Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

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

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 7

In this episode of Digging Deep by OKIE811, hosts M.G. Govia and Luis Rendon catch up on the last 90 days, big outreach wins, and what’s ahead for the rest of the year. From the success of July’s Hispanic Chamber job fair to building momentum for the upcoming Spanish Safety Day in October, they share how OKIE811 is connecting with communities across Oklahoma—both in English and Spanish.

 

Luis talks about his ride-along with USIC, giving listeners a behind-the-scenes look at the locator’s role, challenges in the field, and the importance of clear communication between contractors and locators. M.G. and Luis also discuss the ongoing development of OKIE811’s new Learning Management System, training opportunities, and recent event highlights, including Virtual Safety Day and the ORWA Expo.

 

Whether you’re an excavator, contractor, or safety professional, this episode is packed with updates, event announcements, and insight into how OKIE811 works to keep Oklahoma safe.

 

📅 Highlights include:

Recap of recent community outreach events

Upcoming Spanish Safety Day details

Locator ride-along insights

Virtual Safety Day results

LMS updates and training opportunities

🔗 Resources & Links:

Training & Certification: https://okie811.org/training

Safety Day Info: https://okexcavationsafety.com

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 6

In this episode of Digging Deep, MG and Luis welcome Haley Manning—OKIE811’s Education Outreach Manager. With over 20 years at OKIE811, Haley brings valuable insight into the organization’s mission and the impact of educational outreach. Together, they reflect on a recent milestone Spanish-language training event that brought in over 300 attendees, showcasing the growing need and enthusiasm for bilingual safety education. The conversation also highlights preparations for major upcoming events like Virtual Safety Day and the Tulsa Safety Day, both key moments in the organization’s yearly calendar. On top of that, they explore new efforts in community engagement through job fairs, partnerships with Hispanic media, and grassroots outreach. Along the way, you’ll hear fun personal stories—like MG’s first movie memory and the promise of OU football games—as the hosts share their passion for connecting safety with real people and communities.

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 5

Luis hits his 90-day milestone, and in this episode of Learning the Dirt with Luis, he and MG reflect on how far he’s come—from learning the ropes to becoming a confident ambassador for safe digging. They recap their visit to the Oklahoma Rural Water Association Expo, talk about the Thunder’s championship parade, and even share a story about a possible appearance in an ESPN documentary. Plus, MG walks Luis through how to properly submit a locate request (even for something as simple as planting a tree), and they look ahead to Virtual Safety Day on July 16. It’s a fun, informative episode full of laughs, learning, and some big things to come.