The Geoholics

We were honored to have a true American hero join us for this month's Geoholics Anonymous. Mr. Patrick McDonald is an Army Veteran...in 1991 he was injured while traveling in an armored personnel carrier that rolled over resulting in severe injuries to his mid chest and lower back. During this time, he flatlined for nearly 5 minutes. Patrick is a Paralympian representing Team USA in the sport of curling. Patrick is also a competitive golfer holding the World Record for the longest drive in a wheelchair...358 yards. Patrick is also a cancer survivor. Most importantly for Patrick and what he is most proud of is being a husband to an amazing wife and a father to two amazing children. To say he is the epitome of persistence and resilience is an understatement. Neighbor Billy joined the boys for this one and did not disappoint. Music for this episode by The Mamas & The Papas!

Color us intrigued! After a well-deserved week off, we were joined this week my Mr. Rex Parry. Rex is a licensed title officer, general contractor, mortgage banker, host of the Business-to-Business radio show and passionate entrepreneur! His focus outside of his daily responsibilities is helping developing countries fight corruption and create collateral through cadastres and digital land survey records. It’s no secret that well-defined land rights are considered fundamental to growth for many reasons. Land, because of its fixed and immobile nature and the ease at which it can be transferred, is considered ideal collateral. In theory, better land rights and improved land titling should catalyze greater economic growth & stability. Most importantly, land surveyors are and have been an integral part of making this happen. BS & DD sing a duet, DD is tanner (maybe more tan?) than PJ and George Washington is quoted! Music for this episode by Chicago!!

The boys were joined this week by the one and only Swedish Dirt Guy...Dr. Martin Persson. Martin hails from Sweden where he attended the University of Gothenburg and earned an undergrad degree and PhD in Environmental Geology specializing in quick clays, GIS and landslides. He also has a hobby farm where he grows tilapia, veggies, and chickens. We learned that geophysics + hydrogeology + geology = geotechnical engineering and there are a ton of exciting opportunities for folks working in these disciplines. In fact, Martin talked about a career defining project that he is currently involved with that includes building a peninsula in a river in urban Gothenburg and construction of 100m tall buildings on 120 meters of soft clay. Beer is the unanimous drink of choice. PJ made it back (thank goodness) from his trip of a lifetime....BS forgot the coffee....DD wants a Tesla Bot and a Tesla so he'll never have to leave the house again...and the 5 dysfunctions of a team were mentioned. Music for this episode by Social Distortion!!!

Stop the presses! Anna Rios & Lauren Holland joined the boys this week to talk about the outcome of their individual surveys intended to shine a light on sexism and harassment specifically in the STEM careers. Before you say, "here we go again", be clear that this is NOT just a men vs women issue. The data was collected over the course of the last 8 months and the results that they shared are, to say the least, disturbing. We are certain that you will agree. If you're reading this, then you should listen because it means that you're curious if nothing else. It's no doubt that men and women are different and experience things differently. All people are different, communication and actions impact people in different ways. Ultimately this conversation was about "intention vs impact" and surveyors supporting surveyors creating an environment that welcomes and nurtures new workforce regardless of gender, race, background, etc. PJ is headed to Gilligan's Island. BS is back and better than ever. DD says, "get your asses in shape" and Dolly Parton is quoted. Music for this episode by Creedence Clearwater Revival!

Strap in folks! We were joined on this Geoholics Anonymous episode by Aaron Machado. Aaron is an American patriot having served the country as a US Marine, an aspiring author, a husband, father, and host of the Wetdown Podcast. Needless to say, he's got an amazing perspective on current events and life in general. Some topics discussed included Afghanistan and what it's like to be under the control of the Taliban, the ripple effects the pandemic is having on society, homelessness and a common thread, how wokeness is backfiring, effective leadership, importance of lifelong mentoring, challenges of being an entrepreneur and so much more. PJ is sailing off to make lifelong memories. Neighbor Billy co-hosted his sophomore show and did not disappoint. DD drank spotted cow. Music for this episode by Collective Soul!

“Americans never quit.” – General Douglas MacArthur. We were joined this week by two survey warriors. Tyler LaPointe (ARNG Technical Engineer NCO/HQ Squad Leader) & Keegan Lumley (USAF Engineering Journeyman), both military and civilian surveyors, took time out of their busy schedules to share their unique career paths and experiences. Topics of discussion included...economic status is a mindset, 12Tango, Captain Cain, historical roles of military surveyors, military vs civilian survey training and challenges, benefits of serving your country, specialized training received, influential mentors, deployment stories, path to licensure, and life/work balance. BS was out this week adulting. In his stead, Instagram "influencer" and subject of the recently published xyHt article titled "Generation S(urveyor)", Mr. Will Wing, LS was in the hot seat this week. Music for this episode by Red Hot Chili Peppers!