Hey NAPA
About the Podcast
Pave It Black goes behind the scenes of the essential asphalt pavement industry. From the chemistry of mix design to the high-stakes world of federal advocacy, we bring you conversations with the people who design, build, and maintain America’s roads.
With 100 episodes and counting, our library is a rich archive of industry evolution. Whether you are a veteran producer looking for technical trends or a student curious about a career in infrastructure, Pave It Black offers a front-row seat to the people and innovations shaping our world.
Personal Insights: Explore 10 seasons of interviews with CEOs, researchers, policymakers, and crew members.
Fully Accessible: Every episode features a full transcript, making our technical discussions searchable and easy to reference.
On the Go: Perfect for commutes or down time, with most episodes under 40 minutes without interruption.
Pave It Black is produced by NAPA’s internal team of experts. We don’t just talk about asphalt—we live it every day. With decades of engineering and technical experience, our hosts imbue every episode with curiosity and perspective, inspiring engaging conversations and practical takeaways.
Richard Willis, PhD | Co-Host As NAPA’s Vice President for Engineering, Research, & Technology, Richard is the industry’s lead on implementation and innovation. His deep scientific perspective and natural curiosity help listeners get behind the ‘why’ of the industry’s people, issues, and technology.
Brett Williams | Co-Host With a background as a pavement engineer and a focus on technical education, Brett has a knack for translating complex engineering concepts into actionable advice for contractors. He is passionate about sharing the stories of the people on the front lines of the industry.
Kate Lancaster Bounds | Producer The creative engine behind the show, Kate ensures that every episode is polished, professional, and accessible. From securing guests and podcast sponsors to overseeing end-to-end production and promotion, she makes sure the industry’s voice is heard loud and clear.
Search past episodes.
Use the filters below to find technical deep-dives, advocacy updates, career insights, and member success stories.
Filters
Search
Topic
-
Learn More: Finding the Silver Lining: Turning Challenges into Purpose and Growth with Dwayne EdmondsonFinding the Silver Lining: Turning Challenges into Purpose and Growth with Dwayne Edmondson
In the final episode of Season 10, we welcome Dwayne Edmondson, Safety Director at Gallagher Asphalt and author of Twist of Faith: Finding the Silver Lining. Dwayne shares how attitude shapes not only job site safety, but personal growth and leadership. The conversation explores how communication, emotional awareness, and a positive approach can prevent injuries,…
-
Learn More: NAPA’s 2025 Recap: Advocacy Achievements, Memorable Meetings, and 2026 Goals
NAPA’s 2025 Recap: Advocacy Achievements, Memorable Meetings, and 2026 Goals
In this special episode of Pave It Black, NAPA leadership reflects on the biggest achievements of 2025 and what those wins mean for the asphalt pavement industry moving forward. Richard Willis and Brad Williams are joined by NAPA President and CEO Audrey Copeland, Director of Government Affairs Mitch Baldwin, and Senior VP of Membership Ester Magorka…
-
Learn More: What We Learned at The Road Forward International Summit– Events
What We Learned at The Road Forward International Summit
During this special episode we recap The Road Forward International Summit, a first-of-its-kind global gathering focused on asphalt decarbonization, sustainability, and innovation. Richard and Brett sit down with Dr. Amlan Mukherjee, NAPA’s Senior Director for Sustainability and Intelligent Construction, to explore the insights, breakthroughs, and unexpected conversations that emerged across the event. With participation from…
-
Learn More: An Outsiders Perspective
An Outsiders Perspective
NAPA partnered with Georgia State University to give Public Relations/Journalism students an opportunity to learn about the asphalt industry. In Pave It Black’s season 2 finale, we talk with a GSU professor and two students about how the asphalt industry went from something they didn’t know existed to an industry they respected. Released: December 3,…
-
Learn More: Asphalt Checks all the Boxes for Auto Industry Proving Grounds
Asphalt Checks all the Boxes for Auto Industry Proving Grounds
Dan Stys, P.E., of the PEA Group, an integrated site development firm with a specialty in test track design, explains why asphalt is predominantly selected for automotive testing facilities and racetracks. Reasons include asphalt’s smoothness, economical cost to build, speed of construction, and ability to fine tune asphalt mixtures. Released: November 20, 2020
-
Learn More: What’s the Deal With Plastic
What’s the Deal With Plastic
Paul Lum, Technical Director at Colas Inc., talks about the different types of plastics, the wet and dry processes of introducing recycled plastics into asphalt pavement mixtures, worker safety, and more. Released: November 6, 2020
-
Learn More: An Intentional Approach to People
An Intentional Approach to People
Pat Nelson, President & CEO of Lehman-Roberts Co. in Memphis, Tenn., dives into the details of some very intentional workforce development changes that are happening at his company. Released: October 23, 2020
-
Learn More: The Truth About Leadership Development
The Truth About Leadership Development
In the wake of the “silver tsunami,” who will lead the next generation of asphalt plants and businesses? Buddy Hobart, President & CEO of Solutions 21, expert on the multi-generational workforce, and author of “The Leadership Decade: A Playbook for an Extraordinary Era,” explains the importance of company leaders having a knowledge transfer strategy. Released:…
-
Learn More: From Music to Construction: The Appeal of Asphalt’s Sustainability
From Music to Construction: The Appeal of Asphalt’s Sustainability
How does one go from a career in music to a career in asphalt? The answer, for Janie Gallagher, Marketing and Events Coordinator at Wirtgen America in Nashville, Tenn., is the asphalt pavement industry’s commitment to sustainability. Released: September 25, 2020
-
Learn More: Infrastructure Week 2020
Infrastructure Week 2020
Laura Perrotta, President & CEO of the American Highway Users Alliance, and NAPA’s Jay Hansen, Executive Vice President for Advocacy, break down the inner workings of Capitol Hill and the effects on highway funding. They provide an outlook on what needs to happen before and after the FAST Act expires on Sept. 30. Released: September…