Broadband funding is shifting— what does it mean for fiber deployment?

Josh sits down with Lori Adams, VP of Broadband Policy and Funding Strategies at Nokia, to unpack the latest on BEAD, federal funding challenges, and what’s ahead for ISPs. From policy changes to real-world deployment, she breaks down how funding decisions are shaping broadband expansion.

Brendan West from Fibercom Engineering joins the conversation to talk about drones in telecom. His team is using high-precision photogrammetry (a technique that uses detailed aerial imagery to create precise 3D maps for engineering and surveying) to cut project timelines and streamline fiber deployment.

Straightforward insights on broadband funding, emerging tech, and the strategies driving the industry forward.

#Broadband #FiberDeployment #Infrastructure #Drones #TalkFiberToMeBaby #WeAreEPC

00:00 Introduction and Welcome
00:30 Panel Discussion on Broadband Funding
02:12 Challenges in Broadband Manufacturing
03:33 Build America, Buy America Act
06:56 Speculations on Future Policies
11:59 Conclusion of the Panel Discussion
13:18 Introduction to Fibercom Engineering
14:03 Innovations in Drone Technology
17:35 Future of Engineering with Drones
19:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Workforce shortages, education gaps, and the challenge of connecting job seekers to employers— Louisiana’s labor market is at a crossroads.

In this episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby, Caleb and Josh Etheridge sit down with Matthew Dickerson, Business Development and Strategy Officer at Mid South Extrusion, to tackle the real state of workforce development in Louisiana and what’s being done to improve it.

They’re diving into:
- The hiring crisis – Why businesses are struggling to find qualified workers, despite a large pool of able-bodied job seekers.

- Government red tape – How bureaucracy is slowing down workforce solutions (and what Louisiana is doing to cut through it).

- The Utah "One Door" model – A system that could revolutionize workforce training in Louisiana.

- Real solutions – What employers can do today to help bridge the workforce gap.

Plus, Matthew shares eye-opening insights from his work with the Louisiana Workforce and Social Service Reform Task Force, including:
- Why employability is more than just a résumé skill—it’s a mindset shift.

- How businesses can take control of workforce development instead of waiting for the state to fix it.

- The surprising ways education policy changes in 2026 will impact Louisiana’s economy.

Whether you're a business owner, internet service provider, entrepreneur, policy-maker, or job seeker, this episode is packed with insights, real talk, and solutions you won’t hear in a policy report.

Like, comment, and subscribe for more conversations that shape Louisiana’s future!

#LouisianaJobs #WorkforceDevelopment #EconomicGrowth #TalkFiberToMe #Entrepreneurship
#JobMarket #WorkforceSolutions #WeAreEPC

00:00 The Mystery of Job Titles
00:39 Technical Difficulties and Office Humor
01:07 Camera Instructions and Podcast Introduction
01:51 Meet the Team: Introducing Matt Dickerson
02:37 Workforce Development in Louisiana
05:26 Challenges in Education and Workforce Awareness
09:57 Opportunities at Mid South Extrusion
16:53 The Importance of Employability
24:23 Challenges Faced by Single Mothers
25:00 The Importance of Work
25:19 Workforce Development Recommendations
27:24 Learning from Utah's One Door Model
29:03 Labor Force Participation Statistics
31:47 Addressing Social Service System Loopholes
35:44 Engaging Industry in Workforce Education
39:20 Call to Action for Businesses
43:51 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby goes deep into the latest roadblocks in broadband expansion. Caleb and Josh Etheridge, the brother duo behind EPC, break down their recent trip to Washington D.C., where an executive order froze all federally funded broadband projects, including BEAD. Instead of pushing progress, they found themselves tackling critical funding delays that are leaving the industry in limbo.

- What really happened in D.C.? A firsthand look at Washington Mardi Gras and why it matters for the future of broadband.
- BEAD funding: stalled. Louisiana led the way—checking every box before any other state and coming in 40% under budget. So why is the money still sitting?
- The real impact. Small ISPs, manufacturers, and contractors have poured millions into the workforce training and equipment. Now, without clarity, their investments are at risk.
- A call to action. Caleb and Josh lay out what needs to happen next and why the fiber industry must come together to break through the gridlock.

We’re talking government slowdowns, industry upheaval, and what’s next for broadband deployment in Louisiana and beyond. Don’t miss it!

Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Episode Setup
01:21 Washington Mardi Gras Experience
04:21 Impact of Executive Order on Fiber Industry
05:25 Challenges and Discussions with Legislators
06:38 State-Level BEAD Program Insights
10:56 Concerns Over Federal Regulations and Funding
21:31 Build America, Buy America (BABA) Compliance
25:43 Congressional Approval and Power Dynamics
26:30 Unified Voice for Louisiana's Internet
27:45 Challenges and Expectations in Broadband Deployment
29:42 Mapping and Auditing Internet Services
31:27 Fiber vs. Alternate Technologies
35:37 Broadband Funding and Non-Deployment Dollars
44:09 Call to Action for ISP’s and Contractors
49:17 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
How is the BEAD freeze impacting you? Share your thoughts in the comments—we want to hear your perspective on the future of fiber.
#BroadbandExpansion #BEADFunding #FiberDeployment #Infrastructure #AmericanManufacturing #BABA #TalkFiberToMeBaby #WeAreEPC

In Episode 2 of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby, Caleb and Josh Etheridge dive into one of the fiber industry's toughest challenges: building networks that last in rural America. With $20.4 billion in RDOF funding on the table and Louisiana alone needing 20,000 workers just for BEAD deployment, the brothers aren't just talking fiber—they're weaving together the real questions about sustainability. (Pun fully intended.)

Key Topics Include:

· Why investing in rural broadband without a local workforce strategy is like building a bridge that leads nowhere.

· EPC’s evolution from 'How do we hire 20 people?' to 'How do we create lasting economic impact?'

· The critical link between local workforce development and network sustainability (because fiber doesn’t fix itself).

· Why state-level decisions often trump federal mandates.

Drawing from their experience scaling EPC to 120+ employees, Caleb and Josh share practical insights on:

· Building lasting workforce development programs (translation: solving rural talent shortages without smoke and mirrors).

· Training local talent for long-term maintenance.

· The real costs of maintaining rural networks.

Whether you’re an ISP mapping out your long-term sustainability, a contractor looking to grow, or just someone fascinated by rural broadband’s future (and fiber puns), this episode delivers the straight talk you need.

Grab a chair (and maybe a hard hat) because things are about to get real—and really funny. In the lively inaugural episode of Talk Fiber to Me, Baby, Caleb and Josh Etheridge—the dynamic brother duo behind EPC—share their journey in the world of connectivity. Spoiler alert: it’s about way more than just fiber deployment.

With stories that are equal parts gritty and hilarious, the brothers share how they went from humble beginnings to building a company that’s not just about laying fiber but bridging communities. From their first client meeting, where they tried to act like they had it all together, to accidentally turning their first job site into an unplanned water park, Caleb and Josh keep it real.

Their signature mix of humor and hustle shines as they dive into navigating government funding (yes, it’s as fun as it sounds), building a company culture that doesn’t suck, and tackling the very real challenges of getting fiber networks up and running. You’ll hear about missteps, like the time they definitely hit something they shouldn’t have, and victories, like turning a back-of-the-napkin idea into a thriving enterprise.

This episode is packed with insights for ISPs, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals—delivered with the kind of wit and wisdom that only comes from two brothers who’ve seen it all (and lived to podcast about it).

Oh, and don’t miss the teaser for future episodes. Expect top-notch guests to join the fun, covering everything from workforce development to deployment strategies and insider tips on navigating programs like BEAD and USDA ReConnect, and many more!

So, grab your coffee—or something stronger—and join Caleb and Josh as they talk fiber, connection, and the occasional chaos of doing what they love.