Pave It Black: The Official Podcast of NAPA

How does a slab of asphalt end up inside the Smithsonian? In this episode of Pave It Black, NAPA legends Peter Wilson and Ron White explain how the asphalt pavement industry became part of the National Museum of American History's America on the Move exhibit, a look at transportation's role in shaping the country. Wilson and White walk through the fundraising campaign that made the exhibit possible, the logistics of producing and transporting a finished asphalt sample across state lines, and the installation process at the Smithsonian itself. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Watch FleetWatcher in action.

What does it take to build a world-class research institution? Former and current NCAT Directors, Ray Brown and Randy West join us to tell the story of a two-person operation to a 50+ person research powerhouse. Ray and Randy walk through the industry shift that made NCAT necessary and share major research breakthroughs that reshaped how state DOTs design and fund roads. Looking ahead, Ray and Randy share their predictions for the asphalt pavement industry, along with why investing in the next generation of pavement engineers, through programs like the Road Scholars Fellowship, matters as much as any single research finding. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Watch FleetWatcher in action.

This week we talk to Dr. Marshall Thompson of the University of Illinois and Kevin Burke of the Illinois Asphalt Pavement Association about the AASHO Road Test: a landmark research project that reshaped pavement design in America. Marshall shares firsthand memories from visiting the test as a university undergraduate, and both guests explain how the results influenced decades of AASHTO pavement design guidance. Tune in for a rare, detailed look at the research foundation underneath nearly every modern pavement design decision. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Watch FleetWatcher in action.

As Route 66 celebrates its centennial, we welcome Dan Lewis, Executive Director of the New Mexico Asphalt Pavement Association, and Mike Skinner, Executive Director of the Asphalt Pavement Alliance, to explore the road's remarkable staying power. Dan and Mike share how the roadway drove economic growth in local towns, how it survived decommissioning in 1985, and why perpetual pavement design has kept the road alive. It's a celebration of a road, and the pavement engineering behind it, that has become inseparable from the American story. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Watch FleetWatcher in action.

Long before interstates and highway funding debates, there was the National Road. Brian Reedy, Site Manager for the National Park Service at Fort Necessity National Battlefield and Friendship Hill National Historic Site, traces the road's origins and shares stories of Washington's earliest expeditions into the Ohio River Valley. Brian walks through the road's engineering evolution, from winding foot paths to a 66 foot right of way built using the Macadam system. Tune in to hear stories of the taverns, stagecoach stops, and travelers who depended on it.This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Watch FleetWatcher in action.

To kick off Season 11, "How Asphalt Shaped America and What Comes Next," we start by looking back at American infrastructure before asphalt even arrived. With the help of historian Peter Norton of the University of Virginia, we explore how goods and people moved across the US in the 1700s and 1800s and how asphalt beat other surface materials to become America's chosen surface. Tune in for a conversation that blends transportation history, industry evolution, and forward-looking insight into what maintaining our infrastructure will require in the years ahead. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps. Watch FleetWatcher in action.

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, strengthen teams, and create a culture where people feel supported both professionally and personally. Our season concludes with a reminder that success is not just about technical skills, it’s about how you approach each day, how you respond to adversity, and how willing you are to grow. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

This week we explore the intersection of cutting-edge technology and asphalt infrastructure with Noor Saleh, an engineer and entrepreneur from Continuum Infrastructure Solutions. Noor shares her journey from researching asphalt materials at NC State to being recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 for her work in manufacturing and industry. The conversation highlights how the next generation of leaders are re-envisioning the pavement lifecycle through automation and advanced data analysis. Beyond technical innovations, Noor offers practical advice for early career engineers on the value of finding mentors and being an engaged mentee to drive meaningful impact. Be inspired by someone who is actively pushing the industry forward! This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.

What does it take to become a trusted technical resource in the asphalt industry? This week, Todd Mansell of Caterpillar shares how decades of hands-on experience evolved into a career dedicated to training crews, improving paving performance, and raising the standard of quality across projects. Todd explains why success in asphalt paving goes beyond materials and technology. It comes down to people, communication, and a clear understanding of the fundamentals. This episode also explores how technical expertise translates into real-world impact, along with the many career paths available in the asphalt pavement industry. Tune in to hear practical insights from someone who has spent a career helping others build better roads. This season is sponsored by FleetWatcher by AlignOps.