Let's Talk Cabling!

Chuck Bowser, RCDD, TECH
  • 5.0 (29)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Welcome to  "Let's Talk Cabling" – the award-winning podcast that's your ultimate gateway to the dynamic world of information and communications technology (ICT). If you're aged 18 to 40 and thrive in the ICT industry or simply curious about it, this podcast is your must-listen destination! 🏆 Award-Winning Excellence: "Let's Talk Cabling" is proud to have earned recognition for its outstanding content and invaluable insights in the ICT field. Our commitment to educating and empowering individuals like you has garnered us a prestigious industry award, a testament to the quality of information you'll find here. 🌐 Explore the ICT Universe: Join us as we delve deep into the realm of designing, installing, certifying, estimating, and project managing low voltage projects across diverse industries. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your journey, our engaging discussions will enrich your knowledge and skills. 🎙️ Story-Driven Learning: We follow the captivating StoryBrand methodology to ensure every episode is not just informative but also captivating. Expect real-world anecdotes, expert interviews, and relatable narratives that make learning about cabling and ICT a fascinating experience. 🚀 Subscribe Today: Don't miss out on the power of knowledge! Hit that subscribe button and embark on an exciting journey with "Let's Talk Cabling." Whether you're on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, or your preferred podcast platform, we're here to educate, encourage, and enrich your ICT endeavors. Remember, in the world of ICT, knowledge is power, and we're here to empower you. Join our growing community of ICT enthusiasts today!#cbrcdd #rcdd #wiremonkey #BICSI  

  1. 2D AGO

    Building Better Techs: Why Training Changes Everything

    Send us a text We make the case for training as the fastest way to fix the low voltage talent gap and the surest path to mastery for working techs, leads, and managers. Practical tactics, field stories, and metrics show how to teach adults, keep attention, and prove ROI without a big budget. • why training creates mastery, credibility, and purpose • the trainer trifecta and adult learning principles • Saturday 66‑block story and honoring admitted gaps • industry shortfall and building a youth pipeline • setting expectations, explaining the why, rewarding wins • correcting in private and using guiding questions • pairing strong and new techs, micro‑lessons, competition • measuring impact with time, retest, and callback data • engaging sessions with hands‑on gear and simple visuals • starting as a trainer without a title or budget • good vs great trainers and adapting on the fly • humility, continuous learning, and teach‑backs Make sure you stay tuned to the podcast because there's lots and lots of good stuff coming down. So until next time, remember, knowledge is power. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    40 min

  2. 4D AGO

    From Low Voltage to Limited Energy: What the 2026 NEC Really Changes

    Send us a text We break down NEC 2026 with a focus on clarity, consistency, and how the reorganization impacts limited energy systems from design to inspection. Chapter 8 loses independence, new Articles 720–723, 742, and 750 reshape daily practice, and Class 4 power takes a step forward. • purpose of the NEC as safety and minimum construction quality • how the code is structured and why legal language confuses • role and variety of AHJs and why interpretation matters • end of Chapter 8 independence and why it changes workflows • shift from low voltage to limited energy terminology • deletion and migration of 770, 805, 840 content into new articles • overview of Articles 720, 721, 722, 723, 742, 750 • class 4 fault-managed power fundamentals and benefits • alignment between electrical and ICT trades for inspections • adoption timelines and why to learn 2026 early • what installers, PMs, and estimators should update now If you're watching this show on YouTube, would you mind hitting the subscribe button and the bell button to be notified when new content is being produced? If you're listening to us on one of the audio podcast platforms, would you mind giving us a five-star rating? And if it's not a five-star rated show, reach out to me and let me know what I can do to make this a five-star rated show. Wednesday night, 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, what are you doing? You know we do a live stream on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook... where you get to ask your favorite RCDD questions... If you find value in this content, would you click on that QR code right there? You can buy me a cup of coffee... schedule a 15-minute one-on-one... or buy Let's Talk Cabling merchandise. Email Chuck at advertising at letstalkcabling.com and let's connect your brand to the right audience today.  Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    25 min

  3. OCT 7

    When the Field Outruns the Standard: Extended Ethernet, Real Risks, and Practical Wins

    Send us a text We explore how field innovation keeps outrunning the standards, why extended copper links beyond 100 meters are gaining momentum, and what TIA’s new TSB could mean for testing, warranties, and contracts. We share practical steps for techs, PMs, and designers to push the edge without getting burned. • standards lag and field innovation tension  • permanent link versus channel clarified  • certification vs qualification and warranty conflict  • extended-distance solutions and GameChanger disruption  • TIA TR-42.7 call for interest for TSB 5073  • tester configuration for beyond-100m evaluations  • documentation and manufacturer sign-off practices  • PM risk, contracts, and stakeholder education  • designer estimating, thermal and alien crosstalk margins  • getting involved in committees and sharing empirical data If you're watching this show on YouTube, would you mind hitting the subscribe button and that bell button to be notified when new content is being produced? If you're listening to us on one of the audio podcast platforms, would you mind leaving us a five-star rating? While this show is free and will always remain free, if you find value in this content, would you mind clicking on that QR button right there? You can buy me a cup of coffee. You can even become a monthly contributor to this podcast. Just all and you can even buy Let's Talk Cabling t-shirts. Join the community today at LowVoltagenation.com or jump into the conversation at our Facebook group. Email Chuck at advertising at letstalkcabling.com and let's connect your brand to the right audience today. Visit GoFar on LinkedIn or click on the link in the description below. Go subscribe to Cable Installation and Maintenance Magazine right now before you forget. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    34 min

  4. OCT 2

    I'm Back! - Common Questions about Getting into Low Voltage (AHL 10 1)

    Send us a text We pick up the live stream after a rough month and dive straight into the most asked questions on getting into limited energy: tools, licenses, certifications, first-day tactics, site safety, career ladders, and the real work behind the title. Along the way, we flag code changes for 2026, unravel myths about sprinklers, and share practical tips to stand out from day one. • limited energy rebrand, PBB acronym, upcoming episodes on 2026 code and extended Ethernet • what counts as low voltage across structured cabling, access control, DAS, fire alarm, fiber • PoE beyond access points, smart buildings, IoT as growth paths • licensing differences for workers vs companies, union considerations • when to buy tools, buy once buy right, what basics to expect • BICSI Tech prep, FiberU.org, test-only pitfalls, cost reality • certifications vs on-the-job learning, signaling commitment • entry roles, quality checks, documenting and communicating • daily life: early starts, PPE, lifts, crawlspaces, teamwork with other trades • career ladder from helper to PM to leadership, specialization options • construction site rules and culture, safety orientations, logistics • mistakes to avoid: not listening, rushing, poor labeling, cable protection • sprinkler pipe code reminder: nothing touches, compliance first • first-day playbook: arrive early, ask questions, write notes, quality before speed Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    52 min

  5. SEP 30

    Copper Certification, Demystified with Softing

    Send us a text Tonight we bring back an fan favorite as I travel this week... We unpack how to test copper the right way—permanent link, channel, and especially MPTL—and why choosing the correct limit and adapters is the difference between clean passes and costly callbacks. We also make the business case for certification, show how labeling workflows save hours, and explain how to fix wrong category tests without rolling a truck. • standards‑aligned testing for permanent link and channel • MPTL use cases and category‑specific adapters • test planes and why field plugs must be measured • certification vs qualification vs verification value • cost, calibration, and long‑term warranties • pricing and communicating deliverables to clients • labeling schemes, CSV list‑based workflows, and consistency • wrong category limits and software re‑certifying • corporate test plans, training, and maintenance • Cat 8 capability vs practical needs Join the community today at LowVoltagenation.com or jump into the conversation at our Facebook group Follow the journey on Instagram and Twitter at Uncle Bear underscore and at Security Today Podcast Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    41 min

  6. SEP 23

    Building Relationships That Save Your Projects

    Send us a text We are back from a short hiatus, between NECA2025 and a trainng week in Ohio I literally ran out of time. Inside sales representatives are the unsung heroes of the ICT industry who often save contractors from costly mistakes and provide valuable information that improves bid efficiency. Jalen Barnes, who started his career in 2015 and worked his way up to owning his own distribution company, shares insights into how these vital relationships function. • Inside sales reps juggle constant calls, emails, and texts while serving as mediators between field techs, project managers, and manufacturers • Different stakeholders have different priorities – field techs focus on getting the job done while project managers care about costs • Providing detailed information in your requests (especially for products like fiber) speeds up response time and reduces errors • Great customers look out for their distributors by being considerate of freight minimums and other logistical challenges • Building relationships with inside sales reps leads to preferential treatment when emergencies arise • Returns at project end can create challenges – consider keeping excess material for future projects when possible • The golden rule according to Jalen: "Time is everything" – respect this principle in all communications • New industry professionals should openly acknowledge their inexperience, as most sales reps will gladly help them learn Join us every Wednesday night at 6 pm Eastern Standard Time for a live stream where you can ask your favorite RCDD questions about installation, design, certification, credentialing, and career paths. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    54 min

  7. SEP 8

    Beyond the Strip: The Technology Training Ground Shaping ICT's Future

    Send us a text We take a special tour of the IBW 357 Southern Nevada Chapter NECA Electrical Training Facility in Las Vegas, exploring their comprehensive apprenticeship programs and state-of-the-art training labs for ICT professionals. • Tour guide Matthew Apfel, Assistant Training Director, showcases the 25,000 square foot facility with 10 classrooms and 10 attached labs • The facility houses two separate apprenticeship programs: telecommunications installer technician (6,500 hours) and inside journeyman wireman (8,000 hours) • Hands-on training includes access control systems, where students interact with live systems and networks • The PoE and fault managed power lab features multiple racks that simulate live networks and installations • Students learn fusion splicing using equipment from partners like Fiber Fox, including training on specialized OPGW (Optical Power Ground Wire) • Training incorporates both legacy systems (66 blocks, Krone blocks) and modern technologies • Fire life safety system training prepares students for Nevada State Fire Marshal certification • The instrumentation and cybersecurity lab teaches students about modern building automation, SCADA systems, and secure network-connected devices If you're watching this show on YouTube and you like this content, please hit the bell button and subscribe to be notified when new content is produced. If you're listening on one of the audio podcast platforms, please leave us a five-star rating to help us take on the algorithm. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    43 min

  8. SEP 3

    Seven Habits That Transform Good Project Managers Into Great Ones

    Send us a text As Chuck continues to heal from surgery, we offer this replay of one of the most popular lives streams from 2023! Our industry often incorrectly labels lead technicians as project managers without providing proper training or understanding of the role's responsibilities. We explore seven critical habits that separate successful telecommunications project managers from the rest. • Monitoring labor and material budgets is the most crucial project management responsibility • Project managers must create comprehensive schedules so everyone knows expectations and timelines • Being prepared with detailed checklists standardizes procedures and creates measurable progress • Planning for risk through SWOT analysis and contingency planning prevents project derailment • Active listening techniques build trust with clients and team members • Balancing control with team autonomy creates efficiency while maintaining standards • Delegation develops team members' skills while allowing managers to focus on critical tasks • Servant leadership breaks down the "us versus them" mentality between managers and crews • Continuous learning prevents stagnation in an industry that "changes at the speed of light" The best way to be successful in telecommunications project management is to remember that knowledge is power. Support the show Knowledge is power! Make sure to stop by the webpage to buy me a cup of coffee or support the show at https://linktr.ee/letstalkcabling . Also if you would like to be a guest on the show or have a topic for discussion send me an email at chuck@letstalkcabling.com Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

    38 min
See All (349)

5
out of 5
29 Ratings

About

Welcome to  "Let's Talk Cabling" – the award-winning podcast that's your ultimate gateway to the dynamic world of information and communications technology (ICT). If you're aged 18 to 40 and thrive in the ICT industry or simply curious about it, this podcast is your must-listen destination! 🏆 Award-Winning Excellence: "Let's Talk Cabling" is proud to have earned recognition for its outstanding content and invaluable insights in the ICT field. Our commitment to educating and empowering individuals like you has garnered us a prestigious industry award, a testament to the quality of information you'll find here. 🌐 Explore the ICT Universe: Join us as we delve deep into the realm of designing, installing, certifying, estimating, and project managing low voltage projects across diverse industries. Whether you're an industry veteran or just starting your journey, our engaging discussions will enrich your knowledge and skills. 🎙️ Story-Driven Learning: We follow the captivating StoryBrand methodology to ensure every episode is not just informative but also captivating. Expect real-world anecdotes, expert interviews, and relatable narratives that make learning about cabling and ICT a fascinating experience. 🚀 Subscribe Today: Don't miss out on the power of knowledge! Hit that subscribe button and embark on an exciting journey with "Let's Talk Cabling." Whether you're on YouTube, TikTok, LinkedIn, Instagram, or your preferred podcast platform, we're here to educate, encourage, and enrich your ICT endeavors. Remember, in the world of ICT, knowledge is power, and we're here to empower you. Join our growing community of ICT enthusiasts today!#cbrcdd #rcdd #wiremonkey #BICSI  

Information

  • Creator
    Chuck Bowser, RCDD, TECH
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    349
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Let's Talk Cabling!
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Cabling!

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