Current Keepers | Unveiling the Lineman's Journey with Don Muzzy | 121

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, Ryan Lucas sits down with Don Muzzy, a distinguished power lineman and mentor with decades of experience in America's power grid. Don's gripping stories and invaluable insights provide a vivid glimpse into the challenges faced by linemen who ensure our cities and towns stay powered. From major storm response after a hurricane to the precision required in constructing and maintaining urban distribution lines, Don paints a picture of daily triumphs and challenges in the trade.
As a dedicated mentor and the lead instructor of Quanta's electrical line worker program, Don now imparts his wealth of knowledge to the next generation of linemen, emphasizing safety and craftsmanship. This episode offers a rare opportunity to gain a profound appreciation for the unsung heroes of the grid and insight into the future of this vital trade. Whether you're a seasoned lineman, an aspiring apprentice, or simply curious about the heartbeat of our power infrastructure, Don Muzzy's journey is bound to leave you charged with newfound admiration.
Subscribe now to Powerline Podcast to catch this episode and many more featuring extraordinary guests who bring their unique perspectives to the forefront of the conversation. Get ready to be motivated, informed, and inspired by the stories that shape our world.
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[@woodcutter7170]

Why is this channel not blowing up. Come on guys, share this content and expose this new generation to the trade! Thank you for putting this together.

[@powerlinepodcast]

Really appreciate you saying this! Trying hard to push the best content we can to this trade.

[@davidwestervelt6050]

Great interview! Alot of great points. Traveling is not for everybody. I was traveling mostly by myself all over the us. When you go out the door things need to be settled and in order. It hard to concentrate on the task at hand if things are not well at home. I am sure when it wheels up in line work it is time to hit the ground running. My position was very demanding and fast paced. Things need to get done. I was gone usually six to eight weeks at a shot. I have walked into a few walls because I changed hotels so often at that time. They kept moving the bathroom. Usually at the end of cycle I would forget my room location. I would be right side and on the wrong floor. I knew it was time to go home. Then I would get home and can't find a thing. I did really enjoy working and traveling on the road. You find ways to deal with the boredom. Usually if you are trying to master your tasks there is always paperwork or learning. Traveling across time zones really got me at times. I would move to a different city every day at that time. It is an adventure. Anything can happen. I usually got to know the front desk associates well. This did help to keep me out of areas I did not need to go. Also, I had a fellow try to follow me into the elevator and the desk clerk knew he was no good. She told him to leave immediately. Years later that same man had hurt a housekeeper near that hotel in an adjacent hotel. Yet still I would go back on the road again if the right opportunity came up. These jobs you have to commit to and love what you do. Knowledge is the key, and the money will come. It is a long road take some time to enjoy it. Time just rockets by as we get older and better at what we do. It also good to have a good network of friends. Never know who your next boss might be. They are always looking for great help. Life has it little hilarious moments like that. You have to keep your career moving forward. I really appreciate the people you have interviewed. It has helped me to better myself in many ways. I am sure that the older people when we were twenty had trouble dealing with us. We all seem to be trying to figure it out now ourselves. Probably something like time and patients or well motivational speech lol. Have a great week and be safe out there.

[@powerlinepodcast]

Agreed. Thank you for your insight

[@jamesseverance7702]

HI Ryan Lucas, I have been watching your podcast for about a year now and it's awesome to listen to all different stories from lineman. I am a 24 year old kid from California, trying to get an apprenticeship and I take every single advice every lineman give me and use it as a tool. I left California about 2 months ago and im in Colorado now, sleeping in my truck, applying for jobs every single day and night. I also have been self teaching with the Lineman's and cabman hands book. This is what I want to do and dedicated to doing it. Started with doing gas, went to be a phone lineman, now I am a groundsman out of Local ibew111. I left my wife and 2 daughters at home. I took a pay decrease to be a journeyman lineman and Im ok with it because I love this work and want to learn every single day, weather I already now it or not. I have a couple mentors who have been in the trade for a long time and are helping me with my journey. This podcast has helped me a lot and I always look forward to new faces and to learn something new from each and everyone you bring on to the show. Thank you Ryan and keep doing what you do.

[@calvinclark1343]

Love this episode, lots of helpful tips for me as a young guy who is wanting to pursue this trade

[@powerlinepodcast]

Thanks! Keep going young man

[@stevendelafuentes6321]

Loved this one! Can’t wait to go in March!

[@Donesan707]

First comment here!! Great episode like always 👍

[@powerlinepodcast]

Yay! Thank you!

[@lewy1]

The one line I hated when I started and questioned why we did certain things and was told “that’s just the way we’ve always done it”.

[@Zachaccount93]

Do Substation technicians and underground guys travel as much as overhead lineman do?

[@Rickybobby34343]

Depends

[@powerlinepodcast]

Every situation is different - any opportunity is worth chasing so you can figure out what works for you!

[@Fieyah]

How old is too old to enter this career field?

[@pruzzy220]

Interesting about the underground…. Not a huge fan of something you can’t see. Find more underground guys to bring on here cause it would be cool to hear why they love it.

[@powerlinepodcast]

Thanks for the insight!

[@lewy1]

The one bit of advice I can give you about the underground when you are switching is to amp test and potential test everything. When you are doing a switching operation you should always know if you are dropping or picking up load or making or breaking parallel the amp check will confirm what you believe you are about to do. The potential test is obvious.