Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

Digging Deep ep 49: Luis & Bo at FNCA Conference

From the city of Austin, Texas, Luis and Bo are attending the Facility Notification Centers Association conference to connect with peers from across the country, exchange new ideas, and learn more about what different centers are doing to improve communication, innovation, and damage prevention.

Digging Deep ep 48: BYDA (Before You Dig Australia) - A conversation with Mell Greenall

On this episode, Bo and Luis sit down with Mell Greenall, CEO of Before You Dig Australia, to talk about their process, how their system works, and the importance of damage prevention. It’s a great conversation filled with insights, shared experiences, and a global perspective on excavation safety.

Digging Deep ep 47: Common Ground Alliance - A conversation with Sam Hall

We sat down with Sam Hall, Vice President of the Damage Prevention Institute (DPI) at the Common Ground Alliance (CGA) to talk about CGA’s mission, how DPI supports the industry, and why best practices are key to protecting people, property, and essential services.

Digging Deep ep 46: Pipeline Safety & Damage Prevention - A conversation with Nathan Manzano

In this episode, Luis talks with Nathan Manzano, Operations Team Lead at Southern Star Central Gas Pipeline, about the importance of protecting natural gas pipelines and preventing excavation damage. We also learn about Nathan’s experience in the industry, what he’s seen in the field, and the key lessons he wants crews and excavators to remember to keep everyone safe.

Want to dive deeper into safe excavation and damage prevention? Join us at the Oklahoma Excavation Safety Expo (April 1–2, 2026) — Early Bird Registration: $500 Gift Card Drawing (register by Feb. 28). Register here: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/okexcavationsafetyexpo

Digging Deep ep 45: LSBUD UK (Line Search Before You Dig) - A conversation with Laura Knight

On this episode of Digging Deep, Luis and Bo go international and visit with Laura Knight, the Head of Marketing and Business Operations at LSBUD, UK's underground utilities notification service. Check out the similarities, differences and how we all support excavation safety - all around the world!

Want to dive deeper into safe excavation and damage prevention? Join us at the Oklahoma Excavation Safety Expo (April 1–2, 2026) — Early Bird Registration: $500 Gift Card Drawing (register by Feb. 28). Register here: 2026 Oklahoma Excavation Safety Expo

Digging Deep ep 44: The Importance of Safety Protocols - A Conversation with Chanell Alaniz

In this episode, Luis and Bo sit down with Chanell Alaniz, President of OKC ASSP (American Society of Safety Professionals), to talk about why safety protocols matter—on every job, every time. Practical tips, real-world perspective, and what it takes to keep crews safe and projects moving. 

Want to learn more about the excavation industry? Don’t miss the opportunity to attend the Oklahoma Excavation Safety Expo on April 1–2, 2026—register today: https://www.eventleaf.com/e/okexcavationsafetyexpo

Digging Deep ep 43: Damage Report

Luis and Bo break down what to do when damage occurs on a jobsite—how to report it the right way, who to notify, and why honesty and responsibility matter every time. Reporting quickly helps protect crews, the public, and keeps small incidents from turning into major emergencies.

Diggin Deep ep 42: Growth, Leadership & Damage Prevention - A Conversation with Nicole Rhodes

New episode 🎙️ Digging Deep with Nicole Rhodes — CEO of Center Phase Energy, OKIE811 Board Member, and a leader with deep experience in planning, coordination, and utility construction operations. We talk about how OKIE811 has evolved over the years, what growth really looks like in damage prevention, and why strong relationships between excavators, locators, and operators matter more than ever.

Digging Deep ep 41: Excavator Training Options

In this episode, we break down the different training options available for you and your crews—so you can choose what fits your operation best. We cover: ✔️ What to expect at Expo 2026 ✔️ Safety Days 2026 and on-site learning opportunities ✔️ Online training options you can access anytime ✔️ Customized, dedicated trainings built around your team’s needs

Digging Deep ep 40: Safe Excavation During the Winter

On the latest episode of Digging Deep, Bo and Luis break down what it really takes to excavate safely during the winter ❄️🚧. They talk about extra safety measures to take in low temperatures, how frozen ground changes the game, and what crews need to watch out for to stay safe and compliant when the weather doesn’t cooperate. Cold weather or not, safety always comes first.