THE HOSTS
John Belcher
I’m John Belcher, host of Moving America Podcast, and a member of the railroad family since October of 2004 when I hired onto Norfolk Southern’s Pocahontas Division as a conductor. In all honesty, my journey with the railroad had actually started long before that. Where I’m from, you either mine coal or move it, and my family has been involved with moving America for many generations. My journey in the rail industry later promoted me to Engineer in 2007 and moved me to Norfolk Southern’s Alabama Division in 2014. In 2018, I wanted to take a more active role in helping my fellow brothers and sisters. I was appointed as Secretary/Treasurer for the Brotherhood of Locomotive Engineers and Trainmen (BLET) Division 73 in June of 2018, and became its Local Chairman in August of that same year. I held this position for over 4 years. The railroad started off as part of my history, became a job, and has turned into a family and lifestyle that I’d now like to share with you through this podcast!
MIKE NECESSARY
I’m Mike Necessary, co-host of Moving America Podcast. After a four year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, I felt I was ready to tackle yet another stress filled and insanely challenging career path. I hired out as a Brakeman on Norfolk Southern in the spring of 1993, took Conductors promotion in 1995, and volunteered for Engineer school in 1996. Since then, I have had many sleep-deprived, coffee-fueled nocturnal adventures across nearly every square inch of the Pocahontas Division. I was elected Vice Local Chairman of BLET Division 37, Andover, VA. in 2012 and elevated to Local Chairman in 2016. Being Local Chairman has been a very frustrating and rewarding experience, but when John approached me about doing a podcast, how could I say no? Moving America has proven to be the perfect vehicle to shed light on the problems and pitfalls facing our Union brothers and sisters, not to mention questions we can help answer and have a few lighthearted moments.