<![CDATA[HVAC Mentors Podcast]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-pleziaRiverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Thu, 28 May 2026 14:46:20 GMTMon, 30 Mar 2026 10:10:53 GMT60Mike PleziaHVAC Mentors is a podcast for people early in their trade journey — students, apprentices, career-changers, and anyone trying to find their footing in the skilled trades. This isn’t technical training. It’s orientation. We talk about the realities of the trades that rarely get explained: how learning actually works, how to think through problems, how to communicate, when to listen, and how to grow without pretending you know more than you do. Along the way, we celebrate the mentors — technicians, educators, and leaders — who take the time to help others become better at their work and more confident in their path. If you’re looking for clarity before acceleration, this podcast is for you. episodicMike Pleziamjplezia@gmail.comno<![CDATA[AI: What Is It?]]>Technology is changing and AI tools are becoming more common. In this series we unpack AI, what it is, how it can be used, and why its not to be feared anymore than any other tool.

]]>491fb456-66c8-474b-8aea-d70c7508a385Mon, 13 Apr 2026 18:01:44 GMT<p>Technology is changing and AI tools are becoming more common. In this series we unpack AI, what it is, how it can be used, and why its not to be feared anymore than any other tool.</p>no00:09:20AI: What Is It?full<![CDATA[AI: Understanding the Tool]]>Technology is changing and AI tools are becoming more common. In this series we unpack AI, what it is, how it can be used, and why its not to be feared anymore than any other tool.

]]>c47b8087-4ee5-4138-9e90-19da567fdfa5Mon, 13 Apr 2026 17:41:31 GMT<p>Technology is changing and AI tools are becoming more common. In this series we unpack AI, what it is, how it can be used, and why its not to be feared anymore than any other tool.</p>no00:12:35AI: Understanding the Toolfull<![CDATA[HVAC Mentors Podcast Introduction]]>Edit: I have been informed about some audio issues with this first episode. I will try to edit those at a later date. I do know the source and they will not be present on the future episodes.


Welcome to the HVAC Mentors Podcast. In this episode we get introduced to the host and learn about the inspiration behind the podcast. In future episodes, you will hear from HVAC/R instructors from a verity of disciplines within the trade.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/HVAC-Mentors-Podcast-Introduction-e2st8hjcd4ae058-ab62-42b2-a6a6-6006d5312bd0Mon, 30 Dec 2024 22:24:51 GMT<p>Edit: I have been informed about some audio issues with this first episode. I will try to edit those at a later date. I do know the source and they will not be present on the future episodes. </p><p><br /></p><p>Welcome to the HVAC Mentors Podcast. In this episode we get introduced to the host and learn about the inspiration behind the podcast. In future episodes, you will hear from HVAC/R instructors from a verity of disciplines within the trade.</p> no00:36:1211HVAC Mentors Podcast Introductionfull<![CDATA[Case Study 4: The Night The Headmaster Blew]]>If you've ever pondered what would happen if a refrigeration system were never maintained and just allowed to run till it gave out, this is the episode. A simple coil cleaning can save a lot of trouble, a lot of damage, and a lot of money.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Case-Study-4-The-Night-The-Headmaster-Blew-e3h3ssjb5756254-6dc8-46d5-9d06-1c77f73293b9Sat, 28 Mar 2026 22:37:27 GMT<p>If you've ever pondered what would happen if a refrigeration system were never maintained and just allowed to run till it gave out, this is the episode. A simple coil cleaning can save a lot of trouble, a lot of damage, and a lot of money. </p> no00:08:44Case Study 4: The Night The Headmaster Blewfull<![CDATA[Episode 5 Louise Kellar]]>Louise Kellar is the Director of Training for UEI Instruments. Many of us use UEI brand instruments multimeters, combustion analyzers, manometers, and more- in our jobs every day. Louise is passionate about building relationships rather than transactions. Her philosophy of sales, teaching, and life is one of mutual benefit and genuine care for others.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Episode-5-Louise-Kellar-e2tlhgbefd6d6a7-86e5-456d-a490-38568a1eba0bTue, 21 Jan 2025 06:01:00 GMT<p>Louise Kellar is the Director of Training for UEI Instruments. Many of us use UEI brand instruments multimeters, combustion analyzers, manometers, and more- in our jobs every day. Louise is passionate about building relationships rather than transactions. Her philosophy of sales, teaching, and life is one of mutual benefit and genuine care for others. </p> no00:41:30Episode 5 Louise Kellarfull<![CDATA[The Walk That Went Crazy! Technical Review Series ]]>In this technical review, we examine what went on with a walk in cooler that seemed to have lost its mind. We unpack the technical and diagnostic data to determine the cause and find the best resolution.


#HVAC

#HVACTech

#HVACR

#Refrigeration

#CommercialRefrigeration

#WalkInCooler

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/The-Walk-That-Went-Crazy--Technical-Review-Series-e3fuv4r38b61d74-7215-48ec-83ad-bb43df7ec6f2Wed, 04 Mar 2026 22:59:22 GMT<p>In this technical review, we examine what went on with a walk in cooler that seemed to have lost its mind. We unpack the technical and diagnostic data to determine the cause and find the best resolution. </p><p><br /></p><p>#HVAC</p><p>#HVACTech</p><p>#HVACR</p><p>#Refrigeration</p><p>#CommercialRefrigeration</p><p>#WalkInCooler</p> no00:09:22The Walk That Went Crazy! Technical Review Series full<![CDATA[Thermocouples Thermopiles and Situational Awareness. ]]>In this episode, we discuss the importance of developing a deeper understanding of what we do as a trade and as professionals. We also unpack the mechanics behind thermocouples and thermal piles how they work and how to diagnose them. In this way, the science behind the simple thermocouple becomes an excellent analogy for developing a deeper understanding of how we diagnose and how we think as professionals.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Thermocouples-Thermopiles-and-Situational-Awareness-e3fejffedf0db27-28ab-42c8-a27b-15ea66524c8fSun, 22 Feb 2026 15:30:57 GMT<p>In this episode, we discuss the importance of developing a deeper understanding of what we do as a trade and as professionals. We also unpack the mechanics behind thermocouples and thermal piles how they work and how to diagnose them. In this way, the science behind the simple thermocouple becomes an excellent analogy for developing a deeper understanding of how we diagnose and how we think as professionals.</p> no00:09:56Thermocouples Thermopiles and Situational Awareness. full<![CDATA[HVAC Mentors is Back!]]>After an intentional hiatus to think about the direction of HVAC mentors podcast and my other content creation projects. I am pleased to re-introduce the HVAC mentors podcast. A place where we discussed the things you should know before starting a career in the Trades.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/HVAC-Mentors-is-Back-e3elbf01b5b4274-b327-431a-ac70-b4bb4d042918Wed, 04 Feb 2026 22:48:12 GMT<p>After an intentional hiatus to think about the direction of HVAC mentors podcast and my other content creation projects. I am pleased to re-introduce the HVAC mentors podcast. A place where we discussed the things you should know before starting a career in the Trades.</p> no00:15:49HVAC Mentors is Back!full<![CDATA[Case Study 2: The Ice Machine Wasn't Broken]]>While honing your diagnostic skills, it is important to understand the way the whole machine works. This will save you from chasing ghosts and replacing unnecessary parts. Sometimes there isn't actually a problem with the machine, its a problem with maintenance.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Case-Study-2-The-Ice-Machine-Wasnt-Broken-e3g4e9291b63328-1614-4149-9766-37d32c85f3afTue, 10 Mar 2026 23:00:00 GMT<p>While honing your diagnostic skills, it is important to understand the way the whole machine works. This will save you from chasing ghosts and replacing unnecessary parts. Sometimes there isn't actually a problem with the machine, its a problem with maintenance.</p> no00:07:13Case Study 2: The Ice Machine Wasn't Brokenfull<![CDATA[Jennifer Manzo episode 2]]>On today’s episode, we sit down for a chat with Jennifer Manzo who is an HVAC business owner, instructor, founder of the HVA – chicks coalition. Jennifer has a passion for meeting people where they are and helping them be successful in the trade and in life

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Jennifer-Manzo-episode-2-e2su50od521ba5c-d829-407e-b534-39e9dc7c8e54Tue, 31 Dec 2024 18:02:36 GMT<p>On today’s episode, we sit down for a chat with Jennifer Manzo who is an HVAC business owner, instructor, founder of the HVA – chicks coalition. Jennifer has a passion for meeting people where they are and helping them be successful in the trade and in life</p> no00:27:01Jennifer Manzo episode 2full<![CDATA[Your reputation ]]>Be intentional about your reputation

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Your-reputation-e3fnkancafb16ce-ac22-4568-a4a0-183c742c2f81Thu, 05 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Be intentional about your reputation </p> no00:00:56Your reputation full<![CDATA[Episode 6 Ty Branaman]]>https://www.youtube.com/@love2hvac


Ty Branaman is a very well known HVAC instructor, content creator, and mentor to thousands of HVAC professionals the world over! You can see Ty's content on his youtube channel, link above as well as facebook.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Episode-6-Ty-Branaman-e2ts0g33517ca32-886d-4a2d-9b9b-0e15028f9491Tue, 28 Jan 2025 06:01:00 GMT<p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@love2hvac" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" target="_blank">https://www.youtube.com/@love2hvac</a></p> <p><br /></p> <p>Ty Branaman is a very well known HVAC instructor, content creator, and mentor to thousands of HVAC professionals the world over! You can see Ty's content on his youtube channel, link above as well as facebook. </p> no00:46:08Episode 6 Ty Branamanfull<![CDATA[John Ellis 7]]>John Ellis is the owner of Dynamic Air Consulting and is also known as one of the top IAQ expert in the HVAC industry. John wears and has worn many hats oner his 40+ year career. Above all John loves teaching others to be better and to do better. I know you will enjoy this episode, as he is also just a really nice guy and has a million stories to share. Enjoy!

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/John-Ellis-7-e2u2peucd3cac9f-96f8-4625-bf91-c39987f40e39Tue, 04 Feb 2025 06:01:00 GMT<p>John Ellis is the owner of Dynamic Air Consulting and is also known as one of the top IAQ expert in the HVAC industry. John wears and has worn many hats oner his 40+ year career. Above all John loves teaching others to be better and to do better. I know you will enjoy this episode, as he is also just a really nice guy and has a million stories to share. Enjoy!</p> no00:58:56John Ellis 7full<![CDATA[Think About Your Thinking: Part 2]]>Note: this episode picks up in the middle of part one it’s strongly advised you listen to part one before listening to part 2z


We continue this discussion of how our thought patterns and biases, though not our fault do shape how we are seen on the job. We also learn how being more aware of how our mind works, and why it works that way actually empowers us to take control of our life and our career.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Think-About-Your-Thinking-Part-2-e3eo5j39ccfb42f-56cf-4650-aecd-53dcfcca4748Fri, 06 Feb 2026 19:14:22 GMT<p>Note: this episode picks up in the middle of part one it’s strongly advised you listen to part one before listening to part 2z </p><p><br /></p><p>We continue this discussion of how our thought patterns and biases, though not our fault do shape how we are seen on the job. We also learn how being more aware of how our mind works, and why it works that way actually empowers us to take control of our life and our career.</p> no00:18:27Think About Your Thinking: Part 2full<![CDATA[Situational awareness 3 read the room]]>An important part of being successful in your trade is understanding how to read the room. Skills are important, the quality of our work is absolutely vital, but we need to understand how to respond to different people in different situations. And this episode we talk about how situational awareness makes us better at understanding how to respond to our customers and coworkers in different situations.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Situational-awareness-3-read-the-room-e3ff2c516a78f19-7023-4144-aef9-3f85aa3ecfffSun, 22 Feb 2026 22:33:24 GMT<p>An important part of being successful in your trade is understanding how to read the room. Skills are important, the quality of our work is absolutely vital, but we need to understand how to respond to different people in different situations. And this episode we talk about how situational awareness makes us better at understanding how to respond to our customers and coworkers in different situations.</p> no00:20:29Situational awareness 3 read the roomfull<![CDATA[Episode 4 Tom Socha]]>Tom is an HVAC training manager for a residential construction company. He has over forty years of experience in HVAC from industrial ventilation to residential service. Tom is as passionate about his family as he is about the HVAC trade.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Episode-4-Tom-Socha-e2tcilvb8600f1a-78ec-4943-9696-ad6dae7e959eTue, 14 Jan 2025 13:18:00 GMT<p>Tom is an HVAC training manager for a residential construction company. He has over forty years of experience in HVAC from industrial ventilation to residential service. Tom is as passionate about his family as he is about the HVAC trade. </p> no00:50:33Episode 4 Tom Sochafull<![CDATA[Think About Your Thinking: Part 1]]>Note: This episode was recorded in two parts after an unexpected interruption. We left it as-is, don’t be shocked by the sudden ending. We will just get right back on track in the second half .


On a job site in life it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, but it’s also possibly more important to be aware of what’s going on inside of your headspace. How does our past our experiences in our teaching shape the way that we react and think about certain situations. Learn how being aware of your own thought processes can make you more effective on the job and in life.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Think-About-Your-Thinking-Part-1-e3eo5ftab04d91a-b0dd-47bd-98dd-3cbbf92072aeFri, 06 Feb 2026 19:12:16 GMT<p>Note: This episode was recorded in two parts after an unexpected interruption. We left it as-is, don’t be shocked by the sudden ending. We will just get right back on track in the second half . </p><p><br /></p><p>On a job site in life it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, but it’s also possibly more important to be aware of what’s going on inside of your headspace. How does our past our experiences in our teaching shape the way that we react and think about certain situations. Learn how being aware of your own thought processes can make you more effective on the job and in life.</p> no00:17:45Think About Your Thinking: Part 1full<![CDATA[The Old Reliable Thermocouple]]>In a standing pilot gas powered heating or cooking system a thermocouple is an essential part of equipment safety by making sure gas only flows when a flame is present. But how does it actually work? How is a different from a thermopile or a flame rod?


]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/The-Old-Reliable-Thermocouple-e3etim8d1dc8bce-ac3c-4912-978f-6405e172b132Tue, 10 Feb 2026 18:30:13 GMT<p>In a standing pilot gas powered heating or cooking system a thermocouple is an essential part of equipment safety by making sure gas only flows when a flame is present. But how does it actually work? How is a different from a thermopile or a flame rod? </p><p><br /></p> no00:04:20The Old Reliable Thermocouplefull<![CDATA[Case Study 3: The TXV that wasn't, and then was...]]>Sometimes knowing you are right, you have to swallow your pride and let the senior technician be right. Humility and patience will always yield a greater return, defend your diagnosis but be humble. There is always something to learn.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Case-Study-3-The-TXV-that-wasnt--and-then-was-e3gkhq61624c10d-ad0b-46f0-9996-045bcee872d5Wed, 18 Mar 2026 13:10:43 GMT<p>Sometimes knowing you are right, you have to swallow your pride and let the senior technician be right. Humility and patience will always yield a greater return, defend your diagnosis but be humble. There is always something to learn. </p> no00:08:44Case Study 3: The TXV that wasn't, and then was...full<![CDATA[It’s ok not to know]]>It’s not what you know but your willingness to learn

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Its-ok-not-to-know-e3fnkgj55487cb1-552c-4c78-a1ba-0f3163f2bd6aSat, 07 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>It’s not what you know but your willingness to learn</p> no00:00:58It’s ok not to knowfull<![CDATA[Working clean]]>A clean workplace sends a message

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Working-clean-e3fnk9o617d7dac-ee2c-4e25-8f30-2dddbf12bf5eTue, 03 Mar 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>A clean workplace sends a message</p> no00:01:12Working cleanfull<![CDATA[Episode 3 Pat Finley]]>Pat is the host of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, a podcast that highlights the Commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment side of the HVAC/R industry. A serious technician, Pat records the things he encounters on a daily basis at work. He also is also a CFESA trainer who has a passion for helping people learn the trade.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Episode-3-Pat-Finley-e2t5f6k67c60298-93da-4a73-b30c-fb2ec35dab10Mon, 06 Jan 2025 23:43:41 GMT<p>Pat is the host of Commercial Kitchen Chronicles, a podcast that highlights the Commercial refrigeration and cooking equipment side of the HVAC/R industry. A serious technician, Pat records the things he encounters on a daily basis at work. He also is also a CFESA trainer who has a passion for helping people learn the trade.</p> no00:40:2913Episode 3 Pat Finleyfull<![CDATA[Take your time]]>Slow is fast and fast is slow

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Take-your-time-e3fnkc95ec2aed0-035a-4587-96b2-1b6b91edc3b2Sat, 28 Feb 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>Slow is fast and fast is slow</p> no00:00:45Take your timefull<![CDATA[Chris Hughes 8]]>From humble beginnings, Chris has always understood the value of hard work and dedication to family. After building a local HVAC company with his dad, Chris went on to become the head of sales for The Energy Conservatory. Today Chris educates contractors and HVAC educators on the importance of airflow in commercial and residential systems.

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/michael-james-plezia/episodes/Chris-Hughes-8-e2uacdh1d268f71-84c2-4157-92b8-b313a71da686Mon, 10 Feb 2025 06:08:00 GMT<p>From humble beginnings, Chris has always understood the value of hard work and dedication to family. After building a local HVAC company with his dad, Chris went on to become the head of sales for The Energy Conservatory. Today Chris educates contractors and HVAC educators on the importance of airflow in commercial and residential systems. </p> no01:00:51Chris Hughes 8full