EC&M On Air

The Most Memorable EC&M Topics of 2025

In our final full-length episode of 2025, Ellen Parson and the rest of the EC&M editorial team are highlighting some of the most memorable and popular content of this past year. Ellen highlights topics like the top 2026 National Electrical Code changes and what AI means for the electrical industry.

Managing Editor Ellie Coggins Angus covers what's going on with The Everyday Electrician (including our first viral Instagram reel!), safety-related trends, and some of Freelancer Tom Zind's best reporting work of the year (his most popular article was about why there are so many abandoned construction projects and what that means for electrical professionals).

Editor Michael Morris shares what industry he's been observing this year when it comes to electric vehicles, top Tech Talk topics from subject matter expert Randy Barnett, covering the Everyday Electrician's top product picks from NECA, and popular, downloadable e-books from our library. 

Beyond the Core: Building Data Centers in America’s Next Frontier

This bonus episode of EC&M On Air, sponsored by Wesco, explores how the rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is reshaping the data center market and pushing development beyond traditional core locations. Host Ellen Parson is joined by Wesco subject matter expert David Speidelsbach to examine the forces driving unprecedented demand, the strain being placed on established data center hubs, and why emerging and tertiary markets are becoming the next frontier for development.

The conversation dives into the benefits and challenges of building data centers in these new regions, including cost advantages, access to land and renewable energy, tax incentives, and the realities of labor, water, and infrastructure constraints. David also shares guidance for electrical contractors navigating these complex projects, highlighting the importance of early collaboration, strong partnerships, and supply chain coordination. Throughout the discussion, listeners gain practical insight into how contractors and suppliers can successfully support large-scale, mission-critical data center builds in an evolving market.

Next-Gen Insights with Luis Llamas, Salvador Electric

We're bringing listeners another special episode of EC&M On Air for Episdoe 91. This Next-Gen Insights ep features a conversation with Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson and 2025 30 Under 30 honoree Luis Llamas, master electrician and owner of Salvador Electric in Mechanicville, Md. 

They discuss what a day in the life looks like for Luis, industry trends, and more. If you want to get to know more about Luis, read his 30 Under 30 profile. 

Why Grounding Is the Foundation for Equipment Power Quality

Philip Keebler, senior electrical engineer with PBE Engineers, joins Episode 89 of EC&M On Air to discuss power quality issues. Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson's conversation with him was so detailed that we wanted to divide into three parts. Part 1 covered safety issues related to power quality. 

In this episode, we're diving into grounding-related topics, including why grounding is fundamental when it comes to achieving/maintaining power quality in electrical systems. 

Why Faster Doesn't Equal More Efficient for Electrical Maintenance/Repairs — EC&M On Air Highlights

In Episode 90 of EC&M On Air, Ellen Parson features an ICYMI-style show. This is an audio-only version of a popular past online-only article published in August 2025 by one of our longtime experts and contributors, Mark Lamendola. It covers electrical maintenance and repair best practices and why faster does NOT always equal more efficient when it comes to these jobs. 

Listen to the article read here or check out the original article online. 

ICYMI — Why Are There So Many Abandoned Construction Projects?

In Episode 88 of EC&M On Air, we're featuring an audio-only version of a popular past article. This time, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson is highlighting an article from longtime EC&M freelancer Tom Zind on why there are so many abandoned construction projects — and the impact on electrical contractors. 

Listen to this audio-only version, or check out the original online exclusive article.

Electrical Industry Insights with EC&M 2025 Top 50 Electrical Contractor Executives

In this episode of EC&M On Air, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Parson discusses some of the most pressing topics facing the electrical industry with a couple of special guests: Jeff Thiede, president and CEO of Everus Construction Group, and Greg Padalecki, president and CEO of Alterman. They are executives from two of this year's EC&M Top 50 Electrical Contractors, recognized in our annual special report. 

Greg, Jeff, and Ellen share electrical industry insights, including how leading electrical contracting firms are navigating the current economic climate, material price increases, the skilled labor shortage, AI usage, and what to look forward to in 2026 and beyond. 

 

Tips for the Safe Installation of IT Equipment — EC&M On Air Highlights

In Episode 86, Editor-in-Chief Parson reads an audio-only version of a popular past article. This time, she is highlighting an article of safe installation of IT equipment for electrical professionals, originally an online-only article by Mark Lamendola, a subject matter expert for EC&M magazine. The original article, "Safe Installation of IT Equipment," can be found on our website. 

Next-Gen Insights with Ryan Helsdingen, Syska Hennessy Group

Episode 85 features a special interview with Ryan Helsdingen, electrical engineer, PE, LEED AP, with Syska Hennessy Group as part of EC&M On Air's Next-Gen Insights series! Ellen Parson, editor-in-chief, and Ryan discuss what it takes to grow as a leader in the electrical industry, electrical design insights, and technological trends up-and-coming electrical leaders should keep up with. 

Read Ryan's original 30 Under 30 profile to learn more about him. 

Innovations in eMobility: The Next Frontier of Construction

As the demand for electric vehicle charging stations increases, electrical contractors face mounting challenges—cable damage, site disruption, and labor shortages can slow down project timelines. This episode explores how streamlined solutions can simplify eMobility infrastructure installations, ensuring efficiency and reliability.

 

Southwire is leading the charge with innovative cables, jobsite calculators, and installation techniques designed to cut costs and accelerate project completion. Learn how electrical contractors can leverage these resources to overcome labor hurdles, enhance sustainability efforts, and confidently meet growing demand. Whether you're in the trenches installing EV chargers or managing large-scale infrastructure projects, this episode delivers actionable insights to keep you ahead of the curve.

 

Tune in to discover how smarter installations can drive success in the evolving EV landscape.