Geoholics Anonymous - Patrick McDonald

We were honored to have a true American hero join us for this month's Geoholics Anonymous. Mr. Patrick McDonald is an Army Veteran...in 1991 he was injured while traveling in an armored personnel carrier that rolled over resulting in severe injuries to his mid chest and lower back. During this time, he flatlined for nearly 5 minutes. Patrick is a Paralympian representing Team USA in the sport of curling. Patrick is also a competitive golfer holding the World Record for the longest drive in a wheelchair...358 yards. Patrick is also a cancer survivor. Most importantly for Patrick and what he is most proud of is being a husband to an amazing wife and a father to two amazing children. To say he is the epitome of persistence and resilience is an understatement. Neighbor Billy joined the boys for this one and did not disappoint. Music for this episode by The Mamas & The Papas!

Episode 097 - Rex Parry

Color us intrigued! After a well-deserved week off, we were joined this week my Mr. Rex Parry. Rex is a licensed title officer, general contractor, mortgage banker, host of the Business-to-Business radio show and passionate entrepreneur! His focus outside of his daily responsibilities is helping developing countries fight corruption and create collateral through cadastres and digital land survey records. It’s no secret that well-defined land rights are considered fundamental to growth for many reasons. Land, because of its fixed and immobile nature and the ease at which it can be transferred, is considered ideal collateral. In theory, better land rights and improved land titling should catalyze greater economic growth & stability. Most importantly, land surveyors are and have been an integral part of making this happen. BS & DD sing a duet, DD is tanner (maybe more tan?) than PJ and George Washington is quoted! Music for this episode by Chicago!!

Episode 096 - Dr. Martin Persson aka "The Swedish Dirt Guy"

The boys were joined this week by the one and only Swedish Dirt Guy...Dr. Martin Persson. Martin hails from Sweden where he attended the University of Gothenburg and earned an undergrad degree and PhD in Environmental Geology specializing in quick clays, GIS and landslides. He also has a hobby farm where he grows tilapia, veggies, and chickens. We learned that geophysics + hydrogeology + geology = geotechnical engineering and there are a ton of exciting opportunities for folks working in these disciplines. In fact, Martin talked about a career defining project that he is currently involved with that includes building a peninsula in a river in urban Gothenburg and construction of 100m tall buildings on 120 meters of soft clay. Beer is the unanimous drink of choice. PJ made it back (thank goodness) from his trip of a lifetime....BS forgot the coffee....DD wants a Tesla Bot and a Tesla so he'll never have to leave the house again...and the 5 dysfunctions of a team were mentioned. Music for this episode by Social Distortion!!!

Episode 095 - Anna Rios, LS & Lauren Holland, MCInstCES

Stop the presses! Anna Rios & Lauren Holland joined the boys this week to talk about the outcome of their individual surveys intended to shine a light on sexism and harassment specifically in the STEM careers. Before you say, "here we go again", be clear that this is NOT just a men vs women issue. The data was collected over the course of the last 8 months and the results that they shared are, to say the least, disturbing. We are certain that you will agree. If you're reading this, then you should listen because it means that you're curious if nothing else. It's no doubt that men and women are different and experience things differently. All people are different, communication and actions impact people in different ways. Ultimately this conversation was about "intention vs impact" and surveyors supporting surveyors creating an environment that welcomes and nurtures new workforce regardless of gender, race, background, etc. PJ is headed to Gilligan's Island. BS is back and better than ever. DD says, "get your asses in shape" and Dolly Parton is quoted. Music for this episode by Creedence Clearwater Revival!

Geoholics Anonymous - Aaron Machado

Strap in folks! We were joined on this Geoholics Anonymous episode by Aaron Machado. Aaron is an American patriot having served the country as a US Marine, an aspiring author, a husband, father, and host of the Wetdown Podcast. Needless to say, he's got an amazing perspective on current events and life in general. Some topics discussed included Afghanistan and what it's like to be under the control of the Taliban, the ripple effects the pandemic is having on society, homelessness and a common thread, how wokeness is backfiring, effective leadership, importance of lifelong mentoring, challenges of being an entrepreneur and so much more. PJ is sailing off to make lifelong memories. Neighbor Billy co-hosted his sophomore show and did not disappoint. DD drank spotted cow. Music for this episode by Collective Soul!

Episode 094 - Tyler LaPointe & Keegan Lumley

“Americans never quit.” – General Douglas MacArthur. We were joined this week by two survey warriors. Tyler LaPointe (ARNG Technical Engineer NCO/HQ Squad Leader) & Keegan Lumley (USAF Engineering Journeyman), both military and civilian surveyors, took time out of their busy schedules to share their unique career paths and experiences. Topics of discussion included...economic status is a mindset, 12Tango, Captain Cain, historical roles of military surveyors, military vs civilian survey training and challenges, benefits of serving your country, specialized training received, influential mentors, deployment stories, path to licensure, and life/work balance. BS was out this week adulting. In his stead, Instagram "influencer" and subject of the recently published xyHt article titled "Generation S(urveyor)", Mr. Will Wing, LS was in the hot seat this week. Music for this episode by Red Hot Chili Peppers!

Episode 093 - Dr. Nik Smilovsky & Parker Hinson

Episode 092 - Ophir Wainer & 4M Analytics

Don't listen to this episode just because our guest this week has the most interesting name ever! Ophir Wainer is the Director of North American Business Development & Technology Implementation at 4M Analytics. If you haven't heard about 4M Analytics before now, and even if you have, you're NOT going to want to miss Ophir sharing all there is to know about this cutting-edge company. "We don’t see it, but we all use it. Every day, in every part of our lives." Mapping the Under Earth is what 4M is all about! Music for this episode by Oingo Boingo!

Episode 091 - Michael "Scooter" Schoder PLS

It's not very often you get the opportunity to chat with a true renaissance man! To say that our good friend Michael "Scooter" Schoder, PLS has lived a life of adventure would be an understatement. We took this opportunity to scratch the surface of just some of Scooter's life changing and character-building experiences. Growing up with Ann & Nancy Wilson (Heart), inventing duck farts, bear encounters, setting 1000 monuments in the frozen tundra with a team of Alaskan Natives, spending time in jail in the Congo, pulling off a mapping miracle, surviving cancer, and what it's like being a raggedy ass crazy Alaska wildman bush rat were just a few of the things we discussed. Music for this episode by Heart!!!

Geoholics Episode 090 - David O'Brien, PSM & David Graves

It's hard to believe that it's taken 90 episodes to highlight our hydrographic survey brethren. David O'Brien & David Graves from SurvTech Solutions, Inc joined us to talk about all things hydrographic/bathymetric surveying. We discussed the history of this unique profession, the different mapping applications and techniques, the challenges hydro-surveyors face on a daily basis, the different platforms and watercraft utilized, how water conditions affect the approach and deliverables, and so much more. Sir Richard Branson makes an appearance...sort of but not really. Music for this episode by Whitesnake!!

Geoholics Anonymous - Jaime Staples & PartyPoker

What...a...show! If you have ANY interest in the game of poker whatsoever...this episode is for you! Jaime Staples, professional poker star with over 100K Twitch followers and net winnings of over $1M joined the guys for a discussion covering all things poker. We talked about how Jaime & his brother won a $150K prop bet, how Jaime became a successful full-time poker player and is "living the dream", game basics and high-level strategies, the skyrocketing growth of online poker, his biggest "cashes" and "beats", Jaime's passion for being a poker ambassador and so much more. BS was off romancing TLK for their 10-year wedding anniversary, so the now infamous Mark Taylor (Ep 004 & GA 02) joined the crew adding some great perspective. PJ needs to go to space before he drives us crazy, and DD can't make sense of the word "vlogger". Music for this episode by ABBA!!!

Episode 089 - Dennis McKay, PLS

Note: Our committed guest was recording from his vehicle in a rural Colorado campground hence the poor-ish audio...even PJ couldn't magically expand the bandwidth! That being said, our guest Dennis McKay, who spent over 30 years as a surveyor at the BLM, has plenty to say about the land survey profession. We touched on what he's most proud of, physical and imagined/abstract data, unknowability of measurements, geodatabases, the value of a multipurpose cadastre and augmented reality boundaries. There was a ton of information provided if you can maneuver thru the audio...I promise. Music for this episode by Harry Nilsson! GO SUNS!

Episode 088 - Jorge Salcedo AIA, Jeremy Snyder PE, Ben Shinabery LS & Engineering Ministries International

Another absolute "must listen" episode! The guys were joined this week by Jorge Salcedo AIA, Jeremy Snyder PE, and Ben Shinabery LS to share their personal experiences working on Engineering Ministries International (EMI) project in El Monte, Mexico. The passion for serving and servant leadership that these three gentlemen exhibited was infectious. We talked about the specifics of this exciting project and the role each played in making it happen, how the project team came together, the importance of checking individual egos at the door, the rewards of servanthood, loving God & loving people and ways we can give back by donating our professional expertise. This was truly a rewarding episode to be a part of. Music by Café Tacvba!!!

Episode 087 - Taylor Handschuh aka "The Map Lady"

We were joined this week by Taylor "The Map Lady" Handschuh along with guest co-host Amanda (Episode 81) Allred! Topics discussed include the genesis of The Map Lady, the great Point Cloud Trip of 2020, being free spirited, keeping up with technology (and its limitations), and the challenges of being a sole proprietor. Teaser...stay tuned for more information about Geo-Camp! Music for this episode by Grateful Dead! GO SUNS!!!

Episode 086 - Ryan Werner, Davis Johnston & Luigi Raineri

We're calling this "The Perspective of Young Surveyors - Chapter 2"! We had an absolute blast chatting with these three fine gentlemen. Ryan Werner has been surveying for about 10 years and hails from the great state of Illinois. Davis Johnston has been surveying fulltime since he graduated from the Troy University Land Surveying & Geomatics Sciences program 3 years ago. Luigi Raineri, originally from Brazile, was brave enough to join this group having only been surveying for 3 months! Three intelligent and unique perspectives coupled with DD consuming a little too much Mellow Corn made this another educational yet entertaining Geoholics episode! Music for this episode by Brooks & Dunn!!!

Episode 085 - Ted Knaak & TopoDOT

After an unplanned Geoholics Summer Break, the guys are back with a vengeance! We were joined this week by Ted Knaak the Founder and President of TopoDOT. Ted was not only the smartest person in the room (sorry PJ), but he's also extremely passionate about making the lives of geomatic professionals easier! TopoDOT is quickly becoming the industry standard for managing, assessing and extracting point cloud data. Ted has been working in the scanning/LiDAR realm for nearly 30 years having been mentored by Dr. Reigl himself early on in his career. PJ is planning a trip to Mars and can't name a Bruce Springsteen song; BS was found sleeping on the studio floor and DD shares a couple concussion stories! Music for this episode by The Boss!!!

Bonus Episode - Moving Arizona Interview with The Geoholics

We have a very special episode for you this week! Melissa Boyles, the creator and host of the wildly popular Moving Arizona podcast, risked everything by allowing Kent & Ryan to be guests on her show. This is the audio from Episode 44 of the Moving Arizona podcast. Enjoy!

Episode 084 - Parker Hinson & Jacob "Jake" Rougeaux GISP

What a week! Sometimes things don't quite go as planned, but with perseverance (and the help of Dr. Nik Smilovsky) anything is possible! We were joined this week by Parker Hinson & Jake Rougeaux, GISP. Parker is the GIS Lead for the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) while Jake, equally the overachiever, has two jobs. His military job is being an Engineering Assistant for the South Carolina Air National Guard. Thank you for your service Jake! His civilian job is being a GIS Analyst for Larson Design Group. This being our first pure GIS show, we took advantage of our time with these two GIS experts to discuss a number of topics including defining GIS, 1854, GIS vs geospatial, vector vs raptor, the GISP certification and some of the unique projects Parker & Jake have worked on. Producer BS made an appearance and DD compares producing a podcast to conceiving a child...you don't want to miss this! Music for this episode by Motley Crue!!!

Episode 083 - Anna Rios LS, Heather Sides LS & Virginia Winberg LS

Note to self...these ladies are on point and looking to make a difference in the land surveying profession. The Future Surveyors Foundation could not have better representation. Anna Rios LS, President, Heather Sides LS, Vice President and Virginia Winberg LS, Secretary/Treasurer joined the boys to talk about the past, present and future of the Womens Surveyor Summit. Folks, this is an effort we all need to be aware of and support as it is truly making a difference in the personal and professional lives of many lady land surveyors. Quite honestly, the male population of this great profession can learn a lot from these women! DD goes on a mini rant; friends were made, and value was most definitely added! Music for this episode by Wolfmother!!

Geoholics Anonymous - GPR & LWB!!

Welcome to this meeting of Geoholics Anonymous! This is another unscripted “round-table” format discussion touching on the relevant topics affecting the geomatics world and life in general. This panel is made up of Kent Groh, LS (Host of The Geoholics), Ryan Kelly, CP (Co-host of The Geoholics), Forrest Sim - Head Dude at Enhanced Scanning & Founder of The GPR Consortium, and Craig Campbell aka The Iceman - President/Owner at G3TECH SK LTD. Some items discussed at this GA meeting include GPR 101, getting to know https://gpr-consortium.com/ and the resources this community provides to GPR industry leaders, and the importance of maintaining a healthy life-work balance. UFO's are real, DD saw a naked guy while visiting Kurt Cobain's house and Huddy is in-studio! Music for this episode by Nirvana!!!

Episode 082 - Mikel Bowman

Holy crap! Just when I think we've recorded our best episode yet, someone like Mikel Bowman comes on and blows us away! Whether you're a red-collar, white-collar or blue-collar worker you will leave this show feeling inspired and empowered. Motivation comes in all forms and Mikel has a knack for bringing the best out of people. Through years of inspiring lives, driving forward thinking safety protocols, mentoring, and practical boots on the ground experience, Bowman Legacies is dedicated to enhancing the lives of people by transforming cultural norms for companies across the globe. As Mikel says, "Keep building a legacy that will far surpass your legend"! Music for this episode by Blind Melon!!!

Episode 081 - Amanda Allred, LS

This episode is loaded with land survey influencers! Amanda Allred, LS joins the guys to share her deep passion for the land surveying profession and how it has changed and shaped her life. With Buttermaker Shoots fulfilling his final coaching obligation for the season, who better to fill in for this episode than the one and only Trent "TK" Keenan, LS. Having accomplished as much as anyone as a "younger" surveyor, Amanda talks about what she is most proud of, who her mentors are, the evolution of the profession as she has seen it and visions of the future land surveyor. We breakdown the good, the bad and the ugly and focus on the importance of collaboration and unity for the betterment of the profession! PJ is taking up golf! DD saw a zombie and throws his hat in the ring...for something...DD & TK 2022!?!? Jo Huff is the winner of the April listener prize! Music for this episode by America!!!

Episode 080 - Stephen Slessor

Another quality guest from "across the pond" as they say. Stephen "Steve" Slessor is an absolute rock star and one of our new favorite people! He is the Managing Director at Galliford Try Environment and President of Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors. Steve provided an enlightening perspective on all of the great things land surveyors are doing in the UK as well as the challenges they are currently facing. Oddly enough, those challenge are very consistent with the things we struggle with as a profession here in the states. Steve sums it up best by saying “One of the key lessons I have learned is that working collaboratively is at the heart of any successful project or business. I firmly believe in driving the right behaviors and relationships, to enable effective communication between project teams, clients and the supply chain, to deliver projects to the highest standards.” We all can learn a lot from Mr. Slessor. Other topics covered include Legos, football (soccer) and a trip to Mars. Music for this episode by Deacon Blue!

Episode 079 - Aaron Michalenko, LS & Richard "RJ" Johnson

Another value adding, friend making episode...and it was recorded on 4/20! We were joined by Aaron Michalenko, LS, owner of DBE Surveying and Richard "RJ' Johnson, a laser scanning and reality capture specialist. A new approach to surveying was the focus of this conversation. Scanners, UAVs, and VRS combine to change the way certain projects can be completed in a safer, more thorough and more efficiently than ever before. This workflow requires a strategic investment in both the hardware and software necessary to collect, process and manage the large amounts of data this technology generates. Aaron & RJ share both their successes and failures along with some very enlightening case studies to help maximize the return on investment. Buttermaker Shoots was coaching Huddy's team to a 5-1 record, so we were joined by Steve "One Man" Gangwal. DD shares some 420 facts. Music for this episode by Foo Fighters!