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Sisters Olivia and Jenna Botrie of Dart Studio didn't set out to build a design firm together, they grew into it. What started in a basement with a baby on the floor evolved into a highly structured, process-driven studio navigating growth, technology, and a post-pandemic design boom. Their story reveals how great design isn't just about aesthetics, it's about systems, relationships, and knowing when to think bigger. From cottage culture and client psychology to AI workflows and generational shifts, the Botrie sisters unpack how Dart Studio scaled during the pandemic, why process is their secret weapon, and how they're building a brand designed to outlast trends and even themselves. Origins: A Basement, a Baby, and a Business Olivia launches Dart Studio solo over a decade ago. Jenna joins organically during maternity leave. The now-famous “cottage pitch” that formalized the partnership. Sister dynamics: honesty, friction, and built-in trust as a business advantage The Cottage Effect: Canadian Culture Meets Creativity The uniquely Canadian concept of the “cottage” as creative reset Minimalism, disconnection, and family proximity as design influences How environment shapes both lifestyle and design thinking Process Over Everything Jenna's role: operations, onboarding, hiring, and systems. Why structure—not style—is the firm's foundation. Building scalable workflows for a growing team. The importance of documentation and repeatable processes Pandemic Pivot: From Uncertainty to Opportunity Initial fear: shutdowns, no site visits, stalled work. Sudden surge: waitlists, inbound demand, and client urgency. Strategic decision: say yes, scale fast, hire quickly. Long-term impact: bigger thinking, larger projects, expanded vision The Post-Pandemic Client Shift Movement away from resale-driven design toward personalization. Clients designing for themselves, not the market. More nuanced conversations around lifestyle, not trends. The home as a “backdrop for life” Anti-Trend Thinking Rejection of trend-driven design culture. Critique of “top 10 lists” and media-driven aesthetics. Designing from human cues: behavior, personality, daily rituals Technology, Materials & the Reality Filter Navigating rapid innovation in lighting, kitchens, and home tech. Balancing “cool” vs. “lasting”. Role of reps, trade shows, and industry relationships. The importance of practical function over novelty. AI in Practice: Tool, Not Replacement Current stack: ChatGPT, Midjourney, SketchUp, Enscape. AI for speed and iteration—not core design thinking. Client misuse of AI and the limits of prompting. Why human interpretation remains essential The Experience Economy of Design Design as a two-year relationship, not a transaction. Emotional experience vs. final result. Communication, trust, and job site culture as differentiators Reactive to Proactive: Building a Brand First 10 years: purely reactive growth. Year 11 shift: rebrand, visibility, social media presence. Expanding identity beyond Olivia to a team-driven creative model. Long-term vision: a legacy firm with multiple design voices Generational Dynamics in Design Different communication styles across clients and teams. Matching personalities: clients, designers, and contractors. “Boomer whisperers” vs. Gen Z workflows. Lifestyle-driven design considerations by age and stage Designing for Climate & Context Canadian winters and their impact on interiors. Storage, materiality, and seasonal living. Lighting as a wellness tool (circadian rhythm design). Creating emotional environments: cozy vs. open The Through Line: Adaptability Design as evolution, not static outcome. Balancing tradition and modernity within a single project. Embracing change as the only constant in both life and design
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10 Important Tax and Write-Off Reminders for Electrical ContractorsRunning a successful electrical contracting business requires more than performing quality electrical work. Contractors must also understand how business expenses, tax deductions, recordkeeping, vehicles, equipment purchases, employees and estimated tax payments can affect the financial health of their company.In this episode, Paul Abernathy discusses ten important tax and business-expense reminders every electrical contractor should understand. Topics include the difference between spending money and receiving a tax deduction, identifying legitimate business expenses, separating business and personal finances, documenting vehicle mileage, properly categorizing job costs and understanding depreciation on trucks, tools and equipment.The episode also addresses business meals, home-office deductions, the risks of incorrectly classifying employees as subcontractors, and the importance of planning for income taxes, payroll taxes and self-employment taxes throughout the year.Whether you are preparing to start an electrical contracting company or already operating an established business, this episode provides practical guidance to help you improve your records, recognize legitimate deductions and avoid common financial mistakes.Topics covered include:What a business write-off actually saves you.Ordinary and necessary business expenses.Separating business and personal accounts.Vehicle mileage and transportation records.Materials, tools, insurance and operating expenses.Depreciation and major equipment purchases.Business meals and home-office expenses.Employees versus independent contractors.Estimated tax payments and tax planning.Why accurate records are essential during an audit.The goal is not to manufacture deductions or spend money unnecessarily. The goal is to capture every legitimate business expense, maintain the documentation necessary to support it and operate the company in a way that allows you to keep more of the profit you worked hard to earn.For more great podcasts search for "Master The NEC Podcast" on your favorite search engine and enjoy over 1000 eposides dating back many years,This episode provides general educational information and is not individualized legal, accounting or tax advice. Contractors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific business structure, state requirements and financial circumstances.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/master-the-nec-podcast--1083733/support.Struggling with the National Electrical Code? Discover the real difference at Electrical Code Academy, Inc.—where you'll learn from the nation's most down-to-earth NEC expert who genuinely cares about your success. No fluff. No gimmicks. Just the best NEC training you'll actually remember.Visit https://FastTraxSystem.com to learn more.
10 Important Tax and Write-Off Reminders for Electrical ContractorsRunning a successful electrical contracting business requires more than performing quality electrical work. Contractors must also understand how business expenses, tax deductions, recordkeeping, vehicles, equipment purchases, employees and estimated tax payments can affect the financial health of their company.In this episode, Paul Abernathy discusses ten important tax and business-expense reminders every electrical contractor should understand. Topics include the difference between spending money and receiving a tax deduction, identifying legitimate business expenses, separating business and personal finances, documenting vehicle mileage, properly categorizing job costs and understanding depreciation on trucks, tools and equipment.The episode also addresses business meals, home-office deductions, the risks of incorrectly classifying employees as subcontractors, and the importance of planning for income taxes, payroll taxes and self-employment taxes throughout the year.Whether you are preparing to start an electrical contracting company or already operating an established business, this episode provides practical guidance to help you improve your records, recognize legitimate deductions and avoid common financial mistakes.Topics covered include:What a business write-off actually saves you.Ordinary and necessary business expenses.Separating business and personal accounts.Vehicle mileage and transportation records.Materials, tools, insurance and operating expenses.Depreciation and major equipment purchases.Business meals and home-office expenses.Employees versus independent contractors.Estimated tax payments and tax planning.Why accurate records are essential during an audit.The goal is not to manufacture deductions or spend money unnecessarily. The goal is to capture every legitimate business expense, maintain the documentation necessary to support it and operate the company in a way that allows you to keep more of the profit you worked hard to earn.For more great podcasts search for "Master The NEC Podcast" on your favorite search engine and enjoy over 1000 eposides dating back many years,This episode provides general educational information and is not individualized legal, accounting or tax advice. Contractors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific business structure, state requirements and financial circumstances.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/electrify-electrician-podcast--4131858/support.
10 Important Tax and Write-Off Reminders for Electrical ContractorsRunning a successful electrical contracting business requires more than performing quality electrical work. Contractors must also understand how business expenses, tax deductions, recordkeeping, vehicles, equipment purchases, employees and estimated tax payments can affect the financial health of their company.In this episode, Paul Abernathy discusses ten important tax and business-expense reminders every electrical contractor should understand. Topics include the difference between spending money and receiving a tax deduction, identifying legitimate business expenses, separating business and personal finances, documenting vehicle mileage, properly categorizing job costs and understanding depreciation on trucks, tools and equipment.The episode also addresses business meals, home-office deductions, the risks of incorrectly classifying employees as subcontractors, and the importance of planning for income taxes, payroll taxes and self-employment taxes throughout the year.Whether you are preparing to start an electrical contracting company or already operating an established business, this episode provides practical guidance to help you improve your records, recognize legitimate deductions and avoid common financial mistakes.Topics covered include:What a business write-off actually saves you.Ordinary and necessary business expenses.Separating business and personal accounts.Vehicle mileage and transportation records.Materials, tools, insurance and operating expenses.Depreciation and major equipment purchases.Business meals and home-office expenses.Employees versus independent contractors.Estimated tax payments and tax planning.Why accurate records are essential during an audit.The goal is not to manufacture deductions or spend money unnecessarily. The goal is to capture every legitimate business expense, maintain the documentation necessary to support it and operate the company in a way that allows you to keep more of the profit you worked hard to earn.This episode provides general educational information and is not individualized legal, accounting or tax advice. Contractors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific business structure, state requirements and financial circumstances.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
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10 Important Tax and Write-Off Reminders for Electrical ContractorsRunning a successful electrical contracting business requires more than performing quality electrical work. Contractors must also understand how business expenses, tax deductions, recordkeeping, vehicles, equipment purchases, employees and estimated tax payments can affect the financial health of their company.In this episode, Paul Abernathy discusses ten important tax and business-expense reminders every electrical contractor should understand. Topics include the difference between spending money and receiving a tax deduction, identifying legitimate business expenses, separating business and personal finances, documenting vehicle mileage, properly categorizing job costs and understanding depreciation on trucks, tools and equipment.The episode also addresses business meals, home-office deductions, the risks of incorrectly classifying employees as subcontractors, and the importance of planning for income taxes, payroll taxes and self-employment taxes throughout the year.Whether you are preparing to start an electrical contracting company or already operating an established business, this episode provides practical guidance to help you improve your records, recognize legitimate deductions and avoid common financial mistakes.Topics covered include:What a business write-off actually saves you.Ordinary and necessary business expenses.Separating business and personal accounts.Vehicle mileage and transportation records.Materials, tools, insurance and operating expenses.Depreciation and major equipment purchases.Business meals and home-office expenses.Employees versus independent contractors.Estimated tax payments and tax planning.Why accurate records are essential during an audit.The goal is not to manufacture deductions or spend money unnecessarily. The goal is to capture every legitimate business expense, maintain the documentation necessary to support it and operate the company in a way that allows you to keep more of the profit you worked hard to earn.This episode provides general educational information and is not individualized legal, accounting or tax advice. Contractors should consult a qualified tax professional regarding their specific business structure, state requirements and financial circumstances.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/ask-paul-national-electrical-code--4971115/support.
Im August wieder LIVE auf der AnimagiC 2026! Jetzt Tickets sichern!Erneut ist Falzareks Hort von entscheidender Bedeutung. Es muss sich zeigen, ob hier Feinde oder Verbündete lauern. Wie groß noch ist die Präsenz der verhüllten Schlange?-----Aufgrund der improvisatorischen Art unserer Rollenspielinhalte können Themen und Situationen entstehen, die für manche Menschen schwer zu verarbeiten sind oder unangenehme Erinnerungen hervorrufen könnten. Sollten dich bestimmte Episoden oder Szenen belasten, empfehlen wir, zwischendurch eine Pause zu machen oder die Episode zu überspringen. Am Anfang jeder Folge wird der Inhalt der jeweils letzten noch einmal zusammengefasst, sodass du den Anschluss leicht wiederfinden kannst. Dein Wohlbefinden ist uns wichtig!Dice Actors ist ein inoffizieller Fan-Inhalt im Rahmen der Richtlinie für Fan-Inhalte. Dieser Kanal ist nicht von Wizards of the Coast gesponsert. Teile des enthaltenen Materials sind (geistiges) Eigentum von Wizards of the Coast LLC © Wizards of the Coast LLC."Malicious", "Night Vigil", "Water Prelude"Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 4.0http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Andy Lindus talks about the difference between home materials - including siding, decking, roofing and more. Plus tips on how to handle roofing leaks, algae/moss spotting, and zinc treatments. If you have a question for Andy and his team or are looking for help with that at home project roofing, siding, you name it - reach out to Andy his team at lindusconstruction.com or call them at 844-9lindus
Footwear — running shoes, hiking shoes, walking shoes, etc — has never been more high-tech. Or confusing. Or expensive. It's a wild world. So today, Jonathan talks with Blister's running editor, Gordon Gianniny, about the current state of technical footwear; “super” shoes; AI; and more.Note: We Want to Hear From You!Please share with us the questions, topics, or stories you'd like us to cover on GEAR:30. You can email those to us here.RELATED LINKS: Momentous: livemomentous.com code: BlisterOneSkin: oneskin.co/BLISTERGet Yourself Covered: BLISTER+Order our 26/27 Winter Buyer's GuideEnter Our Free Weekly Gear GiveawaysCHECK OUT OUR YOUTUBE CHANNELS:Blister Studios (our new channel)Blister Review (our original channel)TOPICS & TIMES:Gordon's Background (6:19)The Confusing World of Footwear (9:35)Costs (20:41)The Super Shoe (23:20)Materials & Design (31:16)AI in Running Shoe Design (36:47)Predictions (45:20)CHECK OUT OUR OTHER PODCASTS:The Blister VaultBlister CinematicCRAFTEDBikes & Big IdeasBlister Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Show Notes: slpnow.com/263If you have ever found yourself scrambling for the right therapy materials right before a session, you are not alone. In this episode, I share why the real issue usually is not a lack of materials. It is a lack of a system.We walk through the four parts of a simple workflow: planning, materials, data, and follow through. I also share a story from my own career, plus examples of SLPs who saved time, lowered stress, and felt more confident after building a repeatable process.Resources mentioned:Session Structure course inside SLP NowThematic Units course inside SLP NowData Collection course inside SLP NowReady for more support? slpnow.com/pod
Emie Mirasol is Founder of ESM Manufacturing Integrated. ESM Manufacturing is a technology-based enterprise that produces specialized coating formulations used for finishing and enhancing the surface properties of materials such as ceramics or related products. The technology focuses on improving product durability, aesthetics, and functionality through a thin-layer coating process. The enterprise aims to support local manufacturing and product development through innovative material technologies. This episode is recorded at Mariano Marcos State University - Technology Business Incubator in Batac, Ilocos Norte.In this episode:00:00 Introduction01:42 Ano ang ESM Manufacturing Integrated?11:36 What is the startup solving? 21:25 What are stories behind the startup? 40.23 How can listeners find more information?MMSU TBIFacebook: https://facebook.com/bannuartbiTHIS EPISODE IS CO-PRODUCED BY:Symph: https://symph.coOneCFO: https://onecfoph.coYspaces: https://knowyourspaceph.comKredit Hero: https://kredithero.comTwala: https://www.twala.ioGigGenius: https://gig-genius.ioSkoolTek by Edfolio: https://skooltek.coRed Circle Global: https://www.redcircleglobal.comCHECK OUT OUR PARTNERS:Ask Lex PH Academy: https://asklexph.com (5% discount on e-learning courses! Code: ALPHAXSUP)Pahatid PH: https://pahatid.phDigital Workforce Group: https://digitalworkforce.comNascent Batteries: https://nascentbatteries.comLevel Up Talent Solutions: https://lvluptalentsolutions.comAgile Data Solutions (Hustle PH): https://agiledatasolutions.techCloudCFO: https://cloudcfo.ph (Free financial assessment, process onboarding, and 6-month QuickBooks subscription! Mention: Start Up Podcast PH)ArkoTech: https://arkotechspacesolutions.comDVCode Technologies Inc: https://dvcode.techArgum AI: http://argum.aiPIXEL by Eplayment: https://pixel.eplayment.co/auth/sign-up?r=PIXELXSUP1 (Sign up using Code: PIXELXSUP1)School of Profits: https://schoolofprofits.academyFounders Launchpad: https://founderslaunchpad.vcHier Business Solutions: https://hierpayroll.comSmile Checks: https://getsmilechecks.comWunderbrand: https://wunderbrand.comUplift Code Camp: https://upliftcodecamp.com (5% discount on bootcamps and courses! Code: UPLIFTSTARTUPPH)START UP PODCAST PHYouTube: https://youtube.com/startuppodcastphSpotify | Apple PodcastsFacebook: https://facebook.com/startuppodcastphPatreon: https://patreon.com/StartUpPodcastPHPIXEL: https://pixel.eplayment.co/dl/startuppodcastphWebsite: https://startupnetwork.phThis episode is edited by the team at: https://tasharivera.com
What makes a hotel pool deck both beautiful and built to last? In this episode of LODGING OnDemand, George Seli, Managing Editor of LODGING Magazine, sits down with Sean West, Vice President of Sales & Marketing at Deckology, to discuss how hotel owners and operators can create outdoor spaces that enhance the guest experience while standing up to the demands of commercial hospitality. From selecting the right decking materials to balancing aesthetics, durability, and safety, […]
In this episode of The Truth In This Art, the guest is Khadija Jahmila!About Khadija Jahmila: Silver Spring, Maryland–based Afro-Caribbean mixed-media artist, mother, and teaching artist working across hand-cut analog and digital collage. Her pieces pull from folklore and surrealism, layering found and donated print material onto wood panels and reclaimed metal to explore what gets carried forward and what gets left behind.Jahmila talks about the apartment building her family first lived in after settling in Maryland, and how a printed photo of that building became what she calls the "spark image" for a larger piece she made during her residency at Capitol Hill Arts Workshop. She also remembers the exact moment she started calling herself an artist: twenty-one years old, sitting on a sidewalk outside her freshman dorm, writing poetry and reading it back to herself. Good enough that she believed it.Much of the conversation circles back to material. Jahmila started out working almost exclusively with paper, building early pieces from posters she'd picked up after the People's Climate March. Residencies pushed her further, onto wood, onto salvaged street signs, into printing photographs for the first time instead of only scavenging them. She talks about surrealism as something closer to survival than style, a way the African diaspora has always reached for new realities when the old ones didn't leave room to breathe. "We are building the world we want to see," she says at one point, almost in passing.Jahmila also walks through how her relationship with Eaton DC started small, at a local pop-up market, when the hotel's program director stopped in front of one of her digital collages and asked if she'd ever thought about a show. That conversation led to her first solo exhibition, Hindsight is 2020, a piece she nearly lost when her basement flooded mid-project. She talks about salvaging what survived and finishing the work anyway, water damage and all.There's also a section on her year as Season Artist for Baltimore Center Stage, where she worked across six productions with directors and playwrights. She lights up talking about it, comparing it to designing album art—another place where her collage instincts collaborate with someone else's story.Explore Khadija Jahmila's portfolio at khadijajahmila.com/portfolio, and follow her on Instagram at @khadija.jahmila. She currently has work on view in Thresholds at Techne Fine Art in Rockville (through August 22) and SUPERIMPOSED at Pyramid Atlantic Art Center (through August 9), and will exhibit at the FEMME Art Fair at International Square August 26–30.Photo courtesy of subject. The Truth In This Art is supported by William G. Baker, Jr. Memorial Fund, the Maryland State Arts Council's Creativity Grant and Mayor's Individual Artist Award - Creative Baltimore Fund (Baltimore). Host: Rob LeeMusic: Original music by Daniel Alexis Music with additional music from Chipzard and TeTresSeis.Production:Produced by Rob Lee & Daniel AlexisEdited by Daniel AlexisShow Notes courtesy of Rob Lee and TransistorPhotos:Rob Lee photos by Vicente Martin for The Truth In This Art and Contrarian Aquarian Media.Guest photos courtesy of the guest, unless otherwise noted.Support the podcastThe Truth In This Art Podcast Fractured Atlas (Fundraising): https://www.fracturedatlas.orgThe Truth In This Art Podcast Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/thetruthinthisart.bsky.socialThe Truth In This Art Podcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/truthinthisart/?hl=enThe Truth In This Art Podcast Website: https://www.thetruthinthisart.com/The Truth In This Art Podcast Shop: Merch from Redbubble ★ Support this podcast ★
In this episode, Nick and Dan catch-up with Rob Ziems, Chief Executive Officer at Gaming Arts. Listen as Rob covers the company's acquisition by Merkur Group and explains how the combination is yielding dividends both culturally & developmentally. Learn about what's brewing in the Gaming Arts lab, and hear the three debate whether the classic bootstrap / startup model remains a viable path for those wishing to build slot companies. Also in this episode, Tilman Fertitta finally lands Caesars. © 2015 -2026 RM Holdings B.V. and ReelMetrics B.V. All rights reserved.For transcripts of ReelCast episodes, please see https://www.reelmetrics.com/reelcast.For legal statements apropos of this and other ReelMetrics content / "Materials", please see https://www.reelmetrics.com/legal
Learn how biocompatible materials in holistic smile makeovers protect your entire body, from safe mercury removal to metal-free implants. We reveal the oral-systemic link and why your dental choices impact energy, immunity, and long-term wellness. DoctorSerge.com City: Vancouver Address: 66 Keefer Place x Website: https://doctorserge.com Phone: +1 604 708 6042
MDMA or 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine is a synthetic psychoactive medicine that alters mood and perception. It has been shown to be highly effective for treating trauma. Some studies have shown 71% to 86% of participants achieved clinically meaningful improvements, and about half no longer met the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. It is now being used to address relational conflict and improving relationships. The book Ecstasy for Couples was written to better understand this exploratory intervention and how couples are using MDMA to better understand each other and work on improving relationships. In this comprehensive book written by Jonathan Robinson, one might learn: How a trained facilitator can help guide a couple to overcome entrenched problems Managing potential unpleasant side effects related to this treatment Why a 5-hour couples' session with MDMA may lead to rapid relational improvements Join the conversation with Jonathan Robinson as we explore how to optimize the potential therapeutic benefit of MDMA. Jonathan Robinson is a psychotherapist, author, and professional speaker from Northern California. He has written about happiness, emotional healing and spiritual growth reaching large audiences. He has appeared on The Oprah Show, CNN and numerous talk shows. He is also the author of The Enlightenment Project: How I went from depressed to Blessed, and you can too. If you are interested in learning more about the process, the power, and the use of empathy in therapy, this podcast is for you. Links & Resources: Link to purchase Ecstasy for Couples: https://amzn.to/4wmZjDY (Amazon) Link to know more about Ecstasy for Couples: https://xtcforcouples.net/ Link to other books written by Jonathan Robinson: https://amzn.to/4bDYGNS (Amazon) Link to Jonathan Robinson's website: https://findinghappiness.com/get-to-know-me/ Materials to Reference: Link to Jonathan's Podcast "Awareness Explorer": https://www.awarenessexplorers.com/ Link to Jonathan's Book " The Enlightenment Project": https://www.theenlightenmentproject.net/
What makes one racing spring perform better than another? It's about far more than spring rate.In this EPARTRADE Race Industry Now webinar, Frank Simonetti, Motorsports Director at Swift Springs, joins Tony Eury Jr., Director of Chassis Development at GMS Race Cars, to explain the engineering, materials, manufacturing processes, and suspension technology that separate premium racing springs from the competition.Discover how spring design influences chassis balance, tire performance, suspension tuning, consistency, and driver confidence across road racing, drag racing, oval track, and other forms of motorsports.Topics include:• Why spring rate isn't the whole story• Linear vs. progressive spring behavior• Materials and heat treatment• Manufacturing precision and quality control• Spring consistency and durability• Suspension tuning strategies• Modern race car chassis development• Working with teams to develop better springs• The future of suspension technologyWhether you're a race engineer, crew chief, chassis builder, fabricator, professional racer, or weekend competitor, this technical discussion provides valuable insight into one of the most important tuning tools on any race car.Featuring:Frank Simonetti – Motorsports Director, Swift SpringsTony Eury Jr. – Director of Chassis Development, GMS Race CarsHosted by: Brad Gillie (SiriusXM, Ch. 90, Late Shift)Presented by ARP, Inc., PEAK, Fifth Third Bank Motorsports, Ferrea Racing Components, CTech Manufacturing, & Race-Fan.Subscribe to EPARTRADE for weekly engineering-focused webinars featuring the racing industry's leading manufacturers and technical experts.#SwiftSprings #Suspension #RaceEngineering #Motorsports #RaceCar #ChassisSetup #RacingTechnology #CoilSprings #Engineering #EPARTRADE
Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society. In this episode, Justin interviews Colette Cummins, Chief Risk Officer of Inland Fisheries Ireland and a RIMS-CRMP Commissioner, on what it's like to be a CRO in an organization whose mission is protecting a national natural resource. Justin invites Colette to share her career journey, and she tells how she developed in credit risk management, audit, and enterprise risk management, and how she landed in the public sector, protecting the environment while guiding Inland Fisheries Ireland toward building a solid risk framework. Colette speaks of the surprises she found in the public sector, and the impressive risk mindset and commitment she finds at IFI. Listen for principles of building out risk registers and a risk framework, whether in the private sector or a public sector agency. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest today is Collete Cummins. She is the Chief Risk Officer for Inland Fisheries Ireland and a RIMS-CRMP Commissioner. We're going to have a great dialog. But first… [:42] RIMS-CRMP Workshop. We are delighted to announce that on August 27th and 28th, RIMS President Manny Padilla will be leading the two-day in-person workshop at St. John's University at 101 Astor Place in New York City. A link to the registration is in this episode's show notes. [1:02] RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops. RIMS will partner with PARIMA for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep on September 1st and 2nd. Registration links are in this episode's show notes. [1:12] On the webinars page, you will see a two-part series hosted by the RIMS Membership Department. The "Classroom to Career" webinar series highlights how RIMS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in risk management careers. [1:28] Participants will gain insights into industry trends, career pathways, and practical tools that help them confidently step into the evolving world of risk management after graduation. These sessions will be hosted on September 1st and 9th. [1:41] These sessions are member exclusives and are complimentary for RIMS members, of course. So, if you are interested in becoming a member, this would be the time. Visit RIMS.org/membership. [1:51] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:08] On with the Show! Our guest today is Colette Cummins. She is the Chief Risk Officer for Inland Fisheries Ireland. The IFI is the dedicated state agency for protecting, managing, and conserving Ireland's inland fisheries and sea angling resources. [2:26] Colette is the agency's first CRO, but she's not new to risk management. We're going to hear about her career journey and why she feels that this position was custom-made for her, combining her love for environmental awareness with her risk management knowledge. [2:42] Colette is also a RIMS-CRMP Commissioner, and on September 24th, you can hear from her directly, along with Elliott Long, another RIMS-CRMP Commissioner, in the informational session, "A Conversation with RIMS-CRMP Commissioners Who Hold the Credential." [2:58] That's a free informational session. Visit RIMS.org/CertificationWeek for more information. A link is in this episode's show notes. But we're here to talk with Colette about her fascinating career and risk philosophies. Let's get to it! [3:13] Interview! Colette Cummins, Welcome to RIMScast! [3:28] Colette was told once that she is excessively optimistic. She's very positive. She took it as a compliment. [4:18] Colette started fresh out of university in credit analysis and credit risk management. She worked in a few financial services organizations. It gave her a taste for risk management at a high level. It was around portfolio analysis and the credit history of customers. [4:51] The role Colette was in wound down, and she was looking to move into a different area in the company, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, in the financial services subsidiary. An opportunity came up to work in internal audit. She decided to try it for a year. She stayed in it for 15 years. [5:32] In the middle of those 15 years, Colette had an interim stint in Operational Risk Management for a year and a half, and she loved it. [5:47] Colette says, in Operational Risk, you're seeing down at a tactical level how to manage and monitor risk. It was very much around risk monitoring. [6:01] Colette explains why she stayed in internal audit for 15 years. Ten years were spent in various internal audit management roles in the financial services subsidiary. It was a tough time for HPE in terms of meeting the new regulatory challenges in Ireland and Europe for financial services. [6:41] Colette was asked to take on the Head of Internal Audit role. She did that for five years. She went into Internal Audit for one year in 2008. In 2015, she worked in Operational Risk. In 2017, she was asked to come back to take over as Head of Internal Audit. [7:11] It was a challenging situation because new EU regulations were coming in for banks and financial services businesses. It was a lot of pressure to meet these. There was a lot of scrutiny from Irish regulators. It was a challenging environment for Internal Audit. [7:53] When Colette moved in as Head of Internal Audit, it was a pivotal role in terms of steering the organization through that regulatory time. It was a great learning experience and very helpful now that she's in a public sector role. [8:09] Colette says, the whole time she was Head of Internal Audit, she was thinking, "How do I get back to Risk? How do I get out of here?" She loved Operational Risk. [8:27] Colette networked heavily within the organization. She got the opportunity to move out of Financial Services up into the global HPE organization as an Enterprise Risk Manager. She got that role through networking. She enjoyed that ERM role and did it for about five years. [9:26] Colette says it was a strategic role. She was working with the heads of each business unit, reviewing their risks. It had a very heavy emphasis on reporting to the audit committee and the board on what was happening in risk management in the business units. [9:58] Colette didn't feel as if she was effecting change or driving new strategies within the organization, but she learned a huge amount about negotiating with senior management and a lot about the fundamentals of risk management. [10:18] For the last year or two of her role, Colette wondered what she was doing there. She had a sense of wanting to stay in risk management but wanting to do something different, maybe something more value-add and less commercially driven. [10:39] Colette says towards the end of 2025, HPE announced it was cutting resources and implementing cost-cutting initiatives. As part of that, her role was made redundant. At first, it was a big upheaval and quite a shock after 22 years with the organization. [11:03] Colette says that upheaval turned into a great opportunity. It was the push she needed to ask herself where she wanted to go and what she wanted to do. It was an opportunity to try something completely different. [11:28] Colette says she didn't know anybody in the public sector. She had no contacts. But in Ireland, you cannot in any way canvass for jobs in the public sector. Everything is heavily regulated with very strict anti-corruption regulations. [11:54] Colette says she had no knowledge of the organization. She had no intention of applying for a role for at least six months. But she started looking at what was out there. She was going to put some time into development and building out her CV and getting some qualifications. [12:33] Colette says she had been thinking she would like to do something in the public sector; something more meaningful and less commercially-driven. She wanted to do something with more autonomy, more impact, and more control over risk at the organisation. [12:54] Colette says, one Wednesday afternoon, she was looking, and she saw this job that had just come up. It's in exactly the right location, it's public sector, and it's IFI, an environmental body. Colette said, "Wow! This is it!" Forgetting her six months off, she had to go for it. [13:19] Colette interviewed for the job when she hadn't yet finished her old role at HPE. She was hugely busy, trying to wrap up her role and interviewing. The interview process for the public sector in Ireland is extremely rigorous and tough. She was successful in the role. [13:43] Colette says she just had a couple of weeks off and then went straight into it in March of 2026. She has been CRO at Inland Fisheries Ireland for four months now. [14:06] Colette says IFI is the state organization that is responsible for protecting the fish stock in Ireland. Ireland is a country with a lot of waterways. IFI is responsible for protecting the fish in 45,000 miles of rivers, 128,000 hectares of lakes, and 3,500 miles of shoreline. [14:43] It's doing everything to protect and restore the fish stock in those areas. Historically, the organization was very much about protection, preventing fishermen from overfishing and from fishing illegally, especially protected species. IFI has a substantial staff who patrol the rivers. [15:17] Now IFI is working on pollution, reacting to any pollution episodes and ensuring that they're investigated and stopped. Colette says that prevention measures sit with a different state body. The Environmental Protection Agency works on the prevention of pollution. [15:41] Colette says because the IFI has staff on the ground, it will see pollution coming in, react to it, and get in touch with the EPA to say, We've seen something coming into this river at this location. We need your team out here to source and stop it. [16:08] The IFI staff on the ground takes samples of the water and has them ready for when the EPA team comes to look at it. Another huge element of what the IFI does is restoring the habitat and creating the perfect environment for the fish. They research how the stock is developing. [16:35] The IFI research teams go out and do things like electrofishing, where they stun the fish for a few seconds to take a scale from the fish, test it, and work out the genetic trail of the fish and where they've come from. There's a huge amount of information they take from that. [16:58] The IFI works on the rivers, as well. Salmon, in particular, always go back to where they spawned. You need to keep that route open for them. If a barrier, like a dam, has been built, the IFI team works with construction companies to remove those. [17:19] The IFI has a wide series of activities: patrolling, protection, pollution, habitat restoration, and research. Colette is sure risk professionals hearing this are saying, That's a lot of risks! [17:37] Justin points out that the IFI covers thousands of miles. It's not just the particulars of the job but also the volume and area it has to cover. [18:03] Colette says the other element is that fishing or angling is part of Ireland's tourist industry. The IFI promotes fishing, without overfishing, obviously, and supports and partners with the local fishing organizations. [18:28] A Quick Break! Many fantastic RIMS events are coming up in 2026. You can register now for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, which will be held from August 10th through the 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. [18:44] Visit RIMS.org/Events for registration information. The hotel cutoff date was July 10th. Reservations may still be made after the hotel cutoff date, subject to availability; however, the negotiated group rate is no longer guaranteed, so reserve now. [19:00] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [19:11] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. The agenda is live, and registration is open. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [19:28] Save the dates: October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are open, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Advance registration is open now. [19:44] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [19:59] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is now open. [20:08] An announcement seeking nominations for the RIMS Global ERM Award of Distinction will be made public in July. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [20:19] We're already looking to RISKWORLD 2027, which will be held over four days in New Orleans, Louisiana, from April 18th through the 21st! The call for session proposals is now live and will stay active through August 21st. [20:34] RIMS members can exclusively register by September 4th for the best rate. And get first access to the hotel block. Hotel reservations open on October 28th, ahead of public registration. Sitting this out is the real risk! The link to registration is in this episode's show notes. [20:54] Let's Return to Our Interview with Inland Fisheries CRO and RIMS-CRMP Commissioner Colette Cummins! [21:05] Justin comments that fish is a critical food source, so IFI has to make sure that they're clean, healthy, and they keep repopulating. Colette agrees but says that it's less about food and more about environmental protection. [21:23] Colette says some species have been reduced a huge amount in the last number of years because of things like pollution, habitat destruction, etc. It's really about environmental protection, restoring that stock, and bringing it back to where it should be for a natural balance. [21:42] Colette says her CRO role is new at IFI. That's what made it even more exciting for her. She says, when she came in, it was basically a blank sheet. IFI had dealt with risk by using a third party to give them a risk management model and some training. [22:10] Colette says the IFI was trying to work with that in-house, without any risk management expertise. It brought in a bit of a risk mindset, but essentially, Colette had a clean sheet to start with. She came in in March, and now she's building out the risk register. [22:36] Colette's first task was to design the risk framework. Colette loves risk management and has done lots of various elements of it, but she's never had complete autonomy, where she was driving change in the organization. [22:55] By full autonomy, Colette means she owns everything. Anything that happens to do with risk comes to her. [23:01] Up until now, Colette's role has been designing the framework: establishing how the organization is going to manage risk, building that out, getting people on board with that framework. It's split into six departments within the organization. [23:29] Each head of that department, or ELT member, will own their risk register, or their list of risks. Colette is working closely with them to ensure they have all their risks listed within that register and that they fully understand them. [23:48] Colette is looking at their controls and helping them devise new controls, looking at how the risk matches the risk appetite of the organization, and working with the next level of management beneath them to help them develop their risk registers to report up to the ELT. [24:40] Colette says IFI had been trying to recruit a CRO for some time. She wishes she had known! She would have applied last year. She just happened to see it. The existing model wasn't working. There was a real need. [25:00] The audit committee and board were saying they weren't happy. They said they needed to see risk management alive in the organization. Colette had to dive straight in, hit the ground running, and start building it out straightaway. It was exactly the challenge she was looking for. [25:18] Colette says it's so good to have that autonomy and responsibility, but also accountability. She is completely accountable for everything that happens with risk. Colette gets each member of the ELT to develop their risk register and report that up to the audit committee. [25:45] If anybody is doing anything where they want to think about risk, they talk to Colette. It's not complicated. They don't go to somebody else. Everybody knows, if it's got the word "risk," they come to Colette. Colette says the full visibility of everything is great. [26:19] Colette says she's starting with a very simplistic model to build the registers. She says it's drawn more from ISO, but it's a very simplistic model to get the organization started. Colette moved from a private-sector global IT company to the public sector. [26:56] The one thing that is challenging is that things move much slower in government. It moves much slower, and that's probably even more so in Ireland than in Europe and maybe than in the U.S. [27:16] You could come in and see this is the change that is needed, and think you could go ahead and effect that change within a couple of weeks? Oh, no you don't! You need to take everything slowly and get the right approvals and authorizations, etc. [27:29] Colette says she is starting with a really simplistic model: set out your risks, set out your controls, set out your mitigating actions, and then, we're going to get the organization working on that with that framework. [27:43] Colette hopes to do it within six months, but knowing the public sector, it could be a year. Then start building in other elements to it to make it a more mature and sophisticated framework. [28:19] Every change has to be approved by the Audit and Risk Committee (ARC). If Colette wants to make a small tweak in the existing framework, it goes back to the Audit and Risk Committee, which meets every three months. [28:51] Colette presented to the ARC in June. She presented how she wanted to move forward. There was no question. She knew they were going to approve it. She couldn't just go ahead and put the framework in place. [29:08] It needs to go through the protocols and have the conversation with the ARC and just take it nice and slow to effect any change. That is one challenge that's different for Colette. But otherwise, she can bring all of her experience from different areas and use every bit of it. [29:37] One More Quick Break! RIMS has launched RIMS, The Foundation for Risk ManagementTM. The Foundation is dedicated to shaping the future of the profession. Contribute to strengthen the global risk management community and invest in the future of the industry. [29:57] The Foundation also supports the Spencer Educational Foundation but has a different mission. The Foundation focuses on providing opportunities for those professionals who have already decided to enter risk management and are just getting started. [30:11] You can learn more about the Foundation by visiting RIMS.org/FRM. While you're there, be sure to check out information about the Susan Meltzer Scholarship Fund, which was established to honor Ms. Meltzer, who was RIMS President in 1999 and 2000. [30:30] Susan Meltzer was a cherished RIMS President and contributed so much to RIMS and the greater risk community. Learn more at RIMS.org/FRM. [30:39] Let's Return to Our Interview with Colette Cummins! [30:53] Colette Cummins is speaking with us today from County Kildare, about 30 miles outside Dublin, Ireland. The IFI offices are on the edge of Dublin, the capital of Ireland. Colette says the land is actually greener and more beautiful than the travel brochures could describe. [31:30] Colette says Ireland is full of rich waterways, which keeps her in a job. She lives near Dublin but is originally from the Southwest of Ireland, which is by far the most beautiful. The coastline is stunning. It's where most Irish go on holidays. It's gorgeous. [32:00] Colette says the accent in the Southwest of Ireland is different. Colette's husband from the middle of Ireland requests subtitles when he visits her family in the Southwest. Colette describes the difference between the accents in the South and North of Ireland. [33:05] Colette says the IFI Corporate Risk Register has generic risks around AI, cyber, training, and resources. [33:33] One of their biggest risks is health and safety. Staff are going out and patrolling rivers. They will sometimes come across fishermen who are happily overfishing and not keen to meet a patrolling officer who tells them they shouldn't be taking all this fish and depleting the stocks. [34:08] There is a health and safety risk with the patrolling officer being out on a river on boats. There is a health and safety risk in meeting an acrimonious and adversarial fisherman. [34:28] Because IFI does research, they have staff in labs, using high-tech equipment, with a health and safety risk. They have engineers looking at the rivers and habitats and maybe some constructions in the rivers that need to be removed. They have a health and safety risk. [34:37] These are new risks and things for Colette to get her head around. How do we do this? How do we manage that? And the other side is regulation. There are a lot of different regulations that impact IFI. [35:22] Colette says, In the public sector, your reputation is critically important, because you're the face of the state. Reputation is an impact factor you need to build into every risk. If IFI does something wrong, it could end up in the national media the day after. IFI uses taxpayers' money. [36:15] Colette says another huge category of risk for IFI is procurement, ensuring they are using taxpayers' money in the right way and not misusing it. [36:50] Colette says that prioritizing risks comes back to the goals. In procurement, there is the risk of spending money in a way that's not compliant. There is also the risk that there are too many procurement controls and the business can't move fast enough or do what it needs to do. [37:24] Colette says it comes to the organizational goals. What is the impact on the organizational goals? Which risk is going to have a greater detrimental impact on the organization's mission? One caveat: the health and well-being of the staff override everything. [37:55] Health and safety risk trumps everything. IFI would be completely averse to any risk that will impact the health and safety of the staff. Health and safety trumps every other risk. [38:16] Justin says he and Colette met recently for the RIMS-CRMP series where everyone can see her on September 24th. Justin says Colette is very positive and upbeat and speaks about her role with a lot of enthusiasm and joviality. [38:39] Colette says there are 330 people in IFI. It's not commercially driven, so a lot of people are at IFI because they love the work. For some people Colette works with, it's a vocation. They would nearly do the same job without being paid because they have such passion for it. [39:11] Colette met with the research team on site at the rivers to get a better understanding and just to see the passion they have for the job. Using her risk knowledge to help them do their jobs better and to help them protect themselves from risks was rewarding and enjoyable to Colette. [39:45] Colette says being able to use her experience across the organization is just fantastic. Colette has a lot of different experience, and to bring it all together and use it every day when she is challenged with a new task is fantastic and very rewarding. [40:27] Colette says this is the field staff's very busy time because this is when all the fishing is happening, this is when pollution is more likely to happen, and when the temperatures go up, the fish are under pressure, so you have to try and protect the waters. [40:42] Colette says the research staff was delighted to hear that someone was coming down from the head office to go out and make the time to really understand the organization. They were very anxious to show her everything. There is such pride in the organization. [41:!5] Justin says a lot of the risk professionals listening are in the private sector, and he asks Colette what would most surprise them about risk management in a public environmental organization. [41:40] Colette says a lot of the differences in the public sector are what you would expect: things move slower, and the protocols. [41:49] What surprised Colette the most is what a strong risk mindset they have. There's a good understanding of risk already, even through the layers of management. They can look at what's going on, the processes, and the activities and ask, "What are the risks here?" [42:16] There is also a commitment to risk that Colette was not expecting. She was expecting to meet a research manager who wanted to research and leave risks to Colette. She hasn't had that anywhere. They all ask her to talk with them about their risks. "Am I managing them right?" [42:39] Colette says there is knowledge and commitment, and that has been the biggest surprise for her. It obviously makes her job a lot easier. [42:48] Justin says this is excellent. It has been such a pleasure to meet you these last couple of days. We're going to see you during RIMS Certification week on September 24th. [42:57] Justin says, You will be co-hosting the informational session, "A Conversation with RIMS-CRMP Commissioners Who Hold the Credential." You're such a breath of fresh air. We really appreciate your contributions, and I learned a lot speaking with you today and yesterday. [41:12] Justin says, You have a fascinating job, and I hope that you have a chance to attend a RIMS event, maybe lead a session, and connect with our live audiences, as well. Colette says she would love to at some stage in the future. [43:32] Special thanks again to Colette Cummins of Inland Fisheries Ireland for joining us here on RIMScast. [43:38] You can hear Colette again on September 24th during RIMS Certification Week for the special informational session, "A Conversation with RIMS-CRMP Commissioners Who Hold the Credential." [43:49] That session will be held at 10:00 a.m. Eastern. Visit RIMS.org/CertificationWeek. The link is also in this episode's show notes. We've got sessions on the 22nd, 23rd, and 24th of September. We look forward to seeing you there. [44:05] Plug Time! Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [44:22] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [44:39] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [44:52] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [43:05] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support! Links: RIMS Certification Week: Sept. 21‒24 | Complimentary For All RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 | Aug. 10‒12 in San Antonio | Register Now! Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RISKWORLD 2027 Registration | RIMS members can lock in 2026 rates now through Sept. 4 | Education Content Submission ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today. RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Registration Now Open! | www.rims.org/ERM2026 RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMScast on YouTube! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Q2 2026 Issue Now Available Sponsor RIMScast — Sales@RIMS.org Fisheriesireland.ie/ Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Workshop — Live In NY — Aug 27‒28! RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | Sept 1‒2 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 1" | Sept 1 "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 2" | Sept 9 Related RIMScast Episodes: "Reputation and Defense with Jeff McKissack" "Choosing the Challenge with Johnell Holly" "Supply Chain Integrity and Sustainability with Nicole Sherwin of EcoVadis" Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) 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RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla! RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla! RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model® Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information. Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org. Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About our guest: Colette Cummins, Chief Risk Officer, Inland Fisheries Ireland RIMS-CRMP Commissioner Production and engineering provided by Podfly.
The shell of the giant pink queen conch is made of such remarkable material that scientists speak of its design, even while they say that it is a product of evolutionary chance. The beautiful shell is made of a form of calcium carbonate called aragonite. Yet it is structured in such a way that it resists fractures 100 to 1,000 times better than aragonite ordinarily would.The conch's secret is that it combines the aragonite with protein. Further, its shell is made up of three layers of aragonite. The middle layer is structured around a rectangular beam of aragonite sheathed in protein. This duplex rod is then bundled with others into a larger beam. The larger beam is in turn bundled with others to produce a larger beam. This complex arrangement gives the shell its extraordinary strength. Pressure that ordinarily causes a catastrophic crack in the aragonite merely scatters the pressure into thousands of tiny cracks.Materials scientists studying the conch shell refer to this as a high-performance composite structure. They hope to apply the principles learned from the conch shell to make stronger building materials, bridges and even space vehicles.If such sophisticated design could arise without a Designer, modern companies would surely be wasting their time hiring highly trained designers to improve their products.Ephesians 6:11"Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil."Prayer: Protect me, dear Lord, within the armor of Your perfect Truth. Amen.Ref: Science News, "Conch yields clues for future materials." Image: Researcher holding juvenile queen conch, Jennifer Doerr, NOAA SEFSC Galveston, PD, Wikimedia Commons. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111
Asst. Pastor Melvin Gaines 1 Corinthians 3:10-23
In this podcast episode, MRS Bulletin's Sophia Chen interviews Henry Quansah Afful, a postdoctoral research associate at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign about a general framework for understanding how layered materials respond to stress. Afful is interested in the threshold conditions where the material goes from plastic deformation to fracture. Using nanoindentation, his group could learn, at the atomic scale, when plastic deformation starts and how various temperatures affect the mechanical behavior of layered materials. This work was published in a recent issue of Communications Materials.
Show Notes 24 July 2026NASA Program Explores Hybrid-Electric ‘Double Bubble' [fuselage] Airliner ConceptFlyingmag.comStory by Jack Daleohttps://www.flyingmag.com/nasa-electra-hybrid-commercial-airliner-concept/Electra Company WebsiteElectrahttps://electra.aero/Electra Press ReleaseElectrahttps://electra.aero/news/electra-unveils-turbo-electric-aircraft-concept-for-next-generation-airliner-as-part-of-nasa-aaces-2050-programNASA AACES ProgramNASAhttps://www.nasa.gov/reference/advanced-aircraft-concepts-for-environmental-sustainability-2050/“Cold spray” 3D printing technique proves effective for on-site bridge repairMIT NewsStory by Anne Wilsonhttps://news.mit.edu/2025/cold-spray-3d-printing-technique-effective-bridge-repair-0620Plastic bottles could find new life in batteries as graphitePenn State announcementhttps://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/plastic-bottles-could-find-new-life-batteries-graphiteScienceDirect Research PaperScienceDirecthttps://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0925963526002700?via%3DihubSurgeons Use Teleoperated Humanoid Robots to Perform Live Surgery – a World FirstUniversity of California, San DiegoStory by Ioana Patringenaruhttps://today.ucsd.edu/story/surgeons-use-teleoperated-humanoid-robots-to-perform-live-surgery-a-world-firstUCSD Surgery VideoYouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qp0eiQL6vB8A Seaweed-based ingredient can help turn dirt into 3D-printed wallsUniversity of Colorado BoulderStory by Yvaine Yehttps://www.colorado.edu/today/2026/06/22/seaweed-based-ingredient-can-help-turn-dirt-3d-printed-wallsNature Research PaperNaturehttps://www.nature.
Send us Fan MailYour research might be solid, your conclusions might be exciting, and you still may be setting yourself up for a rough peer review if the methods, statistical analysis, and journal fit aren't dialed in. Recording live from the AVMA 2026 convention in Anaheim, we sit down with Dr. Jolle Kirpensteijn, a longtime veterinary surgeon and associate editor, to unpack what actually speeds up (or stalls) publication in veterinary journals like JAVMA and AJVR. We get specific about the behind-the-scenes signals editors look for right away: study design clarity, sample size thinking, appropriate statistical tests, and whether the discussion stays relevant instead of inflating claims. Jolle explains why selecting a journal early and writing for a defined audience can prevent avoidable rewrites, and how improvements like faster time to publication can change an author's entire submission strategy, especially for early-career veterinarians navigating deadlines and credentialing pressure. We also dig into the emotional side of publishing: that first brutal review, the temptation to get defensive, and the simple habits that separate a strong revision from a red-flag response. You'll leave with a practical writing workflow (starting with Materials and Methods), a reminder that good research can matter more than flashy results, and clear guidance on making your abstract and cover letter do real work. If you found this helpful, subscribe for weekly conversations with the people shaping veterinary research, share this episode with a colleague who's writing a paper, and leave a review telling us what publishing question you want answered next.INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING YOUR MANUSCRIPT TO JAVMA ® OR AJVR ® ?JAVMA ® : https://avma.org/JAVMAAuthorsAJVR ® : https://avma.org/AJVRAuthorsFOLLOW US:JAVMA ® :Facebook: Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association - JAVMA | FacebookInstagram: JAVMA (@avma_javma) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: JAVMA (@AVMAJAVMA) / Twitter AJVR ® : Facebook: American Journal of Veterinary Research - AJVR | FacebookInstagram: AJVR (@ajvroa) • Instagram photos and videosTwitter: AJVR (@AJVROA) / TwitterJAVMA ® and AJVR ® LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/avma-journals
The Australian market pushed to five-week highs on Thursday before easing as surprisingly strong employment data raised expectations for future interest rate increases. Materials and energy sectors led gains amid oil price strength, while technology stocks dragged. Investors await next week's inflation update, a key factor in Reserve Bank decisions. Laura Besarati is a Market Analyst at CommSec. Each episode, she breaks down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. Check out our Market News page Follow us on:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeTikTok The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The National Science Foundation awarded the Critical Materials Crossroads Engine, based at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, up to $160 million in funding to rebuild the country's supply chain for things like medical devices and batteries. UMKC says the initiative could create around 10,000 jobs by 2036.
What can churches and missions leaders learn from Barnabas in today's rapidly changing global missions landscape?In this episode of the Mission Matters Podcast, hosts Matthew Ellison and Ted Esler sit down with Josh Irby, author of The Barnabas Factor: How Cross-Cultural Partnership Amplifies Global Mission, to explore the future of missions in a world where the gospel is moving from everywhere to everywhere. Josh shares insights from interviews with 60 global mission leaders and explains why Barnabas may be a more relevant model for modern missions partnership than we realize.The Mission Matters Podcast is a place to talk about the importance of our Mission as Christians. The Mission Matters is a partnership of Missio Nexus and Sixteen:Fifteen, who have a shared passion to mobilize God's people to be a part of His mission.00:00 Introduction01:01 Meet Josh Irby & The Barnabas Factor03:38 Why Barnabas Matters for Missions Today06:06 The Shift to “From Everywhere to Everywhere” Missions08:22 When Western Churches Become Discouragers Instead of Encouragers12:42 Money, Methods, Materials, and Meetings13:05 The Challenge of Money in Global Partnerships17:31 Capacity Building vs. Dependency19:47 Making Yourself Dispensable as a Leader25:24 Barnabas, Paul, and Being Called Out29:50 Josh's Biggest Leadership Reversal33:15 Faithful Farmers, Not Spiritual Engineers35:37 Final Thoughts & The Barnabas Factor
The Australian share market closed modestly higher on Wednesday as materials and energy stocks drove gains, offsetting weakness in healthcare and tech. Materials led with copper surging to five-week highs on Chinese demand and Chilean weather disruptions, while gold miners also climbed. Key catalysts loom: Tesla and Alphabet earnings tonight, US jobs data tomorrow, and quarterly updates from mining giants. Middle East tensions and interest rate expectations continue to weigh on sentiment. Steve Daghlian and Laura Besarati are Market Analysts at CommSec. Each episode, they break down the day's market movements and explain what the numbers really mean. Check out our Market News page Follow us on:InstagramLinkedInYouTubeTikTok The content in this podcast is prepared, approved and distributed in Australia by Commonwealth Securities Limited ABN 60 067 254 399 AFSL 238814. The information does not take into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Consider the appropriateness of the information before acting and if necessary, seek appropriate professional advice.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comWhat happens when religious freedom becomes a legal tool for imposing religion on others? Andrew L. Seidel, constitutional attorney, author, and Vice President of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State, joins Will Wright and Pastor Josh Burtram to explain how church-state law has shaped American public life. Seidel walks through the Establishment Clause, the Free Exercise Clause, Article VI's ban on religious tests, and major Supreme Court cases including Everson, Brown v. Board, Lemon v. Kurtzman, Kennedy v. Bremerton, and Carson v. Makin. He argues that separation of church and state is larger than one clause in the First Amendment. It is woven through the Constitution's structure and protects people of every faith and no faith. The conversation also explores public schools, vouchers, Christian nationalism, Leonard Leo's influence on the courts, and why America's 250th is a moment to defend religious liberty for everyone.Guest BioAndrew L. Seidel is a constitutional and civil rights attorney, author, and Vice President of Strategic Communications at Americans United for Separation of Church and State. His work focuses on religious freedom, church-state separation, Christian nationalism, and the way constitutional law affects public life. He is the author of The Founding Myth: Why Christian Nationalism Is Un-American and American Crusade: How the Supreme Court Is Weaponizing Religious Freedom, and co-editor of Law and Religion: Cases and Materials. His legal and public writing helps explain how First Amendment law, religious liberty claims, public schools, and Supreme Court doctrine shape the rights of believers and nonbelievers alike.Book MentionedAmerican Crusade: How the Supreme Court Is Weaponizing Religious Freedom by Andrew L. SeidelBookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781454943921Relevant Links & ResourcesAmericans United for Separation of Church and State - Andrew L. SeidelURL: https://www.au.org/about-au/people/andrew-l-seidel/ Support Sarah Stankorb's work and preorder Damned If She Does: Why Women Quit Church and What It Means for the Future of Religion, Releases September 15, 2026. Bookshop.org: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9798889837091Website: https://www.sarahstankorb.com/Support the showKeep the conversation going.Want to learn more about Faithful Politics, suggest a future guest, or connect with us directly?Visit our website:faithfulpoliticspodcast.comBrowse our bookstore, featuring books from many of our guests:faithfulpoliticspodcast.com/bookstoreSupport the show and help us keep these conversations going:patreon.com/cw/FaithfulPoliticsSubscribe for behind-the-scenes content, reflections, and updates:faithfulpolitics.substack.comContact the hosts:Josh Burtram, Faithful Host: Josh@faithfulpolitics.comWill Wright, Political Host: Will@faithfulpolitics.comFollow Faithful Politics:Instagram: faithful_politicsFacebook: FaithfulPoliticsPodcast
In this episode, Fabian Alefeld sits down with Ante Lausic, Lead Process Engineer at General Motors' Additive Industrialization Center (AIC), to explore what it takes to successfully scale additive manufacturing (AM) in the automotive industry. Ante explains why automotive manufacturing demands more than innovative technology - it requires AM-native designs, cost-effective production, automotive-qualified materials, and repeatable processes capable of supporting high-volume manufacturing. He also shares how GM has evolved from using AM primarily for rapid prototyping to establishing the Additive Industrialization Center in 2020 to evaluate new technologies, validate production readiness, and strengthen collaboration across the supply chain.The conversation highlights real-world production applications, including the Cadillac Celestiq, which incorporates more than 130 AM components, such as a safety-critical binder-jetted stainless steel seatbelt guide and aluminum steering wheel trim. Ante also discusses the rapid growth of additive manufacturing for tooling, including die-casting inserts, plant fixtures, and end-of-arm tooling, and offers his perspective on where the technology is delivering the greatest value for automotive manufacturers today.01:56 Scaling AM in Automotive05:10 Value and Cost Reality07:27 GM Additive Center Origins11:02 Educating Engineers and Suppliers14:34 Celestiq AM Success Stories19:44 Supplier Freedom and Standards23:00 Tooling Inserts Big Wins27:50 End of Arm Tooling Growth29:36 Motorsports and F1 Links32:10 Aftermarket Digital Warehousing33:39 Materials and PPAP Hurdles36:14 PPAP Explained Simply38:43 Rethinking Qualification Costs41:07 Scaling to Corvette Volumes
SHARESIES · MARKET MOVEMENTS · 22 JULY 2026Jacki Neumann, Head of Capital Markets at Sharesies Note: Filmed Tuesday 21 July ↑ WHAT’S UP — As US–Iran tensions re-escalated, Brent crude oil spiked more than 13% for the week. US banks posted strong results on record ECM and trading revenue off the back of the SpaceX IPO and AI infrastructure fundraising. ↓ WHAT’S DOWN — A tech-led sell-off pulled the S&P 500 down 1.5% and the Nasdaq 2.9%. The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index tumbled almost 10%, closing more than 20% below its June peak. Materials and tech led an ASX pullback. ! BIGGEST SURPRISES — June US inflation came in cooler than expected, even as several Fed officials stayed hawkish. China's Q2 GDP grew just 4.3% — its weakest since late 2022 — with a knock-on risk for Australian iron ore names like BHP, Rio Tinto and Fortescue. ◎ WHAT TO WATCH — Earnings season steps up this week, with Alphabet and Tesla both reporting. On Thursday the ECB delivers its rate decision, with a hold expected, and Australia's June jobs data lands, with unemployment tipped to stay near 4.4%. ◈ BIGGER PICTURE — Debate over the cause of the semiconductor sell-off: capex sustainability, open-source competition, an AI earnings bubble? The next few weeks of tech earnings reporting should show whether this was a healthy reset or the start of something bigger. Disclaimer: Sharesies Market Movements is brought to you by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830; AFSL 529893) in Australia and Sharesies Limited (NZ) in New Zealand. This video is general market commentary and educational in nature. It is not financial advice and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Information is current at the time of recording and may be subject to change. We do not provide recommendations and nothing in this video should be taken as a recommendation to buy or sell any financial product. Investing involves risk. You might lose the money you start with. Past performance is not indicative of future performance. If you require personal financial advice, you should consider speaking with a qualified financial adviser. Our disclosure documents and terms and conditions, including a Target Market Determination and IDPS Guide for Sharesies Australian customers, are available on our relevant Australian or NZ website.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Episode 154: This week, Kyle Van Pelt talks with Jason Borek, Chief Growth Officer at The Pinnacle Group. Jason has extensive experience in the financial services industry, with a focus on distribution and sales. At The Pinnacle Group, he is responsible for implementing the firm's enterprise-level business strategies. Jason talks with Kyle about why insurance remains dramatically underutilized in wealth management, why advisors struggle to implement it, and what needs to change for it to become a meaningful part of holistic planning. He also shares how Pinnacle closes the gap between insurance manufacturers and financial advisors, where AI and technology fit into the future of distribution, and why emotional intelligence will define the next generation of great advisors. In this episode: (00:00) - Intro (01:17) - Jason's money moment (04:38) - Inside The Pinnacle Group's core businesses (06:35) - Why only 2% of wealth management firms use insurance (09:59) - How and when should insurance be used in client portfolios (15:21) - How AI and data impact the future of advisor workflows (21:17) - Will technology replace distribution in asset management or enhance it? (23:52) - Jason's thoughts on emotional intelligence—innate or taught (27:32) - Jason's outlook on the future of wealth management (30:55) - What it takes to run a multicustodial firm (33:51) - Jason's Milemarker Minute Key Takeaways Lead with culture and language, not product. The industry's biggest mistake has been pushing solutions before understanding the people they're meant for. Breaking into new markets isn't about forcing a pre-existing product. It's about learning how your audience thinks, operates, and communicates. Real traction comes from building bridges, not delivering pitches. Don't confuse education with implementation. Education alone doesn't move people to action. Pair any new strategy or message with real people who can sit in the room and walk clients or stakeholders through the hard follow-up questions. Materials build awareness. People build trust. Treat clean data as your foundation, not an afterthought. You cannot begin to solve a client's problem or identify new opportunities without clean, accurate data. Clean data is the modern business currency. Without it, organizations cannot deliver true, personalized value. Don't mistake efficiency for engagement. Technology creates capacity. But its value only shows up if you reinvest that time into deeper relationships. Otherwise, you're not more effective, you're just more efficiently absent. Quotes "About 2% of revenues come from the sale of insurance products within the wealth management space. And part of the reason why is that our industry is terrible at listening. The insurance industry has forever been a hammer looking for a nail." ~ Jason Borek "If we're going to move into a marketplace where 97% of the people who do business with us do not sell insurance as their primary means of revenue, we'd better take some time to understand how they communicate." ~ Jason Borek "Without the technology creating more client engagement, all you've then become is more efficiently absent." — Jason Borek Links Jason Borek on LinkedIn The Pinnacle Group New York Life Insurance Holland & Knight Marshall & Stevens Angeles Investments Cameron Rogers Altruist Jason Wenk Nimesh Patel The Explicit Gospel Connect with our hosts Milemarker.co Kyle on LinkedIn Jud on LinkedIn Subscribe and stay in touch Apple Podcasts Spotify YouTube Produce game-changing content with Turncast Turncast helps your company grow by producing top-quality content and fostering transformative conversations. We specialize in content generation, podcasting, digital strategy, and audience growth for fintech and financial services companies. Learn more at Turncast.com.
Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society. In this episode, Justin interviews Jerome Mayne about his experiences and his upcoming RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 keynote, "Choices and Consequences: The Human Side of Risk." In his keynote, Jerome will speak about his experiences and the human factors in decisions. He shares part of the story from his keynote and his book Diary of a White Collar Criminal. Justin and Jerome discuss how fraud develops. Most fraud comes after a series of bad decisions. Jerome says, looking back, you may not understand why you made those decisions. His keynote will address, through storytelling, how fraud happens. Jerome uses humor to tell very serious stories. Jerome speaks of an organizational culture in which it is safe to discuss with leaders bad decisions you may have made. If there is an atmosphere of fear, you will not have these discussions. Listen for the value of connecting and giving your audience takeaways they will remember. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. We will be joined by Jerome Mayne, opening keynote speaker for the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026. We will talk about choices and consequences. But first… [:42] RIMS-CRMP Workshop. We are delighted to announce that on August 27th and 28th, RIMS President Manny Padilla will be leading the two-day in-person workshop at St. John's University at 101 Astor Place in New York City. A link to the registration is in this episode's show notes. [1:02] RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops. The next virtual RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep courses will be held on July 28th and 29th. RIMS will partner with PARIMA for the RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep on September 1st and 2nd. Registration links are in this episode's show notes. [1:19] On the webinars page, you will see a two-part series hosted by the RIMS Membership Department. The "Classroom to Career" webinar series highlights how RIMS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in risk management careers. [1:34] Participants will gain insights into industry trends, career pathways, and practical tools that help them confidently step into the evolving world of risk management after graduation. These sessions will be hosted on September 1st and 9th. [1:48] These sessions are member exclusives and are complimentary for RIMS members, of course. So, if you are interested in becoming a member, this would be the time. Visit RIMS.org/membership. [1:57] Live Events! The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration will open in July. Look out for the call for nominations for the RIMS ERM Global Award of Distinction. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026 in July for that announcement. [2:19] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:38] On with the Show! Our guest today is Jerome Mayne. He is an Ethics and Humorous Keynote Speaker. He will be kicking off the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026. [2:48] Jerome is the author of Diary of a White Collar Criminal, the first-hand account of his career in comedy and his 21-month Federal prison sentence for white-collar conspiracy. Learn more at JeromeMayne.com. [3:03] Jerome will provide a unique blend of ethical insights and humor at the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 in San Antonio on Tuesday, August 11th, with his session, "Choices and Consequences: The Human Side of Risk." [3:20] We're going to get a preview of that session, and also get his perspective on ethical decision-making and how risk managers can avoid certain temptations. We're going to have a lot of fun! Let's get to it! [3:33] Interview! Jerome Mayne, Welcome to RIMScast! [3:38] Jerome was recommended by a RIMS member to be a great person to "kick off" the conference. Jerome says word of mouth is the best marketing. [4:28] Jerome says people don't like to think they're going to an ethics conference. That could be a real "sleeper." [4:50] Jerome says his whole perspective is from the human side. He speaks about decisions. He doesn't speak about financial transactions. He's not doing bullet points. He's not a scholar in ethics. He knows about decisions. [5:12] Policies and checklists are important, but there's still a human being making the decision, especially with technology. [5:30] Jerome says his experience and story have to do with decision-making. It doesn't matter what industry it is; it's all the same. It's human. That's what he talks about, and he says he's fortunate because he gets to tell a story. [5:50] One of the things Jerome hears most is that he connected with the group because he's a regular guy, like everybody else in the office. He wasn't a Bernie Madoff. He didn't plan something. It was decisions. [6:23] Jerome says that in real estate finance, you've got a lot of things that have to happen. There are Fannie Mae guidelines, and underwriters that make sure the transactions are right. They didn't call it risk management. It was your manager who kept an eye on it. [6:47] With real estate finance, you have underwriters, but they can't catch everything, and there was less technology. It was a lot about the human factor. Then when you sell all these loans in a pool, and it goes to Wall Street, there are audits, and that's where they can find stuff. [7:12] There were some red flags before it went to auditing, but that's the risk. [7:28] Jerome thinks risk management has evolved since his time in real estate. In Jerome's time, humans made the decisions to get the customer involved. There were human decisions to make sure that financial transactions went through. Now there are more computers to flag stuff. [8:04] Jerome says, ultimately, today, risk managers are looking for fraud and for specific risks they have identified that indicate there is a problem. It starts with the organization's culture. If you're not comfortable thinking about decisions you've made, that can be a red flag. [8:45] Fraud isn't the first thing that happens. It's usually a decision, a mistake, or a justification. It kind of rolls from there. Justification is really easy. Fraud is the last thing that happens. [9:28] Jerome says people call it the slippery slope. Jerome calls it your gut instinct. Instinct is like muscle memory. If something doesn't look right, you know what to do. You feel it right away. [9:53] And then, maybe there's a reason that you don't do it. You want this transaction to go through, or you like the customer and you think it's not a big deal. It's not like they told you they were going to commit fraud. [10:24] And then, you keep working with that customer, and you realize, more and more, you're just making decisions to make it through the transactions. Jerome will share a story like this in the session. It didn't start with one thing, and they never asked Jerome to do anything for them. [11:01] It was never part of the deal that Jerome was going to make money at it. His biggest worry was that he was going to get fired, maybe. [11:15] A Quick Break! There are many fantastic RIMS events coming up in 2026. The Annual Florida RIMS Educational Conference will be held from July 28th through August 1st at the lovely Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. A link to the event is in this episode's show notes. [11:33] Register now for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, which will be held from August 10th through the 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. Visit RIMS.org/Events for registration information. [11:51] The hotel cutoff date was July 10th. Reservations may still be made after the hotel cutoff date, subject to availability; however, the negotiated group rate is no longer guaranteed, so reserve now. [12:03] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [12:14] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. The agenda is live, and registration is open. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [12:31] Save the dates: October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are open, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Advance registration is open now. [12:47] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [13:03] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration is now open. [13:12] Be on the lookout for an announcement about submissions for the RIMS Global ERM Award of Distinction. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [13:22] Let's Return to Our Interview with RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 Keynote, Jerome Mayne! [13:32] Justin and Jerome have standup comedy in common. Justin did standup in New York from 2006 to 2007. He says it takes a certain calling to want to get up and do that. [14:11] Jerome had done improv and started doing standup. He had always been a performer and a musician, performing on stage. He started improv, "smoking stage," and standup because his life was swimming along just great. [14:36] Then, Boom! Jerome was indicted. He was going through pre-trial. He didn't have a job anymore; he didn't know what to do, and he didn't know what was going to happen to him. His life wasn't happy, and being in a club every night of the week, you can develop some bad habits. [15:33] Jerome says there was some great stuff about some of the people he met, especially after he pled guilty. It took a while from that point until he had to go to prison. So he had several months, and he didn't know what to expect in prison. He was scared. Then he just embraced it. [16:06] A lot of his standup material was about his indictment and preparing for prison. Jerome says in standup you have to give the audience permission to laugh about serious subjects. [16:45] Jerome developed cancer in prison. After he got out, he used it. He finds comedy all over the place, even in serious, nightmare stuff. He had some funny stuff that happened during the cancer. That material didn't work. The audience never felt comfortable for him to joke about it. [17:47] The audience gets the story, not the bullet points. He's not telling a story about fraud. He's telling a story about life. It's not a story about Jerome; it's a story about the audience. Not that they're going to do it, or have done it, but everybody is eligible to make a bad decision. [18:16] Jerome says, you can be a great father; you can be the CEO; you're eligible. It's whether or not you do, and you recognize that the decisions you make are going to have consequences. [18:28] Jerome tries to connect with the audience. He has found a lot of people to be receptive to some really serious stuff. People need to feel comfortable listening. They're not learning textbook information. They're learning from a story. [18:55] They can reflect on what they see: situations that they've been in. Jerome has found that comedy helps loosen people up so they can listen, and they're not saying, Wow, that's a felon! Jerome doesn't look like a felon. Felons don't look a certain way. That's important, too. [19:31] Justin says we have so many listeners who are CROs and risk leaders, and their job is to help make better decisions. Some of them may blur the lines out of an act of desperation. They may be thinking through the lens of parents of students in college or approaching college. [19:51] Jerome has found that doing standup prepared him to be a speaker. You get beat up as a standup. You have to connect with the group to convey your story. That's what comedy is. Jerome found that comedy worked, and he got something out of it. He feels good about it. [20:36] Jerome never thought that standup was part of what he was going to do or that he would feel fulfilled providing entertainment, and for people to walk away saying, "I'm never going to forget that." When he hears that, he knows he did something right. It mattered. [21:13] Justin talks about being in a band in high school. Jerome was a piano player and singer. He formed an Elton John tribute band after his time in prison; he played Elton. You can find his Elton John tribute band on the internet. [21:47] Justin played bass. He wanted to be Flea from the Red Hot Chili Peppers. When you're on stage, you have an instrument to rely on. When you're a comedian, you have nothing else to rely on. Jerome really likes sharing his story, and he found that people get something out of it. [22:21] Jerome says he has to be fulfilled also, or he wouldn't do this anymore. That does help. He likes to connect with the group. As a speaker, just like a standup, Jerome needs to connect, read the audience, see where they're going in real time, and change it. [22:46] Jerome says you could be the smartest guy in the state, and people will walk out of there, and they got nothing. Jerome would like to think that he can connect. He's been doing this for over 20 years. He'd better have found where the pause needs to be, and it changes. [23:21] Sponsorships! You can sponsor a RIMScast episode for this, our weekly show, or a dedicated episode. RIMScast is proud of its longstanding relationships with AXA XL, Global Risk Consultants, Alliant, Zurich, and more. [23:41] Links to many of these episodes are in the show notes. RIMScast sponsorships can be bundled with whitepapers and webinar sponsorships. [23:49] RIMScast has a global audience of risk and insurance professionals, legal professionals, students, business leaders, C-Suite executives, and more. Let's collaborate and help you reach them! [24:03] Reach out to Ted Donovan at TDonovan@RIMS.org or reach out to Sales at Sales@RIMS.org. Let's find the best opportunity for you and your organization. [24:15] Let's Conclude Our Dialog with RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 Keynote Jerome Mayne! [24:45] Jerome says he doesn't know trends more than the average consumer. Some people are thought leaders. Jerome is a storyteller. He wouldn't do it if people weren't getting something out of it. He wouldn't be on conference stages if somebody hadn't heard he might be a good fit. [25:40] Jerome says, it's not because he kept up on that industry. It's not that he doesn't understand risk, fraud, and ethics; he does. He understands them more, however, in the way humans might make decisions or how they might avoid making decisions. [26:18] Jerome says good leaders setting the tone are all over the place. There are good people everywhere. Most people are good. Good leaders and good cultures are all over the place. [26:43] Jerome suggests doing a check-in on your organization and people to make sure they're comfortable saying, "I think I made a bad decision. Can we talk about that?" If people are scared to do that, they're not going to make the right decision, and they don't feel supported. [28:00] Jerome says that what he learned from his experience is that sometimes you can make decisions and choices, and then look back and question why you would ever have made those decisions. It didn't make sense. [28:43] Jerome says, when people look back, it just doesn't look the same as it did when you were in it. You didn't see the forest for the trees. It doesn't look the same when you are looking back at it. [28:58] Jerome says, when I think about risk and financial danger, I think of people and how they have to make decisions. It's about trusting yourself that you are going to make a good decision. If you have support from the organization, you're going to feel comfortable talking about it. [29:32] It's important to make sure there's no silence and fear in your organization about discussing decisions. [29:42] Justin says, This has been a standout RIMScast episode. We don't get too many people with your resume. I look forward to having you keynote the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 in San Antonio, on August 11th, at the San Antonio River Walk. Thank you, Jerome! [30:42] Special thanks again to Jerome Mayne for joining us here on RIMScast. Check out his site, JeromeMayne.com, for more information. [30:51] We look forward to his keynote at the RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 on the morning of Tuesday, August 11th, at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. Be sure to follow up with him in the hallways afterward and let him know you heard him here on RIMScast. [31:11] Plug Time! Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [31:28] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [31:45] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [31:58] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [32:10] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support! Links: Sponsor RIMScast — Sales@RIMS.org RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 | Aug. 10‒12 in San Antonio | Register Now! Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RISKWORLD 2027 Registration | RIMS members can lock in 2026 rates now through Sept. 4 2026 Florida RIMS Educational Conference | July 28‒Aug. 1 | Register Now ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today. RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Registration Now Open! | www.rims.org/ERM2026Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMScast on YouTube! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Q2 2026 Issue Now Available www.jeromemayne.com Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Workshop — Live In NY — Aug 27‒28! RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep | July 28‒29 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA | Sept 1‒2 Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 1" | Sept 1 "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 2" | Sept 9 Related RIMScast Episodes: "Reputation and Defense with Jeff McKissack" (TX Regional Session Leader) "Mid-Year Risk Roundup 2026 with Morgan O'Rourke and Hilary Tuttle" "Live From Texas 2025!" "Leadership Lessons with Major General (Ret.) Robert F. Whittle Jr., RIMS Texas 2025 Keynote" "Risk and Clarity with Huw Edwards, RIMS Texas 2025 Keynote" Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) "AI-Scale, Risk Ready: Engineering Controls for the New Data Center Boom" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Facing Into Risk: Navigating the New Risk Landscape" (New!) | Sponsored by AXA XL "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against an Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla! RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model® Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information. Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org. Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About our guest: Jerome Mayne, Ethics and Humorous Keynote Speaker Author of Diary of a White Collar Criminal RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 Keynote Speaker (Aug 11) Production and engineering provided by Podfly.
Bloomberg reported that Jeff Bezos backed an AI startup focused on discovering new materials for chipmaking, with no company name or deal terms disclosed. The report aligns with rising use of AI in materials research, including DeepMind's 2023 GNoME results and a Microsoft and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory effort that produced a battery electrolyte candidate in under nine months. Amazon Web Services' custom chips, including Graviton, Trainium, and Inferentia, underscore strategic interest in semiconductor performance and supply. The CHIPS and Science Act authorized $52.7 billion in incentives and R&D, with 2024 awards of up to $8.5 billion for Intel, $6.6 billion for TSMC, and $6.4 billion for Samsung. Materials vendors such as Applied Materials, Lam Research, Tokyo Electron, JSR, Tokyo Ohka Kogyo, EMD Electronics, Entegris, Shin Etsu, and SUMCO shape qualification paths. Startups face long validation cycles and can pursue joint development, milestone based licensing, and data partnerships to reach production.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Send us Fan MailIn this episode of WTR Small Cap Spotlight, Homerun Resources CEO Brian Leeners joins WTR's Tim Gerdeman and Dmitry Silversteyn to discuss the company's integrated strategy to transform high-purity silica into solar glass, advanced materials, and energy storage solutions. The conversation covers recent engineering achievements, financing strategy, government incentives, commercialization plans, and the milestones that could shape Homerun's long-term growth story.
What is the emerging role of bioresorbable scaffolds in treating tibial artery disease, and how do they compare with traditional stenting and drug delivery approaches? In this episode of the BackTable Podcast, Dr. Sabeen Dhand interviews interventional cardiologist Dr. Sahil Parikh at Columbia to explore the evolution of tibial artery stenting, drug-eluting technology, and the latest evidence behind bioresorbable scaffolds. The discussion highlights patient selection, treatment algorithms, technical considerations, and the impact of drug delivery choices on patient outcomes. --- Get the BackTable apphttps://www.backtable.com/app --- This podcast is supported by Abbott Cardiovascular https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/peripheral-intervention/esprit-btk-resorbable-scaffold-system.html --- Timestamps 00:00 - Introduction04:00 - Bioengineering Origins08:29 - Paclitaxel vs. Limus 13:43 - When to Stent Tibials 16:14 - Stepwise Tibial Algorithm 18:46 - Stent Platforms and Costs 23:09 - Bifurcation Stenting Basics 26:35 - Fracture and Crush Risks 30:10 - Device Selection: Born for Tibials 33:27 - Materials and Drug Kinetics 36:57 - How to Deploy Safely 40:46 - Cost and Reimbursement Reality 43:21 - Market Growth and Competitors 48:02 - Paclitaxel Mortality Scare 51:13 - Final Takeaways and Access --- More about this episode Dr. Parikh reviews the differences between paclitaxel and sirolimus or limus agents, the historical dominance of paclitaxel in peripheral devices, and why peripheral therapy has lagged behind coronary interventions. He outlines a practical tibial treatment algorithm emphasizing crossing (often with retrograde access), imaging to assess calcium, lesion preparation (including IVL, specialty balloons, and atherectomy when needed), proper sizing, and bailout stenting for recoil or dissection, and addresses the unique challenges of distal placement, bifurcations, and occasional fractures. The discussion covers the evolution and rationale, absorption timeline, and clinical data for bioresorbable scaffolds, as well as reimbursement, emerging alternatives, and the ongoing debate over paclitaxel safety. Dr. Parikh also shares his perspective on the future of drug delivery, the need for payer support, and strategies for ensuring the best patient care across diverse clinical settings. --- Resources US Esprit™ BTK System Product Information (https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/peripheral-intervention/esprit-btk-resorbable-scaffold-system.html?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=backtable&utm_campaign=us-endo-esprit-btk&utm_division=vas&utm_product=esprit-btk&utm_content=kol&utm_type=other) US Esprit™ BTK System Important Safety Information (https://www.cardiovascular.abbott/us/en/hcp/products/peripheral-intervention/esprit-btk-resorbable-scaffold-system/important-safety-information.html) Drug-Eluting Resorbable Scaffold versus Angioplasty for Infrapopliteal Artery Disease(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37888915/) --- BackTable Vascular & Interventional (VI) is the go-to podcast for interventional radiologists, vascular surgeons, and interventional cardiologists. Download the free BackTable app to get early access to new episodes, cases, and courses curated by physicians in your specialty. ► https://www.backtable.com/app
What if the part you approved in five minutes ends up costing your company ten million dollars down the line? What you'll learn… (00:12) Why the Bill of Materials is quietly one of the biggest risk factors in electronics engineering (02:23) Eric Rimkeit's path from semiconductor procurement to HP commodity management to SupplyFrame (03:15) Ryan Chan's 20 years in supply chain strategy — and how SupplyFrame joined Siemens (04:24) A day in the life of an engineer buried under vintage charts, build checkpoints, and redesign requests (09:06) The real cost curve of a bad part: $1,000 to swap it on paper vs. $10 million once it's in the field (16:24) Why engineering and procurement don't talk — and who ends up "picking up the tab" (20:29) The unauthorized-parts-swap story from an overseas contract manufacturer (22:46) The lead-fishing-weight-and-ivy stunt Eric used to shake a team out of denial (29:43) Real results: 14,000 engineering hours saved a month, and $14 million recovered on tail-end parts (38:20) The three AI shifts reshaping BOM analysis: AI fabric, AI as a design partner, and agentic automation (43:40) The crawl-walk-run approach to actually getting a resiliency program off the ground More about the episode… In this episode of the Printed Circuit Podcast, host Steph Chavez sits down with Eric Rimkeit, Director of Marketing at SupplyFrame, and Ryan Chan, Vice President of Solutions Consulting at SupplyFrame — a Siemens company focused on Bill of Materials risk. Eric spent his career in procurement, from a semiconductor fab through commodity management at HP; Ryan spent two decades guiding companies through supply chain strategy before joining SupplyFrame. The conversation traces what happens when a design gets released without accounting for what's coming downstream: part proliferation, geopolitical disruption, tariffs, and shifting compliance standards that can turn a thousand-dollar swap into a ten-million-dollar redesign. Eric and Ryan unpack why engineering and procurement talk past each other, and share real stories — from an unauthorized parts swap caught on a factory floor to a homemade stunt involving a lead fishing weight and fake ivy — that show what's at stake when teams don't share visibility into risk. They close on where AI is headed next: not replacing engineers, but becoming a design partner that folds supply chain context directly into part selection. Connect with Steph Chavez: LinkedIn Website Connect with Eric Rimkeit: LinkedIn Supplyframe Website Connect with Ryan Chan: LinkedIn
Wie baut man eigentlich einen Tunnel und wo kommt das ganze Zeug hin, dass man aus so einem Berg rausschafft? Das habe ich den Ingenieur Konrad Bergmeister gefragt. Ein faszinierendes Gespräch über Ingenieurskunst, den Menschen und sein Verhältnis zur Natur und was man von Tunneln über die Welt lernen kann.
Does "Made in Italy" always mean better quality? In this episode, designer and product development expert Karicca pulls back the curtain on luxury handbag manufacturing, revealing what really determines quality beyond the label. Drawing on years of experience developing handbags and footwear, she explains how global supply chains work, why finishing laws can be misleading, and what designers should look for in materials, construction, and factory partnerships. Karicca also shares her journey of launching her own brand while balancing a full-time career, along with practical lessons on pricing, marketing, and finding the right customer in today's crowded marketplace.Key Takeaways:Quality goes beyond the label — Materials, craftsmanship, and construction matter more than country of origin.Know your customer — Strong pricing and marketing begin with understanding who you're designing for.Build with transparency — Great brands earn trust through honest manufacturing and thoughtful product development.
Welcome to RIMScast. Your host is Justin Smulison, Business Content Manager at RIMS, the Risk and Insurance Management Society. In this episode, Justin interviews Spencer Funding Their Future Honoree, Sierra Signorelli, about her background in environmental science, what drew her into insurance, and what convinced her that this profession was where she wanted to build a career. They discuss her career path from environmental consulting to environmental insurance underwriting to leading a global team and to currently serving as CEO of U.S. and Commercial Insurance at Zurich, and the pivotal moments that changed the trajectory of her career. They discuss her passion for helping women make their way in the industry, and her activities to bring new talent into insurance careers. Justin and Sierra discuss the Spencer Educational Foundation and how Zurich's interest in nurturing new talent aligns with Spencer's work. Listen for Sierra's passion about the dynamic state of the insurance industry and how it can bring new risk solutions to companies. Key Takeaways: [:01] About RIMS and RIMScast. [:16] About this episode of RIMScast. Our guest is Sierra Signorelli, CEO of U.S. and Commercial Insurance at Zurich and one of this year's Spencer Funding Their Future Gala Honorees. But first… [:42] RIMS-CRMP Workshop. We are delighted to announce that on August 27th and 28th, RIMS President Manny Padilla will be leading the two-day in-person workshop at St. John's University at 101 Astor Place in New York City. A link to the registration is in this episode's show notes. [1:02] RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops. The next RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA will be held virtually on July 21st and 22nd. Registration links are in this episode's notes. [1:14] We have a summertime webinar. On July 16th, Zurich will present "Too Hot to Ignore: Heat-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation." Register at RIMS.org/webinars and via the link in this episode's show notes. [1:29] Also on the webinars page, you will see a two-part series hosted by the RIMS Membership Department. The "Classroom to Career" webinar series highlights how RIMS equips students with the knowledge, skills, and connections needed to thrive in risk management careers. [1:44] Participants will gain insights into industry trends, career pathways, and practical tools that help them confidently step into the evolving world of risk management after graduation. These sessions will be hosted on September 1st and 9th. [1:58] These sessions are member exclusives and are complimentary for RIMS members, of course. So, if you are interested in becoming a member, this would be the time. Visit RIMS.org/membership. [2:07] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration will open in July. Be on the lookout for the call for nominations for the RIMS ERM Global Award of Distinction. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026 in July for that announcement. [2:29] RIMS is back on YouTube. Our handle is @RIMSOfficialChannel. We've got plenty of videos there, including RIMScast, RIMScast Canada video podcasts, and other informative and entertaining content from RIMS. Subscribe to the channel today! [2:48] On with the Show! Our guest today is one of the modern trailblazers of risk and insurance. She is Sierra Signorelli, the CEO of U.S. and Commercial Insurance at Zurich. She is also one of this year's Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future honorees. [3:08] Sierra will receive her honor at the Waldorf Astoria in New York City on September 17th at the Spencer Funding Their Future Gala. [3:16] Sierra is here today to discuss her career development, her career journey, how it evolved into a global leadership role, and some words of wisdom for the next generation of risk and insurance talent. She has a lot of great insight and takeaways for us all. Let's get to it! [3:37] Interview! Sierra Signorelli, Welcome to RIMScast! [3:47] Justin and Sierra discuss longtime mutual friend Marya Propis. Sierra says their paths crossed early in their careers at AIG. They got to know each other through the Women's Executive Leadership Initiative Program. [4:09] Sierra says quite a few exceptional women in important roles in our industry came out of that program cohort. It's fantastic to come back together with Marya for this event. [4:37] Sierra studied environmental science. She tries to live and work with a sense of purpose. In university, she wanted to make the world a better place with environmental science. [4:58] Sierra says there are areas of overlap between insurance and environmental science. Her initial work out of school was about understanding changing weather patterns, flooding, epidemiology, chemistry, liability, and toxic tort. She leans on what she studied. [5:33] Sierra says that in school, they studied Earth Systems Science. Much of the modeling they did in school is the same modeling that Cat modelers do at Zurich. [6:04] Sierra first worked at an environmental engineering consulting firm. A colleague left to join a new company. He called her to come and interview. It hadn't been on her mind, but on his recommendation, she interviewed. Meeting the people, Sierra was intrigued. [7:08] Sierra says once she joined, she never looked back. She joined as an underwriter doing environmental insurance, so it tied to her background. It felt like it was her own little business. It was her responsibility to build a portfolio of business and build relationships with brokers. [7:37] Sierra says it was fascinating. The industry gives lots of training, both industry-led and within companies. The opportunity to learn was fun. Sierra felt it was a great place to start to build a career. [8:20] Sierra has had a few meaningful career pivots. As an underwriter, transitioning to her first manager role was a big step. It taught her that you have to have sponsorship or support within an organization to get the next roles. [8:47] Sierra says it was a big step from being an individual contributor to leading a much larger team. Having somebody willing to put that on her was really important. She will be forever grateful for that first step. [9:12] Sierra says the next meaningful step was from running a business in a region to being a CUO for one of the businesses globally. The organization restructured and put Sierra across lines of business she had no expertise in. That was a huge shift for her. [9:40] Sierra was no longer the deep expert, but she had to lead a team of experts and be credible with those individuals. Most of them had 30 or 40 years of experience. Sierra was in her early 40s. It was a fantastic opportunity that somebody was brave enough to give her. [10:09] Shortly after, Sierra moved from New York to Asia. It was quite a difference. She took that step because she was in a global role. She says, even though she traveled a lot and she's curious about people and cultures, it's not until you sit somewhere that you really experience it. [10:39] Moving overseas and being on the receiving end of New York gave Sierra an appreciation for sitting in the market. At that company, all brilliant things came from New York, and the rest of them had to figure out how they added value. The time difference was a challenge. [11:24] Sierra says the time difference has a huge impact on your life. The company wanted to become more global and had placed executives all over the world in different hubs. When you have 3,000 people in one area, everything is time-zone-centric to them. [12:01] As a global leader, in another time zone, you have to be comfortable not participating in everything and having people who represent you on your behalf, knowing when you really need to engage. You need to know to move the time if you won't be coherent at 3:00 a.m. [12:24] Sierra went back and forth once a month from Asia to New York to do Business Unit Reviews. It takes a lot out of you. The world has changed, and she does many more video meetings. Global travel has an impact on quality of life. [13:00] During those years, Sierra was raising children. They started pre-school and kindergarten in Asia. Sierra says she couldn't possibly do it unless her husband was on board; he had a career that was more flexible, and he was willing to step up. That's a family discussion to have. [14:03] A Quick Break! There are so many other wonderful RIMS events coming up in 2026. The Annual Florida RIMS Educational Conference will be held from July 28th through August 1st at the lovely Ritz-Carlton in Naples, Florida. A link to the event is in this episode's show notes. [14:22] Register now for the Second Annual RIMS Texas Regional Conference, which will be held from August 10th through the 12th at the Grand Hyatt on the San Antonio River Walk. Visit RIMS.org/Events for registration information. [14:36] The hotel cutoff date was July 10th. Reservations may still be made after the hotel cutoff date, subject to availability; however, the negotiated group rate is no longer guaranteed, so reserve now. [14:48] The 11th Annual Chicagoland Risk Forum will return to the Old Post Office on Thursday, September 24th, 2026. Visit ChicagolandRiskForum.org for more information. [15:00] The RIMS Western Regional Conference will be held from October 4th through the 7th in Seattle, Washington. The agenda is live, and registration is open. Visit RIMSWesternRegional.com and the link in this episode's show notes for more information. [15:16] Save the dates: October 18th through the 21st. We will be in Quebec City to celebrate the 50th Live RIMS Canada Conference. Booth sales are open, and sponsorship opportunities are still available. Advance registration is open now. [15:33] Visit RIMSCanadaConference.ca for more information. Also, remember to check out RIMS.org/Canada for our spinoff show, RIMScast Canada, hosted by National Conference Committee Chair, Aaron Lukoni. [15:47] The RIMS ERM Conference 2026 will be held on November 19th and 20th in Columbus, Ohio. Registration opens in July. [15:58] Be on the lookout for an announcement about submissions for the RIMS Global ERM Award of Distinction. Visit RIMS.org/ERM2026. [16:08] Folks, we're already looking toward RISKWORLD 2027, which will be held over four days in New Orleans, Louisiana, from April 18th through the 21st. RIMS members can exclusively register by September 4th for the best rate. [16:22] Get first access to the hotel block. Hotel reservations open on October 28th, ahead of public registration. Sitting this out is the real risk! The link to registration is in this episode's show notes. [16:35] Let's Return to Our Interview with Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala Honoree Sierra Signorelli! [17:01] Sierra says when she was in Asia, she had a global role. It highlighted how you speak, how you engage, and how you listen in different cultures is hugely important. You can't assume. It's always good to listen and then ask, and then replay back. [17:23] Sierra learned some painful lessons just thinking that silence and people nodding along means that they agree. She says she often talks about the importance of listening to colleagues, customers, and broker partners. [17:45] It's important not to make quick assumptions but to listen first and ask questions so that you have a good understanding of the colleagues you are working with and their needs. [18:00] Justin says a keynote at RISKWORLD 2019 said that when she spoke in Asian nations and asked a question of the audience, she learned that she had to wait and make eye contact with the audience to know if it was alright to move on to the next point or get them to speak up. [18:30] This speaker had learned that there is somewhat of a cultural reluctance in Asia to say what's on your mind. Sierra says that may be true, but you often don't get questions, so you have to think about what questions people might have and make sure that you raise them. [18:53] Sierra shares an example. They were rolling out global pricing tools. The U.S. would raise their hand that they don't like this or that. The same with the UK. Maybe Germany doesn't adopt it. Asia was seamless. They just rolled it out. No questions. Then a broker revealed a big issue. [19:31] Sierra realized she had to go back and talk with her team, so they could march forward. Having that understanding and making sure you're engaging appropriately with the culture is critical to having a successful business and being successful with the teams locally. [20:03] Justin asks that as Sierra ascended to that leadership role, did she find that she was one of the few women in executive leadership roles along the way? [20:23] Sierra says that early in her career, she was quite fortunate that there were quite a number of women leaders. In the group she worked with when she was in New York, there were several women running businesses. She worked for a woman. [20:43] Many of the women had families. Sierra had just started to have a family. Seeing them able to run these businesses, have a family, and not seem like all the wheels were coming off, seeming very normal and successful in her view, kept Sierra going. [21:01] Sierra says having role models and seeing other women do it is absolutely critical. It feels like you can do it when you see somebody else doing it. Having other people to talk to about how you navigate it is very important. [21:17] Sierra says, That being said, you have these groups, but overall, she finds that she's often the only woman in the room in meetings, and more broadly, in Asia. If she looks at the executive committee at Zurich, there are 12 executives, six male and six female. [21:42] Sierra says there are bright spots. We're making progress, but in some of the mid-level management roles, you don't see the same split. You see women falling off at a certain level. [22:19] Sierra says we have a Women's Innovation Network that she sponsors for her group. She has always tried to be a great support to women in our industry. She has given support to women along the way and helped them navigate to get to where they are. [23:00] Sierra says if you want to be authentic, you have to make difficult decisions. It goes hand in hand. If you just take every easy decision, it would be very difficult to be authentic. She would encourage you not to shy away from challenging decisions and not to put them off. [23:26] That's easier said than done. When Sierra looks at her to-do list in the morning, if there's something on that list she really doesn't want to do, she does it first. Otherwise, it just falls further down the list, and then goes to the list for tomorrow. [23:47] Those difficult conversations are never as bad as you work them up in your head to be. Just do it and get past it. If you make that a habit, then you tend not to shy away from having the right discussions. It's never as difficult as you can make it out to be in your head. [24:09] Sierra says one of her colleagues at Zurich in the U.S. often says, "Be kind, not nice." Being nice does not serve anyone well. If you don't give people feedback, or don't give them the full story because you want to be nice, it doesn't make sense. [24:32] If you're going to give feedback or make a change, be kind. That purpose helps people move forward and take action. Inaction is the bigger risk than taking action, jumping in, and adapting anywhere you need to adapt, as you go. [25:02] Justin cites a friend of Sierra's, and recent RIMScast guest, Johnell Holly, who said he chooses the hard challenges first and tries to knock them off the list. [25:24] Justin restates Sierra: your authentic self is shown when you make those difficult decisions. That's a great takeaway for the RIMScast audience. Sierra adds that it's important to take positions so that people understand what you stand for as a leader or an individual. [25:53] Sierra says in an organization, people are always going to decide what you stand for. If you don't make it clear, it creates a vacuum, and they'll make assumptions. Sometimes people are tentative or worried about taking a stand. [26:06] Sierra says it's far less risky to take that stand and make it clear what you stand for, because people are going to make an assumption anyway, and they're more likely to get it wrong if you leave it to them to sort out. [26:31] Sierra says she spends a lot of time meeting with customers and brokers. She gets energy from it. It grounds her in reality, which is important if the company wants to add value. They need to understand how things are landing, and what problems they are solving for. [26:53] One of the things that keeps Sierra in this industry, and what she loves about what they do, is that they have the opportunity to help solve some of the world's most complex challenges. [27:06] To do that, they have to get out and talk to people who are facing the challenges, and understand what it means for their business. [27:14] Sierra says, it's also important to spend time with your people. Sierra is in the Chicago office, and when she walks around the floor, she can meet the teams. She loves when they come up and tell her about a big win or something they're building on in the market. [27:39] Another Quick Break! The Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala 2026 will be held on September 17th in New York City at the Waldorf Astoria. This year, Spencer will honor Sierra Signorelli of Zurich and our recent guest, Marya Propis of RT Specialty. [28:01] A link to the Gala is in this episode's show notes. Sponsorship opportunities are still available. [28:14] We have reached the deadline for the Spencer Educational Foundation's Risk Manager on Campus submissions. Grant awardees, colleges, and universities are typically notified in September. [28:22] General Grants are open, and the application deadline is July 30th. Internship Grant applications open on August 15th and close on October 15th. [28:33] Links to each of these grants are in this episode's show notes. Visit SpencerEd.org for more information. [28:42] Let's Conclude Our Interview with Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala Honoree Sierra Signorelli! [28:57] Justin congratulates Sierra once again on being honored at the Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future Gala, which will be on September 17th at the world-famous Waldorf Astoria. [29:07] Sierra says she is looking forward to the event. She has been very fortunate to have amazing people who have helped, either giving her great advice through her career, or who have sponsored her, supported her, or advocated for her as she took the next steps in her career. [29:43] Sierra says, it's great to be recognized. As she is recognized, it should be recognition for all of those people who were bold enough to support her, especially early in her career. [30:02] Sierra says Zurich has a long history of engaging with the Spencer Educational Foundation. Zurich's beliefs align with what Spencer is trying to achieve. Zurich believes in bringing a diverse group of people into our industry, and more young people into our industry. [30:23] Sierra says we need to continue to bring new people in. As we look at some of the changes we have as an industry, becoming more digital, leaning more on insights, and reshaping how we show up as an industry, it's a great time for young people to join our industry. [30:47] Sierra says she thinks the industry is undersold. It's a fantastic industry to build a career. She says most people who come into the industry don't leave. It's just convincing them from the beginning. [31:02] Sierra says, from a Zurich perspective, we have a really robust apprenticeship program that we sponsor to bring youth into and help them gain experience: both on-the-job experience and instructional experience through a two-year program. [31:26] Sierra says that for Zurich, supporting programs such as the Spencer Educational Foundation is a natural fit in continuing to help bring talent into our industry. [31:38] The other 2026 Honoree, Marya Propis, was recently on the show and was one of the first 50 RIMScast guests. Sierra says she and Marya worked together years ago. They also were part of a fantastic sponsored women's program, the Women's Executive Leadership Initiative. [32:14] Sierra says several women who are in key roles in our industry came through that program. It's fantastic to see the success of some of those women, including Marya, and to be honored together in 2026. [32:44] Sierra says it should be a good evening and really nice to reconnect with Marya after having been overseas for quite some time. [33:00] Sierra is also a board member of the St. John's University School of Risk Management and is deeply involved in developing future talent. [33:16] Sierra says it's a really exciting time for our industry. The world of risk is very dynamic now. [33:31] Our capabilities to harness insights and data to streamline what we do to be more efficient to work with, all coming together at the same time, is a huge opportunity to raise the bar to add greater value to companies as they think about how they manage this risk landscape. [34:00] For Sierra, it's an exciting time to bring new perspectives in and entice young people to look at a career in insurance. Sierra repeats that most people who come into our industry don't leave. People leave companies, but they tend to take other insurance roles. [34:30] Sierra says, we just need to get more people interested in what we do and to bring new perspectives and new skillsets into what we do. I know that people will stay once they're here. [35:00] Speaking of knowledge transfer, Sierra says that there are lots of people with many years of experience who want to invest the time with younger people to pass that knowledge on. They don't want it to be lost. [35:19] For people who are curious and want to come in and build a career, it's an amazing opportunity to be able to work with some of the people who have this experience, as well as working with new technologies and capabilities. [35:35] The Waldorf Astoria in New York City has been newly renovated. When people gather at the Waldorf for the Spencer Gala on September 17th to celebrate leaders like Sierra and Marya, they're also investing in the future of the profession. [36:06] Sierra says, first and foremost, she feels fortunate that she's had great support from individuals and also from working for a great company that allows her to do what she does at such a large scale. [36:44] Sierra says the people who sit on the team at Zurich are the shining stars who give us the brand that we have and the capabilities that we have. She would hope that she leaves a legacy that shows that she's helped to improve and raise the bar for what we do as an industry. [37:19] Sierra says that's what she's most passionate about. She thinks that as an industry we can do more. [37:26] We're on the cusp of something great with all of these different dynamics, whether they're the factors of risk that are becoming far greater, or the capabilities we can bring to the table to help the world and companies solve problems. [37:45] Sierra says, if I leave a legacy that I helped some of the building blocks to get us there, I would feel quite good about that, in addition to helping to build talent in our industry, which is something that I'm particularly passionate about. [38:03] Justin says it is a well-deserved honor, and I'm so happy for you. I'm very happy for Marya, as well. You both bring so much to risk management and insurance that it's only fitting that you are honored in the same year. You're both doing great work. [38:21] You're very inspiring for our listeners and, of course, anyone who is involved with Spencer, whether they are staff or beneficiaries of the foundation. You are a shining example of what we hope this profession can continue to be like. [38:40] I want to thank you so much for your time, and I look forward to seeing you in New York City on September 17th, when you accept your award. [38:53] Special thanks again to Sierra Signorelli of Zurich for joining us here on RIMScast. We congratulate her on being named an honoree at this year's Spencer Funding Their Future Gala, which will be held on September 17th in Manhattan at the fabulous Waldorf Astoria. [39:14] Visit SpencerEd.org for more information and be sure to check out recent RIMScast episodes with another honoree from this year, Marya Propis, and Spencer Board Chair, Johnell Holly. Links are in this episode's show notes. [39:30] Plug Time! Become a RIMS member and get access to the tools, thought leadership, and network you need to succeed. Visit RIMS.org/membership or email membershipdept@RIMS.org for more information. [39:47] Risk Knowledge is the RIMS searchable content library that provides relevant information for today's risk professionals. Materials include RIMS executive reports, survey findings, contributed articles, industry research, benchmarking data, and more. [40:04] For the best reporting on the profession of risk management, read Risk Management Magazine at RMMagazine.com. It is written and published by the best minds in risk management. [40:17] Justin Smulison is the Business Content Manager at RIMS. Please remember to subscribe to RIMScast on your favorite podcasting app. You can email us at Content@RIMS.org. [40:30] Practice good risk management, stay safe, and thank you again for your continued support! Links: Spencer Educational Foundation's 2026 Funding Their Future Gala | Sept. 17, 2026 RIMS Texas Regional Conference 2026 | Aug. 10‒12 in San Antonio | Register Now! RISKWORLD 2027 Registration | RIMS members can lock in 2026 rates now through Sept. 4 2026 Florida RIMS Educational Conference | July 28‒Aug. 1 | Register Now ChicagoLand Risk Forum | Sept. 24, 2026 RIMS Western Regional Conference — Oct. 4‒7, 2026 | Seattle, WA | Register Today. RIMS Canada Conference — Oct. 18‒21, 2026 | Quebec City | www.rimscanadaconference.ca | Advance Registration Open | Sponsorship Opportunities Available RIMS ERM Conference 2026 | November 19‒20 in Columbus, Ohio | Registration Opens in July! | www.rims.org/ERM2026 Spencer Educational Foundation — Scholarships and Grants | Open Calls and Timelines. RIMS Now RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) | Insights Video Series Featuring Joe Milan! RIMS, the Foundation for Risk Management The Strategic and Enterprise Risk Center RIMS Diversity Equity Inclusion Council RIMS-CRMP Stories RIMScast Canada — Episodes Now Live RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMScast on YouTube! RIMS Risk Management Magazine | Contribute | Q2 2026 Issue Now Available Upcoming RIMS-CRMP Virtual Workshops: RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep with PARIMA — Virtual — July 21‒22, 2026 RIMS-CRMP Exam Prep Workshop — Live In NY — Aug 27‒28! Full RIMS-CRMP Prep Course Schedule See the full calendar of RIMS Virtual Workshops Upcoming RIMS Webinars: RIMS.org/Webinars "Too Hot To Ignore: Heat-Related Injuries and Workers' Compensation" | July 16 | Presented by Zurich "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 1" | Sept 1 "RIMS Student Series: Classroom to Career Part 2" | Sept 9 Related RIMScast Episodes: Spencer Honoree "Marya Propis: From Industry Leader to Talent Champion" "Choosing the Challenge with Johnell Holly, Spencer Educational Foundation Board Chair" "Risk Management Momentum with Tim Ryan" (2025 Spencer Honoree) "The Strengths of DE&I Initiatives with Lilian Vanvieldt-Gray of Alliant Insurance Services" (2024 Spencer Honoree) Sponsored RIMScast Episodes: "48 Hours From a Storm: What to Do Before A Hurricane Strikes" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company (New!) "AI-Scale, Risk Ready: Engineering Controls for the New Data Center Boom" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Facing Into Risk: Navigating the New Risk Landscape" (New!) | Sponsored by AXA XL "Secondary Perils, Major Risks: The New Face of Weather-Related Challenges" | Sponsored by AXA XL "The ART of Risk: Rethinking Risk Through Insight, Design, and Innovation" | Sponsored by Alliant "Mastering ERM: Leveraging Internal and External Risk Factors" | Sponsored by Diligent "Cyberrisk: Preparing Beyond 2025" | Sponsored by Alliant "The New Reality of Risk Engineering: From Code Compliance to Resilience" | Sponsored by AXA XL "Change Management: AI's Role in Loss Control and Property Insurance" | Sponsored by Global Risk Consultants, a TÜV SÜD Company "Demystifying Multinational Fronting Insurance Programs" | Sponsored by Zurich "Understanding Third-Party Litigation Funding" | Sponsored by Zurich "What Risk Managers Can Learn From School Shootings" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Simplifying the Challenges of OSHA Recordkeeping" | Sponsored by Medcor "How Insurance Builds Resilience Against an Active Assailant Attack" | Sponsored by Merrill Herzog "Third-Party and Cyber Risk Management Tips" | Sponsored by Alliant RIMS Publications, Content, and Links: RIMS Membership — Whether you are a new member or need to transition, be a part of the global risk management community! RIMS Virtual Workshops On-Demand Webinars RIMS-Certified Risk Management Professional (RIMS-CRMP) RISK PAC | RIMS Advocacy RIMS Strategic & Enterprise Risk Center RIMS-CRMP Stories — Featuring RIMS President Manny Padilla! RIMS Events, Education, and Services: RIMS Risk Maturity Model® Sponsor RIMScast: Contact sales@rims.org or pd@rims.org for more information. Want to Learn More? Keep up with the podcast on RIMS.org, and listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Have a question or suggestion? Email: Content@rims.org. Join the Conversation! Follow @RIMSorg on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About our guest: Sierra Signorelli, CEO of U.S. and Commercial Insurance at Zurich Spencer Educational Foundation's Funding Their Future 2026 Honoree Production and engineering provided by Podfly.
Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) are playing an increasingly important role in material selection—but how can architects use them effectively? In this episode, Don Allen, executive director of the Steel Framing Industry Association (SFIA), discusses common misconceptions about EPDs, why comparing products isn't as simple as looking at GWP values, and how architects can make smarter, more informed specification decisions to meet today's sustainability goals.
Is plastic really the environmental villain it's often portrayed to be, or have politics and misinformation overtaken the science? Dr. Chris DeArmitt, founder of the Plastics Research Council, spent thousands of unpaid hours reviewing more than 5,000 peer-reviewed studies to find out. Host Gregg sits down with Dr. DeArmitt to unpack why plastic makes up just half of one percent of the materials we use, why the "floating island" of ocean plastic doesn't exist, what's actually driving anti-plastic campaigns, and why microplastics may not be the health threat headlines suggest. It's a candid, evidence-first conversation that challenges nearly everything the public has been told about plastic. Join Gregg and Dr. Chris DeArmitt on Cut to the Chase as they explore: What You'll Learn Why plastic is only half of 1% of the material we use, and why that matters The truth behind the "floating island of plastic the size of Texas" What's really in ocean gyres, and why 85% of it is fishing gear, not consumer litter Why life cycle analysis shows plastic is the lowest-impact material in 9 out of 10 cases What microplastics research actually says, and why Dr. DeArmitt calls 80% of the studies flawed Why recycling isn't the environmental fix people think it is, and what actually helps Key Moments Introduction: Framing the plastics debate and Dr. DeArmitt's background Why he spent 5,000+ unpaid hours reviewing studies, sparked by his daughters' school lessons The half of 1% myth: plastic vs. total material use The straw and single-use cup debate Reusing plastic bottles, and the SODIS water sterilization method The INC-4 plastics treaty meeting in Ottawa and what he saw there The "floating island the size of Texas" myth What's actually in ocean gyres (85% fishing gear) The environmental cost of NGO flights to plastics conferences Recycling: why it's overhyped and how life cycle analysis changes the picture The gold vs. plastic cost/impact comparison Landfill space and the three things that actually help the environment Microplastics: what the science says vs. the headlines Ocean plastic volume in context (the football stadium comparison) Litter as the real problem, and what actually stops it His books, peer review process, and who's changed their mind based on the data What he's working on next Closing: podcasts spreading misinformation, and his ask to hosts like Joe Rogan and Jordan Harbinger Dr. Chris DeArmitt is the founder of the Plastics Research Council and Phantom Plastics, and a materials scientist recognized as one of the world's leading independent authorities on plastics, microplastics, and the environment. He is the author of The Plastics Paradox and Shattering the Plastics Illusion, both based on his review of thousands of peer-reviewed studies, and both available as free downloads in multiple languages. His research is unfunded by industry, and his conclusions have been reviewed and endorsed by scientists and toxicologists internationally. The resources mentioned in this episode are: Book: The Plastics Paradox by Dr. Chris DeArmitt Book: Shattering the Plastics Illusion by Dr. Chris DeArmitt SODIS (Solar Water Disinfection) method, referenced for reused PET bottles INC-4 plastics treaty meeting, Ottawa Papermetaller / Eco Loop plastic bag recycling process, Germany Prior appearances: 60 Minutes with Scott Pelley, The Jordan Harbinger Show Contact / Follow Dr. Chris DeArmitt: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisdearmitt/ Dr. DeArmitt's books are available for free download in multiple languages. Want more conversations that cut through the noise on science, climate, and the issues shaping our future? Subscribe to Cut to the Chase with Gregg Goldfarb for new episodes every week.
It's #340st for 9 July, 2026 or 3312! (33-Oh-twelven) You can find us at our website: http://loosescrewsed.com Discord https://discord.gg/3Vfap47ReaSupport us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LooseScrewsEDSquadron Briefing: BGS highlights:n/a tonightShort PP Report: Cycle 88:I think a lack of in-game powerplay stat updates from operations instability caused some chaos for powers this week. One of the least productive weeks for nearly all the powers in a while.Princess Aisling didn't seem too phased though, putting up the best week with 13 new systems including a new stronghold.Kaine continues her streak with 8 new systemsBoth Feds continue to face opposition with no new systems for Archer and losing a fortified, and Winters losing a system and a strongholdAll Imperials besides Aisling also having rough weeks with Patreus joining the Feds with a negative week and Torval showing next to zero improvement.https://www.k5elite.com/Dev News: Operations Update 3 - 4.4.0.3https://www.elitedangerous.com/update-notes/4-4-0-3The Operations Update 3 is now live. This update addresses a number of issues, including Operations rewards and lost exploration data.Please note that Missing Operations Rewards and on-Foot inventories will be returned at a later time.Quality of Life:Players unsold exploration data from before the 2nd July Maintenance has now been restored and can be sold as normal. Players can now restore their visited star data cache file via the "Resync Local Data" button located within the Help and Info submenu from the Main Menu.Operations Rewards (Merc Coins, Credits, Materials and Inventory) will be retroactively granted to players at a later date for previously completed Operations which didn't grant rewards as expectedPlayers whose on-foot inventories may have wiped after completing an operation before 2330 UTC Wednesday 2nd will have their inventories restored.Merc Engineering / Merc Modules telegraphing improvements:Improved telegraphing within Outfitting. Improved telegraphing within the Ships Internal Panel. Bug Fixes:Resolved an issue where the Operations Rewards screen could appear empty for some players, despite successfully distributing rewards. Resolved an issue where the "Mission Updated" notification could minimise the Operations Rewards screen. Resolved an issue where the UI could highlight the starting Frontline Runner as a mission objective throughout an Operation. Resolved an issue where if a player dies with an active NPC crew during an Operation, the NPC crew may not respawn upon restart. Resolved instances of some voice-over line and text discrepancies, within the Reclamation Point Operation. Resolved an issue where the wheels of the Scarab SRV could display erratic visual behaviour. Resolved a crash that could occur when opening the Powerplay menu during a hyperspace jump. Resolved an issue where the fighter bay could clip through the Nomad when launching and docking. Resolved an issue where fighter bay doors could clip through support pistons and the main ramp could appear misaligned.Galnet News: Galnet News | Elite Dangerous Community Site Terri Tora releasedExobiology CG a ‘success'Discussion : Operations: You Brought What?what missions have you solo'd?have you solo'd a hard level mission? What ship/suit/weapon are you using for solowhat changes to your loadout do you make for team fightingif you have a known group of teammates do you see a need or preference for different specially ship/suit/weapon buildout coordinationAny variation for mission type.
In episode 2088, Jack and Miles are joined by comedian, actor, author, and host of Scam Goddess, Laci Mosley, to discuss… Armie Hammer Comeback Not Going Well? One Of The Most Popular Toys In The Country Keeps Exploding, WINDOW SEAT MEANS YOU SIT BY A MOTHERF**KING WINDOW and more! Controversial Uwe Boll Movie Citizen Vigilante Gets PS5 Tie-In Game Next Week — And It Looks as Rough As You'd Expect NeeDoh squishies have gone viral. 'It wasn't intentional,' the CEO tells me. Is NeeDoh the new Labubu? Here’s why everyone is obsessed with these viral squishies Jefferson County teen burned by microwaved NeeDoh toy warns others about TikTok trend Nassau County officials warn of TikTok challenge with dangerous consequences for kids Doctors Warn of a Dangerous Trend: Microwaving a Popular Squishy Toy Nonprofit demands investigation into sensory toy after reports of blisters, chemical burns Consumer Reports Urges CPSC to Investigate Chemical Burn Risks from Gel in Sensory Squeeze Toys Including the NeeDoh Nice Cube What Is Inside NeeDoh? — The Complete Science of Materials (2026) Toymaker didn't issue recall over lead in 2002: report Schylling Associates to Pay a $200,000 Civil Penalty for Violation of Lead Paint Ban and for Failure to Report LISTEN: Daddy Died by earthsignchels (Music Video) & Daddy Died by earthsignchels (A Colors Show)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
What Did Roman Houses Reveal About the People Who Lived Inside Them? | Ancient Architecture & MoralityRoman houses were more than places to live—they were reflections of identity, values, status, and ideas about how to live a good life.In this fascinating conversation, Marden Nicholls explores what ancient Roman homes can teach us about architecture, morality, social values, and the relationship between our surroundings and ourselves. Discover how Roman writers viewed the house as a mirror of character, why design choices mattered, and what ancient ideas about sustainable building and meaningful spaces can teach us today.Perfect for anyone interested in Roman history, ancient architecture, archaeology, classical literature, philosophy, and the everyday lives of people in the Roman world, this episode reveals how the spaces we inhabit shape the way we think, act, and understand ourselves.KEY TOPICS COVEREDWhat Roman houses reveal about identity and valuesAncient Roman architecture and social lifeThe connection between homes and moralityHow Roman authors used houses as reflections of characterArchitecture, environment, and sustainabilityAncient ideas about living wellHow private spaces shaped public identityRoman construction methods and lasting materialsWhat ancient architecture can teach modern societyThe relationship between surroundings and personal improvementTIMESTAMPS00:00 Introduction & Roman homes03:00 The meaning of the Roman house08:00 Architecture, identity & social values15:00 Ancient texts and household ideals22:00 How Romans viewed wealth and status30:00 Materials, sustainability & construction36:10 Architecture, environment & modern lessons38:00 The home as a reflection of morality40:00 Public spaces, private spaces & human behaviorIf you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe for more discussions on Ancient Rome, classical literature, archaeology, philosophy, and the lessons the ancient world still offers today.Comment below: Do you think the spaces we live in influence the people we become?
In this week's episode, the Nice Hosts want to make this year's IDGATC summer picnic the very best, like no picnic ever was. Lydia brings to the table a game that relies on knowing nothing about Pokémon, Mark accuses her of knowing too much about Pokémon, and Stephen does his best as their acting Person-Who-Knows-Pokémon (nicegames.club/feedback). Will they make a game in time to play that weekend? Stay tuned as the journey continues.Strange Finds (demo) - SteamPinfinityNot-Game-of-Thrones Puzzle Room - Trapped Puzzle RoomsPuzzle Works Escape Co.PromptTurn the Pokemon guessing game Lydia plays with her husband into a party game in time for the IDGATC summer picnic.Game typeTabletop gamePlayer count6+MaterialsElectronic device (laptop or phone)Random Pokémon Generator (we use randompokemonpicker.com)Grid of possible Pokémon pictures and namesSetupDivide into two teams of at least 3 people. The two Team Captains stand in front facing both teams.Distribute the list of the possible Pokémon to the players, either physically or digitally.Team Captains pull up the random generator on their device. If you'd like to play at home, here is the graphic Lydia made for the IDGATC picnic, complete with rules and round order:RulesGen 1, Kanto region, Unevolved, Default version Pokémon onlyTwo teams, 3+ people each, not including Team CaptainsBoth team are trying to guess the same, randomly selected PokémonOnly Team Captains can see the selected PokémonTeam Captains must know as little about Pokémon as possibleTeam Captains may not reveal obvious physical characteristics in their initial description1 correctly guessed Pokémon = 1 pointFirst team to 2 points wins!Round Order:Team A asks their Captain "Who that Pocket Monster?"Team A's Captain describes the Pokémon in a humerous, vibes-based wayTeam A may ask 1 obvious yes/no question about the Pokémon and it's appearance. If the Captain can't answer the question, they will say so and the team may ask a different one.Team A guesses which Pokémon their Captain is describingIf correct, Team A gets a point and a new Pokémon is chose. If incorrect, the process repeats for Team BRepeat steps 1-4 until a Team guesses the Pokémon correctly.If the rounds are dragging on, the Team Captains may reveal the Pokémon and take a point (bragging rights) for themselves
Ted speaks with Evan Soltoff of eggersmann Kitchens and Home LIving about the legacy of one of the world's leading luxury cabinetry brands and the evolution of kitchen design. Evan shares the history of the family-owned company, its expansion beyond Germany into international markets, and how a commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and customer-centric design has helped eggersmann remain at the forefront of the industry. The conversation explores how kitchens have evolved from purely functional spaces into the focal point of the modern home. Evan discusses the growing importance of customization, premium materials, and integrating technology into cabinetry and kitchen systems. He also shares insights into designing for both historic and contemporary homes, balancing timeless aesthetics with modern functionality, and creating solutions that meet the unique needs of each client. Ted and Evan also discuss emerging trends in luxury design, including sustainability, accessibility, aging-in-place solutions, and the continued role of physical showrooms in an increasingly digital world. The episode offers a thoughtful look at how tradition and innovation can work together to create exceptional design experiences and why understanding customer needs remains the foundation of lasting success. TOPICS DISCUSSED 01:30 History of Eggersmann and Family Legacy 03:45 Expanding Beyond Germany: International Growth 06:15 Customer Aesthetics and Market Preferences 07:40 Designing for Historic and Modern Homes 09:00 Materials and Customization in Cabinetry 10:45 Evolution of the Kitchen as a Focal Point 13:00 Innovative Features and Functionalities 14:00 Sustainable and Natural Materials 19:00 Technological Advancements in Kitchen Features 23:15 Developing New Systems and Customer Needs 29:45 Future Trends in Cabinetry and Design 32:30 Closets in luxury homes 41:00 Accessibility, Aging in Place Solutions, Changing Needs 42:45 The Importance of Physical Showrooms 46:15 Innovations During COVID and Beyond 49:00 Closing Remarks and Future Outlook CONNECT WITH GUEST Evan Soltoff Website LinkedIn Instagram KEY QUOTES FROM EPISODE "Understated luxury is our goal" "Flexibility is key to success" "Lighting transforms the space"
Happy 4th of July Build Show Friends! This week, we're throwing it back to one of the greatest hits of Season 5. Matt will be back next week with an all-new episode. Enjoy! —— Matt goes solo this week to share hard-earned wisdom from his 30-year construction. He outlines three foundational principles that have shaped his success—and helped him recover from serious setbacks. 1. Understand Building Science Matt emphasizes the importance of knowing how climate, materials, and design affect building durability. Lessons from Portland's mold crises taught him that “if it can't dry, it's going to die.” Builders must master rain control and moisture management to prevent failure and reduce liability. 2. Stop Bidding He shares a cautionary tale of a low-bid roofing contractor whose shoddy work and fake insurance cost him over $30,000. Instead of free estimates and competitive bidding, Matt now uses pre-construction agreements to ensure clients are committed—and to get paid for his time. 3. Avoid Debt Matt recounts going hundreds of thousands of dollars into debt during the 2008 recession, even struggling to pay for groceries. He urges builders to stay lean, avoid speculative projects, and budget personally AND professionally. Matt's advice: “Fire Chuck”—his nickname for the debt he couldn't get rid of for years. Matt concludes with a reminder that profit is essential, not shameful. Builders must prioritize long-term sustainability, financial health, and client trust to thrive in a competitive industry. Thank you to our episode sponsors ROCKWOOL & Pella. Learn more at: rockwool.com and pella.com Watch full episodes of Matt on Facebook, Instagram and Build Show Network. https://www.facebook.com/buildshownetworkhttps://www.instagram.com/risingerbuild/https://buildshownetwork.com/go/mattrisinger Don't miss a single episode of Build Show content. Sign up for our newsletter.
For many decades, UFO researchers have obtained unusual samples alleged to be UAP materials recovered from crash events or other instances where physical traces of these anomalous aerial objects were present. In nearly every case where scientific analysis was undertaken, these unusual samples also revealed signatures that suggest Earthly origins. But should this necessarily mean they aren't worthy of further interest by UAP researchers? This week on The Micah Hanks Program, we examine a "cautionary tale" of alleged alien wreckage that turned out to have a down-to-Earth explanation, as well as the controversy surrounding materials allegedly recovered from the New Mexico desert in 1947, and what analysis by the Pentagon's All-domain Anomaly Resolution Office and Oak Ridge National Lab revealed about them. We also examine why an analysis that reveals an Earthly provenance for some alleged UAP wreckage shouldn't preclude their possible relationship to understanding the broader mystery. Want to advertise/sponsor The Micah Hanks Program? We have partnered with the AdvertiseCast to handle our advertising/sponsorship requests. If you would like to advertise with The Micah Hanks Program, all you have to do is click the link below to get started: AdvertiseCast: Advertise with The Micah Hanks Program Show Notes Below are links to stories and other content featured in this episode: DISCLOSURE FORUM: UAP Disclosure Forum in DC: Key takeaways SCU EVENT: UFO conference lands in Canada as Trump administration continues to release documents ALIEN HONEYCOMB: John Pinkney – UFOs, "Alien Honeycomb" & the Australian Lord "Flying Saucerer" AARO: "Supplement to Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Analysis of a Metallic Specimen" OAK RIDGE: "Synopsis: Analysis of a Metallic Specimen" - ORNL FLASHBACK: "Operation Paperclip of the East" and the Roswell Controversy (MHP 08.06.24.) SZYDAGIS: Matthew Szydagis | University at Albany BECOME AN X SUBSCRIBER AND GET EVEN MORE GREAT PODCASTS AND MONTHLY SPECIALS FROM MICAH HANKS. Sign up today and get access to the entire back catalog of The Micah Hanks Program, as well as "classic" episodes, weekly "additional editions" of the subscriber-only X Podcast, the monthly Enigmas specials, and much more. Like us on Facebook Follow @MicahHanks on X. Keep up with Micah and his work at micahhanks.com.
Featuring Haroldo Andrade, North American Commercial and Logistics Director for Unimetals Episode Summary In this episode, Mike sits down with Haroldo Andrade of Unimetals for a timely conversation about synthetic graphite, sustainability, and the critical materials needed to power heavy industry, battery production, AI data centers, and the energy transition. Haroldo explains why synthetic graphite is essential to modern manufacturing and infrastructure, how circular carbon practices can reduce environmental impact, and why the United States faces a major domestic supply gap as demand grows. The conversation also explores the tension between decarbonization goals and manufacturing costs, regional differences in sustainability strategy, workforce development, and Unimetals' global expansion. Key Topics Discussed Why synthetic graphite is a critical material for steelmaking, battery anodes, and energy storage The projected U.S. synthetic graphite supply deficit and why domestic production matters How China's dominance in graphite processing affects global supply chains The role of circular carbon and petroleum coke feedstock in reducing environmental impact Balancing decarbonization goals with the realities of manufacturing cost and competitiveness How higher-quality carbon products can improve furnace efficiency, reduce energy use, and lower emissions The growing energy demands of AI data centers and their connection to energy infrastructure Regional differences in sustainability approaches across North America and Latin America University partnerships, workforce development, and the need for new technical talent Unimetals' international expansion through acquisitions in Germany and the United States About the Guest Haroldo Andrade is the North American Commercial and Logistics Director for Unimetals. In his role, he works at the intersection of industrial supply chains, premium carbon products, and strategic growth across North America and global markets. Why It Matters Synthetic graphite is becoming increasingly important as industries modernize, electrification expands, and demand rises for batteries, renewable energy storage, steel, and advanced infrastructure. Haroldo highlights why reliable domestic supply, cleaner production practices, and international collaboration will be essential as companies navigate energy transition, industrial growth, and economic volatility. Listener Takeaway This episode offers a practical look at how critical materials, circular carbon, and resilient supply chains shape the future of heavy industry and clean energy. Listeners will come away with a clearer understanding of why synthetic graphite is more than a niche industrial input—it is a strategic material tied to manufacturing, energy security, and global competitiveness. Become a Green Insider Be sure to subscribe to The Green Insider, powered by ERENEWABLE, wherever you get your podcasts—and don't forget to leave us a five‑star rating! To learn more about our guests or to inquire about sponsorship opportunities, please contact ERENEWABLE and The Green Insider Podcast. #SyntheticGraphite #CriticalMaterials #EnergyTransition #CircularCarbon #SupplyChain #BatteryMaterials #IndustrialSustainability #ManufacturingInnovation The post Synthetic Graphite, Circular Carbon, and the Future of Critical Materials appeared first on eRENEWABLE.