Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode, our Season 3 Finale, our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Ian Jefferies, President and CEO of the Association of American Railroads! Together they discuss why the AAR was created, who the AAR is, what they do, all the tremendous resources they offer their members and the industry as a whole, including resources like their subsidiaries RailInc and MxVRail. Ian also gives his thoughts on industry highlights from 2025, and what he’s looking forward to in 2026. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS:

1. The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
2. In addition to his role as President & CEO of the AAR, Mr. Jefferies also serves as a Board Member for Railinc, MxV Rail and GoRail.
3. Formed in 1934, the AAR has been the leading voice for the freight rail industry, driving policy, research, and technology, to enhance safety and efficiency.
4. Working with elected officials and leaders in Washington, DC, the AAR advances sound public policy that supports the interests of the freight rail industry, ensuring they continue to meet America’s transportation needs today and tomorrow.
5. As the standard-setting organization for North America’s railroads, the AAR establishes safety, security and operating standards that provide seamless and safe operations across America’s nearly 140,000-mile freight rail network.
6. The AAR’s expert economists prepare weekly, quarterly and annual statistical reports that provide insight into the operations of North America’s freight railroads.
7. Through its two subsidiaries, Railinc and MxV Rail, the AAR supports continued research and development projects that enhance the safety, security and efficiency of the railroad industry.
8. Ian gives us his industry highlights of 2025, and shares what he’s looking forward to in 2026.
9. Stay tuned for our first episode of Season 4!
10. Thank you all for your support over our first 3 seasons! Please continue to share and leave 5-Star reviews!

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this our 2nd Annual Christmas Special our host Don Walsh is joined by guest and 15-time Texas country music chart-topper Bri Bagwell! Together they discuss Bri’s incredible journey to becoming Texas Female Country Music Artist of the Decade, as well as Bri’s favorite Christmas songs and memories. Bri gives amazing live performances of her favorite train song and a beautiful Christmas song that she co-wrote with her dad and her cousin. Bri also shares several other Christmas songs that she wrote and performed for us to enjoy, including the stories behind each one of them. Tune in to this very special Christmas episode and enjoy some Christmas cheer! You can find the episode on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net . Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS:

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally!
• Bri Bagwell’s musical journey began early, writing poems and learning piano, before joining her twin brothers’ band at just 14 years old.
• As her career has blossomed, Bri has performed on syndicated TV events such as NBC’s Lone Star New Years Eve, and with legends and contemporaries alike, including Willie Nelson, Miranda Lambert, Dwight Yoakam, Robert Earl Keen, Kacey Musgraves, Reckless Kelly, and more.
• Bri plays an amazing and emotional acoustic version of “Play a Train Song” live, in tribute to country music singer and songwriter Todd Snider who recently passed away (November 2025).
• We get a special treat to hear Bri play a live piano version of “Cowboy Christmas Eve”, which she co—wrote with her dad and her cousin Kip Calahan Young, who performs a duet with Bri on the studio version.
• You, our wonderful audience, get to enjoy several other of Bri Bagewell’s Christmas songs on this 2nd Annual Christmas Special, which include pictures and videos, which you can see on our YouTube channel.
• As of November 2025, Bri has achieved her 15th #1 song in Texas radio with “Hit the Highway”.
• Be sure to check out Bri’s upcoming concert tour including her “A Very Desert Christmas” shows performing with her friends Drew Kennedy, Kristi Grider and Josh Grider in December 2025 in Fort Worth, TX and The Woodlands, TX. You can see all tour dates at www.BriBagwell.com .
• Stay tuned for our final episode of 2025 in late December! You don’t want to miss it!
• Everyone at the American Railroading Podcast wishes you and yours a very Merry Christmas!

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX

https://www.enviroserve.com

https://www.bribagwell.com

Welcome to the American Railroading Podcast! In this episode our host Don Walsh is joined by guest Chuck Baker, President of the American Short Line & Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA). Together they discuss the story of the American short line railroads including their origins, their near demise due to regulations and increased trucking, their re-birth after deregulation, their significant role and impact on the U.S. economy, the effect of a government shutdown on the industry, and much more. Tune in to this episode to gain valuable insights and broaden your understanding of American Railroading! You can find this episode and more on the American Railroading Podcast's official website at www.AmericanRailroading.net , and watch our YouTube Channel at the link below. Welcome aboard!

KEY POINTS:

• The American Railroading Podcast remains in the Top 10% of all podcasts globally, now downloaded in 58 countries around the world, on 38 podcast platforms!
• Although growing up in Baltimore, MD., Mr. Baker is a graduate of Rice University in Houston, TX.
• Prior to becoming President of the ASLRRA, Chuck was a lobbyist specializing in government affairs in Washinton, DC for 15 years representing railroad clients before the Federal Government, including Congress & administrative agencies such as the DOT,FRA, STB, DHS & TSA.
• Don and Chuck discuss what criteria determines a Class 1 railroad.
• A short line railroad’s role is to be the “First Mile, Last Mile” provider to local and regional businesses and communities, working in conjunction with Class 1 railroads.
• While there are 6 Class 1 railroads in the U.S. (UP, BNSF, CSX, NS, CN, and CPKC), there are 603 short line railroads.
• Short line railroads are a great American success story, employing 17,800 employees nationwide, contributing significantly to the U.S. economy.
• Chuck shares his opinion on the effect of a government shutdown on the railroad industry.
• The ASLRRA offers its members not only advocacy, but also training, grant assistance, disaster preparedness, education funds & industry scholarships, environmental initiatives, webinars, industry events, and more.
• If you like what we do, please leave us a 5-Star Review…and please Share the episode!

LINKS MENTIONED:

https://www.americanrailroading.net

https://www.therevolutionrailgroup.com

https://www.youtube.com/@americanrailroadingpodcast

https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dwalshX

https://www.enviroserve.com

https://www.ASLRRA.org