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'The Blast Report' - the podcast that's blowing up the blasting, mining, and civil explosives industries! Each episode is packed with topics, from the latest and greatest blasting techniques to in-depth discussions on safety and regulations, to real-life "Fire in the Hole" stories in the field and from the past. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the industry, this podcast provides a community with valuable insights and information. So tune in while you're on the way to the job site or waiting on the all clear!
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In this episode of 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗕𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁, Tom Thurman comes on the show with our host Evan Thibaud and shares a different entrance into the explosives industry. While most of our guests come from the rock fragmentation or powder supplier business, Tom shares his beginning from the military and how he changed his plans to EOD and how it landed him in the USA Capitol.‼️ Special thanks to our #sponsor @ISEE. For over 50 years, ISEE has been dedicated to enhancing the safety, science, skill, and benefits of explosives engineering worldwide. From training and certifications to world-class networking, they continue shaping the future of our industry.📅 Don’t miss ISEE’s 52nd Annual Conference on Explosives and Blasting Technique in Reno, Nevada, January 20–25, 2026. Learn more at isee.org. 🎧 Tune in and discover how one man’s path from EOD to the Capitol tells a story of service, change, and the power of explosives expertise.
In this new episode of The Blast Report, we dive into the world of beaver dams, draglines, demolition, and an era of change with the industry veteran, Joe Strobbe.For part two of our interview with Joe Strobbe, Evan Thibaud asked him about some of his past projects. Joe shares his feelings and experience on dropping dragline booms and how his career in blasting has been an enjoyable experience full of challenges and learning.
⚠️ Today's episode is sponsored by Stemlock. Are you looking to improve your blasting? Whether you're trying to reduce your blasting costs, or you're experiencing challenging geology, Stemlock has an array of blaster-friendly products with solutions you're looking for. Whether you're trying to seal voids, air-deck blasting, prevent stemming dilution, or block groundwater intrusion, these are just a few of the solutions they can provide.Go to stemlock.com and start a trial today!
In this episode, we gave Joe Stobbe a call. Joe shares with Evan Thibaud his unique entrance into the explosives industry and shares the history behind water-resistant ANFO and cast blasting in the basin.
This episode is brought to you by Pneu Wave Consulting, where they bring innovation to the industry.
Their goal is bridging the gap between those who create technology and those who are in the field every day, looking for improvements in safety, productivity, and reduced environmental impacts. Their model is to help customers with training, audits, and blast design to get the job done right. They do this by joining your team, to achieve your goals. Contact them today at https://pneuwave.com/.
Mike Ballance tells us one last story. It's one of those blasts that we all hope never happens, but it's those bad blasts that tend to make a good story...
In this short episode, Mick Fritz and Mike Ballance talk about lugging a 35mm camera to the bench and how our ability to analyze blasts today has improved with new technologies.
Mike and Mick talk about the impact Electronic detonators had on the industry.
Mike Ballance shares one of his biggest challenges in his career and where he's at now.
Mike and Mick reminisce over the good old days and the rise of independent distributors. The days of small businesses and the differences in today's industry.
Mike Ballance shares stories with Mick Fritz and Evan Thibaud about his origins in the industry and how the booster business got primed!
You may be the best blaster on-site or know your rock more than anyone else, but taking a trip down the road to see how other blasters apply their knowledge to different rocks can be a humbling trip. In this episode, Evan Thibaud and Paul Sterk discuss different blasting practices they've seen and how variables such as stemming and sub-drilling can vary greatly depending on the rock.
Paul Sterk and Evan Thibaud talk about odd times when abandoned explosives have been found in the communities around blasting operations. They dive into some stories which could’ve ended terribly and how communication with local fire departments and training is needed.
Long-time manager of Wampum Hardware Company, Jay Elkin shares his story and the story of a hardware company that is in a leading position in their area of explosives by staying true and providing quality services over the years.
Derek Bowen shares his origin story with Evan Thibaud and opens up about some odd encounters with homeowners. For every bad story, there are handfuls of heartwarming examples of stewardship for neighbors.
Past president of SAMSSA and Chairman of NORCAT, Tom Palangio, has held countless positions of influence in his local mining community. Evan Thibaud asks Tom how his early roles morphed as he adapted into the career he has today and the development of fragmentation analysis.
"Challange them on how we can make that work" Paul Sterk and Evan Thibaud discuss the importance of training and the methods different companies use over the years.
Consultant and business owner, Mike Koehler shares how getting your hands dirty is valued in the explosives industry and its addition to creating the joy behind pressing the button.
Mike Koehler discusses with Evan Thibaud on how to navigate the ISEE as a new member or small business. Mike shares his origin story and how he’s met unique characters and managed some challenging situations of the years.
Evan Thibaud’s first career job underground was salt mining in Louisiana. Paul and Evan chat about salt mining and discuss his first encounter with MSHA and how the attitude towards inspectors can be perceived but how their presence is necessary.
Part two of the Sage of Gillian and Paul Worsey. As they foster the industry with their Undergraduate and Master’s programs at Missouri Science and Technology, they also were raising their own kids.
In this episode, Evan talks with Paul and Gil about this experience and continues their conversation on the geological factors of blasting.
Evan Thibaud asked his former professors and mentors; Paul and Gillian Worsey how they met and how these two have created a unique partnership in work and love to create a legacy of learning.
Working together, they talk about their start and how they built a community of explosives engineers in such a way it has been recognized on the Cover of Popular Science Magazine, The Discovery Channel, and The New York Times!
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