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Feds For Freedom Releases Adirim Deposition, Calls for Congressional Subpoena and Full DoW Records > > Read full press release here: https://www.fedsforfreedom.org/adirimTerry Adirim, MD, then acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, signed a memo on Sept. 14, 2021, stating that the Pfizer BioNTech EUA shot was interchangeable with the FDA approved Comirnaty. But they were legally distinct- one carries a right of refusal, the other doesn't.After her time at the DOD and Veterans Affairs, Adirim worked at the CIA and was promptly fired in Spring 2025, once President Trump took office. She turned around and sued Ivan Raiklin for defamation (and CIA Dir. Ratcliffe for firing her, claim now dropped), claiming he was the reason she was fired. Feds For Freedom is supporting the defense in the lawsuit Terry Adirim v CIA et al.Ivan Raiklin, constitutional attorney, and Kevin McAfee, president of Feds For Freedom join us to discuss Adirim's memo and what she revealed in her August 2026 deposition as to how she determined these shots were safe for 2 million servicemembers. Chapters:01:45 — Who Signed the Memo?05:28 — Adirim: Pediatrics to Defense Health Affairs09:04 — Comirnaty, the EUA Product, and "Legally Distinct"15:18 — Kevin McAfee: What the Memo Meant Inside the Force25:01 — The Adirim v. CIA et al Lawsuit and Its Claims32:58 — Discovery and the Adirim's Deposition44:54 — Liability, Manufacturers, and Why the Distinction Mattered1:04:42 — Participate in AccountabilityRead more: https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2026/09/dr-terry-adirims-legacy-five-years-unraveling-militaryRep. Harris calls for Adirim subpoena: https://harris.house.gov/media/press-releases/rep-harris-five-years-after-adirim-mandatory-vaccine-memo-put-her-under-oath What does it mean to Own Your Freedom? It's not waiting for freedom to be granted to you. It's not asking for rights to be given, it's not even reclaiming your rights- as they're yours and they've been yours along- you just need to never let go of your God-given rights. Owning freedom is taking responsibility for your rights and living them out in all facets of life. On this podcast, we interview people who have taken ownership of their freedoms and as a result have made incredible change, whether it be at the federal, state, local levels, or in the home. It's a way of living. Own Your Freedom. It's that simple.
Healthcare companies are rethinking their business models as patients gain more control over how they access care and purchase medicine. Our analysts Erin Wright and Terence Flynn unpack this shift and the emerging opportunities.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Erin Wright: Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Erin Wright, US Healthcare Services Analyst at Morgan Stanley.Terence Flynn: And I'm Terence Flynn, Morgan Stanley's US BioPharma Analyst.Erin Wright: Today, how the consumer is moving into the driver's seat across healthcare.It's Monday, September 14th at 7:00 AMWe're recording in New York City, where Morgan Stanley's twenty-fourth Annual Healthcare Conference is happening this week. One of the biggest shifts we're seeing across the industry is patients gaining more choice, transparency, and control over how they access care and medicine. You can already see it in everyday behavior. In our AlphaWise survey earlier this year, thirty-four percent of US consumers said that they'd chosen to take a voluntary wellness lab test in the past three years, and roughly two-thirds already own a wearable or plan to buy one.And now we're seeing the same trend reshaping how people buy medicine and choose care. So Terence, let's start with biopharma. For years, direct-to-consumer pharma meant advertising and nudging people to ask your doctor about what particular treatment is best for them. What's different this time around? And what's different in this next wave of direct access?Terence Flynn: Yeah, absolutely. Thanks, Erin. So for most of the industry's history, the patient sat at the end of the value chain and had really limited control over the product, the price, or the route through which the drug was obtained.Manufacturers marketed to doctors and consumers, but the transaction was itself intermediated. So we think that's starting to change here. It's no longer simply about more consumer advertising or another cash pay discount. There's a parallel access infrastructure that's building here where the patient can increasingly start the initiation of the treatment journey themselves, obtain a prescription, often digitally through a telehealth provider, and then fill this prescription through other non-traditional channels.And so there really is a shift in the model that we're starting to see here. But again, we're not talking about replacing insurance here; we're talking about areas where friction is high and where a cash pay price is viable.Erin Wright: So Obesity has been the clearest proof point, as we are seeing patients asking providers about GLP-1s. Where else are we seeing this?Terence Flynn: Yeah. So manufacturers are actually already selling over twenty-five branded drugs directly to patients at cash prices. Now, the common features of these drug classes are that they're self-administered, so essentially the patient can start and stay on treatment, and where there's limited in-person infrastructure that's needed, and where, as I mentioned, you have a lower price point or a coverage gap, meaning traditional insurance coverage doesn't exist.Now, we're seeing this in large chronic categories. You mentioned obesity. Another one is, migraine headaches. There are also other areas that are amenable to telehealth, so think oral PCSK9 therapies, topical dermatology, non-opioid pain. So again, we think as more self-administered products launch, you're gonna see the addressable DTC pool expand.Erin Wright: And ultimately what does this reveal about patient demand and gaps in reimbursement?Terence Flynn: Yeah, I think GLP-1s, as you mentioned, Erin, provided the first proof point here that this new DTC model could actually be viable. And really the reason for that is that, the US employer coverage base right now, only about fifty percent cover these obesity medications.And so for the other fifty percent, you have a gap in coverage. And that's really why people are seeking other channels for coverage. And so again, that really created this opening here for this new model. And so again, that's another consideration when you think about other medicines that could go through these channels is you have to think about the insurance coverage situation. And so for some areas like oncology, for example, insurance coverage is gonna be very high, and so those wouldn't be amenable to a DTC approach.Erin Wright: So Terence, your analysis points to roughly twenty-six billion peak US opportunity. What makes a certain therapeutic well-suited for direct-to-consumer, and where is the opportunity most concentrated?Terence Flynn: Yeah. So there are really four variables that we considered. The first is self-administration. So as I mentioned, you have to be able to administer the medicine yourself, meaning you don't have to go into the physician or hospital for an injection, for example. The second is that the diagnosis doesn't need an in-person confirmation. So think of something like a biopsy or something. So you'd have to be able to diagnose, as I said, over a remote telehealth channel. The third would be something that is a lower price point. Obviously, there are, like we mentioned, the GLP-1 medicines are at a different price point versus oncology medicines.And then the last one would be any kind of legal restrictions. So sometimes FDA has a lot of restrictions around who can prescribe a medicine. These are called REMS. And so any medicine that had restrictions like that obviously would not be amenable to DTC. So again, we think through those different variables, and then we ultimately built up this twenty-six billion dollar TAM that represents about three percent of total branded pharmaceutical spend. Of that, about half is driven by the obesity or GLP-1 medications.So Erin, that's a good bridge to healthcare services because consumerism isn't just about paying cash. What does greater consumer control actually look like?Erin Wright: You're right. It's not just about paying out of pocket for healthcare. With now consumers becoming more proactive with their healthcare and preventative care, we are seeing a whole healthcare ecosystem shift, from health insurers now offering lifestyle savings accounts empowering patients with more choice on that front, health systems and hospitals are creating a digital front door and delivery of care twenty-four/seven on that front. And also, we're seeing more direct-to-consumer pharmacies and transparent pharmacies that are gaining traction.Terence Flynn: And what does the Alpha Wise survey data tell us about consumers' willingness to pay out of pocket for care?Erin Wright: So based on our AlphaWise consumer survey, twenty-five percent of consumers report paying entirely out of pocket for at least one healthcare service over the past year. That was actually higher than what we were expecting. Most commonly, this was attributable to behavioral and mental health services, about eight percent of the cohort.Annual spend was about nine hundred and eight dollars, but maximum willingness to spend was about double that. So this suggests consumers are using out-of-pocket services and medications and are willing to spend to do so.Terence Flynn: That's very interesting. How important are digital tools, wearables, and testing in actually accelerating this shift?Erin Wright: So wearables are certainly a piece of the puzzle. What is new though here is that we're seeing wearable data align with actual biological data, where, for example, clinical laboratories are now partnering with these wearable companies and other direct-to-consumer healthcare platforms to offer subscription-based biomarker panels and other testing services. This is where this type of technology becomes more actionable from a healthcare perspective and really, frankly, empowers patients to take matters into their own hands.Terence Flynn: So as consumers take more control, as you discussed, what types of healthcare service models are best positioned to benefit?Erin Wright: There are certainly a host of companies across healthcare that are attacking this from several different angles.But if we think about who in the industry has the most touch points into the consumer, into the patient, it would be your diversified managed care companies and vertically integrated managed care companies where we view that many of these larger insurers are best able to adapt to consumerism in healthcare. We're already starting to see that happen with stepped-up technology investments helping to facilitate greater transparency and access, whether it's across insurance, provider arms, technology, or, um, or pharmacy assets as well.To sum it up, in biopharma, we're seeing a parallel access channel emerge alongside traditional reimbursement. And in healthcare services, consumers are gaining more control over how they choose access and pay for their care. Consumers aren't stepping outside of the healthcare system. They're taking a more proactive and more active role in how they navigate it.Terrence, thank you for taking the time to talk.Terence Flynn: Great speaking with you Erin.Erin Wright: And thanks for listening. If you enjoy Thoughts on the Market, please leave us a review wherever you listen and share the podcast with a friend or a colleague today.
When you send a manufacturer your CAD files, drawings, specifications, and requirements, you might expect them to review everything and simply come back with a price and lead time. But an experienced manufacturing team will often respond with something else first: questions. Lots of them. In episode 345 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Agilian's Paul Adams to explain why those questions are an important part of preparing a product for manufacturing, not an unnecessary delay. They discuss what manufacturers are trying to understand about your product, including its function, operating environment, mating parts, tolerances, materials, production volumes, surface finishes, and inspection criteria. Paul also explains how seemingly small assumptions can become embedded in a product specification and ultimately lead to higher costs, excessive rejection rates, rework, tooling modifications, delays, or products that do not perform as expected. You'll also learn what information buyers should provide when requesting a quotation, why detailed 2D drawings remain so important, how experienced manufacturers' questions differ from superficial ones, and how the questions you ask can help you assess the capability of a potential manufacturing partner. As Paul puts it: smart questions at the start are cheaper than solving problems at the end. Show Sections 00:13 - Introduction: Why do experienced manufacturers ask so many questions before quoting? 02:39 - Why manufacturers need to ask questions before giving firm answers 07:37 - What manufacturers need to understand about your product 10:29 - Mating parts, fit, and tolerance stack-ups 12:45 - Why inspection and cosmetic criteria must be specific 16:25 - What happens when important questions are skipped? 20:26 - How assumptions lead to failures, rework, and extra cost 24:51 - What buyers should provide when requesting a quotation 27:10 - Why detailed 2D drawings, finishes, welding, and CTQs matter 30:13 - How experienced manufacturers ask better questions 35:28 - Managing component lead times during development 38:59 - Smart questions at the start are cheaper than problems at the end 41:36 - Why silence from either side is a warning sign 43:01 - Using questions to evaluate a manufacturer's capability 45:37 - Key takeaway: good questions reduce manufacturing risk Related content How To Get A Quotation For Manufacturing Your New Product? The New Product Introduction Process Guide DfX, Industrialization & NPI Support from Agilian Plastic Injection Molds: 8 Tips For When Requesting Quotes Questions to Ask Your Tooling and Plastic Supplier to Reduce Risks Get in touch with Sofeast Connect with us on LinkedIn Contact us via Sofeast's contact page Subscribe to our YouTube channel Prefer Facebook? Check us out on FB
This week we discuss:00:00:00 - Intro00:00:23 - Using AI00:01:35 - An AI Car Dealership?00:05:47 - Being an honest car dealer00:07:44 - THAT Broken Qashqai00:09:55 - AI's Ten Biggest Stories We've Missed Over The Last 6 Months00:12:16 - Mercedes Concept AMG GT XX00:13:47 - George Russel Smashes EV Record For Distance00:16:24 - Porsche Macan Turbo EV - doesn't like charging in heat? 00:17:44 - Why is it always a performance EV?00:20:23 - Porsche Financial Problems00:23:06 - Is Porsche in trouble?00:25:49 - Chinese brands are destroying mid market legacy manufacturers00:30:06 - The Cayman EV is coming00:35:14 - The Audi Nuvolari00:39:32 - Electric BMW M300:42:47 - Lotus makes U-turn with Type 135 (Vision X)00:47:00 - Tony's Consumer Advice00:49:43 - McLaren W1 Becomes Flagship00:51:13 - Mercedes AMG prepares GT Black Series00:54:01 - Alpine Premieres Next A11000:56:07 - Maserati Struggles00:57:43 - Porsche GT2 RS is coming01:00:00 - Outro Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
KMOX's Megan Lynch talks with Fabiola Negron, Director of Food Safety at Registrar Corp. Their mission is guiding companies in the creation and launch of a strong food safety plan.
TWIRx NEWS 1. Medicare Part D Paid Nearly $588 Million for Ineligible OTC Drugs A federal audit found that Medicare Part D sponsors made approximately $587.7 million in ineligible payments from 2021 through 2023 for medications that had effectively transitioned from prescription to over-the-counter status. The HHS Office of Inspector General cited outdated FDA information and the lack of a clear CMS rejection timeline as major contributors. Why it matters: This exposes a serious coordination problem across FDA data, manufacturers, CMS, health plans and pharmacy claims systems. Pharmacists may see the rejection or payment issue at the counter, but the failure often begins far upstream. Read the Fierce Healthcare report Read the HHS-OIG audit 2. FDA Responds to Estradiol Patch Supply Pressure The FDA is working with six manufacturers to improve access to estradiol transdermal patches amid increased demand. While FDA has not declared a national shortage, availability varies by product, strength and geographic area. Manufacturers are increasing production through larger batches, added shifts and expanded capacity. Why it matters: Pharmacists are again serving as the front line of a supply-chain challenge—helping patients locate medication, coordinating with prescribers and identifying alternatives. Read the Reuters report Read the FDA update 3. New RSV and COVID-19 Guidance Released The American Academy of Pediatrics and American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists have issued updated recommendations for RSV and COVID-19 protection during the 2026–2027 respiratory season. Why it matters: Pharmacists may face conflicting recommendations, patient confusion and questions about eligibility. Clear counseling and coordination with pediatric and obstetric providers will be critical. Read the Pharmacy Times report SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM OUTCOMES A special update from Megan Urban and Outcomes. Outcomes is highlighting new enhancements to its Rx30 pharmacy management platform, including a refreshed user experience, automated data-entry capabilities and support from a dedicated Client Success Team. The program will explore how these updates can streamline pharmacy workflows, save time and support greater focus on patient care. Presented by: Dalia Rios and Kaley Lester September 9, 2026 — 1:30 p.m. ET Register here FEATURED CONVERSATION Building a Bridge to GLP-1 Access Our featured guest is HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health. HaVy works at the intersection of pharmacy, healthcare technology, medication affordability and prescription access. Buzz Health operates platforms including BuzzRx, RxCompare and RxAffect, with a focus on helping connect patients, pharmacies, prescribers and prescription pricing information. That makes today's discussion particularly timely. THE MEDICARE GLP-1 BRIDGE CMS launched the Medicare GLP-1 Bridge on July 1, 2026, to provide eligible Medicare Part D beneficiaries access to selected GLP-1 medications for weight management. The demonstration runs through December 31, 2027. Eligible beneficiaries pay $50 for a monthly supply, while the program operates outside the traditional Part D payment flow through centralized prior authorization, claims adjudication and pharmacy payment. Eligible therapies currently include: Foundayo® Wegovy® Zepbound® The bigger issue is not simply GLP-1 coverage. It is how healthcare connects eligibility, affordability, prior authorization, pharmacy workflow and patient access. The central question for today's discussion: Can we create a medication-access system where patients know whether they can obtain and afford their therapy before they reach the pharmacy counter? CLOSING THOUGHT The Medicare GLP-1 Bridge is more than another federal drug program. It is a real-world test of how healthcare can better connect coverage, affordability, prior authorization and pharmacy fulfillment around high-demand therapies. Pharmacists remain at the center of that process. The opportunity is to use technology to move more complexity upstream—allowing pharmacists to spend less time troubleshooting prescriptions and more time caring for patients. Our thanks to HaVy Ngo-Hamilton, PharmD, RPh, Senior Pharmacy Director at Buzz Health, for joining us on This Week in Pharmacy. Learn more about the CMS Medicare GLP-1 Bridge Learn more about Buzz Health TWIRx — This Week in Pharmacy Pharmacy Podcast Network Amplifying the Voice of Pharmacy.
Tariffs are supposed to be a cost businesses can calculate. But with US trade policy changing rapidly, the bigger challenge for exporters and importers may be knowing which tariff will actually apply when goods arrive.In this episode of Trade Links, Tim Phillips is joined by Aastha Gupta and Scott Livingstone to explore the economic impact of tariff uncertainty and what it means for businesses making cross-border investment and sourcing decisions.The conversation then turns to another major challenge for Europe: the growing impact of Chinese industrial overcapacity, increasingly described by economists as “China shock 2.0”. As Chinese exports move further up the value chain, the panel considers whether Europe faces not simply a trade challenge, but the potential hollowing-out of its industrial ecosystem.5 key takeaways1. Tariff uncertainty can be as damaging as tariffs themselvesBusinesses are accustomed to dealing with tariffs. The problem is that the rules are now changing so quickly that companies may struggle to know what their costs will be when goods actually arrive.An order can be negotiated today, placed next week, shipped a month later and cleared through customs weeks after that. Knowing today's tariff is therefore less useful if the rate could change before the transaction is completed.2. The US tariff regime has become deliberately complexMore than 50 separate US tariff announcements were made during 2025, according to research discussed in the episode. Rates, exemptions and the rules governing them have continued to evolve.Scott argues that the fluctuating communication around tariffs should not necessarily be viewed as accidental. Instead, uncertainty can provide negotiating leverage and give the US administration greater “optionality” when dealing with trading partners.Legal challenges add another layer of uncertainty, with multiple cases contesting the basis for different US tariff measures.3. Confusion can cause businesses to put trade decisions on holdThe economic impact of tariffs doesn't necessarily require trade to stop altogether. If companies cannot confidently predict their costs, they may delay orders, postpone contracts or stick with existing suppliers rather than take a risk on a new trading relationship.The impact may be particularly pronounced in more transactional markets, where suppliers can easily be substituted. Long-standing strategic supplier relationships may be more resilient because replacing them is harder.4. China's industrial capacity could become Europe's next major trade challengeScott introduces the concept of the “grey rhino”: a high-probability, high-impact event that is visible in advance but insufficiently acted upon.Aastha identifies China's growing industrial capacity as one such threat. Weak domestic demand in China, combined with greater US protectionism, could encourage more Chinese exports towards open markets such as Europe.And this isn't limited to low-cost consumer goods. Chinese companies are increasingly competitive in areas including EVs, batteries, machinery, chemicals and sophisticated industrial equipment.The concern is that sustained competition could eventually weaken the wider European manufacturing ecosystem, affecting suppliers, investment, skills and industrial know-how.5. Europe faces a difficult balancing act between growth and resilienceChinese competition does not affect every European country or company in the same way.Manufacturers competing directly with Chinese products may see the situation as a threat, while companies using Chinese steel, batteries or other components may benefit from lower input costs.That creates a difficult policy trade-off for the EU: maintaining access to Chinese investment and inexpensive inputs while reducing strategic dependencies.The panel describes this shift as moving from “decoupling” to “de-risking” – not ending trade with China, but reducing vulnerabilities in strategically important areas.What to watch in future:Egypt and Ethiopia: Scott highlights renewed tensions over Ethiopia's plans for additional dams on the Nile. China's oil inventories: Aastha is watching evidence that China's crude imports may be softening after a period of significant stockpiling, including purchases from Russia. Speakers:Tim Phillips, HostAastha Gupta, European Economist, Economics & Market StrategyScott Livingstone, International AdvisorThis episode was recorded on 19 August.Please view our full disclaimer here (https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html)All details correct at time of recording.For any terms used please refer to this glossary https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.htmlPlease view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.htmlAll details correct at time of recording.For any terms used please refer to this glossary https://www.natwest.com/corporates/insights/markets/glossary.htmlPlease view our full disclaimer here: https://www.natwest.com/corporates/disclaimer.html
Ontario has pledged to build 1.5 million new homes by 2031, but can our power grid actually handle the demand? In this episode of Classonomics, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt break down the $100B–$120B "last mile" infrastructure crisis quietly halting major housing projects across the province, including thousands of stalled homes in Brooklin, Whitby, and Ajax.From the historical legacy of Sir Adam Beck's publicly owned hydro model to modern electrification demands like EVs and heat pumps, we discuss why developers are being pushed to fund local grid expansions and what policy fixes, such as tax-exempt utility bonds and reforming the tax code's 90/10 rule, can keep Ontario's housing goals alive.Topics Covered:Can Ontario's Grid Handle 1.5 Million New Homes?Mega Transmission Lines vs. The Real Grid BottleneckWhat is the "Last Mile" in Power Distribution?Case Study: Why 10,000 Homes Stalled in Brooklin, ONSkyrocketing Household Load: Heat Pumps & EV ChargersHistory Lesson: Sir Adam Beck & Ontario's Original Power Vision"Build Ahead" vs. "Pay to Play": The Shift in Infrastructure FinancingThe Role of Local Distribution Companies (LDCs)Two Policy Fixes: Tax-Exempt Utility Bonds & Reforming the 90/10 Rule#OntarioHousing #CanadianPolitics #HousingCrisis #EnergyGrid #Infrastructure #TheMissingMiddle #SabrinaMaddeaux #MikeMoffattChapters:00:00 Can Ontario's Grid Power 1.5 Million Homes?01:43 The "Last Mile" Bottleneck & Stalled Developments04:00 EV Demand & Ontario's Electrification History05:29 Public Utilities vs. "Pay for Growth"07:14 Local Distribution Companies & Funding Friction10:11 Two Policy Solutions to Fix Grid Financing12:07 Final Thoughts & OutroResearch/links:North America's electricity grid is ready to grow. Manufacturers needed to build it are placing their betshttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-north-americas-electricity-grid-is-ready-to-grow-manufacturers-needed/Electrical Load map:https://oeb.planview.ca/Ontario-capacity-map/Debt/Deficit MissingMiddle Episode referred to in video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H2zza3GwZ7EWhy a multibillion-dollar electricity infrastructure gap is threatening Ontario's housing goalshttps://www.theglobeandmail.com/business/article-ontario-cant-build-homes-without-rebuilding-power-grid/Tracking housing supply progresshttps://www.ontario.ca/page/tracking-housing-supply-progress#section-0Ontario Launches Expert Panel to Strengthen Local Electricity Distributionhttps://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1006663/ontario-launches-expert-panel-to-strengthen-local-electricity-distribution?utm_source=chatgpt.com2025 Ontario Economic - Outlook and Fiscal Reviewhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/1oTK_RueWPjD1Oc1YXVlT8nslnx9Ue_w6/viewForward Guidance: Canada's Energy Future.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bySyMcg-p_4Adam Beckhttps://thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/sir-adam-beckBuild Faster Fundhttps://opencouncil.ca/program/building-faster-fund/An early history of hydroelectric power in Niagara Fallshttps://nflibrary.ca/articles/an-early-history-of-hydroelectric-power-in-niagara-fallsOntario's electric historyhttps://thevarsity.ca/2026/02/03/ontarios-electric-history/To Build More Homes, Ontario Launching Building Faster Fund and Expanding Strong Mayor Powershttps://news.ontario.ca/en/release/1003397/to-build-more-homes-ontario-launching-building-faster-fund-and-expanding-strong-mayor-powersHosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina MaddeauxProduced by Meredith MartinEdited by Sean Foreman and Canadian Civil
300 episodes of Chris asking all the questions, this week he is finally in the hot seat - and it's his high school buddies doing all the grilling!Recorded live at Urban Chestnut Brewing, this episode is split into two parts. First, Chris sits down with a Missouri manufacturing panel - Michael Eaton, Joe Mazzola and Maria Berra to talk Apollo 13 battery cells, pepper spray, whiskey barrels, and keeping it in the family in St. Louis.In part 2, we are flipping the script. To celebrate this milestone episode, three of Chris's oldest friends, Pat, Rob and John take over, asking Chris about his 'magic drug' for keeping the show running for 300 episodes, reminiscing on his first experience of things taking a turn for the worst on stage, and a very exciting personal announcement.In this episode, find out:How Missouri became the birthplace of a surprising range of products that most wouldn't realizeHow a kid who dreamed of building rollercoasters ended up building a manufacturing podcast insteadWhy Chris's dad might be the most legendary guy in their entire high school networkWhy Chris wouldn't watch the Blues win the Stanley Cup live, despite being in BostonWhat Chris says helps you stand out when everyone in your industry is chasing the same trendWhere Chris would send you for the best food and drink in St. LouisEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:"I don't know if being an engineer is exactly what I wanted to be, but I was certainly going to take that problem-solving skill set and bring it wherever I go." - Chris Luecke, Podcast Host & Community Builder at Manufacturing Happy Hour"The more you can take that ‘all ships rise with the tide' approach, those are the regions I see really being successful in manufacturing." - Chris Luecke, Podcast Host & Community Builder at Manufacturing Happy Hour”What are the things that you can talk about that are timeless, that highlight who you are, that highlight your expertise, that can allow you to stand out from the pack?” - Chris Luecke, Podcast Host & Community Builder at Manufacturing Happy HourLinks & mentions:AssetWatch and MaintainX, our partners for this leg of the All-American Manufacturing Summer Tour.The Missouri Association of Manufacturers, supporting manufacturers and driving turnout for this special St. Louis event.IMTS, hosted by AMT (the Association for Manufacturing Technology) - the country's largest manufacturing trade show.Urban Chestnut Brewing Company is an unconventional-minded yet tradition-oriented brewer of craft beer with authentic heritage and proven quality.Make sure to visit https://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
Summary/IntroIn this episode of The Smart RVer Podcast, Eric Stark shares a recent experience that began with buying a boat and trailer and ended up changing the way he approaches RV repairs, hard-to-find parts, and the frustrations RV owners face when trying to keep older equipment on the road.The boat was in excellent condition, but the trailer was another story. Worn bearings, bad brakes, disconnected brake lines, aging axles, hard-to-find proprietary parts, and conflicting information from manufacturers and suppliers turned what looked like a simple purchase into a much bigger project.More importantly, the experience gave Eric a fresh perspective on what RV owners sometimes go through when they are told a part is discontinued, unavailable, or too difficult to identify. It also reinforced the importance of knowing your equipment, understanding the tools you carry, and developing enough basic mechanical knowledge to work through problems when they happen away from home.Eric also covers a quick late-summer RV air conditioner maintenance reminder, including checking filters and cleaning condenser and evaporator coils. And in RV Envy, he talks about Solbio Holding Tank Liquid and why it has been getting such positive feedback from RV owners.The big takeaway from this episode is simple: the more you understand your RV, your tools, and the systems you depend on, the better prepared you will be when something does not go according to plan.Show NotesIn this episode, Eric Stark shares a personal story that gave him a new appreciation for the frustrations RV owners experience when repairs are not straightforward, and replacement parts are difficult to find.It started with the purchase of a well-maintained boat in Seattle. The boat itself was in remarkable condition, but the trailer underneath it had been largely neglected. The tires were about ten years old, the wheel bearings were loose, the brakes were badly worn, and the brake lines were no longer functioning as they should.Rather than risk towing the boat hundreds of miles back to Montana, Eric left the boat and trailer behind, returned home, gathered the parts he thought he would need, and went back two weeks later to make the trailer roadworthy.That experience alone reinforced an important lesson: appearances do not tell the whole story. A trailer, RV, tow vehicle, or other piece of equipment can look excellent while still hiding serious mechanical problems beneath the surface.The bigger lesson came later.Once Eric started repairing and upgrading the trailer at home, he ran into proprietary axles, expensive replacement options, discontinued-looking components, conflicting information, and customer service that was not always willing to help him solve the problem.At one point, replacing the trailer entirely seemed easier than repairing it.Then a helpful trailer dealer changed the project's direction. Instead of simply selling Eric a new trailer, the dealer took the time to explain some practical alternatives, including converting the trailer from hydraulic surge brakes to electric brakes.That experience stood out because the dealer was willing to forgo a potential sale to help someone make a better decision.It also made Eric think about the calls he receives from RV owners who have already contacted multiple dealerships or parts departments and have been told that the part they need is unavailable.Sometimes the part really is gone.Other times, it is still available through another supplier, has been replaced by a newer version, or requires someone willing to spend a little extra time identifying an alternative.Eric explains how this experience has encouraged him to look even harder when helping RV owners find difficult parts. He has always tried to go the extra mile, but now he better understands how discouraging it can be when every phone call seems to lead to another dead end.The episode also highlights another important part of DIY RV ownership: knowing how to use the tools you carry.While repairing the trailer, Eric was reminded that simply owning a toolbox does not mean someone knows how to use what is inside it. RV owners do not need to become professional technicians, but becoming comfortable with basic hand tools, sockets, wrenches, electrical testing equipment, and simple repair procedures can make a huge difference when something goes wrong on the road.A little familiarity can help turn an emergency into a manageable repair.Eric encourages RV owners who are less comfortable with tools to practice at home. Learn what the tools are called, understand what they are used for, and spend some time looking at the systems on your own RV before you are forced to learn on the side of the highway.Quick Tip: Late-Summer RV Air Conditioner MaintenanceWith summer winding down, Eric also reminds you to check your RV air conditioner before the season is over.Start with the inside air filters. Dirty or clogged filters restrict airflow and can make the air conditioner work much harder than necessary.The rooftop condenser coil should also be checked and cleaned. Depending on the air conditioner, the evaporator coil may also be accessible for cleaning.Eric points out that RV air conditioner filters can become extremely dirty, especially after a summer filled with dust, smoke, pollen, and campground debris.Clean filters and coils can improve airflow, help the air conditioner perform better, and reduce unnecessary strain on the system.RV Envy: Solbio Holding Tank LiquidIn the RV Envy segment, Eric talks about Solbio Holding Tank Liquid.Solbio has been gaining traction with Highway 93 RV customers, and the feedback has been very positive. It offers RV owners another option for maintaining their black and gray holding tanks without relying on the heavily perfumed approach found in many traditional holding tank treatments.Eric encourages RV owners who have not tried Solbio to take a look and see why it has become such a popular product among customers.The Bigger LessonThe trailer project turned into more than a repair job.It became a reminder that owning an RV, boat, trailer, or tow vehicle means continually learning about the equipment you depend on.Parts change.Manufacturers discontinue components.Suppliers give conflicting answers.Repairs sometimes cost more than expected.And occasionally, fixing an older piece of equipment makes more sense than replacing it.The more you know about your RV, the systems inside it, and the tools needed to maintain it, the easier it becomes to work through those problems without immediately reaching the point where you want to give up on the RV altogether.RV ownership is a learning process.Every repair, every breakdown, and every frustrating parts search teaches you something that can make the next problem easier to handle.Solbio - Holding Tank Liquid Coupon Code "Solbio10"3X Chemistry - RV AC Foaming Coil CleanerSunpro Mfg RV Slide Out Fabrics - Use Discount Code "5 Percent Discount"Wholesale RV Extended WarrantiesMiller Marine Orofino Idaho - The Helpful Boat GuyDemco- Surge Brake, Couplers and Other Good StuffContact Us via our Website or Phone or Text us @ 406-961-8688Our Online Resources: The Smart Rver YouTube Channel - Check Out Our No-Nonsense YouTube VideosSunpro Mfg - RV Sunshade, Windshield Covers & Slide Out Awning FabricsHot Boat Ropes - Marine Cordage- Anchor Lines, Dock Lines, Tow Lines, etc.Top Rated Podcast - The Smart RVer Podcast WebsiteCompanies mentioned in this episode:Wholesale WarrantiesHighway 93 RVSunpromfg.comEZ Loader Trailers
Developing a medical device successfully requires several pieces to work together. Manufacturers must demonstrate that the product meets its requirements, maintain reliable design documentation, and understand how regulatory expectations differ—or increasingly align—across global markets.In this Easy Medical Device podcast collection, we explore three connected topics that represent different stages of this journey: Verification & Validation, Design History File remediation, and IMDRF and regulatory reliance.Making Verification & Validation PracticalVerification and Validation are fundamental parts of medical device development, but the distinction between them can sometimes create confusion.Verification focuses on whether the device has been developed according to defined requirements, while validation considers whether the resulting device meets its intended use and user needs.Understanding how to plan and execute V&V effectively helps manufacturers build stronger evidence around device performance and supports a more structured development process.When Your Design History File Needs RemediationWhat happens when the product has already been developed, but the Design History File doesn't properly demonstrate the development journey?DHF remediation can become necessary when documentation is incomplete, fragmented, poorly traceable, or does not adequately demonstrate how design controls were applied.The discussion explores the importance of rebuilding those connections and creating documentation that clearly demonstrates the relationship between requirements, design activities, V&V evidence, risk management, and design decisions.The objective isn't simply to create more documentation. It's to create a coherent and traceable design history.IMDRF, Regulatory Reliance and Global Market AccessOnce a device is ready for market, manufacturers face another challenge: navigating multiple regulatory systems around the world.The International Medical Device Regulators Forum (IMDRF) plays an important role in encouraging greater regulatory convergence internationally.Regulatory reliance takes this concept further by allowing authorities, where applicable, to leverage assessments or decisions from other trusted regulatory authorities rather than unnecessarily duplicating the entire review process.For manufacturers seeking international expansion, understanding these developments can become an important part of building an efficient global market access strategy.Connecting the Entire JourneyThese three topics may appear separate, but they represent a logical progression:Verification & Validation → Design Documentation → Global Regulatory ApprovalsFirst, manufacturers need evidence that the device performs as expected.Then, they need documentation that clearly demonstrates how the device was developed and controlled.Finally, they need a regulatory strategy capable of bringing that device into different markets.For MedTech companies, getting these elements right can create a stronger foundation for compliance, regulatory submissions, and international market access.A successful regulatory journey doesn't begin with the submission—it begins with how the device is designed, tested, documented, and prepared for the markets it intends to enter.Who is Monir El Azzouzi? Monir El Azzouzi is the founder and CEO of Easy Medical Device a Consulting firm that is supporting Medical Device manufacturers for any Quality and Regulatory affairs activities all over the world. Monir can help you to create your Quality Management System, Technical Documentation or he can also take care of your Clinical Evaluation, Clinical Investigation through his team or partners. Easy Medical Device can also become your Authorized Representative and Independent Importer Service provider for EU, UK and Switzerland. Monir has around 16 years of experience within the Medical Device industry working for small businesses and also big corporate companies. He has now supported around 100 clients to remain compliant on the market. His passion to the Medical Device filed pushed him to create educative contents like, blog, podcast, YouTube videos, LinkedIn Lives where he invites guests who are sharing educative information to his audience. Visit easymedicaldevice.com to know more. If you need help implementing QMSR or preparing your teams for FDA inspections, contact: info@easymedicaldevice.com If you are located outside the EU/UK/Switzerland and need an Authorized Representative (and possibly an Importer), we can support you as well.Social Media to followMonir El Azzouzi Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/in/melazzouziTwitter: https://twitter.com/elazzouzimPinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/easymedicaldeviceInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/easymedicaldeviceThis podcast is hosted by Podcastics, the easiest platform to create and publish your podcast.
Original Air Date: 8/29/26 Episode Number: 474Episode SummaryDan opens with a vacation story about swimmer's itch, a chatty store clerk, and a deeply awkward attempt to warn strangers on a dock -- with one actually useful tip at the end. Then the main event: Hoosier cabinets. Dan covers what they are, why they were brilliant, how they spread into one in ten American kitchens in the early 1900s, where the name came from, why they eventually disappeared, and why people are hunting them down again today. The episode closes with four design principles pulled straight out of the Hoosier cabinet that apply to any storage or organization project in your home.Timestamps[00:00] -- Back From Vacation[00:41] -- Swimmer's Itch Explained[02:36] -- Itch Attack at the Store[05:16] -- Awkward Dock Warning[12:20] -- Vaseline Hack and Aftermath[13:24] -- Hoosier Cabinets Teaser[14:01] -- Hoosier Cabinet Features[16:25] -- Why They Became Popular[17:37] -- Why Hoosiers Worked[19:11] -- Sponsor Break[19:27] -- Cabinet Layout Tour[21:37] -- Ingenious Built-In Features[25:11] -- Where the Name Came From[27:24] -- Why They Disappeared[28:42] -- Modern Resurgence[30:53] -- Design Principles for Any Space[31:41] -- Four Rules in Practice[39:21] -- Final Takeaways and Sign OffSwimmer's Itch and the Dock Incident [00:41]Swimmer's itch is an itchy skin rash caused by an allergic reaction to microscopic parasites in the water. On most years at Burt Lake -- about 20 minutes south of Mackinaw City, where the Hansen family vacations -- it amounts to maybe 10 or 15 small dots on the legs after a week of swimming. Manageable. Scrubbing off with a towel and showering after swimming keeps it in check. Spraying legs with waterproof sunscreen before going in also seems to help.This year, Dan skipped the sunscreen and ended up with the worst case he's ever had. His legs felt like they were on fire -- not pain, just relentless itching -- and he drove to the nearest store and bought $60 worth of anti-itch creams, sprays, calamine lotion, witch hazel, and Epsom salts. The store clerk was a very enthusiastic talker who wanted to discuss each item, share the story of his childhood poison ivy, and price-check several things by shouting across the store. It was a long checkout.After a couple of hours of applying everything he bought, the itching started to calm down. By that evening he was mostly fine.The Vaseline tip. Coating your legs with Vaseline before swimming creates a barrier that makes it harder for the parasites to reach your skin. It feels strange but not as strange as you'd expect. Dan used it for the rest of the trip and nobody in his family got swimmer's itch after that. He tried to share this tip with two new families he saw swimming in the shallowest part of the lake the next day. The attempt to warn them on a narrow dock involved an unexplained leg-lift, the phrase "I have a message for you," and a display of the spots on his leg that left both men frozen and blinking for an extended period. The warning eventually got through. Dan walked back to the cabin. The Vaseline tip is real. The social execution was not.What Is a Hoosier Cabinet? [14:01]Hoosier cabinets are freestanding kitchen storage units that were made primarily in Indiana from the late 1800s through the 1930s. They are, by most measures, one of the most cleverly designed pieces of kitchen furniture ever made -- and most people today have never heard of them.The basic structure: about four feet wide and six feet tall. Lower cabinets on casters, a work surface in the middle, and shallower upper cabinets above. That much sounds simple. The details are what make them worth talking about.The pull-out counter. The work surface can slide out toward you, adding six to eight inches of workspace when you need it. When you're done, you push it back. But here's what makes it genuinely clever: the drawers directly underneath the counter travel with it. When you pull the counter out, those drawers come with it, so everything you need is still within reach -- not stranded behind where you're standing.The flour bin. Behind one of the upper cabinet doors, many Hoosier cabinets had a large built-in flour storage bin with a sifter and dispenser at the bottom. You slide your bowl underneath, turn a crank, and sifted flour drops right into the bowl. No hauling out a bag, no digging around with a scoop. A separate sugar bin often worked the same way on the other side.The doors. Not an inch of space goes unused. The backs of the cabinet doors are fully utilized -- spice racks, cookbook holders, pie tin racks, hooks, and in some models, baking charts printed directly onto the door interior showing measurements and oven times.The lower cabinet. When you open the lower doors, many models have a shelf that slides or rolls out automatically -- not something you have to dig around in the back of with a flashlight. Pan storage made accessible.The roll-top section. Above the pull-out counter, between the counter surface and the upper cabinets, many models had a small roll-top section that kept counter-level items behind a slatted door when not in use. Counter-level storage, completely hidden when you don't want to look at it.The countertop surface itself was typically porcelain enamel or zinc -- durable, easy to clean, built for heavy daily use.All of that packed into four feet of wall space, on wheels.Why Hoosier Cabinets Caught On [16:25]Here's the context most people don't know: for most of American history, kitchens were nearly empty rooms. Not the way we think of a kitchen today. You had a work table, a sink, maybe a few open shelves. Built-in cabinetry existed but required hiring a skilled carpenter to build directly into the house, and most people couldn't afford it. Built-in cabinets didn't become a standard feature in American kitchens until the late 1920s.That meant the flour was in the pantry. The sugar was in the pantry. The bowls were on a shelf across the room. Every time you baked, you walked to the pantry for flour, back to the table, across the room for a bowl, back to the pantry because you forgot the baking powder. Over and over.Hoosier cabinets were marketed as saving you 1,000 steps. Pull up a chair and don't get up again. Everything you needed for daily baking -- flour, sugar, spices, rolling pins, cutting boards, bread knives, bowls -- was concentrated in one workstation, with a surface to work on included. The number 1,000 may have been marketing, but the concept was real. These cabinets genuinely changed how work happened in a kitchen.About 130 companies eventually made versions of them, most based in Indiana, and at their peak one in ten American kitchens had one.Where the Name Came From [25:11]The origin of the Hoosier cabinet is harder to pin down than you'd expect. Kitchen cabinet patents go back to around 1885, and what seems to have happened is that multiple Indiana furniture companies landed on the same basic idea around the same time. According to the museum in Nappanee, Indiana -- which has one of the best collections of these cabinets in the country -- no one person and no one company gets the credit for inventing them.The name most likely came from one of two sources. The Hoosier Manufacturing Company of New Castle, Indiana was the largest producer and the loudest advertiser. Their brand may have become the generic name for the whole category, the same way Kleenex became the word for any facial tissue. The other argument is simpler: most of these cabinets were made in Indiana, home of the Hoosiers, so they became Hoosier cabinets by geography. Either way, the name stuck and became the universal term for the whole category.Why Hoosier Cabinets Disappeared [27:24]Built-in cabinets. By the late 1920s, houses were being built with real cabinetry integrated into the walls, continuous countertops, proper storage from floor to ceiling. A four-foot freestanding cabinet couldn't compete with a whole wall of built-ins.The fact that Hoosier cabinets sat on legs also became a problem. Dust, grease, and crumbs collected in the space underneath, and that gap was harder to clean than a sealed cabinet base that met the floor. Built-ins were simply easier to maintain.Manufacturers tried to fight the decline with prettier patterns and brighter colors. One company offered a Mediterranean-styled version. None of it worked. By 1935, the Hoosier cabinet was considered old-fashioned. The Hoosier Manufacturing Company was sold and eventually liquidated in 1942.The Modern Resurgence [28:42]Hoosier cabinets are showing up again. People are finding them at antique stores and estate sales, and the market for them is real.A rough-condition oak cabinet in need of work can sometimes be found for a few hundred dollars. Fully restored examples -- cleaned up, refinished, hardware sorted out -- start around $1,100 and average closer to $1,800. If you want to build your own, plans are available online, including from Popular Woodworking and similar sources.Dan recommends searching for Hoosier cabinet videos as a starting point. There's a 12-minute walkthrough in the show notes at repcolite.com from a woman who just remodeled her entire kitchen and says her Hoosier cabinet is still the single best-functioning area in it.Four Design Principles From the Hoosier Cabinet [31:41]These apply to any storage or organization project in...
Podcast: Industrial Cybersecurity InsiderEpisode: Why Detection Alone Can't Stop the Next OT AttackPub date: 2026-08-26Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationDetection got fast, but remediation didn't. And that gap is exactly where attackers live.Manufacturers have spent the last decade building visibility into their plants: sensors, dashboards, alerts flying into every SOC. But knowing about a threat and fixing it are two different problems, and most industrial teams are still solving the second one at human speed. A ticket gets opened. A maintenance window gets scheduled. Three departments get looped in. Meanwhile, the attacker isn't waiting for anyone's approval.In this episode, Craig Duckworth talks with Tal Kollender, founder and CEO of Remedio, about what's actually keeping industrial environments exposed: misconfigurations left untouched for months, unnecessary services quietly giving attackers a path to move laterally, and aging systems nobody wants to be the one to touch. Tal makes the case that patching alone will never close this gap and explains why safe automated remediation is becoming essential as AI accelerates attacks faster than most security teams can keep up.They also dig into the reality of OT: uptime and safety come first, IT security tools often can't reach the controls layer, and the wrong change can cause real damage on the plant floor. It's a candid look at what it takes to align security and operations, and why building that trust is the real first step toward proactive protection instead of reactive cleanup.If you're responsible for securing a plant floor, a fleet of facilities, or the budget behind either one, this conversation gives you a clear, practical way to think about closing the gap between seeing a threat and actually stopping one.Chapters:(00:00:00) Why machine speed detection needs machine speed remediation(00:01:00) Tal's path from teenage hacker to cybersecurity founder(00:06:00) Misconfigurations and lateral movement in industrial environments(00:11:00) Why patching and configuration changes are difficult in OT(00:15:00) Moving from reactive detection to proactive hardening(00:17:00) Aligning people, process, and technology(00:22:00) AI adoption, unmanaged risk, and doing more with less(00:25:00) Bridging the IT and OT divide without disrupting operations(00:29:00) The first practical step toward proactive industrial securityLinks And Resources:Want to Sponsor an episode or be a Guest? Reach out here.Industrial Cybersecurity Insider on LinkedInCybersecurity & Digital Safety on LinkedInBW Design Group CybersecurityTal Kollender on LinkedInDino Busalachi on LinkedInCraig Duckworth on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Industrial Cybersecurity Insider? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Industrial Cybersecurity Insider, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
One commercial order can establish credibility. Three parallel final stage evaluations can show whether that credibility is beginning to spread. Just over a week after Novacium received its first commercial order for silicon based battery packs destined for drones for a French Army regiment, HPQ and Novacium are now advancing battery evaluations with three separate European drone manufacturers. Each manufacturer has received 10 custom configured battery packs for final stage evaluation, moving the story from a single defence order to three separate late stage evaluation programs.WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW• Three Final Stage Evaluations: Three European drone manufacturers have each received 10 custom configured battery packs. CEO Bernard Tourillon said final stage evaluation can include static ground testing followed by operational testing, depending on the customer and application.• Timeline Measured in Weeks: Asked whether HPQ expected these evaluations to take weeks or months, Tourillon answered “weeks,” while making clear that the final timing remains in the customers' hands.• European Beachhead: HPQ and Novacium have used Europe to establish initial market credibility, first through the French Army related order and now through broader manufacturer evaluations. Tourillon said the objective is to build credible customer references that can open additional doors.• Moving Up The Value Chain: HPQ and Novacium began with silicon anode material, but the strategy has evolved toward selling complete battery packs tailored to specific drone requirements. Tourillon said the company believes this higher value product approach offers greater commercial potential than selling material alone.• North America Comes Next: Tourillon described North America as being at the “starting line,” but said the European experience has helped define the commercial approach. With the first order now secured and more batteries in testing, he expects North American outreach to become more aggressive.STRATEGIC IMPLICATIONSThe immediate story is not that three new orders have been secured. They have not. The significance is that three separate manufacturers have moved far enough through the process to request custom battery packs for final stage evaluation.CEO BERNARD TOURILLON“It creates credibility for the North American license that we own of the technology. It creates credibility on the material we'll be able to offer. It creates credibility in what we're doing.”INVESTOR TAKEAWAYLast week, Novacium crossed an important threshold with its first commercial drone battery order. Today's interview suggests the next phase is about proving that result can extend beyond one customer.Thirty custom battery packs are now in the hands of three European drone manufacturers for final stage evaluation. Tourillon said he expects the final stage evaluation process to be measured in weeks, although conversion to orders remains dependent on the customers and their individual testing processes.If those evaluations progress successfully, the importance could extend well beyond Europe. Tourillon repeatedly emphasized credibility. European technical evaluation, combined with the first commercial order, can build credibility and provide important reference points as HPQ prepares for a more aggressive push into North America, where HPQ owns the North American licence to the technology. For investors, the milestone to watch is straightforward: whether these late stage evaluations can ultimately progress to product qualification and commercial orders.
The "Hemp Loophole" was a legal gap created by the 2018 Farm Bill that allowed hemp-derived intoxicating products like delta-8 THC to be sold nationwide, largely unregulated, but it is set to close under federal law in November 2026. The loophole emerged from the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 (2018 Farm Bill), which legalized hemp by defining it as Cannabis sativa L. containing no more than 0.3% delta-9 THC by dry weight. This definition explicitly referenced only delta-9 THC, leaving other psychoactive cannabinoids, such as delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, and THCA, technically legal if derived from hemp and below the delta-9 threshold. Manufacturers exploited this gap to produce intoxicating products from hemp-derived CBD, creating a multi-billion-dollar market for gummies, beverages, vapes, and other edibles. The loophole allowed hemp-derived THC products to operate largely outside state cannabis regulations, often without age restrictions, lab testing, or safety oversight. This unregulated market grew rapidly, with estimates suggesting a $28 billion industry employing over 300,000 people. Licensed cannabis operators argued that these products undermined regulated markets by offering cheaper alternatives and bypassing compliance costs. Courts generally upheld the legality of hemp-derived intoxicants federally, while states retained the authority to impose stricter bans. In response to public health concerns and regulatory ambiguity, Congress passed the Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act of 2026 (H.R. 5371), signed into law on November 12, 2025. Section 781 of the Act redefined hemp to include a total THC limit (including all isomers and THCA) of 0.3% by dry weight and imposed a 0.4 mg THC per container cap for finished products. The law also excluded synthetic or lab-converted cannabinoids, effectively banning most intoxicating hemp products, including delta-8 and THCA flower. Enforcement was set to begin on November 12, 2026, which gave the industry a one-year window to adapt and, of course, to try to push back. The closure of the loophole has sparked lobbying efforts to preserve some hemp-derived products under regulated frameworks, including proposals for age verification, lab testing, and excise taxes. Advocates argue that while the law protects public health, it also threatens jobs, state tax revenue, and the viability of hemp-based businesses, particularly in states without legal cannabis markets. The U.S. House has voted to move forward to close the loophole without delay, after a bit of a fight. Now it moves to the Senate, where another fight appears to be brewing. Kristen Ullman, Eagle Forum President, is scheduled to join me to discuss the issue and why the Eagle Forum is in this fight for public safety.Eagle Forum: https://eagleforum.org/Kristen Ullman: https://eagleforum.org/about/kris-ullman.htmlTapper on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0AArwj5iTabIXYsSKIxNakBecome a supporter of Tapp into the Truth: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tapp-into-the-truth--556114/supportAimee's Audios Subliminal Acoustic Fingerprinting: https://www.aimeesaudios.com/If recent events have proven anything, you need to be as prepared as possible for when things go sideways. You certainly can't count on the government for help. True liberty requires self-reliance. Let My Patriot Supply help you be prepared. My Patriot Supply: https://www.mypatriotsupply.com/?_ef_transaction_id=&oid=1&affid=84Support American jobs! Get great products! Some are now at wholesale prices. 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I have never worked a manufacturing line. But I know this. If people don't do their jobs at the manufacturing plants, then many items we count on wouldn't be made. If you feel like you're just a manufacturing worker and want to quit your job to go into full-time ministry. Don't! That's a disaster. Your job is so critical to the lives of thousands of people, perhaps millions. God has gifted you uniquely to be able to build things, fix things, and package things. Without manufacturing, we'd still be in the dark ages. Every day as a worker in a manufacturing environment, you have the unique ability to touch the lives of everyone around you and impact the lives of people you'll never meet. Please stay at your job and keep making a difference. Imagine a world where everybody in a manufacturing environment quit their job to work at a church. That's not a world I want to live in.
Meet the Manufacturers podcast is back for a second season, brought to you by ManufactureCT.In this episode, we speak with Dijana Jovanovic, the VP of Business Development at the New England Tool Corporation.Join us as we find out about the New England Tool Company - the premier supplier of industry leading CNC machinery and accessories. Since its inception back in 1999, the company, based in Manchester, Connecticut, has continued to be a leader in the everchanging demands of the CNC machining market across many different industries such as aerospace, medical, automotive and firearms.For more information about the ManufactureCT organization and how you can become a member, visit the website: www.manufactureCT.org
AI is quickly moving onto the factory floor through cameras, monitoring systems, productivity tools, and automated decision-making. While these technologies can improve safety, efficiency, and workforce management, they can also create significant privacy, employment law, and compliance risks. The challenge for manufacturers is understanding that the legal requirements often depend on what the technology does and how its information is used. Phil Brandt and Burt Garland discuss what manufacturers should consider before deploying AI—and how to use it responsibly once it's in the workplace.
The prevailing sentiment within the furniture industry is one of heightened consumer value consciousness, a trend that has permeated various market segments, including those traditionally associated with affluence. I have observed that even consumers shopping at elevated price points are increasingly scrutinizing the justification for their purchases, as articulated by a prominent executive in the sector. This shift, underscored by recent findings from Nielsen IQ, signifies a departure from the conventional narrative of a bifurcated market; rather, it highlights a nuanced consumer behavior where households exhibit a duality in spending, opting for premium products in certain categories while favoring value in others. The implications of this transformative landscape compel us to reassess our merchandising strategies, particularly in the middle market, which is currently under significant pressure. As we delve into the intricacies of this evolving consumer mindset, it becomes imperative to articulate the rationale behind every item on our showroom floors with clarity and precision, ensuring we meet the demands of an increasingly discerning clientele. The dynamics within the furniture industry are undergoing a profound transformation, as illustrated by recent observations from key market players and research findings. The prevailing narrative has long posited a bifurcation in consumer behavior, where affluent customers gravitate towards premium offerings while budget-conscious shoppers seek value alternatives. However, the reality is far more nuanced; it appears that purchasing decisions are not merely dictated by income brackets but are increasingly influenced by individual item assessments within households. This phenomenon, referred to as the 'barbell effect', indicates that consumers are willing to allocate resources towards premium products in certain categories while simultaneously opting for budget options in others. This duality presents both a challenge and an opportunity for retailers who must now critically evaluate their inventory strategies to cater to a more discerning clientele that demands demonstrable value for every purchase. Moreover, the episode delves into the implications of consumer value consciousness amidst a backdrop of rising interest rates and economic uncertainties. Retailers are urged to reassess their merchandising strategies by examining their offerings through the lens of price bands, ensuring that each product's value proposition is readily articulated and compelling. The discussion highlights that a mere reliance on demographic targeting is no longer sufficient; instead, a granular approach that addresses the specific needs and perceptions of consumers is essential. The episode also references significant financial performances from various manufacturers, emphasizing the need for transparency in reporting and the importance of understanding the underlying factors driving profitability. Through a multifaceted exploration of these developments, the episode provides critical insights into the shifting landscape of consumer expectations and retailer responses, urging stakeholders to adapt proactively to avoid being outpaced by a rapidly evolving market.Takeaways:The contemporary furniture market reveals a striking shift in consumer behavior, as even affluent shoppers are increasingly discerning about the value of their purchases, thereby challenging the traditional segmentation of buyers.Recent analyses indicate a notable 'barbell effect' in consumer spending patterns, wherein demand intensifies at both the premium and value tiers, while the middle market experiences considerable pressure.Companies must now adopt a more nuanced approach to merchandising, emphasizing the articulation of value propositions clearly and succinctly to justify price differentials to consumers.The resurgence of nostalgia-driven brands, such as Broyhill, underscores the significance of storytelling in marketing, particularly as the middle market grapples with heightened competition and consumer expectations.Manufacturers are re-evaluating their strategies in light of shifting demographics and market conditions, with some executives advocating for proactive measures rather than reliance on a rebound in the housing market.The imperative for domestic manufacturers is to enhance lead times and operational efficiency, as these factors increasingly dictate consumer purchasing decisions in a competitive landscape.
On today's episode of the AgNet News Hour, Kris Caputo, marketing director for the California Fig Advisory Board and California Fresh Fig Growers Association, discussed renewed momentum for California figs as consumer awareness grows and producers plant additional acreage to meet demand. California's Central Valley remains the heart of the nation's fig industry, particularly in Fresno, Madera and Merced counties. Caputo said 100 percent of commercially grown figs in the United States come from California, giving the state's growers a unique position in both domestic and international markets. "There is big fig momentum for sure," Caputo said. "We're really seeing an increase in awareness and actual sales." That growing interest is translating into new plantings. Caputo said California growers are adding fig trees as they work to keep pace with increasing demand for both fresh and dried fruit. Fresh fig season runs roughly from mid-May through November, while dried Mission and Golden figs provide a year-round market. Despite that momentum, California's fig industry remains relatively small. Caputo estimated there are approximately 9,000 acres of figs, with the industry producing about 6,300 tons in 2025, up from approximately 5,900 tons the previous year. Reaching new consumers is an important part of continuing that growth. Caputo said figs are increasingly appearing beyond the traditional produce aisle in snack bars, jams, dressings and other products. Manufacturers are also incorporating diced figs, fig paste and juice concentrate into new foods. That versatility could help introduce the crop to younger consumers who may not have grown up eating figs. Health and nutrition are also helping drive interest. Caputo highlighted figs as a source of fiber, potassium, calcium and antioxidants, characteristics that align with growing consumer interest in nutrient-dense foods. California growers still face challenges, including expensive farmland, regulatory costs and competition from major international fig-producing countries. But Caputo said California's production standards, farming practices and generations of experience distinguish the state's crop in the global marketplace. Availability may actually be one of the industry's biggest hurdles. Caputo said consumers in other parts of the country often ask where they can find California fresh figs, making expanded production and distribution critical to continued growth. With new varieties, growing consumer interest and additional acreage going into production, California figs may be positioned to reclaim some of the prominence they once enjoyed throughout the Central Valley. Listen to the full interview below or on your favorite podcast app.
Let's say that poison gas leaks from a manufacturing plant, sickening workers and local residents. Should OSHA investigate, or the EPA? Who is responsible when both agencies have a claim to jurisdiction? The American federal government regulates the workplace and the non-workplace environments separately, despite their material inseparability; the workplace is part of the environment and vice versa. How and why did the American regulatory landscape come to have this awkward and contradictory split? Jasper Cattell, PhD candidate at Brown University, formulated this novel question and seeks an answer in his dissertation project. Cattell conducted research in the archives of labor organizations, environmental groups, federal agencies, and the business community. To get at the latter, Cattell visited the Hagley Library to examine the archives of the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and other private business organizations. The messily drawn boundary between workplace and environmental regulation served the interest of the various outside groups who could play one agency against the other to gain favorable outcomes. In support of his work Cattell received funding from the Center for the History of Business, Technology, and Society at the Hagley Museum and Library. For more information, and more Hagley History Hangouts, visit us online at hagley.org. To make a donation underwriting this program and others like it please visit our donations page: https://host.nxt.blackbaud.com/donor-form/?svcid=tcs&formId=c2f4e3f6-2d8a-4251-9a8b-cfdea1fe0e4a&envid=p-wYaPX570-EiMzBCsCu8rSg&zone=usa
When small manufacturers hit a growth ceiling, the problem usually isn't the product, it's the constant firefighting, isolation, and lack of structured strategy. Strategic thinking, leadership development, and smart capacity planning often get pushed aside in favor of “just getting through the week.” Today's guest, Brian Becker of Becker Growth Strategy and program director of the Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MAP), helps small manufacturers escape that reactive mode and build organizations that are designed to scale on purpose, not by accident. In this episode of Marketer of the Day, Brian shares how MAP, a tuition-free, national, virtual executive education program gives small U.S.-based manufacturers the tools, peer community, and strategic frameworks they need to grow. He explains why founders often feel alone on an “island,” and how curated cohorts, breakout rooms, and cross-industry conversations (including everything from biotech to feral pig trapping to chocolatiers) create mastermind-style support that changes how owners think and lead. Brian dives into focus and execution as the real differentiators between businesses that plateau and those that expand. He walks through his “future casting” exercise, where owners imagine their ideal business five years from now with smooth operations, predictable revenue, strong team, and then reverse engineer the concrete steps to get there. From figuring out whether you truly have a sales problem or a capacity problem, to deciding whether to chase that dream big-box retail contract, Brian shows how clarity leads to better decisions.He also breaks down a practical task triage system what only you can do, what you can delegate, and what you should only touch on your worst day along with a powerful sports analogy of running a business like a soccer team: you can't play offense (big growth goals) if your defense (operations, fulfillment, and retention) isn't solid. For manufacturers eyeing larger enterprise customers, Brian shares the risks of overreaching too soon and how to ramp capacity intelligently so big opportunities don't become “career killers.” Beyond operations, Brian tackles workforce development and the talent gap in U.S. manufacturing, especially among younger workers. He explains how reframing roles around STEM, robotics, complex problem solving, and hands-on challenges can make manufacturing careers more attractive to the next generation, and how MAP is bringing in workforce experts to help owners rethink how they present and structure these jobs.Throughout the conversation, Brian emphasizes that no one is coming to save your business, but the right questions, the right community, and a willingness to invest time in your own growth can completely shift your trajectory. He shares hard-won lessons from his background in education, nonprofit fundraising, and as COO of Well Found Foods during COVID, plus life advice from his football days: “You said you wanted to be one. This is what being one means.” https://youtu.be/moRBOQXR_ck?si=TNRP9_l6sWXZnqpJ If you're a small manufacturer (or any small business owner) who feels stuck in the weeds, struggling to scale, or unsure whether to double down on sales or build capacity first, this episode will give you concrete mental models, frameworks, and next steps. Tune in to learn how to think more strategically, delegate more effectively, build your peer network, and grow a manufacturing business that doesn't depend on you doing everything yourself. Quotes: “Business owners oftentimes can fall into the trap of worrying about everything else except for the strategic growth of the business.” “Every single business is different, and most importantly, it's because of you and the other people in the business; there's no one-size-fits-all solution.” “For most business owners, they need to invest in themselves, and the sooner they can understand that no one is coming to save them,
Siemens says a small manufacturer can start production optimization for $2,000 a year. Martin Valkysers and Flemming Kongsberg explain what that buys you.Most digital transformation advice assumes a budget and an engineering bench most plants do not have. Flemming Kongsberg, who runs the SMB focus inside the Siemens CTO organization, discards the usual revenue and headcount definitions: an SMB is any manufacturer without the skills to absorb a complex digital change, and that includes some very large companies. He describes one customer running 900 devices across 17 locations where 90 percent of the machines are 30 years or older with zero connectivity. Siemens research also found 40 percent of SMB customers have no IT department.Martin Valkysers frames Siemens Xcelerator as the open digital business platform tying hardware, software, data, and services together, with more than 600 partners today. The SMB starter package is where that becomes concrete. Instead of asking a plant with no IT staff to assemble something from hundreds of apps, Siemens curated roughly 10 to 12 into one bundle covering device connectivity, Performance Insight dashboards for OEE and quality, and a slice of Mendix. A partner installed it in a lab in 24 minutes on an ordinary Windows machine, against the roughly 60 hours a traditional Industrial Edge deployment takes. It is $2,000 per year for three machines with the first three months free, and PROFINET, Ethernet/IP, and the standard protocols are supported, so competitor PLCs connect too.The most useful argument here has nothing to do with buying anything. Flemming makes the case that reaching for AI before you own your data is a losing move, because a model built on information everyone else can reach produces no strategic advantage. You also do not need AI to build a Pareto chart of where your quality losses sit. Martin adds the discipline that gets skipped most: be clear about the problem before you pick the tool.About the GuestsMartin Valkysers is Head of US Market Launch and Growth for Siemens Xcelerator, Siemens' open digital business platform spanning industrial, building, grid, and manufacturing sectors. He has been with Siemens roughly 12 years, previously leading a US operations consulting team focused on lean manufacturing.Flemming Kongsberg leads Global Technology Partners at Siemens Digital Industries Software and runs the company's SMB focus in the US. Before Siemens he spent nearly eight years at Amazon Web Services building partner infrastructure and strategic ISV alliances.Timestamps0:00 Introduction2:20 Martin Valkysers on his path to Xcelerator4:20 Flemming Kongsberg from AWS to Siemens SMB7:10 Four challenges facing manufacturers13:40 Why data comes before AI18:00 What Siemens Xcelerator actually is22:30 Partner ecosystem: build, service, sell31:40 Inside the SMB starter package35:50 What the package costs38:20 A 24 minute install and non Siemens PLCs45:50 Redefining what counts as an SMB53:50 The future of industrial marketplacesReferencesGetting Started with Production Optimization: https://www.siemens.com/en-us/products/industrial-edge/production-optimization-get-started/Operational Efficiency Pack for Small Manufacturers: https://news.siemens.com/en-us/siemens-small-manufacturers-operational-efficiency-pack/This episode is sponsored bySiemens is a global technology company operating across industrial automation, digital software, smart infrastructure, and mobility. Siemens Xcelerator is its open digital business platform and marketplace.https://www.siemens.comAbout Your HostsVladimir Romanov is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and the founder of Joltek, an independent manufacturing and industrial automation consulting firm specializing in modernization strategy, digital transformation, and workforce development. Joltek works with manufacturers and investors to de-risk modernization and build the internal capability to sustain results.Connect with Vlad: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vladromanov/Want to go deeper? Vlad and the team at Joltek have covered related topics here:Digital Transformation in Manufacturing: https://www.joltek.com/blog/digital-transformation-in-manufacturingEdge Computing and the AI Value of Manufacturing Data: https://www.joltek.com/blog/edge-computing-ai-value-manufacturing-dataDave Griffith is a co-host of The Manufacturing Hub Podcast and founder of Capelin Solutions, an industrial automation firm helping manufacturers adopt smart manufacturing technology. He brings 15 years of experience in industrial automation and digital transformation.Connect with Dave: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davegriffith23/Subscribe to Manufacturing Hub: https://www.manufacturinghub.liveLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/manufacturing-hub-networkYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@ManufacturingHub
Humanoid robots are moving closer to real factory deployment, but manufacturers still face major challenges around safety, testing, repeatability and workforce integration. Bruce Richard of Jabil explains what manufacturers need to understand before humanoids can scale across industrial operations.
WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation
Send us Fan MailManufacturers are under increasing pressure to adopt AI, yet many find it difficult to distinguish practical opportunities from market hype. In this webinar, we explore what AI actually looks like within a manufacturing ERP environment and where it can deliver measurable business value. We address common misconceptions, including the belief that AI requires replacing an existing ERP system, investing in enterprise-scale budgets, or operating as a Tier 1 manufacturer. Instead, attendees will learn how AI can enhance their current ERP platform by leveraging existing operational data to improve decision-making, automate routine processes, and increase overall business efficiency.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/ai-for-manufacturers-practical-erp-use-cases-without-a-costly-system-reset/Questions for Panelists?
Fewer EPA headlines can feel like a green light, but environmental liability does not disappear when oversight fades. We sit down with CRC environmental specialists Harrison Scheider and Dustin Helmenstein to unpack the biggest misconception we hear from insureds and even seasoned agents: “less regulation means less environmental risk.” The laws that create liability largely remain, and the pollution exclusion in GL and property policies can turn an everyday incident into a painful coverage surprise.We dig into what makes environmental claims so tricky, and along the way, we connect the dots for common insured profiles including contractors, manufacturers, real estate owners, habitational and hotel risks, healthcare, and municipalities, plus what faster permitting and accelerated construction can change on the ground.To keep it practical, we share four questions retail agents can use right now to uncover exposures early, create better renewal conversations, and avoid relying on limited GL endorsements that are not true affirmative pollution coverage. If you want a clearer, more confident way to talk environmental insurance, pollution liability, and coverage gaps with clients, hit play and take notes. Visit REDYIndex.com for critical pricing analysis and a snapshot of the marketplace.Do you want to take your career to the next level? Join #TeamCRC to get access to best-in-class tools, data, exclusive programs, and more! Send your resume to resumes@crcgroup.com today!
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More than 100,000 Southern auto workers produce Tesla, Ford, Nissan, BMW, and more. The Y'all Show is a production of Yall.com and hosted by Jon Rawl.
WBSRocks: Business Growth with ERP and Digital Transformation
Send us Fan MailMany manufacturers relying on QuickBooks and spreadsheets believe their current systems are sufficient until growth begins to expose underlying operational constraints. Inventory inaccuracies increase, purchasing becomes more reactive, and disconnected field service and billing processes create inefficiencies that slow the business. Over time, these issues form an invisible barrier to scale, often before leadership identifies fragmented systems as the root cause. This session examines the operational and financial costs of remaining on disconnected tools and provides practical insights into recognizing when it is time to transition to a more integrated business platform.Video: https://www.elevatiq.com/events-and-webinars/outgrowing-quickbooks-when-manufacturers-must-move-to-erp/Questions for Panelists?
The Employers and Manufacturers Association says businesses are forging ahead despite a sluggish economy. The unemployment rate rose to 5.6% in June – the highest level in 11 years. Economists point to the war in Iran as one factor behind the rise, creating uncertainty and making businesses cautious about hiring. EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald told Mike Hosking he's hopeful we've reached the peak – there's good things happening under the surface, so hopefully soon we can start turning the other way. He says there was quite a sharp dip in confidence when the Iran war began, but they're seeing more people deciding they won't hang around until circumstances get better, they'll just get on with life. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
These dangerous ingredients shouldn't be considered food. Discover why junk food addiction isn't just an accident, how food engineering and artificial flavors influence cravings, and why some foods are designed to keep you coming back for more.0:00 Dangerous food engineering 0:47 Artificial flavors explained1:35 Microsalt engineering 2:48 Natural and artificial flavors explained4:25 The blood sugar spike crash4:45 Bliss point food science 6:37 Processed food dangers7:50 How to avoid junk food 9:07 Food addiction and dopamine
Every manufacturer says they need people. So why, after decades of talking about the skills gap, do so few workforce development models consistently deliver the talent employers actually need?Tony Davis believes the answer is surprisingly simple: employers have to stop sitting on the sidelines. As Assistant Vice President of Program Scaling and National Director for FAME USA, Tony is helping manufacturers across the country build talent pipelines by putting industry in the driver's seat alongside education. The result is a model that blends paid work experience, technical education and professional behaviors into one employer-led system.In this episode, Matt and Tony explore how the Federation for Advanced Manufacturing Education (FAME) grew from Toyota's workforce strategy in Kentucky into a national initiative of the Manufacturing Institute, why professional behaviors deserve the same emphasis as technical skills, what visitors experience inside the flagship Kentucky FAME facility, and how employer collaboration is helping scale one of the country's most successful advanced manufacturing workforce models.In this episode:Why Toyota was the perfect place to launch an efficient, lean, and optimized workforce development modelThe "soft skills vs. hard skills" debateThe unbelievable impact of treating a classroom or lab like a workplaceInside the flagship FAME chapter in KentuckyWhy every manufacturer - not just large enterprises - should get involved in these programs3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Manufacturers should lead workforce development, not simply participate in it. The most effective workforce programs begin with employers defining the skills they actually need, rather than reacting to a curriculum after it's already been built. FAME flips the traditional model by making manufacturers true partners in recruiting, curriculum and continuous improvement.2. Professional behaviors are developed through culture, not coursework. Communication, accountability, leadership and critical thinking aren't mastered in a single class. They're reinforced every day through immersion, expectations and real workplace experiences alongside technical training.3. Building a workforce model is one challenge. Scaling it is another. Expanding from a successful local program to a national network requires more than enthusiasm. Systems, quality assurance and continuous improvement ensure students in every chapter receive the same high standard of preparation.Resources in this Episode:FAME USAThe Manufacturing InstituteNational Association of Manufacturers (NAM)Inside Jefferson County Community & Technical College FAME AMT ProgramConnect with our guest online:FAME USA on LinkedIn | Connect with Tony on LinkedInFind more notes & resources on the episode page!We want to hear from you! Send us a text.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn
Every shop owner knows the workforce problem by heart. The trades got denigrated, tech ed programs got gutted, and a whole generation of kids never found out that a manufacturing career was even an option. We have all heard that speech a hundred times. What we rarely hear is a practical, repeatable way to actually fix it. In this GenCNC series episode, we sit down with two people who built one. Dave Hataj is the second-generation owner of Edgerton Gear and the founder of Craftsman with Character, a semester-long program that pairs job shadowing with a character and worldview curriculum. Courtney Silver runs Ketchie in North Carolina, where she and her husband Andy took Dave's curriculum and launched their own version, Opportunity Knocks. The through line is simple. Kids are starving for two things, purpose and community, and the shop floor is one of the best places on earth to give them both. Dave shares how a 2014 experiment with ten students grew into a Navy-funded program running across multiple states. Courtney shows why it is far less of a lift than you would think, roughly two hours a week for fourteen weeks with a handful of students. We also get into the payoff owners do not expect. Reverse mentoring from young employees, a culture where machinists suddenly want to be on camera, productivity that climbs year over year, and stories like Miguel, a first-generation immigrant who fell in love with the trade, worked six to ten in the morning before school, and just bought his first home. If you have ever done a plant tour for a school and wondered whether it actually mattered, this one reframes the whole thing. As Dave puts it, we make gears as a vehicle to invest in people. What's Covered in this Episode (2:48) Dave on the origins of Craftsman with Character as a second-generation owner of Edgerton Gear (7:02) The Navy's two million dollar, three-year contract to take the program national (8:30) Inside the Craftsman Code, from I'm not the center of the universe to the world needs me (10:30) Why you need to head to Kennametal's booth at IMTS (11:37) Courtney on discovering Dave's work during COVID and launching Opportunity Knocks (15:25) Why it's not a big lift: twenty team members, six students, two hours a week (17:11) Continuous improvement: field trips, supply chain tours, and a Mastercam capstone part (23:31) Reverse mentoring and the young energy that re-energizes the team (24:40) Twelve years of rising productivity from more engaged, purpose-driven employees (26:17) The DN Solutions install video shot by interns (and a new content culture) (29:26) Breakfast, gratitude, and the lesson on showing up on time (30:30) Turn website visitors into buyers with Navu's AI chat (31:42) Learn more about Miguel, a first-generation immigrant who fell in love with the trade (34:10) Break room culture and crews that stick around after shift (37:01) From feeling less than to finding a joyful place to belong (39:16) The mindset flip: we make gears as a vehicle to invest in people (40:07) Get in the room: the Job Shops Workshop and reception at IMTS (40:58) Miguel buying his first home, and the ripple effect on a community (42:56) How to start, facilitator and mentor training, plus a track for shops without a school partner (45:00) Manufacturers as an army that can heal society by being the hero for one kid (48:52) Practical encouragement to start now Resources Mentioned Craftsman with Character Edgerton Gear Ketchie The Craftsman Code by Dave Hataj Machine Shop Mastery, Episode 106 with Dave Hataj Kennametal Navu IMTS Oscar Mike Foundation Connect with Dave Hataj & Courtney Silver Dave Hataj, Edgerton Gear Craftsman with Character Courtney Silver, Ketchie Connect with MakingChips Website On Facebook On LinkedIn On Instagram On Twitter On YouTube
Welcome to your weekly UAS News Update, have three stories for you this week: two more drones just got exemptions from the FCC's foreign drone ban, Axon Vision and ParaZero team up on a new non-destructive counter-drone system, and the FAA approves a drone system that can trigger avalanches on purpose. Let's get to it.The FCC just granted Conditional Approval to two more drone systems. That's Exedy Globalparts' Ayre CX and Parallel Flight Technologies' Firefly. That brings the total number of exempted drone companies to 17. Back in December, the FCC put nearly all foreign-made drones on its Covered List. That blocked new FCC approvals over national security concerns. But since March, the agency has been approving individual drones almost every month. And there's a bigger change too. As of July 21st, these approvals no longer expire at the end of 2026.Manufacturers can now keep them indefinitely, as long as they follow their onshoring plans. For everyday consumer pilots, nothing changes right now. These are commercial and industrial drones, not camera drones. And DJI and Autel still can't get new models approved under this system.Axon Vision and ParaZero Technologies have announced a new counter-drone setup. It combines Axon's ForceField detection system with ParaZero's DefendAir interceptor. DefendAir uses a net to capture rogue drones instead of shooting them down. The companies are marketing this as a non-destructive option for airports, power plants, and other sensitive sites. They say it was tested during a trial in Israel. Now, the report is a company press release, so treat the performance claims with some caution. Instead of one-size-fits-all kinetic responses, companies are building modular systems that can switch between destructive and non-destructive interception depending on the environment. What's interesting here is that “non-destructive” involves using a net to take down a rogue drone, which still poses a threat to both the drone and people on the ground while falling. The FAA has approved Drone Amplified's MONTIS system for avalanche mitigation. This lets ski resorts and transportation agencies use drones to deploy explosive charges. The goal is to trigger small, controlled avalanches before unstable snow builds into something dangerous. This won't replace helicopters or artillery towers. But it gives crews another tool, especially when weather grounds manned aircraft. It also means fewer people need to physically enter high-risk avalanche terrain. MONTIS shares engineering with the company's IGNIS platform, which is already used for prescribed burns. Drone Amplified developed this with explosives partners Austin Powder and CIL Avalanche, along with help from the Alaska Department of Transportation. It's a solid example of drones taking on jobs that are genuinely dangerous for humans.And the conversation continues on Post flight where we discuss these stories uncensored in the Premium Community, link is in the description. We'll see you for the live Q&A on Monday. Have a good weekend!https://dronedj.com/2026/07/27/fcc-drone-ban-exemption-update/https://www.suasnews.com/2026/07/axon-vision-and-parazero-introduce-new-forcefield-configuration-fornon-destructive-counter-uas-interception/https://dronedj.com/2026/07/15/montis-avalanche-drone-amplified-faa/
Podcast: Industrial Cybersecurity InsiderEpisode: Supply Chain Risk: What Manufacturers Need to KnowPub date: 2026-07-28Get Podcast Transcript →powered by Listen411 - fast audio-to-text and summarizationTwo global dairy producers made headlines this week after breaches that started with third party vendors.Dino and Craig break down how it happened and why it keeps happening. They walk through the reality of remote access on the plant floor, from cellular modems to TeamViewer installs nobody remembers approving, and explain why a single sensor in a plant might show you 25 percent of your assets at best. The conversation gets to the root of the problem: people, not technology. OT teams still lock IT out of critical systems, CISOs carry responsibility without authority, and incident response plans rarely account for the integrators working across multiple plants at any given moment. If you lead security for a manufacturing organization, this episode arms you with the tough questions to bring back to leadership before your company is the one filing with the SEC.Chapters:(00:00:00) - The CISO gets hung out to dry, not the third-party vendor(00:01:02) - Two global dairy producers breached through third-party vendors(00:02:12) - The messy reality of remote access on the plant floor(00:03:47) - Why IT has no visibility into what's connected in manufacturing(00:05:29) - North-south versus east-west traffic monitoring(00:06:41) - The culture problem of OT locking IT out(00:08:14) - Responsibility versus authority for CISOs(00:10:47) - The budget excuse and the real cost of downtime(00:14:32) - Incident response plans that leave system integrators out(00:18:56) - SEC filings, brand damage, and the tough questions to askLinks And Resources:Want to Sponsor an episode or be a Guest? Reach out here.Industrial Cybersecurity Insider on LinkedInCybersecurity & Digital Safety on LinkedInBW Design Group CybersecurityDino Busalachi on LinkedInCraig Duckworth on LinkedInThanks so much for joining us this week. Want to subscribe to Industrial Cybersecurity Insider? Have some feedback you'd like to share? Connect with us on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube to leave us a review!The podcast and artwork embedded on this page are from Industrial Cybersecurity Insider, which is the property of its owner and not affiliated with or endorsed by Listen Notes, Inc.
If you're a small or mid-sized manufacturer, adopting an agile approach can help you respond to changing customer requirements and fast-moving markets. In this podcast, you'll learn what agile manufacturing is, whether it's a good fit for your business, and how to put it into practice. You can learn more in this episode or read about it on our blog For more information about the MRPeasy software, visit our website: mrpeasy.com
Teacher. TV host. Digital content creator. Ian Johnson has done all that and more. On the latest Advanced Manufacturing Live, Johnson traces his manufacturing career journey and the role social media has played in it. He also explains why social media is a must for manufacturers that don't want to get left behind. This episode is a recording of the latest episode of Advanced Manufacturing Live. Previous episodes of Advanced Manufacturing Live are available on advancedmanufacturing.org/live. Follow SME Media on Facebook, LinkedIn, X and YouTube to join us live every other Thursday at 1 p.m. Eastern Time.
The recent imposition of a 50% tariff on a wide array of Canadian imports, including furniture, represents a significant development within the industry, prompting urgent reflection among retailers regarding their sourcing strategies. This tariff, set to take effect on August 19, directly challenges the previous assumption of Canada as a safe haven for sourcing, compelling stakeholders to reassess their inventory and pricing structures in light of potential margin pressures. Additionally, the episode delves into the ramifications of Sleep Number's acquisition by Sleep Country Canada, following its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, which may redefine competitive dynamics in the bedding sector. The discussion further encompasses the evolving marketing strategies employed by manufacturers of adjustable bases, emphasizing the necessity for retailers to enhance their sales techniques to better convey the health benefits of these products. As we navigate this complex landscape, it becomes evident that the interplay of tariffs, corporate acquisitions, and innovative selling approaches will significantly shape the future of the furniture industry. The podcast delves into the implications of the recent imposition of a significant tariff on a wide spectrum of Canadian imports, including furniture, which has been a surprise to many within the retail sector. This new regulation, which is set to take effect imminently, comes at a time when many retailers had strategically shifted their sourcing to Canada to circumvent tariffs on Asian goods. The speakers elucidate how this unexpected tariff demonstrates the volatility of international trade relations, particularly emphasizing that businesses must remain vigilant and adaptable to such changes. They underscore the importance of assessing one's supply chain in light of this new duty, urging retailers to evaluate their Canadian-sourced products and anticipate potential margin pressures that may arise in the coming months. This analysis is not only essential for immediate operational adjustments but also critical for long-term strategic planning as the industry navigates these tumultuous waters. Moreover, the conversation transitions to the recent developments regarding Sleep Number's Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings, culminating in the announcement of a buyer, Sleep Country Canada. The speakers provide a comprehensive overview of the implications of this acquisition for the broader bedding market, highlighting how a stabilized Sleep Number brand, backed by a financially robust parent company, poses a renewed challenge to competitors. They thoughtfully consider the ramifications of this transaction, noting how it may influence market dynamics and consumer perceptions, especially as Sleep Country seeks to leverage Sleep Number's innovative technologies in their expansion efforts. This segment of the podcast serves to inform industry stakeholders about the evolving landscape of competition and the necessity for proactive strategic responses. Lastly, the discussion shifts to the retail environment, characterized by dwindling foot traffic amidst a backdrop of uneven sales performance. The speakers analyze the current consumer behavior patterns, illustrating a dichotomy between premium buyers and value-seeking shoppers. They articulate that even in a challenging market, the quality of demand remains robust among those who do venture into stores, emphasizing the importance of enhancing the customer engagement experience. The podcast suggests that retailers ought to focus on optimizing their sales strategies and training their staff to capitalize on the high-stakes nature of each customer interaction, thereby maximizing revenue per visit. In conclusion, the episode encapsulates a series of critical insights into the complexities of the furniture industry and the multifaceted challenges that retailers must adeptly navigate in this evolving landscape.Takeaways:The recent imposition of a 50% tariff on Canadian imports, including furniture, significantly alters sourcing strategies for retailers, necessitating immediate reassessment of cost structures.The acquisition of Sleep Number's assets by Sleep Country Canada marks a pivotal transition, with implications for market competitiveness, particularly in the bedding sector.Manufacturers of adjustable bases are advocating for a paradigm shift, asserting that these products should be perceived as essential components of sleep systems rather than mere upgrades.Retailers are urged to enhance their sales techniques by focusing on the health benefits of adjustable bases, thus optimizing customer engagement and sales conversion rates.The remodeling market remains robust despite challenges in new home construction, suggesting a strategic avenue for furniture retailers to capitalize on existing homeowner investments.Artificial intelligence is poised to transform supply chain visibility and efficiency, yet it is crucial for organizations to ensure data integrity and interconnectivity across platforms to maximize its potential.
Paddock Pass Podcast - Motorcycle Racing - MotoGP - World Superbike
Ducati wrapped up the Manufacturers' title at the UK Round at Donington Park. The season of dominance by the Aruba.it squad also confirmed their Teams' success but finally as the summer break dawned for WorldSBK Nicolo Bulega's unbeaten run was halted by a stunning win for Iker Lecuona. Steve and Gordo break down the action from Round 8 of the Superbike World Championship and get you up to date from the WorldSBK paddock.
Matt Dmytryszyn talks about what ASML's (ASML) earnings beat means for the greater AI chip trade. He says ASML Holding intends to raise prices for chipmaking equipment, which can impact companies like Applied Materials (AMAT), Lam Research (LRCX), and KLA Corp. (KLAC). Matt also touches on CapEx spending plans and ways the AI memory trade ties into chip manufacturers. ======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about
Today I'm joined by Kelley Stumpe, Founder & CEO at The Car Mom. She has built the largest online following of car-buying moms in the country, and she has never taken a dollar from a manufacturer to do it. That refusal has gotten her blacklisted from press events and cut off from loaner cars, but it has also made her the most trusted voice family car shoppers turn to. Topics: 04:00 The Most Car Seat-Friendly SUV. 06:30 Selling To Women Isn't Different. 09:30 The Seven-Door Car Parents Want. 11:30 Salespeople Know Nothing About Cars. 20:30 The Free Event That Drives Business. 27:10 Why Kelley Stays Undisputed. 41:15 The 100,000-Mile Secret. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Digital Dealer – Join dealership leaders from across the country for two days of expert-led education, practical AI strategies, networking with industry peers, and hands-on access to the latest products and solutions. September 22–23 in Detroit. Register today here. 2. Podium - If your AI isn't driving real outcomes, it's time to take a closer look @ here. 3. CDG Marketplace — Get peer-validated reviews and real-world intel on every major dealership technology provider, all from verified dealers inside the CDG Platform. Visit @ here. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
For decades, the world's top soccer players laced up boots made from the skins of wild kangaroos. Manufacturers claimed kangaroo leather offered unmatched performance, and millions of kangaroos were commercially killed across Australia each year to supply the global athletic footwear industry. That story has changed dramatically. In this episode of the Animal Wellness Podcast, host Joseph Grove examines one of the most successful corporate animal-protection campaigns of recent years: the effort to eliminate kangaroo leather from elite soccer. Joining the program are Wayne Pacelle, president of the Center for a Humane Economy, and Ryan Luterman-Sevel, director of social media and the campaign's resident numbers guy. Ryan's detailed research tracked every player at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, documenting which boots they wore throughout the tournament. The results were striking. Just four years after kangaroo leather was already beginning to decline, only one player initially appeared to be wearing kangaroo-leather boots at the 2026 World Cup—and by the tournament's later rounds, even that player had switched to synthetic footwear. The conversation explores: Why kangaroo leather became the industry standard for elite soccer boots. How synthetic materials now outperform traditional leather in many respects. The six-year Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign and the strategy behind it. Why major brands including Nike, adidas, Puma, New Balance, ASICS, Mizuno and Diadora moved away from kangaroo leather. How consumer pressure, corporate engagement and legislative advocacy combined to change an entire marketplace. What the disappearance of kangaroo leather at the World Cup means for wildlife conservation and animal welfare. What lessons this campaign offers for future efforts to replace animal-derived products with humane alternatives. The episode also discusses the science of modern performance materials, the myths surrounding kangaroo leather, and how sustained advocacy can produce measurable, global change—even within industries long considered resistant to reform. Whether you're a soccer fan, an advocate for wildlife, or simply interested in how campaigns influence major corporations, this episode offers an inside look at how persistence, data and strategic advocacy helped transform one of the world's most recognizable sporting traditions. Guests Wayne Pacelle President, Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action Ryan Luterman-Sevel Director of Social Media, Center for a Humane Economy and Animal Wellness Action Learn More Center for a Humane Economy Animal Wellness Action Kangaroos Are Not Shoes campaign Subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with friends and colleagues. Your support helps us continue bringing you conversations about the people and campaigns advancing animal protection around the world. The Animal Wellness podcast is produced by Animal Wellness Action and the Center for a Humane Economy. It focuses on improving the lives of animals in the United States and abroad through legislation and by influencing businesses to create a more humane economy. The show is hosted by veteran journalist and animal-advocate Joseph Grove. www.animalwellnessaction.org www.centerforahumaneeconomy.org Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AnimalWellnessAction Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/AWAction_News Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheHumaneCenter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/animalwellnessaction/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/centerforahumaneeconomy/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/animal-wellness-action/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCI_6FxM4hD6oS5VSUwsCnNQ
Episode # 309 of the Pool Nation Podcast - What does a true partnership between manufacturers and pool professionals actually look like? In this episode of the Pool Nation Podcast, Edgar De Jesus, John "JJ Flawless," and Zac "The Pool Boy" Nicholas sit down with Todd Pieri of AquaStar Pool Products for one of the most honest conversations we've had about the future of the swimming pool industry. From pricing strategies and manufacturer transparency to product innovation, warranties, and building trust with pool professionals, this episode dives into the issues that affect every builder, service company, retailer, and distributor. Todd explains why AquaStar believes consistency matters more than promotions, why they reduced prices on multiple products in 2026 instead of raising them, and how listening to pool pros has driven some of their biggest product innovations. The team also tackles one of the industry's hottest topics—constant manufacturer price increases—and discusses how those decisions impact builders, service companies, homeowners, and the long-term health of the pool industry. If you're serious about growing your business, protecting your profits, and staying ahead of where our industry is headed, this is an episode you don't want to miss. In This Episode You'll Learn: • Why consistency builds stronger partnerships than rebates and promotions • AquaStar's philosophy on transparent pricing • Why AquaStar lowered prices on multiple products • How pool professionals directly influence new product development • The real cost of warranty programs—and a different way to handle them • How innovation can make service companies more profitable • Why "Run Your Freaking Pump" is more than just a slogan • What manufacturers can do to better support pool professionals • The future vision for AquaStar and the swimming pool industry Episode Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome to the Pool Nation Podcast 02:00 – Meet Todd Pieri from AquaStar Pool Products 10:00 – The AquaStar story: From startup to industry leader 14:00 – What real manufacturer partnerships should look like 18:00 – How pool pros inspire AquaStar product innovation 24:00 – The truth about pricing, inflation, and manufacturers 34:00 – Why AquaStar reduced prices instead of increasing them 41:00 – Why rebates don't always benefit pool professionals 50:00 – Net pricing vs. rebate programs explained 57:00 – Warranty philosophy and improving products through feedback 1:07:00 – AquaStar's vision for becoming the "Pros' Pro Brand" 1:16:00 – The "Run Your Freaking Pump" movement 1:18:00 – Final thoughts and closing Special Thanks To Our Visionary Partners A huge thank you to our incredible Visionary Partners for helping us continue to educate, inspire, and elevate the swimming pool industry: • The SPPA • BluRay XL • AquaStar Pool Products • Natural Chemistry • Raypak • Heritage Pool Supply Group • Hayward Pool Products • EnCore Brands • Poolside Tech – The Attendant • Pool Brain • Nidec / U.S. Motors • OnCore Filtration Your support allows us to continue providing free education and resources to thousands of pool professionals around the world. Subscribe & Connect If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with another pool professional. For more education, events, certifications, and business training, visit Pool Nation and become part of the fastest-growing community in the swimming pool industry. Master the Business. Perfect the Craft.
What if your AI strategy doesn't need more agents, just a better plan?This week Chris sits down with Joseph June, who leads AI strategy at PTC to talk about what companies are getting wrong with AI - going too broad too fast.Joseph goes into why picking one problem and really solving it is the way to go when onboarding AI. He shares a great example of what a strong AI use case looks like on the shop floor and unpacks the concept of ‘production data foundation'.The conversation turns to where agents are headed. There's also some good, grounded discussion here on building trust with AI and how the process mirrors onboarding any new employee.In this episode, find out:How AI experience helped Joseph make the leap from ServiceMax into leading AI strategy at PTCThe most common mistake manufacturers make when rolling out AIWhat separates companies making AI progress from those stuck in pilot purgatoryWhat ‘production data foundation' means, and why simply having more data shouldn't be the goalHow AI agents are being used in manufacturing today, and where that's headed nextWhy the plan behind your agents matters more than the agents themselvesHow to build trust in AI gradually, using the advise, assist and automate frameworkEnjoying the show? Please leave us a review here. Even one sentence helps. It's feedback from Manufacturing All-Stars like you that keeps us going!Tweetable Quotes:“A lot of the hesitation and a lot of the concerns people have about AI are probably real, but a lot of them are sentiment, and it takes time to be able to build that trust.” - Joseph June, Head of AI Strategy at PTC“What's unique about AI that is different from a person - it is capable of processing a very large amount of data in a faithful and ruthless way to be able to accomplish a particular outcome.” - Joseph June, Head of AI Strategy at PTC“The type of data matters. Data that represents individual decisions that people or groups of people have made in efforts to accomplish a specific goal. That's really valuable data.” - Joseph June, Head of AI Strategy at PTCLinks & mentions:PTC enables companies to differentiate their products and services, improve operational excellence, and increase workforce productivity. Manufacturers can capitalize on the promise of today's new technology to drive digital transformation.ServiceMax helps customers keep the world running with asset-centric field service management software. Their cloud-based software and mobile apps provide a complete view of assets to field service teams.Make sure to visit http://manufacturinghappyhour.com for detailed show notes and a full list of resources mentioned in this episode. Stay Innovative, Stay Thirsty.
What to expect at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh 2026 and an interview with the Manager of Onsite Learning at the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum. Also, how L3Harris converted the Qatari-gifted 747 into Air Force One, the Cirrus TRAC10, window seat lawsuits, a rule change to allow supersonic flight over the United States, and an update on Boom Supersonic's strategy for its self-developed Symphony engine. Image by Linda and Lily. Guest Dick Knapinski is Director of Communications for the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA). He has served in that capacity since 2010 and has been with the organization since 1992. Dick serves as the liaison between the media and EAA throughout the year, particularly during EAA AirVenture Oshkosh, the world’s largest fly-in convention. The event runs July 20-26, 2026. Dick Knapinski Boeing Plaza will be packed with aircraft to celebrate the aviation technology theme. Currently planned innovation displays for July 21 include BETA Technologies, Bye Aerospace, Jetson, American Drone, MagniX, Zipline, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Airhart Aeronautics, Merlin Labs, Amazon Delivery, and Starlight Productions. In addition to the displays on Boeing Plaza, Bye Aerospace, Jetson, BETA Technologies, American Drone, and ScaleWings plan to fly during the afternoon air show. Drone delivery company Wing will display the latest developments in its operations at Twilight Flight Fest. Learn more about the AirVenture Airshows and performers, Aircraft Anniversaries & Gatherings, Authors Corner, AviationTech, KidVenture, and the Fly-In Theater. Rare warbird static/flying displays will include the B-29 “Doc,” as well as a rare Consolidated PB4Y and the CAF’s B-24 Liberator on static display at Boeing Plaza. Vicky Benzing will fly her P-51 “Plum Crazy,” and Bernie Vasquez will demo a Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in afternoon shows. The Aviation Gateway Park will spotlight helicopters, advanced vertical lift platforms, and eVTOL aircraft through static displays and interactive exhibits. Before joining EAA, Dick built a broadcasting career in Wisconsin, including stints as Program Director at WNBI Radio, News Director at WMGV Radio, and Station Manager at WLFM-FM/Wisconsin Public Radio. He also spent years as a sportswriter for the Appleton Post-Crescent. Dick holds a private pilot certificate and remains active as a writer and spokesperson for EAA. Aviation News How was the new Air Force One prepared for flight? The two permanent VC-25 replacements were selected in 2015, and the $3.9 billion fixed-price contract was signed in February 2018. Boeing began physical refurbishment work in February 2020 on two 747-8I airframes originally built for the bankrupt Russian carrier Transaero. Boeing has already reported $2.5 billion in losses on the program. The current delivery target for the first jet is between 2027 and 2028, with the second jet to follow later. The ex-Qatari 747-8 “bridge” aircraft was gifted to the U.S. Air Force in May 2025 and entered service on July 1, 2026. L3Harris did the conversion in about 10 months. The quick conversion was accomplished due to several factors: Pre-staged employees operated on a 24/7, three-shift structure. (Boeing has worked a normal single-shift industrial pace, with no incentive to surge, staff once costs started ballooning.) The bridge aircraft came with a luxury interior. (Boeing's jets had incomplete interiors – basically shells.) Missing VC-25 elements. Reports (unconfirmed by the government) include no evidence of defensive countermeasures and a lack of EMP hardening. L3Harris didn’t out-engineer Boeing. They ran a 24/7 surge crew on a plane that already had a finished VIP interior, targeted a much narrower requirement (“executive airlift” vs. full presidential command-post survivability), and the government has not been forthcoming about which hardened-aircraft features (EMP shielding, missile countermeasures, full secure comms suite) were omitted. See also: Trump wants the $400M Qatari-gifted new Air Force One to be the centerpiece of his presidential library. But there's a problem. Cirrus launches TRAC10, a new light aircraft for the flight training market Purpose-designed for flight schools and to be powered by a turbocharged Rotax 916 iSc FADEC engine, the plane has a three-seat interior, a Garmin flight deck, and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System. Cirrus says they have 100 orders from 13 flight schools. United Airlines must face lawsuit over ‘window seats’ that lack windows Not every “window seat” has a window. Sometimes it has a wall. That's just the way it is. But last August, some passengers filed class actions against United Airlines and Delta Air Lines, claiming that the carriers failed to properly disclose the lack of a window during the booking process. United claimed that “window seat” described the seat’s location and did not contractually promise that the seat would, in fact, have a window. In San Francisco, U.S. District Judge James Donato rejected the airlines' request to dismiss the suit. New Rule Clears Way for Quiet Supersonic Flights By way of history: The FAA issued 14 CFR § 91.817 in April 1973, prohibiting civil aircraft from flying at speeds exceeding Mach 1 over land in the United States. The ban came as a result of early Air Force and NASA-controlled boom tests over cities, concerns over the Boeing 2707 SST program, and the impending arrival of the Concorde. NASA’s X-59 QueSST is flying specifically to gather community-response data on its “quiet boom” design. In a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Proposed rule: Enabling Supersonic Overland Flight), the FAA is looking to replace the blanket Mach-1 ban with a noise-based standard. Supersonic flight over land would be permitted if the boom signature falls under a certain loudness threshold. The NPRM states, “Manufacturers have demonstrated it is possible to fly supersonic aircraft without sonic booms reaching the surface by using sonic boom abatement techniques, making complete prohibition on civil supersonic flight outside of test areas no longer appropriate and an unnecessary restraint on the growth of the U.S. aviation sector.” The NPRM shifts the regulatory trigger from speed to noise. Right now, § 91.817 just bans anything faster than Mach 1 over land. The proposed rule keeps that structure but adds an exception: an operator may exceed Mach 1 if it can demonstrate that the sonic boom’s overpressure at the surface does not exceed 0.11 pounds per square foot (psf). This NPRM only covers en-route/overland boom noise. A separate rule on takeoff/landing noise is expected later this year, with both rules targeted for finalization by mid-2027. The comment period ends August 17, 2026, at 11:59 PM EDT. Boom Supersonic Q2 2026 Update https://youtu.be/gtf0-bVSbeA?is=GmG8VhICNm4wg7tP The FAA proposal to change from speed regulation to noise regulation is something Boom Supersonic and others have been seeking. In the Boom Supersonic Q2 2026 Update video, Blake Scholl reveals Boom's strategy for the Symphony engine. The company intends to market a variant of the engine for behind-the-meter power generation that AI companies can utilize for power. In large part, the engine OEMs wouldn’t develop an engine for the Overture because the huge development cost couldn’t be covered by the expected engine volume. So when Boom announced it was developing its own engine, the business case was unclear. But by focusing on the ground power generation market, Boom can spread development costs over a greater number of engines. Also, that revenue stream would generate cash flow for the Overture program. National Air and Space Museum Celebrates 50 Years With Opening of Five New Galleries Hillel attended the Smithsonian's National Air & Space Museum media preview of the opening of the five galleries. Last episode, we listened to two recordings from that event. This week Hillel speaks with Mike Hulslander, the museum's Manager of Onsite Learning. Mike has worked in museums and zoos for more than 28 years and has researched, written, presented, and evaluated science programs for school groups, families, and the general public. At the Air and Space Museum, he is responsible for science-focused programs and exhibitions. Mike also manages the Museum's learning centers: How Things Fly and the Design Hangar. Mike is also an adjunct faculty member at the National Center for Earth and Space Science Education. He serves as a science educator on the Student Spaceflight Experiments Program national review panel for experiment selection and has participated in reviews for the past 11 missions aboard the Space Shuttle and the International Space Station. Supersonic demo Lift vs. Angle of Attack Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, Rob Mark, David Vanderhoof, Hillel Glazer, and Brian Coleman.
Welcome to Episode 127 of The Modelgeeks Podcast! In this episode, by suggestion from listener Brian Klimek, The Geeks are talking “Wish Lists”. Manufacturers put them out all the time, we've all likely added our wants to one at some point and often kit makers have responded. Have any of your own “wish list” inputs ever been put to sprue?We dive further into the Mail Bag with one particular email from a young modeler out of Canada who keeps plenty busy with life and manages to get in some bench time when he can, as well as hearing from long time listeners and friends. From the Modelgeeks Podcast web page we take a look at the Listener Gallery and the fine work that has caught our eye....and of course we fire up the Gonk-U-Lator to see who amongst our Patreon supporters is the big winner! Support the show, and get your name into the Gonk-U-Lator to win cool prizes!!!With summer in full swing, we hope everyone is enjoying time with family and friends, staying safe…and getting those final details in place for you Nats entries! Mentioned in the Episode:IPMS USA National Convention T V (Tuomas' You Tube Channel) Share your work with us and the rest of the scale modeling community through our web page, or through our Facebook community page. We love seeing other people's work. Who knows who you may inspire through your latest masterpiece!Modelgeeks web page: Modelgeeks Podcast Facebook community: The ModelGeeks Model Shack …and of course you can email us at: contact@modelgeekspodcast.com We also want to thank each of our sponsors for their support. We are very lucky to have their support. When you have the time, pay a visit to their web sites, and have a look at their fine products. Sponsors:Furball Aero-DesignTamiya USADetail & ScaleLionHeart HobbyBases By BillHypersonic ModelsMatters Of ScaleKotare ModelsSquadron If you're a wicked ModelGeek go check out the following links!IPMS USA Events PageAMPSButch O'Hare Modeling ClubThe Interesting Modeling Company We are very fortunate to be able to join the scale modeling podcast community and are in the company of several other really GREAT podcasts. Hopefully, someday we'll earn our wings and be able to keep up with those guys! Please check them all out at Scale Model Podcasts. Blogs:The Kit BoxSprue Pie with FretsModel Airplane Maker Support the show, and get your name into the Gonk-U-Lator to win cool prizes!!!Support the showModel Geeks Podcast
The DBC gang is back in studio after a LONG wreck-filled Cup Race in the Irish Hills of Michigan, this time with a pair of 23XI Racing teammates in Bubba Wallace and Riley Herbst. The episode starts with a recap of both drivers' weekends, followed by some high praise for Riley Herbst from Bubba Wallace for the teammate he's been. The group talks about Cleetus McFarland's performance in the ARCA and Trucks race, the difference between racing both vehicles, and what Ford seems to be missing from a lackluster performance in their own backyard. Plus, Bubba Wallace opens up about what it's like to race around Carson Hocevar, his post-race conversation with The Hurricane that had social media buzzing, and how there's a difference between racing hard and racing stupid. The group debates if Denny Hamlin will retire at the end of next season, their Mt. Rushmore of NASCAR drivers, who is at fault for the massive wreck on the restart of the Cup race, and much more. As always, Reaction Theatre brings the laughs, followed by S*** Show HOF and Ask DBC. Plus, Freddie shouts out all of the weekend winners from around the country. Want more DBC? Check out and subscribe to the new DBC YouTube channel! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.