PODCAST · education
Telecommunications Industry Therapy
by Scott Stekr and Michelle Kang
Podcast discussing issues arising from the rapid advancement and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. The Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr. In Each episode, they will be joined by subject matter experts discussing a wide array of topics which have an effect in the current state of the industry. Provided by the Telecommunications Industry Foundation, TIF. https://tifonline.org/
Episodes
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Equipment Installation Quality: Why the Same Issues Keep Showing Up
On this episode of Telecommunications Industry Therapy, hosts Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr talk with two Ericsson experts about wireless equipment installation quality. Anton Garcia is Head of Continuous Improvement, Networks Construction and Engineering, and a TIF board member. Praveen...
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The Use Case Question: 5G and 6G
5G has been deployed long enough that the interesting question is no longer what it promises — it's what it actually does. Meanwhile, the industry conversation has already shifted toward 6G. This episode features Peter Linder, Head of Thought Leadership, North America at Ericsson. Peter brings...
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Above the Tower: Satellite's Role in Telecom
Satellites have moved from a niche corner of telecommunications to the center of the conversation. Low-earth-orbit constellations, direct-to-device service, and new spectrum arrangements are reshaping assumptions about coverage, capacity, and what terrestrial networks are for. This episode…
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AI in the Network, AI on the Network — with Iain Gillott, WIA
Iain Gillott, VP of Innovation & Technology at WIA, joins us to draw a distinction the industry keeps blurring: AI on the network versus AI in the network. On the network, consumer behavior is shifting — mobile data traffic that used to flow into search and streaming is increasingly flowing into…
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Ground Truth: Corrosion, Anchors & Asset Integrity
In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Blob and Brian Bicknese to unpack their co-authored white paper on Direct-Buried Steel Corrosion & Guy Anchors — a practical guide for owners, engineers, and operators managing aging and new infrastructure alike. Discuss Outlines practical approaches for…
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Standards in the Age of AI: The TIA-942 Story
In this episode, we sit down with Tom McGarry, VP of Standards at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), to explore the ANSI/TIA-942 standard—the Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers. Tom walks us through what the standard actually covers: the minimum…
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Why Mount to Tower Interaction Matters More Than Ever
In this episode, we sit down with Lemmy Recinos , Senior Structural Engineer at KPFF Consulting Engineers to discuss one of the industry’s most important evolving topics — Mount to Tower Interaction (MTI). As one of the primary authors of the PAN titled “The Last Piece of the Structural Analysis...
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Microwave Backhaul Site Selection: Expanding Rural Connectivity with Scott Vance & Lynn Burnett
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Vance, Founder of Vance Engineering, and Lynn Burnett, Microwave Systems Engineer, to explore their recently co-authored Planning Advisory Notice (PAN): Microwave Backhaul Site Selection....
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Inside NATE: Collaboration, Safety, and What’s Next
In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Schlekeway , President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, to reflect on 2025, a milestone year for the organization as it celebrated 30 years of advancing the telecommunications infrastructure industry. Todd shares...
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Working at Heights with James Ruedlinger
James Ruedlinger VP of Engineering at Fullwave Tower & Broadcast joins us for an in-depth conversation on the realities of working in wireless infrastructure and broadcast construction. James shares firsthand experience on the full scope of broadcast construction—from pre-site planning and safety...
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2025 Year In Review - Insights and Takeaways
As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2025 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2026 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry Therapy. Stay tuned for exciting developments ahead!…
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Wireless Infrastructure Construction – Structural Steel Modifications
In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Pontes, Director of Operations & Safety Trainer at JHC Construction, to explore the critical role of structural steel in wireless infrastructure. Dylan shares insights on the technical challenges, safety demands, and craftsmanship behind building the…
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Leading the Way: Inside the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum
In this episode, Victoria Weidenthaler, President of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF), gives us an inside look at how the organization supports, uplifts, and advocates for women in telecommunications. From mentorship to leadership development, Victoria explains how WWLF is creating...
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Inside In-Building Wireless: Future Demand, ROI & Automation with Iain Gillot
In this episode of Telecommunications Industry Therapy, we’re joined by Iain Gillot, VP of Innovation & Technology at WIA, for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of in-building wireless networks. Iain breaks down where these systems deliver the greatest value today, how demand is expected…
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Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence
Mitch Bennett, Vice President of Operations at Ontivity's CMS Division shares a contractor’s perspective on the most challenging aspects tower crews face when encountering bird nests on towers. He offers practical recommendations for preparing crews for success and emphasizes key lessons learned...
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Future of Carrier Investments- Industry Financial Outlook
Jennifer Fritzche, Managing Director of Greenhill Mizuho Digital Infrastructure Practice, joins our podcast to provide an outlook on current carrier spending trends and how that may be impacted by the new administration. Jennifer also provides her predictions on how carriers may pivot to optimize...
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Demystifying Fixed Wireless Networks
Iain Gillot, a Senior Technical & Research Advisor with WIA and author of the WIA White Paper, The Fixed Wireless Network Opportunity, joins our show to discuss Fixed Wireless Networks. In this episode Iain addresses what factors have contributed to the growth of the Fixed Wireless Access (FWA)...
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Telecom Policy Updates from TIA
Colin Andrews, Senior Director of Government Affairs at TIA, and Patrick Lozada, Director of Global Policy at TIA, join our show to discuss how policy changes under the new administration will impact the telecommunications industry. Patrick sheds light on implications of tariffs on the...
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Tower Climbing Safety : Inside NATE’s Fall Protection Efforts
Brian Bicknese, Director of Safety & Education at NATE, joins our show to talk about NATE’s Continuous Fall Protection campaign. We also discuss the history and evolution of tower climbing safety guidance, and Brian addresses some misconceptions about tower climbing safety. To learn more visit...
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Wireless Small Cell Infrastructure - A History and Future Outlook
Mike Watson, VP and Deputy General Counsel at Extenet, joins our show to discuss the history of wireless small cell infrastructure in the US, lessons he has learned over the years when it comes to having successful relationships between all of the stakeholders, current challenges and an outlook…
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WIA Talks Workforce Development with Tim House
Tim House, COO of WIA, joins us to talk specifically on WIA’s various initiatives surrounding workforce development including their involvement in the Broadband Sector Partnerships and how their experience as an industry intermediary in Ohio has shaped their path moving forward. To learn more…
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Connecting at ConnectX: Previewing the Upcoming Event with Sarah Channon
Sarah Channon, WIA’s Director of Meetings & Events, joins us to provide us an overview of the upcoming ConnectX show in Chicago and what attendees have to look forward to. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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Learning about what drives the Competitive Carriers Association
In this episode we hear directly from the Competitive Carrier Association’s President & CEO, Tim Donovan, on an overview of their organization, the unique role that they fill in our industry, and the important role they serve in our society. We also learn about the top 3 priorities of CCA as they...
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Bird Nests on Towers: Guidance and Best Practices
Authors of the TIF White Paper: “Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence”, Scott Kisting of Congruex and Richard Hickey, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Vertical Bridge, join our podcast to talk about their unique experience that led to the creation of this white paper. They also provide...
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Behind the Scenes at NATE: Insights from Todd Schlekeway
Todd Schlekeway, President and CEO of NATE, joins us to discuss the organization’s major accomplishments in 2024 and what he takes the most pride in. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at NATE's structure and highlight some of the key individuals who contribute to its success. Additionally…
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Telecommunications Therapy: Past Wins and Future Trends
As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2024 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2025 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry Therapy. Stay tuned for exciting developments ahead!…
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Telecom in the Sky: Insights from Sam McGuire on Drone Technology
Sam McGuire, the CEO of Fieldsync joins our podcast to discuss the current state of drones in the telecommunications industry today. He also provides insight into the history of how drones have been used in this space, what has been learned, and current use cases. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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From Rigging to Construction Plans: Navigating ANSI/ASSP A10.48-2023 Changes
In the revised version of ANSI/ASSP A10.48 that was released in 2023, one of the notable changes was the institution of construction plans replacing what was formerly referred to as “rigging plans”. What were the reasons behind this change, and how does a contractor navigate the various classes…
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Decoding Passive Intermodulation: Challenges and Solutions in Wireless
Marty Zimmerman, North America CTO for Outdoor Wireless Networks at Commscope, provides an overview of passive intermodulation and its impacts in the telecommunications wireless industry. During this session, Marty also describes current installation challenges and things that exacerbate PIM...
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Game-Changer in Telecommunications: Exploring Open RAN with Paul Challoner
Hot topic buzzing through the telecommunication industry , Open Radio Access Network / Open RAN with Paul Challoner VP of Network Products at Ericsson. On the cusp of the wireless revolution, learn the driving benefits the industry can look forward to with Open RAN. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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Cleared For Take Off: Exploring US Regulatory Compliance & Air Navigation Safety with Chris Carpenter
Chris Carpenter, Field Director for SPX Aids to Navigation joins us to discuss a TIF White Paper published earlier this year that he co- authored on US Regulatory Compliance and Air Navigation Safety which focuses on understanding and implementing the many rules and procedures concerning air...
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Connecting the Dots: The Role of Grounding in Towers
Randy Removchik, Quality Assurance Engineer from Crown Castle discusses recent updates to the Grounding section of ANSI/TIA-222-I. Randy provides us with information regarding what tower grounding is and is not intended to accomplish on a tower site. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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Bridging Connections: The Role of the Telecommunications Industry Association, TIA
What is the Telecommunications Industry Association, TIA all about? Dave Stehlin, CEO of TIA, joins our show to talk about who TIA is as an organization and current initiatives they are focused on. He also discusses the upcoming Broadband Nation Expo in Washington, DC. To learn more visit...
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Guidance on Alternative Analysis - Stability and Performance Criteria for Foundations
Justin Kline, Author of the TIF White Paper "Stability and Performance Criteria for Foundations", joins the show to talk about performance-based design, how it has historically been used and how it can be applied to telecommunication tower foundations in certain situations for the benefit of many...
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White Paper: Reliability of Telecommunications Structures
What does the term 'reliability' mean as it relates to Telecommunications infrastructure, how does the reliability of telecommunications structures differ from common building structures, and why is it important that the authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) understand this? Chris Ply, Author of...
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Future of The Fiber Optic Network
Jim Hayes, President of The Fiber Optic Association joins to provide clarification on what fiber optic networks are, who builds them, and what the FOA is doing to help train and grow the workforce. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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Impacts of Fatigue, ANSI/TIA-222-I Fatigue with John Wahba Ph.D, P.E.
John Wahba, PhD gives insight into what fatigue is, the various types of fatigue that exist in different communications structures, and what impacts will come with ANSI/TIA-222-I. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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Fatigue and Recent Updates to ANSI/TIA-222-I with Carl Macchietto
Carl Macchietto, Vice President of Product and Management at Valmont Industries discusses the recent updates to TIA-222-I Fatigue and the considerations implemented when designing telecommunication structures for fatigue. To learn more visit tifonline.org
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TIA-222-I Rooftops with Gary Lucas & Bryan MacLaren
Bryan MacLaren and Gary Lucas, Co-Chairs of TR-14's Ad Hoc Group for Rooftop Mounts, discuss recent updates to the Standard, their own history with TR-14, and what led them to take on their roles. The duo provides a brief update on the White Paper, what they are currently working on, and how you...
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WIA Hot Topics with Karmen Rajamani
Karmen Rajamani, Vice President of Government Affairs with WIA, joins our show to discuss hot topics that the WIA is currently focusing on and how WIA acts as a lobbyist to benefit our industry. She sheds light on common regulatory challenges we are still facing as an industry, and what we can…
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WIA Today and Future Outlook with Tim House
Tim House, Executive Vice President and COO of WIA, joins our show to provide an overview of WIA as an organization and also provides insight into recent regulation efforts. He also provides his thoughts on the diversification of wireless infrastructure, how the workforce is adapting, and how WIA...
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ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSP A10.48 Part 2
James Ruedlinger, Chair of TIA’s Committee for ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSP A 10.48, joins our show to provide us a history of these standards and how they evolved from TIA-1019. He also discusses the recent updates to these standards, why the changes were made, and how the standards ultimately work...
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ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSP A10.48 Part 1
James Ruedlinger, Chair of TIA’s Committee for ANSI/TIA-322 & ANSI/ASSP A 10.48, joins our show to provide us a history of these standards and how they evolved from TIA-1019. He also discusses the recent updates to these standards, why the changes were made, and how the standards ultimately work...
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TIA-222-I Section 15 Existing Structures
As part of our series covering ANSI/TIA-222-I, we are joined by Esha Modi, Co-Chair of TR-14’s Ad Hoc Group for Existing Structures to discuss some of the more significant changes to Sections 15, Annex J, and Annex O of the standard. Listen to find out what prompted these changes, why they were...
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ANSI/TIA-222-I Ad Hoc 8_Mounts
As part of our series covering ANSI/TIA-222-I, we are joined by Mike Oglesby and Mital Chavda, to discuss some of the more significant changes to Section 16 and Annex O, including an in-depth discussion of the added mount to tower interaction equations and installation inspection requirements....
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ANSI/TIA-222-I Ad Hoc 1 with Aaron Poot
As part of our series covering ANSI/TIA-222-I, we are joined by Aaron Poot, Co-Chair of TR-14’s Ad Hoc Group for Loads to discuss some of the more significant changes to the Loads section of the standard. Listen to find out more about the nuances of these changes, why they were made, and how they...
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TIA TR-14 with Bryan Lanier
This podcast is the first in a series we will be covering on ANSI/TIA-222-I. In this special episode, we are joined by the Chair of TR-14, Bryan Lanier, who takes us through a history of his involvement with TR-14, and gives us a behind the scenes look at the publishing of ANSI/TIA-222-I. He also...
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An Overview of NATE’s Organization with Todd Schlekeway
Todd Schlekeway, President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, provides us an overview of the organization, the key pillars that guide them, and how NATE’s recent rebranding has enabled them to achieve their mission. Todd also provides insight into the key...
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Year In Review
Join Michelle Kang, PE and Scott Stekr, P.E. as they recap the TIF highlights from 2023. From collaborative webinars to educational white papers and videos; TIF has and will continue to focus on providing timely support and education to the public, lawmakers, and industry stakeholders through the...
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PMI Post Modification Inspection
Mitch Bennett, VP of Operations at CMS Wireless, joins us in this episode to discuss several lessons he and his crews have gained in completing a large number of Post-Modification and Post-Installation Inspections on Mounts and how it has ultimately allowed them to adjust their approach...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Podcast discussing issues arising from the rapid advancement and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. The Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr. In Each episode, they will be joined by subject matter experts discussing a wide array of topics which have an effect in the current state of the industry. Provided by the Telecommunications Industry Foundation, TIF. https://tifonline.org/
HOSTED BY
Scott Stekr and Michelle Kang
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Telecommunications Industry Therapy have?
Telecommunications Industry Therapy currently has 58 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Telecommunications Industry Therapy about?
Podcast discussing issues arising from the rapid advancement and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. The Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr. In Each episode, they will be joined by subject matter experts discussing a wide array of topics which have an...
How often does Telecommunications Industry Therapy release new episodes?
Telecommunications Industry Therapy has 58 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Telecommunications Industry Therapy?
You can listen to Telecommunications Industry Therapy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Telecommunications Industry Therapy?
Telecommunications Industry Therapy is created and hosted by Scott Stekr and Michelle Kang.
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