The Aging Arborist

In Episode 23, Glenn Riggs joins the podcast for a raw, funny, and honest conversation about growing up in the tree industry, learning the hard way, and helping shape the craft long before social media made everything visible. From climbing in the late 70s, working under old-school standards, innovating rigging techniques, competing in tree climbing, crane work, family legacy, and mentoring the next generation, Glenn brings the kind of stories that only come from actually living it.
This episode is about grit, connection, thick skin, loss, growth, and the roots of an industry built by people who figured it out in real time.

In this episode of The Aging Arborist Podcast, Paul and Brick sit down with Joe for a conversation that goes far beyond tree care.
The episode opens with an important discussion on Lyme disease in the arborist industry, especially for those working outdoors on the East Coast. From there, the conversation moves into Joe’s work at Meadow Lakes, the responsibility of caring for historic trees, the value of community, and what it means to lead with purpose in arboriculture.
This episode touches on mentorship, gratitude, work ethic, New Jersey’s arborist standards, and the deeper meaning behind showing up every day for the people, trees, and industry you care about.
A powerful conversation for arborists, tree care professionals, and anyone who believes this work is about more than just the job.

After a few months away, the Aging Arborist is back — new look, new chapter, same depth. In this episode, Paul sits down with his daughter Michaela and co-host Brick for a conversation that goes way deeper than tree work.
Michaela grew up with the shop literally attached to the house, loading firewood as a kid and eventually running ropes on real jobs. Paul opens up about what it means to balance the grind of owning a business with being present for the people who matter most — and Michaela shares what it was actually like growing up on the other side of that.
The conversation winds through first competition nerves, the power of being pushed outside your comfort zone, what "community" really means in the tree industry, and why the second generation has an edge that most people underestimate.
Brick also reflects on personal changes this past winter and the beauty of leaning into new chapters rather than fighting them.
Whether you're a business owner trying to balance provision with presence, a second-gen arborist finding your footing, or someone who just needs a reminder that life begins outside your comfort zone — this one's for you.