WELD

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Robert Carpenter (Carp Welding)—a pipefitter and stainless TIG art creator—about his path into Pipefitters Local 636 (Detroit), what a sixth-period apprentice actually does on the job, and why he chose union life to stay close to home. 

Key Topics Covered:

• Why Robert chose the union: home nightly, benefits that keep continuity from job to job.

• What “laid off” really means in the ...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Kenny Stewart, a 23-year-old combo rig welder out of Houston, TX. Kenny shares how he pivoted from music school to welding in just five years, the real differences between single-hand and rig welding, why he chose plant specialty work over pipeline, and how humility, curiosity, and smart gear choices (hello, laser level) accelerated his growth.

Key Topics Covered:

• Single-hand vs...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Kris Sherm, the Global Business & Product Director for Manual Plasma Products at ESAB. Kris shares insights on how advanced welding technologies, especially pulse spray transfer, can drastically improve productivity, reduce waste, and offset labor shortages in manufacturing. If you're still using outdated welding machines, this episode will show you why that may be costing yo...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington travels to Atlanta, Georgia, for the SkillsUSA National Championships. He speaks with competitors, instructors, volunteers, and judges to uncover the excitement, challenges, and valuable insights from competing on a national level.

Key Topics Covered:

• Insights on overcoming nerves and succeeding in welding competitions.

• Essential preparation strategies and tips from competitors and instructors.

• ...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Ashley Dunlap, the founder of Ashe's Custom Welding. Ashley shares her journey of balancing a full-time job while launching her own welding business. She discusses her path into welding, the challenges of entrepreneurship, sourcing materials for her unique creations, and effectively using social media for promotion.

Key Topics Covered:

• Balancing a full-time welding job with ...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington sits down with Max Ceron, Executive Director of the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) Association, to explore actionable ways welders of every experience level can give back, mentor others, and strengthen the industry we all rely on.

Key Topics Covered:

• Community service as the career “cheat code” for welders

• Practical volunteer paths: Skills competitions, AWS/CWB chapters & school outreach

• Bust...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington takes listeners to the Yeti Welding Competition in Spanish Fork, Utah, where he speaks with competitors, judges, spectators, and the man behind Yeti Welding, Dillon Hales. Competitors share their biggest challenges, surprises, and strategies for success, providing invaluable insight into what it takes to thrive in a welding competition.

Key Topics Covered:

• Common pitfalls competitors faced, in...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with John Malecki, former NFL player turned successful YouTube creator and entrepreneur in the maker space. John shares his unexpected journey from professional football to building custom furniture and creating engaging content on YouTube. He provides valuable insights on overcoming perfectionism, implementing metalwork into woodworking projects, and growing a successful brand online.

Key ...

In this week’s episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Jason Corder, a 28-year veteran of Ironworkers Local 433 in Los Angeles and current Welding Program Manager for Iron Workers International. Jason shares insights into the comprehensive role of an iron worker, union benefits, the apprenticeship process, and advice for aspiring tradespeople.

Key Topics Covered:

• What differentiates ironworkers from traditional welders

• Overview o...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington chats with Adrian Benitez, welding instructor at SteelTech Academy, part of the BZI group of companies. Adrian shares how he unexpectedly landed his role, what it's like training new welders in structural steel, and why attitude matters more than experience. From self-shielded flux core tips to game-changing tech like the Beam Champ, Adrian dives deep into what makes BZI different—and why it mig...

In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with Jason Becker, former host of Weld.com and current owner of Underground Metalworks and Weld Works Training Center as well as host of the Arc Junkies Podcast. Jason shares expert insights and practical advice on successfully preparing for and passing welding certification tests, emphasizing critical techniques, common pitfalls, and essential tools for welders at all experience levels.

Key Top...

In this episode, host Beau Wigington speaks with Guy Seguin, a welding educator at Algonquin College in Ottawa, Ontario, and creator behind Sewing with Fire Welding. Guy shares practical insights into side gigs welders can pursue, common projects to tackle for extra income, and essential considerations for successful side jobs.

Key Topics Covered:

• Most common side gigs welders encounter

• Essential tools and skills for successful we...

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Brian Baer, owner of Baer Welding in Providence, Utah. Brian shares insights on transforming Baer Welding from a small residential-focused business into a company handling major corporate projects and high-end ornamental fabrication. Brian discusses the importance of company culture, strategic business transitions, and integrating automation to enhance efficiency.

Key Topics Covered:

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Mason Bongers and Dallas Reed, Application Engineers at Prima Power Laserdyne, from inside one of their advanced laser cells. Mason and Dallas share insights into laser welding, cutting-edge drilling applications, and their personal journeys into laser technology.

Key Topics Covered:

• Differences between continuous wave (CW) and quasi-continuous wave (QCW) lasers.

• Importance of gas ...

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington speaks with Alex Rogers, an entry-level tender and diver who recently graduated from The Ocean Corporation in Houston, Texas. Alex shares his firsthand experience of entering the exciting and challenging world of commercial diving and underwater welding, highlighting what newcomers can expect from training, job opportunities, and life offshore.

Key Topics Covered:

• What commercial diving scho...

In this episode, Beau Wigington sits down with Clint Evashkevich from The Onyx Grove Company, a talented TIG artist known for creating stunning stainless steel artworks. Clint shares his journey transitioning from heavy industrial welding by day to intricate TIG art at night, exploring how his work incorporates unique techniques to achieve vibrant colors and precise textures. He discusses his setup, from laser etching to chilling p...

In this week’s episode, Beau Wigington chats with Miguel Millan, aka Datboimiggz, a tank welder, about essential advice for stepping onto welding jobsites, key insights into tank welding, common pitfalls to avoid to keep your job, and how networking can lead to new opportunities. 

Key Takeaways:

• Getting Started in Welding: Miguel's journey from roofing with his father to discovering welding and transitioning into tank welding.

• Job...

In this episode, Beau Wigington chats with William England, a seasoned blacksmith turned fabricator, who shares how his background in traditional blacksmithing significantly elevated his fabrication skills, particularly in creating ornamental ironwork. He reveals simple yet effective blacksmithing techniques that can drastically increase the value and uniqueness of fabrication projects.

Key Topics Covered:

• Transitioning Careers: ...

In this weeks episode, we’re diving deep into welding consistency as Beau Wigington chats with Alex Seibert, known on social media as @CrapOutWelds. Alex specializes in both MIG and TIG welding in the aerospace industry as well as off-road fabrication. In this episode, he shares valuable insights into dialing in perfect welds, mastering the “stacked dime” technique, and crucial fabrication tips he’s learned from years of experience...