In this Suicide Awareness Month episode, Fitter Talk host Curtis Ohlde is joined by Joe Hawk (UA Local 100, Dallas) and Omar Galindo (UA Local 78, Los Angeles) for a powerful conversation about mental health, peer support, and suicide prevention in the trades.

The group reflects on their teaching experiences at ITP, noting how the new classroom facilities and auditorium provided a much better learning environment. They also highlight the importance of tailoring mental health toolbox talks to the realities of the trade, ensuring that messages are relatable and impactful.

Both Joe and Omar share deeply personal stories—Joe about his struggles with substance abuse, and Omar about living with PTSD and overcoming suicide attempts. Their openness underscores the importance of breaking stigma and creating safe spaces for conversation.

The discussion dives into Pipe Pals, a peer-led suicide prevention network, and the UA’s mental health training programs (2171 & 2172), which equip members with practical peer support skills. They also discuss strategies for expanding Vital Cog training, integrating it into OSHA classes, and reaching apprentices, journeymen, and foremen across the country.

Throughout the conversation, Curtis, Joe, and Omar emphasize the power of peer support, self-care, and asking for help—reminding listeners that seeking support is a sign of strength. They also touch on new benefit programs and upcoming training sessions aimed at supporting members’ overall well-being.

Resources

• 988 - 988lifeline.org
• UA Pipe Pals - ua.org/pipe-pals
• UA Local 533 - www.local533.com/?zone=/unionactive/view_page.cfm&page=53320Peer20Support

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions L.L.C., and may be reached at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com.

In this week’s episode of Fitter Talk, host Curtis Ohlde sits down with Pete and Craig to share exciting updates from the Training Center—including the launch of new classes and the addition of the South Block rental building to support the growth of apprenticeship programs. They also wrap up a busy week in Ann Arbor at the UA Instructor Training Program.

The conversation then shifts to recent travels: Craig’s trip to Germany, Pete’s getaway to Aruba, and Curtis’s journey to Alaska, where he connected with UA Local members in Anchorage, explored Denali, and experienced an Alaskan cruise. These opportunities highlight the value and reach of organized labor, especially as we head into Labor Day weekend—a reminder of the hard-fought gains from the 8-hour workday to the benefits unions provide today.

Looking ahead to September, the group discusses the importance of suicide prevention and mental health awareness—not just this month, but every day. Craig emphasizes the power of checking in on one another, while Curtis challenges listeners to include suicide prevention messages in upcoming toolbox talks. Remember: resources are available, and dialing 988 can connect you with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Fitter Talk is a production of Cowtown Productions L.L.C. and may be reached via email CowTownProductionsKC@gmail.com

Episode 25 – Summer Updates, Instructor Training Prep, and Orbital Welding with Jacob Morgan

In this milestone 25th episode of Fitter Talk, host Curtis Ohlde is joined by Pete for a mid-summer check-in. With Summer Break already more than halfway through, the two dive into current events and preparations underway at the training center as they gear up for the United Association's Instructor Training Program (ITP) and the return of classes.

The conversation then shifts to Pete’s first experience with Morgan Industrial Technology (MIT), setting the stage for this episode’s guest: Jacob Morgan. Jacob shares the origins of MIT, its relationship with Arc Machines Inc. (AMI), and their cutting-edge equipment line.

The discussion takes a deeper dive into the world of Orbital Welding—Jacob breaks down the process, technology, and the growing demand across the industry.

If you’re into welding tech, training insights, and where the industry is headed, you won’t want to miss this one. Enjoy Episode 25 of Fitter Talk!

Morgan Industrial Technology-www.morganitech.com

Fitter Talk is a production of Cow Town Productions L.L.C. and may be reached at CowTownProductionsKC@outlook.com.