Platform Chats

To mark Platform Chats' 10,000-download milestone, we've flipped the script and the mic. For the first time, our regular host is the interviewee. In this episode, guest host (and previous guest) Keith Bailey, founder of Articulated Intelligence and MC of the AREMA 2025 Annual Conference, chats with Walt Bleser, President & CEO of ARE Corporation, and an occasional podcast host. Walt shares how AREMA shaped his career and why relationships, not just résumés, move the needle. He also offers some valuable advice for advancing your career: listening more than you talk and raising your hand before you know what you've signed up for. The duo also discusses mentorship, the importance of curiosity, and how a century-old industry is quietly leaning into AI. It's an episode not to be missed.

Ditch the desk job—this Platform Chats episode takes us to Rwanda, where engineers swapped spreadsheets for socket wrenches and the cubicle for Kigali. Host Walt Blesser talks with Jim Costigan, PE, Senior Engineer – Field Services, Modjeski and Masters, and Erin O'Malley, PE, Bridge Engineer, HDR Engineering, about building a suspension bridge by hand with the local community through the organization Bridges to Prosperity.The featured keynote at the AREMA 2025 Railroad Bridge Symposium, Bridges to Prosperity, is a nonprofit organization that envisions a world without poverty caused by rural isolation and is dedicated to ending it one trail bridge at a time. From jet lag to hauling cables with no cranes in sight, they share how a simple bridge can transform lives and careers. If you think your job has challenges, wait until you hear this.Tune in for laughs, insights, and a reminder that real impact often happens off the tracks. For more information about Bridges to Prosperity, visit https://bridgestoprosperity.org/.

On this episode, host Walt Bleser celebrates the podcast's 40th episode milestone by chatting about the importance of the League of Railway Women (LRW). Joined by the new LRW President Lisa Tackach (Head of Marketing at the Railroad Construction Co), as well as LRW Members Andrea Neithold (Head of US Public and Government Affairs at CN) and Tiffany Wenrich (Marketing Director at Holland),  the episode focuses on the growing presence of women in railroading along with the many educational opportunities LRW provides.  Since 1997, LRW has been committed to improving the railroad industry by providing professional development and networking resources for women in rail. If you're in the rail industry and not part of LRW, you're on the wrong track.

This episode previews the AREMA 2025 Railroad Bridge Symposium, happening February 4-6 in Fort Worth, Texas. Guests Ron Berry, PE, General Director of Services at BNSF Railway, and Duncan Paterson, PE, of the American Institute of Steel Construction (AKA the Wizard of Steel), share what attendees can expect. Spoiler: it's not just about bridges—it's about life-changing bridges. With 40 presentations focused on bridge engineering or maintenance and a keynote on the importance of building bridges in remote villages, the Symposium promises to be an engaging and informative event for anyone in the rail industry. Plus, you won't want to miss the networking opportunities and fun at BigShots Golf.

In this episode of Platform Chats, host Walt Bleser sits down with Amanda Ciampolillo, Deputy Director of the Office of Environmental Program Management, and Karla Maffett, Deputy Director of Project Delivery, from the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). Together, they discuss the FRA's mission to enhance rail safety and efficiency through strategic partnerships and impactful investments. Amanda and Karla explore the FRA's grant programs, sharing valuable tips for securing funding, with a focus on the Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements (CRISI) Program, which has significantly boosted rail funding. Both guests also share their unique career paths to the FRA, showing that success often comes from unexpected journeys. Fun fact: Amanda loves trains so much that a long-distance Amtrak ride smells like adventure!

This episode focuses on the collaboration between AREMA and the National Steel Bridge Alliance (NSBA) to create a publication that complements the AREMA Manual for Railway Engineering, Chapter 15 - Steel Structures by providing detailed guidance on design decisions for steel railway bridges. The guide, The AREMA/NSBA Guidelines for the Design of Steel Railroad Bridges for Constructability and Fabrication, aims to help engineers produce more economical and constructible designs. Walt chats with Jaclyn Whelan, Project Manager – Design at Conrail, and Brandon Chavel, Vice President – Bridges at American Institute of Steel Construction (AISC), about their roles in developing the guide. They emphasize the importance of partnership and teamwork among various stakeholders, including engineers, fabricators, and contractors, to ensure the guidelines are comprehensive and useful for all experience levels. The guide covers topics from general railroad information to specific design details and construction methods, aiming to be a valuable resource for the industry. The guide is now available for free download from both NSBA and AREMA .

In this annual episode, we're diving into the transition between outgoing President Ray Verrelle (Vice President/Sr Project Director - East Region, HNTB) and incoming President Bill Riehl (Chief Engineer Structures, Genesee & Wyoming Inc.) Ray shares insights from his tenure, reflecting on his journey from civil engineering to leading AREMA and the challenges of maintaining engaging content. Bill, soon to take the reins, discusses his focus on enhancing member engagement, especially for frontline supervisors and underrepresented engineering disciplines like signals and electrical engineering. With the AREMA 2024 Annual Conference & Expo coming to Louisville this September, both highlight the event's new format, emphasizing a commitment to adapting and meeting the evolving needs of their members in a changing marketplace. They also touch on AREMA's refreshed strategic plan. Exciting changes are ahead.

In this episode, Walt chats with Aaron Dean (Product Development Engineer, Advanced Rail Systems, LLC) and Nicole Anderson (Transportation Engineer/Student, PHMSA/Morgan State University). Aaron is one of AREMA's Student Chapter Coordinators and a former President of one of AREMA's first Student Chapters, the Railroad Engineering and Activities Club (REAC) at Michigan Tech. As well as being a doctoral candidate, Nicole is the current President of AREMA's newest Student Chapter at Morgan State University. The Morgan State Chapter is AREMA's first Student Chapter at an historically Black university.They cover a wide range of topics related to the creation of Student Chapters. From the importance of industry champions and collaborators in launching a successful chapter to bringing in speakers and scholarship opportunities to sustain growth, it's an episode that will make you want to go back to school or at least speak at one. If you'd like to speak at an AREMA Student Chapter, contact info@arema.org. 

In this episode, Walt talks with Keith Bailey, Co-Founder of Articulated Intelligence, who you may recognize as the AREMA Annual Conference emcee. He helps people who have great ideas become better communicators. Keith shares strategies for effective communication emphasizing the power of stories. They are the gift we give to the audience. He also provides tips on making your presentation the most impactful for your audience, you are more than your slides. It's an episode with practical advice, Dad jokes, self-reflection, and the power of the pause, you won't want to miss it. Remember, your audience is rooting for you.Keith Bailey can be reached at keith@articulated-intelligence.com.

In this episode, Walt chats with Luv Sehgal (Senior Rail Engineer, ARUP). A native of India, Luv grew up surrounded by the world's fourth-largest railway network making it easy to fall in love with rail as a kid. He took that passion and propelled it into an accomplished engineering career. From winning the CEEAA Young Alumni Achievement Award presented by the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign to becoming a frequent presenter at the AREMA Annual Conference, he's done a lot in his short career.  The pair discuss what it's like to compete for a job with the eighth largest employer in the world that only the top 50 applicants in the country have a chance with. Luv also shares advice for international students considering a career abroad, a world of unique challenges and opportunities in rail await them. Keep an eye out for this rising star, we're sure you'll hear his name often. 

This episode, Walt chats with League of Railway Women 2023 Railway Woman of the Year Kari Gonzales, President & CEO, MxV Rail. The pair discuss transitioning and rebranding MxV Rail (formerly TTCI) from an FRA-managed testing facility to the world's premier advisory for the rail industry. They'll also consider the value and importance of maintaining independent testing and research. Finally, we'll discover what's behind the name MxV Rail. Be sure to brush up on your Newtonian mechanics before listening to this episode.

Soft skills, that little extra something.…what does it take to match the right person to the right job in the rail industry? Hiring qualified employees is critical in the railroad industry, these two guests are at the forefront. Kevin Forrest, Talent Advisor at CSX, and Andrew Stahl, Founder of Stahl Recruiting, understand the ins and outs of the rail, what companies are looking for, and how to set yourself apart from the crowd. Railroading is a lifestyle and the whole person matters. Recruiting trends, the importance of a holistic fit in the workplace, and the efficiency of rail, this episode touches on it all. If you are interested in a career in the rail industry, you won't want to miss it. After the episode, be sure to check out the Railway Careers Network to jumpstart your career in rail.

The AREMA 2024 Sustainability & Resiliency Symposium is almost here. On this first episode of Season 4 and the New Year, Walt chats with two key members of the event's success: Ned Bagniewski, PE, ENV SP (HDR), and Leo Thorbecke (TRC). The trio talks about some of the exciting changes in rail around sustainability, resiliency, and the events planned for the first-of-its-kind Symposium. Changes are here. Hop on board the Symposium before you get left behind.

We end 2023 with a look ahead to 2024. This episode, Walt chats with Ashley Wieland, President of The National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) about their upcoming Conference in January 2024 and what's in store for NRC in the future.  The duo discusses the safety resources NRC provides its members and the industry as well as its role in connecting industry professionals with policy makers. It's important to be at the table so you don't end up on the menu. The NRC is a U.S. trade association that advances the mutual interests of railway contractors and suppliers who construct, keep, and supply railroads and rail-transit lines, creating a positive business climate. To learn more about the NRC, its membership, and upcoming events, please visit their website at www.nrcma.org.

In this episode, Walt chats with the winners of the 2023 Dr. William W. Hay Award about their project “Merchants Bridge Main Span Trusses & East Approach Replacement.” Crossing the Mississippi River and originally built in 1890 by attorney turned engineer George Morisson, the Merchants Bridge is the second oldest bridge in St. Louis and has exceeded its design life. This innovative project was undertaken to bring it up to today's design standards. Eric Fields (Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis), Nick Staroski (TranSystems), and Kevin Eisenbeis (Burns and McDonnell) share stories about the history of this amazing bridge, how the project was conceived, and what it means in the industry to be recognized with a Hay award.

As seasons change, so do the terms of Association Officers. On this episode, Walt chats with outgoing AREMA President Trent Hudak, PE, Director Engineering Services, BNSF Railway, and incoming AREMA President, current Senior Vice President Ray Verrelle, PE, Vice President Engineering Services, Amtrak. The trio discusses the importance of goal setting when taking on a new role. How a one-year term as president is a three-year assignment, so having a plan is vital. The importance of leveraging opportunities to make events more attractive and financially feasible for the industry. They'll also consider how a mode of transportation as old as rail is surprisingly innovative and environmentally friendly. It's an episode that touches on it all. It's the last episode before the AREMA 2023 Annual Conference in conjunction with Railway Interchange. If there is anything keeping you on the fence about attending, let this be the episode that pushes you forward.

On this episode, Walt continues his exploration of other Associations with Nate Irby, Executive Director of the Railway Tie Association (RTA). They consider the impact Association membership can have on a career, especially for a young professional. Tip: Immerse yourself and say yes! They also discuss the value of member testimonials and the importance of having strong industry competitors and allies. In the rail industry, the things that tie us together are stronger than those that tear us apart (Couldn't resist just one pun). We think you'll really enjoy this one. It has a little bit of everything, and we'd love to have Nate back when his book is published.

On this episode, Walt chats with rail industry icon Tony Hatch, Senior Transportation Analyst, ABH Consulting. With over 30 years of experience as an independent transportation analyst, he wants to change the dynamics of railroads and the current public perception of the industry through the power of accurate information. Hatch pulls no punches as the duo discuss the latest news and events on everyone's mind. From derailments and safety to changes in the C-Suite at Class 1s to the bright future ahead for rail, no topic is off limits on this fascinating and fast-paced episode.

We are back after a brief hiatus with a question. What do you know about short lines and other regional railroads? There's more to rail than the cross-country trek; short lines represent a crucial, somewhat unknown, part of North American infrastructure. This episode host Walt Bleser chats with American Short Line and Railroad Association (ASLRRA) President, Chuck Baker. Together they lift the veil on the regional railroads that represent nearly 30% of the American railroad network. They'll also discuss the valuable and complementary roles that trade associations and associations like AREMA play in the rail industry. It's an informative and pun-free episode we know you'll enjoy. 

What exactly are the AREMA Functional Groups? What role do they play in shaping the content we see at the Annual Conference and in our Manuals? In this episode, Walt sets out to answer those questions and others with two of the newest Functional Group leaders. Mike Atzert (Burns & McDonnell) is a Director of the Engineering Services Functional Group and has over 20 years of experience as a consultant in the rail industry. David C. Clark (CSX Transportation) is the Track Functional Group Vice President and has nearly 20 years of experience working in construction at a Class 1 railroad. Together, the trio discusses their paths to the industry, their plans for AREMA, and how they see AREMA changing in the future. It's an episode you won't want to miss.

In this first episode of the new year, host Walt Bleser chats with Dava Kaitala and Mark Coleman, two active Committee 13 – Environmental committee members about sustainability in the railroad industry. Dava Kaitala is the National Class 1 Rail Vice President for Jacobs and holds a JD from Texas Tech University. Mark Coleman is the Director of Advanced Energy at TRC and holds an MS in Environmental Management and Policy from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Together the trio discusses the differences and nuances between sustainability and environmentalism. As well as the importance of taking a cross- functional view of sustainability. 

On this episode, Walt chats with AREMA members James Michel (Railway Safety and Risk Management Consultant) and Thomas Cornille (Independent Consultant and former Watford Fellow), two members of the US Watford Committee as they share their experiences with the Watford Conference, an international conference for railroad professionals and on other international educational opportunities in the rail industry.  In rail, your career is only bounded by your curiosity, so hope on board as we take a trip around the globe.

Are you a student looking to find your career path? While you may not have even considered railroading, let us put it on your radar.  Many of the engineering (yes, even civil), technical, and communications fields apply to the railroading industry and there are resources available to students to help them find their way. In this episode, Walt Bleser chats with Bryan Schlake an Assistant Teaching Professor at Penn State-Altoona, and recent Penn State-Altoona graduate Gary Babcoke now a Project Engineer with NICTD. Both are mechanical engineers who have extensive experience navigating the AREMA Student Program, from attending a Conference to applying for scholarships, to forming a Student Chapter, and now working in the railroad industry - they have tried it all. Their stories are a testament to making the most of your resources and taking advantage of every opportunity when starting your career in rail.

The AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo has come and gone, but not without talking to the two major players in making sure the event goes off without a hitch.  On this episode, we talk to AREMA staff, Beth Caruso, IOM, CAE, Executive Director and CEO, and Desiree Knight, CAE, CMP, DES, Senior Director, Education and Meetings to hear the ins and outs of the Annual Conference. How long does it take to plan these things? Did they love the music as much as everyone else? What was it like to be back in person? You'll learn the answer to these questions and other fun facts, including if they have a favorite Presentation of the Conference in this episode. For the record, no attendees were arrested while in Denver…we think.

The AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo is almost here! On this episode, Walt chats with two members who play key roles in the success of the event. Mike Freeman, PE (Union Pacific) is President of the AREMA Board of Governors and Joe Bamert, PE (Norfolk Southern Corporation) serves as chair of the Conference Operating Committee which provides valuable volunteers for the Conference. The trio talk about some of the exciting changes planned for the first in-person Conference in two years and dish on some of the "behind the scenes" things they've learned from their years of involvement with the event. Gain an insider's perspective on Conference before the event in Denver!

On this episode, Walt chats with Frank Miller, PE (AECOM), and Kevin Hicks, PE (TranSystems) two outgoing members of the Functional Group Board of Directors, the group that manages the technical committee operations for AREMA. Between them, they have over 60 years of experience in committee work and committee leadership. They'll discuss the ability to drive the industry through committee membership and the importance of having a voice. They'll also discuss the role of a Functional Group Vice President in AREMA, the importance of what they do, and their path to leadership. There are many opportunities within AREMA for those who are willing. They'll also answer the question “Is Committee leadership relevant?” Spoiler: the answer is yes and never underestimating the value of a good library.

It's a family affair on this episode as host Walt Bleser chats with two generations of AREMA members about the different paths they took to a career in civil engineering. William “Bill” Riehl, III, Chief Engineer Structures, Genesee & Wyoming has over 35 years of experience in the rail industry, and his son William “Will” Riehl, IV, Territory Sales Engineer, Atlantic Track Turnout is days away from completing his first year. Father and son share more than a love of model trains, they both offer a unique perspective on the industry and finding a career in rail outside of the traditional path. They'll also discuss the importance of networking in a relationship-based industry like rail and discovering how much business happens outside of work hours. And we'll answer the question, what exactly is the sound of money? It's an episode that is sure to bridge the generational gap.

Does the railroad industry have an identity issue? How do employers rebrand post “The Great Resignation”? How can railroads of all types draw the best talent when faced with fierce competition from tech and other areas of transportation? In this episode, Walt tackles these questions with Michele Malski, founder of Succession Planning for Railroads Investing in the Next Generation (SPRING LLC). As a recruiter for railroads and a second-generation railroader herself, Michele has firsthand insight into what the next generation of railroaders is looking for in an employer. One tip: they don't want your grandfather's railroad. It's important to show that you are more than just a company and look beyond traditional related degrees for the best candidates.  The rail industry has endured many recessions before and has a strong future ahead. It's an episode sure to generate some questions so it's important to stay open-minded.

Dr. William W. Hay was a railroader and educator who mentored generations of leaders in the rail industry and his influence is still felt today, over 20 years after his passing. But who was Dr. Hay? Why were those who knew him inspired to create the Dr. William W. Hay Award for Excellence in his honor? In this episode, host Walt Bleser sits down with Michael Franke, Chair of the Hay Award Selection Committee and a former student of Dr. Hay, Christopher P. Barkan, PhD a Professor at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who still uses the textbook written by Dr. Hay as part of his curriculum, and Mat Fletcher of Hanson Professional Services Inc.  In 2020, Hanson won the Hay Award for their project, “Norfolk Southern's Grand River Bridge Emergency Repairs in Brunswick, Missouri.” They discuss what made Dr. Hay so important to them, what the Selection Committee is looking for in a Hay Award-winning project, and the greater role previous winning projects have played in education. These guests all come from different backgrounds, but they do have one thing in common, the notable Dr. William. W. Hay.

It's Women's History Month and on this episode, Walt interviews Cassandra M. Gouger (Union Pacific) and Krista Keene (Amtrak) as they reflect on the different paths and opportunities that led them both to a career in rail and leadership positions within AREMA. The group will touch on the history of women in rail, and the unique challenges women in the industry have faced since the 1960s. They'll also discuss the importance of including diverse perspectives in the recruiting, hiring, and promoting processes. The industry has come a long way but there is still more work to be done and everyone can be an ally for diversity. From early education outreach to improving work/life, it's important to highlight and share the variety of career options available in the industry. Be it in the boardroom or on the track, no job in the railroad industry is off-limits.

In this episode, Walt chats with Jaclyn Whelan (Conrail) and Skylar Leach (Amtrak) two young professionals who are eager to share their unique perspectives on joining the rail industry and AREMA. Along the way, they discuss their hopes for the future and the feeling of walking into a committee meeting alone for the first time. Yes, TikTok will be mentioned but don't judge. These young professionals appreciate the railroad and are excited for what comes next. Meet the next generation of railroaders, these are two names you will surely hear in the future.

Think you need years of experience to join a committee or that you must be an engineer? Then this episode is for you. Host Walt Bleser sits down with Committee 24 Chair Ashley Pate, AVP Business Development Manager, TranSystems and Committee 15 Vice-Chair Ruth Brown, PE, Chief Engineer Bridges & Structures, Norfolk Southern Railway, two committee members and leaders, to debunk some of the myths surrounding Committee membership.  They each took a different path to AREMA and committee membership, but they have made the most of it and are happy to share their experiences. Don't dwell on your fear of the unknown. If you try only one new thing this year, make it an AREMA committee. 

This episode, host Walt Bleser, PE, talks with Brian Lindamood, PE, SE, Vice President, Chief Engineer of Alaska Railroad.  A Past AREMA President and Committee Chair, Brian offers his unique perspective on the subject of winterization and what a railroad needs to do year-round to prepare.  Who best to discuss winterization with than a resident of Alaska? Permafrost, avalanches, lasers, and fewer snowblowers than you might think, this is an episode for those who love the ins and outs of engineering.

Have you ever wondered what it takes to present your project or idea at the AREMA Annual Conference? On this episode, host Walt Bleser sits down with two experts on the topic: Program Committee Chair and AREMA Senior Vice President, Trent Hudak, Director Engineering Services, BNSF Railway, and Program Committee Staff Liaison Stacy Spaulding, CAE, Senior Director, Executive and Board Operations for AREMA. The trio discusses what the Program Committee looks for in papers such as new technologies and groundbreaking solutions to old problems. They also consider what it takes to present during the General Session and the importance of inclusivity and the diversity of ideas.  If you want to know how best to position your paper for success, you won't want to miss this episode.  The Call for Papers deadline for the AREMA 2022 Annual Conference & Expo is December 10, 2021.

The wait is over. On this episode, host Walt Bleser talks with Josh Giegel, Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder, and Sarah Quick, Director of Regulatory Affairs, both of Virgin Hyperloop, about the exciting future of hyperloop and the role AREMA could play in that future. Along the way, they'll discuss the importance of safety and safety regulations in the development of hyperloop, the importance of sharing knowledge in the rail industry, and the similarities and differences between hyperloop and the railroad. Leave your thoughts of pneumatic bank tubes behind, this is a discussion of an innovative option for a safe, sustainable future in passenger transportation.  This is the opportunity for seamless movement at super-high speeds and yes, there will be bathrooms.

This episode, Walt sits down with AREMA President Vic Babin as they talk a little about the past and a lot about the promising future of the rail industry. Along the way, they'll touch on the upcoming AREMA 2021 Virtual Conference, the silver tsunami, and Super Mario Brothers.

Join our host Walt Bleser as he sits down with Mike Weber, Signal Engineer at Modern Railway Systems, and Jerry Specht, Director of Signal Engineering at BNSF Railway.  The three discuss AREMA's newest Committee 35 – Information Technology.  They take a dive into the future of AREMA, new technology in the industry, and the goals of Committee 35.  You won't want to miss this episode.

On this episode of the podcast, Host Walt Bleser sits down with Gio DiDomenico, Track Engineer, Kiewit. They discuss Gio's path from AREMA Student Chapter member to Young Professional supporter for AREMA. Along the way they debate the benefits of Colorado living and the importance of engaging young railway professionals early in their career. It's a lively episode you won't want to miss.

On this episode, Bleser sits down with Kari Harris, Manager, Environmental Impact, CN and Leo Thorbecke, Vice President, TRC Companies, leaders of Committee 13 - Environmental. They discuss Committee 13's role at AREMA, the challenges and opportunities found in a small committee, and how they're looking to help expand the rail industry. Environmental is more than just permits. Find out why on this episode.

Steve Hill has over 50 years of experience in the rail industry in track and bridge engineering and construction. With a career that has taken him all over the globe, Steve reflects on his experiences with AREMA, the lessons he's learned, and the future of the industry.

Erika Bruhnke joined AREMA within the last five years and has quickly become a vital and engaged member. She is active on a Technical Committee and is working hard to give back to the industry. On this episode, she discusses her unique career path into the railway industry and how getting involved in AREMA helped her grow her network and continue her education.

Host Walt Bleser, PE discusses the history of AREMA with Past President Ed Sparks, PE and how the Association helps with a career in the railroad industry.Unabridged Structures, LLC. Mentorship & advisement to emerging technologies & early stage companies focused on infrastructure.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.