Pave It Black producer talks behind the scenes
This content appears in the Summer 2025 print edition of NAPA Quarterly. Subscribe here.
By Kate Lancaster
Senior Manager, Digital Marketing
Each season of Pave It Black begins long before we enter the studio. In the fall of 2024, Richard Willis, Brett Williams, and I decided the focus of this season would be leadership. We wanted to hold authentic and inspirational conversations with leaders inside and outside the asphalt world.
One of the most fulfilling aspects of this creative process is the outreach and subsequent storyboarding of content for our guests. Each guest is selected based on their expertise, unique viewpoints, and ability to share compelling stories.
After the invitations are sent, we schedule our recordings, typically via Zoom, allowing guests from across the country to join the studio. We dedicate three days to record the majority of conversations in one sitting. This guarantees a consistent episode schedule and allows us to identify common trends, ensuring each installment feels distinct yet connected.
Another vital element of podcast production is fulfilling sponsorships. Sponsorships offer an opportunity to engage with listeners directly, showcasing new products or technologies. To learn more about future opportunities, consult the NAPA Media Guide.
Season nine’s inaugural episode debuted March 4 with NAPA’s 2025 Chairman, Pat Nelson, sharing his leadership experience and aspirations for the year ahead. As the weeks continued, we welcomed familiar industry faces to the studio. NAPA President & CEO Audrey Copeland joined us for two episodes. First sharing her journey and the second leading the conversation with Naylor CEO & President Christine Shaw. We also released a special work zone safety episode during National Work Zone Awareness Week, highlighting innovative practices that protect road workers.
Each conversation offers insights into today’s challenges and tomorrow’s opportunities. Whether you’re looking to grow your leadership capabilities or are just interested in the leaders that guide our industry, season nine is a must-listen!
