Weld Wednesday w/ AWS Welder to CWI Making the Leap Without Loosing Your Identity
Arc Junkies
In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker chats with Eric Cunningham, a passionate educator and welding program director who’s spent years shaping the next generation of welders. Eric shares his path from being a hands-on fabricator to leading an entire welding program, the challenges of balancing classroom and real-world learning, and how modern schools can stay aligned with industry needs. They discuss the importance of mentorship, keeping students motivated through real shop experiences, and why strong industry partnerships are key to helping graduates find jobs and...
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383. The Spark That Started It All: Tim Kinnaman on the True History of Welding
Arc Junkies
In this episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason Becker sits down with welding historian Tim Kinnaman for a fascinating look at how modern welding was born. Tim walks us through the incredible journey from ancient discoveries of static electricity to the development of arc power sources and early machines built by companies like Lincoln Electric, GE, and Hobart. He shares the stories of forgotten inventors, rare books, and technological breakthroughs that still influence the trade today. If you’ve ever wondered where welding really began, this episode connects the dots between science,...
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382. Confidence Doesn’t Equal Competence: The Truth About Welding Wages
Arc Junkies
In this solo episode of the Arc Junkies Podcast, Jason breaks down the real reason welding wages aren’t skyrocketing — the skills gap. He dives deep into what employers actually pay to keep a welder on staff, why so many applicants are failing basic tests, and how underqualified welders are holding back wages across the trade. Jason shares real-world insight from decades in the field, explains what it truly costs to employ a $20/hour welder, and compares modern wages to those from the 1940s — revealing that welding has, in fact, kept pace with inflation. He also talks about career...
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381. Don't Quit w/ Jason Becker
Arc Junkies
Arc Junkies Podcast: Instagram: @Arcjunkiespodcast YouTube: Email: LinkedIn: Arc Junkies Website: https://arcjunkies.com Arc junkies Merch: Underground Metal Works: Friends of the Show: American Welding Society Conferences Pipeline Conference https://www.aws.org/community-and-events/conferences-and-events/pipeline/ 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 Everlast Welders Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast...
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380. That First Minute Changes Everything w/ Ryan Eubank
Arc Junkies
In this week’s episode, Jason Becker welcomes back longtime friend and mentor Ryan Eubank, along with his student Matt Nonato, for a powerful conversation about what it really means to be an educator in the welding world. Ryan opens up about his morning rituals, how he transforms students’ lives through discipline and compassion, and why he believes welding instructors are more than teachers—they’re life changers. Jason and Ryan discuss the importance of purpose in education, how to break bad welding habits influenced by social media, and why hands-on teaching still matters more than...
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Weld Wednesdays w/ AWS Starting a Welding Business What I wish I Knew w/ Kevin Johnson
Arc Junkies
In this episode of Weld Wednesday with AWS, I sit down with Kevin Johnson, host of the Welding Business Owners Podcast, owner of JAMW Fabrication, and mastermind behind the Fabricator Olympics. Kevin shares lessons learned from starting his welding business, the importance of outsourcing, developing standard operating procedures, and finding a profitable niche. We also dive into customer management, quoting jobs effectively, and maintaining work-life balance while running a shop. Plus, Kevin gives us a behind-the-scenes look at the growing Fabricator Olympics, including exciting new...
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379. “The Questions That Build Safer Welds.” w/ Kim Meszaros
Arc Junkies
This week, Jason talks with welding engineer Kim Meszaros about the why behind codes and standards. Kim explains how ASME Section IX and other codes evolve—not as busywork, but as lessons learned from incidents, accidents, and new technologies. They discuss how welders should approach WPS compliance as more than a signature on paper, the role of safety in every change, and the human side of committees making tough decisions. The conversation also highlights the importance of mentorship over gatekeeping, reaching young people earlier, and creating better communication between welders and...
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Fronius Friday from FabTech 2025
Arc Junkies
In this Bonus episode of Arc Junkies, I sit down and chat with Wesley Doneth and Chris Bajek from Fronius USA to talk about some of thier new equipment hitting the market this year. If you didn't get a chance to make it to FabTech, you can get an inside scoop of whats coming your way in the world of welding technology from Fronius USA. Check out Fronius' new line up Get your hands on some of Fronius' equipment
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378. The Story of the Bead Man w/ Dante Terrell
Arc Junkies
This week on Arc Junkies, I sit down with Dante — a pipe welder and rap artist who’s built a career balancing two worlds. Dante shares his story of starting in the shipyards, transitioning into pipe welding, and how music became a creative outlet that resonated with welders everywhere. We dive into the realities of life on the road, failing and passing weld tests, financial lessons from traveling work, and his perspective on what it means to build longevity in the trades. Dante also opens up about his music career, how welding rap caught fire, and why he’s looking for the next chapter....
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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
info_outlineFabtech 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 8–11.
Matt shares insider details on what to expect this year, including:
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The AWS booth experience, complete with a brand-new podcast booth, bookstore discounts, and live micro-sessions.
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Educational opportunities, from AI workshops to stainless steel applications, laser welding, and PDH/CEU sessions for CWIs.
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Live welding competitions, raffles, and interactive experiences like the Careers in Welding trailer.
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Networking highlights such as RWMA Happy Hour, Arcs & Ales at FatPour Tap House, and Fabtech Industry Night.
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Exclusive membership specials and code discounts you won’t want to miss.
Whether you’re an educator, student, business owner, or industry leader, Fabtech has something for everyone. Tune in to get the inside scoop and make the most of your time in Chicago!
👉 Don’t forget to RSVP early for Arcs & Ales and check out fabtechexpo.com to register for the show and educational sessions.
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Fabtech Registration & Sessions: FABTECH
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AWS Membership & Specials: AWS.org
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Arcs & Ales at FatPour Tap House – RSVP Here
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RWMA Happy Hour – Register Here
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Fabtech Industry Night – Register Here
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AWS Welding Competition – Live competition in Hall B2, booth B21107
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AWS Technical Sessions at Fabtech – Check out he classes Here