Step into the shadows with Joel Hill of USW Local 1011, a man whose story is as unforgettable as the haunted house he brings to life every Halloween. Behind the screams and fog lies a tale of resilience, creativity, and triumph.

From the streets of Black Oak, Indiana, where he started with nothing, Joel built not only one of the region’s most successful haunted attractions, but a life shaped by perseverance and heart. Every twist and turn in his journey led him to become the person he is today — a master of turning darkness into light and fear into fuel.

This isn’t just a story about haunted houses — it’s about the power of believing in yourself when the lights go out. 

Dare to listen… and prepare to leave inspired.

This guy is one of kind in all the best ways. 

Meet Arnie Keeton—US Steel member of Local 1013, mentor, paramedic, and living proof that it’s never too late to chase your passion. When you listen to his story you realize Arnie’s life has come full circle in the most inspiring way.

But he didn’t do it alone. In this episode, Arnie opens up about the people who shaped his journey—especially the quiet force behind his success: his wife. With honesty, humor, and heart, Arnie shares what it really means to “keep it real” in work, in life, and in leadership.

His story isn’t just about being an EMT and education—it’s about resilience, reinvention, and the power of paying it forward. And trust us—he’s not done making an impact.

Tune in - be prepared to listen more than once. 

Meet Jonathan Stroud of USW Local 884L - Russellville, Arkansas – a leader who sees possibility, growth, and potential in every person and every opportunity. As both the Local Union President and the ICD Coordinator, Jonathan is driven by a deep commitment to his Union family. His passion fuels his mission to make every program the best it can be.

Listen to Jonathan’s inspiring story of how he transformed the ICD program into a positive and empowering space. From his own journey through ICD to the ambitious plans he has for the future, Jonathan embodies what it means to lead with vision and heart.

We’re joined by Kyle Lamppa from Cleveland Cliffs, USW Local 6115. Kyle’s story is one of growth, grit, and purpose. He entered the plant with no prior experience, no union background, and no real expectations—but what he found was a calling. As he moved through different roles, a passion for union work, problem-solving, and supporting his coworkers took root and never stopped growing.

That passion eventually led him to pursue a Master’s degree—an investment he’s now using to help navigate and support his fellow workers through difficult times at the plant. Kyle’s journey is a powerful reminder that leadership isn’t about where you start, but about the impact you choose to make along the way.

In this episode, we sit down with Theresa Hemphill from Cleveland-Cliffs – USW Local 1010, whose story is a powerful testament to perseverance and purpose. Through the support of the ICD program, Theresa earned both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees—an accomplishment that reflects her unwavering determination and strength.

Theresa opens up about the challenges she faced, the motivations that kept her going, and how her educational journey has shaped her vision for the future. Now, she’s focused on using her achievements to uplift others and create meaningful change in her workplace and community.

Join us as we explore how resilience, education, and a commitment to giving back can transform not only one life—but many.

Zack Mainhart is a man with boundless energy, a passion for education, and a deep love for his union.
He first began using his ICD benefit driven by a desire to truly understand how his union operates—and he hasn’t looked back since. With an unwavering commitment to learning and leadership, Zack is using his ICD benefit not just for personal growth, but to help make his union the best it can be. 

Debbie Bohling: The OG of ICD

Debbie Bohling became a coordinator 28 years ago at Gary Works in Gary, Indiana — and she’s seen it all. Join us as she shares her journey with ICD, including how she managed four locals at once, stayed ahead of educational trends, and her take on the most important aspects of this incredible benefit.

 Tammie Klym and Tony Urankar are a dynamic duo, to say the least. As a coordinator and LJC member, they’ve been working together for several years to develop an ICD program tailored to the unique needs of their center. Their collaboration highlights the importance of cooperation, open communication, and establishing clear standards that are consistently upheld across the entire program. 

 Chatting with Frank feels like catching up with an old friend—easy, familiar, and full of stories. This Steelworker from Sumitomo has a deep love for history, but his journey took a surprising turn when his wife challenged him to explore his true passions. That challenge led him down a path of self-discovery, just as life threw him an unexpected twist—the announcement of his plant’s closure in 2024. Dive into Frank’s story to see how he’s turning uncertainty into opportunity. 

Josh Payne, a Steelworker from Mon Valley Local 2220-1 is a man that just doesn't quit...at anything. Fire safety has been his passion since he was 12 years old and he uses his ICD benefit to gain as much knowledge as he can. He doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. Listen to how he manages his time, where he passion comes from, and how he uses ICD to reach each goal he sets for himself. 

Porsche Heath from USW Local 1010/Cleveland Cliffs-East Chicago talks about her journey to becoming a licensed Esthetician and how she uses her talents to give back to the Steelworkers. Even though she accomplished  this goal, she doesn't plan on putting a stop to gaining knowledge anytime soon. She is striving towards becoming an electrician, a notary, and has a little one on the way. Take a minute to listen to this superwoman's story. 

Happy 2025! We start the year off with the one and only Nelson Franco from Cleveland Cliffs USW Local 1011 in East Chicago. He talked with me about the struggles and successes of his program with a cup of coffee in hand. He explains all of the work that went into this successful HVAC class and what's next for 2025. 

It's the most wonderful time of the year! Brian Waddle and I wrap up 2024 talking about our favorite ICD moments, success stories, and what we have planned for 2025. 

I also want to personally thank each of you for taking the time to listen to each of these episodes. This podcast journey has been a blast so far, and I am excited to bring you new stories in 2025. Happy Holidays everyone! 

Rachel Key battled rodents, dust for days, and a vacant center in order to get the ICD Program up and running again in Fairfield, Alabama. She explains what she started with, how she became affiliated with the program, and what she plans to do next to keep ICD relevant with her local. 

Michael Pugh from USW Local 979 Cleveland Cliffs-Cleveland went from suit and tie to full time Steelworker and has never looked back. He talks with ICD about how his learning journey started with one class and a kitchen project that turned into a lucrative side business. Even with a full-time job, family, and a few businesses on the side, he always makes learning a priority in his life. 

We want to welcome Jim Knox, President of USW Local 351 to the mic! During our chat Jim gave us some insight into the beginning of his ICD journey-starting with his first class, and talks about who inspired him to become the person he is today. 

Welcome back everyone! We took a couple of months off  and want to let you know that we are up and running! Stay tuned for more stories coming your way! 

Meet Jermaine Abram, the ICD Coordinator for USW Local 715L at BFGoodrich in Fort Wayne, Indiana. He talks about his own journey with ICD and what it takes to run a successful program. Check out what he has to say about this benefit and how it can change someone's life. 

Ever wonder what the ICD benefit really entails? Executive Director Sean Hayden gives some insight on not only this benefit, but his own take on how ICD has evolved in the last 20 years. 

Join us as we explore what the ICD benefit has done for different participants across the country!