Digging Deep: An OKIE811 Podcast

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.