Episodes

  • Walking the Iron with John Steinmetz

    Walking the Iron with John Steinmetz
    Jan 25 2024
    “Coffee time” is over, so you polish off the rest of your beer, grab your bags of bolts, begin your climb up the column and step out to “walk the iron” 20 stories above the ground - all without a hard hat, a harness, or any means of being “tied off”. The world of high-rise ironwork has evolved considerably over the years, and today’s guest is here to provide his eyewitness account of it all. In today’s exhilarating episode of The Adrenaline Zone, listeners are immersed in the captivating world of high-rise ironwork through the eyes of seasoned veteran, John Steinmetz. Boasting an impressive 40-year career in this daring profession, John shares details of his journey into ironworking, which is rooted in a strong family connection, and which unfolds as a thrilling tale of courage and resilience. The episode delves into a number of fascinating themes, from the challenges and risks of working at dizzying heights to the evolution of safety measures and training, the intricacies of assembling skyscrapers, and the camaraderie shared among ironworkers that resembles a second family. He also shares humorous anecdotes from his long and storied career, highlighting the importance of adaptability and problem-solving in this physically demanding field. As Season 5 of The Adrenaline Zone draws to a close here today, join Sandy, Sandra, and John to discover the awe-inspiring world of ironworking and the relentless dedication it entails. Don't miss this heart-pounding discussion that will definitely take you to new heights! Episode Highlights: John’s road to the construction industry How tall structures are built Getting used to working high up The risks involved and how they are mitigated The training involved Some of John’s close calls over the years Working in a confined space The metal that John has in him Dealing with a variety of weather conditions The family-like nature of working with others in construction The evolution of safety procedures over the years Ensuring quality and timely work Dealing with designers and engineers Some of John’s funnier stories from his career The impact of technology on his work John’s advice for those considering a career like his The highest John has ever walked on a beam His favorite building that he worked on Quotes: "In our business, gravity is your worst enemy." "I'll probably remember my first and my last." "You have to be geared for it. It's not a lazy man's job." "When it looks good on paper, it doesn't always work in real life." "People say that artificial intelligence is going to take away a lot of jobs, but they're white-collar jobs, not your job." "Just close your eyes and wait till the ride stops." "Each general contractor has an outside inspection agency, a third party who comes in behind us and checks to make sure…everything is done in accordance to the specs." "You never want the crane to stop." “I would still do it all over again if I was given the opportunity. I made a good living at it, I've always stayed busy, and the union treated me very well.” Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone
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    35 mins
  • Defection Perfection with Olga Sheymov

    Defection Perfection with Olga Sheymov
    Jan 18 2024
    Your car comes to a halt at a border checkpoint, guard dogs barking, the guards themselves talking over each other, and now one of them is about to open the car’s trunk, searching for stowaways or anything even remotely suspicious. Will he discover your husband and sleeping daughter carefully hidden behind the seats? Will your painstaking plan to defect from Cold War-era Soviet Union end in unspeakable disaster? Olga Sheymov hails from St. Petersburg, Russia, where, after pursuing an engineering degree, she joined the Central Institute for Information. Post-graduation, she found herself amidst a tense KGB situation during her involvement with a Canadian delegation at the Student Olympic Games in Russia. However, fate intervened as she crossed paths with her future husband, Victor Sheymov, a charismatic young man who played a pivotal role in their eventual escape from the Soviet Union. Since settling in the US, Olga has graduated from the Georgia Institute of Technology-College of Architecture with a Bachelor of Science, Industrial and Product Design, and is currently a versatile artist, engineer, and television producer. Today, she joins Sandy and Sandra to recount the thrilling Cold War saga of her daring escape from the Soviet Union with her husband and daughter. She delves into life behind the Iron Curtain, the relentless pursuit of the KGB, and the meticulously planned escape involving the CIA. From Olga's childhood memories in the Soviet Union to their heart-pounding escape and the challenges of adapting to American life, this story of courage and audacity provides a shining example of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Episode Highlights: Growing up in the Soviet Union under the communist regime The KGB’s interest in Olga working with them Olga’s husband Victor What prompted them to leave the Soviet Union The challenge in contacting American officials Keeping their desire to defect secret Creating their escape plan and ensuring its confidentiality The CIA’s involvement in their plan The level of stress involved in planning and executing the plan Olga’s retelling of the actual escape Getting to the United States Victor’s trip to China Going into hiding in the US Olga’s biggest surprise about life in the US How she ended up at Georgia Tech Quotes: "The fact that we were able to get through was a miracle." "We had to look at everything with the mindset of an investigator, and that's what he did." "We rarely make mistakes in analysis. We usually make them in assumptions.” "If you start allowing yourself doubts, you cannot succeed." "We were in a crazy place because we didn't know if someone was watching us. We were constantly trying to see if...maybe this was all a set-up." "It felt surreal after 18 hours of nonstop adrenaline. I was still in a special mode and couldn't fully process what had happened." "Victor did an amazing job navigating us through all the obstacles in Russia. But I also believe it was help from above." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Olga’s LinkedIn Page:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/olga-sheymov-5407203/
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    46 mins
  • Saving Lifetimes with Dr. Mary Brandt

    Saving Lifetimes with Dr. Mary Brandt
    Jan 11 2024
    As the inevitable adrenaline begins to course through your body, you draw upon all your training and skill to channel it, allowing you to steady your hands and make split-second decisions. Throughout it all, you remain acutely aware that distraught parents have placed all of their hope and faith in you and your team to save the life of their precious child who lays on the operating table before you. Welcome to the rollercoaster world of heart-pounding risks and heartwarming victories that define the life of a pediatric surgeon. Dr. Mary Brandt is not only a renowned pediatric surgeon but also a dedicated educator and recipient of numerous awards and honors for service, education, and humanism in medicine. She completed medical school and general surgery residency at Baylor, followed by a fellowship in pediatric surgery at the University of Montreal Sainte-Justine Hospital. Dr. Brandt returned to join the faculty at Baylor College of Medicine where she has a distinguished record of accomplishment, including service as Senior Associate Dean of Student Affairs, Senior Associate Dean of Medical Education, and Program Director for General Surgery. Dr. Brandt has also served as Professor of Surgery with Tulane University School of Medicine, and has an outstanding record of service to the American Academy of Pediatrics, American College of Surgeons, American Board of Surgery, American Pediatric Surgery Association, and the American Association of Medical Colleges. Today, Dr. Brandt discusses pediatric surgery, risk management, and medical training with Sandra and Sandy. Together, they explore emotional involvement in patient care, surgical preparation, and adrenaline challenges, and go on to draw parallels between astronauts and fighter pilots that reveal insights into adrenaline management and competency-driven training. Healthcare shifts, women in surgery, and Dr. Brandt's advice for aspiring medical professionals are included as well in today’s thought provoking and thoroughly entertaining conversation. Episode Highlights: Dr. Brandt’s decision to specialize in pediatrics Pediatric surgery training over the years Managing pediatric surgical risks in real-time Balancing objectivity and emotional involvement with patients Preparing for unfamiliar surgeries The hardest part of performing surgery Explaining the surgical risks to the child’s parents Comparing risk management as a surgeon vs. an astronaut Managing adrenaline in the operating room Technology’s impact on operating room risk management The risks created through traditional surgical training Alternative training approaches The evolution of women’s involvement in surgery over the course of Mary’s career Her advice for those thinking of going into medicine Quotes: "When you're learning how to make a skin incision, that adrenaline is there." "We're kind of the last general surgeons." "You have to lower your shoulders and take three deep breaths and watch what happens." "It's still an incredible profession." "There is not another human being or any policy that can take away my ability to sit in a room with another human being and talk about what I need to do to help heal them." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone
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    37 mins
  • Aviation Thrills, Chills, and Skills with Vicky Benzing

    Aviation Thrills, Chills, and Skills with Vicky Benzing
    Jan 4 2024
    Imagine yourself soaring through the air - sometimes just a couple hundred feet above the ground - at hundreds of miles an hour, performing such maneuvers as spins, loops, rolls, as well as the somewhat ominously titled ‘Hammerhead’, all while being subjected to up to 10 g’s of force and knowing full well that one misstep could very possibly lead to hitting the ground! Welcome to just another day at the office for today’s exceptional guest. Born and raised in California, Vicky Benzing is an accomplished pilot, skydiver, aerobatic performer and air racer. With over 9500 hours of flight time and over 1300 parachute jumps, Vicky’s flying career has spanned nearly 40 years, and she currently holds an airline transport rating as well as a commercial rating in helicopters, seaplanes, and gliders. Fascinated by flight since childhood, Vicky was eventually fortunate enough to receive training from the legendary pilot, Amelia Reid. After earning her PhD. in Chemistry from UC Berkeley, and working in the Silicon Valley high tech industry, Vicky returned to her lifelong passion full time where she now holds a surface level aerobatic waiver, and has flown in hundreds of air shows across the country. She was voted “Rookie of the Year” in her first year of air racing, and currently holds the crown of the “Fastest Woman Ever” in the history of the Reno Air Races. In addition to all of these spectacular achievements, Vicky has also worked on a number of film, television, and media projects. Today, Sandy and Sandra sit down with Vicky to explore her inspiring journey from her early fascination with aviation to her remarkable career including her many, many achievements along the way as well as her unique perspective as a truly extraordinary woman in aviation. Episode Highlights: What sparked Vicky’s passion for aviation and aerobatics Her aerobatics training Amelia Reid’s impact upon Vicky and her career Her flight from New Jersey to California in her own plane The California Aeronautical University Vicky’s PhD in Chemistry and work in the tech industry What kept Vicky from becoming an astronaut Vicky’s Extra 300 planes Surface level aerobatic waivers Her favorite and most difficult maneuvers Air racing Vicky’s P-51 Mustang Becoming a movie and TV star with her planes Vicky’s interest in parachute jumping Her experience over the years as a woman pilot Vicky’s advice for young girls who want to follow in her footsteps Her thoughts on the future of aerobatic flight Quotes: "You can have it all. Absolutely. You don't have to make those choices… you can have it all." "My uncle took me flying when I was a little kid, and I remember it distinctly." "The moment I stepped into the airplane and took the controls, I knew that was something I would do for the rest of my life." "But at an air show, they pay you to come, they pay for your hotel and car. The crowd tells you how much they love you." "You need a lot of g-forces to make the maneuvers look crisp." "It's an amazing time to be a pilot, especially for young people entering the industry." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Vicky’s Homepage: https://www.vickybenzing.com/
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    36 mins
  • Behind the Scenes with Santa

    Behind the Scenes with Santa
    Dec 21 2023
    In today’s very special rereleased episode, Sandy and Sandra are joined by the one and only Santa Claus to discuss his annual toy delivery and the risks associated with it. Santa explains the logistics of North Pole operations and the challenges they have faced due to labor shortages and supply chain issues. While so many details of Santa’s operation are understandably considered classified, he is able to shed some light on the incredible work he, Mrs.Claus, and the elves perform each year, while also stressing the importance of maintaining PPI to protect children’s personal data. The Finer Details of this Episode: The scale of North Pole operations Challenges that Santa faces in his work The importance of maintaining personal professional privacy information How he ensures that toys are delivered on time The different risks associated with flying a sleigh around the world Some of the exciting experiences Santa has had while delivering toys The classified nature of much of Santa’s operation Quotes: "We have to come up with about 2 billion toys a year, maybe a little bit fewer because of the little naughty ones, but that's not such a big number." "I mean, ever since the ‘great elf resignation’, it's been tougher than blazes to get elves."  "If we were down there, we'd be up to our butts in elves, but we can't do that because the FAA won't let us fly over the 48 states. You know, they won't give us the permission. And then there's the whole labor thing.” “We are a risk manager's nightmare here. I'll tell you; we have a risk oversight committee, and we've got representatives from all the various health departments, and, you know, we’ve got air traffic control risks, we have risks of all those little reindeer hooves damaging roof tiles-- oh, the insurance company is all over us for that - we're working through that. We've got technology risks, you know, the sleigh is a very sophisticated piece of equipment.” Links: The Adrenaline Zone Homepage The Adrenaline Zone on Instagram The Adrenaline Zone on Twitter The Adrenaline Zone on TikTok
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    24 mins
  • Digging Deep with Major Miner Vicky Peacey

    Digging Deep with Major Miner Vicky Peacey
    Dec 14 2023
    For anyone who would love to work not only with 165 degree material, but explosives as well, in a mini-city located some 7000 ft below the surface of the Earth, Sandy and Sandra have unearthed the perfect job for you! As President and General Manager of Resolution Copper for Rio Tinto, Vicky Peacey is responsible for all aspects of planning, development, and operations related to the Arizona-based project. She has deep ties to the mining industry, coming from a multi-generational mining family, and has more than 20 years of industry experience working across various leadership roles at reclamation sites, operations and projects in the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Applied Geoscience and a Master of Science (MSc) in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Western Ontario, and has also attended the London School of Business and Finance’s (LSBF) Emerging Leaders Program. In 2019, Vicky was inducted into the American Mining Hall of Fame and currently sits on the American Exploration & Mining Association Board. Prior to her present role, Vicky has held a number of leadership roles at Resolution Copper and Rio Tinto, which she joined in 2002. they explore the fascinating world of underground mining.  Join our hosts today to learn about Vicky's journey into the mining industry, the valuable lessons she's acquired, and gain insights into the technology, processes, and human factors that make mining possible at depths thousands of feet below the Earth’s surface. 0:00 Start 0:25 Introduction 1:24 How Vicky got involved in the mining industry 2:42 Lessons she has learned over her career 3:48 Vicky’s  overview of the mining industry 5:26 Minerals that are and aren’t mined in the USA 6:49 The long process involved in preparing to mine an area 9:34 The construction phase of mining 10:54 The process and technology involved in mining the ore and getting it to the surface 12:59 The role of the human being in the process 15:33 Keeping track of people and equipment  16:21 The psychological aspects of working that deep underground 18:25 Responding to emergencies underground 19:38 The deepest mines in the world 20:29 “Centers of Excellence” 21:16 Explosives use in mining 22:29 Following laws in different countries 24:46 Processing the ore once it’s reached the surface 27:31 Dealing with leftover material after the processing 28:39 The amount of time involved in the entire mining process 29:25 The parallels between working in mines and working in space 30:20 Managing criticism about mining 32:50 Locating minerals to be mined Quotes: "There's just such a diversity of interesting issues and things to tackle inside of a mine." "You have to follow the law in the jurisdiction that you're operating in. That is, when it's there." "The deposit is where it is, right? So nature puts it where it is." "We really need to invest again back into K through 12 education, partnering with universities, and really putting ourselves out there to communicate really about what the industry is or isn't." "We need to make sure that we are listening to communities, that they're helping shape the project.”” Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter:  https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Resolution Copper: https://resolutioncopper.com/ Vicky’s LinkedIn Page: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vicky-peacey
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    34 mins
  • Tour de France Femmes with Marianne Martin

    Tour de France Femmes with Marianne Martin
    Dec 7 2023
    How does a farm girl from Fenton, Michigan, go from being an injured runner in college suffering from anemia and a lack of formal cycling coaching, to becoming the first American winner of the Tour de France? Learn all about it by joining Sandy and Sandra as they embark on a thrilling journey into the world of competitive cycling alongside Marianne Martin, a true pioneer who made history as the first American to don the prestigious yellow jersey in the Tour de France back in 1984. In honor of this trailblazing achievement, Marianne was inducted into the 2012 Boulder (Colorado) Sports Hall of Fame, and was a 2020 inductee to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame. In today’s episode, Marianne shares her remarkable transition from being a runner to a celebrated cyclist, and details some of the challenges she faced along the way. The ingenious strategies that propelled her to success as well as the evolving dynamics of teamwork are put under the microscope as well, offering invaluable insights into the nuances of the sport. The discussion doesn't stop at cycling; it takes a deeper plunge into the fascinating realm of team dynamics, risk management, and the sheer thrill that accompanies each pedal stroke. Marianne's journey from cycling champion to endurance horse racer also serves as a powerful testament to the sheer power of perseverance and visualization. As women's cycling experiences a resurgence, her experiences offer inspiration for athletes from diverse backgrounds, encouraging them to push their boundaries and embrace the thrill of endurance sports. Marianne's candid revelations, as shared here today, provide a heart-pounding glimpse into the experiences behind the handlebars, making this episode a must-listen for elite cycling enthusiasts and newcomers alike. 0:00 Start 0:23 Introduction 1:50 Marianne’s start in competitive cycling 3:05 The women’s competitive cycling circuit when Marianne started 4:06 The different degrees to the sport 5:43 The women’s cycling community 6:38 Making the USA Tour de France team 8:08 Marianne’s experience at the 1984 Tour de France 10:56 How she celebrated her victory 13:40 How a cycling team works together 16:30 Managing the risks involved 18:24 Physical training for racing 23:12 Mental preparation 26:59 The changes in competitive cycling over the years 27:48 The return of the women’s Tour de France 29:43 Marianne’s thoughts on the current Tour de France 31:05 Her advice for those interested in cycling 32:22 Marianne’s involvement in endurance horse racing Quotes: “I love nothing more than adrenaline.” "Training is breaking down your body, and then resting is when you build it up." "I raced my bike, and it would have been great to have money, but I wouldn't have done anything different." "Every ride has to mean something; every time you're on your bike, it's got to be a specific reason." "The hardest thing about training is not training." "Pain meant my body was working and it was doing the right thing." "Your body is way more capable than we give it credit for." "I saw myself as a champion." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: Homepage: theadrenalinezone.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theadrenalinezone/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Adrenalinezonep TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theadrenalinezone Marianne Martin’s USBHOF Page: https://usbhof.org/inductee/marianne-martin/
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    37 mins
  • No Quit Climber with Alison Levine

    No Quit Climber with Alison Levine
    Nov 30 2023
    What kind of person chooses to go climbing in places where they are in constant danger of being crushed by moving ice chunks the size of small buildings, all the while being surrounded by huge open crevasses into which they could very well fall hundreds of feet to their death? Well, allow us to introduce you to the indomitable mountaineer, Alison Levine, Sandy and Sandra’s remarkable guest in today’s exhilarating episode of The Adrenaline Zone. Alison sits down with our hosts to share her remarkable achievements, including completing the Adventure Grand Slam and conquering the highest peaks on every continent while skiing to both the North and South Poles. As you will hear, what sets her apart is her unwavering spirit, which carried her through three heart surgeries and a unique medical condition that makes her susceptible to frostbite in extreme cold. Throughout this gripping episode, you'll delve into the mindset of a true adventurer, discovering the importance of embracing discomfort as a stepping stone to greatness and learning how to prepare both mentally and physically for life's most extreme challenges. Whether she's recounting her experiences climbing Mount Everest, discussing her proudest moment of empowering local women while breaking barriers in a male-dominated field, or reflecting on the ups and downs of progress, Alison's insights are a beacon of inspiration.  Alison Levine is a history-making polar explorer and mountaineer. Among her many, many accomplishments, she served as team captain of the first American Women’s Everest Expedition, climbed the highest peak on each continent and skied to both the North and South Poles—a feat known as the Adventure Grand Slam. Her success in extreme environments is noteworthy given she has had three heart surgeries and suffers from Raynaud’s disease. Alison has also spent three years working for Goldman Sachs, has served as adjunct professor at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and was a contributing author to the book Leadership in Dangerous Situations: A Handbook for the Armed Forces, Emergency Services and First Responders. Quotes: "I love seeing how far out of my comfort zone I can get." "You can be scared and brave at the same time." "The goal of every single climb is to come back alive." "Complacency is really what puts you at risk." "Sometimes progress doesn't happen in the direction that you think it's going to happen, but it doesn't mean you're not making progress." "You just have to be absolutely relentless about putting one foot in front of the other." Keep the adrenaline rush going at: The Adrenaline Zone Homepage The Adrenaline Zone on Instagram The Adrenaline Zone on Twitter The Adrenaline Zone on TikTok Alison Levine
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    48 mins