Podcasts about Moisture

Send us Fan MailThe Truth About Pool Coatings, Surface Preparation, and Why Failures Really HappenEveryone wants to know which pool paint is the best.Wrong question.In this episode of Talking Pools, Rudy Stankowitz takes listeners far beyond the paint can and into the science of coating failures, adhesion, compatibility, moisture, and surface preparation. Using the recent attention surrounding the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool as a jumping-off point, Rudy explains why nearly every coating failure investigation asks the same question:What happened before the paint ever touched the surface?From chlorinated rubber and acrylics to epoxy and high-build epoxy systems, this episode explores the strengths, weaknesses, and proper applications of today's most common swimming pool coating systems. More importantly, it explains why even the most expensive coating in the world can't overcome poor preparation.If you've ever wondered why one painted pool lasts fifteen years while another begins peeling after a single season, this episode connects the dots between chemistry, application, environmental conditions, and good old-fashioned craftsmanship. Along the way, Rudy shares real-world stories, practical advice, and plenty of his signature Gen X humor.Whether you're a pool service professional, contractor, facility manager, or simply fascinated by how coatings succeed—or fail—this is one of the most comprehensive discussions on swimming pool coatings ever presented on the Talking Pools Podcast. In This Episode Why asking "What's the best pool paint?" is the wrong question  The lessons every pool professional can learn from the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool  Why compatibility between coating systems matters  Understanding chlorinated rubber, synthetic rubber, acrylic, epoxy, and high-build epoxy coatings  Why surface preparation determines the success or failure of almost every coating system  How to properly inspect an existing painted pool before recoating  The importance of documenting coating failures before disturbing the evidence  Mechanical adhesion vs. chemical adhesion explained in plain English  Why moisture remains one of the biggest enemies of successful coating applications  Proper cleaning, sanding, acid washing, and contamination removal  How silicone contamination, chalking, oils, and residue interfere with adhesion  Why weather, humidity, dew point, and curing conditions matter  Understanding recoat windows and why missing them creates problems  Common causes of blistering, peeling, and coating delamination  Adhesive failure vs. cohesive failure vs. substrate failure  ASTM testing methods used during professional coating failure investigations  Why coating failures should be investigated—not guessed Key Takeaways✔ The most expensive coating cannot overcome poor surface preparation.✔ Compatibility between existing and new coating systems is critical.✔ Surface contamination is often invisible but can completely prevent proper adhesion.✔ Moisture inside concrete can remain long after the surface appears dry.✔ Proper environmental conditions are just as important as choosing the right coating.✔ Good investigators document the failure before removing any evidence.✔ Most coating failures begin long before the pool is filled with water.✔ Successful coating jobs are built on preparation—not luck.Memorable Quotes"Surface preparation isn't part of the job. Surface preparation is the job.""Compatibility matters. Chemistry matters. Guessing doesn't.""Painting a pool isn't hard. Knowing when not to paint—that's what separates a guy with a roller from a pool professional."Featured SponsorsBlu-Ray XLReduce chemical usage, lower labor costs, and improve profitability with Blu-Ray XL's mineral purification technology for pool professionals. Jacks MagicProfessional stain identification, removal, and prevention products trusted throughout the pool industry. AquaStar Pool ProductsLearn about AquaStar's innovative Pipeline cartridge filters featuring NSF-tested performance and simplified maintenance. Service Industry NewsStay informed with nationwide pool and spa industry news, technical articles, and the famous Horror File. Subscribe free at Service Industry News. Listen If You... Paint or recoat swimming pools  Service painted pools  Investigate coating failures  Work with commercial aquatic facilities  Want to better understand adhesion and coating science  Enjoy deep technical discussions presented in plain English  Like your pool education served with a healthy dose of Gen X sarcasm Connect With Talking PoolsQuestions about coatings, chemistry, troubleshooting, or a future podcast topic?

Original Air Date: July 18, 2026 Episode Number: 468Episode SummarySome exterior surfaces are one-way doors. You can paint them -- but once you do, something changes permanently, or close enough to it that you should know what you're signing up for before you start. Dan opens with a story about a pair of jeans he turned into extremely short shorts without measuring first, and uses it to frame a conversation about five exterior surfaces where the same logic applies: brick, foundation, natural stone, decks, and vinyl siding.Timestamps[00:00] -- Points of No Return[00:56] -- Jorts Origin Story[02:31] -- Cut Once, Regret[06:06] -- Neighbor Catches You[07:30] -- Painting One-Way Doors[10:40] -- Brick Painting Reality[14:03] -- Brick Breathability and Options[15:17] -- Foundation Paint Tradeoffs[17:00] -- Moisture and Cracks Warning[18:54] -- Natural Stone Teaser[19:38] -- Natural Stone Risks[21:33] -- Updating Dated Stone[22:40] -- Resale Impact Warning[24:04] -- Why Deck Paint Fails[25:18] -- Stain vs. Paint[27:32] -- Removing Deck Paint[28:57] -- Vinyl Siding Setup[31:58] -- Color, Heat, and Warping[35:04] -- Vinyl Safe Colors[36:41] -- Best Practice Checklist[37:28] -- Get Expert Help[38:21] -- Car Show Wrap UpThe Jorts Story [00:56]Dan had a pair of blown-out jeans he decided to cut into work shorts. He eyeballed the cut instead of measuring. Part of his brain told him not to. He ignored it. The resulting shorts were dramatically too short -- Daisy Dukes, his word -- and he wore them up a ladder in the backyard because there was no other option. His neighbor appeared, smirked, and delivered the full measure-twice-cut-once speech. No photos exist.Brick [10:40]Painted brick is permanent for all practical purposes. Stripping paint off brick is expensive and usually damages the face. That means when you paint brick, you're not just picking a color -- you're becoming a painted brick house, likely forever.Two other things to keep in mind: you're creating maintenance that didn't exist before (a painted surface will need refreshing every 5-10 years), and you need the right product. Standard paint can trap moisture inside the masonry, and in Michigan winters, freeze-thaw cycles can cause spalling -- the face of the brick literally flaking off.For a better option, RepcoLite carries Roma Bio Limewash and Roma Bio Mineral Paint. Both are breathable and bond with the brick rather than sitting on top of it. They create a great old-world look and mostly sidestep the moisture problems. Still a point of no return, but a much lower-maintenance one.Foundation [15:17]Same logic as brick. Concrete block and poured concrete are porous and move moisture. Once you paint them, you're on a maintenance cycle. Before painting, address any efflorescence (white, fuzzy salt deposits), persistent peeling, or visible water intrusion -- paint won't fix those, it'll just cover the symptoms. And don't paint over foundation cracks without understanding what caused them. Ayers Basement Systems can evaluate for free in most cases.Natural Stone [19:38]What makes natural stone beautiful is the variation -- every piece is different, the light catches the texture differently, it has depth. Painting it covers all of that. The texture stays, but the richness is gone. Sometimes painted stone looks great. Sometimes it ends up looking a little fake. Worth thinking about before you open the can.If the stone is genuinely dated and you want to update it, a solid color is a reasonable fix -- but if you're planning to sell the house soon, be cautious. There's a portion of buyers who will see painted-over fieldstone as a problem. Since getting that paint back off is essentially the same story as brick, it's their problem too.Decks [24:04]A deck is one of the harshest environments on a property. Rain, snow, sun, foot traffic, patio furniture -- it's brutal on a film-forming coating like paint. When deck paint eventually fails, it chips, cracks, and peels, and refreshing it means scraping and sanding before you can recoat. It's a much harder maintenance cycle than most people expect going in.For most decks, a quality deck stain is a better answer. It wears out by fading, and when it's time to refresh, you clean and recoat. For decks in rough enough shape that you need solid coverage, look at WoodLux or RepcoLite WoodMaster -- both deliver an opaque look but form a thinner, more breathable coating than paint that handles the wood's expansion and contraction better.If you've already got paint on a deck and need to remove it, RepcoLite rents a floor sander that's built for the job. It's still not fun, but it's the best option available.Vinyl Siding [28:57]The point of no return here is color. Darker colors absorb more heat. If the new color you choose is significantly darker than the original vinyl color, the panels can absorb enough heat to expand beyond what they're designed for -- causing warping, buckling, or sagging. Once that happens, it's permanent. Repainting lighter can slow or stop it from getting worse, but won't undo what's already warped. This is not rare. Look at houses in your neighborhood and you'll find examples.Benjamin Moore has a collection of about 75 vinyl safe colors formulated with pigments that reflect more infrared heat, so a darker-looking color doesn't absorb heat the same way a standard formula would. These are a real step forward -- but they're not a blank check. The quality and thickness of your vinyl, your sun exposure, and whether you're using the right paint product all factor in. Vinyl safe colors are intended for use in Regal Select, Aura, or Element Guard specifically.Dan's checklist: check your vinyl manufacturer's repainting recommendations, use a Benjamin Moore vinyl safe color, use it in Regal Select, Aura, or Element Guard, and don't push dramatically darker than the original color if you can help it.Bottom Line [37:28]For any of these surfaces, stop into any RepcoLite before you start. Bring pictures, bring samples, bring whatever you've got. The staff can help you work through the right product, the right color, and the right approach so you're not finding out what you didn't know on the back end of a project you can't undo.EventsCar show at Lakewood RepcoLite -- July 18, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Classic cars, trucks, motorcycles, and the Corvette Club. Free admission, Hudsonville ice cream while it lasts. Some construction out front but you can get through. Dan will be there.Products MentionedRoma Bio Limewash -- Breathable masonry finish for brick; available at RepcoLiteRoma Bio Mineral Paint -- Breathable mineral-based option for brick; available at RepcoLiteAyers Basement Systems -- Foundation crack evaluation (typically free)WoodLux -- Solid color deck stain; available at RepcoLiteRepcoLite WoodMaster -- Solid color deck stain; available at RepcoLiteRepcoLite floor sander rental -- For removing deck paint; ask in storeBenjamin Moore vinyl safe color collection -- ~75 colors formulated for vinyl siding; available at RepcoLiteBenjamin Moore Regal Select, Aura, Element Guard -- Products where vinyl safe formulations are availableFind the ShowEpisodes available anytime at repcolite.com -- click the On the Radio tab.Home In Progress | RepcoLite Paints | Sponsored by Benjamin Moore

Over the last decade of living in Iceland, I've taken numerous solo trips around the country, including several solo camper van adventures. My very first solo camper van trip was a two-week Ring Road journey in May 2022, and it taught me more than I ever expected. I was excited, nervous, anxious, and completely ready to see what Iceland would feel like on my own. Since then, I've helped countless travelers plan their Iceland adventures through private consultations, and I've noticed the same questions and concerns come up repeatedly for people considering solo camper van travel. Whether you’re planning your first solo trip or simply looking for practical advice, these are 21 of my biggest lessons, mistakes, tips, and honest thoughts after years of exploring Iceland on my own. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vVLaVg5G618 The 21 Tips I Share About Taking a Solo Camper Van Trip in Iceland Why a Heater Is Essential in an Iceland Camper Van How to Keep Yourself and Your Belongings Safe The Security Mistake Most Travelers Don’t Think About Why Good Insurance Can Save You Thousands Don’t Forget a Portable Charger Learn a Few Icelandic Phrases Before You Go Master the Art of Layering for Iceland’s Weather Packing Cubes Are a Camper Van Game-Changer Choosing the Right Camper Van Size What Comes Included in Most Iceland Camper Vans Surviving Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Runs Why Water Shoes Deserve a Spot in Your Bag Bring Your Favorite Snacks From Home Not All Iceland Campsites Are Created Equal Visit Local Swimming Pools for Relaxation and Connection Cooking in a Camper Van Is Better Than You Think How to Avoid Expensive Speeding Tickets Check Weather and Road Conditions Every Day Exploring Iceland’s Highlands as a Solo Traveler Where You Can (and Can’t) Camp in Iceland Why Solo Travel in Iceland Is Truly Transformative Resources for Planning Your Iceland Camper Van Trip The Ultimate Packing Checklist for Iceland  Iceland Discount Code Bundle – save loads while exploring Iceland The Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Iceland Private Iceland Trip Consultations 1. Rent a Camper Van with a Heater Even during summer, Iceland can get surprisingly cold at night. A heater can make the difference between a miserable night and a comfortable one. I personally use the Go Lite Camper from Go Campers, and I run the heater almost every trip, even in July and August. Since you’re traveling alone, you don’t have another person helping generate body heat inside the van, so staying warm becomes even more important. 2. Always Lock Your Van Iceland is incredibly safe, but that doesn’t mean you should be careless. Whenever I left my van, even for a quick bathroom run, I locked it. I also locked it while sleeping at night. Most thefts are avoidable by keeping valuables out of sight and securing your vehicle properly. 3. Protect Your Personal Belongings While camper van break-ins are uncommon, pickpocketing can happen in busy tourist areas such as Reykjavík and popular Golden Circle attractions. It’s sad to say that pickpocketing has increased in recent years, so you have to be vigilant with securing your personal items in your backpacks or pockets.  Keep your bag zipped, valuables secure, and never leave important items visible.  This doesn’t happen on a massive scale in Iceland but it is happening enough that I have to talk about it. As a solo travel, you don’t have anyone else to look out for you, which can make you an easier target. 4. Get the Best Insurance You Can Afford This is one area where I recommend not cutting corners. Sand and ash protection is especially important in Iceland. Strong winds can cause serious damage to vehicles, and repairs can become very expensive if you aren’t properly covered. While this does apply to everyone who rents a car or camper van in Iceland, I feel it is very important for solo traveling because you are bearing the full cost on your own if something happens to the vehicle. Better to be protected than to be surprised with a big bill later on for damage that was not covered. Check what your credit card covers, but don’t assume it includes Iceland-specific risks.  Save Money on Your Iceland Camper Van Rental You can use my discount link to save 7% on your camper van rental with Go Campers and receive a free sleeping bag. I use their cars and campers when I travel around Iceland, and I've partnered with them for over 4 years now. The main reasons? Their customer service is amazing, and they have a wide range of vehicles to choose from. When you click on my discount link (https://www.gocampers.is/?ref=allthingsiceland), choose the dates for your travel and the 7% discount will automatically be applied. Choose a sleeping bag under the “extras” section, and the total price won't increase. And just so you know, using my link gives me a small commission at no extra cost to you. It's one of the ways you're supporting All Things Iceland and the content I create. Thank you in advance for that. 5. Bring a Portable Charger Your phone becomes your camera, GPS, communication device, and safety tool while traveling. A portable battery pack (power bank) has saved me numerous times when filming content or spending long days on trails. Plus, it is always necessary to have a charged device just in case you need to call for help, especially when traveling solo. Here is an affordable power bank option. 6. Learn a Few Icelandic Phrases Even simple phrases like: Góðan daginn (Good day) Takk fyrir (Thank you) can create meaningful interactions with locals. One of my favorite memories was chatting with a farmer in North Iceland who was genuinely excited that I was attempting to speak Icelandic. It certainly is not necessary to do this but a little goes a long way, in this instance. It was nice to be able to connect with Icelanders along the way, when I felt uop to socializing. 7. Learn How to Layer Properly Iceland’s weather changes constantly. A proper layering system should include: Moisture-wicking base layer Insulating layer Windproof and waterproof outer layer Hiking pants Sturdy boots This helps you stay comfortable without overpacking. You can find all of the essentials to pack in my free Ultimate Packing Checklist for Iceland. 8. Use Packing Cubes Packing cubes completely changed my camper van experience. Instead of digging through piles of clothes, everything stays organized and easy to find. When you’re living in a small space, even on your own, organization matters. My trip felt much more enjoyable because I could easily find clothes when I needed to, so I could continue on my adventure. These packing cubes are great! 9. Choose the Right Size Camper Van In my opinion, the size of your camper van does matter. Just because you are one person, doesn’t mean that the smallest size is the most suitable. I personally prefer a mid-sized camper van because it offers enough space to be comfortable while remaining easy to drive and park. I absolutely loved the ability to convert the bed into a table is especially useful during bad weather. It is work to make the conversion but it is totally doable as a solo traveler. 10. Know What Equipment Comes with Your Van Many camper vans already come with many things you need. The Go Lite Camper  that I frequently used and the other camper vans from Go Campers include: Portable stove Pots and pans Plates and utensils Electric cooler Running water sink Knowing what’s already included prevents unnecessary packing, and makes your solo traveling experience much easier. 11. Prepare for Cold Middle-of-the-Night Bathroom Runs This might be the least glamorous part of camper van life. I dreaded getting out of the van in the middle of the night to use the bathroom but I couldn’t avoid it. For those who don’t know, summer in Iceland can mean a high of 60 degrees Fahrenheit. The evenings are normally chillier, so I figured out a strategy that works for me when it comes to these late night bathroom runs. Being warm and cozy inside your sleeping bag makes those late-night bathroom trips feel much harder. My solution: Park close to the bathroom Keep shoes near the door Have a sweater ready Bring your keys and phone I always locked my van when I left it, even in the middle of the night. Once, I got back in the van, I locked it again, because it made me feel secure knowing no one can get in the van while I slept. 12. Pack Water Shoes I learned this lesson the hard way. While visiting a hot spring in the Westfjords, I slipped and cut my toe. That was in the beginning of my first solo travel journey, and it sucked! It is not fun for that to happen, in general, but as a solo traveler, I was the only one there to take care of me. Yes, accidents can happen but some can be avoided. Bringing water shoes is added in protection from the elements, especially in natural hot springs. Water shoes provide: Better grip Foot protection Added safety at natural hot springs They’re now a permanent part of my packing list. Here are some water shoes that work well for Iceland. 13. Bring Your Favorite Snacks Travel fatigue is real. As a solo traveler, you are the only one making all of the decisions, cooking all the meals, doing the driving, and so on. Sometimes, you are too tired to make a full meal and if the weather is acting up, you might be in your van for a while. Having familiar snacks helps when you’re tired, hungry, or simply don’t feel like making another decision. Some of my favorites include: Protein bars Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches Instant meals – like Ramen Trail mix These were life savers during or after a long drive when I didn’t have the energy or time to cook a full meal. 14. Research Campsites in Iceland Before You Go Not all campsites are equal in Iceland. Some offer: Hot showers Laundry facilities Kitchens Electricity Amazing views Others provide only the basics in Iceland, and the price can still be the same! I like to use tjalda.is to search for camp sites all over Iceland that have the amenities that I want. If I found one that suited my needs, like a shower and laundry facilities, I would look up the Google Reviews for the place to see what others have said about it. Sometimes, I was willing to stay at a basic campsite because of its proximity to the attraction I was going to next, but I at least knew before I arrived that it was a basic campsite. It’s also helpful to know that in summer, all campsites in Iceland are open, but during fall, winter, and spring A little research ahead of time can significantly improve your trip, and help you manage expectations. 15. Use Local Swimming Pools to interact with Icelanders Because almost every town, even really small ones, have a  swimming pool in Iceland, there are over 100 of them to choose from.  They are fantastic places to: Relax Shower Meet locals Enjoy hot tubs and saunas They’re also one of the most authentic Icelandic experiences you can have. Whether you feel like socializing or just having a relaxing soak, add some local swimming pools to your itinerary. 16. Cooking in Your Camper Van Is Surprisingly Cozy One of my favorite discoveries was how enjoyable it is to cook inside the camper van during rainy or very windy weather. It’s comfortable, practical, and often much cheaper than eating out every day. Plus, in the Go Lite camper, there are vents in the ceiling and it is easy to open the doors for ventilation  17. Watch Your Speed or Potentially Bust Your Budget Iceland takes speeding seriously. Fines can be extremely expensive. I’ve heard of travelers paying: $500 or even over $900 As a solo traveler, those type of fines can completely bust your budget. Since that is totally avoidable, stick to the speed limits and enjoy the scenery instead. 18. Check Weather and Road Conditions Daily Conditions can change dramatically across Iceland, even within the same day. I remember driving in an area with blue skies and a completely clear road to then encounter snow on the road and cloud coverage. That all happened within an hour in East Iceland. Granted, I was driving higher up in elevation, but those conditions are entirely possible in Iceland. You can be prepared for them by checking the weather ahead of time. My go-to resources before heading out for the day in Iceland are: SafeTravel.is Road.is 19. Be Careful When Exploring the Highlands Solo The Highlands are incredible, but they require extra preparation. There are many places in the highlands that are not great for solo travel because the roads are intense due to deep river crossings. If you’re new to Highland driving, a beginner-friendly area I highly recommend is Hveradalir geothermal area in the Kerlingarfjöll mountain range. I have been there many times and it’s an incredibly beautiful place. The road can get a little rough but it doesn’t require a river crossing, which is a big relief for anyone traveling there. Before going there, make sure your camper van is approved and insured for driving on F-roads. 20. Camp Only at Designated Campsites Wild camping with a camper van is not allowed in Iceland. Following the rules helps protect Iceland’s nature and avoids costly fines. You must stay at an official campsites. I think this an especially positive law for solo travelers because you are at a spot where others are around in case you need help, it is safe, and there are facilities around for you to use. As I mentioned in #14, not all campsites in Iceland are created equal, so please do your research on which campsite suits you before going there. You normally do not need to pre-book a campsite. However, I highly recommend doing so, if you plan to camp during two occasions in Iceland. The first is Versulnarmannahelgi (Shop Keeper’s weekend). It’s always the weekend that includes the first Monday in August. During that weekend, many Icelanders go camping around the country, so the popular campsites get booked up. The second occasion is specific to 2026, which is the Total Solar Eclipse on August 12th. The prices for hotels and accommodations are thousands of dollars per night. Even camper van prices have increased for that week due to demand. It is worth booking campsites for at least the 11th and 12th. 21. Solo Travel in Iceland Is Truly Transformative This might be the most important lesson of all. Traveling alone gives you space to think, reflect, and experience Iceland at your own pace. Some of my favorite memories are simply standing in nature, listening to the wind, watching the landscape, and appreciating the freedom that comes with solo travel. It’s not always comfortable, but it is incredibly rewarding. Resources for Planning Your Iceland Camper Van Trip If you’re planning your own adventure around Iceland, these free resources can help: Ultimate Iceland Packing Checklist Know exactly what to pack for every season. Iceland Discount Code Bundle Save money on: Camper vans Car rentals Tours Activities Accommodations Iceland Car Rental Guide Learn about: Road signs Driving rules Insurance Road conditions Common mistakes visitors make Need Personalized Help? I also offer a limited number of private trip consultations where I help travelers create an itinerary, choose the right route, and maximize their time in Iceland. Happy travels, and I hope your solo Iceland adventure is as memorable as mine has been. Random Fact of the Epiosde During one of my camper van trips, I actually got stuck in the mud and had to get help getting out. Thankfully, someone kind helped because rescue services in Iceland can sometimes cost close to $1,000 depending on the situation. Icelandic Word of the Episode Húsbíll – camper van Hús means House in Icelandic and bíll means car, so it is literally a house car. Share this with a Friend Facebook Pinterest Threads Email Let’s Be Social Youtube Instagram Tiktok Facebook Þakka þér kærlega fyrir að hlusta og sjáumst fljótlega. Thank you for listening and see you soon.

On this episode of the Moisture fest we welcome in Paul Magid. This is the first part of a three part conversation with this new vaudeville Pioneer. We discuss Paul's early life and learn about the origins of one of the most successful variety acts ever, The Flying Karamozov Brothers. In this conversation, we discuss the early years of the group and learn a bit about Paul's writing style. A wonderful conversation with one of the most prolific variety acts ever.

Sources: President Trump will sign EO shrinking size of controversial Utah monuments A new opponent emerges in fight against data centers President Trump says U.S. Navy blockade on Strait of Hormuz will go back into effect New York Times say DOJ has subpoenaed reporters over Air Force One reporting Sen. Graham's death contributing to a changing Congress Ask the Attorney: KSL legal analyst answers listener questions on Robinson preliminary hearing Bison attacks visitor at Yellowstone National Park

Did you make it through the record-breaking heat over the weekend? Here in Salt Lake City, we shattered the all-time high of 107… topping out at 109° Fahrenheit. We're set to see a bit of a cool-down over the next few days, with more and more monsoonal moisture in the forecast. But the dry heat this weekend contributed to more fire growth in the state and the incoming rain could cause some serious flooding. July heat wave -- KSL Meteorologist Matt Johnson joins Inside Sources with special coverage of the weather.

In the latest episode of Public Power Now, Barry Johnson, a Fire Mitigation Specialist at Arizona public power utility Salt River Project, discusses SRP's recent announcement that it is working with Northern Arizona University to install new wireless moisture sensors designed by a company called Growvera to improve how wildfire risk is monitored in the Tonto National Forest in Arizona. The pilot project is testing new technology from Growvera that enables continuous, real-time tracking of forest fuel and soil moisture conditions.This episode is brought to you by Caterpillar Energy Services. Energy costs are rising -- and municipalities are feeling the pressure to do more with less. Cat AMP from Caterpillar Energy Services gives utilities and communities a powerful way forward.

Drought still has the Four Corners in its fiery grip, but forecasters are hopeful that a good monsoon season may be coming.

Join Kurt as he gives his yearly "PSA" message about using hot air dryers to remove surface moisture on your plastic pellets.Find Simcoe Plastics Ltd. on Facebook and Instagram.Find "That Plastics Guy" on Linked-In and YouTube.Find Kurt Stahle on Linked-In as well.Subscribe to our newsletter at www.simcoeplastics.comAll links here  https://linktr.ee/kurt_stahle

In this episode, Bryan sits down with compressor teardown specialist Ty Branaman for a deep dive into what really kills refrigeration and AC compressors. After some lighthearted banter, the conversation quickly turns technical: Ty has spent years cutting apart failed compressors on video, and he explains why that practice matters so much. As he puts it, he is "all about making the invisible visible" — once a technician actually sees what happened inside a dead compressor, vague explanations like "it just got old" stop holding up. Bryan and Ty establish that a properly maintained compressor should essentially last forever, since it is a sealed system with no external contaminants — unlike an engine. The catch is that installation and service mistakes introduce the very contaminants that shorten its life. Copper plating tops Ty's list of the most common findings: moisture combines with POE oil to form acid, which etches copper that then plates onto moving parts, thickening them and eventually causing hard starts that get mistaken for a "tired" compressor. They also trace how a shorted or seized compressor is usually the end result of an earlier root cause, not the cause itself. The two work through the major categories of contamination one by one: solid debris from unswept lines and copper shavings left behind during deburring; moisture, which requires a proper pressure test, deep vacuum, and decay test to remove, plus heat to actually drive water molecules out; and non-condensable gases like oxygen and nitrogen, which throw off pressure readings and, with flammable A2L refrigerants, introduce real fire risk. Ty shares a memorable story about a compressor shell that ripped open after being left pressurized with nitrogen, and both discuss the surprisingly common problem of "wet" nitrogen and poorly maintained recovery tanks. The conversation closes on flooded starts — a hazard Ty considers hugely overlooked — where migrated liquid refrigerant mixes with crankcase oil and violently flashes to vapor on startup, often shattering scroll plates. They cover practical prevention methods, including crankcase heaters, pump-down solenoids placed ahead of the metering device, and reduced refrigerant charges, before wrapping up with Ty's quick field technique for cutting the top off a failed compressor to get an on-the-spot diagnosis rather than waiting on a full teardown back at the shop. Topics Covered Why compressors fail from external contamination rather than simply "wearing out" Copper plating as the most frequently found problem inside failed compressors Solid contaminants: dirt, copper shavings, and proper deburring technique Moisture control: pressure testing, deep vacuum, decay testing, and heat-assisted evacuation Wet nitrogen and poorly maintained recovery tanks Oxygen and nitrogen contamination, including flammability risks with A2L refrigerants Flooded starts, crankcase heaters, and pump-down solenoids Superheat measured at the compressor versus at the evaporator outlet Ty's quick-cut technique for on-the-spot compressor diagnosis in the field   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 8th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

Picture this: two old pals, Eric and William, catching up over a podcast about all things tile prep and the magic of American manufacturing. In this episode of the Made in America 250 special, we dive deep into the world of Ardex Americas and the fascinating products they whip up right here in the good ol' USA. William White, the tile guru from Ardex, brings his expertise to the table, sharing insights that go beyond just laying tiles. We discuss the importance of substrate prep, how moisture can wreak havoc on your flooring dreams, and why the right adhesive can be the unsung hero of a flawless installation. It's not just about slapping some tiles on a floor; it's a whole science! From the bustling manufacturing facilities across the country to the nitty-gritty details of modern installation techniques, this episode is packed with golden nuggets of wisdom. Plus, we sprinkle in some humor because, let's face it, who doesn't love a good laugh while learning about grout? So, whether you're a DIY warrior or just curious about what goes into those gorgeous floors, this chat with William is a must-listen!Takeaways:William White from Ardex Americas emphasizes the importance of proper tile prep to ensure successful installations, as every job can present unique challenges.The podcast highlights Ardex's commitment to manufacturing products in the USA, which not only supports local jobs but also allows better quality control.Moisture management in tile installations is crucial, especially as materials evolve; Ardex offers innovative solutions to tackle moisture issues effectively.Training contractors through Ardex Academy is essential, as it helps professionals stay updated with the latest technologies and installation techniques for better results.The conversation dives into the technical expertise behind Ardex products, showcasing how their innovations can simplify complex installations and reduce callbacks.A strong relationship between manufacturers, distributors, and contractors is vital for success in the industry, creating a collaborative environment for growth.Companies mentioned in this episode:Ardex AmericasThanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.Mentioned in this episode:Whether you're camping, tailgating, or running backup power near the RV, weather can change fast. A generator still needs to run outside, but rain and snow can put your power plan at risk. GenTent helps protect your portable generator while it's running, without blocking airflow or access to controls. Keep your power ready for the trip, no matter the weather. Visit gentent.com/ericg.Gentent 2026Check out the smartest hardware with Baldwin Baldwin Hardware, known for its luxurious solid brass craftsmanship, has partnered with Level, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand that combines advanced technology with timeless design. This collaboration pairs Baldwin's iconic style with Level's innovative engineering—featuring a hidden battery housed within the bolt— to set a new standard in secure, stylish, smart-living.Baldwin Hardware Love Around the House? Leave Us a 5-Star Review — Here's Why It MattersProducer Jim steps up to the mic with one quick ask: if Around the House with Eric G has ever helped you tackle a remodel, dodge a contractor nightmare, or just make smarter decisions about your home, take 30 seconds and leave the show a rating and review on your favorite podcast player. Reviews are the number one way new listeners discover the show — and they keep the free home improvement advice from Eric G coming every single week. Open Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen, tap five stars, and tell us about your favorite episode or your latest project. Rate it, review it, and share it with a friend or neighbor who's got a project on the horizon. Thanks for being part of the Around the House community!Evolve Stone We tell the story of Evolve Stone and how they are made in the USA. To listen to the complete episode: https://player.captivate.fm/episode/ef96f15d-b960-44a8-9522-1c3fa56c7cb7/ To find out more and order your free samples with promo code ATH26 head to EvolveStone.com Evolve Stone

In this episode of The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, Dr. Dwain Bunting from Barentz Animal Nutrition North America discusses how summer humidity affects the stability of potassium carbonate, mineral buffers, and dairy concentrate mixes. He explains ingredient reactivity, moisture risks, formulation considerations, and practical strategies to improve mix stability during periods of hot, humid weather. Listen now on all major platforms!"Summer humidity raises the reactivity of potassium carbonate and mineral buffers, making chemical stability a serious concern inside dairy concentrate mixtures during the hottest months."Meet the guest: Dr. Dwain Bunting is a ruminant nutritionist with more than 27 years of industry and academic experience across dairy and beef systems. He holds a PhD in Nutrition and Biochemistry and has worked in research, teaching, product development, and global technical support roles. Currently serving as a Technical Service Dairy Nutritionist at Barentz Animal Nutrition North America, he focuses on applied dairy nutrition and formulation strategies. Listen to Dr. Dwain Bunting on The Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast, available on all major platforms.Liked this one? Don't stop now — Here's what we think you'll love!Dr. Dwain Bunting: DCAD And Palatability | Ep. 121Dr. Frank Delfino: Potassium Strategies & Heat Stress | Ep. 132What will you learn: (00:00) Highlight(01:42) Introduction(02:17) Summer humidity(04:24) Mineral risks(06:26) Potassium buffers(07:41) Moisture control(08:42) Summer caution(09:32) Closing thoughtsThe Dairy Nutrition Blackbelt Podcast is trusted and supported by the innovative companies:* Barentz* Adisseo* Fortiva* Kemin* Vetagro- DietForge- Esmilco Inc.- Virtus Nutrition

This time in Strangerville, Eli needs to stop reading reviews of his book Stitched online because they are stressing him out, Meg likes to text her body parts to Eli's husband allegedly for medical reasons, and two stories about Skylar's dermatology residency.StoryDermatology, by Eli McCannProduction by Eli McCann and Meg WalterJoin our Patreon!Find Eli's book We're Thankful for the Moisture and novel STITCHED.

On this episode of The Moisture Festival Podcast, we welcome Keara Scannell of Tumbleweed Circus. We talk about her upbringing skating in her parents' shop, where the name Tumbleweed came from, and how she turned those early influences into a one-of-a-kind career. Keara shares her journey to becoming a performer and how having a broken ankle early on didn’t stop her.  She also tells us who belongs on her Mt. Rushmore of trick roping. It's a great conversation with a multifaceted variety artist.

A hard wheat year can still teach Oklahoma producers something useful about risk, timing, and variety decisions. In this episode of the Red Dirt Agronomy Podcast, Dave Deken, Brian Arnall Ph.D., and Josh Lofton Ph.D. talk with Amanda Silva Ph.D., Oklahoma State University Extension small grains specialist, about the 2026 Oklahoma wheat crop. They discuss drought stress, scattered rainfall, early crop development, planting date decisions, test weight, wheat streak mosaic virus, and what variety trials can still tell farmers in a difficult year. Key takeaways: Rain timing drove much of the difference between fields, even within the same county. Earlier crop development, warm winter conditions, and a cooler grain-fill period shaped yield and test weight outcomes. Planting date can be used as a risk-management tool, especially when paired with different maturity groups. Wheat variety trials are still valuable in stressful years, but researchers must carefully judge data quality, CV, blocks, and field variability. OSU research continues on late-planted wheat, seeding rates, nitrogen management, forage production, coleoptile length, and deeper planting to chase moisture. Detailed timestamped rundown 00:00–02:14 — Intro and setup Dave opens Episode 514 by framing the conversation around the Oklahoma wheat crop and why a hard year can still shape decisions for future crops. He also promotes the Summer Crop Demo Day near Chickasha and introduces Brian Arnall Ph.D., Josh Lofton Ph.D., and guest Amanda Silva Ph.D.02:17–06:19 — Field-tour context and statewide wheat observations The group talks about seeing wheat across Oklahoma through field tours, Oklahoma Wheat Commission work, and research stops from Apache and Greenfield to the Panhandle and northeast Oklahoma. Dave notes how seeing the crop in person gave a fuller picture than just looking at numbers.06:27–09:10 — A hard, variable wheat season Silva describes the season as one of the hardest since she started at OSU. She explains that southwest and western Oklahoma were especially rough, while some locations saw enough rain to produce pockets of better wheat. Rainfall patterns created major differences, even between fields in the same county.09:11–12:02 — Stand establishment, planting timing, and grain fill Josh compares the wheat variability to what he saw in canola. Silva and Arnall discuss how some locations benefited from earlier establishment, while others struggled with stands and canopy closure. Cooler weather during grain fill likely helped preserve some grain quality and test weight.12:04–15:17 — Why wheat matured early Arnall asks why wheat was running ahead of schedule across a broad region. Silva points to warm late-winter and early-spring temperatures that moved the crop through growth stages quickly. The group also compares how those conditions affected canola and freeze risk.15:17–17:40 — The critical period for yield Silva explains that the jointing-to-flowering period is especially important because key yield components are being set. Moisture or stress during that window can strongly shape final yield.17:45–20:35 — Diversifying planting dates Arnall raises the idea of spreading planting dates as another form of risk management. Silva agrees that stacking planting dates could help, especially when combined with different variety maturities. She clarifies that “early” for grain-only wheat may still mean mid-October, not September.20:36–23:53 — Dusting in wheat and chasing moisture Dave asks when dusting in becomes worth the risk. Silva explains that farmers and researchers both have acreage and time constraints, and sometimes planting dry is a practical choice. The group also discusses deeper planting, coleoptile length, and whether Oklahoma could learn from dryland systems in the Pacific Northwest and Australia.23:54–28:13 — How much water does wheat really need? Dave asks whether researchers can determine a minimum moisture requirement for wheat in a controlled setting. Arnall and Lofton explain why lab or pot-study answers do not always translate well to field decisions because soil, temperature, humidity, wind, rooting environment, and other factors change the outcome.29:09–32:19 — Silva's research program Silva outlines current OSU wheat work, including planting date, variety maturity, nitrogen management in late-planted wheat, seeding rates, forage response, grazing recovery, nitrogen uptake, protein, and nitrogen-use efficiency. She notes new forage-focused seeding-rate work at El Reno and possibly Chickasha.32:20–36:47 — Variety trials and disease pressure The group discusses OSU's wheat variety trial network, the number of varieties being evaluated, and the inclusion of irrigated wheat work in the Panhandle. Silva notes wheat streak mosaic virus pressure in irrigated plots and explains that water alone does not remove the impact of disease.36:48–45:45 — How researchers judge trial data Arnall asks Silva and Lofton to explain how they decide whether trial data is trustworthy. They discuss CV, blocks, reps, averages, plot-by-plot review, field notes, drone imagery, canopy gaps, and the challenge of publishing fair comparisons when field variability is high.45:46–49:10 — Lessons from a stressful wheat year Silva's big takeaway is the resilience of wheat and Oklahoma producers. The group points out that hard “scientist years” can reveal useful information about stress tolerance, variety response, and management, even when they are not the years producers hope for. RedDirtAgronomy.com

We have several problems, Neighbor--and all of them involve moisture. Cooincidence?! We think not! THEN: The Peaches learned a new term, and it will either help you become a better comedian or drive you crazy. Proceed with caution. LATER: John shares a story about when he realized his bi-polar father was losing touch with reality. But, on the plus side, he almost became the heir of an Aloe Vera Farm! Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com and let us know if you tend to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist.

We have several problems, Neighbor--and all of them involve moisture. Cooincidence?! We think not! THEN: The Peaches learned a new term, and it will either help you become a better comedian or drive you crazy. Proceed with caution. LATER: John shares a story about when he realized his bi-polar father was losing touch with reality. But, on the plus side, he almost became the heir of an Aloe Vera Farm! Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com and let us know if you tend to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist.

We have several problems, Neighbor--and all of them involve moisture. Cooincidence?! We think not! THEN: The Peaches learned a new term, and it will either help you become a better comedian or drive you crazy. Proceed with caution. LATER: John shares a story about when he realized his bi-polar father was losing touch with reality. But, on the plus side, he almost became the heir of an Aloe Vera Farm! Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com and let us know if you tend to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist.

We have several problems, Neighbor--and all of them involve moisture. Cooincidence?! We think not! THEN: The Peaches learned a new term, and it will either help you become a better comedian or drive you crazy. Proceed with caution. LATER: John shares a story about when he realized his bi-polar father was losing touch with reality. But, on the plus side, he almost became the heir of an Aloe Vera Farm! Contact the Comedian's family at nextdoor@johnbranyan.com and let us know if you tend to be a bit of a conspiracy theorist.

The rain begins unexpectedly as you walk through the forest. What starts as a few scattered drops soon becomes a gentle shower, carrying the fresh scent of damp earth through the woodland. Ahead, a large tree spreads its branches wide, offering a welcome refuge. From here, the weather feels different. Moisture filters through the layers of leaves overhead, creating a soft pattern of sound that mingles with the woods' quiet atmosphere. Beyond the branches, distant birds call. Many people find natural soundscapes calming because they offer a steady acoustic backdrop that can mask distractions and encourage a slower, quieter state of mind. Beneath the sheltering branches, there is no destination to reach and no schedule to follow—only the forest's soothing presence and the passage of time. Download the Your Sleep Guru™ app for exclusive guided meditations, sleep stories, nature soundscapes, courses, and bonus episodes, all in one ad-free place. Creating these sleep stories and soundscapes is truly a labour of love. If you'd like to support the podcast with a donation, you can do so here: https://www.paypal.com/ncp/payment/S9D8B33QVSJJU Your kindness helps me continue creating new episodes and bringing more peaceful places from around the world to your ears. If you enjoy the podcast, please consider following, rating, reviewing, or sharing an episode with someone who could use a better night's sleep. Every bit of support helps this independent podcast reach more listeners. Thank you so much for listening! Sweet dreams.

Hardwood flooring may seem like a straightforward topic, but as Eric G sits down with Kelly Ragalie Titus Regalie from Treadline Construction, we dive deep into the nuances that make it anything but simple. From the distinct charm of hardwood to the potential disasters of DIY refinishing, this episode is a feast of knowledge for homeowners and DIY enthusiasts alike. We kick things off by discussing the common fears surrounding flooring; it's not just about picking a pretty wood and slapping it down. Oh no, the devil is in the details! Kelly and Titus shed light on the craftsmanship that goes into proper installation and maintenance, revealing the shocking truths behind those “easy” home improvement projects that often turn into epic fails. Ever tried sanding your floor and ended up with something that looks like a wave pool? Yeah, we've all been there. So, what's the secret sauce for a flawless finish? We explore different types of finishes, their pros and cons, and how the right choice can make all the difference. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a weekend warrior, this episode offers a treasure trove of tips to ensure your hardwood floors not only look fabulous but stand the test of time. Trust me, you'll want to take notes!Takeaways:Hardwood flooring isn't just a weekend project; it requires technical finesse and knowledge.Choosing the right finish can drastically affect the durability and look of your hardwood floors.Moisture levels in your home can make or break your hardwood flooring experience, so keep them in check!It's critical to choose the right type of flooring based on your lifestyle, especially if you have pets or kids.Old floors can have hidden surprises like asbestos or tar mastic; always test before you start sanding!Pre-finished versus site-finished hardwood: it's not just about looks, but longevity and maintainability too.Companies mentioned in this episode:Treadline HardwoodHome DepotTreadline Construction https://treadlineconstruction.com/Thanks for listening to Around the house if you want to hear more please subscribe so you get notified of the latest episode as it posts at https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/listenIf you want to join the Around the House Insider for access to the back catalog, Exclusive Content and a direct email to Eric G and access to the show early https://around-the-house-with-e.captivate.fm/support We love comments and we would love reviews on how this information has helped you on your house! Thanks for listening! For more information about the show head to https://aroundthehouseonline.com/Information given on the Around the House Show should not be considered construction or design advice for your specific project, nor is it intended to replace consulting at your home or jobsite by a building professional. The views and opinions expressed by those interviewed on the podcast are those of the guests and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the Around the House Show.Mentioned in this episode:Around the House 2026 YouTube! Make sure and Subscribe to our YouTube page! Around the House YouTube Take a second and leave us a review on your favorite podcast player! Quick favor—if you're enjoying the show, the absolute best way you can support us is by leaving a quick review on your favorite podcast player. Around the House 2026 YouTube! Make sure and Subscribe to our YouTube page! Around the House YouTube Gentent Generator Giveaway 2026Summer storms can knock out your power for days — but not if you win this incredible generator package from our friends at GenTent and Westinghouse! NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. Enter now for your chance to win a Westinghouse 6,500-watt dual-fuel portable generator with CO sensor, plus a full GenTent Safety Canopy kit, clear apron, storage bag, and 30-amp extension cord — total value over $1,900! Open to legal residents of the 48 contiguous United States and DC, 18 and older. Go to AroundTheHouseOnline.com or www.gentent.com/giveaway for full official rules and to enter today. Sweepstakes ends July 13th. Enter now — stay powered up with Around the House!Generator Giveaway Made by Contractors for Contractors check out Instabid.pro Turn 3 hours of manual estimating into 5 minutes. Real material prices. Real labor rates. Professional PDF quotes delivered instantly. To find out more head to https://instabid.pro/ InstabidWhether you're camping, tailgating, or running backup power near the RV, weather can change fast. A generator still needs to run outside, but rain and snow can put your power plan at risk. GenTent helps protect your portable generator while it's running, without blocking airflow or access to controls. Keep your power ready for the trip, no matter the weather. Visit gentent.com/ericg.Gentent 2026Check out the smartest hardware with Baldwin Baldwin Hardware, known for its luxurious solid brass craftsmanship, has partnered with Level, an ASSA ABLOY Group brand that combines advanced technology with timeless design. This collaboration pairs Baldwin's iconic style with Level's innovative engineering—featuring a hidden battery housed within the bolt— to set a new standard in secure, stylish, smart-living.Baldwin Hardware Subscribe to the podcast Make sure and Subscribe on your favorite podcast player or the link below! 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Oklahoma summer crops may look smaller than usual, but that does not automatically mean yield potential is gone. Dave Deken talks with Brian Arnall Ph.D. and Josh Lofton Ph.D. about how timely June rains, cooler temperatures, and still-uncertain July weather are shaping corn, soybeans, grain sorghum, hay, and double crop decisions across the Southern Plains. The conversation covers why smaller soybeans can sometimes offer better yield stability in dryland Oklahoma, what corn needs during pollination, how growers are thinking about double crop acres after an early wheat harvest, and where fertilizer dollars may be best spent with current nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and lime prices. Brian also shares lessons from Brazilian row crop systems, and the team previews a hands-on OSU Extension summer crop field day in Chickasha. Key takeaways June rain changed the summer crop outlook. After a dry start, many Oklahoma fields caught enough rain to germinate and carry crops forward. Smaller crops are not automatically bad. In dryland Oklahoma, shorter soybeans and sorghum may use less water and hold up better if July turns hot and dry. Corn is in a critical window. Cooler temperatures in the 70s and 80s could help early planted corn during pollination. Soybeans are already moving. Some April-planted soybeans are flowering, but wide-row fields that have not canopied may face more weed pressure. Double crop decisions remain complicated. Moisture is favorable in places, but prices, risk, and plans for next wheat crop are slowing some decisions. Some growers may invest in existing acres first. Instead of adding more double crop acres, producers may spend fertility dollars on full-season corn, sorghum, or soybeans. Hay and forage acres may increase. Hay grazer could see more interest as producers rebuild hay supplies for winter. Potassium and lime may deserve attention. Brian points to K and lime as places to invest where soil tests show a need, while staying cautious on expensive N and P. Fertilizer markets are global. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potash prices are being shaped by international demand, freight, geopolitics, and timing. Brazil offers useful contrasts. Brian's trip highlighted major differences in soils, rainfall, row crop systems, planter setup, fertility, and crop disease pressure. Detailed timestamped rundown 00:00–01:43 — Episode setup and introductions Dave introduces episode 513 and frames the discussion around moisture, cooler weather, wheat harvest, summer planting, and what has changed across the Southern Great Plains.01:48–04:55 — Weather whiplash and wet wheat harvest areas The group jokes about June feeling like winter and discusses wet conditions in northeastern Oklahoma, including areas where wheat harvest had been delayed by repeated rainfall.04:55–07:18 — “Weird things called rain” Josh explains that after a very dry early spring, rain finally arrived. Instead of one big soaking event in many areas, crops benefited from more spread-out rainfall.07:18–09:37 — Double crop decisions and crop progress The group discusses wheat coming off, double crop choices, cooler temperatures, corn approaching pollination, and early planted soybeans beginning to flower.09:37–13:10 — Josh's research projects Josh outlines current work, including crabgrass and small grain rotations, nitrogen management, forage production, soybean and sorghum herbicide work, and pigweed control research.13:10–14:16 — How research programs evolve Brian and Josh talk about how Extension research shifts through phases based on grower needs, student interests, funding, and emerging problems.14:16–17:02 — Summer crop acreage trends Josh says corn interest increased after strong performance last year, soybeans remained steadier than expected, and marketing conditions have made decisions feel like choosing the least bad option.17:02–18:40 — Early wheat harvest and double crop caution Brian notes how early wheat harvest was in some areas. Josh says some growers are considering whether to double crop or prepare ground for wheat again.18:40–19:44 — Fertility and hay grazer decisions Josh says some growers may spend money on full-season acres instead of double crop acres, while also considering lime, phosphorus, potassium, and hay grazer needs.19:45–20:55 — Bermuda grass and hay outlook Brian notes Bermuda grass started slowly because of the dry, cool start, but second cuttings may look stronger. Josh adds that eastern Oklahoma avoided some flooding problems seen in previous years.21:08–22:23 — Dry planting, then June moisture The group compares expectations at planting with current field conditions and notes that Oklahoma growers would rather have moisture in June than early growth with no rain later.22:23–24:02 — Why small crops may be okay Josh introduces the idea that smaller soybean and sorghum plants may offer yield stability in Oklahoma by lowering water demand.24:02–26:21 — Soybean height, canopy, and weed pressure Josh explains that large soybean plants can support more yield in unlimited conditions, but they also require more water. Shorter plants may protect yield if July dries out, though wide rows that have not canopied may face weed pressure.26:21–27:09 — Grain sorghum size and drought fit Josh says sorghum is smaller than recent years but is beginning to boot in some places, which may be a good fit if heat and dryness return.27:09–30:27 — Corn's narrower flexibility Brian and Josh compare soybeans, cotton, sorghum, wheat, and corn. Corn can handle cool conditions well, but it has less flexibility than indeterminate crops once it commits to yield structure.30:27–33:24 — Data behind small-crop thinking Josh explains past soybean work with plant growth regulators and crop topping. In stressful years, smaller crops protected yield; in non-limiting years, taller crops could have an advantage.33:24–36:02 — Why topping soybeans is not a recommendation Josh clarifies that physically topping soybeans is not a recommended practice. Instead, planting date, irrigation, and system fit are better levers for managing crop size.36:02–37:38 — Double crop soybeans west vs. east Josh explains that farther west, double crop soybeans can sometimes compare more favorably with full-season soybeans because shorter vegetative growth may better match moisture limitations.37:38–39:24 — Weather pattern uncertainty Dave asks about changing weather patterns. Josh says producers should not overhaul whole-farm practices based on one season, but repeated issues with overly tall crops may justify revisiting planting windows.39:24–42:03 — Wheat harvest and fertility strategy Brian says many wheat fields under-yielded and fertilizer spending was down. He recommends looking at current prices and soil needs instead of assuming last year dictates this year.42:04–47:17 — Fertilizer markets and geopolitics Brian discusses urea, phosphorus, potash, lime, international fertilizer movement, and why nitrogen prices do not respond instantly to shipping news.47:17–48:40 — Brazil's role in fertilizer demand The group discusses how Brazil's crop demand, transportation constraints, tariffs, and global trade shape fertilizer movement and pricing.48:40–52:17 — Brian's Brazil agronomy trip Brian describes visiting Pará, Brazil, where row crop systems are relatively new, soils are deep and highly weathered, rainfall is extreme, and soybean systems depend heavily on fungicide.52:17–54:06 — What Oklahoma can learn from Brazil Brian reflects on how newer production regions may be more open to ideas, while also facing unproven products and unique fertility, soil, and equipment challenges.54:06–57:27 — Chickasha Summer Crop Demo Day Brian previews the July 27 producer event at the Chickasha research station, including hands-on stops for crop staging, scouting, soil pits, irrigation, spray nozzles, nitrate testing, alfalfa, and summer crop management. The related OSU event listing describes hands-on demonstrations from soil pits to crop scouting to improve summer crop productivity.57:27–59:32 — Wrap-up The group closes with the show website, resources, and a reminder for listeners to send questions through Red Dirt Agronomy. RedDirtAgronomy.com

Send us Fan MailDr. Dave Walton from TF Voodoo joins Aaron and Peaches to break down how to actually train for rucking without wrecking your body.Dave is a retired Green Beret, doctor, rucking coach, and the brain behind TF Voodoo. In this episode, he explains why most people train for rucking wrong, why “just ruck more” is one of the fastest ways to get injured, and how to build real load carriage performance through Zone 2 cardio, strength training, progressive ruck programming, foot care, boot selection, sock selection, posture, breathing, pacing, and misery management.This episode is especially important for anyone preparing for Air Force Special Warfare, Special Forces Assessment and Selection, military selection courses, long rucks, heavy rucks, or tactical load carriage events.Dave lays out what candidates should do months before a ruck, how to build a base before adding load, why short intense rucks beat long junk-mile rucks, how to manage blisters, what to eat and drink before and during a ruck, and how to survive if you have a hard ruck coming up with limited time to prepare.Find Dave and TF Voodoo:TFVoodoo.comCheck out Tasty Gains:TastyGains.comTrain with Modern Athlete Strength Systems:OnesReady.comOperator Training Summit:OperatorTrainingSummit.comChapters:00:00 - Ones Ready Intro01:05 - Tasty Gains and Modern Athlete Strength Systems03:11 - Welcome Dr. Dave Walton from TF Voodoo03:30 - Dave's Background in Rucking and Special Forces04:00 - Why “Just Ruck More” Is Terrible Advice05:00 - The Three Parts of Rucking Performance05:53 - Fitness, Technique, and Misery Management06:39 - Start With Zone 2 Running Before Rucking07:30 - Why Zone 2 Builds the Engine08:55 - Build to 90 Minutes of Zone 209:14 - Why Zone 2 Is Boring but Necessary10:00 - Strength Training for Rucking10:55 - Bench Press and Squat Standards11:30 - Upper Body and Lower Body Strength for Load Carriage13:00 - When to Start Actual Rucking13:30 - Field-Based Progressive Load Carriage14:28 - How Often Should You Ruck?15:00 - Start With 10 Percent of Body Weight15:56 - Short Intense Rucks Beat Long Junk Miles16:50 - Why Long Rucks Increase Injury Risk18:22 - Shut Up and Ruck and TF Voodoo Resources19:20 - Load Carriage Training Circulars20:00 - Foot Care for Tactical Athletes20:46 - Dave Does Not Have a Foot Fetish21:20 - Skin, Boots, Socks, and Insoles22:12 - Old Boots vs. Modern Rucking Boots23:00 - Heat, Friction, Moisture, and Blister Formation24:00 - Finding the Right Sock and Boot Combination25:00 - Foot Conditioning Takes Time26:00 - Mobility Screening and Ankle Mobility26:55 - Taylor Starch Is Somewhere Punching the Air27:30 - Flexibility vs. Mobility28:00 - Ruck Selection and Frame Use29:00 - Posture Under a Ruck29:30 - Strength Exercises That Actually Matter30:00 - Six Main Lifts for Tactical Athletes31:25 - Functional Strength vs. Bodybuilding32:30 - Shoulders Back and Down33:15 - Head Up and Eyes on the Horizon34:15 - Breathing Under Load35:00 - Leaning From the Ankles36:00 - Walking Fast vs. Running With a Ruck37:00 - The Ruck Shuffle38:21 - Misery Management and Strap Adjustment39:30 - Hip Belt, Waist Belt, and Load Transfer40:43 - Why You Should Use the Hip Belt42:02 - How to Find Your Iliac Crest42:30 - Sternum Strap and Shoulder Strap Management44:00 - Why Ruck Setup Is Individual44:44 - Unit Ruck Training and Avoiding Injuries46:22 - Free TF Voodoo Training Circulars47:00 - What to Do If You Have a Ruck Tomorrow47:30 - Hydration, Fueling, and Carbs48:30 - Nerd Clusters and Snickers for Ruck Fuel49:30 - How Much Water to Drink During a Ruck50:39 - Fueling During a Zulu Course Refire51:23 - Eat and Drink Before You Think You Need It51:45 - Warm Up Before the Ruck52:20 - Cadence and 180 Beats Per Minute53:15 - Music, Pacing, and Ruck Rhythm55:34 - Liner Socks, KT Tape, and Hot Spots56:30 - Why Duct Tape Is a Bad Idea57:47 - Taping Feet Before Blisters58:23 - Moleskin, Donuts, and Blister Management01:01:16 - Boot Lacing for Hot Spots01:02:20 - Packing the Ruck Correctly01:03:20 - Mental Prep and Not Quitting01:04:10 - Ruck Pacing Strategy01:04:37 - Don't Start Too Fast01:05:00 - Physiological Sigh and Breathing Reset01:07:00 - Arm Swing and Maintaining Pace01:08:30 - Shuffle, Fast Walk, and When Not to Run01:10:21 - Why Stopping Can Break Momentum01:10:55 - Final Thoughts from Dave01:11:41 - TF Voodoo Resources and Rucking Handbook01:12:40 - ClosingSupport the showJoin this channel to get access to perks: HEREBuzzsprout Subscription page:  HERERegister for our Operator Training Summit:  OperatorTrainingSummit.comFind an Air Force Recruiter: AirForce.comCollabs:Ones Ready - OnesReady.com 18A Fitness - Promo Code:  ONESREADY ATACLete - Follow the URL (no promo code):  ATACLeteDanger Close Apparel - Promo Code:  ONESREADYDFND Apparel...

Harvesting, Milling, and Cooking with Arizona's Native SuperfoodIn this episode we explore mesquites as a desert food source, hosted by Romey Romero & Farmer Greg. This episodes guests are Peggy Sue Creekmore and Mike Clow and we explore one of the Sonoran Desert's most abundant and overlooked food sources: mesquite beans. The conversation covers how to identify quality mesquite trees, harvest pods safely, dry them properly, and turn them into nutritious mesquite flour using a community hammer mill. Listeners learn why mesquite has been a staple food for centuries, how it compares to conventional flour, and how to transform this free local resource into delicious baked goods, drinks, and snacks. The episode also highlights educational workshops, harvesting walks, and community milling opportunities.Key Topics & EntitiesMesquite bean harvestingMesquite flour productionCommunity hammer mill projectNative desert food systemsPeggy Sue CreekmoreMike ClowFarmer Greg PetersonSonoran Desert edible plantsPalo verde beansCarob podsIronwood seedsAflatoxin preventionBruchid beetlesUrban Farm mesquite milling eventsKey Questions AnsweredWhy is mesquite considered a valuable food source?Mesquite pods are highly nutritious, naturally sweet, gluten-free, and rich in protein. Indigenous peoples and desert communities have relied on mesquite as a staple food across the Southwest and northern Mexico for centuries.Do all mesquite trees produce good-tasting pods?No. While all mesquite pods are technically edible, flavor varies significantly from tree to tree. Some are sweet and pleasant, while others can be chalky or have an unpleasant aftertaste. Tasting pods before harvesting is essential.What does mesquite flour taste like?Mesquite flour has a naturally sweet flavor often compared to graham crackers, caramel, or malt. Many recipes require little or no additional sugar because of the flour's natural sweetness.When is mesquite harvesting season?Mesquite pods typically begin ripening in June, although weather and elevation can shift timing earlier or later. Pods should be fully tan, dry, and free of green coloration before harvesting.How should mesquite pods be harvested?Harvest pods directly from the tree rather than from the ground. Many harvesters use a tarp and gently shake or tap branches to collect ripe pods.Why shouldn't pods be collected from the ground?Ground-harvested pods can develop mold and aflatoxins, which may contaminate community milling equipment and reduce food safety.How can harvested pods be stored properly?Pods should be dried thoroughly in shallow boxes, baskets, dehydrators, ovens, or even a parked vehicle. Moisture is the primary cause of spoilage and milling problems.What is a mesquite hammer mill?A hammer mill is a specialized machine that pulverizes entire mesquite pods, including seeds and pod walls, into flour. Traditional grain mills cannot process mesquite effectively because its natural sugars gum up the machinery.What can be made with mesquite flour?Mesquite flour can be used in cookies, muffins, crepes, breads, energy balls, beverages, and other baked goods. It works particularly well in low-temperature baking and gluten-free recipes.What happens to the material that doesn't become flour?The coarse material, often called "chunky bits" or chaff, can be used to make tea, brewing mash, and other food products.Episode HighlightsMesquite flour is naturally sweet enough to reduce or eliminate added sugar in many recipes.Flavor quality varies dramatically between mesquite trees, making tasting an important step before harvesting.A mature mesquite tree can produce more than 100 pounds of pods in a season.Harvesters should only collect pods directly from the tree to prevent mold contamination.Proper drying is the single most important factor for successful milling.The Urban Farm community hammer mill converts harvested pods into food-grade flour.Mesquite flour is gluten-free and requires binders such as eggs, chia, or applesauce when baking.Desert trees such as palo verde, carob, ironwood, and mesquite offer significant edible resources often overlooked by modern food systems.Calls to Action & ResourcesMesquite Harvesting Walks — https://urbanfarm.org/mesquiteMesquite Milling Appointments — https://urbanfarm.org/mesquiteUrban Farm Educational Programs — https://urbanfarm.orgDesert Food Tree Guide — https://learn.desertkitchen.net/treesVisit www.UrbanFarm.org/990 for the show notes and links on this episode!Need a little bit of advice or just a feedback on your design for your yard or garden?The Urban Farm Team is offering consults over the phone or zoom. Get the benefits of a personalized garden and yard space analysis without the cost of trip charges.You can chat with Greg, Janis or Ray to get permaculture based feedback.Click HERE to learn more!*Disclosure: Some of the links in our podcast show notes and blog posts are affiliate links and if you go through them to make a purchase, we will earn a nominal commission at no cost to you. We offer links to items recommended by our podcast guests and guest writers as a service to our audience and these items are not selected because of the commission we receive from your purchases. We know the decision is yours, and whether you decide to buy something is completely up to you.

Send us Fan Mail79% humidity inside a rented apartment while the air conditioner runs is more than uncomfortable. It's a building telling you something is wrong. We unpack a real investigation where a tenant in an old brick, slab-on-grade apartment in German Village feels increasingly sick, suspects mold, and needs answers that go beyond a quick test and a shrug.  We explain how we approach indoor air quality testing and mold inspection as a team: one of us focused on sampling and lab results, the other focused on moisture mapping and the building-science “why.” You'll hear what elevated moisture in drywall can mean, why dampness showing up higher on a wall is a red flag, and how exterior details like a raised flower bed against brick, peeling paint along the bottom courses, and poor grading can drive moisture intrusion through capillary action. We also talk through realistic fixes, from correcting drainage to reducing brick wicking when a full vapor barrier rebuild isn't practical.  Then we get honest about testing: why swabs can come back “hot” even when air samples are not elevated, what common molds like Alternaria, Penicillium/Aspergillus types, and Cladosporium suggest, and why “the air test is normal” can be a dangerously incomplete conclusion. We close with what to look for in a qualified mold assessor or home inspector, plus an important warning about ERMI and HERTSMI being misused for residential mold and moisture assessments.  If you care about health symptoms at home, moisture control, and getting defensible answers from indoor air quality and mold testing, listen now. Subscribe, share this with a friend dealing with damp housing, and leave a review with your biggest unanswered moisture question.Support the showTo learn more about Habitation Investigation, the Three-time Winner of the Best Home Inspection Company in the Midwest Plus the Winner of Consumer Choice Award for Columbus Ohio visit Home Inspection Columbus Ohio - Habitation Investigation (homeinspectionsinohio.com) NBC4 news segments: The importance of home inspections, and what to look for | NBC4 WCMH-TVAdvice from experts: Don't skip the home inspection | NBC4 WCMH-TVOSU student's mysterious symptoms end up tied to apartment's air quality | NBC4 WCMH-TVHow to save money by winterizing your home | NBC4 WCMH-TVContinuing Education for Ohio Agents Scheduled classes Continuing Education for Ohio Agents Course listings...

On this episode, we welcome Oroki. We discuss the many aspects of Oroki’s performance life. We learn how it started on a date to an aerial class and how that led to producing theatrical shows all over Seattle. We dive into Oroki’s background in dance, choreography, and a little parkour. A great conversation with a fantastic performer.

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this episode, Lee and Ciro examine how technology can help trace coffee quality as it moves through the supply chain, and where the limits of that traceability begin.Ciro explains that quality consistency starts long before coffee leaves the farm. Farm activities, fertilization, pest and disease pressure, post-harvest practices, milling, fermentation, drying, and logistics can all affect the final cup. When those steps are recorded and correlated, farmers can better understand what produced a strong result and how to repeat it.Lee pushes into the harder question: quality is not only objective. Moisture, defects, residue limits, and transport conditions can be tracked more clearly, but sensory quality depends on the person cupping the coffee and the standards they use.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Advertising SponsorWant to join our Map It Forward Monthly Community Discussion Group? Head to https://patreon.com/mapitforward to join the community by signing up to the "Roasted Coffee" tier for 20 USD per month. Find other like-minded people in the coffee industry.Episode DescriptionThis is episode 3 of a 5-part series with agro-tech company cofounder and CEO, Ciro Gelvez from WSeeds and Map It Forward Founder, Lee Safar. In this series of The Daily Coffee Pro Podcast by Map It Forward, we're discussing technology and the coffee supply chain, and what becomes possible when farm-level data is captured, managed, and used in ways that actually help coffee farmers make better business decisions.In this episode, Lee and Ciro examine how technology can help trace coffee quality as it moves through the supply chain, and where the limits of that traceability begin.Ciro explains that quality consistency starts long before coffee leaves the farm. Farm activities, fertilization, pest and disease pressure, post-harvest practices, milling, fermentation, drying, and logistics can all affect the final cup. When those steps are recorded and correlated, farmers can better understand what produced a strong result and how to repeat it.Lee pushes into the harder question: quality is not only objective. Moisture, defects, residue limits, and transport conditions can be tracked more clearly, but sensory quality depends on the person cupping the coffee and the standards they use.Connect with Ciro Gelvez and WSeeds here:https://wseeds.co/en/https://www.instagram.com/wseeds_col/https://www.linkedin.com/in/cirowseeds/If you found this episode valuable, make sure you're subscribed to the podcast and follow along for the rest of this 5-part series. In the next episode, we explore how global geopolitics is impacting food supply chains.***************************************About Map It Forward The Daily Coffee Pro is produced by Map It Forward, supporting coffee professionals globally across the supply chain.Website: https://mapitforward.coffeeMailing list: https://mapitforward.coffee/mailinglistPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/mapitforwardInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mapitforward.coffee/Contact: support@mapitforward.org

Condensation in an anesthesia circuit looks harmless until it starts skewing flow sensor readings or creating the kind of warm, wet environment where microbes can thrive. We pick up the story after the investigation into moisture and mold concerns in GE operating room ventilators, then move straight into the questions clinicians asked most: which filters matter, how low-flow anesthesia changes the moisture equation, and what “moisture mitigation” actually means at the bedside.We walk through APSF guidance on filtration, including why a high-quality filter between the expiratory limb and the anesthesia machine is a key defense for keeping respiratory pathogens out of the workstation. We also talk about what HME filters do well for airway humidity and reducing moisture entering the machine, where their limits are (especially moisture generated by CO2 absorption), and why sidestream gas sampling lines deserve more attention in infection prevention and anesthesia machine protection.Then we share GE Healthcare's response, including what's universal across modern anesthesia breathing systems, what features support moisture management, and when optional condensers may help depending on clinical usage patterns.If this topic affects your OR workflow, subscribe, share the episode with a colleague, and leave a review so more anesthesia professionals can find these moisture management and patient safety insights.For show notes & transcript, visit our episode page at apsf.org: https://www.apsf.org/podcast/310-moisture-matters-in-anesthesia-circuits/© 2026, The Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation

There are dozens of moisture and water activity meters for coffee on the market — but what are the actual differences, and which one do you need? In this episode, Ingo from Roast Rebels compares five devices on the same green coffee sample: the CoffMeter M1, Lighttells MD-500, DiFluid OMIX Plus, Lighttells AW-600, and CoffMeter W1. Full technical breakdown plus live measurement results for all five.Who needs what:- Home roasters and small producers: CoffMeter M1 or Lighttells MD-500 cover basic green coffee QC — moisture and density in under 4 seconds- Professional roasteries: DiFluid OMIX Plus — moisture, density, water activity and roast color in one device, built for complete roastery QC- Water activity only: Lighttells AW-600 (most precise, 6-20 min) or CoffMeter W1 (fastest at ~50 sec via dynamic evaporation algorithm)Key findings from Roast Rebels' hands-on comparison:Moisture measurement: all five devices use capacitance — resistance-based methods fail for coffee due to mineral content; results are indirect and temperature-corrected. Regular calibration is essential.Water activity measurement: two methods — relative humidity (Lighttells AW-600, CoffMeter W1; simpler, lower cost) vs. chilled mirror dewpoint (DiFluid OMIX Plus; professional lab method miniaturized into a compact device; ~30 seconds per measurement).Critical threshold: water activity above 0.7 signals a serious storage risk. Differences of 0.01 below that are negligible in practice.Measurement speed: CoffMeter M1 ~3 sec | MD-500 ~4 sec | OMIX Plus ~2 sec (moisture) / ~30 sec (water activity) | CoffMeter W1 ~50 sec | AW-600 ~6 min (quick) / 20 min (precise).DiFluid OMIX Plus additionally measures roast color and bean screen size via optical camera. Calibration: water activity devices use a saturated salt solution (reusable); moisture devices use a zeroing procedure.Links:What is moisture content and water activity in coffee? https://youtu.be/8HgpNvYRqTsGreen coffee density — deep dive: https://youtu.be/DM0HUduDLYURoast color meters compared: https://youtu.be/rmLyBUp064oCoffMeter M1: https://roastrebels.com/en/difluid-coffmeter-m1/CoffMeter W1: https://roastrebels.com/en/difluid-coffmeter-w1/Lighttells MD-500: https://roastrebels.com/en/lighttells-md-500/Lighttells AW-600: https://roastrebels.com/en/lighttells-aw-600/DiFluid OMIX Plus: https://roastrebels.com/en/difluid-omix-plus-green-coffee-roast-color-analyzer/Shop: https://roastrebels.com/enAcademy: https://academy.roastrebels.comAbout Roast Rebels:Roast Rebels is Europe's go-to platform for specialty coffee roasting. We sell small-scale roasting machines and professional QC tools — including the CoffMeter M1, Lighttells MD-500, Lighttells AW-600, and DiFluid OMIX Plus — alongside a curated selection of high-quality green coffees sourced from around the world. Our service centers in Germany and Switzerland ensure you get local support wherever you are in Europe. Free shipping across the EU.The Roast Rebels Academy (academy.roastrebels.com) is our dedicated learning platform for coffee roasting. It offers in-depth courses for home roasters and professionals — including the Aillio Bullet Masterclass with 11 chapters, 30 videos, and 4+ hours of content (249 EUR, free with hardware purchase from Roast Rebels).Shop: https://roastrebels.com/enAcademy: https://academy.roastrebels.com

We talk with Meaghan Anderson from Iowa State Extension about the recent rainfall in parts of Iowa that were starting to need it. Jamey Kohake has our rundown of markets to start the week. We talk with Mason about the upcoming sales with Steffes Auctioneers. And Duane Murley is back from his Alaska and Canada adventure with Holiday Vacations!

You roast the same coffee, same profile — and it tastes completely different. The culprit is often hiding in your green coffee beans: moisture content and water activity. In this episode, Ingo from Roast Rebels breaks down what these two parameters mean, why they matter for green coffee quality and food safety, and how they directly shape your roast.What you'll learn:▸ Moisture content should sit between 10–12%. Below 8–9%: quality risk (hay, baked notes, fast aging). Above 12–13%: health risk from mold and bacteria.▸ Water activity measures how freely water is bound in the bean (scale 0–1). SCA defines specialty coffee as below 0.7. Best practice: 0.5–0.6. Above 0.78: high microbial risk.▸ Higher moisture = more energy needed in the drying phase. Lower moisture = faster drying, more careful heat management required.▸ Proper packaging (GrainPro or Ecotact inside burlap) protects both parameters during storage and transport.▸ Water activity has been underused in roasting due to expensive equipment — affordable tools are now changing this fast.▸ Roast Rebels measures moisture content, density, and water activity on every green coffee delivery. Coffee at 13.5% moisture has been rejected.Links & ResourcesGreen Coffee – A Guide for Roasters and BuyersMeasuring Devices at Roast RebelsRoast Rebels Academy – Online Courses for Home & Pro RoastersRoast Rebels ShopAbout Roast RebelsRoast Rebels is Europe's go-to platform for specialty coffee roasting. We sell small-scale roasting machines — including the Kaffelogic Nano 7e, Aillio Bullet, Gene Café, Behmor, and Nucleus LINK — alongside a curated selection of high-quality green coffees. Service centers in Germany and Switzerland. Free shipping across the EU.The Roast Rebels Academy (academy.roastrebels.com) offers in-depth courses for home roasters and professionals, including the Aillio Bullet Masterclass: 11 chapters, 30 videos, 4+ hours of content (€249, free with hardware purchase from Roast Rebels).

On this episode, we welcome AmyLynn! We learn about her journey from a gymnast, to a springboard diver, to being an aerialist! AmyLynn also talks about “circus values” and becoming an expert ant farmer!

This time in Strangerville, Jolyn joins Eli to talk about Eli's attendance at a Real Housewives party, Jolyn's updates, and a woman details the feelings she had when she unexpectedly lost her mother last year.StoryGenerations, by Sam, AKA Mrs. Chaos (music by ⁠Austin Moffa⁠)Production by Eli McCann & Meg WalterJoin our ⁠Patreon!⁠And ⁠FIND ELI'S NEW BOOK, We're Thankful for the Moisture⁠!

What causes mold in brand-new homes before anyone even moves in? In this episode of The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show, hosts Brad Lowery and Matt Brading sit down with Jordan Mason to break down one of the hottest topics in the inspection industry: lumberyard mold, microbial growth in new construction, and what inspectors need to know before calling it out. From attic sheathing stains to full-scale mold remediation, this conversation dives deep into the real-world challenges home inspectors face when evaluating moisture intrusion, ventilation problems, and indoor air quality concerns. Jordan shares practical insight into mold testing, soda blasting, chemical remediation methods, building science principles, and how poor moisture management can impact both health and property value. Whether you're a home inspector, mold assessor, remediation contractor, realtor, builder, or homeowner, this episode delivers actionable insight you can apply in the field immediately. Topics covered in this episode: ✔️ Lumberyard mold vs active microbial growth ✔️ Mold in new construction homes ✔️ Moisture intrusion and humidity control  ✔️ Mold remediation methods explained ✔️ Soda blasting vs chemical treatment ✔️ Ventilation and attic airflow issues ✔️ Building science for home inspectors ✔️ Indoor air quality and health concerns ✔️ Mold testing and inspection best practices ✔️ Protecting property value during real estate transactions If you're serious about becoming a better inspector and staying ahead of industry trends, subscribe to The Ride Along: A Home Inspection Show and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode. 

National Weather Service Chicago/Romeoville Area Forecast Discussion audio episode for Sunday, May 24, 2026.Chicago Weather Briefing: Heavy Rain Risk Near and East of I-55An audio briefing of the NWS Chicago/Romeoville forecast discussion, covering early-morning showers and embedded thunderstorms, locally heavy rainfall potential, aviationimpacts, lake-influenced conditions, and the early-week outlook.00:00 - Opening: Chicago and northwest Indiana weather briefing00:13 - Key messages: showers, storms, heavy rain, and warmer-than-normaltemperatures00:38 - Evening update: sparse early overnight precipitation00:58 - Daybreak setup: shortwave trough, jet coupling, and increasing forcing01:33 - Moisture axis and embedded thunderstorm coverage near daybreak02:03 - Heavy-rain mechanism:tall/skinny CAPE, warm-cloud depth, and trainingpotential02:34 - Main heavy-rain window: about 5 AM to 11 AM, clearing by early afternoon02:49 - Larger discussion: upper-level low, trough axis, and warm-sector evolution03:27 - Showers and embedded thunderstorm chances from Iowa into Illinois04:03 - Low-level CAPE, slow-moving cells, and locally heavy rainfall04:38 - Sunday morning front/forcing setup near and east of I-5505:08 - Rainfall efficiency, swaths of heavy rain, and brief funnel mention05:39 - Quieter Memorial Day period and midweek pattern setup06:13 - Aviation forecast begins: showers and embedded storms at Chicago terminals06:38 - IFR/LIFR ceiling and visibility concerns, lowest near the lake07:09 - Rain rates of one inch per hour or greater possible07:26 - Wind shift, weak lake breeze, and fog/low-ceiling monitoring08:01 - Watches, warnings, advisories, and closingChicago Weather BriefingEpisode titleShort descriptionTimestamp breakdownHeavy rain risk5–11 AM • Near/east of I-55Showers + embedded stormsIFR/LIFR aviation impactsPonding possibleBrian voice • 1.1× speed#ChicagoWeather #NWSChicago #WeatherBriefing #SevereWeather #HeavyRain#Thunderstorms #IllinoisWeather #IndianaWeather #LakeMichigan #AviationWeather #IFR#LIFR #I55 #MemorialDayWeather #WeatherPodcast #ForecastDiscussion #Meteorology#Rainfall #StormTracking #ChicagolandWeatherCover captions usedHashtagsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/weather-with-enthusiasm--4911017/support.Weather with Enthusiasm is produced by Kol Simcha Productions.New episodes drop daily (B'N)— a morning forecast at 7 AM and historical deep dives Tuesdays and Thursdays. Contact: kolsimchaproductions@outlook.comHistorical content is thoroughly researched and factually verified. After it has been factually verified it often will say so in the description. Should you find any mistakes, please email kolsimchaproductions@outlook.com so we can look into it and correct it. Not affiliated with any government agency or academic institution. Presented for educational and entertainment purposes — with meaning.Support the show — exclusive bonus episodes available to subscribers for just $2/month at spreaker.com/organization/kol-simcha

This is a short-form episode pulled from a larger discussion with South Dakota NRCS specialists on the realities of managing through dry conditions across the Great Plains. Across South Dakota, producers are watching an uneasy growing season unfold. Crops are emerging slowly. Cool-season grasses are heading early. And while long-range forecasts remain uncertain, concerns about drought persistence and heat are already shaping decisions on farms and ranches across the region. In this episode, the conversation focuses on what resilient operations are doing differently right now—from contingency planning and forage management to adaptive grazing, plant diversity, cover crops, and protecting long-term soil function during drought. One of the major themes throughout this discussion is that resilient operations are rarely built in the middle of crisis. They're built beforehand—through flexibility, planning, diversity, and management systems designed to adapt when conditions turn difficult. This discussion features: Tanse Herrmann — State Grazing Lands Soil Health Specialist, NRCS Marcia Deneke — State Agronomist, NRCS Emily Rohrer — State Rangeland Management Specialist, NRCS

This week the boys slow things down, we talk about Chase's dad, doing puzzles, making purchases on Ebay, tax season, birds, packing underwear for trips, a plane pop quiz, and much more.Whole 9 Hotline: 978-315-0332Twitter/Instagram/TikTok: @TW9YpodPesto's Instagram: ayo_its_pestoJenna's Cookie Instagram: jsprinks_Cookies

On this episode, we welcome the multi-talented Katie Russo. We discuss her many disciplines, including Chinese pole, juggling, and trombone. We also talk about her journey from music to circus, and how being in a marching band was the perfect precursor to circus. A great conversation with a 2026 Moisture Festival first-timer. 

Today we're diving into the latest advancements in hay equipment with a focus on round baler technology and how it's helping farmers improve efficiency, consistency, and overall bale quality. From automation to data tracking, hay production is evolving fast—and the newest innovations are designed to reduce operator fatigue while delivering more uniform, higher-quality bales. One of the standout features is Weave Automation, which allows the baler to guide itself along the windrow. With a hitch that can swing side-to-side, the system automatically weaves across the windrow during bale formation. The result is more consistent bale shape and density, less need for constant steering, and a lower risk of pulling in dirt or debris. Beyond automation, today's balers are equipped with advanced sensors that measure moisture and weight in real time. Operators can monitor conditions directly from the cab, making better decisions on the go. This data can also be uploaded into the John Deere Operations Center, giving farmers the ability to track bale performance, monitor trends, and document field activity over time. Moisture management continues to be a critical factor in hay quality, and baler-mounted testers now provide real-time readings during operation—helping reduce spoilage risk and improve storage outcomes. Upstream from the baler, windrowing and mowing equipment are also becoming more advanced. Self-propelled windrowers, merger attachments, integrated cameras, and in-cab controls allow operators to fine-tune their process and create ideal windrows for baling. These systems, combined with data tracking, help optimize cutting schedules and improve dry-down timing. All of this is connected through tools like JDLink and the John Deere Operations Center, where farmers can monitor machine performance, track field work, and make more informed decisions based on real data. The bottom line: hay production is no longer just about getting across the field—it's about precision, consistency, and using technology to maximize quality and efficiency every step of the way.   www.johndeere.com Want Farm4Profit Merch? Custom order your favorite items today!https://farmfocused.com/farm-4profit/ Don't forget to like the podcast on all platforms and leave a review where ever you listen! Website: www.Farm4Profit.comShareable episode link: https://intro-to-farm4profit.simplecast.comEmail address: Farm4profitllc@gmail.comCall/Text: 515.207.9640Subscribe to YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSR8c1BrCjNDDI_Acku5XqwFollow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@farm4profitllc Connect with us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Farm4ProfitLLC/Farm4Profit Media is not a financial, legal, or tax advisor. Content is provided for informational purposes only, and we serve solely as a platform for third-party opinions. Any actions taken based on this content are at your own risk. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This time in Strangerville, we don't know if recycling is real, Meg says goodbye to Strangerville All-Star Grandpa Boyd, and a few stories from Eli about early parenthood.StoryParis and Other Stuff, by Eli McCann (music by ⁠Austin Moffa⁠)Production by Eli McCann & Meg WalterJoin our ⁠Patreon!⁠And ⁠FIND ELI'S NEW BOOK, We're Thankful for the Moisture⁠!

In this action-packed live stream episode of HVAC School, host Bryan is joined by Eric Kaiser, Ty Branaman, and Roman Baugh for a continuation of a deep-dive conversation on vacuum practices — picking up where a previous episode left off with Andrew Greaves and Jim Bergmann. The team sets out to both reinforce the foundational best practices every HVAC technician should follow and to explore some genuinely uncharted scientific territory around how vacuum gauges actually work, how refrigerant contaminates micron gauge readings, and what really happens to moisture inside a system when temperatures drop below freezing. A central revelation of the episode is Eric's explanation that modern electronic vacuum (micron) gauges do not actually measure pressure directly — they measure heat transfer and translate it into a pressure reading. Because these gauges are calibrated to nitrogen or air, the presence of refrigerant vapor in a system (which has roughly three times the heat conductivity of nitrogen) can cause the gauge to display a falsely high reading. This means a technician could believe the system still has poor vacuum when it may actually be further along than indicated — or, more concerning, that a system appears to have passed vacuum when contamination is still present. The team acknowledges that controlled experiments are needed to quantify exactly how much refrigerant affects the reading, and they commit to designing those tests. The conversation then pivots into the physics of water at the triple point — the precise pressure (4,580 microns) and temperature (32°F) at which water can exist simultaneously as solid, liquid, and vapor. Eric walks the audience through a phase diagram built from International Association for the Properties of Water and Steam data, explaining that once pressure drops below the triple point, liquid water no longer exists. Any moisture in the system either sublimes directly from solid ice to vapor or remains frozen. This has major practical implications: a system with ice inside can still pull down to a very deep vacuum, but will not pass a decay test until that ice is fully sublimated — which requires both sufficient vacuum depth and available heat energy. The colder the ambient environment, the deeper the vacuum must go to create the temperature differential needed to drive sublimation. The episode wraps with an illuminating discussion on refrigerant oils — specifically the differences between POE (polyolester) and PVE (polyvinyl ether) oils and how each interacts with moisture in fundamentally different ways. POE chemically bonds with water through hydrolysis, breaking down into acid and alcohol and permanently degrading the oil. PVE, on the other hand, physically traps moisture through surface tension and can hold up to twice as much water as POE, but remains chemically stable. This distinction affects vacuum strategy, dryer sizing, and long-term system reliability — particularly in VRF and cold-climate heat pump systems where compressor oil management is far more complex. Topics Covered Core vacuum best practices refresher: large hoses, removing valve cores, skipping the manifold, using clean pump oil, micron gauge placement, and decay testing Why micron gauges measure heat transfer — not pressure — and how refrigerant vapor causes false-high readings on the gauge The impact of refrigerant retained in compressor oil on vacuum accuracy and the potential role of nitrogen sweeps in displacing refrigerant molecules Triple point science: what happens to moisture when pressure drops below 4,580 microns and why liquid water no longer exists below that threshold How ice inside a system can allow a deep vacuum pull-down while still failing a decay test, and what that means for cold-climate HVAC work The role of heat during evacuation: why adding heat accelerates moisture removal and how deep vacuum increases temperature differential to drive sublimation Cold-climate challenges: vacuum pump limitations, micron gauge accuracy at low temperatures, and the physics of dry air in freezing environments Triple evacuation and nitrogen purging: whether nitrogen disrupts oil pockets, displaces refrigerant, or both — and why the team wants to test it Nitrogen tank quality concerns: the possibility that low-grade nitrogen could introduce moisture and whether an inline dryer would help Using system flush chemicals: why Ty cautions against flushing agents and the risks of adding additional chemicals that break down oil POE vs. PVE oil chemistry: how POE undergoes hydrolysis when exposed to moisture (creating acid) versus how PVE physically traps water without chemical breakdown Dryer strategy for large commercial systems, VRF, and VRV: filter dryer sizing, core pulls, oil sampling, and why an "oil dialysis machine" would be a game-changer Plans for future controlled experiments: testing refrigerant effects on micron gauges, ice behavior at various temperatures, and vacuum performance in cold climates Industry influence over time: how community-driven knowledge sharing has already shifted vacuum and refrigerant practices over the past decade Whether you're a residential technician looking to sharpen the fundamentals or a commercial refrigeration specialist wrestling with VRF oil contamination, this episode delivers both practical takeaways and a front-row seat to the scientific inquiry that drives best practices forward. As Bryan puts it: "Don't wait for us — if you want to do the experiment, be part of the conversation."   Have a question that you want us to answer on the podcast? Submit your questions at https://www.speakpipe.com/hvacschool. Purchase your tickets or learn more about the 7th Annual HVACR Training Symposium at https://hvacrschool.com/symposium. Subscribe to our podcast on your iPhone or Android. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Check out our handy calculators here or on the HVAC School Mobile App for Apple and Android.

We’re back with another live episode from the 2026 Moisture Festival! In this episode we’ll chat with: Sizzle the Clown 2 Members of Spider Lounge Juggle Jawns Bill Robison This is a fun chat with new members to the Moisture Festival family and an old favorite!

Beau Martonik sits down with Brad Watts, a 15-year muzzleloading hunter and precision rifle competitor who works at CVA, recorded live at the NWTF show. They break down everything a hunter needs to know about muzzleloaders — how to choose the right one for your hunting situation, the difference between pellets, loose powder, and Blackhorn 209, how to properly clean and maintain your gun, and what actually causes misfires in the field. Brad also explains how competing in long-range precision rifle has made him a more confident hunter at every distance, and why that same mentality applies to how you should be practicing with your bow. If you've been intimidated by muzzleloaders or feel like you're missing something, this one clears it up. Topics: 00:00:00 — Intro 00:04:24 – Growing Up Hunting in PA 00:07:03 – Muzzleloader Seasons and Opportunities by State 00:09:30 – Getting Into Muzzleloading 00:13:53 – How Brad Got Into Muzzleloaders Through the Industry 00:15:03 – Keeping It Simple vs. Going Down the Rabbit Hole 00:17:51 – Precision Rifle and How It Makes You a Better Hunter 00:23:24 – The Importance of Practice 00:30:57 – Understanding Calibers, Bullets, and Powder Charges 00:36:47 – Pellets vs. Loose Powder vs. Blackhorn 209 00:42:05 – Cleaning and Maintenance 00:53:00 – Moisture, Misfires, and Storing Your Muzzleloader 00:59:32 – Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them 01:07:43 – New CVA Products — Endura, Optima XP, Cascade Rimfire 01:15:16 – Closing + Where to Find CVA Save 10% on CVA muzzleloaders, rifles, and accessories at ⁠bpioutdoors.com/cva⁠ — use code EASTMEETSWEST10 Instagram:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@eastmeetswesthunt⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook:   ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠East Meets West Outdoors⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Shop Hunting Gear and Apparel: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube: Beau Martonik - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQJon93sYfu9HUMKpCMps3w⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Partner Discounts and Affiliate Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.eastmeetswesthunt.com/partners⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Poncho Outdoors - Poncho Outdoors makes tough, sharp-looking, no-BS apparel for hardworking outdoorsmen who put in the time year-round. Go to ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ponchooutdoors.com/EASTMEETSWEST⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to save $10 and free shipping Amazon Influencer Page ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.amazon.com/shop/beau.martonik⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

My friend Eli McCann (lawyer, University of Utah Law School adjunct professor, Equality Utah and The Road Home board member, married to husband Skylar, father) joins us to talk about his new book published called “We've Thankful for the Moisture, A Gay Guy's Guide to Mormon Faith, Family and Fruit Preservation” Thank you Eli for being on the podcast and sharing about your new book—which is a reflective book—along with some humor—on our unique Mormon culture. I encourage everyone to listen to Eli's podcast and check out his book. Thank you to our friends at The Salt Lake Tribune and Signature Books for making this book possible. Thank you Eli for all your good work in our community to build bridges and help others. Your work brings a smile to my face. You are a beautiful family. Links: Eli's Book at Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Were-Thankful-Moisture-Mormon-Preservation/dp/B0GLSLKYRM

This time in Strangerville, Skylar's airport habits have stressed out the entire internet, Meg went to Florida, and Meg doesn't think Eli should be planting tomatoes this early in the year.Production by Eli McCann & Meg WalterJoin our Patreon!Find Eli's book: We're Thankful for the Moisture

In this episode of the HVAC Know It All Podcast, host Gary McCreadie talks with Matthew Waxer, HVAC/R Mechanic at Kilmer HVACR Services Inc, about proper system setup and the impact of moisture and refrigerant charge on system performance. In Part 2, they discuss evacuation practices, moisture control, and how acid can form inside a system and damage components. Matthew explains the risks of undercharging and overcharging, including overheating, high-pressure issues, and liquid returning to the compressor. They also cover concepts like superheat, subcooling, and compressor envelopes, along with common failure causes such as flood back and flooded starts. The conversation wraps up with practical insights on avoiding costly breakdowns through proper installation and maintenance. Gary and Matthew discuss how moisture and refrigerant charge affect system performance and compressor life. They explain how poor evacuation leaves moisture in the system, which can lead to acid formation and damage over time. Matthew describes the risks of undercharging and overcharging, including overheating, high-pressure issues, and liquid returning to the compressor. They also cover key checks like superheat, subcooling, and staying within the compressor operating range. They finish by explaining common failure causes like flood back and flooded starts, and how proper setup and maintenance can prevent costly system damage. Expect to Learn: How moisture left in a system can lead to acid and damage over time. How proper evacuation helps reduce moisture and protect system components. Why is the correct refrigerant charge important for compressor cooling and performance? How superheat and subcooling are used to check system operation. How issues like floods and flooded starts can cause major compressor failure.   Episode Highlights:  [00:00] - Sponsor: Factory Direct Filters ad [00:42] - Intro to Matthew Waxer in Part 02  [02:04] - Matthew: Moisture removal and decay test explained [04:27] - Gary & Matthew: Acid formation from moisture damages compressors [07:10] - Undercharged systems: Elevated superheat cooks compressors [10:31] - Overcharge and poor airflow cause high pressure and slugging [15:22] - Zero superheat = liquid flood back to compressor [17:40] - Flooded start: Liquid refrigerant in sump destroys compressor [21:18] - Liquid migration from risers and cold ambient starts   This Episode is Kindly Sponsored by: Cintas: https://www.cintas.com/ Cool Air Products: https://www.coolairproducts.net/ Factory Direct Filters: https://www.factorydirectfilters.com/ SupplyHouse: https://www.supplyhouse.com/tm Use promo code HKIA5 to get 5% off your first order at Supplyhouse!   Follow the Guest Matthew Waxer on:  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-waxer-b4a62360/   Kilmer HVACR Service Inc - Website: https://kilmerservice.com/     Follow the Host on: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-mccreadie-38217a77/  Website: https://www.hvacknowitall.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/HVAC-Know-It-All-2/61569643061429/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hvacknowitall1/  Follow the Podcast on:  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HVACKnowItAll   Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6LCBJGw0EHG03rdWHxUMce  Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-know-it-all-podcast/id1359253455

In episode 403 of the RV Miles podcast, Jason and Abby share spring RV prep tips that go beyond flushing the water system, including doing a nearby campground “spring shakedown” to wash the rig, check seals, test smoke detectors, and more. Abby explains RV Miles' rebranded, curated newsletter now publishing four times a week (podcast, news, national parks, and a weekend “Road Signs” edition) and, in the tank segment, they discuss a planned 2,300-site RV park near Abilene, a cougar under an RV in British Columbia, Abby's bread-baking mishaps, and a recommendation to read Project Hail Mary before seeing the movie. Ross from  @RVTIPSANDTRAVELS  has done a couple great de-winterizing videos, this general one: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VMN0o9GLxg And this one for folks with a tankless water heater: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L27Me5ggTlw The giant RV parn near Abeline: https://www.bigcountryhomepage.com/news/big-rv-park-bigger-water-needs-abilene-makes-exception/ *Get links and more in the show notes at https://RVMiles.com/403 *Support independent RV journalism and unlock great perks by becoming a Mile Marker