily process of learning, improving, and doing the work.   This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries. Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorks May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988. The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. #Leadership #Linework #EveryoneLeads #SafetyCulture #Apprenticeship #Training #MYRGroup #ExtremeOwnership #PowerElementPodcast #ElectricalIndustry #LinemanLife #LeadershipDevelopment #ChopWoodCarryWater #UtilityIndustry #ContinuousImprovement

    Training that actually sticks with Kyle Gawloski | Everyone Leads Series - Episode 108
  4. Aug 24

    Becoming a Better Lineman, Leader & Teammate with Austin Carr | Episode 107

    Recorded live at the 2026 Milwaukee Pipeline, Austin Carr, better known as America's Favorite Lineman, joins The Power Element Podcast to discuss his journey from climbing cell towers to becoming a lineman, social media influencer, rodeo competitor, and a voice within the industry.In this conversation, Austin shares lessons learned during his apprenticeship, why every lineman should strive to become the best version of themselves, leadership principles for mentoring apprentices, storm restoration experiences, and the responsibility that comes with educating thousands of lineworkers online.Austin also discusses lineman rodeos, utility culture, preserving the history of linework, Milwaukee Tool innovations, and the importance of safety, communication, and accountability both on the job and across social media platforms.Whether you're a pre-apprentice, apprentice lineman, journeyman, foreman, or utility leader, this episode offers practical insights on leadership, storm work, personal growth, and building a successful career in the line trade.This episode was recorded live at the 2026 Milwaukee Pipeline, Milwaukee Tool's premier innovation and product experience event, where industry professionals, content creators, and trade leaders come together to explore the future of tools, technology, and the skilled trades.✅ Leadership in the Trades✅ Apprentice Development✅ Storm Restoration Work✅ Utility Industry Culture✅ Lineman Rodeos✅ Safety and Accountability✅ Social Media in the Skilled TradesGuest: Austin Carr (America's Favorite Lineman)Follow Austin: YouTube: @AmericasFavoriteLinemanInstagram: @AmericasFavoriteLinemanTikTok: @AmericasFavoriteLinemanFacebook: America's Favorite LinemanThis episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group.Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, and High Voltage Industries.Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez @d.s.s._beats @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram @ CaliforniaLineWorksMay we all continue to guide and support those in need. Please continue the conversation about mental health and well-being within your community. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo. Suicide, crisis, and lifeline Dial 988.The Power Element Podcast is a leadership, culture, and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries.

    Becoming a Better Lineman, Leader & Teammate with Austin Carr | Episode 107
  5. Mar 9

    Food That Fuels | Everyone Leads Series with Zach Brown - Episode 102

    In this episode of Everyone Leads, we sit down with Zach Brown, Journeyman Lineman and Safety Training Manager with MYR Group, to break down two things every lineman and leader faces daily: how to fuel the body for demanding work and how to lead when safety and productivity are both on the line. We kick things off with an Ask Copilot segment answering a question every working hand has asked at some point: What’s the ideal daily meal to fuel a journeyman lineman? In the second half, we shift gears into leadership, tackling a trending industry challenge: balancing safety and productivity in high demand projects. With tighter deadlines and zero injury expectations, foremen and supervisors are under more pressure than ever. Zach shares real world insights on communicating priorities, empowering crews to speak up, and applying leadership principles like Extreme Ownership to take responsibility for both the schedule and the safety outcomes. This episode is powered by Sturgeon Electric and MYR Group. Check out and support our promotional partners: Milwaukee Tool, Klein Tools, Wye Delta, High Voltage Industries, and Vimocity. Ad music provided by: Daniel Sanchez@d.s.s._beats | @DSSbeats Follow us on Instagram: @CaliforniaLineWorks May we all continue to guide and support those in need. Be your Brother’s Keeper. Visit www.lineco.org for assistance through LineCo.Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Dial 988 The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. #podcast #leadership #service #construction #disciplineequalsfreedom

    Food That Fuels | Everyone Leads Series with Zach Brown - Episode 102
5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

The Power Element Podcast is a leadership and safety podcast for linemen and construction professionals, focused on standards, accountability, and high-performance culture in the utility and construction industries. Join your hosts, Raul Guardado and Producer Paul, as they sit down with friends and colleagues both within and outside the power line industry. Follow Us: Instagram: @californialineworks​ Facebook and YouTube: Californialineworks

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