{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"393. Speed Does Not Equal Skill w\/ Alex McNamara","description":"In this weeks episode, I sit down with Alex McNamara, a trades advocate, welder, rigger, and content creator who has become one of the loudest voices pushing for skilled trades education and tool literacy. Alex shares her unconventional path\u2014from theater and set building to welding, rigging, and managing massive international live events, including work in Saudi Arabia. The conversation digs into why shop class disappeared, how that decision created today\u2019s skilled-labor shortage, and what individuals can do locally to help rebuild trades education. We also discuss women in the trades, workplace culture, confidence on the jobsite, the realities of PPE and workwear design, and why being yourself actually makes you better at your craft. This is an honest, funny, and deeply important conversation about identity, work ethic, and the future of skilled labor. &amp;nbsp;   \ud83d\udd25  Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors   The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community.  Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent.   \ud83c\udf99\ufe0f  Arc Junkies Podcast    Website:  https:\/\/arcjunkies.com   Instagram:  @ArcJunkiesPodcast   YouTube:  https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@arcjunkiespodcast9253   Email:  show@arcjunkies.com   LinkedIn (Jason Becker):  https:\/\/www.linkedin.com\/in\/jason-becker-45407b72    \ud83e\udde2  Arc Junkies Merch:https:\/\/shop.threadmob.com\/arcjunkie\/shop\/home     \ud83c\udfed  Underground Metal Works   Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals    Website:  https:\/\/www.underground-metalworks.com      \ud83e\udd1d  Friends of the Show &amp;amp; Sponsors     \ud83e\uddf0  BattlBox   Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly    Website: https:\/\/alnk.to\/90Chh6D   Instagram:  @BattlBox   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox      \ud83c\udfdb\ufe0f  American Welding Society \u2014 Conferences   Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership   AWS Inspection Expo &amp;amp; Conference    Event Info: https:\/\/www.aws.org\/community-and-events\/conferences-and-events\/inspection-expo-and-conference\/   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free gift at the event      \ud83e\udde4  Outlaw Leather LLC   Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last    Website:  https:\/\/outlawleather.com   Instagram:  @outlawleatherusa   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  15% off all in-stock leather goods      \u26a1  Everlast Welders   High-performance welding machines without the high price tag    Website:  https:\/\/bit.ly\/37xJstI   Instagram:  @everlastwelders   YouTube:  Everlast Welders   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES   Offer:  Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases      \ud83c\udfa7  ISOtunes   Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication    Website:  https:\/\/shop.isotunes.com\/arcjunkies10   Instagram:  @isotunesaudio   Promo Code:  ARCJUNKIES10   Offer:  Save $10 on your purchase  &amp;nbsp; ","author_name":"Arc Junkies","author_url":"https:\/\/arcjunkies.com","html":"<iframe title=\"Libsyn Player\" style=\"border: none\" src=\"\/\/html5-player.libsyn.com\/embed\/episode\/id\/39872845\/height\/90\/theme\/custom\/thumbnail\/yes\/direction\/forward\/render-playlist\/no\/custom-color\/88AA3C\/\" height=\"90\" width=\"600\" scrolling=\"no\"  allowfullscreen webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen oallowfullscreen msallowfullscreen><\/iframe>","thumbnail_url":"https:\/\/assets.libsyn.com\/secure\/item\/39872845"}