Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast

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  What’s Ahead for Manufacturing Extension Partnerships? (IndustryWeek) 24.09.2026 15นาที

  Manufacturing Extension Partnerships, state organizations that help small and medium-sized manufacturers, have been in the news in recent months as some saw their federal funding suspended or delayed. Things are looking better in the latest round of awards, however, as the funds have been delivered on time, and suspended funding was restored to Ohio. In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Carrie Hines of the American Small Manufacturers Coalition talks about the future of the MEP program and the services that these centers provide.
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  Scaling AI Won't Fix A Shaky ERP Foundation (Smart Industry) 22.09.2026 31นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Smart Industry's Sarah Mattalian and Nancy Majure, the head of product for Adaptive ERP at QAD, explore how manufacturers can scale AI without adding headcount by improving real-time visibility, data quality and workflow integration. They discuss the role of ERP as a foundation for governed AI, along with the risks of fragmented data, shadow AI and bolt-on tools. The conversation also looks ahead to how contextualized data and AI-driven decision-making could help manufacturers optimize operations and manage complex trade-offs.
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  With the Post-AI Age On the Horizon, How Are Operations Executives Preparing? (IndustryWeek) 17.09.2026 20นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Chuck Orzechowski and Josh Renicker of the COO Forum discuss how operations leaders are navigating AI-driven disruption and workforce change. They explore the importance of human-centric leadership, strong teams, and culture as new technologies reshape manufacturing. The conversation also examines how closing gaps between engineering and production can support operational excellence at a moment where the post-AI age is on the horizon.
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  A Different Approach to Workplace Safety Culture (Talking EHS) 15.09.2026 43นาที

  By focusing on the fundamentals, workplaces can build a safer environment from the ground up, says Kevin Weaver of U.S. Compliance, and author of Building a Strong Safety Culture: The 5 C’s of Workplace Safety, 2nd edition.
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  Can AI Help Manufacturers Overcome the Skilled Trades Talent Shortage? (IndustryWeek) 10.09.2026 5นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Anna Smith explores the growing skilled labor shortage facing U.S. manufacturing. She examines data on the 1.3 million-worker talent gap, an aging workforce and rising demand driven by reshoring and data centers. Smith also looks at how upskilling, education partnerships, apprenticeships and AI can help manufacturers expand their talent pools. The discussion highlights strategies for developing the skilled workforce needed to support continued domestic production growth.
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  From Test Stands to Toolboxes: Editor's Product Picks, September 2026 (New Equipment Digest) 08.09.2026 7นาที

  On this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, New Equipment Digest Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis rounds up four products worth knowing about — a coupling and brake system built for e-mobility test stands, an AI-powered platform for warehouse data capture, a connected AI forklift platform, and a pair of high-output rechargeable flashlights. Whether you're chasing measurement accuracy on the test bench or trying to close visibility gaps on the warehouse floor, this episode has something worth your time. Products Featured: ROBA-DS 9120 Peak Automation Intelligence NobleOne AI Forklift Platform LEO 10000 FLEX and Nebo LEO 12000 FLEX
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  How Too Much Data, Dashboards and RCA Complicate Reliability Strategy (Ask A Plant Manager) 03.09.2026 13นาที

  Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe considers a commonplace scenario facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode is our rapid-fire series where Joe tackles five diferent scenarios and provides five quick fixes. Listen to Joe discuss the traps of too much data and too weak a culture. First, I make him laugh, but tune in to see which scenario gets Joe all riled up!
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  Do Safety Leaders Need to Improve Their Emotional Intelligence? (Talking EHS) 01.09.2026 29นาที

  Safety expert Camille Oakes says improving emotional intelligence skills for safety managers helps create stronger outcomes in complex workplaces.
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  How AI Changes Cybersecurity for Manufacturers (IndustryWeek) 27.08.2026 9นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek technology editor Dennis Scimeca and Smart Industry head of content Scott Achelpohl discuss the evolving cybersecurity challenges facing manufacturers. They examine recent attacks targeting PTC product lifecycle management software and Siemens S7 PLCs, highlighting the complexities of patching vulnerabilities across industrial environments. The conversation also explores how AI is accelerating cyberattacks and shortening the time available for organizations to respond.
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  4 Machines to See at IMTS 2026 (New Equipment Digest) 25.08.2026 7นาที

  IMTS 2026 is just weeks away, and the show floor will be packed with new equipment worth tracking down. In this episode, Laura Davis highlights four machines making their case at McCormick Place this September. Here's where to find each one, and what makes it worth the walk. A 5-axis mill-turn center built for aerospace engine components A compact CNC turning center for small high-volume parts A flexible cylindrical grinder A high-torque 5-axis horizontal machining center for large structural parts. 
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  Supply Chain Management and the Go-Live Gap (American Machinist) 20.08.2026 9นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, chief editor Robert Brooks takes a look at how manufacturers that implement supply-chain management technology frequently face the “go-live gap”. It’s what separates a technically successful implementation from an operation that is truly prepared to use the new platform, follow the new processes, make the right decisions, measure and capture the value that justified the investment in the first place.
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  How to Bring AI into Safety Culture (Talking EHS) 18.08.2026 17นาที

  McKenna Schutty, safety, health and environmental manager at TDIndustries, a Texas-based facilities services and mechanical construction company, discusses how her company brought AI into its safety organization.
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  How Manufacturers Can Build Stronger Regional Networks and Domestic Supply Chains (IndustryWeek) 13.08.2026 22นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Ilana Preuss, a champion of small-scale manufacturing and founder of Recast City, discusses the importance of raising the visibility of small-scale manufacturing, whose impact on the larger economy is being overlooked from lack of data and lack of awareness. While large manufacturers attract lots of attention, a strong domestic manufacturing base requires mapping and connecting networks of smaller suppliers that support these larger entities. Preuss presents tools that can help the cause, as well as a model for regional collaboration. In addition, the ReCast City founder dives into ways in which small and large manufacturers can help raise awareness themselves, such as hosting pitch competitions, holding and sponsoring meetups, and more.
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  'Muddy Waters' of Implementing AI and How Manufacturers Can Avoid Them (Smart Industry) 11.08.2026 25นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, Smart Industry's Sarah Mattalian talks with Mike Fedorov, COO and co-CEO of Applied AI Labs, who discuss why AI implementations often fail to deliver expected results. They explore how manufacturers can work with the muddy waters of imperfect data, establish effective governance, and design AI solutions around measurable business outcomes.  The conversation concludes with a look at AI as a tool for amplifying human capabilities rather than replacing them.
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  Stop the Shortcuts that Force Reliability to Take a Back Seat (Ask A Plant Manager) 06.08.2026 19นาที

  Joe Kuhn, CMRP, former plant manager, engineer, and global reliability consultant, is now president of Lean Driven Reliability LLC. He is the author of the book “Zero to Hero: How to Jumpstart Your Reliability Journey Given Today’s Business Challenges” and the creator of the Joe Kuhn YouTube Channel, which offers content on starting your reliability journey and achieving financial independence. In our monthly podcast miniseries, Ask a Plant Manager, Joe considers a commonplace scenario facing the industry and offers his advice, as well as actions that you can take to get on track tomorrow. This episode explores maintenance shortcuts and the role of reliability culture.
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  The Past, Present and Future of Workplace Safety (Talking EHS) 04.08.2026 49นาที

  The current and previous two presidents of the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) -- Monique Parker, Linda Tapp and Pam Walaski -- discuss strategies safety leaders can use to stay energized, the importance of mentorship, and how embracing change and diversity can lead to more effective safety initiatives.
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  How the Fast 41 Program Speeds Critical Minerals and Manufacturing Permitting (IndustryWeek) 30.07.2026 25นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Laura Putre speaks with Emily Domenech about efforts to streamline federal permitting for large manufacturing and critical minerals projects. They discuss how the Fast-41 program coordinates agencies to reduce project delays, improve transparency, and accelerate approvals while maintaining environmental and safety standards. The conversation also explores critical minerals processing, domestic supply chain resilience, and the growing role of AI and digital tools in modernizing the permitting process.
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  Editor's Product Picks: 4 New Manufacturing Products (New Equipment Digest) 28.07.2026 8นาที

  On this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, New Equipment Digest Editor-in-Chief Laura Davis rounds up four new products worth a closer look: a passive exoskeleton that eases shoulder strain during overhead work an AI-powered device that keeps forklift-based inventory tracking accurate in real time a connected ultrasound platform built for multisite reliability programs, a new inline coding system designed for the packaging industry's shift to GS1 2D codes.
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  Employee Engagement Is Key to a Successful Safety Culture (Talking EHS) 21.07.2026 17นาที

  Jennifer Ferdinand-Stong, corporate safety manager at construction firm Gaylor Electric and recently named Health and Safety Professional of the Year by the Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) for 2026, shares her thoughts on how to create a realistic and sustainable safety culture.
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  Solving Manufacturing Labor Shortages with Puerto Rico's Skilled Workforce (IndustryWeek) 16.07.2026 16นาที

  In this episode of Great Question: A Manufacturing Podcast, IndustryWeek's Anna Smith speaks with Clay Martin, CEO and founder of Isla Talent, about innovative approaches to solving manufacturing workforce shortages by recruiting skilled workers from Puerto Rico. They discuss strategies for expanding talent pipelines, supporting employee relocation, and improving retention through communication, training, and workplace culture. The conversation also explores long-term labor trends, the impact of AI on the workforce, and practical steps manufacturers can take to build stronger, more resilient teams.