The American Maintainer Podcast: Recent Episodes
Nicholas Ward
American Maintainer is dedicated to honoring the men and women who turn the wrenches that keep this great country running.
In this episode I talk about where I want this company to go. I would like to use this as a platform for making each other better leaders and people. If you have some input to share please let me know!!!!
Holy smokes where do I even begin? In this episode I sit down with an amazing leader and friend to get the "Bosses" perspective on maintenance. Just please enjoy a truly great leader and American tell his story and give his philosophy on leadership.
I take a few minutes to honor the memory of today and talk about what has been going on. There is much more coming very soon!!!
In this episode I sit down with Jamie Farnell to talk about his experience AFTER the military. This episode was meant to help those of you that are transitioning and looking for someone who has been the old guy in a college classroom. I always enjoy having my best friend over for a couple beers. We hope you get something from this and it helps your transition.
In this episode I sit down via Zoom with John Turrill and talk about conspiracies and aliens. This is something we used to do back in the day and has ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with Maintenance. It's just a silly conversation about things that probably don't exist.
In this episode I do a Zoom podcast with Nick, Kyle and Matt from Arizona. We talk a lot of shit but also discuss past experiences and what it takes to succeed after the military. I love these guy and was honored to sit down and talk to them. We hope you enjoy some insight from three absolute killers.
In this solo episode I talk about whatever is on my mind and it's a lot!!!! I give a shoutout to my handsome beard and talk Corona Virus Conspiracy theories. I hope you enjoy it!!!
In this episode I talk via the internet with the great and powerful Lt Col Stacey Ferguson. Lt Col Ferguson is currently the Deputy Maintenance Group Commander at Shaw AFB, SC and began her career as an F-16 Crew Chief. We talk about the shift in her perspective from 3-Level to Deputy Group Commander. I really enjoyed this podcast as she has been an amazing Commander, mentor and friend.
In this episode I give a shout out to all the parents staying home with their kids. I am one of them and I am tired!!! Mostly in this episode I reflect on the things I wish I had done differently in my career.
This episode we had a few members of the Rocket Production team over to discuss whatever is on our minds!!! We also tied in a Facebook Live event that went a little off the rails. Thank you all for your support!!
I got to sit down with my first 3rd generation fighter guy!!!!!! Jim "Bruiser" Brewer was an engine mechanic from 1969 to 1989 and did his time in Vietnam. I had a truly amazing conversation with him and am so thankful he took time to talk with me. I really hope you enjoy this episode, I sure did!!!
I get to sit down with an old friend and a huge supporter of this podcast, JT Melton. JT is currently the Lead Super in the Rockets and is one of the most laid back guys I know. He is also a legend in the Crew Chief world. I had a great time and I hope you will enjoy the conversation as much as I did.
This podcast is in contrast to the "Pride" episode I did where this week beat me up with no fairytale ending. It just sucked. There is, however a good lesson in weeks like this and I hope you enjoy listening to my misery.
I finally figure out how to do this over the internet!!!! I sit down with the one and only Don King!!!!! We talk about his story and the crazy road he took. There are a few issues but overall this is a great episode and I hope you will enjoy listening as much as I enjoyed talking to my old friend.
In this episode I am solo and talk about my crazy week and why we should be proud of what we do and where we work.
Amber and Brandon Rhea stop by to talk about being Avionics. We hear about Amber's experience as a girl on the line and how she proved herself. Also how they managed their careers while keeping a marriage together during all we go through. And Jamie Farnell stops by to join the party. This is a really great conversation between best friends!!!!
In this episode I do an experiment and try to mix the podcast with Facebook Live. We talk about managing chaos and what it takes to keep the line running when its on fire.
In this episode I sit down with one of my best friends in the whole world, Jamie Farnell!!! Jamie was a HUGE mentor of mine and we talked about his career and our 15 year friendship.
This episode is a solo conversation about going on the road. We go TDY for many reasons and have a very good time. This episode is also meant to ops check my audio equipment... again. I think we finally have it dialed. Thank you again for your support!!!!
My wife's friends wanted to be on the podcast so they came up with this idea. This reinforces why we need this show. The average American has no idea what it takes to generate a sortie so maybe this will help with the terminology. Also, tequila may be involved. Enjoy!!!
Chief Nail stopped by for a conversation about his 30 year career and the significant changes he saw. It was fascinating to walk through his story. I am so thankful for the opportunity to talk to one of the very best Chiefs I ever had. I apologize for the sound quality, I am still working this system out.
In this episode I have a really great conversation with 2Lt Ken Rice. Lt Rice is the Assistant Officer in Charge of the 336 AMU. Lt Rice is prior enlisted and commissioned as MSgt. He spent his enlisted career as an Avionics Back Shop Technician and we talk about the differences in flightline and back shop maintenance. We also discuss how is perspective has shifted since commissioning. I really enjoyed this episode and I hope you will too.
My beautiful wife joins me for a quick conversation about her brief career in Maintenance!!!
In this episode we talk about some of the lingo we use in the military. I want everyone to be able to relate so I break down some of the terms we use to make future podcasts more relatable for our non-military listeners.
This is the second episode and the first with a guest. Chief Braden spend 28 years in Air Force Maintenance and is now in Industrial MX as a civilian. We talk about his experiences, drink some bourbon and talk a little crap. I hope you enjoy it!!!
This is just the basic outline. This is what you can expect to hear from this podcast. I hope you enjoy it and I hope you share it with your friends!!
In this episode we talk about where we spend most of our time. The beloved truck. I talk about why the truck is such a special place.