Let's Talk Cabling!

Chuck Bowser, RCDD, TECH
  • 5.0 (30)
  • Technology
  • Updated Semiweekly

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

    When Cabling Fails Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail We get hands-on with return loss, impedance, and wiremap faults to show how small physical choices in cable and connectors turn into measurable performance problems. We also share practical ways to use LinkWare and HDTDR diagnostics so you can stop guessing, pinpoint faults faster, and deliver results clients will actually accept.  • using certification testers proactively to validate jacks, patch panels, and install practices before full deployment  • why LinkWare files beat screenshots for troubleshooting and trend spotting across large projects  • what return loss measures and how impedance changes create reflections that hurt gig and multi-gig performance  • why matching cable and connectors as a system improves impedance consistency and throughput margin  • real-world failure example using screw-terminal “Category” wall plates and how HDTDR reveals end spikes  • how over-cinched zip ties and regular spacing distort cable geometry and push return loss into marginal territory  • the “star pass” problem and how codes, standards, best practices, manufacturer rules, and contracts collide  • using HDTDR to localize damage and distinguish return loss issues from crosstalk behavior  • wiremap fault walkthroughs for opens, shorts, and rolled pairs plus what distance-to-fault really means  • why cheap wiremap testers can miss split pairs and create hard-to-explain network problems  • pass-through connector controversy framed as crimper fit, blade maintenance, and workmanship  • why field-terminated IDC connectors can reduce bad crimps and resistance imbalance within a pair  if you have not joined the Let's Talk Cabling crew, do it. Link below.  starting October, we're flipping the schedule. We're going to start doing live streams on Monday night at 6 p.m. And we're going to start doing the podcast on Wednesday night.  We'll see you in Philly at Texgiving October 23rd through the 25th.  Email Chuck at advertising at letstalkcabling.com and let's connect your brand to the right audience today.  Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  2. Sep 10

    AHL: Stop Letting Your Hands Argue With Your Brain

    Send us Fan Mail We share major schedule changes, quick industry updates, and a rapid-fire Q&A that gets honest about what it really takes to pass BICSI exams. We break down what to study first, how the hands-on portion works, and the cabling fundamentals that separate confident techs from guesswork.  • podcast and livestream schedule flip starting October 1  • acronym challenge and what JCAHO stands for  • industry notes on BICSI hiring and upcoming manual updates  • how to prioritize Technician exam study by percentage and impact  • building a realistic study plan and putting concepts into field context  • hands-on exam structure, retest rules, and how to practice under time  • choosing Installer 2 Copper, Installer 2 Fiber, or Technician based on scope  • why splicing is over-feared and what SOL-2 Fiber really tests  • RCDD eligibility options and what counts as design experience  • study hours reality check and why experience can work against you  • what to expect on RCDD test day and how to prepare your brain  • twist rates, crosstalk, shielding types, and what cable markings mean  • category bandwidth, encoding basics, and distance limits in real installs  Reach out to Bixie, apply. If you do, make sure that you tell them Chuck sent you.  Join the LTC crew by clicking on that little QR code up there  Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  3. Sep 7

    When A Cable Test Fails Part 1

    Send us Fan Mail We walk through what to do when a certification tester returns a fail and why guessing wastes the most time and money. Mike Pennacchi joins us to break down near-end crosstalk results and show how to prove whether the issue is your settings, your connector, or the cable itself.  • why certification testing matters for manufacturer warranty work  • the three most common reasons a NEXT test fails, starting with the wrong test limit  • how cable type selection can change NVP without changing the test limit  • why you stop after the first failed test and verify the setup screen  • how to read NEXT charts to find the failing pair combination  • how comparing main vs remote results points to which end is bad  • how Fault Info and HDTDX help locate crosstalk along the cable  • pin numbers vs pair numbers and why techs mix them up  • clues for wrong-category connectors and workmanship problems  • when “your cable may be damaged” means replacement, not retermination  • how rare manufacturing defects happen and why spool testing sometimes matters  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 reading?  Wednesday night, 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, what are you doing?  If you find value in this content, will you click on that QR code right there? You can buy me a cup of coffee. You can even schedule a one-on-one call with me after hours, of course. You can even 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!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  4. Sep 3

    AHL - Cable Questions Answered

    Send us Fan Mail Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  5. Aug 31

    What If Your Best Career Education Was Free

    Send us Fan Mail We make the case that mentorship is the best free education in cabling, ICT, and the broader construction tech world, and we explain why it works better than most formal training. We also break down how companies can design mentoring programs that build trust, improve onboarding, and grow future leaders without forcing awkward pairings.  • defining mentorship beyond technical training  • qualities of strong mentors, including emotional intelligence and listening  • what makes a good mentee, regardless of years in the field  • targeting interns, entry-level staff, and new hires for early impact  • choosing a hybrid model that balances voluntary and assigned support  • setting measurable program goals like retention, promotions, and knowledge transfer  • matching mentors to mentee needs and using more than one mentor  • building trust first, then moving into skill and career goals  • providing resources like guides, prompts, and suggested meeting cadence  • using sponsorship and shared experiences to keep engagement high  • running post-cycle reviews and improving the program over time  • handling ghosting, bad fits, and re-matching without blame  Start building a mentorship program now.  Oh, you can do sign up for the newsletter, it'll be in the description below.  Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  6. Aug 27

    AHL: Future-Proof Cabling Skills

    Send us Fan Mail We take rapid-fire questions on how AI data centers, Wi-Fi 7, and smart building demands are reshaping structured cabling, fiber, and day-to-day field expectations. We also get blunt about what protects your schedule, your margin, and your reputation when owners change their minds late and the job still has to ship.  • planning for higher density fiber counts and multi-fiber connectors in data centers  • leveling up fiber testing by understanding loss budget, not just pass or fail  • choosing Cat 6A for Wi-Fi 7 and knowing when Cat 6 can still work  • using the RCDD study handbook to confirm eligibility and map next steps  • writing specs around performance requirements so AI changes do not instantly obsolete designs  • treating labeling, bend radius, and pathways as troubleshooting insurance  • documenting owner-driven changes to manage overtime, rework, and expedite costs  • standardizing workmanship and building training timelines that new hires can trust  • picking up networking fundamentals for AV over IP and server or switch configuration  • improving closeout documentation as digital twin expectations rise  • updating labor units with real productivity data as crews and skill levels change  • designing bigger pathways and respecting fill ratios as AI rack density grows  Go download and read the RCDD study handbook V.15.  Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  7. Aug 24

    Why Good Techs Quit | The ICT Industry Has A Leadership Problem Not A Labor Problem

    Send us Fan Mail We challenge the “nobody wants to work” narrative and argue the real gap in low voltage is leadership and culture, not available talent. We break down how to hire for potential, build training that sticks, and create trust so good people choose to stay.  • hiring for teachability, integrity, accountability, and curiosity over perfect resumes  • why “potential is powerful” and how experience-only hiring shrinks the talent pool  • spotting coachability early through questions, feedback history, and problem-solving stories  • red flags that break team culture, especially constant blame and refusal to learn  • recruiting sources beyond the usual pool, including manufacturing, logistics, military, and customer service  • making structured cabling feel like a real career by highlighting impact in hospitals, schools, airports, data centers, and smart buildings  • training as both a recruiting tool and a retention strategy, plus the damage done by broken training promises  • how standards create clarity and confidence, not micromanagement  • career paths that show what comes next, and why the first 90 days shape long-term commitment  • culture drivers employees actually measure, especially trust and consistent recognition  If you're watching this show on YouTube, would you hit 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?  Would you click on that QR code right there? You can schedule a 15-minute one-on-one call with me after hours, of course. You can even buy Let's Talk Cabling merchandise.  Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

  8. Aug 18

    CCA Cable: The Customer Isn't Paying You Twice

    Send us Fan Mail We talk through how counterfeit cabling really shows up on jobs and why it can turn into failed inspections, broken trust, and expensive rework. With cable engineer Matt Schumacher, we draw a clean line between legitimate UL or ETL listings and too-good-to-be-true cable like copper clad aluminum that never should have been in the box.  • what “counterfeit cable” means in the real world and why it becomes a contract problem fast  • what “listed” means for communications cable and how UL 444 fits into the picture  • how to verify a UL or ETL listing number and why reputable manufacturers matter  • what CCA copper clad aluminum is and why ANSI/TIA 568.2-E does not allow it  • how oxidation and material loss can create intermittent failures and repeat service calls  • why PoE can look fine on day one then fail later as resistance climbs  • how to explain the risk to customers, designers, and consultants without getting lost in jargon  • why high frequency data cable is not “just cable” and how rough pulls and kinks can hurt performance  • what CPR means in Europe and why LSZH does not replace CMP or CMR in the US  • where the industry may be headed with single mode fiber, PoE growth, and new power concepts  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 are listening to us on one of the audio podcast platforms, would you mind leaving us a five-star rating?  Wednesday night, 6 p.m. Eastern Standard Time, what are you doing?  If you find value in this content, when you click on that QR code right there, you can buy me a cup of coffee. You could even schedule a 15-minute one-on-one call with me after hours, of course.  Email Chuck at advertising at let's talkcabling.com and let's connect your brand to the right audience today.  Support the show Knowledge is power!  Visit our webpage to find out ways you can support the show.  Also if you would like to be a guest on the show, please complete the application. Chuck Bowser RCDD TECH #CBRCDD #RCDD

See All (414)

5
out of 5
30 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 - 2026
  • Episodes
    414
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Let's Talk Cabling!
  • Show Website
    Let's Talk Cabling!

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