In this episode, I catch up with my friend and fellow educator Dusty James. We talk about life under the hood and behind the camera—raising kids while running a business, the challenges of creative burnout, and how teaching others has deepened our own understanding of welding.
Dusty shares what keeps him inspired, how he builds community through YouTube and mentorship, and why progress is worth celebrating—even if it’s just pushing a broom at the end of a long day. We also chat about FabTech plans, cleaning the shop for mental clarity, and how passion for the craft keeps us going.
Whether you're a welding instructor, content creator, or just grinding it out in the shop, this episode has something for you.
Arc Junkies Podcast:
Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@arcjunkiespodcast9253
Email: Show@arcjunkies.com
Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com
Arc junkies Merch: https://shop.threadmob.com/arcjunkie/shop/home
Underground Metal Works: https://www.underground-metalworks.com/
Friends of the Show:
American Welding Society Conferences
Weld Summit
https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/welding-summit/registration#regform
Use ARCJUNKIES at Checkout and get a free gift at the event.
Outlaw Leather LLC
Instagram: @outlawleatherusa
Use ARCJUNKIES for 15% off all in-stock leather goods
International Welding Bureau
Internationalweldingbureau.com
Everlast Welders
Instagram: @everlastwelders
YouTube: Everlast Welders
Online: https://bit.ly/37xJstI
Use Codeword ARCJUNKIES at checkout to get upgraded to a free Nova Foot Pedal and TIG Torch with the purchase of any machine that comes with a stock foot pedal and TIG Torch.
Walter Surface Technologies
ISOTUNES:
Instagram: @isotunesaudio
Online: https://shop.isotunes.com/arcjunkies10.
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