Weld Wednesday w/ AWS "Community Impact: How Welding Competitions Are Shaping the Next Generation" w/ Mariana Ludmer
Arc Junkies
In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I sit down with Mariana Ludmer—Operations Manager at California Welding Institute and long-time AWS volunteer—to talk about how welding competitions are shaping the next generation of welders. We cover the impact of AWS-sponsored competitions on student confidence, career readiness, and community engagement. Mariana shares how her section in Southern California has built one of the most active and inclusive welding competition circuits in the country, and how these events bring together students, employers, unions, and vendors. Whether you're an...
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375. Hitting Pause Not Stop w/ Jason Becker
Arc Junkies
In this special solo episode, I’m taking a moment to talk directly to all of you—the listeners who’ve made Arc Junkies what it is today. I’ve been grinding hard for the past five years, juggling family, business, and content creation, and it’s time for a short reset. I’ll still be dropping Weld Wednesdays with AWS, but the weekly episodes and State of the Arc are on pause through July and August. In this episode, I explain why I’m stepping back, what’s ahead for the show, and how you can stay connected in the meantime. This isn’t goodbye—it’s just a much-needed breather....
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374. Bird’s Eye View from Under the Hood w/ Dusty James
Arc Junkies
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....
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State of the Arc #8 Welding in 2025: Tools, Trends, and Talent That Matter
Arc Junkies
In this episode of State of the Arc, Jason Becker breaks down four of the most important trends shaping the welding industry in 2025. We start with the rise of welding simulation software — how it's transforming training and reducing material waste. Then we explore the impact of 3D printing on metal fabrication, including examples from defense, aerospace, and repair applications. Jason also highlights why soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability are becoming critical for career growth, before wrapping up with a deep dive into how welding safety standards are evolving —...
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State of the Arc #7: Steel, Reactors, and Rod Ovens: Welding Trends You Need to Know
Arc Junkies
In this episode of State of the Arc, Jason Becker breaks down four major developments reshaping the welding industry right now. First, we look at the surge in government-funded nuclear projects and the increased demand for welders trained to ASME and NAVSEA standards. Then we shift to the revival of domestic steelmaking and how reshoring and infrastructure funding are fueling new opportunities for structural welders. In segment three, Jason covers the industry-wide push for low-hydrogen practices — from rod ovens to procedure control — and why welders need to pay closer attention to...
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373. Take Pride in What You Do w/ Al Moore
Arc Junkies
In this episode, Jason Becker sits down with Albert Moore, Jr., a true industry veteran with over 50 years of experience in structural steel, welding inspection, and nondestructive testing. From his early days as an ironworker to co-founding NAVSEA Solutions and Marion Testing & Inspection, Al shares insights from a career that’s shaped industry standards and trained countless professionals. They discuss welding certifications, NAVSEA procedures, inspecting some of the largest forging presses in the U.S., and Al’s work as an instructor for ASME. Whether you're a welder, inspector, or...
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State of the Arc #6: Smart Factories, Heavy Equipment Welding, Infrastructure Jobs & Tax Policy Shifts
Arc Junkies
In this episode of State of the Arc, I cover four high-impact stories shaping the future of welding and manufacturing in America. First, we break down the trends transforming global manufacturing through 2028—from smart factories to sustainability pressures. Next, we explore new welding challenges and solutions in the heavy equipment sector. Then, we turn to the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and what it means for welding jobs across the country. Finally, we take a close look at how federal tax policies—and proposed changes like eliminating taxes on overtime—could reshape the...
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Weld Wednesdays Changes to the D1.1:2025 Structural Steel Code Book
Arc Junkies
Summary In this episode of Weld Wednesdays, Jason Becker and Daryl Peterson discuss the recent updates to the AWS D1.1 structural steel code, focusing on the changes from the 2020 to the 2025 edition. They explore various aspects of the code, including new definitions, clarifications, and the implications for welder certification and filler metal strength. The conversation also touches on design considerations and the differences between pre-qualified and qualified welding procedures, emphasizing the importance of understanding these updates for professionals in the welding industry. In this...
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372. Living on the EDGE w/ Stacia and Eric Mueller
Arc Junkies
In this episode, Jason sits down with Eric and Stacia Mueller, owners of Edge Welding Cups, to discuss how they’ve built a family-run business that's disrupting the welding consumables industry. From humble beginnings in scientific glassblowing to producing high-performance TIG and MIG accessories used in critical industries, their journey is all about people over profit. Hear how their commitment to customer service, community outreach, and student engagement is creating lasting impact. They also break down their approach to custom cup design, laminar gas flow benefits, and the exciting new...
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State of the Arc #5 – Battery Welding in Rail, $44B Alaska Pipeline, Buyouts Over Builds, and Robots on the Jobsite
Arc Junkies
In this episode of State of the Arc, we’re covering four of the most talked-about developments shaping the welding and skilled trades world right now: Battery-powered flash-butt welding is here — and it’s already changing the rail industry. A proposed $44 billion LNG pipeline in Alaska could unlock thousands of welding jobs across 800 miles of rugged terrain. Pipeline companies are opting to buy existing infrastructure instead of building new — what that means for field welders, inspectors, and contractors. Humanoid robots are stepping into real-world manufacturing and...
info_outlineThis week on Arc Junkies, Jason is joined by Tim Lucas — Marine Corps veteran, CWI, metal artist, and AWS Section leader. Tim shares his journey from chasing motorcycles and metal shaping to working in aerospace, pharmaceuticals, and high-end fabrication. They dive into the importance of understanding the "why" behind welding, how standard operating procedures can make or break a growing shop, and the critical role AWS sections play in building the next generation of welders. They also break down the realities of the ProCodes Act, writing WPSs, and the future of welding education. Whether you're just getting started or leveling up your career, this episode is packed with practical advice, real talk, and a few laughs along the way.
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