Mass Transit to launch Infrastructure Technology Podcast in 2025

On Jan. 14, 2025, Mass Transit, in collaboration with Roads and Bridges, will be launching the Infrastructure Technology Podcast (ITP). 

What is the ITP? 

The ITP will focus on conversations around the ever-changing landscape of technology and how infrastructure for roads, bridges and public transit projects adapt to the new technology. The podcast will feature in-depth interviews with members throughout the public transportation and roads industries who have been instrumental in seeing projects come to life. 

Topics include the supply chain, the transition to zero-emissions, rail and bike infrastructure projects, e-bikes, safety and security and the development of apps for transit use. Members that have already been interviewed for episodes include Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada CEO M.J. Maynard, Cincinnati Metro’s Chief Strategic Planning, Development and Innovation Officer Khaled Shammout, Sound Transit’s First Deputy CEO for Megaproject Delivery Terri Mestas and Chicago Transit Authority’s Vice President of Training and Workforce Development Geisha Ester. 

Before each interview, the three hosts will introduce the topic of the show and discuss a real-world scenario related to the episode and connect the topics in their respective industries to other popular industries, including sports, music and pop culture.  

New episodes will drop every other Tuesday and will be available on all major audio podcasting platforms, including Apple and Spotify. 

About the hosts 

Brandon Lewis 

Brandon Lewis is one of two Mass Transit associate editors. Lewis came to Mass Transit in late 2022 after working on a part-time basis with Endeavor Business Media’s (EBM) Vehicle Service Pros. Lewis graduated from Kent State University (KSU) in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has experience behind the microphone, as he hosted his own sports-talk radio show while at KSU. He currently resides in Cleveland. 

"This podcast has been months in the making. It has taken concrete planning, lots of meetings, lots of emails and lots of interviews,” Lewis said. “It is something I think both audiences will adore. Our guests are all terrific, and the chemistry that me, Harlee and Gavin have I think will be noticeable right off the bat.” 

Harlee Hewitt 

Harlee Hewitt, associate editor, Construction Equipment and Roads and Bridges, came to EBM in 2023 through EBM’s Pathways Program. She has a bachelor’s degree in English, with a focus on technical writing from Oklahoma State University. She is the brains behind the idea of the ITP. 

“At its best, technology is meant to address human needs and solve problems by applying scientific knowledge to create tools and systems that improve our lives. On this podcast, we aim to present the latest technologies doing that from the construction phase to wheels on the ground," Hewitt said.

Gavin Jenkins 

Gavin Jenkins has been the senior managing editor of Roads and Bridges since April 2022. Residing in Pittsburgh, he is also an adjunct professor of journalism at the Community College of Allegheny County. He has written for The New York Times, The Washington Post and The Atlantic. 

“Technology has become such a vital aspect of our industries that it seems like an obvious thing to say," Jenkins said. "However, it’s also a topic that needs constant examination, and everyone must be dedicated to learning and understanding how it will continue to revolutionize infrastructure or else you risk falling behind. This podcast’s goal is to do just that, while also having fun.”

Ryan Curtiss

Ryan Curtiss, digital editor, Roads and Bridges, will serve as the producer of the ITP. Curtis has been in his role with the magazine since May 2022 and has a bachelors degree in English from Rutgers University. 

“The future for infrastructure looks a lot brighter as technology is advancing. I can’t wait to see where it goes," Curtiss said.