Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

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.

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 4

In this episode of Digging Deep, MG and Luis celebrate hitting episode four and reflect on Luis’ journey through his first 68 days at OKIE811. From mastering presentations in a second language to learning the nuances of excavation terminology, Luis shares how practice and mentorship have helped him grow. The duo also recaps a busy week, including MG’s appearance on the news, a successful golf tournament with industry partners, and preparations for upcoming presentations and events like the Ada Safety Day and Virtual Safety Day.

They dive into key safety topics such as private lines, update tickets, and emergency locate requests—all while keeping things fun with sports talk and some friendly Thunder banter. This episode offers a great mix of education, encouragement, and laughs as Luis continues his path toward becoming a certified 811 pro.

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 3

This week Senior Education & Outreach Liaison M.G. Govia sits down with our newest teammate, Luis Rendón, to cover: Luis’s first 75 days & his debut 811 webinar (in English and Spanish) A practical walk-through of the 5 Steps to Safe Digging Behind-the-scenes prep for upcoming Safety Days in Altus and beyond Thunder playoff buzz, OU softball magic, and why Oklahoma sports are thriving The latest “Learning with Luis” 90-day quiz challenge Whether you’re an excavator, contractor, or utility pro, you’ll leave with real-world tips to keep crews safe and projects on time.

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 2

Join host MG Govia and new bilingual co-host Luis Renon as they reflect on Luis’s first ever safety presentation, live lessons from Safety Days, what it means to present in a second language, and the importance of real-life examples in excavation safety.

They cover everything from white lining basics to trenching dangers, emergency response tips, and how even a Thunder game delay can turn into a teachable moment. Whether you’re an excavator, emergency responder, or utility pro, this episode is packed with practical takeaways—and some fun behind-the-scenes moments too.

Learning the Dirt with Luis ep 1

Digging Deep ep 32: Louis Panzer with NC811

I had a great conversation with Louis Panzer, Executive Director of North Carolina 811, on the latest episode of Digging Deep! We dove into the topic of Imposter Syndrome—how it shows up in the Damage Prevention industry and leadership roles, and why acknowledging it can make us stronger leaders and teammates. Excited to share this important and often overlooked discussion. Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts!

Safety Scoops #3: Soil Mechanics in Excavation Work

In this episode of "Safety Scoops," we explore the critical role of soil mechanics in excavation safety. We delve into the importance of understanding soil properties and classification systems, such as the Unified Soil Classification System (USCS) and the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) classification. The episode covers essential soil properties—cohesion, internal friction angle, and moisture content—and their impact on excavation stability. We discuss various soil testing methods, from visual inspections to sophisticated laboratory tests, and highlight effective soil stabilization techniques like reinforcement, compaction, and chemical stabilization. Real-world case studies emphasize the consequences of neglecting proper soil analysis and the benefits of thorough soil mechanics knowledge in preventing excavation accidents. Tune in to ensure your excavation projects are safe and successful!

Digging Deep ep 31: Kelly Cahill with CGA

Join us as M.G. and Kelly, the Communications Director for the Common Ground Alliance (CGA), delve into the world of damage prevention and safety in the excavation industry. In this episode, we explore the evolution of the 811 system, the history and growth of CGA, and the critical role of technology and data in improving excavation practices. Discover the innovative strategies CGA is employing to spread their message, the challenges faced in promoting consistent safety behaviors, and the exciting new initiatives on the horizon, including an online excavator education curriculum and a series of video interviews with industry leaders. Whether you're a seasoned professional or new to the industry, this podcast offers valuable insights into the importance of collaboration, education, and technological advancements in ensuring the safety and sustainability of our underground infrastructure.