State of the Arc #2: Welding in 2025 — Tariffs, Renewables, Certs & AI Inspection
Release Date: 05/09/2025
Bonus: Weld Wednesday w/ AWS Dr. Josh Burgess Recorded at FabTech 2025
Arc Junkies
In this bonus episode of Weld Wednesday w/ AWS I'm chatting with incoming president Dr. Josh Burgess. Dr. Burgess started his career as a welder in High School and had an unquenchable thirst for more knowledge which has lead him down an incredible path as the incoming AWS President. For more information on how you can get involved click
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377. From Puppets to Pit Bikes: Alex Jordan’s Welding Journey
Arc Junkies
Alex Jordan may spend his nine-to-five building animatronics and puppets for places like Universal and Disney, but that’s just the beginning of his welding story. After hours, Alex runs his own job shop, dives into 3D printing as a fabrication tool, and shares his knowledge through YouTube and social media. In this episode, we talk about how 3D printers can transform a weld shop, the craftsmanship behind theme park projects like Raptors and parade floats, and how Alex turned a simple county fair project into a 15-year career. We also get into his custom electric pit bike builds, the...
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Weld Wednesday w/ AWS FabTech 2025 w/ Matt Ruben
Arc Junkies
Fabtech 2025 is almost here! Jason sits down with Matt Rubin, Managing Director of Sales and Expositions for AWS, to break down everything you need to know about the biggest welding and fabrication show of the year. From conference sessions and networking events to the all-new AWS podcast booth, this episode will help you plan your Fabtech experience. Welcome to another edition of Weld Wednesdays with AWS! In this episode, Jason is joined by Matt Rubin, Managing Director of Sales and Expositions for the American Welding Society, to talk all things Fabtech 2025 in Chicago, September...
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376. Known Flaws, Real Lessons: Building Better Inspectors w/ Jeremy Ring
Arc Junkies
“Sonaspection has been keeping inspectors honest since 1980—by making flaws on purpose. This week, Jeremy Ring joins me to talk NDT, mentorship, and how controlled cracks build better inspectors.” This week on the Arc Junkies Podcast, I’m joined by Jeremy Ring, President of Sonaspection. If you’re not familiar with Sonaspection, they’ve been training inspectors since 1980 by creating controlled flaws in real welded samples. Their work keeps inspectors sharp, welders accountable, and industries safe. Jeremy shares his journey from NASCAR engineering to NDT leadership, and we...
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Weld Wednesdays w/ AWS Future-Proofing Welding Careers: Automation, AI, and Additive Manufacturing Feat. Teresa Melfi & Josh Sullivan
Arc Junkies
In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I’m joined by Teresa Melfi and Josh Sullivan from Lincoln Electric to talk about the evolving role of automation, robotics, additive manufacturing, and artificial intelligence in the welding industry. Teresa shares insights from her 40+ year career—from being a certified welder to her work on waveform design and advanced robotic systems. Josh dives into alloy R&D and how Lincoln is leveraging AI to improve filler metal development for additive processes. We also explore how automation is improving ergonomics, broadening access to welding...
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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...
info_outlineIn this episode of State of the Arc, we're diving into four major trends shaping the welding and fabrication world in 2025.
🔧 Topic 1: How rising tariffs are impacting steel, stainless, and aluminum prices — and what shops are doing to stay competitive
🌱 Topic 2: Why renewable energy projects are creating more welding demand than ever before
🧪 Topic 3: How mobile welder certification units are saving time, cutting downtime, and keeping crews compliant
🤖 Topic 4: The rise of AI-assisted weld inspection — where it’s being used, what it does well, and what it won’t replace
If you're a welder, shop owner, inspector, or educator — this is the weekly update you didn’t know you needed. No fluff, just real-world news that affects your trade.
🎙️ State of the Arc drops every Friday, powered by the Arc Junkies Podcast.