Engineering Legends is a podcast powered by the Western Society of Engineers, celebrating the visionaries who have shaped—and are shaping—the world we live in. Hosted by veteran engineer Chris Burke, the show dives into the often-overlooked stories behind the infrastructure we rely on every day.
From the clean water that flows from our faucets to the towering bridges that connect our cities, the innovations that define modern urban life didn't happen by accident—they were the result of groundbreaking ideas, massive planning efforts, and fearless execution.
Each episode features conversations with the most influential minds in engineering and infrastructure: legendary figures whose work has stood the test of time, and modern pioneers who are building the future.
Engineering Legends is a tribute to the people behind the progress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
In this episode of Engineering Legends, Chris Burke sits down with Professor Ashlynn Stillwell of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to discuss her path into engineering, her academic career and her groundbreaking research at the intersection of water and energy, work that is helping shape the future of sustainable infrastructure.
The conversation explores the hidden energy costs of water loss, how emerging technologies can help identify leaks in water distribution systems, and the challenges of managing stormwater entering sanitary sewers. Professor Stillwell shares how a better understanding of the relationship between water and energy can transform the way we design, operate and maintain infrastructure, making our communities more efficient, resilient and sustainable for generations to come.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
24 Apr 2026
Mamon Powers, Jr., Part Two
In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Mamon Powers, Jr., chairman and CEO of Powers & Sons Construction. Powers shares the story of building one of the Midwest’s leading minority-owned construction firms, from joining his father’s company in the early 1970s to leading major projects across the region.
He reflects on key milestones, the mindsets that shaped his leadership and growth, and major developments throughout his career, including large-scale projects and the formation of Lakeside Alliance. The conversation also highlights the journey and significance of the Obama Presidential Center project.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
24 Apr 2026
Mamon Powers, Jr., Part One
In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Mamon Powers, Jr., chairman and CEO of Powers & Sons Construction. Powers shares the story of building one of the Midwest’s leading minority-owned construction firms, from joining his father’s company in the early 1970s to leading major projects across the region.
He reflects on key milestones, the mindsets that shaped his leadership and growth, and major developments throughout his career, including large-scale projects and the formation of Lakeside Alliance. The conversation also highlights the journey and significance of the Obama Presidential Center project.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Mar 2026
Benjamin Sells, Part Two
In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Benjamin Sells, writer, psychotherapist, lawyer, and former Village President of Riverside, Illinois. Ben shares the story behind key moments in Chicago’s infrastructure history, drawing from his books The Tunnel Under the Lake and The History of the Chicago Portage. He explores the engineering challenges and bold decisions that helped shape the city’s development. The conversation also highlights the legacy of Ellis Sylvester Chesbrough and why Chicago wouldn’t be what it is today without his vision.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
31 Mar 2026
Benjamin Sells, Part One
In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Benjamin Sells, writer, psychotherapist, lawyer, and former Village President of Riverside, Illinois. Ben shares the story behind key moments in Chicago’s infrastructure history, drawing from his books The Tunnel Under the Lake and The History of the Chicago Portage. He explores the engineering challenges and bold decisions that helped shape the city’s development. The conversation also highlights the legacy of Ellis Sylvester Chesbrough and why Chicago wouldn’t be what it is today without his vision.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Feb 2026
Dick Lanyon, Part Two
In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Dick Lanyon, longtime leader at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and historian of Chicago’s water infrastructure. Dick shares the story behind the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the bold engineering project that reversed the river and helped save the city from a public health crisis. He reflects on the political battles, engineering challenges, and lasting innovations that shaped the system we rely on today. The conversation also looks ahead to modern water management issues, including the future of the Chicago Area Waterway System.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
17 Feb 2026
Dick Lanyon, Part One
In this episode of Engineering Legends, host Chris Burke talks with Dick Lanyon, longtime leader at the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District and historian of Chicago’s water infrastructure. Dick shares the story behind the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, the bold engineering project that reversed the river and helped save the city from a public health crisis. He reflects on the political battles, engineering challenges, and lasting innovations that shaped the system we rely on today. The conversation also looks ahead to modern water management issues, including the future of the Chicago Area Waterway System.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
3 Feb 2026
Silviu Livescu, PhD
Engineering Legends, hosted by Chris Burke and powered by the Western Society of Engineers, features Silviu Livescu, PhD, the 2026 recipient of the Washington Award. Recognized for his pioneering work in low-enthalpy geothermal energy systems, Silviu discusses advancing sustainable, cost-effective building heating and cooling, his work as Co-founder and CTO of Bedrock Energy, and the role engineers play in advancing the welfare of humankind.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
30 Jan 2026
Coming Soon: Engineering Legends powered by The Western Society of Engineers
Engineering Legends is a podcast powered by the Western Society of Engineers, celebrating the visionaries who have shaped—and are shaping—the world we live in. Hosted by veteran engineer Chris Burke, the show dives into the often-overlooked stories behind the infrastructure we rely on every day.
From the clean water that flows from our faucets to the towering bridges that connect our cities, the innovations that define modern urban life didn't happen by accident—they were the result of groundbreaking ideas, massive planning efforts, and fearless execution.
Each episode features conversations with the most influential minds in engineering and infrastructure: legendary figures whose work has stood the test of time, and modern pioneers who are building the future.
Engineering Legends is a tribute to the people behind the progress.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy (https://acast.com/privacy) for more information.
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