171 | Why Sleep Is the #1 Performance Hack for Linemen & First Responders | James Geering

03/13/25 • 76 min

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with former firefighter, Behind The Shield podcast host, stuntman, and two time author, James Geering, to talk about one of the most overlooked aspects of health: sleep.

We dive into why sleep is critical for linemen, firefighters, and other high-stress professions, how chronic sleep deprivation affects decision-making, reaction times, and long-term health, and what practical steps you can take to improve your sleep—even with unpredictable schedules.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, foggy, or just “off” at work, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

If you’ve ever felt exhausted, foggy, or just “off” at work, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

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170 |Why Men in the Trades Don’t Talk About Mental Health | Hayley Booker

The Hidden Struggles of Linemen & Men in the Trades

The powerline industry is built on toughness, resilience, and hard work—but what happens when that toughness comes at the cost of mental health? In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with psychotherapist Hayley Booker, whose deep understanding of the trade (thanks to her lineman father) gives her a unique perspective on the mental health challenges men in the industry face.

We discuss:

The stigma around mental health in the trades
Why men feel they have to “earn the right” to open up
The consequences of emotional suppression and burnout
Practical tools for managing stress, self-talk, and resilience
How to create a culture where men can talk about what’s really going on

If you or someone you know is struggling, this conversation is for you. Let’s start breaking the silence.

Check out more from Hayley here: https://www.somaclinicalcounselling.com/hayley-booker

Listen & Subscribe for more real conversations about life in the trades.

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172 | NAIL Your Apprentice Lineman Interview & Start Your Career! | Tyler Thompson

Want to become an apprentice lineman but not sure how to stand out in your interview?

In this episode of Powerline Podcast, I sit down with Tyler Thompson, a former lineman turned manager at BC Hydro, to break down EXACTLY what hiring teams look for in apprentice candidates.

We cover common mistakes, how to talk about your experience (even if you don’t have much), and the best way to prepare so you walk into your interview with confidence.

If you’re serious about landing an apprenticeship, this is a must-watch!