The Blast Report

Evan and Cathy continue their conversation on vibrations and the environmental impact of blasting. Cathy shares many stories from working in the center of NYC to lava tubes in Hawaii. In this casual, follow-up interview, you will get a nice recap of vibration impacts on many species such as whales, eagles, and salmon.This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by Detecht. Detecht is a specialized engineering firm focused on 3rd party vibration monitoring. Historic structures, critical infrastructure, and nuclear power plants are included in Detecht's long list of projects where compliance was absolutely key. Not only does Detecht install and maintain an array of instrumentation, but they are also a certified dealer of White Industrial Seismographs. It's their goal that all dynamic monitoring solutions be at your service nationwide. This woman-owned and family-operated business traces its roots to our guest, Cathy Aimone Martin, and would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her mentorship and support over the years. Contact Detecht for applied research on your next project at www.detecht.com🎧 Tune in!

Evan Thibaud has the great opportunity to catch Cathy for an interview regarding her immersive start in the mining industry. Not only has Cathy been a leader in the industry, she is also a great person to have for Women in Mining month because her start opened the doors for many opportunities for other women in the industry. This episode will show you that you never know what your impact will be.This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by Detecht. Detecht is a specialized engineering firm focused on 3rd party vibration monitoring. Historic structures, critical infrastructure, and nuclear power plants are included in Detecht's long list of projects where compliance was absolutely key. Not only does Detecht install and maintain an array of instrumentation, but they are also a certified dealer of White Industrial Seismographs. It's their goal that all dynamic monitoring solutions be at your service nationwide. This woman-owned and family-operated business traces its roots to our guest, Cathy Aimone Martin, and would like to take this opportunity to thank her for her mentorship and support over the years. Contact Detecht for applied research on your next project at www.detecht.com🎧 Tune in!

Evan Thibaud sits down with Larry Beans for a detailed interview of Larry's life and his progression in the blasting industry. Larry shares insights he learned early on in his career and key business changes that have allowed him to stay successful all these years. "The three of us have been together since 1973…53 years and we’re still working together for Maurer & Scott in the explosive business!This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by WipWare! Since 1986 WipWare Photoanalysis Systems has provided solutions for fragmentation optimization! WipWare is a global company with influence in any industry where fragmentation is key to success. They not only measure and monitor materials, they create ACTIONABLE data. Mine to Mill can be fully refined with the hardware and software options. Whether you use drones for photos or intatl on of their industry leading camera along the haulage process, WipWare creates solid analysis to confirm your blast design is the most effective it can be.This small business has a big impact! Because you can't manage what you can't measure!🎧 Tune in!

Evan Thibaud caught Phil Porter for a nice interview where Phil goes back to his early days of blasting. From hand mixing ANFO at 9 years old to looking after large diameter boreholes in the iron range. Phil’s educational background and start at the Ohio Dynamite Company led to years of success in the industry.This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by Dyno Nobel! For over 150 years, Dyno Nobel has been a global leader in the commercial explosives industry. With origins dating back to Alfred Nobel himself, Dyno Nobel provides historic leadership in explosives, serving the mining, quarrying, civil, and construction industries. As one of the largest players in the industrial explosives business, Dyno Nobel’s vital role in helping customers is highlighted across the world. From Safety initiatives, developments in bulk explosive technology, and meeting KPI’s, Dyno Nobel understands the needs of their customers today and into the future. Their full line of products and services challenges the status quo and delivers on their promises. So, when you need groundbreaking performance. You trust Dyno Nobel.🎧 Tune in!

Evan Thibaud sits down with Missouri State Blaster License holder #11! Tom shares how he married into the blasting business and how his love for blasting has grown over the years even with some close calls in his early days.This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by our friends at Sauls Seismic! Sauls Seismic has over 45 years of quality experience in seismic consulting and environmental monitoring and has built relationships with customers across the industry.Not only is data shared with stakeholders in a timely manner but it’s Saul’s unbiased, third party results that are what teams need for confirming their work site is within compliance.Saul's exclusive partnership with NOMIS seismographs offers leading vibration monitors for all your blasting operations whether you're optimizing for a large metal mine, maintaining relationships with home owners around your demolition job, or if you need their preblast surveys for your construction project. Sauls Seismic is a proud partner of all blasting applications and is happy to be safe and effective on YOUR next job site. Check them out at Saulsseismic.com🎧 Tune in!

Evan and Jack continue their conversation about the unique constraints in large diameter blastholes. From cut-offs to fumes, to the factors in the Mine-to-Mill principles, Jack shares years of observations and advice that he learned the hard way when blasting in hard rock. You're not going to want to miss this advice and how to apply proven Mine-to-Mill methodology.This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by WipWare! Since 1986 WipWare Photoanalysis Systems has provided solutions for fragmentation optimization! WipWare is a global company with influence in any industry where fragmentation is key to success. They not only measure and monitor materials, they create ACTIONABLE data. Mine to Mill can be fully refined with the hardware and software options. Whether you use drones for photos or intatl on of their industry leading camera along the haulage process, WipWare creates solid analysis to confirm your blast design is the most effective it can be.This small business has a big impact! Because you can't manage what you can't measure!🎧 Tune in!

Past president of ISEE comes on the show and shares his start to the unique and difficult challenges of blasting Taconite in America’s Iron mines. This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by WipWare! Since 1986 WipWare Photoanalysis Systems has provided solutions for fragmentation optimization! WipWare is a global company with influence in any industry where fragmentation is key to success. They not only measure and monitor materials, they create ACTIONABLE data. Mine to Mill can be fully refined with the hardware and software options. Whether you use drones for photos or intatl on of their industry leading camera along the haulage process, WipWare creates solid analysis to confirm your blast design is the most effective it can be.This small business has a big impact! Because you can't manage what you can't measure!🎧 Tune in!

 Baron and Evan continue their conversation as Baron Fidler shared his experiences in growing bulk emulsions and the challenges he faced over the years.   This Episode of the Blast Report Podcast is brought to you by Dyno Nobel! For over 150 years, Dyno Nobel has been a global leader in the commercial explosives industry. With origins dating back to Alfred Nobel himself, Dyno Nobel provides historic leadership in explosives, serving the mining, quarrying, civil, and construction industries. As one of the largest players in the industrial explosives business, Dyno Nobel’s vital role in helping customers is highlighted across the world. From Safety initiatives, developments in bulk explosive technology, and meeting KPI’s, Dyno Nobel understands the needs of their customers today and into the future. Their full line of products and services challenges the status quo and delivers on their promises. So, when you need groundbreaking performance. You trust Dyno Nobel.🎧 Tune in to this second part! 

Interviewing one of the first ever recipients of the Best In The West Scholarships and how this kicked off his long and successful career! Baron Fidler and Evan talk about his career and how working with a powder company sent him to diverse applications of blasting.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor Dyno Nobel. For over 150 years, this global leader in commercial explosives. With roots tracing back to Alfred Nobel, has delivered groundbreaking, safety-focused performance for the mining, quarrying, and construction industries. Trust Dyno Nobel for your next project. 🎧 Tune in!

In part two, with Shashi's story, he shares how he got the opportunity to work with students and how that impacted his future and the futures of so many students through collaborations with industry support.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor Best in the West Conference. For over 20 years, they’ve raised more than $150,000 in scholarships, bringing together miners, drill & blast suppliers, and government agencies.📅 See you at the next Best in the West Conference April 22nd 2026. 🎧 Tune in and keep blasting forward with us!

In this interview of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, Evan Thibaud hears Shashi’s story on how he started in India and, with a bit of luck, how he signed up for an amazing program from Ensign Bickford that brought him back to India and how that formed his basis in the explosives industry.  ‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor Best in the West Conference. For over 20 years, they’ve raised more than $150,000 in scholarships, bringing together miners, drill & blast suppliers, and government agencies.And of course, a big thank you to Walt Partridge, the voice behind the auction and the cause.📅 See you at the next Best in the West Conference in 2026.🎧 Tune in and blast into Shashi’s journey — Part 1 is live now!

In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, our interview with Tom continues as we dive more into his career and some of the incidents he was part of. We hear some of goals for passing on knowledge to the people who follow in his footsteps in explosive related investigations.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor ISEE. For over 50 years, ISEE has been dedicated to enhancing the safety, science, skill, and benefits of explosives engineering worldwide. From training and certifications to world-class networking, they continue shaping the future of our industry.📅 Don’t miss ISEE’s 52nd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique in Reno, Nevada, January 20–25, 2026. Learn more at isee.org.🎧 Tune in and hear how lessons from the field become a legacy for the next generation of explosives professionals.

In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, Tom Thurman comes on the show with our host Evan Thibaud and shares a different entrance into the explosives industry. While most of our guests come from the rock fragmentation or powder supplier business, Tom shares his beginning from the military and how he changed his plans to EOD and how it landed him in the USA Capitol.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor @ISEE. For over 50 years, ISEE has been dedicated to enhancing the safety, science, skill, and benefits of explosives engineering worldwide. From training and certifications to world-class networking, they continue shaping the future of our industry.📅 Don’t miss ISEE’s 52nd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique in Reno, Nevada, January 20–25, 2026. Learn more at isee.org. 🎧 Tune in and discover how one man’s path from EOD to the Capitol tells a story of service, change, and the power of explosives expertise.

In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, Walt Partridge’s interview with host Evan Thibaud continues with more stories of his amazing life and how blasting with Dupont took him all over the world!  ‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor Best in the West Conference. For over 20 years, they’ve raised more than $150,000 in scholarships, bringing together miners, drill & blast suppliers, and government agencies.And of course, a big thank you to Walt Partridge, the voice behind the auction and the cause.📅 See you at the next Best in the West Conference in 2026. 🎧 Tune in and travel the globe with Walt. One blast, one bid, and one unforgettable story at a time.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 is back! And this time, Evan Thibaud has the privilege of sitting down with Walt Partridge for some interesting stories! Now, known for his role as an auctioneer at ISEE events to raise money for scholarships, Walt shares some amazing stories of his start in the blasting business and the intricacies of business by boat in Alaska. ‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor Best in the West Conference. For over 20 years, they’ve raised more than $150,000 in scholarships, bringing together miners, drill & blast suppliers, and government agencies.📅 See you at the next Best in the West Conference in 2026.Tune in and hear how a life in blasting gets told one laugh, one bid, and one blast at a time.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 is back with the final part the conversation between host Evan Thibaud and special guest Bill Youngs! In this third and final part of our interview, Bill shares his perspective on navigating industry shifts—how companies and professionals adapt when moving from one product or technology to another.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor FEEM – Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers. Celebrating 50 years in 2025, FEEM represents #Europe’s civil #explosives #industry, promoting safety, technical excellence, and responsible practices. Learn more and become a member at https://www.feem-europe.net/  Tune in and hear how change gets handled when the blast dust settles.

The Blast Report is back with part two of the conversation between host Evan Thibaud and special guest Bill Youngs!In this episode, Bill dives into some of his stories of targeting the market with new blasting technology and how its adoption differs over time and location. ‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor FEEM – Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers. Celebrating 50 years in 2025, FEEM represents #Europe’s civil #explosives #industry, promoting safety, technical excellence, and responsible practices. Learn more and become a member at https://www.feem-europe.net/  Tech moves fast. Blasting moves faster. Tune in!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 arrives with a new episode featuring host Evan Thibaud and special guest Bill Youngs!In this first part of the episode, Bill and Evan sit down for a few stories of Bill's early days in blasting and his growth along the way, as his career evolved alongside innovations like sequential timers. A living link to the industry’s past and future, Bill shares stories packed with grit, growth, and a deep appreciation for the electric detonator.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor @FEEM – Federation of European Explosives Manufacturers. Celebrating 50 years in 2025, FEEM represents Europe’s civil explosives industry, promoting safety, technical excellence, and responsible practices. Learn more and become a member at https://www.feem-europe.net/

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 is back with host Evan Thibaud and Jerry Wallace for the second part of his fascinating story! In this episode, we learn more about Jerry’s path as a #blaster and how it has taken him downriver. Jerry teaches us about #projects, tools, and techniques he uses with explosives to help protect a variety of #fish #habitats. ‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor Rothenbuhler Engineering! Since 1946, this family-owned leader in two-way radio tech has supported projects like the Crazy Horse Memorial. They offer reliable #remote firing devices and radio control #solutions. Learn more: https://rothenbuhlereng.com/ Hit #play and learn how blasting expertise and #environmental stewardship go hand in hand!

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 is back with a long-waited #episode featuring the one and only Jerry Wallace. In this episode, host Evan Thibaud sits down with Jerry to talk about the early days of #blasting in the Wallace family. Jerry shares valuable lessons learned from his father and how those experiences shaped the start of his successful #career in the #explosives #industry. ‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor @Rothenbuhler Engineering! This family-owned leader in two-way radio tech (since 1946) supports the Crazy Horse Memorial. They offer reliable remote firing devices and radio #remote control #solutions. Learn more: https://rothenbuhlereng.com/🎧 Hit #play and don't miss this fascinating #conversation, and stay tuned for the second part of Jerry’s interview, coming up soon!

In this 2nd part of the 30th #episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, host Evan Thibaud continues his conversation with Jeff Hermanson. Explore the Crazy Horse Monument project's #goals and how the #explosives industry has played a vital role in its development. 𝗧𝗼𝗱𝗮𝘆, 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟱𝘁𝗵, marks the #anniversary of Crazy Horse's passing in 1877—a reminder of the enduring legacy of his #leadership and resistance. Hear heartfelt #stories about how Crazy Horse's message has touched and transformed the lives of many. ⚠ Thanks to sponsor Rothenbuhler Engineering! This family-owned leader in two-way radio tech (since 1946) supports the Crazy Horse Memorial. They offer reliable remote firing devices and radio remote control #solutions. Learn more: https://rothenbuhlereng.com/

In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, host Evan Thibaud dives into the fascinating intersection of art and explosives with the always warm and welcoming Jeff Hermanson. Have a unique opportunity to learn some of the history behind the Crazy Horse Monument and the pivotal role explosives play in creating this masterpiece. Jeff shares his personal connection to this monumental project, recounting stories behind the man who is the legendary leader, Crazy Horse. This mans impact on the world around him and the motivation which drive the wonderful people who are behind this immense undertaking of a project. ⚠ This episode is sponsored by Rothenbuhler Engineering. Since 1946, this family-owned business has provided top quality two-way radio technologies globally. Known for exceptional customer service, they've proudly supported the Crazy Horse Memorial for nearly two decades. For reliable remote firing devices and radio remote controls across various industries, visit https://rothenbuhlereng.com/ to learn more about the best and most safe, rugged, and reliable solutions available on the market.

Family tradition or personal passion? In this episode of The Blast Report, we explore the remarkable journey of industry veteran Tom Young and how he navigated through that question. Host Evan Thibaud sits down with Tom for a captivating interview. We'll hear how Tom built a successful career in the explosives industry, starting at Atlas Powder Company during the rise of emulsions. He'll also share his experiences at Hilltop Energy and the importance of building strong relationships throughout his career. ⚠️ This episode was brought to you by Hilltop Energy Incorporated. For over 70 years, this independently owned company has been a leader in the #explosives industry, providing exceptional blasting services and sales. With a focus on quality service and customer satisfaction, Hilltop Energy is results-driven where the customer “is the boss”. Serving the Northeast United States from 5 locations, they help clients "Reach Final Grade" with their expertise. From the hand-mixing fuel and fertilizer in the 50's to operating today's modern equipment and techniques, Hilltop Energy has consistently been "Helping You Break New Ground." Visit http://hilltopenergy.com/ to learn more about their superior services. Don't miss out on Tom's inspiring story!

This special Mother's Day episode featuring Teele Tuuna-Lootus, Estonia's only female shot firer, and her inspiring mom, Viive Tuuna a renowned figure in the explosives industry! Host Evan Thibaud dives into Teele's upbringing with a blasting legend for a mother like Viive. They explore the unique dynamics of their mom-daughter team, offer insights into the Estonian explosives industry, and delve into dimension stone blasting. ⚠️ This episode was brought to you by @Enrich Bits & Tools where we bring the reliability back in business. Drill bits, loader teeth, roof bolt drivers and other wear parts outperform and exceed your expectations. Find out more at enrichbits.com This episode is a great listen for fans of strong women in blasting!

𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 of The Blast Report, we're diving into the world of explosives applications across the vast geology of the USA.Join host Evan Thibaud and industry veteran Mick Frtitz for 𝗽𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝘁𝘄𝗼 of their insightful interview series. Mick shares his wealth of experience and knowledge gained from a career dedicated to exploring different applications of explosives, highlighting the rich geological landscapes found across the country. ⚠️ This episode was brought to you by BlastThink:As the first and only Communication, Marketing, and Advertising Agency specially focused on blasting solutions, explosives engineering, and the global mining industry. Their expertise extends from Portugal to a global scale. BlastThink is proficient in developing marketing strategies in English, Spanish, and Portuguese-speaking markets. At BlastThink, they are not afraid to be bold. It's their ambition to take your brand to the next level. Visit their portfolio at www.blastthink.com and let's start an explosion together! Get ready to explore the explosive applications shaping industries across the USA!

🎙️ 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗘𝗣𝗜𝗦𝗢𝗗𝗘: "𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻𝗮 𝗖𝗼𝗮𝗹 𝗙𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝗿𝗱 𝗪𝗮𝘆" 𝗘𝗣𝟮𝟲 𝗜𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗲𝗽𝗶𝘀𝗼𝗱𝗲 of The Blast Report, host Evan Thibaud gets the honor of interviewing a mentor of his. Mick Fritz is a man always looking forward to the future and testing the limits of what can be done to see if there is a better way. In this episode, Mick shares his story of how he got his start in the explosives industry. If you know Mick you know he’s happy to share a good story, lessons, and safety tips all with a smile.  ⚠️ This episode is brought to you by PNEU WAVE CONSULTING INC, where they bring innovation to the industry.Their goal is bridging the gap between those who create technology and those who are in the field every day, looking for improvements in safety, productivity, and reduced environmental impacts. Their model is to help customers with training, audits, and blast design to get the job done right. They do this by joining your team, to achieve your goals. Contact them today at pneuwave.com Don't miss out on this insightful conversation between Evan and Mick, making this a must-listen for industry enthusiasts!

Embark on a special journey back to our roots! Recorded during the ISEE 50th Conference, host Evan Thibaud and producer Pedro Pereira from BlastThink give you a behind-the-scenes look. In this unique episode, usual host Evan Thibaud takes a seat in the guest chair for the first time to share a "state of the union update." Pedro Pereira leads the conversation into the origins of The Blast Report Podcast project. They discuss its success on the blasting industry, the podcast's objectives, and the unique experience of sharing people's stories and times in the industry. Explore the immense effort behind the scenes, showcasing an amazing accomplishment. As The Blast Report, the podcast for those who say "Fire in The Hole," celebrates its first anniversary, Evan and Pedro share insights, reflections, and witness the evolution of this passion project that continues to bring stories and knowledge from the explosives industry community.

Join the explosive world of mining with our latest episode of The Blast Report! Our host Evan Thibaud teams up once more with the insightful Bill Adamson for a journey into the mindset of enjoying work and the profound impact of learning in a fun way on relationships within the mining industry. In this episode, Bill and Evan engage in a candid conversation about the significance of a positive mindset at work. Discover how embracing a culture of learning in an enjoyable environment not only enriches our understanding of the industry but also strengthens the bonds we share with our colleagues. After all, in our line of work, we collaborate with people as much as we do with explosives. ⚠️ "Today's episode is brought to you by Enrich Bits & Tools where we bring the reliability back in business. Drill bits, loader teeth, roof bolt drivers and other wear parts outperform and exceed your expectations.Find out more at enrichbits.com Embark on an episode filled with laughs, insights, and a fresh perspective on the joy of work. Learning While Laughing - your gateway to a more enjoyable and enriching mining experience!

In this episode of The Blast Report we invite you to embark on a captivating journey with us, our host Evan Thibaud and our guest Bill Adamson! Join us as Bill Adamson shares how he got started in the mining industry and how it's taken him around the world. Bill opens up on the importance of being humble, knowledge-sharing, and the constant pursuit of learning. It's a conversation that goes beyond the surface, delving into the heart of what it truly means to be a miner. ⚠️ "Today's episode is brought to you by BlastON - Explosives Engineering International Forum, your ultimate source for the latest insights in blasting, mining, and civil explosives. Just like The Blast Report Podcast, BlastON is committed to fostering an online community, connecting professionals and enthusiasts. We believe in the power of inclusive knowledge sharing, promoting new technologies, quality innovation, and operational safety in explosives engineering, all for free and in multiple languages. As a subscriber, you get exclusive access to multiple online events, connecting you with industry experts and the latest trends. Join BlastON today to elevate your knowledge and network. Visit blaston.org to subscribe now, for free, and be part of a dynamic community that's shaping the future of explosives engineering. BlastON - Connecting Experts, Igniting Innovation." Now, let's detonate into today's episode!" Join us for an episode packed with wisdom and some invaluable lessons learned in the mining industry. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the world through the eyes of a seasoned miner! 👷‍♂️

In this new episode of The Blast Report, we dive into the world of beaver dams, draglines, demolition, and an era of change with the industry veteran, Joe Strobbe.For part two of our interview with Joe Strobbe, Evan Thibaud asked him about some of his past projects. Joe shares his feelings and experience on dropping dragline booms and how his career in blasting has been an enjoyable experience full of challenges and learning. ⚠️  Today's episode is sponsored by Stemlock. Are you looking to improve your blasting? Whether you're trying to reduce your blasting costs, or you're experiencing challenging geology, Stemlock has an array of blaster-friendly products with solutions you're looking for. Whether you're trying to seal voids, air-deck blasting, prevent stemming dilution, or block groundwater intrusion, these are just a few of the solutions they can provide.Go to stemlock.com and start a trial today!

In this episode, we gave Joe Stobbe a call. Joe shares with Evan Thibaud his unique entrance into the explosives industry and shares the history behind water-resistant ANFO and cast blasting in the basin. This episode is brought to you by Pneu Wave Consulting, where they bring innovation to the industry. Their goal is bridging the gap between those who create technology and those who are in the field every day, looking for improvements in safety, productivity, and reduced environmental impacts. Their model is to help customers with training, audits, and blast design to get the job done right. They do this by joining your team, to achieve your goals. Contact them today at https://pneuwave.com/.

Mike Ballance tells us one last story. It's one of those blasts that we all hope never happens, but it's those bad blasts that tend to make a good story...

In this short episode, Mick Fritz and Mike Ballance talk about lugging a 35mm camera to the bench and how our ability to analyze blasts today has improved with new technologies.

Mike and Mick talk about the impact Electronic detonators had on the industry.

Mike Ballance shares one of his biggest challenges in his career and where he's at now.

Mike and Mick reminisce over the good old days and the rise of independent distributors. The days of small businesses and the differences in today's industry.

Mike Ballance shares stories with Mick Fritz and Evan Thibaud about his origins in the industry and how the booster business got primed!

You may be the best blaster on-site or know your rock more than anyone else, but taking a trip down the road to see how other blasters apply their knowledge to different rocks can be a humbling trip. In this episode, Evan Thibaud and Paul Sterk discuss different blasting practices they've seen and how variables such as stemming and sub-drilling can vary greatly depending on the rock.

Paul Sterk and Evan Thibaud talk about odd times when abandoned explosives have been found in the communities around blasting operations. They dive into some stories which could’ve ended terribly and how communication with local fire departments and training is needed.

In this Father's Day episode, Dan Sterk, son of our Co-host Paul Sterk, is a surprise guest to share what it was like growing up as the 21st generation of his family in the mining industry. Dan reveals how he found his own way with the advice and guidance of his father.

Long-time manager of Wampum Hardware Company, Jay Elkin shares his story and the story of a hardware company that is in a leading position in their area of explosives by staying true and providing quality services over the years.

Derek Bowen shares his origin story with Evan Thibaud and opens up about some odd encounters with homeowners. For every bad story, there are handfuls of heartwarming examples of stewardship for neighbors.

Past president of SAMSSA and Chairman of NORCAT, Tom Palangio, has held countless positions of influence in his local mining community. Evan Thibaud asks Tom how his early roles morphed as he adapted into the career he has today and the development of fragmentation analysis.

"Challange them on how we can make that work" Paul Sterk and Evan Thibaud discuss the importance of training and the methods different companies use over the years.

Consultant and business owner, Mike Koehler shares how getting your hands dirty is valued in the explosives industry and its addition to creating the joy behind pressing the button.

Mike Koehler discusses with Evan Thibaud on how to navigate the ISEE as a new member or small business. Mike shares his origin story and how he’s met unique characters and managed some challenging situations of the years.

Evan Thibaud’s first career job underground was salt mining in Louisiana. Paul and Evan chat about salt mining and discuss his first encounter with MSHA and how the attitude towards inspectors can be perceived but how their presence is necessary.

Part two of the Sage of Gillian and Paul Worsey. As they foster the industry with their Undergraduate and Master’s programs at Missouri Science and Technology, they also were raising their own kids.  In this episode, Evan talks with Paul and Gil about this experience and continues their conversation on the geological factors of blasting.

Evan Thibaud asked his former professors and mentors; Paul and Gillian Worsey how they met and how these two have created a unique partnership in work and love to create a legacy of learning.  Working together, they talk about their start and how they built a community of explosives engineers in such a way it has been recognized on the Cover of Popular Science Magazine, The Discovery Channel, and The New York Times!

The Paul Sterk Origin Story and a look at safety improvements over the years. Paul Sterk discusses how he came to work in the mining and explosives industry. In this casual podcast, Paul shares stories from the past of using cigarette butts as earplugs and reminisces on a different attitude towards safety today.