American Railroading Podcast

American Railroading
  • 4.9 (15)
  • HOBBIES

Discover the fascinating world of American railroading with the American Railroading Podcast. Join host Don Walsh, a seasoned industry professional with over 25+ years of experience, as he explores a wide range of topics related to the railroad industry, from regulatory items and the challenges our industry faces to passenger rail excursions and recognizing U.S. Armed Forces Veterans in our industry. From the latest news and trends to insider stories and interviews with experts, each episode is packed with insights and information that will delight both casual enthusiasts and serious railroaders alike. Tune in and join the journey.

  1. 6D AGO

    Industry Update – Mergers, Tariffs & Trends with Tony Hatch – Sr Wall Street Transportation Analyst

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Tony Hatch, President of ABH Consulting and Sr. Wall Street Transportation Analyst. Together they discuss the current status and potential pros and cons of the proposed Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, what the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding tariffs under IEEPA means and doesn’t mean, a potential 3rd ”Golden Age” of short line railroading, market trends and risks, a look ahead into 2026 and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS: The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 66 countries around the world!Mr. Hatch is a graduate of Harvard University and has been a Sr. Transportation Analyst on Wall Street for over 20 years.Tony shares how he went from a degree in History at Harvard to becoming a Transportation Analyst.Mr. Hatch explains the revised STB rules / approval criteria / threshold that the proposed UP & NS merger and all future potential mergers must satisfy.Tony does a deep dive into the potential pros and cons of the proposed UP & NS merger.Don discusses the recent Supreme Court ruling regarding the President’s ability to impose import tariffs under IEEPA (the International Emergency Economic Act), what the ruling means, and doesn’t mean.Tony gives his opinion and the current status of tariffs and trade wars and their effect on the U.S. economy.Mr. Hatch gives us an update and a look ahead into 2026 not only for the U.S., but for Mexico and Canada as well.Tony gives his thoughts on why he feels a 3rd “Golden Age” of short line railroading may be on the horizon.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode! LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com https://www.railtrends.com https://www.abhatchconsulting.com

    1h 7m

  2. JAN 30

    2026 – Where We’ve Been & Where We’re Headed with host Don Walsh

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this, our first episode of Season 4, our host Don Walsh is our guest. Don takes us on a journey through 2025 and gives us a recap of each of the podcast episodes from Season 3 along with a look behind the scenes and shares his thoughts not heard before on the episodes themselves. Don also discusses audience feedback and his favorite moments from Season 3, after which he gives his thoughts on where the industry is headed in 2026 and some hints on where the podcast is headed in Season 4. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode including episode videos and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS: The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally with a 300% increase in downloads in the last year!The STB offers Stakeholder Committees including the Railroad Shipper Transportation Advisor Council, the Rail Energy Transportation Advisory Committee, the National Grain Car Council and the newly created Passenger Rail Advisory Committee.President Trump’s proposed plan to improve the economy and reduce inflation is said to be like spokes on a wheel including reducing the cost of energy by increasing production, reducing government spending, reducing regulations and restrictions, reducing taxes and bringing manufacturing back to the U.S.While intermodal railcars make up only 4% of the U.S. national fleet, 48% of all U.S. rail traffic is generally intermodal rail shipments.Using Ai technology, the Duos Technologies - Railcar Inspection Portal (RIP) can inspect railcars at operating speeds from 3 MPH to 125 MPH, and report findings within 60 seconds.Most new tank car builds (at this time) are due to replacement needs as tank cars age out.Today there are approximately 2 million registered railcars in the U.S. national fleet, of which 22% (or 440,000) are tank cars, all of which require HM-216b qualification at regular intervals.Founded in 1838, Galveston, an island port city in Texas, quickly became the major hub for trade and immigration for not only Texas, but the entire southwest United States, and was the home of the first operating railroad in Texas, founded in 1850.The issue with tariffs isn’t whether they’re good or bad, it’s that they keep fluctuating, they’re not consistent, which makes it hard for businesses to plan.While there are 6 Class 1 railroads in the U.S. (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS, CN, and CPKC), there are 603 short line railroads.The AAR establishes safety, security and operating standards that provide seamless and safe operations across America’s nearly 140,000-mile freight rail network.Don Walsh gives his opinion of the industry outlook for 2026! LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com

    1h 1m

  3. 12/29/2025

    Rail Resources - The Association of American Railroads with President & CEO – Ian Jefferies

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode, our Season 3 Finale, our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads! Together they discuss why the AAR was created, who the AAR is, what they do, all the tremendous resources they offer their members and the industry as a whole, including resources like their subsidiaries RailInc and MxVRail. Ian also gives his thoughts on industry highlights from 2025, and what he’s looking forward to in 2026. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS: The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!In addition to his role as President & CEO of the AAR, Mr. Jefferies also serves as a Board Member for Railinc, MxV Rail and GoRail. Formed in 1934, the AAR has been the leading voice for the freight rail industry, driving policy, research, and technology, to enhance safety and efficiency.Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, DC, the AAR advances sound public policy that supports the interests of the freight rail industry, ensuring they continue to meet America’s transportation needs today and tomorrow.As the standard-setting organization for North America’s railroads, the AAR establishes safety, security and operating standards that provide seamless and safe operations across America’s nearly 140,000-mile freight rail network.The AAR’s expert economists prepare weekly, quarterly and annual statistical reports that provide insight into the operations of North America’s freight railroads.Through its two subsidiaries, Railinc and MxV Rail, the AAR supports continued research and development projects that enhance the safety, security and efficiency of the railroad industry.Ian gives us his industry highlights of 2025, and shares what he’s looking forward to in 2026.Stay tuned for our first episode of Season 4!Thank you all for your support over our first 3 seasons! Please continue to share and leave 5-Star reviews! LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com https://www.AAR.org https://www.Public.Railinc.com https://www.MxVRail.com

    1 hr

  4. 12/02/2025

    2025 Christmas Special with Country Music Artist Bri Bagwell

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this our 2nd Annual Christmas Special our host Don Walsh is joined by guest and 15-time Texas country music chart-topper Bri Bagwell! Together they discuss Bri’s incredible journey to becoming Texas Female Country Music Artist of the Decade, as well as Bri’s favorite Christmas songs and memories. Bri gives amazing live performances of her favorite train song and a beautiful Christmas song that she co-wrote with her dad and her cousin. Bri also shares several other Christmas songs that she wrote and performed for us to enjoy, including the stories behind each one of them. Tune in to this very special Christmas episode and enjoy some Christmas cheer! You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS:  The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!Bri Bagwell’s musical journey began early, writing poems and learning piano, before joining her twin brothers’ band at just 14 years old.As her career has blossomed, Bri has performed on syndicated TV events such as NBC’s Lone Star New Years Eve, and with legends and contemporaries alike, including Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Dwight Yoakam, Robert Earl Keen, Kacey Musgraves, Reckless Kelly, and more.Bri plays an amazing and emotional acoustic version of “Play a Train Song” live, in tribute to country music singer and songwriter Todd Snider who recently passed away (November 2025).We get a special treat to hear Bri play a live piano version of “Cowboy Christmas Eve”, which she co—wrote with her dad and her cousin Kip Calahan Young, who performs a duet with Bri on the studio version.You, our wonderful audience, get to enjoy several other of Bri Bagewell’s Christmas songs on this 2nd Annual Christmas Special, which include pictures and videos, which you can see on our YouTube channel.As of November 2025, Bri has achieved her 15th #1 song in Texas radio with “Hit the Highway”. Be sure to check out Bri’s upcoming concert tour including her “A Very Desert Christmas” shows performing with her friends Drew Kennedy, Kristi Grider and Josh Grider in December 2025 in Fort Worth, TX and The Woodlands, TX. You can see all tour dates at www.BriBagwell.com .Stay tuned for our final episode of 2025 in late December! You don’t want to miss it!Everyone at the American Railroading Podcast wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas! LINKS MENTIONED:  https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com   https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX  https://www.enviroserve.com  https://www.bribagwell.com

    1 hr

  5. 10/31/2025

    The Story of American Short Line Railroads with ASLRRA President – Chuck Baker

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss the story of the American short line railroads including their origins, their near demise due to regulations and increased trucking,  their re-birth after deregulation, their significant role and impact on the U.S. economy, the effect of a government shutdown on the industry, and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS:   The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 58 countries around the world, on 38 podcast platforms!Although growing up in Baltimore, MD., Mr. Baker is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX.Prior to becoming President of the ASLRRA, Chuck was a lobbyist specializing in government affairs in Washinton, DC for 15 years representing railroad clients before the Federal Government, including Congress & administrative agencies such as the DOT,FRA, STB, DHS & TSA.Don and Chuck discuss what criteria determines a Class 1 railroad.A short line railroad’s role is to be the “First Mile, Last Mile” provider to local and regional businesses and communities, working in conjunction with Class 1 railroads.While there are 6 Class 1 railroads in the U.S. (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS, CN, and CPKC), there are 603 short line railroads.Short line railroads are a great American success story, employing 17,800 employees nationwide, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.Chuck shares his opinion on the effect of a government shutdown on the railroad industry.The ASLRRA offers its members not only advocacy, but also training, grant assistance, disaster preparedness, education funds & industry scholarships, environmental initiatives, webinars, industry events, and more.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode! LINKS MENTIONED:  https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com   https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX  https://www.enviroserve.com  https://www.ASLRRA.org

    1h 22m

  6. 09/29/2025

    Industry Update – Mergers, Traffic, Trends & Forecasts with Eric Starks – Chairman of FTR

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Eric Starks, Chairman of FTR (Freight Transportation Research Associates). Together they discuss the pending $85 billion dollar Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern merger, the current status of the U.S. economy, an update on U.S. manufacturing and production including new railcar production, rail traffic, market trends and risks, a forecast for 2026 and much more. We also announce our 2025 Honor our Heroes Award winner! Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS:  The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 57 countries around the world!The podcast continues to experience incredible growth in downloads and subscribers. Mr. Starks is a graduate of Indiana University and was an Adjunct Lecturer at Indiana University, Kelley School of Business for 4 years, teaching MBA students Transportation and Distribution Strategy, and was instrumental in creating the Indiana University Transportation Board.Eric does a deep-dive into our current U.S. economy and GDP and gives us his opinion on whether or not they are where we expected them to be.Don and Eric discuss Tariffs, what their intended use is by the current administration, and whether or not they are providing the intended results.Eric gives his opinion of the pros and cons of the pending UP and NS merger, and they discuss the recently announced BNSF and CSX partnership.Don and Eric do a thorough review of current rail traffic, velocity, dwell times, commodity and car type trends, and more.You don’t want to miss Eric’s 2026 forecast!Our 2025 – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award winner is……You’ll have to listen to the end of the episode to find out. 😊If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode! LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com   https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX  https://www.enviroserve.com  https://www.ftrintel.com

    1h 6m

  7. 08/29/2025

    Fun Rail Excursions – The Galveston Railroad Museum with Director of Marketing, Mary Jo Naschke

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this Fun Rail Excursions episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Mary Jo Naschke, Director of Marketing for the Galveston Railroad Museum in Galveston, TX. Together they discuss the history of Galveston as a major port city in a young and growing United States in the 1800’s and the vital importance the railroad played in Galveston and beyond in the southwest United States. They also go through all the wonderful exhibits at the museum, the education offered, the beautiful venues available, their upcoming events as the holidays approach, and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS:  The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 55 countries around the world!The podcast has experienced incredible growth in the last month, including a 200% increase in audio and video downloads!Founded in 1838, Galveston, an island port city in Texas, quickly became the major hub for trade and immigration for not only Texas, but the entire southwest United States.Galveston was the home of the first operating railroad in Texas, founded in 1850.After the devastating hurricane of 1900 that damaged nearly every building on Galveston island and took thousands of lives, the railroad bridge was the only bridge that remained standing that connected the island of Galveston to Houston.Founded in 1982 by Mary Moody, supported by the Moody Foundation, the Galveston Railroad Museum was created to preserve the history of railroading in Galveston and the effect it had on Texas and beyond.Don and Mary Jo go through all the wonderful exhibits, many of which are interactive; the education the museum offers all ages, which includes college internships; the venues on site for weddings, birthdays and corporate events; and the rail hotel which you can stay at on-site.The museum has several upcoming events which include ghost tours, The Ghostly Feather interactive mystery, the Rail Baron’s Ball which is an evening of fundraising that includes amazing silent and live auction items, and The Polar Express which actually leaves the station and requires pajamas and a love for hot chocolate.Please submit your favorite veteran of our U.S. Armed Forces currently in or retired from the rail industry for our 3rd Annual – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by our friends at Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. by 09/12/25. Details given in the episode.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review! LINKS MENTIONED:  https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com   https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast  https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX  https://www.enviroserve.com  https://www.galvestonrrmuseum.org

    54 min

  8. 07/31/2025

    Tank Car Regulations, Rulings & Their Impact with Tom DeLafosse – SVP of QA & Regulatory for Salco

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Tom DeLafosse, SVP of Quality and Regulatory Compliance for Salco Products. Together they do a deep dive into tank car regulations, rulings and pending rulings such as HM-216b, HM-265 and HM-264, including the history of the industry before these regulations and rulings, the reasoning behind the creation of them, and their current as well as potential future impact on car owners, repair shops and shippers. They also take a brief moment to discuss the history of Salco Products and A. Stucki. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard! KEY POINTS: The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 53 countries around the world!The podcast has experienced incredible growth in the last month, including a 300% increase in audio and video downloads!Tom has 50 years of experience in the railcar industry in quality assurance, design, repair and inspection of railroad tank cars.Don trained under Tom for his Level II NDT certifications in 1998, shortly after he entered the industry.Today there are approximately 2 million registered railcars in the U.S. national fleet, of which 22% (or 440,000) are tank cars, all of which require HM-216b qualification at regular intervals.Tom and Don discuss the challenges tank car certified repair shops face today, and some of the potential causes for lengthy shop cycle times.Tom gives his very detailed thoughts on the pending ruling HM-265, as well as his opinion of the potential pros and cons.Don provides a final update from PHMSA on HM-264.Please submit your favorite veteran of our U.S. Armed Forces currently in or retired from the rail industry for our 3rd Annual – American Railroading Podcast - Honor our Heroes Award, sponsored by our friends at Boots for Troops in Tomball, TX. by 09/12/25. Details given in the episode.If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review! LINKS MENTIONED: https://www.americanrailroading.net https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX https://www.enviroserve.com https://www.salcoproducts.com https://www.stucki.com

    1h 28m
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4.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

Discover the fascinating world of American railroading with the American Railroading Podcast. Join host Don Walsh, a seasoned industry professional with over 25+ years of experience, as he explores a wide range of topics related to the railroad industry, from regulatory items and the challenges our industry faces to passenger rail excursions and recognizing U.S. Armed Forces Veterans in our industry. From the latest news and trends to insider stories and interviews with experts, each episode is packed with insights and information that will delight both casual enthusiasts and serious railroaders alike. Tune in and join the journey.

Information

  • Creator
    American Railroading
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    36
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © American Railroading Inc.
  • Show Website
    American Railroading Podcast

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