Manufacturing Talk Radio

Today's Manufacturing Insights with MTR Editor Peter Okun

In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Amy Nicklaus talks with Peter Okun, the editor of Manufacturing Podcast News, about the current trends, significant stories, and predictions for the manufacturing industry in 2026. They discuss topics such as the evolving role of AI, reshoring, workforce retention, and sustainability. Peter provides detailed insights into how manufacturers are adopting digital tools, dealing with supply chain resilience, and focusing on talent development and process discipline. The episode also sheds light on global events' impact on manufacturing and emphasizes the importance of knowledge capture and frontline leadership development.   00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Talk Radio News 00:38 Meet the Editor: Peter Okun's Journey 03:14 Key Stories and Trends in Manufacturing 08:20 AI and Automation in Manufacturing 09:57 Labor and Workforce Challenges 11:37 Sustainability and Green Manufacturing 12:51 Future Topics and Advice for Manufacturers 20:09 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes   Read More Here:  2025 in Manufacturing: A Year Defined by Numbers, Policy, and Technology U.S. Job Market Ends 2025 on Uneven Footing Three in Ten Firms Say AI Will Replace Workers Next Year Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

End of Year Manufacturing Round Table w/ Lewis Weiss, Cliff Waldman, and Chris Kuehl | PART 2

In Part Two of the Economic Wrap-Up 2025 roundtable host Lewis Weiss again joins Cliff Waldman, CEO of New World Economics, and Chris Kuehl, Managing Partner and Chief Economist at Armada Corporate Intelligence, to discuss the economic trends of 2025 and predictions for 2026. Key topics include concerns about China's slowing growth, the implications of tariffs and international relationships, and the economic condition in Europe, including the ongoing impact of the Ukraine conflict. The speakers highlight the importance of global interdependencies and the possible consequences for manufacturing and trade, with particular focus on North America, Europe, and Africa.   Key Topics and Timestamps 00:00:Introduction: 2026 Economic Outlook 01:40 International Economy: Focus on China 02:00 China's Domestic Issues (Demographics, Property Bubble) 04:10 Tariffs and Unintended Consequences in Global Trade 06:18 Copper Shortage and International Politics (Chile) 09:10 Economic Status of European Countries 10:25 Geopolitics, Ukraine, and NATO Alliance Strains 11:00 Importance of Trading Partners: Canada and Mexico 14:35 Strained North American Economic Relations 19:40 General Prediction: Volatility and Uncertainty in 2026 21:20 In-Depth Discussion on Ukraine and Russia   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

End of Year Manufacturing Round Table w/ Lewis Weiss, Cliff Waldman, and Chris Kuehl | PART 1

Economic Wrap-Up 2025: Insights and Predictions for 2026 In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lewis Weiss welcomes Cliff Waldman, CEO of New World Economics, and Chris Kuehl, Managing Partner and Chief Economist at Armada Corporate Intelligence, to discuss the economic trends of 2025 and predictions for 2026. Key topics include the recent strong GDP performance, the challenges in the labor market, the potential for AI to transform entrepreneurship, and the role of education and apprenticeship programs in addressing skill gaps in manufacturing. The discussion also touches on international demographics, the impact of tariffs, and the evolving economics of cannabis. 00:00 Welcome Back to Manufacturing Talk Radio 01:02 Introducing Our Esteemed Guests 01:45 Chris Keel's Background and Insights 03:12 Cliff Waldman's Background and Insights 06:09 Reflecting on the Economic Landscape of 2025 10:18 The Impact of AI and Demographic Changes 18:53 Challenges in Employment and Manufacturing 22:02 The Role of Education and Apprenticeships 27:49 Innovative Solutions in Workforce Development 31:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Future of Assembly is Here - The Power of Automated Workflows

In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lou Weiss talks with Filip Aronshtein, the founder and CEO of Dirac Inc., about how his company is revolutionizing the manufacturing sector with its first automated work instruction platform. Aronshtein shares insights into his background in electrical engineering and robotics, the motivations behind starting Dirac Inc., and how their software significantly reduces the time and effort needed to create manufacturing work instructions. The discussion highlights the software's impact on improving training, reducing errors, and enhancing overall efficiency in various manufacturing environments. Aronshtein emphasizes the benefits for both engineers and operators and shares real-world examples of drastic improvements achieved by their clients. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:20 Meet Phil Stein: Background and Journey 02:08 Direct's Innovative Software Solution 03:22 Training and Implementation 05:00 Real-World Impact and Success Stories 09:12 Software Sales and Future Plans 14:08 Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement 19:24 Case Studies: ARA and Sputnik 21:45 Closing Remarks and Contact Information Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How the Space Economy Is Creating New Manufacturing Opportunities

In this episode of Manufacturing Think Tank, host Cliff Waldman is joined by Harvard Business School professor Matt Weinzierl and Blue Origin strategy manager Brendan Rosseau to discuss the burgeoning space economy. The conversation delves into the entrepreneurial drive needed to explore space, the integration of space manufacturing into existing industries, and the potential economic benefits. They also touch on technology frontiers like AI and robotics, and how they interconnect with space development, alongside workforce implications and educational needs to support this growing sector. 00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Think Tank 00:26 Exploring the Space Economy 00:52 Meet the Experts: Matt Wineur and Brendan Rousseau 02:52 The Evolution and Risks of the Space Sector 04:18 Public and Private Roles in Space 16:27 Manufacturing in Space: Opportunities and Challenges 21:04 Impact of Space on Terrestrial Economics 26:33 Stimulating Manufacturing Entrepreneurship 29:33 Addressing the Skills Deficit in Manufacturing 33:17 Educational Institutions and the Space Economy 38:41 The Future of Globalization and Space 41:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices