Polecast is where linemen’s stories come alive. Hosted by Scott Politakis, this podcast shines a light on the grit, humor, and brotherhood of life on the line. Each episode dives into the wild “war stories” from the road—storm calls, close calls, road-dog adventures, and everything in between—told straight from the linemen who lived them.
From apprentices learning the ropes to seasoned vets who’ve seen it all, Polecast celebrates the unique lifestyle, challenges, and pride of the trade. Expect laughter, raw honesty, and a behind-the-scenes look at the highs and lows of one of the toughest (and most legendary) jobs out there.
Whether you’re a lineman, married to one, or just curious about the industry that keeps the lights on, this podcast is for you. Grab your hooks, buckle up, and join the crew—it’s story time on Polecast.
Empowering the Next Generation of Tradespeople with Doug Winston
In this conversation, Scott Politakis interviews Doug Winston, the owner and CEO of DNM Electrical Contracting. Doug shares his journey in the electrical contracting industry, the importance of skilled trades, and the need for mentorship and advocacy in this field. He discusses the challenges faced by students and parents in navigating trade education, the role of AI in the industry, and the significance of safety and training. Doug emphasizes the need to restore pride in skilled trades and the importance of bridging the skills gap through effective apprenticeship programs. The conversation also touches on Doug's passion for racing and how it parallels his business approach.
If you'd like to learn more about Doug and his initiative to bring mentorship into the trades find more about him here:
https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-winston-8311b339?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name (https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-winston-8311b339?trk=public_post_feed-actor-name)
https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradementor-org?trk=public_post-text (https://www.linkedin.com/company/tradementor-org?trk=public_post-text)
Did you enjoy what you heard today? We would love if you would leave us a review to spread the word. Thank you for listening and as always stay safe out there.
16 Jan 2026
Am I the problem? A question we need to be asking ourselves frequently.
In this episode of the Polecast, Scott Politakis emphasizes the importance of self-reflection and personal responsibility in the skilled trades, particularly for linemen. He encourages listeners to utilize the mirror as a metaphorical tool for assessing their physical and mental readiness before starting their workday. Scott outlines several critical questions to consider, such as sleep quality, physical health, distractions from personal life, and the importance of training and attitude. He stresses that neglecting these aspects can lead to dangerous situations on the job, highlighting the need for continuous learning and self-improvement in a demanding field.
Scott also discusses the significance of teamwork and accountability, urging listeners to contribute positively to their crew and to be proactive in their roles. He warns against complacency and the dangers of underestimating safety protocols, particularly the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). By looking in the mirror and addressing personal challenges, Scott believes that linemen can enhance their performance and ensure a safer work environment. The episode serves as a motivational reminder to take ownership of one’s actions and to strive for excellence in the trade.
If you enjoyed this episode we would so appreciate if you left a review so we can continue to reach more linemen, their families, and the industry as a whole.
As always, stay safe out there!
8 Jan 2026
America's Favorite Lineman (Allegedly) | Austin on Training and Safety in Linework
What does it take to be America's Favorite Lineman?
We delve into the importance of training, critical thinking, safety awareness, near misses, JSA, safety procedures, teaching, communication, and the significance of bringing back the trades. Austin discusses the role of building up apprentices and the challenges faced in preparing them for the industry. The conversation covers various aspects of line work, including the use of manual tools, the importance of dexterity, challenging line work jobs, family life, encouraging interest in line work, overcoming fear, respecting the job, hobbies and lifestyle, the pay and lifestyle of trades, and an invitation to visit and experience line work.
The takeaways emphasize the significance of dexterity and finesse in line work, as well as the importance of critical thinking and respect in the field.
Takeaways
Importance of Training
Critical Thinking Dexterity and finesse in line work
Importance of critical thinking and respect in line work
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:08 Safety Awareness and Near Misses
11:04 Teaching and Communication
16:14 Bringing Back the Trades
22:06 Manual Tools and Dexterity in Line Work
27:20 Raising Children and Family Life
32:25 The Pay and Lifestyle of Trades
12 Dec 2025
Saving Your Wrist and Innovations In The Utility Industry: Zeus Power Supplies
What if you could drastically cut your trouble call times and save your wrist? Well the new One-Click Hotline Click from Zeus Power Supplies can do just that.
Learn about their new products like hotline clamps and innovative rubble gloves on this weeks episode of Polecast, where life on the line gets real.
Find out more about Zeus Power Supplies here:
https://zeustx.com/ (https://zeustx.com/)
If you like what you heard today we would love for you to leave a review and share with your crew. As always, stay safe out there brother ⚡️
24 Nov 2025
Way More Than Just Cool Shirts: Anne-Marie with LineJunk
If you're a lineman you likely know the name "LineJunk". But do you know the face behind the cool shirts and Facebook page? Better yet do you know how much she does for this community?
From supporting fallen linemen and their families to raising awareness to the mental health crisis amongst blue collar workers, if it helps linemen she has her hand in it.
We are grateful that she was able to take time out of her day to chat with us here on Polecast. If you'd like to learn more about LineJunk:
www.linejunk.com (http://www.linejunk.com) (also on Facebook, Instagram, Tik Tok, X and Youtube)
www.linelifefoundation.com (http://www.linelifefoundation.com)
https://www.facebook.com/LinemenTakeAStandforSafety (https://www.facebook.com/LinemenTakeAStandforSafety)
https://www.facebook.com/ClimbBackUpBlueCollar/ (https://www.facebook.com/ClimbBackUpBlueCollar/)
As always, thank you for tuning in and stay safe out there! If you like what you hear we'd love for you to leave us a review.
13 Nov 2025
From Lunch Videos to a Unique Avenue for Linemen: Murray Yance
You may know him from his lunch videos on Tik Tok or his interviews from events like the Utility Expo but there's more to bucketman77. Scott sits down with Murray Yance of JJ&J Electric and talks all things linework from the way the industry is going to mad mamas nothing is off the table.
Get to know Murray and maybe even discover that there's more to linework than just getting a job at the local utility. If you like what you hear be sure to subscribe and leave a review. As always, stay safe out there!
6 Oct 2025
The Linemen's Innovation: Duston with Estex Manufacturing
Scott sits down with Duston from Extex Manufacturing to discuss the innovative nature of Linemen and how to get those ideas to market.
We're seeing more and more tools on the market for linemen by linemen, how did those ideas become a reality? Duston answers that question for us as he shares his insider knowledge into the manufacturing of these tools.
Do you have an idea or a product you need help manufacturing and selling? Reach out to Estex Mfg on socials or at https://www.estexmfg.com/ (https://www.estexmfg.com/)
As always, we'd love if you would leave us a review so we can continue to grow and serve our audience better. Stay safe out there!
29 Sept 2025
Helicopters, Unions, Pay Scales: Scott and Country get into the nitty gritty of life on the line
On todays episode Scott interviews Country, a union helicopter journeyman linemen.
We talk what it looks like to fly from the helicopter as a journeyman lineman. He goes into the benefits of being in the union and what a union paycheck looks like. As well as different roles you can have in the union.
#journeymanlineman #mfjl #tradeschool #skilledtrades #ibew
22 Sept 2025
The Controversy of Climbing School | Polecast Media on Training, Skills & Debate
On today’s episode of Polecast Media, we are tackling the hot topic: The controversy of climbing school and why we’re for it. ⚡
In this podcast, we dive into:
The debate around climbing schools and safety concerns
Why training and education matter for the electrical linework industry
Real stories and experiences from the field
The importance of climbing skills for linemen
How climbing schools shape the future of line work
Whether you’re a student, apprentice, lineman, or someone curious about the industry, this episode brings a fresh perspective on the ongoing controversy.
📌 Don’t forget to subscribe for more podcasts about electricity, trades, and industry challenges.
👍 Like, Comment, and Share your thoughts on whether climbing schools are necessary.
🎙️ Stay connected for more episodes of Polecast Media – where we talk real issues in the electrical world.
climbing school controversy, polecast media, lineman training, lineman school debate, climbing skills safety, why climbing schools matter, lineworker training podcast, electrical trade podcast, electrician podcast 2025, climbing school pros and cons
#climbingschool #polecastmedia #electricianlife #linemantraining #tradeskills #electricalwork #safetyfirst #linemanlife #electricpodcast #industrydebate
15 Sept 2025
Behind the Scenes of JL Matthews with Scott and Mckendree
Scott got the opportunity to chat with Mckendree from JL Matthews Company about the company's history, future, and exciting partnerships. Hear about the innovative men in the industry developing their own designs and partnering with JL Matthews to get those products distributed.
10 Sept 2025
How Scott Ended Up On The Pole: A little background on your host
Get to know your host Scott Politakis, where he started and how he got into the industry. Why does Scott climb in cowboy boots? Where should you start if you're interested in becoming a lineman? Get the answers to these questions and more on this episode of Polecast.
30 Aug 2025
Stories Of The Early Days with Jim Dillard
Hear about what it was like for Jim and myself as apprentices, how we got into linework, some of our oh shit moments and maybe even a Jambalaya recipe at the end. Genuine moments of life on the line.
25 Aug 2025
Polecast: Trailer
This is just the beginning. In our trailer episode, your host—Scott Politakis—sets the stage for what Polecast is all about: real stories from the line, raw humor from the trade, and a place where linemen from all walks of life can share what it’s really like to live and work on the road. From storm calls to road-dog brotherhood, nothing’s off limits. Tune in to get a feel for the laughs, the grit, and the stories to come.
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Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
9 ratings
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