RPA Announces Lineup for Upcoming Boiler Talk Episodes

The Radiant Professionals Alliance (RPA) is excited to announce the upcoming lineup for “Boiler Talk,” a new Internet-based talk show co-hosted by RPA Executive Director Mark Eatherton and hydronic expert Dave Yates that brings together experts and professionals from the radiant and hydronic industry to discuss trends and issues facing contractors, designers and builders, and bring back the camaraderie that was key to the beginning of the original RPA.

The scheduled guests for the next show, to be held at noon Eastern time Saturday, Oct. 4, are John Barba and Dave Holdorf of Taco, Inc. Future guests will include the Swing Green team discussing drain waste recovery heat exchangers and their applications in the field (Oct. 18); Ray Wolfarth, an author and expert on commercial boilers (Nov. 1); and Bob “Hot Rod” Rohr, a plumbing, radiant heat and solar contractor/installer for 30 years (Nov. 15).

Each episode begins with news and updates concerning the RPA and the industry, followed by an interview and/or presentation from the featured guest(s), who will then take questions concerning the interview/presentation. At the end of each show, attendees are invited to bring forth their biggest troubleshooting job/problem and give the hosts and guests, as well as other audience members, the opportunity to answer their question.

“The intent of the show is to be educational, entertaining and informational,” Eatherton said. “It is also a platform for our manufacturing members to give them a chance to sit in and talk about what’s new in their company, and give them an opportunity to toot their own horn.”

The Oct. 4 show, along with the two previous shows, will be available for free on YouTube. Subsequent shows will be available only to members of IAPMO and/or the RPA. The first show, titled “Hydronic Myth Busting” and featuring Robert Bean and John Siegenthaler, may be viewed here. The second show aired Sept. 20 and featured James Schenck and Colin Wunder of Energy Dynamics. It focused on energy storage in ice containment systems and is available here.

Professionals from the radiant and hydronic industry are already heaping praise on the new show.

Mike Miller, chairman of the Canadian Hydronics Council, participated in the first program. “The group and the format were very exciting,” he said. “Not only was it very informative and entertaining at the same time, but it featured some of the greatest thought leaders in the industry. I will make myself available for any future opportunity with this program. Our friends from all arms of the industry will benefit from participation. It allows each and every one of us to broaden our horizon and gain knowledge and expertise to create additional value to any of our customers. This is the kind of great stuff that sets the leaders apart from the pack!”

Harvey Ramer of Ramer Mechanical, LLC called the talk show one of the best resources ever made available for hydronic professionals. “It’s such a great place to learn!” he said. “I would challenge anybody to attend. I guarantee you will learn important things that you hadn’t even thought to ask yet! Where else could you find a seat and listen to the smartest heating/cooling guys in the world? The knowledge that I gain by attending this show helps me to put more money in my pocket. I can live with that!”

Added renowned hydronic expert Dan Holohan, who is scheduled to appear on a January edition of “Boiler Talk”: “I couldn't believe how good that was, especially considering it was the first time! I learned some new things and you guys really made me think. There were also plenty of laughs along the way. Here's to the new RPA! Long may you rock.”

The RPA is also looking for a permanent name for the show, which began as “From the Boiler Room” and is now known as “Boiler Talk.” The winning entrant will receive a $50 Visa gift card. Suggestions should be mailed to Mark Eatherton.  

Permission to attend and participate in the show is granted on a first-come, first-served basis, with priority given to paid members. To request an invitation, email Eatherton.