American Railroading Podcast

American Railroading
  • 4.9 (15)
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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. 1d ago

    The Importance of Rail Advocacy with Betsy Cantwell, President of GoRail

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Betsy Cantwell – President of GoRail. Together they discuss the legislation pending in DC that will impact the rail industry such as the Railway Safety Act and overall Surface Transportation Bill. They do a deep dive into the current and impressive safety record of the rail industry, review all the programs GoRail offers to foster local community-based rail advocacy such as Rail Champions, as well as their Rail Grant Hub, accessibility to freight rail policy and data, 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 83 countries, nearly 50% of the world!Don announces the celebration of the podcast’s 3-Year Anniversary! Time sure flies!Since joining GoRail in 2015, Betsy has led the organization’s advocacy and communications strategy to build public and political support for freight rail, including earned media, digital campaigns, grassroots mobilization, and message development, aimed at making freight rail policy accessible and compelling to the communities it impacts the most.Per the GoRail website at www.GoRail.org, founded in 2004 on the principle that “all politics is local,” GoRail believes that direct input from constituents is the best way to communicate with elected officials. GoRail works with thousands of community leaders across the country to tell the local story of freight rail — stronger economies, more jobs and cleaner skies.Among all the data available on the GoRail Website is a link to “Check Data for Rail in Your State”, which not only provides the data and benefits of rail in your state, but also gives contact information for your state reps and each major railroad.Betsy gives her opinion on the potential pros and cons of the pending Railway Safety Act and Surface Transportation Act.2025 has been reported as the safest year on record for the rail industry, with improvements across almost every safety metric. According to the Association of American Railroads, Freight Rail Safety - Fact Sheet available at www.AAR.org , the overall train accident rate declined 14 percent year-over-year, while derailments, equipment caused accidents, and track caused accidents each fell to the lowest levels in the railroad industry’s history.In a press conference from March 13, 2023, former STB Chairman, Marty Oberman stated in part regarding rail safety: “The Bureau of Transportation Statistics documented last year (2022) that 94% of all hazardous materials spills occurred on truck and only 1% occurred on rail. So if you were trying to make sure communities all over the country are safer, you would want to move more of this material by train, rather than by truck”.Don encourages everyone to follow him on his LinkedIn page at Don Walsh | LinkedIn , and to review his article he published 05/21/26 titled “Railroads Helped Build America & New Policy will Shape the Future of Railroading”. 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 Don Walsh | LinkedIn https://www.GoRail.org https://www.AAR.org https://www.SERTC.org

    1h 1m

  2. Apr 30

    Tank Car Regulatory Update – Q2 2026 - with Dave Ronzani of AllTranstek

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Dave Ronzani - Director of Railcar Regulatory Compliance for AllTranstek. Together they discuss the current state of tank car regulations with an update after the recent AAR Tank Car Committee meetings in Nashville, TN., including the status of PHMA’s proposed rulemaking HM-265 as well as their opinions of potential pros and cons; an open FRA Hazardous Materials Incident Investigation (HMII) regarding tank car angle valves; NAR’s (Non-Accident Releases); AAR CPC 1435 regarding tank car vacuum relief valves; docket T88.12 regarding tank car visual inspections; other “hot button” topics 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 82 countries around the world! Nearly 50% of the world!Dave has over 40 years of experience in Quality Assurance and Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) and holds an American Society for Non-Destructive Testing (ASNT) Level III certificate in 7 NDT methods.Don gives an overview of AllTranstek, including their history of how and when they were formed.Mr. Ronzani discusses the different entities involved in tank car regulations and how their roles interact with one another.Dave explains what an FRA Hazardous Materials Investigation (HMII) is and how it can affect everyone involved in process, from the car owner to the car and component manufacturers, and everyone in between.Don and Dave discuss the pending PHMSA rulemaking HM-265 regarding the potential of taking away sole responsibility for tank car certificates of construction and shop certification for M-1002 and M-1003 from the AAR, and their opinions of potential pros and cons of the change.Mr. Ronzani discusses AAR CPC 1435 related to certain tank car vacuum relief valves whose AAR service trial wasn’t completed properly, what tank car owners need to do about them and by when.Don shares various best practices from real-life experiences he’s had.Dave’s biggest industry pet-peeve is…..You’ll have to tune in 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.AllTranstek.com https://www.AAR.org

    1h 5m

  3. Mar 31

    The State of our Economy - Q1 2026 with Professor John Doggett – UT Austin

    Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest John Doggett – Professor at the University of Texas at Austin, McCombs School of Business, Management Department. Together they discuss the current state of the U.S. economy, the military action in Iran and its potential short-term and long-term effects, the partial government shutdown, the upcoming Fed Chair change and likelihood of rate cuts, the rapid growth of AI, areas of market growth to watch, and what it all means for the rail industry. 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 68 countries around the world!Having begun his teaching career in 1979, this will be Professor Doggett’s final year teaching full time as he will go down to teaching one spring semester a year at the University of Texas in Austin in 2027.Per Professor Doggett, one of the sobering things when you contemplate retiring is, you don’t realize how much of who you are is what you do.Regarding the current political climate, John feels that it would be good to recall the words of President Clinton where he said regarding the most important thing to voters, “It’s the economy stupid”, which he believes will be reflected in the mid-term elections.With current Fed Chair Powell’s term ending soon, and assuming the President’s nominee Kevin Warsh is confirmed as his replacement, Professor Doggett gives his opinion on what Kevin Warsh’s priorities once taking the position over may be, and whether or not he feels there will be rate cuts in the remainder of 2026.Don and Professor Doggett discuss the military action in Iran, the blockage of the Strait of Hormuz, the short-term and long-term effects on the oil and gas markets, as well as when the military action may end.Professor Doggett explains in great detail why the low birth rate not only here in the U.S. but globally is so important and so concerning.Per Professor Doggett, AI is changing our world at a more rapid pace than anything he’s seen in his lifetime.According to Professor Doggett, if he were a betting man, the markets he would focus on would be….(You’ll have to listen or watch 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

    1h 14m

  4. Feb 27

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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
    39
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © American Railroading Inc.
  • Show Website
    American Railroading Podcast

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