Telecommunications Industry Therapy
Podcast discussing issues arising from the rapid advancement and deployment of telecommunications infrastructure. The Podcast is hosted by industry veterans Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr. In Each episode, they will be joined by subject matter experts discussing a wide array of topics which have an effect in the current state of the industry. Provided by the Telecommunications Industry Foundation, TIF. https://tifonline.org/
Episodes
55 episodes
Ground Truth: Corrosion, Anchors & Asset Integrity
In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Blob and Brian Bicknese to unpack their co-authored white paper on Direct-Buried Steel Corrosion & Guy Anchors — a practical guide for owners, engineers, and operators manag...
Standards in the Age of AI: The TIA-942 Story
In this episode, we sit down with Tom McGarry, VP of Standards at the Telecommunications Industry Association (TIA), to explore the ANSI/TIA-942 standard—the Telecommunications Infrastructure Standard for Data Centers.Tom walks us...
Why Mount to Tower Interaction Matters More Than Ever
In this episode, we sit down with Lemmy Recinos , Senior Structural Engineer at KPFF Consulting Engineers to discuss one of the industry’s most important evolving topics — Mount to Tower Interaction (MTI). As one of the primary authors of the P...
Microwave Backhaul Site Selection: Expanding Rural Connectivity with Scott Vance & Lynn Burnett
In this episode, we sit down with Scott Vance, Founder of Vance Engineering, and Lynn Burnett, Microwave Systems Engineer, to explore their recently co-authored Planning Advisory Notice (PAN): Microwave Backhaul Site Selection. <...
Inside NATE: Collaboration, Safety, and What’s Next
In this episode, we’re joined by Todd Schlekeway , President & CEO of NATE: The Communications Infrastructure Contractors Association, to reflect on 2025, a milestone year for the organization as it celebrated 30 years o...
Working at Heights with James Ruedlinger
James Ruedlinger VP of Engineering at Fullwave Tower & Broadcast joins us for an in-depth conversation on the realities of working in wireless infrastructure and broadcast construction.James shares firsthand experience on the ...
2025 Year In Review - Insights and Takeaways
As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2025 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2026 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry T...
Wireless Infrastructure Construction – Structural Steel Modifications
In this episode, we sit down with Dylan Pontes, Director of Operations & Safety Trainer at JHC Construction, to explore the critical role of structural steel in wireless infrastructure. Dylan shares insights on the t...
Leading the Way: Inside the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum
In this episode, Victoria Weidenthaler, President of the Women’s Wireless Leadership Forum (WWLF), gives us an inside look at how the organization supports, uplifts, and advocates for women in telecommunications. From mentorship to leadership d...
Inside In-Building Wireless: Future Demand, ROI & Automation with Iain Gillot
In this episode of Telecommunications Industry Therapy, we’re joined by Iain Gillot, VP of Innovation & Technology at WIA, for a deep dive into the fast-evolving world of in-building wireless networks. Iain breaks down where ...
Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence
Mitch Bennett, Vice President of Operations at Ontivity's CMS Division shares a contractor’s perspective on the most challenging aspects tower crews face when encountering bird nests on towers. He offers practical recommendations for preparing ...
Future of Carrier Investments- Industry Financial Outlook
Jennifer Fritzche, Managing Director of Greenhill Mizuho Digital Infrastructure Practice, joins our podcast to provide an outlook on current carrier spending trends and how that may be impacted by the new administration. Jennifer also provides ...
Demystifying Fixed Wireless Networks
Iain Gillot, a Senior Technical & Research Advisor with WIA and author of the WIA White Paper, The Fixed Wireless Network Opportunity, joins our show to discuss Fixed Wireless Networks. In this episode Iain addresses what factors have contr...
Telecom Policy Updates from TIA
Colin Andrews, Senior Director of Government Affairs at TIA, and Patrick Lozada, Director of Global Policy at TIA, join our show to discuss how policy changes under the new administration will impact the telecommunications industry. Patrick she...
Tower Climbing Safety : Inside NATE’s Fall Protection Efforts
Brian Bicknese, Director of Safety & Education at NATE, joins our show to talk about NATE’s Continuous Fall Protection campaign. We also discuss the history and evolution of tower climbing safety guidance, and Brian addresses some misconcep...
Wireless Small Cell Infrastructure - A History and Future Outlook
Mike Watson, VP and Deputy General Counsel at Extenet, joins our show to discuss the history of wireless small cell infrastructure in the US, lessons he has learned over the years when it comes to having successful relationships between all of ...
WIA Talks Workforce Development with Tim House
Tim House, COO of WIA, joins us to talk specifically on WIA’s various initiatives surrounding workforce development including their involvement in the Broadband Sector Partnerships and how their experience as an industry intermediary in Ohio ha...
Connecting at ConnectX: Previewing the Upcoming Event with Sarah Channon
Sarah Channon, WIA’s Director of Meetings & Events, joins us to provide us an overview of the upcoming ConnectX show in Chicago and what attendees have to look forward to.
Learning about what drives the Competitive Carriers Association
In this episode we hear directly from the Competitive Carrier Association’s President & CEO, Tim Donovan, on an overview of their organization, the unique role that they fill in our industry, and the important role they serve in our society...
Bird Nests on Towers: Guidance and Best Practices
Authors of the TIF White Paper: “Bird Nests on Towers: Reaching Coexistence”, Scott Kisting of Congruex and Richard Hickey, Director of Regulatory Compliance at Vertical Bridge, join our podcast to talk about their unique experience that led to...
Behind the Scenes at NATE: Insights from Todd Schlekeway
Todd Schlekeway, President and CEO of NATE, joins us to discuss the organization’s major accomplishments in 2024 and what he takes the most pride in. We also take a behind-the-scenes look at NATE's structure and highlight some of the key indivi...
Telecommunications Therapy: Past Wins and Future Trends
As Michelle Kang and Scott Stekr reflect on the highlights of 2024 in their lives and the telecommunications industry, they also share insights into what to anticipate in 2025 for both the industry and our podcast, Telecommunications Industry T...
Telecom in the Sky: Insights from Sam McGuire on Drone Technology
Sam McGuire, the CEO of Fieldsync joins our podcast to discuss the current state of drones in the telecommunications industry today. He also provides insight into the history of how drones have been used in this space, what has been learned, an...
From Rigging to Construction Plans: Navigating ANSI/ASSP A10.48-2023 Changes
In the revised version of ANSI/ASSP A10.48 that was released in 2023, one of the notable changes was the institution of construction plans replacing what was formerly referred to as “rigging plans”. What were the reasons behind this change, and...
Decoding Passive Intermodulation: Challenges and Solutions in Wireless
Marty Zimmerman, North America CTO for Outdoor Wireless Networks at Commscope, provides an overview of passive intermodulation and its impacts in the telecommunications wireless industry. During this session, Marty also describes current instal...