Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

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.

Digging Deep ep 39: Meet BO

In our latest podcast episode, we welcome William Bohannon to the OKIE811 team! He joins the Education and Outreach Department as a new Liaison, teaming up with Luis Rendón to strengthen our community education efforts in safe excavation and damage prevention.

Digging Deep ep 38: The Red River Connection - Talking Damage Prevention with Texas811

In this episode, Luis Rendón from OKIE811 and Ruben Mendez from Texas811 discuss damage prevention, safe digging, and public education. They share insights from their work in different states, highlighting common challenges, outreach strategies, and the shared mission of keeping people and underground facilities safe.

Digging Deep ep 37: Connecting Above and Below - How Communication Keeps Excavation Safe

In this week’s episode of Digging Deep, we talk with Noel Rojas from Gridhawk, who shares his experience in the field of locating underground lines — and how clear communication with excavators helps prevent costly mistakes and keeps crews safe.

 

Noel’s story reminds us that when everyone’s on the same page, the job gets done right — and safely.

Digging Deep ep 36: Learning How Operations Work at OKIE811

In this episode, Luis talks with Jerrell Welch, Director of Operations at OKIE811, about what happens behind the scenes at the center. They dive into daily operations, teamwork, and leadership — and how it all comes together to keep things running smoothly.

 

It’s a great conversation that offers an inside look at the people making safe digging possible across Oklahoma.

Digging Deep ep 35: AI Tools

In this episode of the OKIE811 Podcast, Luis sits down with Megan Jester, QA and AI Support Supervisor at OKIE811, to explore how AI is transforming the way we work — not by replacing people, but by empowering them. From real-time call support and chatbots to quality assurance, discover how OKIE811 uses AI to help humans help people.

Digging Deep ep 34: Special Episode in Spanish

As Hispanic Heritage Month wraps up, we’re proud to highlight the impact of the Hispanic community and our ongoing efforts to promote safe digging. Listen to our latest Digging Deep episode — presented entirely in Spanish with our friends from NM811! 

 

Ya cerca de concluir el Mes de la Herencia Hispana, nos enorgullece destacar el impacto de la comunidad hispana y nuestros esfuerzos continuos por promover la excavación segura. Escucha nuestro nuevo episodio de Digging Deep — ¡presentado completamente en español junto a nuestros amigos de NM811!

Digging Deep ep 33: Through the Eyes of an Agent with Lisa Parenica

Ever wondered what it’s really like behind the scenes at OKIE811? In this episode of Digging Deep, host Luis Rendon sits down with Lisa Parenica, one of our experienced contact center agents, to uncover what it takes to keep Oklahoma digging safely. Lisa shares what a day in the life of an OKIE811 agent looks like — from managing locate requests to navigating tricky maps, ensuring accurate ticket details, and handling unexpected safety concerns. Whether you’re an excavator, contractor, utility pro, or just curious about what happens after you call 811, this episode is packed with tips, insights, and “knowledge nuggets” you won’t want to miss!

 

🔹 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

- How OKIE811 agents manage locate requests and ensure accuracy

- Why providing complete and correct ticket information matters

- How agents handle safety concerns and tricky access issues

- Tips for smooth communication between excavators, locators, and OKIE811

 

📌 Resources Mentioned:

✔ Learn more about safe digging and OKIE811 training: https://www.okie811.org/training