393. Speed Does Not Equal Skill w/ Alex McNamara

In this weeks episode, I sit down with Alex McNamara , a trades advocate, welder, rigger, and content creator who has become one of the loudest voices pushing for skilled trades education and tool literacy. Alex shares her unconventional path—from theater and set building to welding, rigging, and managing massive international live events, including work in Saudi Arabia. The conversation digs into why shop class disappeared, how that decision created today's skilled-labor shortage, and what individuals can do locally to help rebuild trades education. We also discuss women in the trades, workplace culture, confidence on the jobsite, the realities of PPE and workwear design, and why being yourself actually makes you better at your craft. This is an honest, funny, and deeply important conversation about identity, work ethic, and the future of skilled labor. 🔥 Support the Arc Junkies Podcast Sponsors The Arc Junkies Podcast is made possible by the companies below. If you enjoy the show, please support the brands that support the welding community. Supporting these sponsors helps keep the Arc Junkies Podcast free and independent. 🎙️ Arc Junkies Podcast Website: Instagram: @ArcJunkiesPodcast YouTube: Email: show@arcjunkies.com LinkedIn (Jason Becker): 🧢 Arc Junkies Merch: 🏭 Underground Metal Works Hands-on welding education for hobbyists, makers, and professionals Website: 🤝 Friends of the Show & Sponsors 🧰 BattlBox Premium outdoor, EDC, and survival gear delivered monthly Website: Instagram: @BattlBox Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Save up to 30% off your first BattlBox 🏛️ American Welding Society — Conferences Stay current on inspection, code updates, and industry leadership AWS Inspection Expo & Conference Event Info: Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Free gift at the event 🧤 Outlaw Leather LLC Handcrafted welding hoods and leather PPE built to last Website: Instagram: @outlawleatherusa Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: 15% off all in-stock leather goods ⚡ Everlast Welders High-performance welding machines without the high price tag Website: Instagram: @everlastwelders YouTube: Everlast Welders Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES Offer: Free Nova Foot Pedal + TIG Torch with qualifying machine purchases 🎧 ISOtunes Certified hearing protection designed for jobsite communication Website: Instagram: @isotunesaudio Promo Code: ARCJUNKIES10 Offer: Save $10 on your purchase

You can listen to 393. Speed Does Not Equal Skill w/ Alex McNamara online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

393. Speed Does Not Equal Skill w/ Alex McNamara is an episode from Arc Junkies by Jason Becker.

This episode is 01:59:56 long.

This episode was published on Jan 27, 2026.

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