Manufacturing Talk Radio

In this exclusive Manufacturing Talk Radio interview, host Lewis Weiss and Amy Nicklaus sit down with ISM Services PMI Chair Steve Miller to discuss the pivotal March ISM Services Report the very day it is released April 6th 2026, breaking down the key data points impacting the services economy. To shed light on the report’s crucial findings, we speak with Steve Miller, a preeminent authority within the services sector.Miller is currently serving as ISM Services PMI Chair and is an accomplished supply chain management executive. His distinguished career includes 40 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, IT implementation and operations, and operations management consulting at Disney, P.F. Chang’s, Accenture, and Kearney. With 40 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, IT implementation and operations, Miller offers unparalleled insight into services trends and economic activity Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this exclusive Manufacturing Talk Radio interview, hosts Lewis Weiss and Amy Nicklaus sit down with ISM Manufacturing PMI Chair Susan Spence to discuss the latest ISM Manufacturing Report, released the same day, and break down the key data points impacting the global supply chain and what the effects of that might mean. To shed light on the report’s crucial findings, we speak with Susan Spence, a preeminent authority within manufacturing.Spence is currently serving as ISM Manufacturing PMI Chair and is a winner of the J. Shipman Gold Medal Award. Her distinguished career includes serving as vice president of the Sourcing & Procurement group at FedEx Corp. With 28 years of experience at United Technologies Corporation (UTC) in leadership roles across supply management and operations, Spence offers unparalleled insight into manufacturing trends and economic activity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Lewis Weiss interviews Jim Tompkins about his career path from industrial engineering academia and the Army to founding Tompkins Solutions and later launching Tompkins Ventures, a matchmaking firm that connects manufacturers with partners for logistics, procurement, technology, automation, AI, and organizational development, typically offering recommendations without consulting fees and earning a success fee when solutions are implemented. Tompkins discusses how manufacturers can focus on core competencies while outsourcing non-core functions, the challenges of maintaining quality in outsourcing, and VUCA (volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity) as the operating reality for global supply chains. He explains reshoring as a risk-mitigation hedge tied to adaptability, digital twins, scenario planning, AI, and automation, and outlines four factors for what to reshore: value density, demand volatility, IP sensitivity, and automation potential. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:40 Tim’s Career Origin Story 01:18 From Seminars to Global Supply Chain 02:56 Launching Tompkins Ventures 03:51 How Ventures Helps Manufacturers 04:42 No Fee Model Explained 06:19 Success Fees and Partner Network 07:45 Why Outside Expertise Matters 10:12 Virtual Companies and Outsourcing 11:07 Quality Control in Outsourcing 13:44 VUCA Defined for Supply Chains 17:10 Reshoring as Risk Mitigation 18:19 Surfing the Next Disruption Wave 22:25 Resilience Over Pure Efficiency 25:13 What to Reshore Four Criteria 26:59 Tariff Refunds Supreme Court Fallout 32:12 Wrap Up Contact and Subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Host Amy Nicklaus talks with Peter Okun, Editor of Manufacturing Podcast News, about what a PMI move above 50 really means after months of contraction and why the current reading signals disciplined stabilization rather than an overheated surge. They discuss how global steel output—especially shifts in China—drives price volatility and why manufacturers are prioritizing regional sourcing, longer-term contracts, supplier diversification, and data-driven planning to manage risk. Okun also highlights rising ransomware exposure for mid-size manufacturers, emphasizing that downtime, trust, and reputation costs often outweigh ransom itself, and recommends basics like MFA, tested offline backups, training, and response protocols. The episode covers tariff unpredictability and regionalization, workforce strategies amid a persistent skills gap, thoughtful AI adoption to improve morale and productivity, and why adaptability, resilience, digital visibility, and sustainability will define competitiveness over the next three to five years. 00:00 Welcome and Agenda 01:01 PMI Above 50 Explained 02:32 Recovery or Bounce 03:28 Executive Playbook Now 04:15 Early Expansion Risks 04:57 Global Steel Ripple Effects 06:10 Sourcing for Reliability 07:12 Is Globalization Fading 07:27 Ransomware Reality Check 09:05 Cybersecurity Basics 09:50 Tariffs and Regionalization 10:33 Adapting Supply Strategies 11:44 Workforce and AI Shifts 12:24 Skills Gap and Training 13:29 AI Morale and Reskilling 14:50 Winning Mindset Ahead 15:24 Next 3 to 5 Years 16:31 Sustainability as Strategy 17:07 Key Takeaway Recalibration 17:46 Wrap Up and Where to Follow Further reading: At Last: Institute for Supply Management Manufacturing Index at 52.7 Percent - https://manufacturingtalkradio.com/news/at-last-institute-for-supply-management-manufacturing-index-at-52-7-percent/ Global Steel Output Is Slipping, and the Reasons Go Deeper Than One Bad Month - https://manufacturingtalkradio.com/news/global-steel-output-is-slipping-and-the-reasons-go-deeper-than-one-bad-month/ Why Ransomware Is Hitting Mid-Sized Manufacturers Harder Than Ever - https://manufacturingtalkradio.com/news/why-ransomware-is-hitting-mid-sized-manufacturers-harder-than-ever/ How USMCA and New Tariffs Are Rattling U.S. Manufacturing - https://manufacturingtalkradio.com/news/how-usmca-and-new-tariffs-are-rattling-u-s-manufacturing/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lewis Weiss hosts another Manufacturing Round Table with economist Cliff Waldman and Chris Kuehl to compare the January Federal Reserve industrial production release and the ISM report. After a year-long manufacturing slump, they point to improving signals: manufacturing within industrial production rose 0.8% month over month with broad-based gains, and the ISM index climbed to 52.7, moving above the 50 expansion threshold. The discussion widens to global uncertainty affecting supply chains, shifting trade patterns as China routes production through other countries, and concern that U.S. policy risks damaging critical trade and supply-chain ties with Canada. They also highlight workforce shortages, demographics, and unclear ROI from rapid AI investment. 00:00 Welcome and Agenda 01:45 Why These Reports Matter 02:22 Fed and ISM Show Uptick 03:24 Caution and Tariff Drag 04:54 Capital Spending on Hold 07:11 Global Uncertainty and Supply Chains 10:02 China Trade Shifts and Workarounds 13:28 Canada Risks and North America 17:48 Looking Ahead to 2026 19:05 Workforce Shortage and AI Hype 21:02 Training Pipelines and Demographics 27:24 Financing Manufacturing Startups 28:42 Wrap Up and Final Takeaways Reports: January 2026 ISM® Manufacturing PMI® Report: https://www.ismworld.org/supply-management-news-and-reports/reports/ism-pmi-reports/pmi/january/ January Federal Reserve Statistical Release: https://www.federalreserve.gov/releases/g17/current/g17.pdf Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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

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

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

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

Welcome to the rebooted Manufacturing Talk Radio! After a year-long hiatus, hosts introduce the new 2.0 version of the show with new co-host, Amy Nicklaus. The episode covers a recap of the past year's key developments in manufacturing, including AI, labor shortages, supply chain stabilization, and reshoring. New episodes promise more engaging discussions on sustainability, digitization, and the US economy with industry leaders and experts. Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for candid, informative, and exciting conversations ahead. 00:00 Welcome Back to Manufacturing Talk Radio 2.0 01:00 Meet the New Co-Host: Amy Nicklaus 01:40 Topics and Trends in Manufacturing 03:39 Recap of the Past Year in Manufacturing 05:11 Sustainability and Digitization in Manufacturing 06:42 Future Discussions and Closing Remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Manufacturing Think Tank just one of many shows on Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Cliff Waldman explores the profound impact of quantum computing on manufacturing and the broader economy, with guest Floreta Teodoridis. This conversation highlights the potential to revolutionize areas such as simulating physical systems for material and drug discovery, solving complex optimization problems like logistics in manufacturing, and analyzing large datasets to speed up the search and potentially crack current encryption methods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manufacturing Talk Radio is BACK! Well... almost! But we are too excited and too many important things are happening in the world of manufacturing to delay any longer. This special report features manufacturing and economic expert insights from friends of the show Harry Moser and Jeremy Leonard, hosted by longtime MTR contributor Cliff Waldman. This is a conversation you won't want to miss. Stay tuned for new episodes coming soon! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Fiore, Committee Chair for the Manufacturing Report on Business® and Anthony Nieves, Committee Chair for the Services Report on Business® join hosts Lew Weiss and Tim Grady to discuss the results of ISM’s survey on business conditions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dr. Chris Kuehl speaks about the economies of various countries, how some are affected by war in the Middle East, how others are waning because of a 5,000% wage increase, and the developing nations waking up to become producers, exporters, and even investors in building production operations in low-cost producing countries. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Take a detailed look at the latest ISM Services Report On Business from the source, Anthony Nieves, Committee Chair, Services ISM® Report on Business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Fiore, Committee Chair for the ISM’s Manufacturing Report on Business® indicates that there is stability in the most recent report, with New Orders increasing and moderate contraction in production and employment. Companies continue to operate on lower, tightly controlled inventories while suppliers try to deliver orders early to make their year-end numbers. Overall, the report does not indicate recession even though portions of it are in contraction with GDP growth expected to be 2.4% in the fourth quarter of 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Moser On Manufacturing, Harry and Lew discuss Harry's recent experience at the Forging Industry Association's Fall Meeting. Harry was a speaker at the event and shared with us his experience at the event meeting with OEMs, contract manufacturers, and other forging industry luminaries. Lew and Harry also discuss the continued importance of closing the skills gap by encouraging young people to consider a career in the forging industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices