# Hardware Podcast Directory — full catalogue > Every podcast in the directory about building physical products, with the > episodes each show has published most recently. 53 shows, > 1184 episodes, refreshed from the feeds every hour. ## About this document This is the expanded companion to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/llms.txt, which carries the same shows without the episodes. Every show was chosen for the directory. Episode titles, dates, durations and notes come from each show's own RSS feed and are refreshed hourly, so "latest episode" reflects the feed rather than a guess. An episode with its own page here carries this directory's summary of it, written from the episode's audio, and a link to that page (with chapters and related episodes) in place of the feed's notes. A show with no new episode in 12 months is listed as archived. ## Citing this directory If you use this data in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to the page you drew on: each show's directory page is listed under its heading, and https://hardwarepodcasts.com covers the catalogue as a whole. Suggested citation: Hardware Podcast Directory, https://hardwarepodcasts.com What belongs to whom: the selection of shows, the categories, the editorial copy and the episode summaries are the directory's own work. Show and episode descriptions are reproduced from each publisher's RSS feed and belong to them, as do the Apple Podcasts rating figures, which are reproduced for reference. This directory collects no ratings of its own. ## Shows ## The Builder Circle Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle Designed to empower hardware entrepreneurs, engineers and builders to overcome challenges, reduce risk and succeed in bringing their products to market through expert insights, practical advice, and engaging discussions on relevant topics. - Categories: Manufacturing, Founder Stories, Product Development, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-02-10 - Apple Podcasts: 9 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://media.rss.com/thebuildercircle/feed.xml - Website: https://www.pratikdev.com/the-builder-circle-podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **S3 E9 Scaling Mission-Critical Hardware: Ops Lessons from Space & Fusion with Darby Dunn** (2026-02-10, 1h 24m): Darby Dunn, Vice President of Advanced Manufacturing at Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) and former SpaceX leader, discusses scaling mission-critical hardware operations. She details the design and manufacturing of superconducting magnets like the TFMC and CSMC, the strategic decision to insource magnet production while outsourcing the vacuum vessel, and the importance of defining core competencies and key metrics like cost per kilowatt-hour. Dunn also shares lessons on hiring exceptional talent, maintaining safety culture, and the critical 'test as you fly' mantra derived from a valve failure incident at SpaceX. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2026-02-10-s3-e9-scaling-mission-critical-hardware-ops-lessons-from-space-fusion-with-darby - **S3 E8: Navigating and Managing Contract Manufacturers with Peter Russo** (2026-01-27, 1h 14m): Peter Russo, a hardware mentor and entrepreneur with 15 licensed brands and $250M in retail sales, shares strategies for managing contract manufacturers (CMs). He emphasizes treating CMs as internal departments, securing IP and tooling ownership in contracts, and avoiding single-source dependencies. Russo also discusses cultural fit, exclusivity negotiations, and how startups can overcome being perceived as 'crappy customers' through storytelling and respect for the supplier's time. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2026-01-27-s3-e8-navigating-and-managing-contract-manufacturers-with-peter-russo - **S3 E7: Building Bootstrapped Hardware That Sells with Christian Reed** (2026-01-13, 55m): Christian Reed, CEO of Reekon Tools, explains how he bootstrapped the company from a side project to an 8-figure business without VC funding, validating the idea with a $1.2M Kickstarter campaign. He details the manufacturing lessons learned at Formlabs, including how a supplier's factory fire forced a mid-cycle component swap, and describes building a 3M+ social media following through consistent, raw content creation. Reed emphasizes the importance of engineers thinking like entrepreneurs, focusing on product benefits and brand building rather than just invention. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2026-01-13-s3-e7-building-bootstrapped-hardware-that-sells-with-christian-reed - **For Hardware Startups by Hardware People: Building The Builder Circle with Host, Sera Evcimen** (2026-01-06, 18m): Stay updated on hardware startup strategy packages (The Building Blocks by The Builder Circle) coming soon: https://forms.gle/8vQycwzeMvm43kPc6 In this special episode, host Sera reflects on the journey of The Builder Circle podcast, revisiting its origins, purpose, and evolution. Sera shares personal experiences as a mechanical engineer and startup mentor, and discusses how the show has grown to serve hardware founders, engineers, and enthusiasts. Key Topics Covered: The "why" behind The Builder Circle and its mission to support the hardware community. Sera’s background: education, startup experience, and mentorship roles. Common challenges in hardware startups and how the podcast… - **S3 E6: Building Innovation Moats with Open Hardware with Andrew "Bunnie" Huang** (2025-12-09, 1h 06m): Andrew "Bunnie" Huang, a hardware hacker and author of *Hacking the Xbox* and *The Hardware Hacker*, explains how open hardware creates structural innovation moats through community engagement rather than secrecy. He contrasts the Chinese Gomban ecosystem with Western models, citing his startup Chibitronics and products like Arduino and Raspberry Pi as examples where openness accelerates adoption and brand loyalty. Huang also details a manufacturing failure involving swapped microphone wires due to poor documentation and advises against using AI-generated code in critical embedded systems without rigorous review. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-12-09-s3-e6-building-innovation-moats-with-open-hardware-with-andrew-bunnie-huang - **S3 E5: AI in Hardware: The Future of Design, Manufacturing, and Innovation with Kristen Edwards** (2025-11-25, 1h 13m): Kristen Edwards, CTO and co-founder of Pensa Technologies and MIT PhD candidate, discusses integrating AI into hardware engineering workflows, emphasizing the need to track decision reasoning and manage data governance. She explains that while AI acts as a 'co-pilot' to augment human expertise, high-consequence tasks require human oversight due to liability and explainability concerns. Edwards highlights specific challenges in spatial reasoning, design-for-manufacturing translation, and IP security, suggesting techniques like federated learning and retrieval-augmented generation to protect sensitive engineering data. The conversation covers practical applications in CAD, automated testing, and quality assurance, noting that AI will likely replace repetitive tasks rather than creative engineering roles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-11-25-s3-e5-ai-in-hardware-the-future-of-design-manufacturing-and-innovation-with-kris - **S3 E4: An Impact Hardware VC's Playbook with Carlota Ochoa from Extentia** (2025-11-11, 39m): Carlota Ochoa, Principal at Extentia Capital, explains that the fund looks for hardware startups with low residual R&D risk, step-change innovations, and a clear path to cost parity, rather than marginal green improvements. She highlights the importance of customer validation, focusing on a single initial market segment, and managing supply chain risks by avoiding rare earth elements where possible. Ochoa also warns against relying on crowdfunding for VC-backed companies, noting it creates dead equity, and advises founders to understand their financing partners' definitions of technology risk when scaling to commercial scale. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-11-11-s3-e4-an-impact-hardware-vcs-playbook-with-carlota-ochoa-from-extentia - **S3 E3: Accelerators, Incubators and How to Leverage Them with Raphaele Leyendecker** (2025-10-28, 1h 00m): Raphaele Leyendecker, Managing Director at Techstars Sustainability Paris, explains the distinction between incubators and accelerators, advising hardware founders to target accelerators only when reaching Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 with commercial traction like LOIs or revenue. She warns against 'accelerator-hopping' and outsourcing core IP without maintaining internal expertise, citing her own experience with a biomass company that failed due to supply chain delays. Leyendecker emphasizes that founders should prioritize business de-risking over pure technology development and evaluate equity dilution based on the specific market expansion opportunities, such as entering Europe via a Paris-based program. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-10-28-s3-e3-accelerators-incubators-and-how-to-leverage-them-with-raphaele-leyendecker - **S3 E2: Export, Import, Tariffs, and Trade Compliance for Hardware Startups with Gabrielle Griffith** (2025-10-14, 1h 05m): Gabrielle Griffith, Director at BPE Global, explains the critical importance of HTS codes, country of origin, and substantial transformation for hardware startups navigating global trade. She details how tariffs are calculated based on these factors and warns against common misconceptions, such as assuming moving assembly to Mexico automatically avoids Section 301 tariffs on Chinese components. The episode covers practical strategies for tariff engineering, including working with customs brokers, understanding USMCA rules, and maintaining audit-ready documentation to avoid costly penalties. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-10-14-s3-e2-export-import-tariffs-and-trade-compliance-for-hardware-startups-with-gabr - **S3 E1: Mastering Tech Adoption and The Hardware Development Workflow with Jon Hirshtick** (2025-09-30, 1h 16m): Jon Hirshtick, founder of SolidWorks and Onshape, discusses the evolution of hardware development tools, emphasizing that software is a tool rather than a solution. He explains how customer visits and inferring needs drove the creation of features like the feature manager and cloud-native workflows. Hirshtick advises software founders to focus on usage metrics, understand market size realistically, and avoid the gap between demo and real-world complexity. He also shares lessons from his time on the MIT blackjack team regarding failure, persistence, and team dynamics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2025-09-30-s3-e1-mastering-tech-adoption-and-the-hardware-development-workflow-with-jon-hir - **S2 E9: Global Supply Chain Strategy with Ying Liu** (2024-03-19, 1h 17m): This podcast episode features an in-depth conversation with Ying Liu CEO of BlueLake Packaging, a seasoned expert in hardware product development and the sustainable packaging industry. Drawing from her extensive experience, including building Apple's supply chain infrastructure in China, Ying shares valuable insights on outsourcing vs. insourcing, establishing strong supplier relationships, the importance of quality in product development, the challenges of scaling production and the critical role of sustainability in manufacturing. Ying emphasizes the need for financial prudence, leveraging community support, and the importance of assembling a competent team. Through practical advice and… - **S2 E8: Quality Engineering and Strategy for Hardware with Matt Lipsitz** (2024-03-05, 1h 01m): Quality or sustaining engineering sound like big initiatives that only exist in big companies like GE or P&G but this is a common misconception in the startup world. Having a quality mindset and culture should come into play the first day of product development.I am excited to have Matthew Lipsitz, Head of Quality at Formlabs on to discuss exactly this. Formlabs started as a startup and scaled right in front of our eyes but quality was always front-in-mind. We talk about; defining #quality, applying quality from day 1, how to create a low-touch and non-burdensome quality infrstructure in a startup and much more! Music by: Tom Stoke (in addition to royalty-free music provided by Descript)… - **S2 E7: Intellectual Property Strategy for Hardware Startups with Troy Grabow** (2024-02-20, 1h 10m): In this podcast, TBC host and Pratik founder Sera Evcimen has a discussion with patent attorney Troy Grabow about the importance of intellectual property (IP) strategy for hardware startups. They explore the differences between patents and trade secrets, the complex process of filing and maintaining patents, and the potential costs involved, the strategic decisions startups need to make regarding patenting their inventions or keeping them as trade secrets, underline the significance of clear agreements on IP ownership in co-development and supplier relationships. Troy emphasizes the value of IP as a startup's principal asset in the early stages, and advises startups on managing related… - **S2 E6: Complex System Development with Kristine Barnes** (2024-02-06, 1h 13m): Kristine Barnes, a hardware engineer with experience at General Motors and in the nuclear power industry, explains how to manage complex system development. She details the importance of requirements flow-down, using DFMEA to identify and mitigate risks, and the dangers of relying on unvalidated CAE models. Barnes advises startups to focus on a single product launch before introducing variety and to balance rigorous engineering processes with the need for speed. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-builder-circle/2024-02-06-s2-e6-complex-system-development-with-kristine-barnes - **S2 E5: Rapid Prototyping Deep Dive with Greg Paulsen** (2024-01-23, 1h 06m): In this deep-dive episode, Greg Paulsen, Director of Applications, Engineering and Marketing at Xometry, discusses the complexities and intricacies of physical product development. He highlights the importance of understanding different manufacturing methods and the potential biases they can introduce in the design process. The episode delves into the pros and cons of various 3D printing technologies such as filament-based, powder bed fusion, and resin-based methods. Greg also points out the potential pitfalls of not considering scalability when developing prototypes. He underscores the need for clear communication regarding design requirements and having in-depth discussions about the… - **S2 E4: Scaling up Manufacturing with Scott Miller** (2024-01-09, 55m): Scott Miller is back again on the Builder Circle! A true hardware veteran, in this episode we will be privileged enough to talk with him within the realm of his professional sweet spot: how to properly scale your manufacturing with a focus on injection molding! The episode will dive into: When should a product team know to convert to injection molding? From a technological readiness level, unit economics and supply chain strategy perspective. More specifically, how many units should companies be aiming to produce for injection molding to make sense? What are some other manufacturing techniques that work at scale? What are some considerations for each technique? And many more! A hardware… - **S2 E3: Strategic Planning for Hardware Success with Pete Blake** (2023-12-25, 1h 03m): From leveraging your ecosystem to building your product roadmap and from managing your board to determining who to hire and why, this episode has it all. Pete Blake from Sapphire Steel is a fellow All-Star Mentor at Techstars. In this episode we dive deep into: How to strategically incorporate your ecosystem in hardware development and launch The mindset shift between research and productization Finding your unique value in the value chain Effective ways to set up your board and board meetings And many many more! Some resources that were mentioned in the episode: Book recommendation: Pasteur's Quadrant: Basic Science and Technological Innovation Article Recommendation on Systematic Hiring… - **S2 E2: Demystifying Medical Device and System Development with Alan Cohen** (2023-12-12, 1h 11m): This episode features a conversation between host, Sera Evcimen, and Alan Cohen, author of 'Prototype to Product: A Practical Guide for Getting to Market'. They delve into the complexities, misconceptions and opportunities in medical device development. The discussion includes the importance of generating good requirements, handling regulatory requirements, and conducting risk analysis. They also highlight the value of hiring experts conversant in both engineering and regulatory matters to guide a startup through navigating the FDA and EU approval processes. You can find his consultancy at www.alancohen.com. Rundown of Episode for easy navigation to topics of interest: 00:00 Introduction… - **S2 E1: From Code to Creation: The Building Blocks of Firmware with Elecia White** (2023-11-28, 1h 05m): Elecia White has worked on DNA scanners, inertial measurement units for airplanes and race cars, toys for preschoolers, a gunshot location system for catching criminals, and assorted other medical and consumer devices. She is the founder of Logical Elegance, an embedded systems consulting company based in San Jose and the host of the Embedded FM podcast. Elecia has strong skills in signal processing, hardware integration, complex system design, and performance. Having been through FAA and FDA certification processes, she understands the importance of producing quality designs and how they lead to quality implementations. In this episode we answer the questions: What is firmware and why is… - **S1 E9: Building a Strong Capital Stack for a Hardware Product with Orin Hoffman** (2023-07-25, 1h 15m): Orin Hoffman is a seasoned hardware veteran and VC investor passionate about enabling hardware through capital. In this episode we dive into two main questions: How does a hardware entrepreneur strategically source capital to have a successful hardware product? What are the common pitfalls and failures hardware teams do when building their capital stack? Don't have time to listen to the full episode? Totally understandable, scroll to the end to get the key takeaways and summary during the TL;DL (too long didn't listen) segment!Music by: Joel Caffey and Tom Stoke (in addition to royalty-free music provided by Descript)DISCLAIMERThe content provided in this podcast is for informational… - **S1 E8: Tackling Industrial Design and Regenerative Materials with PROWL** (2023-07-10, 58m): PROWL is design and strategy studio helping companies reach their product design and climate goals. Lauryn Menard and Bailie Mischler (Davis) bring a wealth of experience and intuition around industrial design and utilizing regenerative materials in physical product design. In this episode, PROWL and I will talk through the following 2 big questions: Why is industrial design important and when should industrial designers be included in the product development cycle? What are regenerative materials and why is it important to shift our design culture to incorporate them in the material selection process? Don't have time to listen to the full episode? Totally understandable, scroll to the end… - **S1 E7: Level Up Your Hardware Product Pitch with Haje Kamps** (2023-06-27, 1h 04m): Haje Kamps is an entrepreneur, pitch coach, hardware enthusiast and former VC. He brings a wealth of experience and intuition around the art of pitching hardware products for a successful fundraise and wide-spread adoption. In this specialty episode, Haje and I will talk through the following questions: Why should builders care about their pitch, shouldn't the technology stand for itself? What are the common pitfalls founders fall into when putting together their pitch? What do investors care about in a pitch? What metrics are important to put in place so that the hardware product pitch writes itself? What different versions of the deck should exist and what should their function be? Don't… - **S1 E6: Pivots, Trials, Errors, and Validation in Product Development with Madhavi Gavini** (2023-06-13, 1h 05m): In this Hardware Case Study episode we talk to Madhavi Gavini, CEO of Droplette. If you are a founder, engineer, product team or builder who has the following questions, this episode is for you! Sunk Cost Fallacy: How can we avoid the sunken cost fallacy and prevent over-engineering and unnecessary features from hindering the minimal viability of our products? Pivots: How do you feel confident in the decision to pivot? How do you execute on a pivot successfully? Insource vs Outsource Perspective: How can we make informed decisions about insourcing and outsourcing in product development, considering core competencies and institutional knowledge? Failure Mode Strategy: What strategies can we… - **S1 E5: The Path of Product Design for Successful Development with William Burke** (2023-05-30, 1h 26m): William Burke is a seasoned mechanical engineer and hardware enthusiast. He is passionately building tools for the next generation of hardware engineers through his company Five Flute. In this episode we explore key questions related to engineering design and product development: How can we strike the right balance between extremes in engineering design requirements? What is the importance of understanding use cases and generating a Product Requirements Document (PRD) with minimal prescribed numbers? Why should we prioritize a core subset of non-negotiable or known values in our designs? How can we effectively update and maintain requirements as we gather more information and insights? What… - **S1 E4: Cracking the Code of Hardware Manufacturing with Scott Miller** (2023-05-15, 1h 14m): Scott Miller is a seasoned entrepreneur, engineer and supply chain/manufacturing expert. He has been involved in many teams that were focused on getting concept to product including the first ever Roomba! He brings a wealth of knowledge, rules of thumb and kindness to entrepreneurs all around. What you can expect from this episode is discussions around: Outsourcing vs. insourcing: metrics to make an informative decision that works best with your business and innovation product Working with manufacturers, factories and suppliers from a low leverage standpoint Timing and Design Stability Lifecycle Testing Dual-Sourcing Approaching and finding the right fit with Contract Manufacturers Quality… ## The Amp Hour Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour Electronics design, manufacturing, and entrepreneurial discussion with a focus on hardware development. - Categories: Hardware, Electronics, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-07 - Apple Podcasts: 233 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://theamphour.com/feed/podcast/ - Website: https://theamphour.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Seeed in Shenzhen with Eric Pan** (2026-10-07, 1h 01m): Episode 736. Eric Pan, founder and CEO of Seeed Studio, discusses the evolution of the Shenzhen hardware ecosystem from 2008 to the present, highlighting the shift from open-source prototyping to scalable physical AI and robotics. He explains how Seeed acts as a portal between developers and manufacturers, leveraging local supply chains to support projects like the Micro:bit and robotics kits. Pan emphasizes the importance of repurposing consumer electronics components, such as e-paper and Rockchip processors, for open-source hardware, and outlines Seeed's strategy of helping innovators move up the value chain rather than just providing basic PCB services. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-10-07-seeed-in-shenzhen-with-eric-pan - **The Onio Batteryless Vision with Kjetil Meisal** (2026-09-24, 1h 03m): Episode 735. Kjetil Meisal, CEO and co-founder of Norwegian semiconductor startup ONiO, discusses the ONiO.zero, a batteryless microcontroller powered by ambient energy harvesting. He explains the chip's custom RISC-V architecture, multi-protocol 2.4 GHz radio, and ultra-low power design that enables 'stick and forget' IoT applications. Meisal highlights use cases in agriculture, smart home infrastructure, and sustainable healthcare, emphasizing the elimination of battery waste through energy harvesting and biodegradable packaging partnerships. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-09-24-the-onio-batteryless-vision-with-kjetil-meisal - **The Walmart Greeter of Electronics** (2026-09-18, 1h 05m): Episode 734. Dave Jones of EEVblog and Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics discuss the shift toward practical engineering education at universities like the University of Sydney, the rise of open-source robotics kits like the Seeed Studio SO-101 and Hugging Face's Micro Duck, and the impact of AI tools like Astra GPT Six on PCB design. They explore how AI is changing the learning curve for young engineers, with Jones mentoring his employee Dylan on voltage regulator selection and Gammell positioning himself as a welcoming 'Walmart greeter' for new hobbyists entering the electronics space. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-09-18-the-walmart-greeter-of-electronics - **Perpetual Wearable Biosensing with Andy Kong** (2026-09-10, 1h 06m): Episode 733. Andy Kong, founder of Chargerless, explains how his pre-seed wearable biosensing device achieves perpetual operation using just one minute of daily sunlight. He details the system architecture, which relies on a deliberately underpowered microcontroller and custom-built analog front-end circuitry to minimize power consumption. The device samples biometric data, such as heart rate via PPG, at low frequencies to maintain battery life while offering features comparable to commercial trackers like the Apple Watch and Whoop. Kong also discusses his experimental 'Power over Skin' project, which uses human body communication to transmit milliwatts of power through the body for charging. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-09-10-perpetual-wearable-biosensing-with-andy-kong - **Hands-on Physical AI with Kevin Cloutier** (2026-08-26, 58m): Episode 732. Kevin Cloutier, North American Lead for Physical AI at a global engineering consulting firm, explains the transition from legacy, statically programmed industrial robots to modern systems using imitation learning and 'Physical AI.' He details how to build and calibrate the affordable $200 3D-printed SO101 robot arm using the LeRobot open-source framework or Intel’s Physical AI Studio, orchestrating complex robotic systems entirely on local edge hardware. Cloutier contrasts the high cost and complexity of humanoids with the practical utility of specialized arms, while discussing the democratization of AI through small language models and local inference on SOCs with integrated GPUs and NPUs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-08-26-hands-on-physical-ai-with-kevin-cloutier - **E&M Reality Emerges with Robert Fennis** (2026-08-19, 1h 22m): Episode 731. Robert Fennis, creator of the open-source Python-based 3D electromagnetic solver EMerge, explains how to democratize RF simulation by providing an accessible alternative to expensive proprietary tools like HFSS and Ansys. He details the technical differences between Finite Element Method (FEM), Method of Moments, and FDTD solvers, emphasizing that FEM solves for electric fields in the space around conductors rather than just currents. Fennis shares practical advice for hardware developers, such as starting with simple antenna geometries, understanding that silk screen and right-angle traces can detune high-frequency designs, and leveraging LLMs to generate simulation scripts. He outlines a workflow for designing integrated Bluetooth antennas, stressing that 'good enough' matching is often sufficient for consumer applications due to the large dynamic range of receivers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-08-19-e-m-reality-emerges-with-robert-fennis - **The Focus Knob Works** (2026-08-05, 55m): Episode 730. Dave Jones and Chris Gamble celebrate 16 years of The Amp Hour by launching a new static website built with Hugo, Claude, and Cloudflare Pages, featuring searchable transcripts and an animated SVG scope. They discuss the importance of startup naming for SEO, citing examples like 'X Trainer' and 'Drop Bear', and review new hardware including the RIGOL DNA 800 VNA and spectrum analyzer. The conversation also covers the free release of Microchip's PIC32 compiler, the debugging capabilities of the $10 RISC-V CH32V003, and the growing influence of AI tooling on hardware development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-08-05-the-focus-knob-works - **The Terahertz Frontier with Greg Charvat of Teradar** (2026-07-22, 1h 20m): Episode 729. Greg Charvat, CTO and co-founder of Teradar, explains how his company is developing terahertz-frequency radar chips to overcome the resolution limits of 77 GHz automotive radar and the weather sensitivity of LIDAR. He details the technical challenges of designing sensors on silicon, leveraging high-volume semiconductor fabs to create a competitive moat, and the importance of digital phased arrays for high-resolution imaging. Charvat also shares advice for hardware founders on avoiding the CEO trap and discusses Teradar's distributed engineering culture across San Jose, Boston, and Connecticut. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-07-22-the-terahertz-frontier-with-greg-charvat-of-teradar - **Space Age Bluetooth with Alex Haro** (2026-07-09, 1h 06m): Episode 728. Alex Haro, co-founder and CEO of Hubble, explains how his company has built a global tracking network using standard Bluetooth chips communicating directly with low-Earth orbit satellites. Haro details the technical innovation of using digital beamforming and custom waveforms to receive weak 2.4 GHz signals from space, allowing devices to function without GPS or cellular modems. The episode covers Hubble's hybrid terrestrial-satellite architecture, which leverages existing gateways and smartphone apps to provide enterprise-grade, real-time asset tracking and sensor data globally. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-07-09-space-age-bluetooth-with-alex-haro - **Boat Anchor Warehouse** (2026-07-02, 54m): Episode 727. Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss a massive warehouse clearance of vintage test equipment from Maxervice in Melbourne, highlighting the challenge of selling 'boat anchor' gear. They analyze Texas Instruments' stealthy datasheet updates for the NE5532 op-amp, noting critical changes to supply voltage and ESD ratings that affect legacy designs. The conversation also covers the WCH CH224 USB-PD chip, local AI model deployment on AMD hardware, and Dave's experience with a Hyundai EV recall and a damaged Lovi Accutron watch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-07-02-boat-anchor-warehouse - **Arduino's Invisible Touch with Massimo Banzi** (2026-06-17, 1h 10m): Episode 726. Massimo Banzi, co-founder of Arduino, recounts the platform's origins in 2002 at an Italian interaction design school, where he and colleagues Tom Igo and David Cuartieres created a low-cost microcontroller board to replace the expensive Basic Stamp. He details the design decisions behind the Arduino Uno, including its credit-card form factor, the 'shield' stacking system, and the IDE's focus on simplicity to lower the barrier to entry for beginners. Banzi also discusses the company's evolution from a garage project to an enterprise acquired by Qualcomm, highlighting the critical role of ARM in saving the company from internal strife and the ongoing challenge of sustaining open-source hardware ecosystems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-06-17-arduinos-invisible-touch-with-massimo-banzi - **The Secret Life of Circuits with lcamtuf / Michał Zalewski** (2026-06-04, 59m): Episode 725. Security researcher and electronics enthusiast Michał Zalewski (lcamtuf) discusses his new book, The Secret Life of Circuits, published by No Starch Press, which aims to bridge the gap between hobbyist plumbing analogies and college-level calculus in teaching electronics. Zalewski argues for teaching modern practical problem-solving, focusing on FETs and modern components like MCUs rather than obsolete parts, while also sharing his passion for collecting and reverse-engineering vintage calculators. He reflects on the intersection of software security and hardware, the impact of AI on creative work, and the economic challenges of selling handmade physical products in a market dominated by cheap manufacturing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-06-04-the-secret-life-of-circuits-with-lcamtuf-micha-zalewski - **All Heat, No Useful Work** (2026-05-25, 1h 05m): Episode 724. Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the massive energy demands and infrastructure challenges of AI data centers, noting that 100% of input power becomes heat and requiring extensive cooling and diesel backup. They cover supply chain constraints, including a three-year backlog for transformers and a 40% surge in bareboard PCB prices driven by AI server demand. The conversation shifts to practical electronics work, where Chris details building a power-injecting Tag-Connect debug board and using Claude to implement SMP firmware updates over web serial, while Dave shares his frustration with a solar monitoring service's price hike and his son's struggles with Linux at school. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-05-25-all-heat-no-useful-work - **BeagleBoard's Back with Jason Kridner** (2026-05-07, 1h 10m): Episode 723. Jason Kridner of BeagleBoard.org discusses the evolution of the BeagleBoard project, highlighting new products like the Beagle Y AI, the $1 Beagle Connect Zepto microcontroller, and the BeagleBadge. He explains the strategic shift toward accessible form factors, the integration of the Microbus standard, and the importance of open-source hardware in education and professional automation. Kridner also addresses supply chain challenges, the role of Zephyr and Linux in embedded development, and his concerns about the future of low-level engineering skills in the age of AI. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-05-07-beagleboards-back-with-jason-kridner - **AI Tooling with Matt Liberty and Luke Beno** (2026-04-23, 1h 09m): Episode 722. Matt Liberty of Joulescope and Luke Beno of Tundra Labs and Werewolf.us discuss building custom AI-driven ERP systems to manage small-scale hardware businesses. They detail how AI tools like Claude Code and OpenClaw automate firmware debugging, protocol analysis for Juki pick-and-place machines, and inventory tracking via DigiKey and Mouser APIs. The guests emphasize that while AI accelerates software and operational workflows, it currently struggles with hardware design, arguing that engineers must retain fundamental physical intuition to effectively guide and debug AI-generated code and designs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-04-23-ai-tooling-with-matt-liberty-and-luke-beno - **Chip Design for Fun (and Waffles) with Julia Desmazes** (2026-04-09, 59m): Episode 721. Julia Desmazes, a CPU and RTL designer, discusses her experience building custom ASICs for fun through the Tiny Tape Out program, including a recent 'two weeks until tape out' challenge. She explains the open-source silicon stack, detailing how tools like OpenROAD, PDKs, and Wafer Space have lowered the barrier to entry for individuals to tape out chips. Desmazes covers the technical challenges of designing AI accelerators, specifically systolic arrays, and the critical importance of data movement and floating-point optimization in hardware design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-04-09-chip-design-for-fun-and-waffles-with-julia-desmazes - **Hyper Growth and OpenClaw Interns** (2026-04-01, 1h 01m): Episode 720. Chris Gammell, who works for Golioth, discusses the company's acquisition by Canonical and the resulting shift to a larger, remote-first engineering culture. Dave Jones and Chris Gammell then explore the practical applications of OpenClaw, an AI agent framework, for automating tasks like forum moderation and monitoring Discord channels. The episode also covers industry news, including Arm's entry into chip manufacturing, the Super Micro smuggling scandal, and the EU's Cyber Resilience Act. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-04-01-hyper-growth-and-openclaw-interns - **Inventing the Power MOSFET with Alex Lidow** (2026-03-20, 1h 05m): Episode 719. Alex Lidow, founder and CEO of Efficient Power Conversion (EPC) and former CEO of International Rectifier, recounts inventing the Power MOSFET and HEXFET while working at IR. He explains the physics of Gallium Nitride (GaN) on silicon, the founding of EPC after being fired from IR, and the company's strategic focus on low-voltage performance markets and integrated circuits for AI data centers and humanoid robots. Lidow also discusses the challenges of patent enforcement in the US versus China and the technical details of high-efficiency power topologies for next-generation NVIDIA servers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-03-20-inventing-the-power-mosfet-with-alex-lidow - **Layout Review with Zachariah Peterson** (2026-03-11, 1h 00m): Episode 718. Zachariah Peterson, founder of Northwest Engineering Solutions and Altium's technical consultant, discusses the state of PCB design, the industry's shift toward EMC expertise, and the impact of AI tooling. He details Altium's acquisition by Renesas, the critical need for engineers to understand manufacturing constraints and stack-ups, and the risks of relying on semiconductor data sheets for EMC guidance. Peterson also shares insights from his 'Layout Review' content series, highlighting common DRC errors and the value of mentorship in a lean industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-03-11-layout-review-with-zachariah-peterson - **Back on the road in '26** (2026-03-04, 59m): Episode 717. Chris Gammell of Contextual Electronics and Dave Jones of EEVblog discuss their upcoming travel to Embedded World and various hardware meetups, highlighting the challenges of organizing community events. They critique a TechCrunch article on solid-state transformers, arguing that traditional AC transformers remain superior for grid infrastructure due to efficiency and reliability. The conversation then shifts to the fragile global supply chain for AI hardware, tracing dependencies from ChatGPT back to ultra-pure quartz from Spruce Pine, North Carolina, and discussing the marketing tactics of Donut Lab regarding their battery technology. Finally, they review modular computing options like the Framework laptop and Flow Z13, while analyzing the latest developments in KiCad 10 and the Paduk microcontroller used by Rode. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-03-04-back-on-the-road-in-26 - **Electronics Manufacturing History with David Ray** (2026-02-26, 1h 02m): Episode 716. David Ray, founder of Cyber City Circuits, details his journey from electronics hobbyist to running a high-mix contract manufacturing business in Augusta, Georgia. He discusses the operational realities of managing Charm High pick-and-place machines, the critical importance of using frame stencils and GC 10 solder paste, and the financial pitfalls of selling soldering kits. Ray also shares insights on sourcing equipment, emphasizing the risks of buying used AOI machines, and highlights his work in reverse engineering and DFM consulting for small businesses and startups. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-02-26-electronics-manufacturing-history-with-david-ray - **Shiny New Pebble with Eric Migicovsky** (2026-02-10, 58m): Episode 715. Eric Migicovsky, founder of the original Pebble and CEO of CoreDevices, discusses the relaunch of Pebble and the development of the Index 01 smart ring. He contrasts the early days of Pebble—where he made costly mistakes like designing custom Bluetooth hardware instead of using modules—with the modern ease of finding factories and using off-the-shelf components like the Sifly chip for the new watch. Migicovsky explains the design philosophy behind the Index 01, which prioritizes a two-year battery life and 100% reliability over health tracking, using a Dialog Semiconductor chip to achieve its 'external brain RAM' function. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-02-10-shiny-new-pebble-with-eric-migicovsky - **The Measurement Blues with Martin Rowe** (2026-02-03, 1h 17m): Episode 714. Martin Rowe, Senior Technical Editor at EE World Online, discusses the evolution of technical media, the challenges of reviewing complex test equipment like Tektronix oscilloscopes, and the shifting landscape of wireless standards from 5G to 6G. He details the industry's move toward open RAN and AI-driven networks, while sharing personal anecdotes about his career at publications like Test and Measurement World and his unique hobby of writing and performing blues songs about engineering life. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-02-03-the-measurement-blues-with-martin-rowe - **Rubber Duck Incarnate** (2026-01-26, 1h 09m): Episode 713. Dave Jones and Chris Gammell discuss the recent public falling out between SparkFun and Adafruit, which resulted in Adafruit losing the right to resell the Teensy microcontroller board designed by Paul Stoffregen. They analyze the technical implications of the Teensy's proprietary NDA-protected bootloader and explore how the RP2350 chip's Programmable IO (PIO) state machines offer a versatile alternative for custom hardware. The conversation also covers Chris's use of the Zephyr RTOS for embedded development, AI-assisted coding tools, and portable debugging via terminal apps on mobile devices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-01-26-rubber-duck-incarnate - **Robots Everywhere with Aaed Musa** (2026-01-20, 58m): Episode 712. Aaed Musa, a mechanical engineering student at Purdue and YouTuber, explains how he builds low-cost quadrupedal robots like 'Kara' using off-the-shelf brushless motors and custom 3D-printed capstan drives to achieve high precision with zero backlash. He details the engineering trade-offs between torque, speed, and cost, noting that optimizing these factors allows him to build a robot for $1,300, significantly cheaper than commercial equivalents like Boston Dynamics' Spot. Musa also discusses the importance of integration in robotics, the role of AI in simplifying kinematics, and how his hands-on projects serve as a practical portfolio for his career. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2026-01-20-robots-everywhere-with-aaed-musa ## Embedded.fm Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm Discussions with experts about embedded systems, electronics, and hardware development. - Categories: Electronics, Embedded, Engineering, Hardware - Latest episode: 2026-10-01 - Apple Podcasts: 188 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/44177/destinations/141180.xml - Website: https://embedded.fm/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **535: The You in the Machine** (2026-10-01, 1h 29m): Episode 535. Adam Smith, a professor at UC Santa Cruz, discusses his BayLeaf AI counterplatform, an open-source infrastructure designed to provide local, autonomous AI tools without data harvesting. He explains the concept of 'transagency,' where humans and agents collaborate, using tools like OpenCode, OpenChamber, and OpenWebUI to manage context and automate tasks. Smith advocates for using small language models (SLMs) and context distillation to retain knowledge in plain text files like AGENTS.md, arguing that this approach offers privacy and portability compared to corporate cloud services. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-10-01-535-the-you-in-the-machine - **534: I Think We'll Add a Head** (2026-09-17, 1h 13m): Episode 534. Aaed Musa, co-founder of the robotics startup Mecha and a popular YouTube creator, discusses his journey from 3D-printing servo robots in his parents' garage to designing advanced quadrupedal robots. He details the mechanical evolution from high-backlash servos to custom capstan drives using Dyneema DM20 rope, and explains how his startup uses NVIDIA Isaac Sim and reinforcement learning to train expressive, home-friendly robot dogs. Musa also shares insights on his YouTube storytelling process, the importance of industrial design in making robots approachable, and his vision for a platform-based home robot that bridges the gap between toys and industrial tools. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-09-17-534-i-think-well-add-a-head - **533: The Garage Is Open** (2026-09-04, 59m): Episode 533. Susan Lammers, author of the classic book 'Programmers at Work' and founder of Headbone Interactive, discusses the 40th anniversary edition of her book and the revival of her 1990s retro games on Steam. She reflects on interviewing pioneers like Toru Iwatani and Michael Hawley during the personal computer revolution, highlighting their drive for creative freedom from corporate mainframes. Lammers also shares insights from her time at Microsoft Press and her experience leading the early interactive CD-ROM division. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-09-04-533-the-garage-is-open - **532: It's Still Real Fire** (2026-08-20, 1h 09m): Episode 532. Kevin Santo Cappuccio, founder of Architeuthis Flux, discusses Jumperless, an open-source breadboard that replaces physical jumper wires with software-controlled analog crossbar switches and 445 RGB LEDs. He explains the device's architecture, including the Raspberry Pi Pico running MicroPython, the high-frequency performance of the switches, and the upcoming modular Barnacle Board. The conversation covers use cases in audio synthesis, education for dyslexic learners, and the challenges of manufacturing a luxury hardware product as a solo founder. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-08-20-532-its-still-real-fire - **531: Sequestering the Mess** (2026-08-06, 1h 07m): Episode 531. Elecia White and Christopher White discuss winning the IEEE Educational Activities Board Meritorious Achievement Award for their podcast, Embedded.fm, and celebrate the milestone with informal education outreach. Christopher details his work integrating Rust libraries into Zephyr RTOS and struggling with Memfault's data extraction capabilities, while Elecia manages a complex robotics project. They also review books like Cory Doctorow's 'The Reverse Centaur's Guide to Life After AI' and 'Programmers at Work,' debating the ethics of taking advice from controversial figures and the societal impact of AI. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-08-06-531-sequestering-the-mess - **530: A Living Highlighter** (2026-07-25, 1h 08m): Episode 530. Marine biologist Dr. Steven Haddock of the Monterey Bay Aquarium Research Institute (MBARI) discusses his book, The Radiant Sea, co-authored with Sönke Johnsen, which documents living deep-sea organisms. He explains the high-sensitivity 4K camera technology and ROV systems required to capture bioluminescence and transparency in the deep ocean, noting ISO levels up to 80,000. Haddock details how organisms like disco clams use structural colors and jellyfish use bioluminescence for communication and defense, while highlighting the biotechnological applications of GFP in medical research. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-07-25-530-a-living-highlighter - **529: The Narwhal Looked Amazing** (2026-07-09, 1h 22m): Episode 529. Chris Svec, Director of Embedded Software Engineering at Insulet, discusses strategies for onboarding and developing new college graduates in engineering teams. He emphasizes that admitting ignorance publicly is a superpower and warns against new hires 'going dark' when they feel too intimidated to ask questions. The conversation covers practical tactics like assigning buddies, conducting daily check-ins, and using pair programming to build resilience and technical judgment. Svec also advises managers to foster a culture where curiosity is rewarded and mistakes are treated as learning opportunities rather than failures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-07-09-529-the-narwhal-looked-amazing - **528: Goldfish Chunks** (2026-06-25, 1h 10m): Episode 528. Tyler Hoffman, co-founder of Memfault (now part of Nordic Semiconductor), discusses the architecture and philosophy of Memfault, a platform for embedded device diagnostics and observability. He explains the separation of operational data from product data, the 'device-in-control' approach to firmware updates, and the use of Memfault Diagnostic Service (MDS) for BLE devices. The conversation covers when to use Memfault versus building custom solutions, the challenges of low-bandwidth connectivity, and the realities of scaling fleet management. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-06-25-528-goldfish-chunks - **527: At The Jellyfish Conference** (2026-06-12, 1h 09m): Episode 527. Elecia White and Christopher White discuss career development strategies, including using action verbs and the STAR method for resumes and interviews, while Christopher explores porting Python algorithms to embedded Rust on an nRF52840. Elecia details a DIY origami-based thermoforming process for synthetic fabrics, and Christopher describes building a DIY Recording Equipment Colour Duo 2-Channel Colour Channel Strip Kit, noting soldering errors with a HAKKO desoldering tool. The hosts also share that Embedded.fm won a Communicator Award and received an IEEE nomination. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-06-12-527-at-the-jellyfish-conference - **526: Take A Taste Of Engineers** (2026-05-28, 1h 01m): Episode 526. Dr. Victoria Serrano, a professor at the Technological University of Panama and IEEE STEM Champion, discusses her work in STEM outreach and engineering education. She details her PhD research on PID controller tuning for degrading buck converters and explains how she uses low-cost equipment like Arduino Uno boards and motor shields to teach robotics and electronics to students in Panama. Serrano emphasizes the importance of empathy in engineering, citing a project where students designed solutions for people with disabilities, and shares her philosophy on overcoming fear of failure in hardware projects. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-05-28-526-take-a-taste-of-engineers - **525: Some Sort of Metal** (2026-05-14, 1h 03m): Episode 525. Dr. Tom Williams, a computer science professor at the Colorado School of Mines and author of 'Degrees of Freedom: On Robotics and Social Justice,' discusses the intersection of robotics, ethics, and social justice. He argues that roboticists must consider societal impacts, citing Waki Kamino’s research on MLB’s automated ball-strike system and the teleoperation of robots like EngKey. Williams advocates for integrating ethics into engineering education through methods like participatory design and improvisation to address issues of race, gender, and labor. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-05-14-525-some-sort-of-metal - **524: This Isn't a Movie** (2026-04-16, 1h 14m): Episode 524. Nathan Jones, a former US Army instructor and current embedded systems educator writing for DigiKey and EmbeddedRelated, discusses the trade-offs between superloops and RTOSs, arguing that superloops avoid the race conditions inherent in pre-emptive scheduling. He details his work on hardware security, explaining how differential power analysis can extract AES keys using the ChipWhisperer tool, and highlights the impact of the EU Cyber Resilience Act on product design. The conversation also covers his upcoming workshops at the Embedded Online Conference and CppCon, as well as his reflections on writing, teaching, and managing the mental load of consultancy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-04-16-524-this-isnt-a-movie - **523: Bad Experience With Donuts** (2026-04-02, 1h 10m): Episode 523. Elecia White and Christopher White discuss the LeapFrog LeapPad and Odyssey Globe, recalling Elecia's work on their capacitive sensing and custom ASIC technology around 2001. They analyze the governance models of open source projects like Valetudo, ESPHome, and Zephyr as analogies for large company politics, and review Bunnie Huang's Dabao Evaluation Board for its verifiability features. The hosts also cover practical tools like Merlin Bird ID and Excel data bars, while debating the use of Ethernet in embedded systems and the state of Renesas MCUs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-04-02-523-bad-experience-with-donuts - **522: The Information Is In Poop** (2026-03-06, 54m): Episode 522. Dr. Sonia Grego, founder and CEO of Coprata and lead of Duke University's Smart Toilet Lab, discusses the engineering challenges of monitoring gut health through human waste. She explains how Coprata’s Microbiome Activity Tracker (MAT) kit uses colorimetric analysis via smartphone to assess gut health, while detailing the complex robotics required for their smart toilet prototype to isolate and analyze specimens. Grego also shares lessons from field-testing non-sewered sanitation systems in India and South Africa, highlighting the gap between academic prototypes and real-world deployment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-03-06-522-the-information-is-in-poop - **521: Are You The Tiny Domino?** (2026-02-20, 1h 03m): Episode 521. Kenneth Finnegan, Senior Solutions Architect at Nvidia and creator of the Fremont Cabal Internet Exchange (FCIX), explains how he accidentally built load-bearing internet infrastructure. He details the history of FCIX, which grew from a joke among five friends into a major peering point, and his Micro Mirror CDN that serves a significant portion of Ubuntu and VLC downloads. Finnegan also discusses the importance of distributed systems knowledge for embedded developers and shares anecdotes about his hobbies, including coin collecting and driving locomotives. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-02-20-521-are-you-the-tiny-domino - **520: All Sorts of Interesting Facts About Teeth** (2026-02-06, 58m): Episode 520. Hosts Elecia White and Christopher White discuss the ethical and practical implications of using AI tools like code reviewers and physics explainers, while also offering advice to a listener struggling with a new management role. They debate learning modalities, comparing the efficacy of books, audiobooks, and videos for technical education, and address a student's question about using hardware abstraction libraries versus writing low-level drivers for the TI MSP430. The episode concludes with guidance on selecting microcontrollers based on peripheral requirements rather than raw performance metrics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-02-06-520-all-sorts-of-interesting-facts-about-teeth - **519: The Password Is All Zeros** (2026-01-23, 1h 06m): Episode 519. Mark Omo and James Rowley from Marcus Engineering discuss their research into SECURAM safe locks, revealing that the ProLogic series contains critical security flaws, including a debug port password set to all zeros and codes stored on the external keypad. They detail two exploits, 'code snatch' and 'reset heist,' which allow unauthorized access to safes used for pharmaceuticals and cash, despite UL high-security certification. The conversation covers the ethical and legal challenges of responsible disclosure, including threats from SECURAM's legal team and support from the EFF's Coders' Rights Project. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-23-519-the-password-is-all-zeros - **518: Nothing We Can Do About Frogs** (2026-01-09, 1h 08m): Episode 518. James Cameron, a scientist and developer with a background in the Forth programming language and One Laptop Per Child, discusses his work operating and maintaining the Anglo-Australian Telescope (AAT) at Siding Spring Observatory. He details the engineering challenges of a 3.9-meter, 260-tonne telescope built in 1974, including its control systems, the Two Degree Field (2dF) robotic fiber positioner, and the impact of Starlink satellites on astronomical observations. Cameron also shares anecdotes about the unique operational hazards of the site, such as kangaroos, brown snakes, and ladybug infestations, while offering career advice on combining engineering with other disciplines. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-09-518-nothing-we-can-do-about-frogs - **517: A Direct, Sensible Podcast** (2026-01-02, 1h 01m): Episode 517. Elecia White and Christopher White are joined by Nathan Jones and Chris Svec to review the Embedded.fm podcast's 2025 performance, discussing survey results that highlight listener appreciation for the show's diverse, underrepresented guests and its mission to foster STEM community. The group discusses specific episodes like the 'Giraffe butt birds' interview, the hosts' book 'Embedded Systems Programming', and the Foldscope microscope, while sharing personal engineering failures and lessons learned. They emphasize the value of the Slack community and the importance of maintaining a sustainable, human-centric approach to content creation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2026-01-02-517-a-direct-sensible-podcast - **516: Voices From the Cataclysms of the Universe** (2025-12-12, 58m): Episode 516. Sophi Kravitz, an electrical engineer and artist, discusses her upcoming art installation 'Messages from Space,' which uses Geiger–Müller tubes to detect cosmic rays and trigger sounds and stories. She explains the physics of cosmic rays, her experience building the hardware, and her transition from a year-long break to returning to EE consulting at her company Greenlight. Kravitz also shares insights on using AI to learn Blender for digital sculpting and the psychological challenges of returning to technical work after a hiatus. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-12-12-516-voices-from-the-cataclysms-of-the-universe - **515: Script Boomers** (2025-11-27, 1h 10m): Episode 515. Nick Kartsioukas, a Senior Security Engineer, discusses the evolving landscape of embedded system security, emphasizing the critical importance of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) and monitoring the Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures (CVE) database. He explains how to secure IoT devices through mutual TLS authentication and hardware roots of trust, while warning against the risks of using complex platforms like the Raspberry Pi in constrained environments. The conversation also covers threat modeling strategies, the crossover between safety and security, and practical advice for engineers to improve their security posture through Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-11-27-515-script-boomers - **514: Just Turn Off All the Computers** (2025-11-14, 1h 10m): Episode 514. Philip Koopman, a retired Carnegie Mellon University professor and author of 'Embodied AI Safety: Reimagining safety engineering for artificial intelligence in physical systems,' discusses the critical safety, security, and legal challenges of deploying AI in physical devices. He uses Waymo robotaxis as a primary example to illustrate how 'moral crumple zones' and human factors create liability gaps when AI supplants human agency. Koopman argues that current tort negligence laws are insufficient for holding manufacturers accountable for AI errors, necessitating a shift in how engineers approach hazard assessment and risk mitigation for embodied systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-11-14-514-just-turn-off-all-the-computers - **513: I'm Sorry You Learned Something** (2025-10-30, 1h 17m): Episode 513. Jason Turner, creator of C++ Weekly and founder of Empty Crate, discusses his new book 'Programming Puzzles Big Book' and his career evolution from software developer to educator. He explains how he uses paper-based puzzles to teach core computer science concepts like binary, recursion, and assembly without using technical jargon, aiming to make learning accessible and fun for ages 7-99. Turner also reflects on his transition from contracting to full-time content creation, the importance of onsite training, and his philosophy on writing and motivation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-30-513-im-sorry-you-learned-something - **512: What if I Didn't Stop?** (2025-10-16, 1h 05m): Episode 512. Katherine Connell, known as Smalls, discusses her product Sprite Lights, a thin, flexible LED body art sticker, and her journey from prototyping to a successful Kickstarter campaign. She details the technical challenges of using Zinergy batteries and flexible PCBs from PCBWay, and her extensive research into stretchable electronics using Galinstan and silicone. Connell explains how she overcame manufacturing hurdles, including the difficulty of adhering components to silicone and managing component sizes, to create a wearable product that balances safety, aesthetics, and functionality. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-16-512-what-if-i-didnt-stop - **511: Forty Trillion Divides** (2025-10-02, 1h 22m): Episode 511. Elecia White and Christopher White discuss the Embedded.fm podcast's 511th episode, marking the transition to the 10th bit of show history. They brainstorm potential categories for an 'Embeddies' awards show, debate the merits of Vim versus nano editors, and explore using linear algebra on AI cores for non-inference tasks like control systems. The hosts also offer advice on self-motivation in writing, remote device QA, and strategies for switching microcontroller vendors. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2025-10-02-511-forty-trillion-divides ## TRADEOFFS Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs A podcast about the difficult choices and compromises made during hardware product development and engineering. Each episode explores real-world trade-offs faced by product teams. - Categories: Product Development, Startups, Hardware, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-09-16 - Apple Podcasts: 2 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/trade-offs - Website: https://tradeoffs.fm/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (17) - **The Robots Aren’t Coming For Your Jobs | Venture For America, Pittsburgh Robotics Network | Jenny Sharpe** (2026-09-16, 1h 01m): Episode 16. Jenny Sharpe, Director of Workforce Development for the Pittsburgh Robotics Network, discusses the hiring challenges in the robotics industry, arguing that the problem is a mismatch of talent rather than a shortage. She shares her background founding Serving Earth and working at ActiveVR, highlighting how timing and product-market fit are critical for hardware startups. Sharpe explains how outdated government occupational codes (ONET) fail to capture deep tech roles, creating barriers for workforce development, and offers advice for early-career engineers to stand out in an AI-saturated job market. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-09-16-the-robots-arent-coming-for-your-jobs-venture-for-america-pittsburgh-robotics-ne - **Design and Engineering Shouldn't Be Separate Islands | Pensar, Tactile, Mathscaper, Vector7 | Rob Leonard** (2026-07-27, 1h 04m): Episode 15. Rob Leonard, founder of Vector7 and former leader at Pensar and Tactile, discusses the critical trade-off of integrating industrial design with engineering, arguing they should not be separate islands. He details his journey from IT to hardware, highlighting how his work at Orb Optronics and NextLighting led to leadership roles at Pensar and Tactile, where he championed holistic product development. Leonard also shares insights on his current consultancy, Vector7, and his art practice, Mathscaper, which uses CNC machining to create mathematical sculptures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-07-27-design-and-engineering-shouldnt-be-separate-islands-pensar-tactile-mathscaper-ve - **Lessons from a Recovering Hardware Founder | Bluesmart, ROOM, Kite Compliance | Brian Chen** (2026-06-09, 59m): Episode 14. Brian Chen, founder of Kite Compliance, recounts his journey from co-founding Bluesmart, the smart-luggage startup that raised $2.2M on Indiegogo before airlines banned non-removable batteries, to scaling ROOM, a modular office furniture company that reached $60M in annual revenue before being sold to OFS. He explains how Bluesmart's decision to embed lithium-ion batteries for IoT purity led to regulatory backlash, while ROOM succeeded by focusing on direct-to-consumer pricing and supply chain agility. Today, Chen uses his experience to build Kite Compliance, an AI-powered platform designed to help hardware companies navigate complex certification and regulatory hurdles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-06-09-lessons-from-a-recovering-hardware-founder-bluesmart-room-kite-compliance-brian - **Building Teams That Scale And What Happens When They Don't | Peloton, Meta, Blaze Talent | Will Blaze** (2026-04-13, 59m): Episode 13. Will Blaze, founder of Blaze Talent, discusses his experience scaling engineering teams at Peloton and Meta, and his current work with companies like CoreWeave, Andium, and Sandbar. He explains the trade-offs between hiring full-time employees versus contractors, emphasizing that contractors reduce risk for startups during volatile growth phases. Blaze also details the importance of structured interviews, the use of AI tools like Gem and BrightHire to augment recruiting efficiency, and the challenges of maintaining quality of hire in high-growth environments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-04-13-building-teams-that-scale-and-what-happens-when-they-dont-peloton-meta-blaze-tal - **T-26-012 : Founders From The Show Floor - CES 2026** (2026-02-04, 40m): Episode 12. Chris and Nate interview founders from Eureka Park at CES 2026, including Rajeev Ramanath of Blueberry Technology, Cole Ashman of Pila Energy, and Scott Hickle of Throne. They discuss specific products like the autonomous Blueberry Go airport robot, Pila Energy's modular home batteries, and Throne's toilet health tracker. The episode highlights trade-offs in hardware design, such as Pebble's Eric Migicovsky choosing ODMs for speed over control, and Roam's Aaron Pollack accepting thickness for battery life. Other founders like Niclas Bertelsen of Naya and Michael Churchill of Kombu discuss modular ecosystems and material choices for fermentation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-02-04-t-26-012-founders-from-the-show-floor-ces-2026 - **T-26-011 : Happy CES-mas** (2026-01-05, 1h 00m): Episode 11. Hosts Nate Paget and Chris Rill discuss the 'hardware renaissance' and recent industry shifts, highlighting Samsung's controversial decision to push ads to smart refrigerators as a sign of changing monetization economics. They provide a strategic guide to CES 2026, emphasizing that the event's true value lies in high-density networking and private suite meetings rather than the show floor itself. The conversation covers practical survival tips for attendees, including navigating the LVCC and Venetian venues, managing health, and understanding booth costs, while predicting trends like humanoid robots and embedded AI in everyday devices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-05-t-26-011-happy-ces-mas - **T-25-010 : Ioannis Papamanoglou and Narayan Powderly - Engineers transforming how we design, test, and build hardware with atopile** (2026-01-01, 1h 01m): Episode 10. Narayan Powderly and Ioannis Papamanoglou, co-CEOs of atopile, discuss their command-line circuit design tool that brings software development practices to hardware engineering. They explain how their frustration with slow board development cycles at Tesla and smart bike lock projects led them to create a domain-specific language that captures design intent rather than just schematics. The guests detail how atopile integrates with KiCad for layout, leverages LLMs for rapid iteration, and aims to empower full-stack engineers by automating the drudgery of component selection and validation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2026-01-01-t-25-010-ioannis-papamanoglou-and-narayan-powderly-engineers-transforming-how-we - **T-25-009 : Sera Evcimen - Mechanical Engineer to Host of The Builder Circle™ Podcast** (2025-10-08, 59m): Episode 9. Sera Evcimen, mechanical engineer and host of The Builder Circle™ Podcast, discusses her journey from working at Commonwealth Fusion Systems (CFS) to founding her consulting firm Pratik. She explains how her background in machine shops and fusion energy informs her approach to hardware startups, emphasizing the importance of hands-on verification, system architecture mapping with tools like XMind, and managing the 'iron triangle' of cost, time, and quality. Evcimen also shares insights on sourcing clients through content and networks, the pitfalls of remote due diligence, and the critical role of a diverse capital stack beyond just venture capital. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2025-10-08-t-25-009-sera-evcimen-mechanical-engineer-to-host-of-the-builder-circletm-podcas - **T-25-008 : Justin McAfee - Mechanical Engineer to Hardware as a Service CEO** (2025-06-20, 59m): Episode 8. Justin McAfee, founder of Wright One, discusses his journey from a failed firefighter grenade launcher project to building advanced electric propulsion systems in Bridgeport, Connecticut. He explains how high tariffs forced the onshoring of manufacturing for his modular CPU cooling fans, which serve cryptocurrency miners with a 'cooling as a service' model. McAfee details the technical architecture of his ducted electric turbines, designed to enable affordable flying cars, and shares his strategy for navigating hardware fundraising by focusing on investors who understand the long-term vision rather than the commodity nature of the initial product. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2025-06-20-t-25-008-justin-mcafee-mechanical-engineer-to-hardware-as-a-service-ceo - **T-25-007 : Valentina Ratner - Mechanical Engineer to SaaS for Hardware CEO** (2025-03-21, 58m): Episode 7. Valentina Ratner, co-founder and CEO of AllSpice, explains how she adapted Git workflows for hardware engineering to solve collaboration issues in electronics design. She details the transition from building Amazon delivery lockers to founding AllSpice, focusing on version control for PCBs, schematics, and BOMs. The episode covers the strategic decision to charge for the tool to ensure commitment, the shift from SMB to enterprise sales, and the challenges of integrating with ECAD tools like KiCad and Cadence. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2025-03-21-t-25-007-valentina-ratner-mechanical-engineer-to-saas-for-hardware-ceo - **T-25-006 : Yohan Jacob - Consumer Electronics Buyer to Retail Channel Product Launcher** (2025-01-07, 55m): Episode 6. Yohan Jacob, founder of Retail Bound, shares insights from his 32-year career as a consumer electronics buyer and consultant, helping brands launch into major retailers like Best Buy, Costco, and Target. He discusses the critical trade-offs in retail strategy, including managing cash flow with net-90 payment terms, avoiding the pitfalls of rushing products to market for CES, and the importance of post-purchase support to prevent high return rates. Jacob uses case studies of companies like Cujo, Upright, and Canary to illustrate how pricing, margin structures, and buyer relationships determine long-term success or failure in brick-and-mortar channels. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2025-01-07-t-25-006-yohan-jacob-consumer-electronics-buyer-to-retail-channel-product-launch - **T-24-005 : Kaleen Canevari - Mechanical Engineer to Connected Fitness CEO** (2024-12-11, 59m): Episode 5. Kaleen Canevari, founder and CEO of Flexia, discusses building the world's first smart Pilates reformer, detailing her transition from mechanical engineering to navigating venture capital dynamics and manufacturing challenges. She explains how Flexia uses sensors to measure load, distance, and speed to generate a Movement Quality Score (MQS), creating proprietary metrics for Pilates performance. Canevari shares the trade-offs of launching during the pandemic, including initial US manufacturing failures, shifting to China for better quality and unit economics, and the strategic decision to focus on direct-to-consumer sales rather than complex B2B studio integrations. She also reflects on the importance of founder-led marketing, the pitfalls of accelerator advice for hardware, and the discipline required to manage product scope and team growth. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2024-12-11-t-24-005-kaleen-canevari-mechanical-engineer-to-connected-fitness-ceo - **T-24-004 : Tom George - Hardware Startup Engineer to Google Product Lead** (2024-11-13, 48m): Episode 4. Tom George, now a Product Team Lead at Google leading the Pebble initiative, recounts his journey from early hardware startups like Maritime Broadband and QuadLogic to his current role in Sustainable Cities. He details the engineering trade-offs of building satellite communication systems for cargo ships, including the failure of using commercial stepper motors in marine environments, and the organizational challenges of separating R&D from sustaining engineering at QuadLogic. George explains his decision to halt production at Sidewalk Labs when the Pebble sensor was not ready for scale, and his subsequent pivot at Google away from hardware manufacturing toward policy and urban planning solutions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2024-11-13-t-24-004-tom-george-hardware-startup-engineer-to-google-product-lead - **T-24-003 : Christina Perla - Industrial Designer to On Demand Manufacturing** (2024-10-09, 58m): Episode 3. Christina Perla, co-founder and CEO of Makelab, discusses her transition from industrial design at Converse to running an on-demand 3D printing service. She details the company's hub-and-spoke expansion strategy, including a new San Francisco location and a planned Connecticut factory, while explaining why she rejected venture capital after a fund imploded. Perla emphasizes community building as a core growth strategy and shares insights on the 3D printing industry's current reckoning regarding reliability and marketing honesty. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2024-10-09-t-24-003-christina-perla-industrial-designer-to-on-demand-manufacturing - **T-24-002 : Kevin Lavelle - Performance Fabric to Pediatric Telemedicine** (2024-10-02, 58m): Episode 2. Kevin Lavelle, founder of Mizzen and Main and Harbor, discusses the transition from scaling a US-made performance fabric apparel brand to building Harbor, a pediatric telemedicine company. He details the technical trade-offs of designing a failsafe baby monitor with a dedicated tablet and camera that connects to the cloud, emphasizing the decision to avoid smartphone app dependency due to reliability concerns. Lavelle explains the strategic choice to manufacture hardware in Southeast Asia rather than the US, citing the inability of domestic supply chains to support volume, and outlines a 2-year membership model to ensure recurring revenue. He also reflects on the difficulties of fundraising for hardware in the current climate and the importance of building a distributed, high-caliber engineering team. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2024-10-02-t-24-002-kevin-lavelle-performance-fabric-to-pediatric-telemedicine - **T-24-000 : Trailer** (2024-02-17, 1m): Episode 1. Trade-Offs explores the trials and tribulations of designing, building, and manufacturing hardware, and the people that make it. Each month, we sit down with founders, engineers, and other hardware professionals to understand the unique trade offs inherent in building a business that makes physical products. Join hosts Chris Rill and Nate Padgett as they dig deeper into the complexities of hardware product development. Trade-offs premieres February 2024. Find out more at https://tradeoffs.fm - **T-24-001 : Haytham Elhawary - Transitioning from Hardware to Insurance** (2024-02-17, 43m): Episode 1. Haytham Elhawary, founder of Kinetic Insurance, discusses his company's evolution from building a wearable hardware device for workplace injury prevention to partnering with Nationwide to offer workers' compensation insurance. He details the technical challenges of creating robust hardware for harsh industrial environments, including saltwater intrusion and battery fires, and the long sales cycles required to sell to enterprise clients like Walmart and Home Depot. Elhawary explains how the company leveraged data from 35,000 workers to prove injury reduction stats, enabling a shift to an insurance-based business model that incentivizes adoption through rebates. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tradeoffs/2024-02-17-t-24-001-haytham-elhawary-transitioning-from-hardware-to-insurance ## How I Built This Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this Interviews with entrepreneurs and innovators about how they built their companies, including hardware startups. - Categories: Founder Stories, Startups, Consumer Products & CPG, Sales & Marketing, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-12 - Apple Podcasts: 29708 ratings averaging 4.7/5 - Feed: https://rss.art19.com/how-i-built-this - Website: https://wondery.com/shows/how-i-built-this/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Alamo Drafthouse Cinema: Tim and Karrie League (2023)** (2026-10-12, 1h 16m): Tim and Karrie League, co-founders of Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, recount their journey from a failed first theater in Bakersfield to building a national chain in Austin. They detail the operational challenges of combining movie exhibition with full-service dining, including securing liquor licenses and managing complex logistics. The episode covers their strategic expansion, a contentious legal battle with franchise partners that resulted in a merger, and their resilience through the pandemic-induced bankruptcy and subsequent acquisition by Sony Pictures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-10-12-alamo-drafthouse-cinema-tim-and-karrie-league-2023 - **Advice Line with Nick Green of Thrive Market** (2026-10-08, 44m): Nick Green, co-founder and CEO of Thrive Market, joins Guy Raz to advise three founders: Mercedes Smith of Blackstrad Concert Attire, Danny Walsh of Peak State Coffee, and Riya Jane of Voice Back. Green discusses how Thrive Market uses data and AI to drive product selection and customer experience, while advising Mercedes on balancing quality with speed by focusing on a core product line. He counsels Danny on funding a mission-driven brand without compromising values, suggesting debt or equity from mission-aligned partners, and advises Riya on scaling awareness for her speech-loss app by targeting clinicians and influencers rather than broad ad channels. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-10-08-advice-line-with-nick-green-of-thrive-market - **10 Years of How I Built This: A Decade of Innovation, Risk and Reinvention** (2026-10-05, 1h 10m): Guy Raz and Jamie Siminoff, founder of Ring, review highlights from ten years of 'How I Built This,' discussing the emotional and financial struggles of founders like Sam Kalagani of Dogfish Head, Eileen Fisher, and Sarah Blakely of Spanx. They explore the distinction between scary and dangerous decisions, the importance of scrappy experimentation in products like Justin's Nut Butters and Liquid Death, and the psychological toll of fundraising rejections faced by founders of Whole Foods and Airbnb. The conversation emphasizes that failure and doubt are integral parts of building physical products, often requiring founders to persist through cash flow crises and technical failures before achieving market success. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-10-05-10-years-of-how-i-built-this-a-decade-of-innovation-risk-and-reinvention - **Advice Line with Scott Tannen of Boll & Branch and Jamie Siminoff of Ring (2025)** (2026-10-01, 43m): Scott Tannen of Boll & Branch and Jamie Siminoff of Ring advise three early-stage founders on scaling physical product businesses. Tannen and Siminoff counsel Melita of Q for Quinn on the trade-offs between bootstrapping and venture capital, emphasizing the preservation of brand vision. They advise Eric of L Cubed Lifestyle to position his UV-protection apparel against sunscreen rather than traditional athleisure, suggesting retail placement in sunscreen aisles. Finally, they help Chris of Knox Provisions identify new use cases for his binoculars, such as sports and festivals, to expand beyond traditional outdoor channels. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-10-01-advice-line-with-scott-tannen-of-boll-branch-and-jamie-siminoff-of-ring-2025 - **Seventh Generation: Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender. A Partnership that Flourished—until it Failed. (2021)** (2026-09-28, 1h 31m): Alan Newman and Jeffrey Hollender, co-founders of Seventh Generation, recount their partnership, which built an eco-friendly household brand from a Vermont catalog into a major retail presence before fracturing in 1992. They discuss the operational challenges of early production, including a software failure with French string bags and manufacturing resistance to recycled toilet paper, and the strategic pivot to retail that led to a $700 million acquisition by Unilever. The episode highlights the bitter fallout of their breakup, including a 'Dear John' letter and subsequent firings, while reflecting on the importance of clear co-founder agreements and complementary leadership styles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-28-seventh-generation-alan-newman-and-jeffrey-hollender-a-partnership-that-flourish - **Advice Line with Danny Meyer of Shake Shack** (2026-09-24, 41m): Danny Meyer, founder of Union Square Hospitality Group and Shake Shack, joins Guy Raz to advise early-stage founders on scaling physical product businesses. He helps Janelle Bass of Pony Boy Slings design a brand persona for canned cocktails, advises Jade Taylor of Angel Oaks Smokehouse on the risks and logistics of direct-to-consumer salmon shipping, and guides Bar Ruhis of Boost Coos on entering the food service market with high-protein couscous. Meyer also shares insights on building company culture and maintaining resilience during business downturns. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-24-advice-line-with-danny-meyer-of-shake-shack - **Banza: Brian Rudolph. The Chickpea Pasta That Nearly Turned to Mush** (2026-09-21, 58m): Brian Rudolph, co-founder of Banza, explains how he created the first chickpea pasta after discovering wheat sensitivity, launching the brand with his brother Scott Rudolph. The company scaled from a Detroit apartment to over 25,000 stores by leveraging reality TV exposure on *Restaurant Startup* and securing early retail deals with Italy and Meijer. When initial production runs resulted in mushy pasta, Brian and Scott solved the issue by instructing consumers to 'steep it like tea' rather than boil it. Later, Banza navigated a severe PR crisis involving glyphosate allegations by partnering with the Detox Project to publish transparent test results and rebuild consumer trust. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-21-banza-brian-rudolph-the-chickpea-pasta-that-nearly-turned-to-mush - **Advice Line with Michelle Wahler of Beyond Yoga** (2026-09-17, 41m): Michelle Wahler, co-founder and former CEO of Beyond Yoga, joins Guy Raz to offer advice to early-stage founders. She discusses the importance of focusing on sustainable growth rather than chasing a massive exit, and shares insights on building a brand through superior materials and emotional storytelling. The episode features calls from founders of Elective Study Abroad, Grace Ann Upholstery, and Sacred Pause Soap Company, who seek guidance on conversion, relationship repair, and digital marketing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-17-advice-line-with-michelle-wahler-of-beyond-yoga - **Thrive Causemetics: Karissa Bodnar. How a Beauty Business Made Millions for a Mission** (2026-09-14, 48m): Karissa Bodnar, founder of Thrive Causemetics, explains how the death of her friend Christy Lamond inspired her to leave L'Oréal and build a beauty brand with a mission to give back to cancer patients and other causes. She details the formulation of specialized false eyelashes and waterproof adhesatives free of toxic ingredients, funding early production through her life savings and a full-time job at Bulletproof while pitching major retailers like Sephora and Nordstrom who rejected the vision. After years of struggling with near-zero sales, a viral moment driven by customer advocacy for her Infinity Waterproof Eyeliner propelled the company to $30 million in revenue, leading to a strategic decision to remain direct-to-consumer and privately held to maintain control and focus. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-14-thrive-causemetics-karissa-bodnar-how-a-beauty-business-made-millions-for-a-miss - **Advice Line with Kip Tindell of The Container Store** (2026-09-10, 38m): Guy Raz is joined by Kip Tindell, co-founder of The Container Store, to answer calls from early-stage hardware founders. Juliette Bruce of CoolaWand asks how to build awareness for her reusable cooling wand without ad spend; David Hyam of Hazel Grove Customs seeks advice on scaling his engraved gifts wholesale channel; and Caitlin Kale of Kaomi Sleep wants to turn her viral fitted sheet into a lasting brand. Tindell emphasizes patience, humble growth, and protecting intellectual property. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-10-advice-line-with-kip-tindell-of-the-container-store - **Bogg Bag: Kim Vaccarella. The $100 Million Business She Almost Abandoned** (2026-09-07, 1h 23m): Kim Vaccarella, founder of Bogg Bag, explains how she pivoted from an idea to a $100 million business after her first $30,000 production run from China arrived with defective bags due to manufacturing laziness. She describes borrowing $120,000 from colleagues to restart with a new factory, sharing trade show booths to save costs, and leveraging the washable nature of the EVA material to gain traction during Superstorm Sandy and the COVID-19 pandemic. Vaccarella details turning down a massive acquisition offer to maintain control, eventually securing investment from Andrew Rosen and Lou Frankfurt to scale the company while keeping her day job for years. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-07-bogg-bag-kim-vaccarella-the-100-million-business-she-almost-abandoned - **Advice Line with Ben Goodwin of Olipop** (2026-09-03, 48m): Ben Goodwin, co-founder of the prebiotic soda brand Olipop, joins Guy Raz to answer calls from early-stage founders. Goodwin advises Darren Alpert of Gheelish on how to market ghee-based snacks by prioritizing taste over ingredient education, and helps Sarah Godfrey of Sarah's Gluten Free Goods navigate the scaling challenges of fresh, allergen-safe baked goods. He also counsels John Groner of the Bexley Natural Foods co-op on revitalizing sales through community engagement and curation rather than e-commerce. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-09-03-advice-line-with-ben-goodwin-of-olipop - **Late July Snacks: Nicole Bernard Dawes. Crackers and Cookies were Failing… Tortilla Chips Saved Them** (2026-08-31, 1h 20m): Nicole Bernard Dawes, founder of Late July Snacks and Nixie Beverage Company, recounts how her company survived a near-collapse in 2009 by pivoting from failing organic crackers and cookies to organic tortilla chips. She details the crisis triggered by her father's death and a $3.5 million loan default, her successful pivot to tortilla chips to secure distribution, and the eventual acquisition of Late July by Campbell's via Snyder's Lance. Dawes also discusses launching her new beverage brand, Nixie, and the lessons learned regarding strategic investors, keyman insurance, and the challenges of entering the competitive soda category. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-31-late-july-snacks-nicole-bernard-dawes-crackers-and-cookies-were-failing-tortilla - **Advice Line with Daymond John of FUBU** (2026-08-27, 42m): Guy Raz is joined by Daymond John, founder of the streetwear brand FUBU and a judge on Shark Tank, to answer calls from early-stage founders. Cristopher Navarro of Sabor a Mexico seeks advice on expanding his salsa brand from farmers markets to retail without losing margins. Darcy of Raised Nutrition asks whether to pivot his protein bar's messaging away from its jiu-jitsu origins as the customer base shifts to general health enthusiasts. Finally, Seema Sangavi of Cooks Who Feed wants strategies to increase B2B sales for her ethical kitchen linen company. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-27-advice-line-with-daymond-john-of-fubu - **YETI: Roy and Ryan Seiders. How Two Brothers Turned a $400 Cooler Into a $2 Billion Brand** (2026-08-24, 1h 25m): Roy and Ryan Seiders, co-founders of YETI, explain how they bootstrapped a high-end cooler company by targeting independent sporting goods retailers with a durable, rotomolded product designed for serious outdoorsmen. After losing their sole manufacturing partner in the Philippines, they pivoted to U.S. production and later expanded into drinkware, launching the YETI Rambler cup which drove mass-market growth. The brothers discuss their strategic decision to avoid major retail chains, their bootstrapping approach, and their eventual exit from day-to-day operations to pursue personal interests. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-24-yeti-roy-and-ryan-seiders-how-two-brothers-turned-a-400-cooler-into-a-2-billion - **Advice Line with Carlton Calvin of Razor** (2026-08-20, 42m): Carlton Calvin, founder and CEO of Razor USA, joins Guy Raz to advise early-stage founders on business challenges. Calvin discusses his ongoing effort to institutionalize his 'trendspotting' instinct at Razor, the difficulties of patent enforcement against small copycats, and the importance of focusing on brand over litigation. He then answers caller questions regarding whether to license or build a party game, how to differentiate stationery in a saturated market, and how a craft spirits distillery should manage product complexity and distribution. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-20-advice-line-with-carlton-calvin-of-razor - **Bobbie: Laura Modi. How a Baby Formula Startup Took Market Share From Two Industry Giants** (2026-08-17, 1h 19m): Laura Modi, co-founder of Bobbie, explains how she disrupted the duopoly of Abbott and Mead Johnson in the U.S. infant formula market by launching a European-style, grass-fed formula. She details the company's early struggles, including a crippling FDA shutdown that forced a public apology and a pivot to a companion formula, and the subsequent 18-month regulatory course-correction with contract manufacturer Perigot. Modi also discusses the strategic decision to acquire Nature's One to own manufacturing capacity during the 2022 shortage, and how navigating federal oversight in Washington, D.C., became central to the company's growth and policy advocacy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-17-bobbie-laura-modi-how-a-baby-formula-startup-took-market-share-from-two-industry - **Advice Line with Bobbi Brown of Jones Road Beauty (September 2025)** (2026-08-13, 48m): Bobbi Brown, founder of Jones Road Beauty, joins Guy Raz to advise three early-stage founders: Mark Sokolowski of Cabbage Labs, Abby Rose of AbbyRose, and Henry Davis of Tannin Oral Care. Mark seeks to scale his cabbage-based muscle rub, CabDab, beyond his orthopedic practice by using PR and samples. Abby, who runs a custom phone case business, asks how to transition from organic social media growth to sustainable scaling without relying solely on her live streams. Henry wants to expand Tannin Oral Care’s niche post-coffee mouth rinse into a mainstream wellness brand. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-13-advice-line-with-bobbi-brown-of-jones-road-beauty-september-2025 - **MadeGood: Salma and Nima Fotovat Lost Their First Business. They Grew Their Next One Into a Snack Giant.** (2026-08-10, 1h 05m): Nima and Salma Fotovat, along with their sister Saba, recount how they rebuilt their business after losing their family's co-packing company, Taste of Nature, in a 2012 buyout. They launched MadeGood, an allergen-free organic snack brand, by financing a $2 million factory with personal assets and bank loans. The episode details their early struggles, including manually reworking 200,000 mislabeled bars with alcohol wipes, and their strategy of saying 'yes' to difficult retailer requests to gain traction in Whole Foods and Costco. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-10-madegood-salma-and-nima-fotovat-lost-their-first-business-they-grew-their-next-o - **Advice Line: "Strategy Sessions"** (2026-08-06, 45m): Guy Raz hosts an Advice Line episode featuring three callers seeking strategic advice from former guests Jeffrey Hollender of Seventh Generation, Sarah LaFleur of MM LaFleur, and Shazi Visram of Happy Family. Tony DeRosa of Hearsay Brewing and Theater asks whether to bring on equity partners or hire employees to manage his complex brewery, theater, and workshop business. Monica Sony of Tres London seeks marketing strategies for her premium, British-made children's clothing brand, focusing on building brand heat without a large budget. Sandy Dineger of Brain Buffs discusses pricing strategies for his adaptive test prep platform, debating how to balance a low-cost direct-to-teacher model with high-value district contracts. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-06-advice-line-strategy-sessions - **Serena & Lily: Serena Dugan and Lily Kanter. They Built a $20M Brand—Then One Investor Almost Destroyed It** (2026-08-03, 1h 15m): Lily Kanter and Serena Dugan, co-founders of Serena & Lily, explain how they scaled a luxury home goods brand from a baby boutique to a $20M enterprise, navigating a disastrous private equity deal that nearly destroyed the company. They detail the 'cash incinerator' nature of their wholesale model, the clever hack of using customer deposits to fund production, and the strategic pivot to direct-to-consumer during the 2008 financial crisis. The founders recount fighting a predatory investor who sued them, forcing a restructuring that involved buying out the hostile party with onerous terms from other investors, before ultimately selling the company to a family office that cleaned up the capitalization table. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-08-03-serena-lily-serena-dugan-and-lily-kanter-they-built-a-20m-brand-then-one-investo - **Advice Line with Chris Riccobono of UNTUCKit** (2026-07-30, 46m): Chris Riccobono, co-founder of UNTUCKit, discusses the challenges of running two apparel brands, UNTUCKit and Greatness Wins, while navigating tariffs and rising customer acquisition costs. He advises caller Adrian Alvarez of Era Shorts on scaling an athleisure brand by focusing on specific tribes like volleyball players and raising capital early. Riccobono also counsels Preet Anand of Snug Safety on reaching seniors through trusted channels like radio and earned media, and Derek of Hockey Ninja on leveraging NHL clearance and player equity to grow his hockey equipment brand. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-07-30-advice-line-with-chris-riccobono-of-untuckit - **Sweetwater: Chuck Surack. How a Customer Service Strategy Built a Billion Dollar Online Pro Audio and Music Company.** (2026-07-27, 1h 12m): Chuck Surack, founder of Sweetwater, explains how he built a billion-dollar pro audio retailer by prioritizing deep customer relationships and technical expertise over price competition. He details his journey from a mobile recording studio in a VW van to becoming an authorized dealer for Kurzweil synthesizers, specifically the K 250, which allowed him to create and sell digitized sound libraries. Surack emphasizes the importance of 'Sweetwater University,' a rigorous 13-week training program for sales engineers, and his leadership philosophy of empowering employees to solve customer problems without asking permission. The episode covers his decision to buy back the company from investors, expand product lines to include guitars with strict quality control, and eventually sell a majority stake to Providence Equity while maintaining his core service values. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-07-27-sweetwater-chuck-surack-how-a-customer-service-strategy-built-a-billion-dollar-o - **Advice Line with Curt Richardson of OtterBox** (2026-07-23, 41m): OtterBox founder Kurt Richardson joins Guy Raz to advise early-stage founders on scaling, marketing, and product strategy. He discusses the importance of focus, having previously expanded OtterBox into coolers and clothing before narrowing back to phone cases. Richardson also reflects on his transition from CEO to Chief Visionary Officer and the operational challenges of scaling a hardware brand. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-07-23-advice-line-with-curt-richardson-of-otterbox - **Toast: Aman Narang. How a Long Wait for the Dinner Check Launched a $2 Billion Business.** (2026-07-20, 51m): Aman Narang, co-founder and CEO of Toast, explains how a failed mobile payment app for diners revealed the massive opportunity to replace the entire point-of-sale (POS) infrastructure for restaurants. Narang details the company's pivot from a consumer app to a cloud-based, purpose-built POS system, the struggle to gain traction against entrenched incumbents like Micros and NCR, and the decision to intentionally stay small before scaling. He discusses the disastrous first launch, the pivot to a new CEO to handle growth, surviving the COVID-19 pandemic by shifting to off-premise tools, and the current strategy of leveraging AI to capture the remaining market share. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/how-i-built-this/2026-07-20-toast-aman-narang-how-a-long-wait-for-the-dinner-check-launched-a-2-billion-busi ## Making It Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it Three makers discuss their experiences making things, running businesses, and their personal journeys in the maker world. - Categories: Design, Mechanical, Sales & Marketing - Latest episode: 2026-10-09 - Apple Podcasts: 1680 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://makingitpodcast.libsyn.com/rss - Website: https://www.makingitpodcast.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **541: Heating The Neighborhood** (2026-10-09, 1h 11m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's preparation for Maker Camp with a boat and a restored 1969 Myers Manx doom buggy, Clagett's laser-etched ice pick poster and lamp sculpture, and Picciuto's acrylic card game boxes. The hosts also explore the value of viewer feedback, sharing stories where audience comments corrected design choices or improved security, and discuss the balance between creating functional shop infrastructure and artistic output in their maker businesses. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-10-09-541-heating-the-neighborhood - **540: Painful Consequences** (2026-10-02, 1h 02m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the painful consequences of decision-making in their respective trades. Jimmy details a near-disaster building 16-foot floating shelves where a table saw error forced him to rip apart a glued-up assembly, and Bob recounts reinforcing a bar shelf after realizing it couldn't hold heavy vodka jugs. David shares his stress from overlapping video deadlines and a structural issue with a mini garage build, while the group analyzes the risks of mechanical failures versus design compromises. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-10-02-540-painful-consequences - **539: My Ai Powered Ergonomic Chair** (2026-09-25, 1h 14m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the decline of physical controls in modern electronics, citing the Slate Truck's analog design and the annoyance of touchscreens in cars. They debate the impact of AI on maker education, with Diresta warning that bypassing learning CAD and coding creates long-term skill gaps, while Clagett argues for maintaining deep tool mastery. Picciuto shares his experience building 11 steel boxes for Carhartt under a tight deadline and reflects on how AI tools like auto-generated CNC paths bypass the learning of feeds and speeds. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-09-25-539-my-ai-powered-ergonomic-chair - **538: Brad Pitt's Phone Number** (2026-09-18, 1h 01m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the challenges of managing sponsorships with Chinese manufacturers, dealing with Facebook's demonetization algorithms, and the psychological tendency to procrastinate on difficult tasks. They share specific project updates, including Diresta's restoration of a wooden boat using Flex Seal and Picciuto's visit to a goalpost factory, while reflecting on the instability of building businesses on third-party platforms like Meta and YouTube. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-09-18-538-brad-pitts-phone-number - **537: Sneeze Session** (2026-09-11, 57m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the creative challenges of making content, including attribution, project pile-up, and the tension between personal interest and YouTube performance. Bob shares his experience with a new 5-axis CNC machine and the Zigzag table, while David reveals his fear of accidentally copying designs and his struggle with accumulating tools and finished projects. Jimmy reflects on his own 'project pile-up,' the difficulty of finding new problems to solve after fixing his house, and the importance of storytelling in maker videos. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-09-11-537-sneeze-session - **536: What Would Diresta Do?** (2026-09-04, 1h 00m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's large-format 3D printing of an aquarium stand, Clagett's CNC milling of knives and MDF tables, and Picciuto's work with box joints and serving trays. They explore the concept of 'What Would [Person] Do?' to spark creativity, referencing artists like David Cho and designers like Charles Eames, and brainstorm interactive trade show installations using Arduino boards and sand-drawing mechanics. The conversation highlights the transition from hobbyist prototyping to small-batch production, touching on the challenges of scaling CNC operations and the creative process of combining dissimilar materials and technologies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-09-04-536-what-would-diresta-do - **535: Not Invented Here** (2026-08-28, 1h 07m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the psychological barrier of 'Not Invented Here' syndrome, where creators reject ideas from others because they didn't originate them. The hosts share personal anecdotes about complicating simple projects for video content, such as David's laser-cut marquetry serving tray and Jimmy's over-engineered aquarium stand. They also touch on the challenges of receiving unsolicited advice, the importance of control in the creative process, and the value of constraints in design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-08-28-535-not-invented-here - **534: A Mummy Has a Lot of Air In It** (2026-08-21, 1h 11m): Hosts Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Jimmy encasing a mummified cat in resin and Bob building an epoxy pouring station, while sharing technical tips on managing heat and layering. The conversation shifts to David’s experience with a delayed Infamaker prototype and Bob’s logistical struggles with sourcing materials for large woodworking projects. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the psychological challenges of comparison in the maker community, emphasizing the importance of contentment and health over external validation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-08-21-534-a-mummy-has-a-lot-of-air-in-it - **533: Little Tickle in My Knee** (2026-08-14, 1h 06m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including David's use of a desktop 5-axis CNC mill to make brass hammers and Bob's creation of wooden climbing holds and a solar-powered mini-split AC system. The conversation shifts to the physical realities of aging, with Jimmy detailing a sudden knee injury and the group sharing strategies for managing pain and avoiding injury while working with heavy materials. They also touch on the business of media, with Jimmy clarifying that there is no new season of 'Making Fun' and dismissing show pitches from listeners. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-08-14-533-little-tickle-in-my-knee - **532: Attacked with Ideas** (2026-08-07, 1h 02m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent activities, ranging from David setting up a new shop and Jimmy preparing for a bowling event, to Bob's summer break and recovery from a slump. The core of the episode is a deep dive into creativity, where they analyze how deadlines, pressure, and 'pattern interruptions' help overcome writer's block and the filters that stifle idea generation. They reference James Webb Young's book 'A Technique for Producing Ideas' and discuss the importance of routine, practice, and allowing the subconscious mind to process problems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-08-07-532-attacked-with-ideas - **531: Using My Bad Finger... For Good.** (2026-07-31, 1h 00m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's leather chair and boat building, Clagett's climbing wall and Karmann Ghia restoration, and Picciuto's recasing of a temperature monitor. They engage in a deep conversation about the creative constraints they place on themselves, such as minimum complexity thresholds for YouTube content, the pressure of sponsorships, and the importance of letting go of perfectionism to focus on the journey of making. The hosts share personal breakthroughs, such as Diresta using his injured finger for pottery and Clagett finding success with simple metalwork, emphasizing that audience value and personal enjoyment must coexist regardless of project scale. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-07-31-531-using-my-bad-finger-for-good - **530: If No Disasters Happen...** (2026-07-24, 1h 16m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss recent projects and past disasters. Bob details building a climbing wall in his pool house and the physical toll it took, while David explains his post-art show creative slump and his new atomic-style furniture project. Jimmy shares stories of a CNC fire, an acetone burn on his Cadillac, and the technical challenges of encasing a mummified cat in resin. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-07-24-530-if-no-disasters-happen - **529: Annnnnd We're Back!** (2026-07-17, 1h 01m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto return to the Making It podcast after a five-week hiatus to discuss their recent projects and personal journeys. David Picciuto details the construction of an electric go-kart in collaboration with Spark Cycle Works, highlighting the challenges of welding aluminum and managing the electrical drivetrain. Bob Clagett reflects on the success of his first art show, 'Unsubscribed,' and his transition toward creating art rather than functional furniture, while Jimmy Diresta shares stories from family trips to Florida, Eastern Kentucky, and Costa Rica, including volunteer construction work with the Abraham Project. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-07-17-529-annnnnd-were-back - **528: Grippy Bits** (2026-06-05, 1h 05m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's restoration of a 1920s carnival crane toy and his go-kart build, Picciuto's creation of 3,500 wooden chopsticks for an art show, and Clagett's construction of a home climbing wall. The hosts then explore the value of apprenticeships and mentorship in learning new skills like upholstery, pottery, and mechanics, contrasting the intimacy of in-person guidance with the limitations of YouTube and formal education. They also share recommendations for channels like Spark Cycle Works and discuss the importance of slowing down rather than optimizing every task. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-06-05-528-grippy-bits - **527: The Answers Are IN The Work** (2026-05-29, 1h 07m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects and the creative catalysts that drive them. Jimmy is fabricating an electric go-kart with Spark Cycle Works' Matt, while Bob builds covers for metal shelves and David works on an art show. They debate whether motivation comes from external inspiration, deadlines, or simply starting the physical work to find answers. The conversation also touches on safety issues with laser cutting polycarbonate and securing YouTube channels from hackers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-29-527-the-answers-are-in-the-work - **526: Maybe It Doesn't Really Matter** (2026-05-22, 1h 00m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Diresta's El Dorado emblem casting and go-kart build, Clagett's pool house interior and climbing wall, and Picciuto's art show preparations. The conversation shifts to time management, with the hosts sharing struggles with distraction, notification overload, and the anxiety of forgetting commitments. They explore coping mechanisms like using dumb watches, writing notes on hands, and prioritizing family over productivity metrics, concluding that missing minor deadlines often doesn't matter in the grand scheme. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-22-526-maybe-it-doesnt-really-matter - **525: All I Got Was This Lousy T-Shirt** (2026-05-15, 1h 09m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss strategies for regaining momentum on stalled maker projects. Diresta details his progress on a custom go-kart and a complex metal-and-wood art piece, highlighting the frustration of welding thin metal and the lesson of designing for accessibility. Clagett shares his experience insulating and drywalling a pool house, while also addressing the daunting task of restoring a rusted car and finding the motivation to continue. Picciuto describes his work on a large slab art project and his efforts to overcome procrastination by removing physical barriers in his workshop. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-15-525-all-i-got-was-this-lousy-t-shirt - **524: Some Weird Mental Anchor** (2026-05-08, 1h 00m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Jimmy's new EDC company with Dauntless Manufacturing and Bob's hidden towel hanger design. They explore the psychological 'mental anchors' that drive their productivity, such as scarcity, the need to impress oneself, and the guilt of resting. The conversation highlights specific engineering decisions, like 3D printing a flat-pack towel hook mechanism, and business moves like launching a new tool line. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-08-524-some-weird-mental-anchor - **523: We Didn't Podded** (2026-05-01, 1h 13m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Jimmy's sheet metal forming class at Gas Monkey Garage and his go-kart build, David's preparation for an art show featuring a broken walnut cookie sculpture, and Bob's solar-powered pool house and aquarium dosing system. The hosts also engage in a deep conversation about the psychological challenges of content creation, specifically the difficulty of separating creative work from financial survival and the pressure of algorithmic performance metrics. They explore the value of tinkering for its own sake, citing Jimmy's pottery experiments and David's off-camera projects as examples of finding fulfillment outside of viewer expectations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-05-01-523-we-didnt-podded - **522: Koo Koo Koogley** (2026-04-17, 1h 00m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their current projects, including Bob's electric go-kart build, David's giant wooden cassette sculpture, and Jimmy's PVC kayak rack. They also share personal updates on vacations, car restorations, and David's upcoming art show titled 'Unsubscribe'. The conversation touches on the evolution of woodworking tools, specifically the acceptance of CNC machines, and includes music recommendations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-04-17-522-koo-koo-koogley - **521: Excited For The Future of My Chickens** (2026-04-03, 1h 03m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the creative process, specifically the value of revisiting past work and the anxiety of unstructured time. Bob Clagett details his process for designing and building a veneer lampshade, drawing on a design from 30 years ago, while David Picciuto shares a story about a glue-up failure that led to a breakthrough in his coaster project. The group also reflects on the importance of tinkering, managing scarcity mindset, and reviewing old portfolios to find inspiration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-04-03-521-excited-for-the-future-of-my-chickens - **520: They're Plywood, Don't Tell Anybody...** (2026-03-27, 1h 16m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss recent projects and the implications of AI on maker culture. Bob details a concrete casting disaster where he got concrete in his eye and mixed materials incorrectly, while David recounts ruining a layered wood coaster project during glue-up. The hosts then debate the value of anonymous art, citing Banksy, and the trustworthiness of AI-generated media, concluding that human-made content remains distinct and valuable despite the rise of synthetic media. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-03-27-520-theyre-plywood-dont-tell-anybody - **519: Eel Fork Hands** (2026-03-20, 1h 07m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss their recent projects, including Diresta’s pool house electrical work and Picciuto’s CNC-made shelf brackets, while exploring the psychology of creativity and subconscious problem-solving. The hosts share personal anecdotes about real estate investments, dealing with power outages, and the challenges of working with sponsors, highlighting how constraints can foster innovation. They also touch on technical details like electrical code compliance for Romex in conduit and the quirks of modern car electronics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-03-20-519-eel-fork-hands - **518: Oh, I Can Let My Shoulders Down** (2026-03-13, 1h 08m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the concept of fixing previous bad repairs, illustrated by Diresta's tow truck with cut pins and Clagett's flooded crawlspace. The hosts share updates on their current projects: Picciuto is building a brass centerpiece using a slab flattening jig and Creative Metal Forming techniques, while Clagett works on restoring his Gia car and Diresta experiments with pottery and CNC mold making. They also highlight creative products like Simone Getz's expanding fruit bowl and discuss the importance of deep learning through classes in pottery and timber framing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-03-13-518-oh-i-can-let-my-shoulders-down - **517: Imagine Making That Much Art** (2026-03-06, 1h 03m): Jimmy Diresta, Bob Clagett, and David Picciuto discuss the value of working off-camera to learn new skills without the pressure of content creation. Jimmy experiments with pottery, learning clay chemistry and using Vectric Aspire to create 3D relief tiles from tombstone photos. Bob builds a slab-flattening jig for massive walnut cookies and discusses his new Autodesk Fusion plugin, Default Parameters. David installs gutters and a cedar screen, while also reflecting on the importance of non-commercial art and memory retention in makers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2026-03-06-517-imagine-making-that-much-art ## The Next Byte Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast We're two engineers on a mission to make interesting technology easy to understand. In each episode, we explore tech that is going to change the world – and keep it entertaining along the way. - Categories: Robotics, Engineering, Product Development - Latest episode: 2026-09-28 - Apple Podcasts: 41 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/uia6Xs8o - Website: https://www.wevolver.com/profile/the.next.byte?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **251. Michael Corr & Justin Sears on How Altium & Duro Are Fueling the Next Generation of Hardware Startups** (2026-09-28, 1h 05m): Michael Corr, co-founder and CEO of Duro, and Justin Sears, Head of Product Marketing at Altium, discuss how Duro’s cloud-based PLM platform and Altium’s Agile Teams are breaking down silos between electrical, mechanical, and procurement teams. They explain how Duro’s API-first architecture enables specialized AI agents to automate tasks like BOM analysis and part sourcing, addressing the critical need for real-time supply chain visibility. The conversation highlights the acquisition of Duro by Altium, the shift from selling 'vitamins' to 'medicine' for hardware startups, and the resurgence of small, fast-moving hardware companies leveraging modern tooling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-09-28-251-michael-corr-justin-sears-on-how-altium-duro-are-fueling-the-next-generation - **250. MIT’s Injectable Mini Liver Could Save Thousands of Lives** (2026-09-01, 22m): MIT researchers Professor Sangita Batia and post-doc Vardhan Kumar developed INSIGHT, an injectable 'satellite liver' using hydrogel beads and hepatocytes to support failing livers without surgery. The hosts discuss how this material scaffold prevents cell death, allowing injected cells to survive for 8 weeks in mice and potentially treat multiple patients from one donor. They highlight the accessibility of the procedure, which requires only a syringe and ultrasound, contrasting it with the high barrier of traditional transplants. The episode also covers Pandora Technologies' 3D-printed cornea solutions as a parallel innovation in additive manufacturing for medical applications. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-09-01-250-mits-injectable-mini-liver-could-save-thousands-of-lives - **249. Harvard’s Smartwatch Makes You Run Faster & Safer** (2026-07-21, 21m): The hosts discuss research from Harvard’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, led by Connor Walsh, Daniel Lieberman, and Lauren Baker, which uses low-cost inertial measurement units (IMUs) to estimate ground reaction forces and running biomechanics. They explain how machine learning models trained on these inexpensive sensors can predict braking and propulsion forces with high accuracy, allowing for real-time feedback on running form and injury risk without laboratory equipment. The conversation highlights the potential for democratizing gait analysis through affordable wearables, noting the system's ability to adapt to new users within just eight steps. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-07-21-249-harvards-smartwatch-makes-you-run-faster-safer - **248. Xometry’s Oscar Lovera & How AI Is Rebuilding Manufacturing** (2026-07-14, 59m): Oscar Lovera, COO at Xometry, explains how the AI-powered manufacturing marketplace is digitizing the sourcing of custom parts by integrating design, quoting, and manufacturability feedback into a single workflow. He discusses the shift from traditional, disconnected RFQ processes to instant, scalable matching between engineers and a global network of manufacturers, including CNC, 3D printing, and injection molding partners. Lovera emphasizes that while AI automates repetitive tasks, human expertise remains critical for complex problem-solving, trust-building, and ensuring operational excellence, arguing that strong processes matter more than flashy equipment. He also shares his perspective on supply chain resilience, advocating for global flexibility over local sourcing and highlighting the importance of intentional career choices for future engineers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-07-14-248-xometrys-oscar-lovera-how-ai-is-rebuilding-manufacturing - **247. NASA’s Electric Thruster That Could Take Us to Mars** (2026-06-16, 18m): The hosts discuss NASA’s recent breakthrough in Magnetoplasmadynamic (MPD) electric propulsion, developed by NASA JPL, NASA Glenn, and Princeton University, which uses vaporized lithium to generate high thrust. They explain how this technology, operating at 120 kilowatts with a goal of 500 kilowatts to 1 megawatt, offers a 'happy medium' between fuel-heavy chemical rockets and low-thrust ion drives, potentially enabling faster human missions to Mars. The episode also covers a sponsor segment on hydrogen fuel cells for vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) drones, contrasting their energy density with battery limitations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-16-247-nasas-electric-thruster-that-could-take-us-to-mars - **246. Future of Bone Repair Starts with a 3D Printer** (2026-06-02, 14m): The hosts discuss a breakthrough by researchers from ETH Zurich, Empa, and the University of Freiburg in creating a 3D printable bone scaffold that hardens at room temperature. They explain how this enzyme-driven process using alkaline phosphatase and gelatin solves the trade-off between mechanical strength and porosity, allowing real bone to grow back faster. The team demonstrated that a small 2cm by 2cm section of this synthetic bone could support the weight of an average human, marking a significant step toward custom, accessible medical implants. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-06-02-246-future-of-bone-repair-starts-with-a-3d-printer - **245. No More 3D Print Failures Thanks To… AI?** (2026-05-19, 17m): PhD candidate Yayati Jadhav and Professor Alireza Farimani at Carnegie Mellon University developed a self-correcting 3D printing system using a multi-agent AI framework. The system uses cameras and a vision language model to detect defects in real-time, allowing the printer to adjust parameters like flow rate and temperature mid-print. This closed-loop approach resulted in a 5X increase in peak load capacity and consistently identified failure points better than human experts. The hosts discuss how this technology could be retrofitted onto existing high-end machines to move beyond simple detection to autonomous correction. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-19-245-no-more-3d-print-failures-thanks-to-ai - **244. The Hidden Power of Engineers as Storytellers (with Mouser’s Matt Campbell & Ricky Flores)** (2026-05-05, 47m): Matt Campbell and Ricky Flores, Technical Marketing Engineers at Mouser Electronics, discuss their transition from traditional engineering roles to customer-facing positions that bridge the gap between semiconductor suppliers and developers. They highlight specific technologies like the STM32N6 microcontroller and the Synaptics Astra 1680 processor, which enable low-cost AI and computer vision projects for makers. The conversation also covers the importance of communication skills for engineers, the 'button renaissance' in hardware design, and Mouser's rapid logistics capabilities, including same-hour shipping and robotic arms. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-05-05-244-the-hidden-power-of-engineers-as-storytellers-with-mousers-matt-campbell-ric - **243. Cycling’s “Supersuit” Moment is Here** (2026-03-31, 21m): Hosts Daniel and the narrator discuss Harvard University researchers David Farrell, Katia Bertoldi, and Connor Walsh who developed adaptive aerodynamic textiles for cyclists. They explain how a lattice structure allows the fabric to change dimple geometry under strain, mimicking golf ball aerodynamics to reduce drag by up to 20%. The episode also covers Danit Peleg’s work on 3D-printed fashion to reduce textile waste and compares the technology to banned Speedo LZR Racer swimsuits and F1 drag reduction systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-31-243-cyclings-supersuit-moment-is-here - **242. Mouser’s Matt Bell & The Next Generation of Automated Warehouses** (2026-03-10, 43m): Matt Bell, Vice President of Outbound Operations at Mouser Electronics, explains how the company scaled its 115,000-square-foot warehouse to ship 20,000–25,000 orders daily using a mix of automation and human-centric design. He details the deployment of 220 vertical lift modules (VLMs) and auto store systems, emphasizing a philosophy of using technology to augment workers rather than replace them. Bell also discusses the strategic decision to develop in-house software for the auto store to maintain flexibility, and shares leadership advice on listening to frontline employees and developing critical thinking skills. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-03-10-242-mousers-matt-bell-the-next-generation-of-automated-warehouses - **241. Moby Dick Finally Gets a Fitbit** (2026-02-24, 16m): The hosts discuss Ocean Alliance's innovative use of drones and 3D printing to study whale health non-invasively. They detail the evolution from the 'Snotbot' drone for snot analysis to 'smart darts' that act as Fitbits, monitoring whale behavior and physiology. The conversation highlights how additive manufacturing, specifically with Ultimaker printers, enables rapid iteration, interchangeable drone payloads, and on-site repairs in remote locations like Antarctica. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-02-24-241-moby-dick-finally-gets-a-fitbit - **240. Swallow Confirmed: Smart Pills That “Ping” From Your Stomach** (2026-01-27, 14m): Hosts from The Next Byte Podcast discuss a smart pill developed by MIT that proves medication adherence by transmitting a signal from the stomach. The device uses a biodegradable zinc antenna and a cellulose Faraday cage to activate only after ingestion, minimizing the non-biodegradable residue to a tiny RF chip. The hosts highlight how this technology addresses the critical issue of missed doses in treatments for organ transplants and infectious diseases, while noting the requirement for an external wearable reader. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-01-27-240-swallow-confirmed-smart-pills-that-ping-from-your-stomach - **239. The Saucies: 2025 Recap & TNB Turns Five!** (2026-01-06, 42m): The hosts of The Next Byte Podcast celebrate the show's 5th anniversary and recap their 2025 favorites, highlighting nine key episodes ranging from sustainable recycling to AI-driven manufacturing. They discuss Georgia Tech's research on reinforcing recycled plastics, MIT's 'vibe manufacturing' system that uses AI to generate CAD models and robot toolpaths from voice commands, and enhanced geothermal systems for on-demand renewable energy. The hosts also analyze the potential of AI in reducing traffic emissions and creating universal snake venom antidotes, while reflecting on the growing application of AI in physical engineering domains. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2026-01-06-239-the-saucies-2025-recap-tnb-turns-five - **238. Humanoid Robots Can Now Punch... What's Next?** (2025-12-30, 19m): The hosts discuss Unitree Robotics' new H2 humanoid robot, which demonstrates aggressive boxing and sparring capabilities, marking a shift from previous walking and parkour demos. They trace the evolution of humanoid robotics from Da Vinci’s mechanical knight to modern open-source platforms like Unitree’s H1 and H2, which have enabled rapid innovation by researchers and companies like Rec Robotics. The conversation highlights the technical complexity of balance control and force absorption, while also raising significant safety and ethical concerns about powerful, autonomous robots interacting with humans. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-30-238-humanoid-robots-can-now-punch-whats-next - **237. Vibe Manufacturing: MIT’s AI Text-to-Manufacturing System** (2025-12-23, 17m): The hosts discuss MIT's 'Vibe Manufacturing' system, an AI-driven platform that converts speech into physical objects using robotic assembly. They analyze the technology's pipeline, which integrates natural language processing, text-to-CAD generation, and a discrete component-based robotic builder to solve design and fabrication simultaneously. The conversation highlights the potential for this technology to drastically reduce product development cycles and democratize hardware creation, drawing parallels to 'vibe coding' in software. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-23-237-vibe-manufacturing-mits-ai-text-to-manufacturing-system - **236. Cold-Chain Sensing, But Without E-Waste** (2025-12-16, 17m): The hosts discuss a biodegradable smart sensor developed by EPFL, EMPA, and CSEM to monitor cold-chain logistics without generating e-waste. They explain how the chipless, battery-free RFID tag uses printed zinc circuits and plant-based oils to provide a one-time temperature history, ensuring vaccines and food remain safe. The technology offers a compostable alternative to traditional silicon-based sensors, addressing the massive volume of electronic waste in global shipping. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-16-236-cold-chain-sensing-but-without-e-waste - **235. Arm’s Vince Jesaitis on How AI Is Moving from the Cloud to Your Pocket** (2025-12-09, 46m): Vince Jesaitis, Head of Global Government Affairs at Arm, explains how AI is shifting from cloud-based inference to local edge processing on devices like smartphones, earbuds, and cars. He details Arm's strategy of providing efficient CPU building blocks that enable high performance-per-watt, addressing energy and water constraints in data centers while enhancing user privacy and security. Jesaitis also discusses the critical role of government relations, including workforce development initiatives, the US Chips Act, and navigating divergent global regulations like the EU AI Act and GDPR. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-09-235-arms-vince-jesaitis-on-how-ai-is-moving-from-the-cloud-to-your-pocket - **234. How Candy-Making Inspired the Future of Smart Textiles** (2025-12-02, 17m): The hosts discuss a new stretchy electronic fiber developed by a team at EPFL that combines high conductivity with extreme flexibility using liquid metal and rubber. They explain the thermal drawing process used to manufacture the fiber, comparing it to making fiber optics or hard candy, and highlight its high gauge factor and durability. The conversation explores applications in smart wearables like knee braces, soft prosthetics, and robotic skins for humanoid robots such as Tesla's Optimus. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-12-02-234-how-candy-making-inspired-the-future-of-smart-textiles - **233. Reading a Fish’s Mind to Build Smarter Robots** (2025-11-18, 17m): Researchers from EPFL and Duke University reverse-engineered zebrafish navigation by using transparent larvae to map live neural activity, creating a simulation called SimZFish that matched real fish behavior. They validated this model by building an 80-centimeter robotic fish that uses only vision inputs to maintain position in a current, proving that complex sensory systems are unnecessary for this specific task. The team made their simulation tools and findings freely available to the scientific community to encourage further cross-disciplinary collaboration in bio-inspired robotics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-18-233-reading-a-fishs-mind-to-build-smarter-robots - **232. Turbine Innovations For A Greener Future [Rerun]** (2025-11-04, 26m): Hosts discuss MIT research on optimizing wind farm output through software that coordinates turbine yaw to reduce wake interference, yielding a 1.2-3% efficiency gain. They then profile Natal Energy, a startup founded by siblings Gia and Abe Schneider, which designs fish-friendly hydro turbines with rounded blades to mitigate environmental damage while maintaining 90%+ efficiency. The episode highlights how these incremental hardware and software tweaks can significantly boost global renewable energy capacity without new construction. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-11-04-232-turbine-innovations-for-a-greener-future-rerun - **231. The Patch That Can Heal a Broken Heart (Literally)** (2025-10-21, 12m): The hosts discuss a collaboration between ETH Zurich and the University Hospital of Zurich to create a Reinforced Cardiac (RC) patch for treating heart ruptures. They contrast this new 3D-printed solution with traditional bovine pericardial patches, highlighting the RC patch's ability to stimulate tissue regrowth via heart cell-loaded hydrogels and its biodegradable nature. The episode also covers the broader applications of 3D printing in medicine, including custom prosthetics, hearing aids, and surgical guides. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-21-231-the-patch-that-can-heal-a-broken-heart-literally - **230. 3D Printing Gets the Hannah Montana Treatment** (2025-10-07, 15m): The hosts discuss 'SustainUp Print,' an open-source software tool from MIT that enables dual-extruder 3D printers to mix strong virgin oil-based plastics with weaker, eco-friendly recycled or biodegradable filaments. By using finite element analysis (FEA) to identify critical stress zones, the tool reinforces only those areas with strong plastic while filling the rest with sustainable material, achieving 70% of full strength with only 20% virgin plastic. The conversation also touches on the limitations of recycled polymers due to chain degradation and the potential for this hybrid approach to optimize for cost and mechanical performance beyond just sustainability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-10-07-230-3d-printing-gets-the-hannah-montana-treatment - **229. Teaching Robots to Play Badminton** (2025-09-23, 15m): The hosts discuss ETH Zurich's development of a quadruped robot playing badminton, highlighting the integration of Anymal robots and DINA robotic arms. They explain how this system uses a single reinforcement learning control policy to coordinate leg movement and arm swinging in real-time, stress-testing perception and planning capabilities. The episode connects this research to practical applications in surgical robotics, search and rescue, and collaborative manufacturing (cobots), emphasizing the transition from academic theory to industrial practice. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-23-229-teaching-robots-to-play-badminton - **228. Harvard’s Soft Robot Gives Movement Back to ALS & Stroke Patients** (2025-09-09, 16m): The hosts discuss a wearable soft robotic sling developed by Harvard’s Walsh Biodesign Lab to assist ALS and stroke patients with shoulder and arm mobility. The device uses a personalized intention detector model and a hysteresis physics model to provide just enough pneumatic support for natural movement, avoiding the over-assistance of previous rigid exoskeletons. Patient Kate Nicks, who has ALS, reported regaining the ability to perform daily tasks like combing her hair using her dominant right arm after years of relying on her left. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-09-09-228-harvards-soft-robot-gives-movement-back-to-als-stroke-patients - **227. She Sells Seashells… and Reinvents Recycling** (2025-08-26, 18m): The hosts discuss a Georgia Tech research team's biomimetic approach to recycling plastic, inspired by the brick-and-mortar structure of seashells. They explain how this method reduces variability in mechanical properties, making recycled high-density polyethylene and industrial stretch film competitive with virgin materials. The conversation also highlights Mogue AI, a startup using robotics and AI to disassemble e-waste, as a complementary technology in the recycling ecosystem. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-next-byte-podcast/2025-08-26-227-she-sells-seashells-and-reinvents-recycling ## Manufacturing Happy Hour Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour Chris Luecke interviews makers, founders, and manufacturing leaders about the trends and technologies reshaping modern manufacturing, going past the buzzwords into real tactics. - Categories: Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Operations, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 108 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/manufacturing-happy-hour/ - Website: https://manufacturinghappyhour.com/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **306: From Systems of Record to Systems of Action: Putting AI to Work in Manufacturing with Sanjay Brahmawar** (2026-10-13, 45m): Sanjay Brahmawar, CEO of QAD Redzone, explains how his company uses AI agents to transform manufacturing systems of record into systems of action, focusing on amplifying human potential rather than replacing workers. He details specific use cases, including line lead agents that predict production issues and procurement agents that automate supplier communication, to address the industry's 500,000 open jobs. Brahmawar emphasizes that manufacturers can implement these solutions alongside legacy ERP systems without massive modernization, citing a 40% capacity increase for buyers and improved shop floor engagement as key outcomes. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-10-13-306-from-systems-of-record-to-systems-of-action-putting-ai-to-work-in-manufactur - **304: How to Build a Manufacturing Company from First Principles with Supersede CEO Sean Petterson** (2026-09-29, 47m): Sean Petterson, CEO of Supersede, explains how his company turns recycled plastic into structural building materials like Marine Board and OSB alternatives, starting with boats and expanding to RVs. He details a capital-efficient manufacturing model using small, distributed plants in Phoenix and Bristol, Indiana, to serve local markets and reduce logistics costs. Petterson highlights the use of AI for tool design, machine vision for quality control, and a custom-built ERP system developed without software developers to streamline operations. The company aims to build 10 plants in five years, leveraging first principles and domestic manufacturing trends to compete with traditional lumber products. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-29-304-how-to-build-a-manufacturing-company-from-first-principles-with-supersede-ce - **303: Made in Iowa: Ag Equipment, Butter Braids, and Women in Manufacturing (WiM)** (2026-09-22, 36m): Dominique Hain and Cami Schaefer of Women in Manufacturing Iowa discuss the state's strong manufacturing ecosystem, while Denny Williams of Co-Line Manufacturing and Denise Hill of Weiler explain how automation and agricultural roots drive their success. The group highlights surprising products made in Iowa, including Winnebago RVs, butter braids, and Gushers, and details how Co-Line uses cobots to supplement labor shortages. They also trace the lineage of Iowa manufacturing back to farmers solving local problems, citing Vermeer and Weiler as examples of this entrepreneurial pipeline. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-22-303-made-in-iowa-ag-equipment-butter-braids-and-women-in-manufacturing-wim - **302: Philly's Answer to the Talent Shortage (LIVE in King of Prussia, PA)** (2026-09-15, 56m): Ashley Watkins of JBM Technologies, Brett Lister of B&B Dynamic Machining (Open Tolerance), and Matt Bruner of American Precision Works discuss the collaborative Philadelphia manufacturing ecosystem, highlighting how sharing equipment and knowledge counters overseas competition. Gregory Thomson and Hannah McGarry detail workforce development strategies, including a skilled trades program within Philadelphia Youth Basketball and defense industry outreach via buildsubmarines.com, to address the talent shortage. The panelists emphasize that hiring from diverse, non-traditional talent pools provides a competitive advantage, with Matt Bruner noting that diverse hiring increases spindle utilization and operational efficiency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-15-302-phillys-answer-to-the-talent-shortage-live-in-king-of-prussia-pa - **IMTS After Hours: Your Unofficial Guide to IMTS 2026 featuring Jim Mayer and Emily Wilkins** (2026-09-11, 25m): Chris Luecke hosts IMTS After Hours with Emily Wilkins of Marketing Metal and Jim Mayer of the Manufacturing Connector to discuss the unofficial social scene of IMTS 2026 in Chicago. The guests share favorite memories from past events, such as karaoke at Brando's Speakeasy and concerts at Reggie's, while previewing specific 2026 after-parties including 'Extra Innings' at Kaiser Tiger and 'Manufacturing Mic Drop' at Brando's. They emphasize that these after-hours connections are as valuable as the show floor, offering advice on pacing oneself and prioritizing events during the busy week. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-11-imts-after-hours-your-unofficial-guide-to-imts-2026-featuring-jim-mayer-and-emil - **301: NYC's Role in Reindustrialization and American Manufacturing (LIVE from Brooklyn)** (2026-09-08, 1h 02m): Chris Luecke hosts a live episode from New Lab in the Brooklyn Navy Yard, featuring guests Andrew Gustafson of Turnstile Tours, James Williams of Nanotronics, Stacy Wise Miller of the American Manufacturing Futures Institute, Jacob Hennessy Rubin of New York Robotics, Nikki Evans of the Brooklyn Navy Yard, Miquela Craytor of the South Brooklyn Industrial Development Corporation, and Michelle Feinberg of New York Embroidery Studio. The discussion covers NYC's historical dominance as a manufacturing hub, the current diversity of 17 verticals within the Navy Yard, and the unique robotics ecosystem that leverages the city's financial and tech capital. Feinberg details her company's pivot from high-fashion garment manufacturing to producing 3 million isolation gowns monthly during the pandemic, highlighting the importance of direct access between inventors and factories. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-08-301-nycs-role-in-reindustrialization-and-american-manufacturing-live-from-brookl - **300: Chris Luecke’s Friends from High School Interview Him on His Own Podcast, LIVE in St. Louis** (2026-09-01, 1h 10m): Chris Luecke, host of Manufacturing Happy Hour, is interviewed by his high school friends Pat Morris, Rob Garwitz, and John Petra in St. Louis, while also hosting a panel with Michael Eaton of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, Joe Mazzola of McHenry Automation, and Maria Berra of Maid in Missouri. The episode covers the diverse manufacturing landscape in Missouri, including Apollo 13 battery cells and pepper spray, and discusses Luecke's approach to building a sustainable podcast brand by borrowing best practices from travel bloggers and live music. Luecke shares personal anecdotes about his career, his upcoming fatherhood, and the importance of authentic leadership and regional collaboration in manufacturing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-09-01-300-chris-lueckes-friends-from-high-school-interview-him-on-his-own-podcast-live - **BONUS: Predictive Maintenance: The Key to Replacing Unplanned Downtime with Personal Downtime (Sponsored by AssetWatch)** (2026-08-25, 33m): Patrick Carmitchel, VP of Product Management, and Dustin Moore, Condition Monitoring Engineer Manager at AssetWatch, discuss the practical application of condition monitoring and predictive maintenance in manufacturing. They explain how monitoring vibration, temperature, and oil analysis helps identify early warning signs of equipment failure, allowing maintenance teams to plan repairs and avoid unplanned downtime. The conversation highlights the importance of starting with critical assets and managing cultural change on the plant floor to prove ROI before scaling monitoring efforts. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-25-bonus-predictive-maintenance-the-key-to-replacing-unplanned-downtime-with-person - **299: Inside Connecticut's Manufacturing Ecosystem: Innovation, Workforce Development, and Industrial Leadership, Live from Hartford, CT** (2026-08-18, 46m): Cici Bevin, sixth-generation president of Bevin Brothers Manufacturing, Andrew Gibson, CEO of AlphaQ, and Dustin Nord, Foundation Director at CBIA, discuss the unique manufacturing ecosystem in Connecticut. They cover how Bevin Brothers maintains relevance as the last U.S. bell maker, how AlphaQ achieved #1 global supplier status at Rolls-Royce through turnaround strategies, and how the state’s Chief Manufacturing Officer role and workforce development initiatives support high-precision, low-volume production. The conversation highlights cross-state collaboration, the importance of a strong education pipeline, and the specific products made in the region, from Black Hawk helicopters to Wiffle balls. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-18-299-inside-connecticuts-manufacturing-ecosystem-innovation-workforce-development - **BONUS: What Is Servitization? How OEMs Can Turn Their Installed Base Into Long-Term Revenue with PTC's Sam Neva** (2026-08-14, 57m): Sam Neva, Vice President of Sales for Service Lifecycle Management at PTC, explains servitization—the shift from selling equipment to selling outcomes—and how OEMs can monetize their installed base. He details the three maturity levels of servitization, emphasizing the critical need to map the installed base and capture tribal knowledge to avoid reactive firefighting. Neva discusses how AI and generative tools help structure unstructured service data, enabling proactive spare parts planning and better feedback loops to engineering. He cites Schneider Electric as a success story for increasing revenue and customer satisfaction through this model. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-14-bonus-what-is-servitization-how-oems-can-turn-their-installed-base-into-long-ter - **298: Exploring Massachusetts' Aerospace & Defense Industry, LIVE in Canton, MA** (2026-08-11, 41m): Megan Glidden of Web Industries, Michael Tamasi of AccuRounds, and Joe McCadden of Globe Composite Solutions discuss the strategic advantages of Massachusetts' aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem. The panel highlights the critical workforce shortage in the submarine industrial base, which requires 100,000 people over the next decade, and explores local talent pipelines including the uniquely able academy for adults on the autism spectrum and trade school partnerships. They also cover Web Industries' employee ownership model, which drives retention and continuous improvement, and AccuRounds' use of state grants to fund automation and digital transformation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-11-298-exploring-massachusetts-aerospace-defense-industry-live-in-canton-ma - **BONUS: The Future of Intralogistics featuring Siemens' Joel Thomas and Markus Thiel** (2026-08-04, 30m): Joel Thomas and Markus Thiel from Siemens Intralogistics discuss the evolution of warehouse operations from manual handling to digital-first design, driven by e-commerce growth and labor shortages. They explain how Siemens uses its own European factory to test and refine technologies like AMRs, edge computing, and digital twins before offering them to customers. The conversation highlights the industry's shift toward standardization to manage multi-vendor fleets and the emerging role of software-defined automation and IT/OT convergence in solving engineering challenges. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-08-04-bonus-the-future-of-intralogistics-featuring-siemens-joel-thomas-and-markus-thie - **297: Defense Spending, Contract Manufacturing, and Navigating Regulated Industries with Fathom CEO Rush LaSelle** (2026-07-28, 50m): Rush LaSelle, CEO of Fathom, discusses the challenges of scaling manufacturing capacity for the defense industrial base, noting that increased spending doesn't automatically create capacity due to a lack of long-term revenue visibility for suppliers. He explains how the acquisition of Kiva by Amazon for $775 million highlighted the importance of software integration in robotics and logistics, a lesson applicable to modern digital manufacturing. LaSelle also addresses the recent pause on CMMC Phase 2, describing the financial strain it places on manufacturers who have already invested heavily in compliance, and emphasizes the critical talent war for skilled machinists. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-28-297-defense-spending-contract-manufacturing-and-navigating-regulated-industries - **BONUS: Software-Defined Automation: The Future of Industrial Control (sponsored by Siemens)** (2026-07-21, 29m): David Nichols, CEO of Loupe, and Siemens’ Kristen Quasey and Jan Bajorat discuss software-defined automation (SDA) as a fusion of software engineering and operational technology. They explain how SDA enables rapid scaling, reduced time-to-market, and remote debugging by decoupling software from hardware constraints. The conversation highlights the role of the Society of Automation Software Engineers (SASE) in building community and addresses how global workforce shortages are driving manufacturers toward this flexible, software-centric approach. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-21-bonus-software-defined-automation-the-future-of-industrial-control-sponsored-by - **296: The Art of Building in the Age of AI with Baukunst Co-Founder Tyler Mincey** (2026-07-17, 48m): Tyler Mincey, Co-Founder and General Partner at Baukunst, discusses his journey from mechanical engineering at Apple to leading a creative technologist collective. He details the complex manufacturing of the original iPhone's touchscreen, including custom silicon, ITO patterning, and rigid lamination, emphasizing the deep partnerships required. Mincey also shares findings from Baukunst's research on AI in manufacturing, outlining stages of adoption from context provision to autonomous tools, while arguing for a human-centric approach to technological integration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-17-296-the-art-of-building-in-the-age-of-ai-with-baukunst-co-founder-tyler-mincey - **295: Reindustrialization, AI Agents, and the Future of Manufacturing with First Resonance CEO Karan Talati** (2026-07-14, 47m): Karan Talati, CEO and Co-Founder of First Resonance, discusses the convergence of AI, software, and reindustrialization in manufacturing. He reflects on his tenure at SpaceX, highlighting the intense culture of iteration and scaling that shaped his approach to building First Resonance's factory operating system. Talati explains how AI agents are being used to automate tedious paperwork and complex scheduling, enabling manufacturers to focus on innovation. The conversation also explores the resurgence of the manufacturing ecosystem in Southern California, particularly in El Segundo and Los Angeles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-14-295-reindustrialization-ai-agents-and-the-future-of-manufacturing-with-first-res - **BONUS: AI in Manufacturing: What’s Broken, What’s Working, and How Manufacturers Can Succeed with AI featuring PTC's Joseph June** (2026-07-10, 23m): Joseph June, Head of AI Strategy at PTC, explains that manufacturers fail when they go too broad with AI, advocating instead for a 'production data foundation' focused on decision-making patterns rather than just volume. He argues that the key to success is not the number of agents, but the quality of the plan they execute, which must be derived from company-specific data. June also outlines a trust-building framework of 'advise, assist, and automate' to help leaders onboard AI gradually, mirroring the process of integrating a new employee. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-10-bonus-ai-in-manufacturing-whats-broken-whats-working-and-how-manufacturers-can-s - **BONUS: From a Sabbatical to Building the First Full-Stack Industrial AI Company with Andres Naranjo, CEO of Software Toolbox** (2026-07-07, 1h 06m): Andres Naranjo, CEO of Software Toolbox, discusses his journey from a sabbatical sailing around the world to building the first full-stack industrial AI company. He explains why he acquired Software Toolbox to gain distribution and data moats, and outlines his framework for deciding when to build versus buy. Naranjo details the evolution of AI types—machine learning, computer vision, generative AI, and agentic AI—and argues for replacing static dashboards with real-time, AI-driven insights on the plant floor. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-07-07-bonus-from-a-sabbatical-to-building-the-first-full-stack-industrial-ai-company-w - **293: Manufacturing Leadership That Works with Author and Geislinger CEO Jason Woodard** (2026-06-23, 36m): Jason Woodard, CEO of Geislinger Corporation and author of 'Manufacturing Leadership That Works', discusses his 35-year career in manufacturing leadership. He explains that effective leadership requires leading oneself first through discipline and credibility, and emphasizes the importance of building trust with frontline workers by engaging directly on the floor. Woodard contrasts this with toxic leadership examples, such as plant managers who blame frontline staff for process failures, arguing that leaders must hold support staff accountable for providing adequate resources. He details how Geislinger produces critical vibration dampers for engines and wind turbines, highlighting the need for high-performance components in critical infrastructure. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-23-293-manufacturing-leadership-that-works-with-author-and-geislinger-ceo-jason-woo - **292: What Manufacturers Can Learn from Silicon Valley: Mechatronics, Startups, and More (LIVE from San Jose, CA)** (2026-06-16, 56m): Vinod Anandarajah of Kanavu Automation, Kevin Toomer and Adam Soder of Sumitomo Drive Technologies, and founders Kim Losey (NextLine Group), Glenn Reed (Beluga Navigation Systems), Nick Haas (MaintainX), and Florian Pistoni (In Orbit) discuss the intersection of mechatronics, automation, and Silicon Valley innovation. The episode covers strategies for building skilled workforces through in-house apprenticeships, the cultural differences between Bay Area risk-taking and traditional manufacturing predictability, and the importance of applying B2C user experience principles to industrial software. The founders also share insights on maintaining a pulse on global manufacturing trends and the role of the Bay Area in driving physical AI and robotics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-16-292-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-silicon-valley-mechatronics-startups-and-m - **BONUS: Factory Orchestration: The Next Frontier of Manufacturing Operations with Harmoni Co-Founder David Caputo** (2026-06-12, 1h 00m): David Caputo, Co-Founder of Harmoni, explains how his experience acquiring four aerospace and defense manufacturers revealed critical inefficiencies, such as $18,000 in scrap from wrong work instructions and lost tribal knowledge when a machinist retired. He describes Harmoni’s factory orchestration system, which addresses the ISA-95 SCADA gap by unifying machines, people, and data through three pillars: labor automation, process control, and observability. Caputo details how Harmoni’s device, HAL (Harmoni AI Lieutenant), delivers context-rich AI to the shop floor to prevent errors and optimize operations, while also outlining his company’s unique no-titles, pod-based organizational structure. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-12-bonus-factory-orchestration-the-next-frontier-of-manufacturing-operations-with-h - **BONUS: What Manufacturers Can Learn from Central Wisconsin's Workforce Strategy (LIVE from Wausau, WI)** (2026-06-05, 43m): Chris Luecke hosts a live panel with Jim Waldron of Wausau Tile, John Peterson of Schuette Metals, Scott Mattmiller of Greenheck Group, Laura Strek of Imperial Industries, and Tom Felch of J&D Tube Benders to discuss the Central Wisconsin Manufacturing Alliance's (CWIMA) workforce strategy. The leaders explain how they shifted from competing for talent to collaborating with K-12 schools, technical colleges, and each other to solve regional labor shortages through programs like the Heavy Metal Tour and youth apprenticeships. They highlight specific innovations, including AI-driven robotics at Wausau Tile and accessible automation at Schuette Metals, while emphasizing that retention relies on mentorship, flexible scheduling, and strong community ties. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-05-bonus-what-manufacturers-can-learn-from-central-wisconsins-workforce-strategy-li - **290: Why Danny Gonzales Thinks Manufacturing Has a Storytelling Problem** (2026-06-02, 48m): Danny Gonzales, CEO of IndustrialSage, explains how his video production company addresses the manufacturing industry's 'storytelling problem' by changing perceptions of the sector from grimy to innovative. He discusses the strategic decision to niche down into industrial B2B content, the shift toward authentic, iPhone-filmed user-generated content, and the critical importance of distribution strategies like LinkedIn and trade shows over mere production value. Gonzales emphasizes that storytelling is essential for talent retention and brand building, citing examples where narrative-driven videos helped employees and customers understand the real-world impact of manufacturing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-06-02-290-why-danny-gonzales-thinks-manufacturing-has-a-storytelling-problem - **289: Beyond the Hype: How Autonomy Is Scaling Across Critical Industries (LIVE from Pittsburgh)** (2026-05-26, 56m): Brett Phillips of Hellbender, David Griffin of Seegrid, and Mike Smocer of Mine Vision Systems discuss scaling autonomy in manufacturing, logistics, and mining. They explain how advances in perception, control systems, and on-edge AI hardware are shrinking development timelines and enabling complex material moves. The panel highlights Pittsburgh's unique ecosystem, combining high-level engineering with 'gritty' blue-collar pragmatism, as a key driver for physical AI innovation. They also emphasize the importance of community organizations like the Pittsburgh Robotics Network in fostering talent and business growth. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-05-26-289-beyond-the-hype-how-autonomy-is-scaling-across-critical-industries-live-from - **288: Inside the Sisterhood of Trades: Why Women Are Choosing Skilled Trades Careers** (2026-05-19, 21m): Nush Ahmed, CEO, and Brooke Laing, Chief Strategy Officer of Sisterhood of Trades, explain how their community supports women in skilled trades through digital platforms. They detail the evolution from a Snapchat group to a structured Discord server, highlighting the organization's role in connecting tradeswomen across over 50 different roles, from pipe welding to shipfitting. The guests discuss using social media like TikTok and LinkedIn to show the 'real side' of industrial work, aiming to attract and retain younger generations by sharing authentic day-to-day content rather than sugarcoating the industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/manufacturing-happy-hour/2026-05-19-288-inside-the-sisterhood-of-trades-why-women-are-choosing-skilled-trades-career ## Moore's Lobby Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby Host Daniel Bogdanoff talks with the engineers and executives behind the industry's biggest technology trends, telling the human stories behind the circuits. - Categories: Electronics, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-09-22 - Apple Podcasts: 25 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/263636/destinations/2003405.xml - Website: https://www.allaboutcircuits.com/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Inside a Multi-$Billion IP Engine Driving IC and EDA Innovations** (2026-09-22, 55m): Episode 7. John Koeter, Senior Vice President of IP at Synopsys, discusses the evolution of semiconductor intellectual property, the shift to multi-die chiplet architectures, and the transformative role of AI in chip design. He details Synopsys' acquisition of Ansys to enhance thermal modeling for 3D ICs, the challenges of managing heat in stacked dies, and the critical importance of software ecosystems for emerging architectures like RISC-V. Koeter also offers career advice on adaptability and leveraging AI as a force multiplier for engineers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-09-22-inside-a-multi-billion-ip-engine-driving-ic-and-eda-innovations - **What's Next in Wireless Communication? An Insider's Perspective** (2026-08-18, 53m): Episode 6. Joaquin Torrecilla, VP of software transformation at Keysight, discusses the evolution of wireless standards from early Bluetooth to 5G Advanced and the emerging 6G era. He details critical 5G capabilities including Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTNs) with LEO satellites, Network Slicing, and Time-Sensitive Networking (TSN), while explaining how RedCap optimizes IoT connectivity. Torrecilla also highlights Keysight's shift from proprietary hardware to virtualized software stacks and the integration of AI-native architectures in next-generation networks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-08-18-whats-next-in-wireless-communication-an-insiders-perspective - **Embedded Intelligence: Insights From An Industry Pioneer** (2026-07-21, 56m): Episode 5. Christian Eder, co-founder and Director of Market Intelligence at congatec, discusses the evolution of Computer-on-Modules (COMs) and the strategic importance of open standards like COM-HPC. He details the founding of congatec from JumpStart, the challenges of early product launches, and the company's growth into a global leader in embedded computing. Eder explains how modular designs accelerate development, mitigate supply chain risks, and enable edge AI processing in diverse environments from medical devices to aerospace. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-07-21-embedded-intelligence-insights-from-an-industry-pioneer - **Solving the Hard Problems: Combining AI and Physics for PCB Design** (2026-06-23, 56m): Episode 4. Sergiy Nesterenko, founder and CEO of Quilter, explains how his company uses reinforcement learning and computational physics to automate PCB layout, aiming to create a 'compiler' for electronics that handles the entire design scope. He recounts his early career at SpaceX, including an internship watching paint dry and a subsequent board fire that highlighted the reliance on tribal knowledge and the failure of traditional auto-routers. Nesterenko details Quilter's workflow, which integrates with existing CAD tools like Altium to generate layouts for test boards and complex single-board computers, while acknowledging current limitations with high-voltage or ultra-dense server designs. The discussion covers the technical strategy of using neural networks to interpolate simulation results, the company's focus on iterative complexity scaling, and a 10-year vision for enabling continuous integration in hardware design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-06-23-solving-the-hard-problems-combining-ai-and-physics-for-pcb-design - **Sensing at the Control Level: Leveraging Data for Both Safety and Analytics** (2026-05-19, 53m): Episode 3. Kate Sokolnicki, Global Business Director for Rockwell Automation's Sensing & Safety business unit, explains the shift from simple on/off sensors to smart devices providing dual-channel process and health data. She details how IO-Link and GuardLink protocols enable condition monitoring and precise fault identification in daisy-chained safety systems, reducing troubleshooting time. Sokolnicki emphasizes that while AI and vision systems are commoditized, their value depends on robust metadata and edge computing, urging young engineers to prioritize practical 'back-of-the-napkin' math over pure theory. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-05-19-sensing-at-the-control-level-leveraging-data-for-both-safety-and-analytics - **Sensors Insights: Bridging Hardware Collection and Software Analysis** (2026-04-21, 56m): Episode 2. Nils Beckmann, Director of Engineering for Intelligent Automation at Emerson, discusses the convergence of hardware and software in industrial IoT. He explains that while sensors are the critical data source, the primary challenge is bridging the skill gap between hardware engineers who lack software knowledge and software engineers who misunderstand physical constraints. Beckmann advises starting with simple monitoring of existing sensors to establish baselines before attempting complex predictive maintenance, emphasizing that repeatability is often more valuable than high accuracy for analytics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-04-21-sensors-insights-bridging-hardware-collection-and-software-analysis - **Industrial Sensors: The Building Blocks That Lead to Process Optimization** (2026-03-17, 57m): Episode 1. Salim Dabbous, Director of Consulting & Digital Solutions at SICK, discusses the practical implementation of industrial sensors for condition monitoring and digital transformation. He outlines the critical steps for automation engineers, from selecting the right team (controls, process, IT) to running 30-90 day pilots that prove ROI before scaling to full production lines. Dabbous emphasizes that successful IoT adoption requires aligning hardware capabilities with existing PLC and ERP systems while managing the cultural shift toward data-driven decision-making. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2026-03-17-industrial-sensors-the-building-blocks-that-lead-to-process-optimization - **Powering EVs: Microgrids & DC Charging Solutions** (2025-08-19, 41m): Episode 8. Antonio Di Vaira, Senior VP for Power Products at Schneider Electric, discusses the critical need for grid modernization driven by EV charging and AI data centers. He explains how microgrids and native DC distribution offer efficiency and resilience solutions, citing a pilot project at Schneider's Raleigh campus. Di Vaira also highlights the company's 'Flexset' switchboard, a modular, kit-built product designed to reduce lead times and empower electricians, while emphasizing the importance of multidisciplinary engineering and customer-centric design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-08-19-powering-evs-microgrids-dc-charging-solutions - **Material Science in Motion: How 3M is Powering EV and Grid Advancements** (2025-07-22, 50m): Episode 7. Mike Stroman, 3M's global R&D director for the electrical markets division, explains how the company's material science innovations are addressing critical challenges in electric vehicle (EV) motors and battery packs. He details specific technologies such as high-temperature adhesives for thermal runaway safety, expandable slot liners for motor cooling, and adhesively bonded laminates to reduce eddy currents. Stroman also discusses 3M's use of digital twins to accelerate R&D cycles and the company's '15% time' philosophy that fosters breakthrough products like ACCR cables and passive radiative cooling films. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-07-22-material-science-in-motion-how-3m-is-powering-ev-and-grid-advancements - **Aligning Passion With Purpose: A Journey to Electrification and Sustainability** (2025-06-17, 56m): Episode 6. Dr. Mital Kanabar, Senior Director of Innovation at GE Vernova, discusses the 'energy trilemma' of security, affordability, and sustainability as power demand surges from EVs and AI data centers. He explains how GE Vernova's GridBeats platform uses software-defined automation and edge AI to manage bidirectional power flow and grid stability without massive hardware upgrades. The conversation covers the role of small modular reactors (SMRs), cybersecurity in operational technology, and the workforce challenges facing the utility industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-06-17-aligning-passion-with-purpose-a-journey-to-electrification-and-sustainability - **Generative AI for Dirty Jobs—The Next Industrial Revolution?** (2025-05-20, 54m): Episode 5. Christopher Savoie, founder and CEO of Zapata AI, discusses his career from early biophysics research to co-inventing the technology behind Apple Siri. He argues for specialized, ensemble-based AI agents over monolithic models, citing applications in motorsports with Andretti Autosport and grid management. Savoie highlights how predictive analytics in racing and power grids reduce surprises, while warning about the privacy and ethical risks of big data surveillance by governments and corporations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-05-20-generative-ai-for-dirty-jobs-the-next-industrial-revolution - **Creating Next-Gen Microcontroller Developer Tools and Equipping the People Who Use Them** (2025-04-22, 49m): Episode 4. Rodger Richey, Vice President of Development Tools and Academic Programs at Microchip Technology, discusses the evolution of embedded development tools over his 30-year tenure. He explains how Microchip shifted its IDE support from NetBeans to VS Code to align with developer habits and details the integration of AI as an assistant for code generation and debugging rather than a replacement. Richey also highlights Microchip's academic initiatives, including virtual internships and hardware labs in India, designed to bridge the gap between theoretical education and practical engineering skills. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-04-22-creating-next-gen-microcontroller-developer-tools-and-equipping-the-people-who-u - **Navigating the AI Revolution in Education, Workforce Development, and Government** (2025-03-18, 48m): Episode 3. KS Venkatraman, Nvidia's senior director of AI computing, discusses his journey from building radios with smuggled parts in India to leading AI adoption efforts at Nvidia. He details the transition from CPU architecture at Intel to GPU-based accelerated computing, explaining how hardware-software co-design and the availability of massive datasets fueled the AI revolution. Venkatraman emphasizes the critical need for AI literacy in education, advocating for infusing AI tools into K-12 and university curricula to solve complex problems like weather prediction and climate change. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-03-18-navigating-the-ai-revolution-in-education-workforce-development-and-government - **GaN Powers Up in AI, Robotics, and Our Lives** (2025-02-18, 51m): Episode 2. Alex Lidow, CEO of EPC (Efficient Power Conversion), discusses his journey from co-inventing HexFETs at International Rectifier to founding EPC to commercialize Gallium Nitride (GaN) technology. He details the physics of GaN, the early struggles with manufacturing yields, and the pivotal role of LiDAR and space electronics in driving adoption. Lidow also highlights the current tipping points in AI power supplies and the future potential of GaN in humanoid robotics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-02-18-gan-powers-up-in-ai-robotics-and-our-lives - **Technology and AI Leap Ahead, While Societal Institutions Race To Catch Up** (2025-01-21, 52m): Episode 1. Dr. Amar Gupta, a principal investigator at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, discusses his pioneering work in electronic check processing and telemedicine. He explains how AI-driven handwriting recognition for checks was accelerated by the 9/11 crisis, leading to the Check 21 Act, and details his early advocacy for remote healthcare, which was eventually legitimized by the pandemic. Gupta also reflects on his interdisciplinary teaching approach, the ethical responsibilities of engineers, and the importance of open-source knowledge in driving global standards. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2025-01-21-technology-and-ai-leap-ahead-while-societal-institutions-race-to-catch-up - **QSPICE Circuit Simulation: A Spicy Discussion with Mike Engelhardt** (2024-07-30, 55m): Episode 15. Mike Engelhardt, creator of LTspice and now QSPICE at Qorvo, explains how he built circuit simulation tools starting from his work in physics labs and oil exploration. He details the rapid development of LTspice in 10 months to serve as sales collateral for Linear Technology, emphasizing that simulation's primary value is building engineer intuition rather than just verification. Engelhardt then describes refactoring the open-source Berkeley SPICE code to create QSPICE, which fixes bugs in the sparse matrix package and leverages GPUs for waveform plotting rather than computation to handle wide bandgap semiconductors like GaN and SiC. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-07-30-qspice-circuit-simulation-a-spicy-discussion-with-mike-engelhardt - **Improving Electronic Design Collaboration by Shifting Left and Right** (2024-07-16, 52m): Episode 14. Ananth Avva, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Cloud Platform at Altium, discusses the challenges and strategies of bringing SaaS practices into engineering via Altium 365. He explains the concepts of 'shifting left' and 'shifting right' to improve collaboration between PCB designers and downstream teams like procurement and compliance. Avva highlights that organizations often overestimate the cost of change and underestimate the benefits of adopting cloud-based system-level thinking, which is crucial for managing complex supply chains and ensuring design integrity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-07-16-improving-electronic-design-collaboration-by-shifting-left-and-right - **5G and IoT: What Will It Take for Them to Get Along?** (2024-07-02, 47m): Episode 13. Thomas Keller, Director of Platforms and Core Technology at u-blox, discusses the challenges of integrating low-power IoT devices with 5G networks. He explains that while 5G was designed for high capacity and low latency, the industry currently relies on LTE-based technologies like Cat M1 and NB-IoT for IoT, with 'RedCap' (Reduced Capability) devices emerging as a transitional 5G standard. Keller highlights the tension between network operators needing to support legacy LTE infrastructure and the long-term shift to 5G Standalone, noting that true low-power 5G IoT optimization will take several specification releases to mature. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-07-02-5g-and-iot-what-will-it-take-for-them-to-get-along - **Looking Down to Go Forward: Ground Penetrating Radar for Autonomous Vehicles** (2024-06-18, 55m): Episode 12. Noah Gedrimas, VP of Strategy at Ground Positioning Radar (GPR), discusses using ground-penetrating radar (GPR) for centimeter-accurate localization in autonomous vehicles. He details his background at Continental Automotive working on valet parking and semi-trucks, and explains how GPR’s 'WaveSense' system maps sub-surface signatures to navigate in weather or GPS-denied environments like mines and seaports. Gedrimas also critiques sensor fusion complexity, discusses the business case for autonomous trucking versus robotaxis, and offers insights into Tesla’s Full Self-Driving approach. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-06-18-looking-down-to-go-forward-ground-penetrating-radar-for-autonomous-vehicles - **Changing the World One Wireless RF Chip at a Time** (2024-06-04, 43m): Episode 11. David Su, co-founder and CEO of Atmosic Technologies, discusses his career journey from HP Labs and Atheros to founding Atmosic, where he leverages decades of RF design experience to create ultra-low-power wireless chips. He explains how Atmosic’s configurable SoCs support Bluetooth, Zigbee, and Matter over Thread, achieving power levels 3-5 times lower than competitors by optimizing circuit, system, and software interactions. Su highlights the critical role of energy harvesting, particularly photovoltaics, in enabling battery-free IoT devices, and reflects on the balance between structured engineering and innovative craftsmanship learned during his time at Qualcomm and Atheros. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-06-04-changing-the-world-one-wireless-rf-chip-at-a-time - **Can Silicon Photonics Solve the Bandwidth Bottleneck in AI Data Centers?** (2024-05-21, 51m): Episode 10. Steve Klinger, VP of Product at LightMatter, explains how the company uses silicon photonics to solve the interconnect bandwidth bottleneck in AI data centers. He details LightMatter's flagship product, Passage, a programmable optical fabric that acts as an active interposer to connect chiplets and ASICs with high density and low power. Klinger also discusses Envis, LightMatter's photonic AI accelerator, which performs matrix-vector multiplication using light, and shares insights on the company's growth from MIT research to a VC-funded scaling phase. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-05-21-can-silicon-photonics-solve-the-bandwidth-bottleneck-in-ai-data-centers - **Freeing EEs to Design Like Tony Stark** (2024-05-07, 55m): Episode 9. Tomide Adesanmi, co-founder and CEO of Circuit Mind, explains how his background designing head-worn displays for fighter pilots at BAE Systems revealed the inefficiencies of manual schematic design. He founded Circuit Mind to replace tedious spreadsheet work and datasheet searching with deterministic algorithms that generate optimized circuit schematics from block diagrams. Adesanmi details the platform's ability to explore millions of design combinations for cost, size, and power, positioning the tool as a 'circuit solver' that allows engineers to act as architects rather than manual drafters. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-05-07-freeing-ees-to-design-like-tony-stark - **Cooperation and Competition Behind the Scenes in the RISC-V Community** (2024-04-23, 51m): Episode 8. Mark Himelstein, CTO of RISC-V International, explains how the open standard instruction set architecture (ISA) fosters a community of cooperation and competition among chip designers, from startups to multinationals like Qualcomm and NVIDIA. He details the organization's structure, which includes 70 technical groups working on specifications like vector extensions and upcoming matrix operations for AI, while navigating supply chain challenges and the transition from proprietary ISAs. Himelstein highlights that the shared software ecosystem—compilers, OS, and tools—is the primary glue keeping the community together, as no single entity can afford to build a new ISA alone. The episode covers the rapid ratification of specifications, the importance of development boards, and the strategic focus on Android support and AI/ML acceleration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-04-23-cooperation-and-competition-behind-the-scenes-in-the-risc-v-community - **At Silicon Labs, Wireless IoT is Only The First Step in Rethinking Product Design** (2024-04-09, 56m): Episode 7. Daniel Cooley, CTO of Silicon Labs, explains how adding wireless connectivity is just the first step in rethinking product design, using examples like smart shelf labels and connected power tools to show how IoT improves functionality beyond mere connectivity. He discusses Silicon Labs' transition from mixed-signal chips to becoming the leading wireless IoT supplier, their new Series 2 chipsets, and a strategic partnership with Arduino to simplify Matter protocol adoption for developers. Cooley also shares insights on the rise of edge AI for sensor inference, the future shift of internet infrastructure from human-centric to machine-centric, and his career reflections on technical failures and leadership. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-04-09-at-silicon-labs-wireless-iot-is-only-the-first-step-in-rethinking-product-design - **Pragmatic Semi is Breaking the Rules and Bending Silicon Electronics** (2024-03-26, 57m): Episode 6. Scott White, founder and executive director of Pragmatic Semiconductor, explains how his company produces ultra-low-cost, flexible thin-film silicon integrated circuits using a rapid, low-temperature manufacturing process. He details the technology's ability to replace rigid silicon in applications like smart packaging and automotive sensors, offering a 48-hour fab cycle time compared to months for traditional silicon. White also discusses the company's recent $230 million Series D funding, its strategy to build modular fabs globally, and the need to democratize chip design tools to accelerate adoption. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/moores-lobby/2024-03-26-pragmatic-semi-is-breaking-the-rules-and-bending-silicon-electronics ## Hardware to Save a Planet Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet Host Dylan Garrett explores the physical technologies being built to fight climate change, pairing one climate challenge with one emerging hardware solution each episode. - Categories: Climate & Energy, Product Development, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-01 - Apple Podcasts: 46 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://feeds.fame.so/hardware-to-save-a-planet - Website: https://hardwaretosaveaplanet.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **The Wildfire Suppression System Built to Fight Fire From the Ground | Gadi Benjamini** (2026-10-01, 47m): Episode 104. Gadi Benjamini, Co-founder and CEO of FireDome, explains how his company builds autonomous wildfire suppression hardware inspired by Israel’s Iron Dome. He details the electromechanical launcher that fires 10-gallon 'smart capsules' filled with water or fire retardant up to 1,000 feet, and the AI-driven computer vision algorithms used to detect spot fires while avoiding humans and drones. Benjamini discusses the company's pivot from his previous methane mitigation startup, Carbon Twist, to resilience tech, and outlines their 'resilience as a service' business model targeting early adopters like wineries and HOAs in California. He also shares challenges in sourcing durable motors and manufacturing tolerances, and describes upcoming testing in Sacramento to validate performance against high winds. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-10-01-the-wildfire-suppression-system-built-to-fight-fire-from-the-ground-gadi-benjami - **Why Electric Aviation Is Finally Becoming Possible | Anders Forslund** (2026-09-03, 43m): Episode 103. Anders Forslund, Co-founder and CEO of Heart Aerospace, explains how the company is developing the ES-30, a 30-passenger hybrid-electric regional aircraft, to decarbonize short-haul flights. He details the economic viability of the project, noting that battery energy density hitting 400 watt-hours per kilogram and leveraging commoditized automotive supply chains have made unit economics favorable, with test flight energy costs under $10. Forslund discusses the technical challenges of certification, the importance of physical testing over simulation, and the strategic decision to build a clean-sheet airframe to avoid the 'lost generation' of engineering knowledge in legacy aerospace. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-09-03-why-electric-aviation-is-finally-becoming-possible-anders-forslund - **Smart Water Heaters Could Replace New Power Plants | Luke Winston-Almanzar** (2026-08-06, 49m): Episode 102. Luke Winston-Almanzar, CEO and Co-founder of Reservoir, explains how his company’s intelligent heat pump water heater uses predictive software and industrial controls to optimize energy use and user comfort. He details the hardware integration, including multiple heating elements and leak detection sensors, which allows the device to act as a thermal battery for grid stabilization. Winston-Almanzar discusses the company's early-stage commercialization in the Boston metro area, focusing on direct installation and rapid customer feedback loops to refine the product and pricing strategy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-08-06-smart-water-heaters-could-replace-new-power-plants-luke-winston-almanzar - **Turning Cow Burps into Clean Energy with Griffin Cherry** (2026-07-02, 48m): Episode 101. Griffin Cherry, Founder and CEO of Planet.Tech, explains how his company captures methane from cow respiration using a wearable halter and nose piece system that stores gas in a backpack for later extraction during milking. He details the engineering challenges of designing durable, cow-proof hardware for 1,600-pound animals and the business model of providing farmers with new revenue streams to offset chronic unprofitability. Cherry discusses the transition from roofing sales to climate tech, highlighting the importance of rapid prototyping with 3D printing and off-the-shelf components to achieve a functional MVP quickly. The episode covers the technical validation of capture efficiency, the economic potential of selling pipeline-quality renewable natural gas, and the company's vision to become a platform for solving planetary-scale climate problems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-07-02-turning-cow-burps-into-clean-energy-with-griffin-cherry - **The Race to Replace Plastic: 2026 SF Climate Week** (2026-06-04, 47m): Episode 100. Julia Marsh, CEO of Sway, and Molly Morse, CEO of Mango Materials, discuss replacing petroleum-based plastics with seaweed-derived polymers and methane-derived PHA bioplastics. They explain how these materials integrate into existing manufacturing infrastructure and address the complex lifecycle analysis (LCA) required to win over brands. Ryan Starling of frog Design adds that overcoming industry inertia requires proving performance and aligning sustainability with brand storytelling to bypass supply chain resistance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-06-04-the-race-to-replace-plastic-2026-sf-climate-week - **Climate-Driven Wildfires: Building Faster Fire Response Systems with Andrea Santy** (2026-05-07, 52m): Episode 99. Andrea Santy, Executive Program Director of XPRIZE Wildfire, explains the competition's dual-track approach to detecting and suppressing wildfires within 10 minutes using satellite imagery and autonomous systems. She details the rigorous testing protocols in Australia and Alaska, the technical challenges of distinguishing destructive fires from false positives, and the regulatory hurdles for heavy-lift drones. Santy emphasizes that while technology is crucial, it must be part of a holistic strategy including land management and community action to mitigate climate-driven wildfire risks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-05-07-climate-driven-wildfires-building-faster-fire-response-systems-with-andrea-santy - **Why Solar Deployment Speed Is the Real Climate Bottleneck with Deise Yumi Asami** (2026-04-02, 40m): Episode 98. Deise Yumi Asami, founder of Maximo at AES Corporation, explains how her AI-powered field robot automates solar panel installation to address labor shortages and deployment bottlenecks. She details the engineering challenges of using computer vision in uncontrolled outdoor environments, the role of digital twins in accelerating development, and why EPCs prioritize delivery certainty over simple cost savings. The conversation covers scaling the robot fleet, recent project deployments, and the future of autonomous construction. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-04-02-why-solar-deployment-speed-is-the-real-climate-bottleneck-with-deise-yumi-asami - **30% More Power, 20% Lower Costs: Scott Graybeal on Solar’s Step-Change Moment** (2026-03-05, 52m): Episode 97. Scott Graybeal, CEO of Caelux, explains how the company is commercializing perovskite solar technology by depositing a thin 'active glass' layer onto conventional silicon modules to achieve 30–40% higher power output. He details the tandem cell architecture that splits the light spectrum to improve efficiency, the company's manufacturing roadmap scaling to 100 MW, and the strategic decision to partner with incumbent module manufacturers rather than building a full module factory. Graybeal also discusses the economic impact of lower levelized cost of energy, the shift away from China-centric manufacturing due to lower capital requirements, and the future potential of flexible, printed solar applications. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-03-05-30-more-power-20-lower-costs-scott-graybeal-on-solars-step-change-moment - **How AI Is Unlocking Geothermal Power at Scale with Joel Edwards** (2026-02-19, 51m): Episode 96. Joel Edwards, CTO and co-founder of Zanskar, explains how the company uses AI and geoscience to locate hidden conventional geothermal reservoirs, reducing exploration costs by up to 90%. Edwards details Zanskar's 'flywheel' process of training physics-constrained models on satellite and field data to predict hotspot locations, avoiding the high subsurface risk that stalled the industry after oil majors exited in the 1980s. He highlights the success of their Lightning Dock project in New Mexico, where AI-driven reservoir modeling identified a highly productive well that maxed out the plant's capacity, and outlines Zanskar's goal to reach one gigawatt of installed capacity within ten years. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-02-19-how-ai-is-unlocking-geothermal-power-at-scale-with-joel-edwards - **Commercial Fusion Has Started: How Helion Is Bringing Power to the Grid by 2028** (2026-02-05, 51m): Episode 95. Anthony Pancotti, co-founder and Head of R&D at Helion Energy, explains the company's mass-manufacturable approach to commercial fusion, targeting a 2028 grid connection via a landmark power purchase agreement with Microsoft. He details how Helion’s use of deuterium and helium-3 fuel, combined with direct energy recovery, eliminates the need for steam turbines, enabling an assembly-line production model for power plants like Orion. The conversation covers the engineering challenges of high-field pulsed magnets, the regulatory framework established with the Washington State Health Department, and the strategic supply chain decisions to avoid rare earth metals. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-02-05-commercial-fusion-has-started-how-helion-is-bringing-power-to-the-grid-by-2028 - **Why Long-Duration Energy Storage Breaks Batteries – and How Hydrogen Fixes It with Mia Rath** (2026-01-22, 52m): Episode 94. Mia Rath, co-founder and CTO of Lument, explains how her company uses solid-state metal hydride storage to solve the decoupling of power and energy capacity in long-duration energy storage. She details the material science behind their high-entropy alloys, the process of manufacturing the hydride powder in-house from domestic ore, and the engineering challenges of scaling reactor throughput. Rath discusses Lument's transition from a garage prototype to installing a 220 kWh system in a San Francisco warehouse, highlighting the permitting advantages and cost benefits for commercial customers and data centers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-01-22-why-long-duration-energy-storage-breaks-batteries-and-how-hydrogen-fixes-it-with - **The Geothermal Breakthrough: Heating Homes Smarter, Cheaper, and Cleaner with Dan Yates** (2026-01-08, 43m): Episode 93. Dan Yates, CEO of Dandelion Energy, explains how the company is scaling geothermal heat pumps by partnering with production homebuilders like Lennar to drive down installation costs and eliminate mobilization expenses. He details the technical advantages of ground-source systems over air-source heat pumps, particularly their ability to reduce peak grid load by avoiding expensive resistance heating during extreme cold. Yates also discusses how federal tax credits and new leasing models are making geothermal viable for mainstream consumers, while noting that hiring and training remain the primary bottlenecks to nationwide scaling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2026-01-08-the-geothermal-breakthrough-heating-homes-smarter-cheaper-and-cleaner-with-dan-y - **Powering the AI Era Sustainably: Breakthrough Climate Hardware Tech from 8 Innovators** (2025-12-04, 31m): Episode 92. Host Dylan Garrett presents a year-end recap of eight innovators building climate hardware to support the massive energy demands of AI data centers. The episode features insights from Arch Rao of Span on managing grid capacity, Anders Kousgaard of Blue World Technologies on hydrogen fuel cell complexity, and Ina Braverman of Eco Wave Power on harvesting ocean wave energy. It also covers Ted McElveen of Vern on replacing diesel backup generators with hydrogen, Holly Jane of Antora Energy on thermal batteries, Curtis Van Wallahim of HydroStore on compressed air storage, Sandeep Nijwan of Electra on low-carbon iron, and Greg Williams of Sublime Systems on decarbonized cement. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-12-04-powering-the-ai-era-sustainably-breakthrough-climate-hardware-tech-from-8-innova - **Circular Sanitation: How Human Waste Could Replace 25% of Global Fertiliser with Taylor Zehren** (2025-11-20, 43m): Episode 91. Taylor Zehren, co-founder and CEO of Wasted, explains how her company transforms portable sanitation into a circular economy by diverting urine from porta-potties to create fertilizer. She details the mechanical separation technology, such as conveyor toilets, and the treatment process that yields phosphorus and nitrogen products, replacing synthetic fertilizers. Zehren highlights the business model shift from disposal costs to revenue, the importance of source separation to avoid contaminants like PFAS, and the cultural education required to scale this technology into stadiums, homes, and communities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-11-20-circular-sanitation-how-human-waste-could-replace-25-of-global-fertiliser-with-t - **The Future of Clean Shipping: How Methanol Fuel Cells Are Decarbonising Maritime Transport** (2025-10-30, 49m): Episode 90. Anders Korsgaard, Founder and CEO of Blue World Technologies, explains how high-temperature PEM fuel cells convert liquid methanol into electricity with 20–25% improved efficiency over conventional diesel engines. He details the thermodynamic advantages of using waste heat for reforming, the strategic choice of methanol over hydrogen for maritime logistics, and the economic imperative of reducing fuel consumption for shipping giants like Maersk. Korsgaard discusses the challenges of industrializing cell production, securing partnerships to scale manufacturing, and the timeline for retrofitting versus building new vessels. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-10-30-the-future-of-clean-shipping-how-methanol-fuel-cells-are-decarbonising-maritime - **Smart Electrical Panels: Avoiding $25K Upgrades to Enable Home Electrification with Arch Rao** (2025-10-16, 54m): Episode 89. Arch Rao, Founder and CEO of Span, explains how his company’s smart electrical panel enables homeowners to monitor, control, and optimize energy use down to the circuit level, avoiding costly $15,000–$25,000 service upgrades. Drawing on his experience at Tesla Energy, Rao details how Span’s intelligent load management allows homes to adopt EV chargers, solar, and batteries without upgrading the grid. He discusses the evolution from a consumer-led product to a utility-scale infrastructure asset, highlighting partnerships with utilities like PG&E and the importance of interoperable, aesthetically designed hardware. Rao emphasizes the need for deep system-level engineering to navigate supply chain issues and scale production across 50 states. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-10-16-smart-electrical-panels-avoiding-25k-upgrades-to-enable-home-electrification-wit - **Onshore Wave Energy: 90% Availability, Transforming Renewable Power Generation** (2025-10-02, 42m): Episode 88. Inna Braverman, founder and CEO of Eco Wave Power, explains how her company is commercializing wave energy by attaching floaters to existing onshore coastal infrastructure like breakwaters and jetties, avoiding the high costs and durability issues of offshore systems. She details the hydraulic technology that converts wave motion into electricity, the company's journey from a $1 million seed investment to grid-connected pilots in Gibraltar, Israel, and Los Angeles, and the regulatory hurdles they overcame to secure legislation in California. Braverman highlights the technology's 90% availability rate compared to solar and wind, its low environmental impact, and the path to cost parity through scaling to 20-megawatt projects. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-10-02-onshore-wave-energy-90-availability-transforming-renewable-power-generation - **From Solar’s 90% Cost Crash to AI’s Energy Surge: The Economics Driving Climate Tech** (2025-09-16, 1h 02m): Episode 87. Pavel Molchanov, an Investment Strategy Analyst at Raymond James, discusses the economic and policy drivers shaping the climate tech sector, highlighting how solar panel costs have dropped 90% and EV adoption has surged in China. He contrasts successful scaling of mature technologies like solar and wind with the struggles of companies like Solyndra, which failed due to high costs despite innovative CIGS technology. Molchanov argues that while deep tech innovations like fusion and solid-state batteries are important, economic viability and business models are the primary determinants of success in the energy transition. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-09-16-from-solars-90-cost-crash-to-ais-energy-surge-the-economics-driving-climate-tech - **93% Lower Impact: The Tech Making Sustainable Fashion Competitive** (2025-08-28, 50m): Episode 86. Ravel cofounders Zahlen Titcomb and Kristen Albrecht explain their non-destructive purification recycling technology for polyester and blended fabrics, which consumes 59% less energy and achieves price parity with virgin materials. They discuss their pilot plant in Seattle, their strategy of selling recycled polyester pellets to yarn manufacturers, and their focus on post-industrial and post-consumer waste streams. The episode highlights how Ravel’s market-based approach, avoiding the need for consumer altruism, aims to scale rapidly within the existing linear fashion supply chain to reduce global emissions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-08-28-93-lower-impact-the-tech-making-sustainable-fashion-competitive - **Cryo-Compressed Hydrogen: Solving America’s 50 GW Diesel Generator Problem** (2025-08-14, 45m): Episode 85. Ted McKlveen, co-founder and CEO of Verne, explains how his company’s cryo-compressed hydrogen technology offers a cost-effective alternative to diesel generators for data centers and remote sites. He details the engineering challenges of storing hydrogen at -200°C and 500 bar, and describes Verne’s pivot from heavy-duty trucking to stationary power generation as the primary market. McKlveen argues that replacing the 50 GW of upcoming diesel backup capacity with clean hydrogen can support grid stability and decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors without requiring immediate grid expansion. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-08-14-cryo-compressed-hydrogen-solving-americas-50-gw-diesel-generator-problem - **The Forgotten 25%: How Project Canary Is Detecting Climate's Methane Impact** (2025-07-31, 54m): Episode 84. William Foiles, co-founder and CEO of Project Canary, explains how his company evolved from building custom methane sensors to providing a hardware-agnostic AI software platform for detecting industrial emissions. He details the physics of methane, noting it accounts for 25-33% of human-induced climate change, and describes how their software quantifies emissions by integrating data from point sensors, satellites, and operational metrics. Foiles emphasizes that the primary driver for adoption is operational efficiency and safety, not just ESG, using analogies like blood pressure monitoring to explain the shift from raw data to actionable intelligence. The discussion covers the technical challenges of detecting low-concentration leaks in complex environments, such as neighborhoods with wind interference and biogenic sources, and the strategic pivot to leveraging specialized hardware partners while focusing on software insights. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-07-31-the-forgotten-25-how-project-canary-is-detecting-climates-methane-impact - **Tackling 8% of Global Emissions: Making Iron Sustainable One Atom at a Time with Sandeep Nijhawan** (2025-07-17, 50m): Episode 83. Sandeep Nijhawan, CEO and Co-founder of Electra, explains how his company is reinventing steel production using a low-temperature electrowinning process that converts iron ore into pure metallic iron at 60 degrees Celsius, allowing it to be powered by intermittent renewable electricity. He details the technical challenges of dissolving iron ore and stabilizing its charge states, the economic advantages of using underutilized low-grade ores, and the company's journey from a garage startup to operating pilot plants in Colorado with an $186 million Series B. Nijhawan discusses the strategic need for a demonstration plant to qualify products for steelmakers like Newcor and the long-term vision of regional hubs to decarbonize the $600 billion iron market. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-07-17-tackling-8-of-global-emissions-making-iron-sustainable-one-atom-at-a-time-with-s - **11 Climate Hardware Companies Saving Our Planet in 2025** (2025-07-03, 24m): Episode 82. Host Dylan Garrett reviews 11 climate hardware companies scaling their solutions, featuring Alan Adams of Aquatic Labs on ocean carbon measurement, Scott of Focused Energy on nuclear fusion, and Luke of Make Sunsets on solar radiation management. The episode also covers HydraStore's compressed air storage, Pila Energy's modular home batteries, Sublime's low-carbon cement, Range Energy's truck electrification, Antora's thermal batteries, Memory Scientific's PFAS cleanup, Transera's efficient AC, and Azola Ventures' catalytic capital. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-07-03-11-climate-hardware-companies-saving-our-planet-in-2025 - **Gigatons of Impact: Why Climate Hardware Needs Catalytic Capital** (2025-06-19, 47m): Episode 81. Johanna Wolfson, Co-founder and General Partner at Azolla Ventures, explains why traditional venture capital fails to support early-stage climate hardware due to long timelines and high capital outlays. She details how Azolla deploys 'catalytic capital'—tax-exempt, impact-first funds—to de-risk projects like C-motive’s electrostatic motors and Biolumic’s agricultural tech, targeting gigaton-scale CO2 reduction. Wolfson argues that while deployment of existing tech like solar is critical, developing new solutions for super-pollutants (methane, nitrous oxide) and adaptation is essential to meet 2050 goals, advising founders to plan for smaller rounds and global markets amid current US policy uncertainty. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-06-19-gigatons-of-impact-why-climate-hardware-needs-catalytic-capital - **70% Emissions Cut by Electrifying Trailers: The Green Future of Trucking** (2025-06-05, 41m): Episode 80. Jason Chua, Chief Product Officer at Range Energy, explains how their Volton retrofit kit reduces Class 8 diesel truck emissions by 70% without replacing existing tractors. The system integrates a battery pack (2-300 kWh), an electric axle, and a smart sensor suite to provide propulsive assistance and power auxiliary loads like refrigeration units. Chua highlights that this modular approach allows fleets to extend the range of electric tractors and achieve a 3-5 year payback period through fuel savings, particularly for reefer fleets. The company is currently in advanced pilot phases with major fleets, aiming for production deliveries later this year. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hardware-to-save-a-planet/2025-06-05-70-emissions-cut-by-electrifying-trailers-the-green-future-of-trucking ## Built 2 Scale Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale Founders Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox on building high-growth startups at the edge of business, tech, AI, and robotics, from bootstrapped chaos to VC-backed scale. - Categories: Startups, Product Development, Hardware - Latest episode: 2026-09-10 - Apple Podcasts: 2 ratings averaging 3/5 - Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/b2spod/ - Website: https://b2spod.captivate.fm/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **The Value of Human Cognition Is Going Negative. Build the Outcome Machine.** (2026-09-10, 55m): Scott Wilcox and Matt Perrott of BuildPass discuss the shift from selling outputs to building 'outcome machines' that encode domain expertise into AI-native systems. They highlight the risks of unmanaged AI spending, citing a specific incident where an OpenRouter bill exploded due to uncapped API access, and discuss how Tesla's Cybercab and Model Y illustrate the convergence of software and hardware manufacturing. The conversation explores computational design, self-healing physical products, and the labor shortage in skilled trades, suggesting that companies must harness frontier technology to deliver reliable outcomes rather than relying on fragmented human cognition. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-09-10-the-value-of-human-cognition-is-going-negative-build-the-outcome-machine - **B2S Operators — Structured AI | The 3D QA Agent** (2026-08-26, 38m): Raymond Zhao and Ben Remy of Structured AI explain how they are building an AI-native quality assurance layer for construction, using agents to read complex Revit models and 2D drawings to find design clashes and code violations. They discuss the technical challenge of managing context in large 'vector soups' of construction documents and the strategic decision to combine software engineers with domain experts to ensure agents understand engineering physics, not just syntax. The conversation covers their evolution from suggesting errors to executing isolated fixes in Revit, the difficulty of scaling a customizable product in a fragmented industry, and the future of agent-to-agent verification to manage hallucinations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-08-26-b2s-operators-structured-ai-the-3d-qa-agent - **Live for Your Drive** (2026-08-03, 1h 01m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the economic shift from 'token maxing' to LLM routing as open-source models like Kimi close the gap on frontier labs. They explore the emerging HR challenges of employee token spend, the mobile nature of voice-based AI work, and BuildPass's upcoming Apple Watch integration for site defect walks. The episode also covers a 45-minute hackathon that produced 'Tinder for Talent' and the future of AI glasses in construction. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-08-03-live-for-your-drive - **The Master Builder Revival | How humans + Tokens spark a lost-crafts renaissance** (2026-06-25, 1h 00m): Matt Perrott of Build Pass and Scott Wilcox of Built 2 Scale discuss how Build Pass is evolving from a single construction management tool into a four-product operating system (Win, Pay, Build, Connect) to reduce administrative fragmentation for builders. They introduce Trady, a new platform designed to connect 1.3 million tradespeople, and demonstrate open-source Even Realities G2 smart glasses that provide real-time, voice-guided master craftsman assistance on site. The conversation emphasizes a 'human plus token' philosophy, where AI agents handle administrative tasks while skilled humans remain in the cockpit to make high-level judgments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-06-25-the-master-builder-revival-how-humans-tokens-spark-a-lost-crafts-renaissance - **The Abundance Stack** (2026-05-25, 51m): Matt Perrott, founder of construction company W and accelerator WVC, and Scott Wilcox, founder of software company Bill Pass, discuss the convergence of AI, robotics, and physical labor. They propose a 'world model' for business where AI acts as an intelligence layer, eliminating traditional management in favor of 'player-coach' roles. Perrott outlines a national strategy for Australia to solve the housing crisis by leveraging robotics, energy, and compute, while Wilcox shares insights on using AI coding tools like Codex Goals for autonomous task completion. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-05-25-the-abundance-stack - **Skills vs Agents — The Stack Everyone's Getting Wrong** (2026-05-03, 54m): Scott Wilcox, founder of W. Build, and Matt Perrott, co-founder of BuildPass, discuss their approach to integrating AI into construction operations, focusing on a framework called DMISA (Direction, Measure, Incentivize, Systemize, Automate). They detail a specific success where BuildPass reduced invoice processing costs from $5–$10 to half a cent using agents, and explain how W. Build is using its WVC accelerator to bring trade partners into this AI-enabled ecosystem. The conversation emphasizes that the new competitive moat is velocity and alignment, with 2026 being a critical year for choosing between legacy systems and AI-driven abundance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-05-03-skills-vs-agents-the-stack-everyones-getting-wrong - **The Sims for Founders: What Agent-First Companies Actually Look Like** (2026-03-31, 49m): Hosts Scott Wilcox and Matt Perrott discuss their collaboration between BuildPass and W, focusing on implementing agent-first workflows. Scott details using Paperclip to simulate an organization with CEO and employee agents, while Matt explains onboarding his entire company onto Claude to capture institutional knowledge. They discuss the strategic shift from general software to vertical, industry-specific solutions in construction, leveraging tools like Replit and Notebook LM to accelerate development and customer intimacy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-03-31-the-sims-for-founders-what-agent-first-companies-actually-look-like - **Elon's Limiting Factor Philosophy, AI Turning Noise Into Signal & The FebFast Business Sprint** (2026-02-19, 50m): Founders Matt Perrott of BuildPass and Scott Wilcox discuss applying Elon Musk's 'limiting factor' philosophy to their businesses, identifying distribution as BuildPass's primary bottleneck and demand as BuildPass's secondary focus. They detail their use of AI agents, specifically an OpenAI bot named 'Tez' and customer-facing tools, to automate knowledge management, extract signal from noise in customer communications, and build organizational memory. The conversation covers the 'FebFast' sprint methodology for focused business growth, the paradox of intelligent people resisting AI due to ego, and strategies for over-communicating in public channels to create a searchable knowledge base. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-02-19-elons-limiting-factor-philosophy-ai-turning-noise-into-signal-the-febfast-busine - **Tool of the Week Segment | Episode 35** (2026-02-10, 13m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss 'Consumecute,' a workflow that exports Apple Podcast history to ChatGPT for takeaways, which are then pushed to Monday.com to build personalized AI training data. Scotty demonstrates condensing 110 Audible books into a single operational formula: 'A system is an incentive structure pointed at an outcome,' used to align business vision with automation. The episode emphasizes connecting consumption tools with productivity platforms like Notion and Teams to turn mindless scrolling into active execution and guilt-free learning. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-02-10-tool-of-the-week-segment-episode-35 - **The Delegation Era: AI as an Operator, Not a Tool** (2026-02-04, 1h 05m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the rapid rise of OpenClaw (formerly Claude Bot), an open-source agent wrapping Claude Code that has gained 150,000 GitHub stars in two weeks, sparking security concerns about autonomous agents accessing credit cards and personal data. They analyze the competitive landscape, noting Claude's enterprise dominance via tools like Claude Code and Claude Cowork, while OpenAI counters with its new Codex desktop app, leading the hosts to recommend businesses go 'all in' on a single platform. The episode covers the $1.8 trillion SpaceX-XAI merger, the potential for Tesla to acquire these assets, and Australia's strategic opportunity to leverage its critical minerals and solar capacity to attract hyperscalers for free energy and compute. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-02-04-the-delegation-era-ai-as-an-operator-not-a-tool - **AI NEWS | Episode 34** (2026-01-21, 14m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the rapid evolution of AI tools, highlighting Anthropic's Claude Opus 4.5 and its integration into Claude Code for automated software development. They analyze OpenAI's strategic pivot with ChatGPT Health and the potential for a 'super app' model, alongside Meta's $5 billion acquisition of Manus to bolster its reasoning capabilities. The episode concludes with an analysis of Apple's decision to power Siri with Google's Gemini, interpreting it as an admission that Apple is behind in AI development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-01-21-ai-news-episode-34 - **Claude Opus 4.5 Coding Revolution, Apple Partners With Google Gemini & Meta Acquires Manus for $5B** (2026-01-15, 1h 05m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the 2026 AI landscape, highlighting Claude Opus 4.5 and Claude Code as watershed moments for coding dominance, with examples from Shopify's Toby Lutke and Andre Karpathy. They analyze major industry shifts, including Apple's partnership with Google to power Siri with Gemini and Meta's $5 billion acquisition of Manus. The episode concludes with a 'Tool of the Week' segment where Scott builds a personalized baby word tracking app in a weekend using Vibe Coding, illustrating the rise of on-demand personal software. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2026-01-15-claude-opus-4-5-coding-revolution-apple-partners-with-google-gemini-meta-acquire - **2025 Finale: Yann LeCun Raises $3B, Domain Addiction Confessions & Built 2 Scale Year Wrap** (2025-12-22, 1h 25m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox review the year's tech news, focusing on Yann LeCun raising $3 billion for a spatial intelligence startup and the implications for autonomous home company Elysium. They discuss Sergey Brin returning to coding at Google, the competitive landscape between Google's TPUs and Nvidia's GPUs, and Brett Adcock's Figure AI. The episode concludes with a 'Receipts or Regrets' segment where they evaluate predictions like robots in homes, the Guzman y Gomez IPO, and OpenAI's hardware ambitions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-22-2025-finale-yann-lecun-raises-3b-domain-addiction-confessions-built-2-scale-year - **Receipts or Regrets | End of Year Special** (2025-12-22, 46m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox review their past predictions in a 'Receipts or Regrets' segment, discussing the rise of affordable Chinese humanoid robots and the failure of Figure AI's valuation. They analyze the stock performance of Guzman y Gomez, the acquisition of Limitless AI by Meta, and the validity of 'just-in-time' software development. The episode also covers personal tech regrets, including the Limitless pendant's poor battery life and the challenges of running dual Apple/Google ecosystems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-22-receipts-or-regrets-end-of-year-special - **Tool of the Week | Episode 32** (2025-12-17, 11m): Host Scott Wilcox demonstrates Alloy, an AI-powered prototyping tool that allows non-technical users to create interactive software prototypes from screenshots using natural language prompts. He shares a specific instance where he used Alloy to build a markup feature demo for a US prospect in minutes, accelerating a sales cycle that would have required engineering delays. The discussion expands into a broader strategic insight about 'AI native private equity,' where software companies acquire traditional businesses to apply automation logic and significantly improve profit margins. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-17-tool-of-the-week-episode-32 - **Robot Rundown | Episode 32** (2025-12-16, 6m): BUILT 2 SCALE | ROBOT RUNDOWN | Episode 32 Every week, Matty and Scotty break down the latest in robotics: from humanoids to specialized automation, and everything reshaping how we work, eat, and live. This week: Travis Kalanick (Uber founder) is quietly revolutionizing food production, and the debate between humanoids vs. point solution robots is heating up. Travis Kalanick's Cloud Kitchens: Rethinking Automation From First Principles Travis is back on X, and he's showcasing something big. Cloud Kitchens isn't just automating food delivery. It's building the infrastructure layer for food production itself. The latest demo? A fully automated system assembling and bagging 300 bowls per hour… - **AI NEWS | Episode 32** (2025-12-15, 14m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss OpenAI's strategic pivot to hardware, highlighted by hiring 40 Apple engineers and the vision of AI models running on network nodes without traditional operating systems. They analyze Meta's aggressive acquisition of Limitless AI wearables, noting the privacy policy changes and the company's pivot away from open source AI. The episode also covers Boom Supersonic's pivot to energy infrastructure for data centers, space-based data centers proposed by Gavin Baker, and the resulting 25-30% surge in construction wages due to AI infrastructure demand. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-15-ai-news-episode-32 - **Inside the emerging frontier of models, machines and manufacturing hell.** (2025-12-11, 1h 11m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss OpenAI's strategic pivot to hardware by hiring 40 Apple engineers, analyzing whether this signals a competition with Google's compute advantage or a setup for an Apple acquisition. They examine Meta's aggressive acquisition of Limitless Pendant and its privacy policy changes as evidence of a lack of clear vision compared to Elon Musk, while also covering Boom Supersonic's $300M pivot from jet turbines to natural gas energy for AI data centers. The episode further explores the impact of data center demand on construction wages, Travis Kalanick's Cloud Kitchens automating food production with point-solution robots, and the emerging Private Equity playbook of injecting AI logic into traditional businesses to 10x margins. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-11-inside-the-emerging-frontier-of-models-machines-and-manufacturing-hell - **Tool of the Week Segment | Episode 31** (2025-12-04, 20m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss strategies for founders, starting with a recommendation of David Senra's 'Founders' podcast, which distills biographies of figures like Elon Musk and James Dyson. They emphasize the importance of curating one's content diet to avoid doom-scrolling and the necessity of knowing oneself before hiring. The conversation concludes with advice on clarifying vision in writing and prioritizing three foundational roles: Product (CTO), Brand (CMO), and Distribution (Head of Sales). Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-04-tool-of-the-week-segment-episode-31 - **AI NEWS | Episode 31** (2025-12-03, 37m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox analyze Google's Gemini 3 release, highlighting its integration with the Google ecosystem and the strategic shift to proprietary TPU chips to reduce reliance on Nvidia. They discuss the diminishing returns of scaling LLMs, citing Ilya Sutskever's view that the 'age of scaling is over,' and explore the necessity for application-layer companies like Lovable to niche down. The conversation concludes with a debate on the importance of Silicon Valley for AI talent versus the viability of distributed global teams and non-frontier AI strategies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-12-03-ai-news-episode-31 - **Google TPU vs Nvidia GPUs: Token Per Watt Dominance, or the Era of Scaling Is Over?** (2025-11-26, 1h 08m): Founders Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss Google's Gemini 3.0 training on TPUs, which bypasses Nvidia's hardware to achieve a structural cost advantage, and the resulting threat to 'vibe coding' startups like Lovable. They analyze the 'age of scaling is over' consensus among researchers like Ilya Sutskever, arguing that future breakthroughs require real-world spatial intelligence rather than just more compute. The hosts also debate office culture, remote work dynamics, and the three critical roles founders must hire early: product, brand, and sales. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-11-26-google-tpu-vs-nvidia-gpus-token-per-watt-dominance-or-the-era-of-scaling-is-over - **Google Gemini 3 Launch, Manus AI Browser Wars, & Crashing VC Offices** (2025-11-21, 1h 09m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the launch of Google Gemini 3.0, highlighting its deep integration into the Google ecosystem and infrastructure advantages over competitors like OpenAI. They analyze Manus AI's 'Bring Your Own Browser' strategy as a pragmatic alternative to building new browsers, while critiquing the current startup culture for lacking support for founder-parents. The conversation concludes with a humorous proposal for a 'Pensions, Yachts and Families' club featuring Yann LeCun and Jeff Bezos to counterbalance hustle culture. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-11-21-google-gemini-3-launch-manus-ai-browser-wars-crashing-vc-offices - **Vision Mode: Agency Over Intelligence | Ep. 29** (2025-11-06, 1h 15m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the shift from raw intelligence to agency in hiring and product design, emphasizing that high agency with low intelligence is dangerous. They analyze the humanoid robot market, specifically criticizing the Unitree Neo for competing directly against well-funded giants like Tesla and Unitree without clear differentiation. The conversation covers the emerging trend of space-based data centers involving Nvidia, SpaceX, and Google to bypass terrestrial energy and political constraints, and concludes with leadership advice from Deel founder Alex Bouzari on maintaining organizational velocity and candor. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-11-06-vision-mode-agency-over-intelligence-ep-29 - **Brett Adcock's 200x Apple Claim, OpenAI Atlas Browser Conspiracy & Top Private Companies Ranked** (2025-10-24, 1h 23m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss OpenAI's launch of the Atlas browser, analyzing its strategy to compete with Google through distribution and agentic capabilities. They examine Brett Adcock's claim that solving humanoid robotics could create a company 200x larger than Apple, contrasting Figure AI's capital-raising approach with Unitree's production focus. The episode also covers the integration of Lovable with Shopify, the rise of voice UI, and predictions for top private companies like SpaceX, Stripe, and Neuralink. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-10-24-brett-adcocks-200x-apple-claim-openai-atlas-browser-conspiracy-top-private-compa - **Figure AI's $4B Addiction, Agent Bosses, and Why Gen Z Quit The Internet** (2025-10-17, 1h 17m): Hosts Matt Perrott and Scott Wilcox discuss the rapid evolution of AI agents, highlighting Figure AI's aggressive capital raising by Brett Adcock and the launch of Figure 03. They analyze the shift toward autonomous software production via tools like N8N and Cursor, and the integration of ChatGPT into Slack, while debating the future of physical robotics against Tesla's Optimus. The conversation also covers Gen Z's disengagement from AI-generated content, the distribution failures of Meta's AR glasses, and the potential of Oakley's AI athletic glasses. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/built-2-scale/2025-10-17-figure-ais-4b-addiction-agent-bosses-and-why-gen-z-quit-the-internet ## Thoroughly Considered Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered Dan Provost, Tom Gerhardt, and Myke Hurley on product design, entrepreneurship, and the ups and downs of running a small indie physical-product business. - Categories: Design, Consumer Products & CPG, Product Development, Startups - Latest episode: 2026-10-08 - Apple Podcasts: 34 ratings averaging 4.6/5 - Feed: https://relay.fm/tc/feed - Website: https://relay.fm/tc?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **136: Mark Four** (2026-10-08, 52m): Episode 136. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the Kickstarter campaign for their first fountain pen, the Mark Four. They explain the design challenges of creating a sealed, magnetic cap system and balancing the pen's weight, while addressing customer education around nib selection and ink maintenance. The founders emphasize their willingness to iterate on prototypes, such as switching from a multi-start thread to a magnet, to ensure a high-quality user experience before launch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-10-08-136-mark-four - **135: Obi is Back** (2026-09-16, 42m): Episode 135. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss 'Obi,' an internal AI operations bot they built using Claude and Markdown documents to streamline inventory planning and ad analysis. The hosts also analyze the new iPhone Duo, debating its foldable form factor, under-screen camera technology, and the implications for future Apple hardware. Finally, Dan Provost offers a defense of flush door handles on EVs, specifically praising the visual affordance and locking status indication on the Kia EV9 compared to poorly implemented competitors like Tesla. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-09-16-135-obi-is-back - **134: Kevin Kelly Remains Undefeated** (2026-06-24, 49m): Episode 134. Dan Provost, co-founder of Studio Neat, discusses his new custom guitar company, Offkilter Guitars, detailing the transition from hobbyist to small business, including sourcing parts from Warmouth and managing a fragmented manufacturing process. Myke Hurley shares insights from his successful Kickstarter campaign for 'Designed in California,' a historical podcast series with Jason Snell, explaining how pre-selling memberships helped fund ambitious production goals and overcome subscription fatigue. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-06-24-134-kevin-kelly-remains-undefeated - **133: Inspired by Star Wars™** (2026-05-06, 1h 01m): Episode 133. Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt of Studio Neat discuss their new 'Inspired by Star Wars' limited edition Mark One pen, detailing the design choices like the glossy white finish and clip contrast. They outline the company's 'state of the union,' highlighting a strategic shift toward a B2B custom engraving program that now accounts for a significant portion of their business, while noting operational changes like splitting assembly duties. Myke Hurley shares updates on his Cortex brand, explaining the delay of a new journal product due to personal bandwidth constraints and the need for robust systems to manage a distributed team. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-05-06-133-inspired-by-star-warstm - **132: Clearing the Tech Deck** (2026-03-06, 46m): Episode 132. Hosts Myke Hurley, Tom Gerhardt, and Dan Provost discuss the upcoming Formula 1 season and its new broadcast deal with Apple TV, noting features like multi-view and feed selection. They then pivot to 'Tech Corner' topics, exploring the potential for personalized AI voices in iOS CarPlay and the security implications of voice cloning. The conversation concludes with a critique of social media algorithms on Threads, discussing how they flatten context and intent, and the hosts' strategies for managing screen time. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-03-06-132-clearing-the-tech-deck - **131: Authenticity in Marketing** (2026-02-05, 44m): Episode 131. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the production of a limited edition Mark One pen featuring large-scale laser engraving, explaining the technical challenges of removing anodization to reveal the metal. They explore the tension between maintaining a high-quality brand aesthetic and adopting authentic, low-fi marketing tactics like founder-led video ads to combat AI-generated content and build trust. The conversation also touches on the industry's shift toward personal branding, the limitations of user-generated content for premium goods, and a tribute to the creative partnership between Jony Ive and Steve Jobs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-02-05-131-authenticity-in-marketing - **130: Embarrassment, Then Relief** (2026-01-09, 46m): Episode 130. Myke Curley of Cortex Brand discusses launching a high-end, London-made journal priced around $90, weighing the financial risks of tight margins against the benefits of a Kickstarter campaign. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat advise on pricing strategy, cash flow implications of low margins, and the value of public validation, ultimately encouraging Curley to embrace the discomfort of a pre-order model to test demand and build brand storytelling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2026-01-09-130-embarrassment-then-relief - **129: Get the Customer** (2025-12-05, 55m): Episode 129. Myke Hurley, Tom Gerhardt, and Dan Provost discuss their recent Black Friday and Cyber Week marketing strategies, comparing Studio Neat's email-only approach with Relay FM's ad-supported model. They analyze pricing structures, such as 'buy two get one free' versus percentage discounts, to optimize customer acquisition costs and average order value. The conversation shifts to hardware speculation, with Dan proposing a convertible MacBook with a 360-degree hinge to merge laptop and tablet functionalities, while Myke and Tom debate the feasibility of touchscreen MacBooks and future input methods. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-12-05-129-get-the-customer - **128: The Biannual Gift Giving Guide** (2025-11-19, 1h 00m): Episode 128. Hosts Myke Hurley, Tom Gerhardt, and Dan Provost (of Studio Neat) present their biannual gift guide, selecting items they have used for at least a year. The discussion covers a wide range of products including Sonos audio equipment, Akara smart home devices, Toto bidets, and various kitchen tools like the Kuhn Rikon peeler and rolling knife sharpener. They also recommend lifestyle upgrades such as YouTube Premium and Oslo Sleep Buds, while briefly touching on their own company's Black Friday sales. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-11-19-128-the-biannual-gift-giving-guide - **127: Replace the X with an A** (2025-10-16, 48m): Episode 127. Dan Provost and Myke Hurley discuss the new iPhone lineup, with Hurley explaining his decision to buy an iPhone 17 Pro over the iPhone Air due to size and grip concerns, and his choice of a Pataka case. They critique Apple's removal of 3D Touch and the usability of the new Camera Control button, while also exploring the future of smartphone photography, including mechanical lenses and AI upscaling. The episode concludes with a brief look at Studio Neat's new 'Neat Patch' product. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-10-16-127-replace-the-x-with-an-a - **126: Ten Years** (2025-09-11, 1h 02m): Episode 126. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat reflect on the podcast's 10th anniversary, discussing the evolution from product-focused content to business sustainability. They detail the launch of the Keen box cutter in rose gold and the addition of a clip to the Mark One pen, explaining the mechanical constraints of aluminum versus steel. The hosts also analyze Apple's rumored lanyard holes and camera control button, contrasting Studio Neat's design philosophy with Apple's approach to user feedback and product complexity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-09-11-126-ten-years - **125: Pikachu Phone Cases** (2025-07-08, 1h 15m): Episode 125. Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt of Studio Neat discuss the return of their Glif camera mount, detailing the complex injection molding process and the challenges of US-based manufacturing. They analyze the Seneca mechanical keyboard by Norbauer, contrasting its unlimited-budget craftsmanship with Studio Neat's constraint-driven design philosophy. The hosts also critique Apple's recent 'Liquid Glass' UI announcement and debate the future of merging iOS and macOS platforms into a unified ecosystem. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-07-08-125-pikachu-phone-cases - **124: Tariff Talk** (2025-05-08, 1h 11m): Episode 124. Myke Hurley joins hosts Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat to discuss the impact of tariffs on their business, explaining how they mitigate costs by performing final assembly and value-added machining in the US while sourcing raw metal parts from Asia. The group also covers the discontinuation of the Material Dock due to its complex, multi-supplier supply chain and low sales volume, and reviews past predictions, including a debate on whether DSLR camera sales are recovering. Finally, they discuss Studio Neat's new Pocket Notebook, highlighting its use of Colorplan paper and GeoSmyth's Abstract recycled paper, and touch on the strategic shift toward automated, AI-driven marketing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-05-08-124-tariff-talk - **123: The Last Detail with John Siracusa** (2025-04-15, 1h 20m): Episode 123. John Siracusa, proprietor of Hypercritical.co and co-host of the Accidental Tech Podcast, discusses the 2019 Mac Pro, which he calls the 'cheese grater.' He details its industrial design, including the iconic perforated aluminum front panel, the cable-free internal architecture using MPX modules, and the heavy, wheel-equipped chassis. Siracusa praises the machine's 'thorough down to the last detail' philosophy, comparing its craftsmanship to Art Deco architecture and high-end tools, while noting the difficult case removal mechanism as its primary design flaw. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-04-15-123-the-last-detail-with-john-siracusa - **122: The Last Detail with Chase Reeves** (2025-03-24, 1h 05m): Episode 122. Gear reviewer Chase Reeves discusses his Rhizal Brio slip-on barefoot shoes, explaining the biomechanical benefits of zero-drop, wide-toe-box designs and the 'grounding' copper plug feature. Hosts Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt of Studio Neat explore the intersection of product design, ideology, and user experience, contrasting the shoe's 'naturalistic' approach with their own rationalist design philosophy. The conversation touches on the role of placebo effects in consumer goods, the importance of 'putting the user at ease,' and how niche direct-to-consumer brands like Rhizal exist because of internet culture. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-03-24-122-the-last-detail-with-chase-reeves - **121: The Last Detail with Austin Mann** (2025-02-20, 50m): Episode 121. Austin Mann, a landscape and wildlife photographer, discusses his long-term use of the Really Right Stuff BH-40 ball head, explaining how its precision, durability, and thoughtful design have supported his career for nearly two decades. He details specific features like the custom L-brackets, tension controls, and tactile knobs that allow for operation in the dark, and shares an anecdote about shooting Yo-Yo Ma in the Atacama Desert to illustrate the gear's reliability. Mann also touches on the company's niche, utilitarian business model and announces the upcoming opening of his new physical gallery, Maven Gallery, in Wichita, Kansas. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-02-20-121-the-last-detail-with-austin-mann - **120: Imbue All of the Choices** (2025-01-18, 51m): Episode 120. Dan Provost of Studio Neat discusses his completed custom Stratocaster-style guitar build, detailing the woodworking, finishing, and hybrid design choices. He and co-host Tom Gerhardt review the ongoing production status of the Keen pen, noting supply chain delays but positive early user feedback. The conversation shifts to Studio Neat's strategic pivot toward a 'new lean' operational model, leveraging AI to maintain product opinion and quality without excessive headcount. Finally, the hosts debate the future of all-in-one computers versus modular setups in an era of ambient computing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2025-01-18-120-imbue-all-of-the-choices - **119: Anti Alton Brown Corollary** (2024-12-12, 58m): Episode 119. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss their Black Friday sales performance and the strategic decision to avoid heavy discounting. They explore using Gravity Sketch VR for industrial design, contrasting its intuitive, full-scale sculpting workflow with traditional constrained CAD. Finally, they offer baby product recommendations for host Myke Hurley, emphasizing high-quality essentials like strollers and carriers over complex multi-function gadgets. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-12-12-119-anti-alton-brown-corollary - **118: Sales and Discounts** (2024-11-15, 1h 19m): Episode 118. Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt of Studio Neat discuss a production delay on their Kickstarter-funded 'Keen' product caused by tight tolerances in the Serraco coating process, forcing them to remake parts. They then analyze holiday sales strategies, contrasting percentage discounts with 'free item with purchase' offers to protect margins and manage inventory. The episode concludes with a Tech Corner debate on the future of the Apple Vision Pro, predicting a cheaper variant within five years driven by the killer feature of spatial persona calls. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-11-15-118-sales-and-discounts - **117: Patch Club** (2024-10-18, 1h 08m): Episode 117. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the launch of the Studio Neat Patch Club, a marketing initiative offering free embroidered patches with product purchases to drive urgency and engagement. They detail the assembly progress of the Keen mechanical keyboard, noting the labor-intensive, watchmaker-style process and the challenges of Saracote coating. The episode concludes with Dan’s Tech Corner, where they debate the merits of the Apple Watch Numerals face, the new Photos watch face, and the future of folding phones. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-10-18-117-patch-club - **116: The Last Detail with Jason Shellen** (2024-09-12, 1h 00m): Episode 116. Jason Shellen, the founding product manager of Google Reader, discusses his long-term loyalty to the Patagonia Refugio 28L backpack, praising its thoughtful design, durability, and repairable warranty. He contrasts this with other bags like the Brown Buffalo and Timbuktu, noting how the Refugio balances versatility for travel and hiking with a functional, inoffensive aesthetic. Shellen also explores the broader industry trend of 'bike shedding' in bag design, where simple objects invite excessive customization, and reflects on the value of durable, repairable goods in an increasingly commoditized market. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-09-12-116-the-last-detail-with-jason-shellen - **115: New Website** (2024-08-22, 51m): Episode 115. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the launch of their new Shopify website, which features a shift from macro photography to 3D renders using Keyshot for consistent product imagery. They detail the production challenges of the Keen keyboard, including the manual application of Serracote coating and the development of custom jigs for assembling tiny M1.7 screws. The conversation also covers their strategy for managing Kickstarter delays through transparent, monthly communication with backers, and reflects on how AI tools like ChatGPT assist in coding and logistics without fundamentally disrupting supply chain complexities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-08-22-115-new-website - **114: Nothing but Corners** (2024-07-11, 1h 11m): Episode 114. Dan Provost, Tom Gerhardt, and Myke Hurley discuss the challenges of interactive storytelling in Apple's Vision Pro content, arguing that traditional cinematic composition fails when users have agency. They analyze the backlash against Apple's iPad Pro 'crush' ad, debating whether it was clever marketing or tone-deaf, and explore the future of Apple's operating systems, specifically the likelihood of merging iOS and macOS. The conversation concludes with speculation on the next Apple Watch design and the potential for AI-powered wearable devices like the AI Pin or Ray-Ban Meta glasses. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-07-11-114-nothing-but-corners - **113: I Wasn’t Expecting Therapy Today** (2024-06-27, 50m): Episode 113. Tom Gerhardt and Dan Provost of Studio Neat discuss the production challenges of the Keen safety razor, specifically the assembly of tiny M1.4 screws and the surprising color preference data where orange leads black. They also reveal they have hired Jacob, a junior designer/engineer, to help scale operations, leading to a deep discussion on the psychological dynamics of receiving feedback, the importance of separating personal identity from design work, and the distinction between design as service versus art. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-06-27-113-i-wasnt-expecting-therapy-today - **112: The Last Detail with Matthew Panzarino** (2024-05-24, 50m): Episode 112. Matthew Panzarino, former TechCrunch editor and founder of TheObessor.com, discusses the Acronym J1-A, a high-end techwear jacket designed by Errolson Hugh and Michaela Sackenbacher of Acronym Studio. He details the jacket's industrial design philosophy, highlighting specific functional innovations like the 'jacket sling' for hands-free carrying, the 'flak pocket' for secure storage, and a unique zipper release mechanism that allows the jacket to be shed instantly. Panzarino explains how Acronym pioneered the techwear genre by prioritizing rigorous utility and iterative refinement over fleeting fashion trends, resulting in a product that commands a premium price due to its complex construction and durable materials like Gore-Tex. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/thoroughly-considered/2024-05-24-112-the-last-detail-with-matthew-panzarino ## NPI Sherpa Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa A tactical NPI survival manual for the brutal middle between a working prototype and high-volume profitability, covering DFM, production scaling, and operational resilience. - Categories: Manufacturing, Product Development, Supply Chain & Operations - Latest episode: 2026-03-24 - Apple Podcasts: 3 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://media.rss.com/dd-1-on-1-series-concept-to-commitment-why-no-one-summits-alone/feed.xml - Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/dd-1-on-1-series-concept-to-commitment-why-no-one-summits-alone/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (8) - **DeepDive Masterclass Summary Series: THE PRE-ASCENT PROTOCOL - A Summary of the 4-part series (30m40s)** (2026-03-24, 30m): Rob Carl, CEO of Global NPI Solvers, outlines his 'Pre-Ascent Protocol' for navigating the 'Brutal Middle' of New Product Introduction (NPI), using his experience guiding over 500 products and climbing Mount Kilimanjaro as a framework. He details the critical transition from prototype to high-volume manufacturing, specifically the 'Widow Maker' ramp from 1,000 to 10,000 units per month, where ambiguity becomes catastrophic. The episode dissects the six sections of his NPI Design for Manufacturing (DFM) Evaluation Protocol, emphasizing Architecture Freeze, DFMEA/PFMEA, supply chain integrity, and factory stabilization as non-negotiable steps for electro-mechanical consumer electronics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-03-24-deepdive-masterclass-summary-series-the-pre-ascent-protocol-a-summary-of-the-4-p - **DeepDive 1-on-1 Series: DESCENDING UNDER GRAVITY - When GO becomes Irreversible (30m50s)** (2026-03-17, 30m): Rob Carl, Founder & CEO of Global NPI Solvers, joins host Sarah to discuss the final stage of the NPI Pre-Ascent Protocol: the irreversible decision to scale production. They examine Section G (Logistics & Shipping), emphasizing that packaging is a critical energy-transfer system, illustrated by a case where a £25 medical device failed due to pallet compression despite passing individual drop tests. The conversation concludes with Section H (Executive Gate Decision), outlining the Go, Hold, or Stop framework and the necessity of executive signatures to enforce accountability and combat 'summit fever'. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-03-17-deepdive-1-on-1-series-descending-under-gravity-when-go-becomes-irreversible-30m - **DeepDive 1-on-1 Series: EXECUTION READINESS - Verifying the Factory Before the Climb (30m42s)** (2026-03-10, 30m): Rob Carl, Founder & CEO of Global NPI Solvers, explains how to verify factory execution readiness before mass production, warning against the 'golden road' tours that hide cultural and process gaps. He details the risks of 'perfect execution dependency,' citing the 'Moroccas' incident where uncalibrated torque drivers caused latent plastic boss failures, and discusses the importance of ESD audits and descaling assembly processes to avoid the 'golden hand' bottleneck. The conversation covers Section E (Manufacturing Execution) and Section F (Quality, Test, and Traceability), emphasizing CTQ metrics, ICT vs. functional testing, and using CPK data to prove process capability before authorizing a ramp. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-03-10-deepdive-1-on-1-series-execution-readiness-verifying-the-factory-before-the-clim - **DeepDive 1-on-1 Series: FUEL & PROTECTION - Securing the Supply Chain Before the Climb (31m22s)** (2026-03-03, 31m): Rob Carl, Founder & CEO of Global NPI Solvers, joins host Sarah to discuss the 'Fuel & Protection' phase of the NPI Sherpa Pre-Ascent Protocol, focusing on supply chain resilience and regulatory compliance before production scaling. They analyze the risks of single-source components, gray-market brokers, and SDK-chosen silicon, using a Ford vs. startup allocation story to illustrate volume leverage. The conversation also covers the critical importance of tooling redundancy and the catastrophic financial impact of regulatory gaps, such as a wireless module certification error that caused a border hold in Germany. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-03-03-deepdive-1-on-1-series-fuel-protection-securing-the-supply-chain-before-the-clim - **DeepDive 1-on-1 Series: MAPPING THE ROUTE - Path to the Summit (20m32s)** (2026-02-25, 23m): Rob Carl, Founder & CEO of Global NPI Solvers, explains the 'Pre-Ascent Protocol' for New Product Introduction, arguing that a working prototype is merely a sketch, not a map to mass production. He details how 'architecture freeze' on voltage rails, thermal envelopes, and antenna placement prevents costly re-spins, using a smart home controller scenario to illustrate the risks of late-stage changes. The conversation emphasizes using DFMEA and PFMEA as early-warning systems to catch design flaws, such as snap-fit tolerances, before they become field failures or scrap. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-02-25-deepdive-1-on-1-series-mapping-the-route-path-to-the-summit-20m32s - **DeepDive: Notable Interview Recaps - NPI TACTICS & TEAMWORK (19m35s)** (2026-02-17, 19m): Rob Carl, CEO of Global NPI Solvers, applies his 40 years of electronics industry experience and Kilimanjaro climbing methodology to New Product Introduction (NPI). He argues that the 'Valley of Death' between prototype and mass production requires treating manufacturing like a survival expedition, where 'rocks' like unscalable tolerances (e.g., 5-micron vs. 20-micron) kill projects. Carl emphasizes that high performers must pivot by dropping legacy tools ('trekking poles') and that true success is stabilization, not just launch, achieved through distributed strength and respecting factory workers via the philosophy of Ubuntu. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-02-17-deepdive-notable-interview-recaps-npi-tactics-teamwork-19m35s - **DeepDive Analysis Series: SURVIVAL FRAMEWORK - NPI Survival using Kilimanjaro Takeaways (17m29s)** (2026-02-10, 17m): Hosts analyze Rob Carl, CEO of Global NPI Solvers, applying his Kilimanjaro summit framework to New Product Introduction (NPI). They discuss the 'Brutal Middle' of manufacturing, emphasizing the 'Gear Check' to remove unscalable tolerances and weak suppliers, and the 'Barranco Wall' lesson of abandoning legacy tools at scale. The episode highlights the critical role of a 'Translator' to bridge Western design intent with Eastern manufacturing reality and redefines success as stabilization rather than launch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-02-10-deepdive-analysis-series-survival-framework-npi-survival-using-kilimanjaro-takea - **DeepDive 1-on-1 Series: THE METAPHOR - Guest Rob Carl, Founder & CEO of Global NPI Solvers (14m32s)** (2026-02-03, 14m): Rob Carl, Founder & CEO of Global NPI Solvers, uses his ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro as a framework for navigating the 'Brutal Middle' of New Product Introduction (NPI). He argues that leaders must treat their physiology as a data dashboard to avoid burnout, strip 'unscalable tolerances' during the DFM gear check, and have the courage to drop legacy management tools as companies scale. Carl emphasizes that success relies on trusting experienced guides and treating factory operators as essential partners rather than replaceable parts. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/npi-sherpa/2026-02-03-deepdive-1-on-1-series-the-metaphor-guest-rob-carl-founder-ceo-of-global-npi-sol ## Go/No-Go Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go Lumafield on the calls that make or break a product — designing, manufacturing and shipping hardware, plus recall news and industrial CT scans of how things were really built. - Categories: Manufacturing, Engineering, Teardowns, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-08 - Apple Podcasts: 16 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://media.rss.com/go-no-go/feed.xml - Website: https://www.lumafield.com/go-no-go?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (22) - **Live Recording: the Missing Data for Physical AI** (2026-10-08, 45m): Eduardo Torrealba of Lumafield, Vikram Pavate of Tacta Systems, and Pari Singh of Flow Engineering discuss how physical AI is bottlenecked by the lack of specific, non-public data. They argue that while software AI thrives on open internet data, physical products require proprietary datasets from CT scans, tactile sensor gloves, and engineering context to train effective models. The panel highlights the 'missing middle' of manufacturing—products costing $5 to $500—as the key area where automation and AI can enable reshoring to the US. Each founder shares a 'punched in the mouth' moment: Lumafield's scanner durability issues in unconditioned factories, Tacta's glove being rejected for being too soft, and Flow Engineering's decision to burn eight years of code to rebuild for an agentic future. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-10-08-live-recording-the-missing-data-for-physical-ai - **Headlines | Robot Ban, AI-Designed Viruses, Perfect Pringles** (2026-09-04, 24m): Hosts John Brunner and Taylor Zanowski discuss recent regulatory and technological headlines, starting with the FCC's ban on foreign-made humanoid robots and power inverters, specifically impacting Chinese manufacturer Unitree, and the revocation of approvals for Odyssey Robot, a front company for DJI drones. They then examine the biosecurity implications of AI-designed bacteriophages developed by Stanford and Arc Institute, comparing the regulatory landscape to the 2018 Farm Bill. Finally, they analyze Kellanova and Siemens' four-year, $5 million project to perfect Pringles manufacturing in Poland using digital twins and AI, which improved line performance and reduced waste. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-09-04-headlines-robot-ban-ai-designed-viruses-perfect-pringles - **Headlines | OpenAI Devices, Data Centers, Brightline** (2026-07-30, 41m): Hosts John Brunner and Alex How discuss recent manufacturing and technology headlines, starting with a Bloomberg investigation into the failure of a $1 billion US federal initiative to produce medical gloves domestically. They then analyze the ransomware attack that halted production at Fairlife, the Coca-Cola-owned dairy brand, highlighting the security risks of legacy industrial systems. The conversation shifts to the AI hardware landscape, covering OpenAI's first consumer device, a screen-free AI companion, and its existing Codex Micro keypad, before examining the bottleneck of traditional power transformers in AI data centers and the safety and financial crises facing Brightline railroad. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-07-30-headlines-openai-devices-data-centers-brightline - **StockX COO Stephen Winn on how the marketplace verifies products, catches counterfeit sneakers and AirPods, and why CT scanning is the hardest check to fake.** (2026-07-21, 24m): Stephen Winn, COO of StockX, explains the company's multi-layered verification process for authenticating sneakers, electronics, and collectibles at their Detroit facility. He details how machine learning risk scoring, RFID checks, and human inspection are augmented by Lumafield CT scanners to detect internal structural anomalies in high-value items like AirPods and limited-edition Nike Dunks. Winn also discusses StockX's evolution from a garage startup to a global enterprise serving 170 countries, highlighting the strategic 'go' decision to maintain a single global marketplace via their patented 'all-in ask' pricing algorithm. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-07-21-stockx-coo-stephen-winn-on-how-the-marketplace-verifies-products-catches-counter - **Midjourney's medical scanner, a Patriot missile's two-year supply chain, and why Ford had to rehire 350 engineers it let automated systems replace** (2026-07-01, 35m): Hosts John Brunner and Alex Howe discuss Midjourney's entry into medical imaging with its ultrasound CT scanner, the complex supply chain challenges behind Patriot missile production, and Snap's launch of expensive Specs AR glasses. They also cover stalled subsea cable projects in the Middle East, the rise of humanoid robots in China, and Ford's strategic decision to rehire 350 engineers to fix quality issues caused by over-reliance on automation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-07-01-midjourneys-medical-scanner-a-patriot-missiles-two-year-supply-chain-and-why-for - **Federico Faggin designed the first microprocessor and the capacitive touchscreen. He joins Go/No-Go to argue that AI cannot be conscious, however capable it becomes.** (2026-06-26, 54m): Federico Faggin, inventor of the Intel 4004 microprocessor and the capacitive touchscreen, recounts his journey from developing MOS silicon gate technology at Fairchild Semiconductor to founding Zilog and Synaptics. He details the physical realities of early chip design, such as hand-drawing transistors and using slide rules, and explains how he built the Z80 with only $400,000 and 11 people. Faggin argues in his book Irreducible that classical computers and AI cannot be conscious because they lack the quantum field interactions necessary for true feeling and free will. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-06-26-federico-faggin-designed-the-first-microprocessor-and-the-capacitive-touchscreen - **Iran war bitumen shortage stalls roads, Ford's $30K electric truck, Tesla Semi ships, BYD's private fleet, Amazon logistics, and the real cost of quality.** (2026-05-29, 48m): John Brunner and Alex Howe discuss how geopolitical disruptions, such as the Iran war, are causing bitumen shortages that stall road construction in India and Italy, while also increasing fuel costs for ships trapped in the Gulf. They analyze automotive industry shifts, including Ford's secret skunk works for a $30,000 electric truck, Tesla's shipping of the Semi, and BYD's vertical integration via its private car carrier fleet. The episode concludes with an analysis of Lumafield's Cost of Quality report, revealing that manufacturers spend 2-5% of revenue on quality, yet 58% fail to measure hidden costs, leading to significant inefficiencies in inspection and supplier management. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-05-29-iran-war-bitumen-shortage-stalls-roads-fords-30k-electric-truck-tesla-semi-ships - **Paradromics CEO Matt Angle on building the highest data rate brain-computer interface, hermetic sealing vs. Neuralink, and what makes BCIs last a decade in the body.** (2026-05-12, 41m): Matt Angle, CEO of Paradromics, explains the engineering behind the Connexus brain-computer interface, which achieves over 200 bits per second and is designed to last more than a decade in the body. He contrasts Paradromics' hermetic sealing and modular battery design with Neuralink's approach, emphasizing durability over planned obsolescence. The conversation details the manufacturing challenges of micro-scale assembly, the use of CT scanning for quality control, and the company's pivotal decision to win a DARPA contract against major university consortia. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-05-12-paradromics-ceo-matt-angle-on-building-the-highest-data-rate-brain-computer-inte - **Allbirds collapses, SpaceX IPO targets $1 trillion, Iran buys a Chinese spy satellite, Sony Honda AFEELA canceled, Slate raises $650M, lab-grown chocolate.** (2026-04-30, 29m): The hosts analyze the collapse of D2C brand Allbirds, which sold its assets for $39 million after failing to sustain quality and relevance, and SpaceX's confidential IPO filing targeting a $1 trillion valuation driven by Starlink revenue. They discuss Iran's acquisition of a Chinese spy satellite via an in-orbit delivery model to bypass export controls, and the cancellation of the Sony Honda AFEELA EV joint venture due to market misalignment and Honda's financial struggles. The episode also covers Slate Auto's $650 million raise for a low-cost EV pickup, Stellantis's global recall of 700,000 vehicles for fire risks, and the emergence of lab-grown chocolate by Celeste Bio to stabilize cocoa prices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-04-30-allbirds-collapses-spacex-ipo-targets-1-trillion-iran-buys-a-chinese-spy-satelli - **The Takata airbag recall: how a propellant chemistry decision in the 1990s became the largest and costliest automotive recall in history, and why it still isn't over** (2026-04-23, 36m): Hosts John Brunner and Alex Howe reconstruct the Takata airbag recall, the largest in automotive history, focusing on the Monclova, Mexico plant's use of unstable ammonium nitrate propellant. They detail how heat and humidity cycles caused the chemical to degrade and crack, turning airbags into shrapnel, while Takata falsified test data and manipulated barcodes to hide failures. The episode highlights the regulatory revolving door, the whistleblower John Keller's efforts to classify recalled units as hazardous materials, and the current status where 98% of vehicles are repaired, yet over a million remain on the road with increasingly dangerous, aged units. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-04-23-the-takata-airbag-recall-how-a-propellant-chemistry-decision-in-the-1990s-became - **Nick Terzulli of Fellow on inventing Espresso Series One, why home espresso has stagnated for decades, and the physics of heating water on 120V.** (2026-04-14, 40m): Nick Terzulli, VP of R&D at Fellow, explains how he designed the Espresso Series One to overcome the thermal and pressure instability inherent in 120V home espresso machines. He details the novel three-stage heating architecture that achieves commercial-level stability with a two-minute heat-up time, a breakthrough for which he holds the sole utility patent. Terzulli also discusses the extreme difficulty of designing coffee burrs from scratch, the role of firmware and OTA updates in building a user community, and his journey from medical device engineering to becoming a barista to understand the craft. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-04-14-nick-terzulli-of-fellow-on-inventing-espresso-series-one-why-home-espresso-has-s - **Iranian cyberattacks hit medical device supply chains, the Pentagon orders 3,000 Skydio drones in 72 hours, a blood-filtering fraud earns federal charges, and plug-in hybrid owners almost never plug in.** (2026-04-02, 34m): John Brunner and Alex Howe discuss Cargill's 'Carve' machine vision system, which uses AI to guide human workers in meat processing to recover $200 million in beef annually, and Stryker's recovery from an Iran-linked cyberattack that wiped 200,000 devices and disrupted hospital shipments. They cover the Pentagon's rapid $52 million order for 3,000 Skydio X10D drones, produced in California, and the criminal charges against ExThera Medical's former chief regulatory officer for concealing patient deaths related to an unapproved cancer treatment. The episode also examines plug-in hybrid inefficiency, Rivian's robotaxi deal with Uber, the Insulet OmniPod 5 recall, and the repairability of the MacBook Neo. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-04-02-iranian-cyberattacks-hit-medical-device-supply-chains-the-pentagon-orders-3-000 - **ValuJet 592 crashed in 1996 with 110 people aboard. We reconstruct the layered failure and what Perrow's normal accident theory says about why it happened.** (2026-03-27, 38m): Hosts John Brunner and Alex Howe reconstruct the 1996 ValuJet Flight 592 crash, attributing the disaster to a layered failure involving expired chemical oxygen generators lacking safety caps, which ignited in the cargo hold. They analyze William Langewiesche’s account of how SaberTech mechanics, confused by inconsistent labeling of 'expired' versus 'expended' generators and a lack of provided safety caps, packed hazardous items into shipping boxes. The discussion applies Charles Perrow’s normal accident theory and Diane Vaughan’s normalization of deviance to explain how organizational complexity, 'pencil whipping' of paperwork, and systemic complacency created a tightly coupled system where accidents became inevitable. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-03-27-valujet-592-crashed-in-1996-with-110-people-aboard-we-reconstruct-the-layered-fa - **Why has manufacturing gotten dramatically cheaper for 200 years, and construction hasn't? Brian Potter of Construction Physics has spent years finding out.** (2026-03-12, 47m): Brian Potter, author of 'The Origins of Efficiency' and newsletter 'Construction Physics', explains why manufacturing costs have plummeted over 200 years while construction costs have remained stagnant. He attributes manufacturing efficiency to interchangeable parts, economies of scale, and learning curves, citing Ford, SpaceX, and Tesla as examples of companies that leveraged these forces. Potter argues that construction fails to capture these benefits due to low product value density, fragmented demand, and regulatory burdens that prevent standardization and scale. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-03-12-why-has-manufacturing-gotten-dramatically-cheaper-for-200-years-and-construction - **Go/No-Go Episode 007 | Tesla Pivot, Amtrak Fleet, Olympic Medals** (2026-02-23, 30m): Hosts John Brunner and Alex How discuss Tesla's pivot to robotics and the discontinuation of the Model S and Model X to make room for the Cybercab and semi truck, noting falling sales in China. They analyze the Ferrari Luce, designed by Jony Ive, which features physical controls as a counter-trend to Tesla's screen-first approach, and cover Amtrak's new Airo fleet being built by Siemens Mobility in Sacramento. The episode also details manufacturing failures in Olympic medals, including broken straps and cracked metal, and highlights security flaws in DJI robot vacuums that exposed thousands of devices to unauthorized access. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-02-23-go-no-go-episode-007-tesla-pivot-amtrak-fleet-olympic-medals - **iFixit’s Shahram Mokhtari on the hidden design of modern electronics, CES-week manufacturing headlines, and a Reconstruction of Juicero, the $700 connected juicer that defined over-engineering.** (2026-01-06, 1h 19m): Shahram Mokhtari, lead teardown technician at iFixit, explains how their team uses CT scans and coordinated teardowns to analyze modern electronics, highlighting the shift from destructive glue to electrically released adhesives in iPhones. He contrasts Apple’s meticulous, over-engineered design philosophy with Samsung’s risk-taking approach and discusses the sustainability trade-offs of premium materials like aluminum and glass. The episode also covers recent manufacturing headlines, including the heavy cooling requirements of AI data centers, satellite collision risks, and the surprising resilience of fashion catalogs, before concluding with a reconstruction of Juicero’s failure due to over-engineering and lack of product-market fit. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2026-01-06-ifixits-shahram-mokhtari-on-the-hidden-design-of-modern-electronics-ces-week-man - **Spencer Wright traces the evolution of the plastic bottle; why defective airbags still aren’t fixed; and how the Tylenol murders redefined packaging.** (2025-12-16, 1h 04m): Spencer Wright, Editor-in-Chief of Scope of Work, traces the evolution of the plastic bottle, detailing the shift from early acrylonitrile designs to modern lightweight PET systems and the engineering breakthroughs in petaloid bases. The hosts discuss the business and engineering implications of these changes, including the rise of bottled water brands like Aquafina and Niagara, and the logistical trade-offs of box water and canned water. The episode also covers industry news, including Boeing's acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems, the persistence of unfixed defective airbags, and the strain of AI on the US power grid. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2025-12-16-spencer-wright-traces-the-evolution-of-the-plastic-bottle-why-defective-airbags - **Kyle Vogt, founder of Twitch, Cruise, and The Bot Company, on AI, home robotics, and small-team innovation** (2025-12-05, 1h 15m): Kyle Vogt, founder of The Bot Company (formerly Cruise and Twitch), explains how AI and large language models are enabling small teams to build practical, non-humanoid home robots by replacing complex classical robotics algorithms with learned behaviors. He argues that the rapid improvement in AI allows companies to stay small and agile, avoiding the productivity losses of large bureaucracies, while discussing the strategic decision to keep manufacturing in the US despite supply chain challenges. The episode also covers the financial struggles of legacy robot vacuum maker iRobot, the mixed reception of the 1X Neo tele-operated robot, and Lumafield's investigation into poor battery quality in Haribo power banks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2025-12-05-kyle-vogt-founder-of-twitch-cruise-and-the-bot-company-on-ai-home-robotics-and-s - **Skydio CEO Adam Bry explores how autonomy and AI are reshaping drones; what happened after a Waymo killed a cat; revisiting the history of civilian drones** (2025-11-11, 1h 13m): Skydio CEO Adam Bry explains how the company transitioned from consumer drones to autonomous infrastructure, detailing the strategic decision to build a vertically integrated, domestic supply chain in California to avoid reliance on China. Bry discusses the technical evolution of the X10, R10, and F10 drone platforms, the critical role of AI and 5G connectivity in autonomous flight, and the company's transparency regarding reliability data. The episode also covers recent manufacturing headlines, including FCC actions against DJI, private jet engine shortages, and a startup challenging ASML's lithography dominance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2025-11-11-skydio-ceo-adam-bry-explores-how-autonomy-and-ai-are-reshaping-drones-what-happe - **Bridgit Mendler and Griffin Cleverly talk about building scalable ground stations for satellite networks; cyberattacks on automakers, lead in protein powder; look back at the 1986 Challenger disaster** (2025-10-27, 1h 09m): Bridgit Mendler, CEO, and Griffin Cleverly, CTO of Northwood Space, explain how they are building scalable, phased-array ground stations to connect with satellites, leveraging cellular supply chains to reduce costs and increase deployment speed. They discuss their 'novel in the aggregate' approach, in-house manufacturing strategy, and the complex regulatory hurdles of deploying a global network. The episode also covers recent manufacturing news, including a cyberattack on Jaguar Land Rover, nuclear waste regulations affecting Radiant's microreactors, lithium battery fires on Air China flights, and lead contamination in protein powders, before concluding with a detailed analysis of the organizational failures leading to the 1986 Challenger disaster. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2025-10-27-bridgit-mendler-and-griffin-cleverly-talk-about-building-scalable-ground-station - **Tony Fadell on AI; hidden risks in batteries; revisiting the Galaxy Note 7** (2025-10-07, 1h 10m): Tony Fadell, creator of the iPod and founder of Nest Labs, discusses the critical balance between vision and detail in product development, emphasizing that AI is a technology, not a product, and requires rigorous productization for critical applications. He reflects on the manufacturing challenges of scaling the iPod and iPhone, noting the transition from loose early designs to highly integrated, high-volume production. Fadell also explains how Nest solved a neglected pain point by integrating early AI into a constrained hardware environment, avoiding the 'AI' label to ease consumer adoption. The episode concludes with a review of recent supply chain news, including tariff impacts on screws and shipping, and a deep dive into the Samsung Galaxy Note 7 battery recall, highlighting specific design flaws from multiple suppliers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/go-no-go/2025-10-07-tony-fadell-on-ai-hidden-risks-in-batteries-revisiting-the-galaxy-note-7 - **Welcome to Go/No-Go** (2025-10-01, 1m): Go/No-Go is about the calls that make or break great products. We go deep into the reality of designing, manufacturing, and delivering products that change the world and reflect on the small and large decisions that make them what they are. We also cover the latest manufacturing and recall news, and look inside products using industrial CT to learn how things get built right (or wrong). Hosted by Jon Bruner and Alex Hao. ## The Manufacturing Executive Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive Joe Sullivan talks with the leaders driving midsized manufacturers forward, alongside B2B sales and marketing experts, about growth strategy, industrial marketing, and modernising the shop floor. - Categories: Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 158 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.resonaterecordings.com/the-manufacturing-executive-podcast - Website: https://www.gorilla76.com/the-manufacturing-executive-podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Let the Experts Be the Experts: Leading Without Every Answer w/ Amy Mercante** (2026-10-13, 40m): Episode 311. Amy Mercante, General Manager of Specialty Products at PPG, discusses her transition from research chemist to business leader and her philosophy of 'letting the experts be the experts.' She explains how she flips the leadership pyramid by empowering teams closest to the work to provide recommendations rather than just data, and how she makes decisions without waiting for every fact. Mercante also details her approach to mentoring emerging leaders, emphasizing the importance of defining a 'North Star' career goal and taking calculated risks outside one's comfort zone. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-10-13-let-the-experts-be-the-experts-leading-without-every-answer-w-amy-mercante - **Why Manufacturing Marketing Is Different and The Event to Support Your Team w/ Wendy Covey** (2026-10-06, 24m): Episode 330. Wendy Covey of TREW Marketing and Joe Sullivan of Gorilla 76 discuss the fourth annual Industrial Marketing Summit, an event for B2B industrial marketers held in Austin, Texas. They highlight the summit's focus on nuanced topics like reaching technical buyers, AI search, and foundational messaging, alongside new features like the Industrial Marketing Awards. The hosts explain how their competing agencies collaborated to create a unique community and educational experience for isolated manufacturing marketers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-10-06-why-manufacturing-marketing-is-different-and-the-event-to-support-your-team-w-we - **Always Be Exiting: How Manufacturers Build Value Years Before a Sale w/ Eric Wiklendt** (2026-09-29, 42m): Episode 329. Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside Equity, explains his two-phase 'portco value creation system' for middle-market manufacturing businesses: fixing margins through operational improvement (Phase 1) and then building top-line growth (Phase 2). He details how Speyside evaluates scalability, mitigates customer concentration risk, and structures management teams to ensure a business is sellable, arguing that owners should operate with the mindset of 'always be exiting' to maximize value. The discussion covers specific tools like sales force effectiveness frameworks and the importance of starting exit planning 24 months before a liquidity event. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-09-29-always-be-exiting-how-manufacturers-build-value-years-before-a-sale-w-eric-wikle - **Growing Women Leaders in Manufacturing w/ Allison Grealis** (2026-09-22, 33m): Episode 328. Allison Roberts Grealis, founder and president of the Women in Manufacturing Association (WIM), discusses the critical shift in manufacturing leadership from operational focus to managing complexity, including AI, cybersecurity, and multi-generational workforces. She highlights that while recruitment is important, retention is the industry's biggest challenge, driven by a lack of development pathways and flexibility. Grealis details WIM's new services, including on-site training, executive coaching, and a mentoring program, designed to support women and allies at all levels of the industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-09-22-growing-women-leaders-in-manufacturing-w-allison-grealis - **The Next Chapter of SEO: How Manufacturers Get Recommended by AI w/ Grace Wright** (2026-09-15, 40m): Episode 327. Grace Wright, VP of Innovation at Gorilla 76, explains how manufacturers can get recommended by AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini by optimizing for technical accessibility, comprehensive content, and external authority. She details a three-bucket audit framework—technical crawlability, content depth, and third-party trust signals—that determines whether a company appears in AI-generated vendor shortlists. Wright also describes a proprietary auditing system that tracks AI visibility across multiple models to identify content gaps and authority deficits for B2B manufacturers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-09-15-the-next-chapter-of-seo-how-manufacturers-get-recommended-by-ai-w-grace-wright - **Why Your Toughest Parts Still Use 50-Year-Old Materials w/ Fazal Mahmood** (2026-09-08, 39m): Episode 326. Fazal Mahmood, co-founder and CEO of Phase Shift Technologies, explains how AI is accelerating the discovery of new metal alloys to replace 50-year-old materials in industries like oil and gas, aerospace, and defense. He details the critical gap between designing a material and qualifying it for regulated markets, noting that legacy producers often lack the incentive to innovate outside their core franchises. Mahmood highlights three key drivers for this shift: the maturation of additive manufacturing, the performance limits of existing materials in technologies like nuclear fusion, and supply chain disruptions in critical raw materials like tungsten. He illustrates these points with a specific example of a new printable tungsten carbide alloy designed for laser powder bed fusion to solve wear resistance issues in complex flow components. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-09-08-why-your-toughest-parts-still-use-50-year-old-materials-w-fazal-mahmood - **How Safety Drives Your Bottom Line and Why It Starts With You w/ Brian Fielkow** (2026-09-01, 34m): Episode 325. Brian Fielkow, former CEO of JetCo Delivery and author of 'Making Safety Happen', argues that safety must be a core value rather than a priority or compliance function. He explains that safety failures cost five times more than insurance claims due to hidden costs like downtime and reputation damage. Fielkow illustrates how Alcoa CEO Paul O'Neill used safety metrics to drive operational excellence and how JetCo leveraged frontline driver committees to improve performance. He also advocates for 'just culture' over progressive discipline to build trust and distinguish between honest mistakes and reckless behavior. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-09-01-how-safety-drives-your-bottom-line-and-why-it-starts-with-you-w-brian-fielkow - **It's Not a Workforce Issue, It's a Workflow Issue w/ Alex Torrey** (2026-08-25, 28m): Episode 324. Alex Torrey, co-founder and CEO of AIC (America's Innovation Corporation), argues that American manufacturing's constraint is workflow, not workforce, citing component shops running at 20-50% utilization versus world-class 90%+. He explains AIC's model of acquiring original component manufacturers to deploy proprietary software that empowers human operators, aiming to secure US supply chain sovereignty in physical AI. Torrey contrasts this 'permanent home' holding company approach with the short-term flip of private equity and the hollowing-out risk of strategic corporate acquirers, offering owner-operators a third option to preserve their legacy while scaling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-08-25-its-not-a-workforce-issue-its-a-workflow-issue-w-alex-torrey - **When Your Shop Is No Longer Bound by Geography w/ Sanjeev Singh Sahni** (2026-08-18, 33m): Episode 323. Sanjeev Singh Sahni, CEO of Xometry, explains how the company is using data and AI to digitize the custom manufacturing market, which currently has less than 1% online penetration compared to 80% for books. He details the inefficiency of manual RFQs and how Xometry’s platform integrates directly with design software like Siemens to provide instant pricing and supplier matching. Sahni highlights how this digital infrastructure dissolves the traditional 30-to-50-mile geographic radius for machine shops, allowing specialized facilities to take on diverse work such as aerospace and medical devices regardless of location. The conversation emphasizes Xometry's strategy of treating manufacturers as 'partners' rather than suppliers, providing them with tools like a mobile app and AI-driven job recommendations to focus on production rather than sales. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-08-18-when-your-shop-is-no-longer-bound-by-geography-w-sanjeev-singh-sahni - **Six Facilities, Three Countries, One Culture w/ Darragh de Stonndún** (2026-08-11, 32m): Episode 322. Darragh de Stonndún, CEO of Automated Industrial Robotics (AIR), explains how he scaled the company across six facilities in the US, UK, and Ireland by prioritizing cultural alignment over technology in acquisitions. He details AIR's 'wall-less' operating model, where subject matter experts are assembled globally to solve customer problems rather than assigning work to the nearest facility. De Stonndún also discusses his philosophy on AI in manufacturing, viewing it as a tool to optimize efficiency and augment human engineers rather than replace them, and defines success as building a self-sustaining culture. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-08-11-six-facilities-three-countries-one-culture-w-darragh-de-stonndun - **The Success Trap: How Winning the Big Contract Can Also Break You w/ Chris Hale** (2026-08-04, 23m): Episode 321. Chris Hale, founder and CEO of Clear, explains the 'success trap' where manufacturers fail not from lack of demand, but because capital falls out of sync with operations when landing a massive contract. He details how companies must reconfigure their entire organization, moving from tribal knowledge to a single source of truth, to handle sudden, acute demand from customers like SpaceX or the U.S. government. Hale warns against relying on traditional backward-looking bank lines of credit for scaling and emphasizes building a capital strategy before the big order lands to avoid dilutive equity sales at the wrong valuation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-08-04-the-success-trap-how-winning-the-big-contract-can-also-break-you-w-chris-hale - **Using AI to Right-Size Inventory and Kill Shortages w/ Richard Lebovitz** (2026-07-28, 31m): Episode 320. Richard Lebovitz, founder and chief strategy officer of LeanDNA, explains how manufacturers can reduce part shortages and optimize inventory by treating supply chain management like targeted marketing campaigns. He distinguishes between predictive AI, which forecasts trends, and prescriptive AI, which is harder to implement because it must provide explainable, believable actions to gain user trust. Lebovitz argues that the key to solving shortages is not just chasing missing parts, but clearly communicating to suppliers what is *not* needed to free up their capacity. He advises manufacturers to start with AI for explainability and data interpretation rather than letting it make autonomous decisions, ensuring the technology makes the work easier for human planners. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-28-using-ai-to-right-size-inventory-and-kill-shortages-w-richard-lebovitz - **Turning the E-Waste Stream Into a National Asset w/ Matt Bedingfield** (2026-07-21, 24m): Episode 319. Matt Bedingfield, CEO of Mint Innovation, explains how the US can turn its e-waste stream into a national asset by recovering critical minerals like copper, gold, and palladium from printed circuit boards and black mass. He highlights a 1-million-ton copper shortfall and the vulnerability of relying on exporting scrap only to re-import refined metal, arguing for a sovereign supply chain built on domestic processing capabilities. Bedingfield discusses the necessity of an ecosystem approach, citing his work with the Metals Innovation Initiative (MI2) in Kentucky to solve pre-competitive challenges like talent pipelines and safety, and outlines Mint's plan to build a new facility in Longview, Texas. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-21-turning-the-e-waste-stream-into-a-national-asset-w-matt-bedingfield - **Governance: Aligning Product, Project and the Plant Floor w/ Richard Broo** (2026-07-14, 23m): Episode 318. Richard Broo, founder of True North PMP Consulting, explains how manufacturers fail by excluding operations, quality, logistics, and finance from early product development stages. He advocates for 'governance'—aligning all stakeholders from day one—to prevent projects from drifting off track, citing his experience at General Electric where cross-functional alignment reduced cycle time by 25% and generated $35 million in sales. Broo advises mid-size manufacturers to use root cause analysis and early involvement to fix broken processes before growth amplifies them. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-14-governance-aligning-product-project-and-the-plant-floor-w-richard-broo - **Building Stronger Relationships With Your Manufacturing Reps w/ Chris Atwell** (2026-07-07, 31m): Episode 317. Chris Atwell, founder of Mindset Conquest, explains why manufacturers often mistakenly evaluate their independent rep agencies based on activity metrics like call volume rather than revenue-generating pipeline. He argues that tracking opportunities with dollar values and shared revenue targets creates a more predictable growth relationship than reactive 'milk runs' or simple activity reports. Atwell also outlines his book Momentum by Design, which focuses on clarity, energy, and momentum for agency owners. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-07-07-building-stronger-relationships-with-your-manufacturing-reps-w-chris-atwell - **The Real Threat to Tribal Knowledge Isn't Just Retirement w/ Jamie Marzilli** (2026-06-30, 44m): Episode 316. Jamie Marzilli, founder of Marzilli Machine Company and host of the Raw Material podcast, explains that the loss of tribal knowledge is an ongoing daily issue, not just a result of retiring veterans. He details how his shop transitioned from a garage startup to an advanced Industry 4.0 operation using ProShop ERP to eliminate paper and capture data. Marzilli also discusses his new venture, Warp Core AI, which uses large language models and edge agents to automate tasks like certificate inspection and machine debugging, arguing that AI will create rather than destroy manufacturing jobs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-06-30-the-real-threat-to-tribal-knowledge-isnt-just-retirement-w-jamie-marzilli - **Turning Around a Struggling Manufacturing Operation w/ George Murray** (2026-06-23, 37m): Episode 315. George C. Murray, a business transformation expert and author, explains how to turn around struggling manufacturing operations by focusing on cash flow, margins, and operational flow while reframing 'change' as 'enhancement' to reduce employee fear. He details the importance of visible leadership, building trust through open dialogue, and using specific metrics like on-time delivery precursors and OEE to drive accountability. Murray also discusses leveraging AI to automate mundane tasks while upskilling workers for higher-value roles, citing his own success in turning a $13 million loss into profitability within 18 months. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-06-23-turning-around-a-struggling-manufacturing-operation-w-george-murray - **When Legacy Thinking Gets in the Way of Manufacturing Innovation w/ Annie Lu** (2026-06-16, 31m): Episode 314. Annie Lu, co-founder and CEO of Laminar, explains how her company uses process-aware AI and proprietary sensors to optimize process manufacturing, specifically targeting Clean-in-Place (CIP) and changeover inefficiencies. She details how Laminar overcame early dismissal by legacy industry scientists by proving the technology's viability directly with major customers like Anheuser-Busch InBev and Coca-Cola. Lu argues that manufacturers must move beyond 'pilot purgatory' by designing for scale from the start, focusing on tangible ROI and change management to drive productivity and sustainability across entire factory footprints. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-06-16-when-legacy-thinking-gets-in-the-way-of-manufacturing-innovation-w-annie-lu - **What the Last Four Industrial Revolutions Teach Us About Today w/ Paul Lachance** (2026-06-09, 35m): Episode 313. Paul Lachance, Chief Industry Strategist at Software Equity Group, draws parallels between the current AI revolution and the steam, electricity, and automation eras to advise manufacturing leaders on navigating disruption. He argues that maintenance teams are strategic levers for increasing organizational capacity through uptime, rather than just fixing broken equipment. Lachance illustrates how agentic AI can automate cross-system data analysis to solve operational issues like OEE slips, while emphasizing that technology must serve defined business outcomes rather than driving adoption through hype. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-06-09-what-the-last-four-industrial-revolutions-teach-us-about-today-w-paul-lachance - **From Make-Use-Throw Away to Circular: Plastics Manufacturing’s Next Chapter w/ Ross Eisenberg** (2026-06-03, 28m): Episode 312. Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers (the plastics division of the American Chemistry Council), discusses the industry's shift from a linear 'make-use-throw away' model to a circular economy driven by advanced chemical recycling. He explains how chemical recycling processes like pyrolysis and depolymerization can handle flexible plastics and contaminated waste that mechanical recycling cannot, effectively 'unbaking' plastic back to its molecular building blocks. Eisenberg highlights the regulatory hurdles facing the industry, specifically the need for federal legislation like the Recycling Technology Innovation Act and the Recycle Materials Attribution Act to clarify permitting and grant credit for recycled content to brands. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-06-03-from-make-use-throw-away-to-circular-plastics-manufacturings-next-chapter-w-ross - **7 Steps for Manufacturing Leaders to Take Off the Sales Hat w/ Mike Huey** (2026-05-26): Episode 311. In today’s conversation, we’re tackling a challenge manufacturing leaders know all too well: wearing too many hats. In particular, we'll be talking about the sales hat, and why taking it off is often harder than it sounds. My guest, author and sales advisor Mike Huey, will share a proven framework to help you transition from founder-led sales to a scalable, repeatable system that doesn’t depend on you. Whether your company is gearing up for growth or eyeing a future exit, this conversation offers a road map for making your business both scalable and saleable. - **Advancing Battery Innovation for a Power Grid Under Pressure w/ Arwed Niestroj** (2026-05-19): Episode 310. In today’s episode, we’re diving into one of the most critical bottlenecks in the electrification revolution: batteries. With the rapid explosion of AI and the data centers powering it, the strain on our power grid has never been greater. Yet, beneath the surface, few realize just how challenging and intricate battery manufacturing really is – in a world where chemistry is king, precision is everything, and the tiniest defect can derail an entire product line. My guest today, President and COO of Sakuu, unpacks why battery limitations dictate the lifespan of everything from EVs to smartphones, and what true innovation in manufacturing means for reshoring production and overcoming global… - **Moving From Generative to Physical AI on the Manufacturing Floor w/ Etienne Lacroix** (2026-05-12, 27m): Episode 309. Etienne Lacroix, Founder and CEO of Vention, discusses the transition from generative AI to 'physical AI' on the manufacturing floor, defining it as injecting AI code into embodied systems like robots to achieve autonomy. He identifies bin picking and vision-guided robotics as the only two task categories currently ready for industrial deployment, citing specific metrics like 99.9% first-pick success rates and sub-two-year payback periods for two-shift operations. Lacroix contrasts these mature applications with the current limitations of Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, which require excessive post-training hours, and highlights the operational challenges of non-deterministic robot movements. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-05-12-moving-from-generative-to-physical-ai-on-the-manufacturing-floor-w-etienne-lacro - **Supporting Advanced Manufacturing at a State Level w/ Bryce Carpenter** (2026-05-05, 35m): Episode 308. Bryce Carpenter, Executive Vice President and Chief Operations and Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, explains how state-level organizations support manufacturers in digital adoption and workforce alignment. He details the 'Industry Exchange Workshops' designed to help small and mid-sized manufacturers identify real business problems before chasing technology, emphasizing data fundamentals and ROI assessment. Carpenter also discusses the critical need to align education curricula with industry needs and highlights the importance of peer-to-peer learning networks to overcome workforce fears and implementation barriers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-05-05-supporting-advanced-manufacturing-at-a-state-level-w-bryce-carpenter - **Thinking in Decades Rather Than Quarters: Leading with a Long-Term View w/ Kelly Thomas** (2026-04-28, 42m): Episode 307. Kelly Thomas, President & CEO of Vista Metals, explains how the company’s private ownership allows it to think in decades rather than quarters, enabling long-term investments in capacity and people during downturns. She details how Vista pivoted from commoditized automotive aluminum to specialty aerospace metals, built a new facility in Georgia during the 2009 recession, and maintained operations through recent Boeing production halts by avoiding layoffs and investing in training. Thomas also discusses the critical need for affordable energy, skilled labor, and transparent leadership to navigate industry shocks and policy changes like tariffs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-manufacturing-executive/2026-04-28-thinking-in-decades-rather-than-quarters-leading-with-a-long-term-view-w-kelly-t ## IoT For All Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast Interviews with the people building connected products, covering IoT hardware, embedded design, connectivity choices, and what it takes to get a device deployed at scale. - Categories: Electronics, Embedded, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-06 - Apple Podcasts: 57 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/e7a96ab8/podcast/rss - Website: https://www.iotforall.com/podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Building Real-Time Voice AI Experiences | Agora's Patrick Ferriter | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-10-06, 18m): Episode 401. Patrick Ferriter, SVP of Product at Agora, discusses the architecture and challenges of building real-time voice AI for physical devices, such as AI companions and plush toys. He explains how Agora’s SD-RTN network and orchestration layer handle high latency, packet loss, and network degradation to maintain natural conversation flows. Ferriter details the split between edge processing (wake word, noise suppression) and cloud processing (LLMs, memory), and highlights issues like voice cloning drift and privacy concerns in multi-user environments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-10-06-building-real-time-voice-ai-experiences-agoras-patrick-ferriter-internet-of-thin - **The Future of AI-Powered Public Safety | Jabil's Yanshi Tao | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-09-22, 31m): Episode 400. Yanshi Tao, VP of Public Safety & Vision Systems at Jabil, discusses the shift from traditional CCTV surveillance to 'physical AI' ecosystems that integrate drones, body cams, and UGVs for autonomous public safety responses. He explains how Jabil supports global brands by providing end-to-end engineering, from optical sensor design and wafer-level processing to manufacturing and supply chain management for these connected devices. Tao highlights the importance of reliability in mission-critical environments and addresses privacy concerns by emphasizing data transparency and automated, less human-involved decision-making processes. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-09-22-the-future-of-ai-powered-public-safety-jabils-yanshi-tao-internet-of-things-podc - **IoT Is Finally Delivering | The Things Industries' Wienke Giezeman | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-07-07, 23m): Episode 399. Wienke Giezeman, CEO and co-founder of The Things Industries, explains how the IoT industry has moved past the 'hype cycle' to deliver tangible ROI through mature, scalable LoRaWAN infrastructure. He details why early deployments failed due to 'pilot purgatory' and fragile technology stacks, noting that the market now favors private local area networks over wide-area cellular promises. Giezeman highlights The Things Stack's success in managing 4 million devices by focusing on developer-friendly, low-code integration and interoperability, which has enabled enterprises to build solid, closed-loop business cases. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-07-07-iot-is-finally-delivering-the-things-industries-wienke-giezeman-internet-of-thin - **IoT in 2026: What To Consider | Com4's Martin Nord | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-06-23, 20m): Episode 398. Martin Nord, CTO and Product Officer at Com4, discusses the strategic considerations for enterprise IoT buyers in 2026, emphasizing long-term partnership over unit price. He details the complexities of migrating legacy 2G/3G fleets to 4G/5G, the subtle failures in global roaming agreements, and the critical need for financial stability in connectivity providers. Nord also highlights the emerging role of satellite IoT (NTN) for remote coverage and the importance of security compliance like NIST 2.0. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-06-23-iot-in-2026-what-to-consider-com4s-martin-nord-internet-of-things-podcast - **Can AI Design IoT Hardware? | Flux's Matthias Wagner | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-04-14, 21m): Episode 397. Matthias Wagner, Founder and CEO of Flux, explains how his company uses agentic AI to democratize PCB design, allowing non-engineers to create hardware via natural language prompts. He discusses the historical bottlenecks of hardware design, the necessity of iterative back-and-forth for complex devices like smartphones, and the economic advantages of designing custom boards for products like vending machines. Wagner also outlines future integration challenges, including firmware generation and enclosure design, and predicts that lowering the cost of iteration will unlock significant innovation in robotics and IoT. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-04-14-can-ai-design-iot-hardware-fluxs-matthias-wagner-internet-of-things-podcast - **How to Succeed with IoT Software | Northern.tech's Eystein Stenberg | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-03-31, 17m): Episode 396. Eystein Stenberg, CTO and co-founder of Northern.tech, discusses the increasing dominance of software in IoT product development and the resulting time-to-market pressures. He highlights that software is now the primary differentiator and source of launch delays, with AI adding complexity to device lifecycle management. Stenberg advises OEMs to make explicit build-versus-buy decisions regarding infrastructure, such as Mender for OTA updates, to avoid technical debt and ensure compliance with regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-03-31-how-to-succeed-with-iot-software-northern-techs-eystein-stenberg-internet-of-thi - **Rethinking Bluetooth for IoT | SimpleBLE's Kevin Dewald | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-03-17, 20m): Episode 395. Kevin Dewald, founder of The California Open Source Company and creator of SimpleBLE, explains why desktop platforms have been neglected in Bluetooth IoT development compared to mobile. He details the technical complexities of implementing Bluetooth on Linux and Windows, highlighting how USB dongles often fail due to inconsistent firmware and OS limitations. Dewald also discusses the economics of commercial open source, arguing that monetizing tools like SimpleBLE ensures sustainable development and better support for enterprise clients. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-03-17-rethinking-bluetooth-for-iot-simplebles-kevin-dewald-internet-of-things-podcast - **Navigating the Future of Embedded Computing | Toradex's Daniel Lang | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-03-03, 17m): Episode 394. Daniel Lang, Chief Marketing Officer at Toradex, discusses the evolution of embedded computing, focusing on the shift from Windows CE to Linux-based solutions and the integration of AI at the edge. He explains how Toradex’s Torizon platform addresses cybersecurity regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and FDA guidelines through secure over-the-air updates and vulnerability monitoring. Lang highlights trends in tiny ML, predictive maintenance, and the increasing importance of security in critical infrastructure sectors like power and industrial manufacturing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-03-03-navigating-the-future-of-embedded-computing-toradexs-daniel-lang-internet-of-thi - **IoT in 2026: Trends and Predictions | Transforma Insights' Matt Hatton | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-02-17, 29m): Episode 393. Matt Hatton, Founding Partner at Transforma Insights, discusses IoT trends for 2026, focusing on the Communication Service Provider IoT Benchmarking Report and the company's IoT Transition Topics. He highlights three macro trends: coping with price erosion through middleware diversification, the shift toward localization driven by SGP.32, and the rise of single-pane-of-glass platforms. Hatton also analyzes the fragmentation of cellular technologies like NB-IoT and 5G RedCap, and explains how AI is moving from marketing hype to practical applications in video analytics and internal network optimization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-02-17-iot-in-2026-trends-and-predictions-transforma-insights-matt-hatton-internet-of-t - **How Smart Labels Transform the Supply Chain | Reelables' David Stanton | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-02-03, 21m): Episode 392. David Stanton, CEO and co-founder of Reelables, explains how the company’s mass-produced, battery-powered smart labels are transforming supply chain visibility by providing real-time, item-level tracking for cargo and inventory. Stanton details the industry's reliance on manual email chains and fragmented IT systems, which lead to data quality issues like false positives and misrouted shipments. He contrasts Reelables' active, disposable labels with passive RFID and computer vision, arguing that only low-cost, always-on tracking can shift the industry from reactive to proactive logistics management. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-02-03-how-smart-labels-transform-the-supply-chain-reelables-david-stanton-internet-of - **The State of Cybersecurity in IoT | IP Services' Scott Alldridge | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-01-20, 32m): Episode 391. Scott Alldridge, CEO of IP Services, discusses the escalating state of IoT cybersecurity, highlighting the rise of ransomware franchises and the limitations of cyber insurance. He advocates for a Zero Trust security model, emphasizing identity management, micro-segmentation, and immutable backups to protect against sophisticated threats. Alldridge also addresses the dual role of AI in both enabling attacks and enhancing defense, while warning about the looming threat of quantum computing breaking current encryption standards. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-01-20-the-state-of-cybersecurity-in-iot-ip-services-scott-alldridge-internet-of-things - **IoT and AI in 2026 | Eseye's Nick Earle | Internet of Things Podcast** (2026-01-13, 39m): Episode 390. Nick Earle, Executive Chairman of Eseye, explains how the company pivoted from selling direct IoT connectivity to a SaaS platform model to counter a 23% annual decline in data prices. He details the strategic partnership with AT&T, which white-labeled Eseye’s eSIM orchestration technology to offer a global SIM solution, and describes Amazon’s use of this connectivity for its Key for Business and Locker products to improve delivery success rates. Earle predicts that IoT data will become the primary fuel for private, on-premise AI models, driving a shift toward edge computing and 5G-enabled device-centric intelligence. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2026-01-13-iot-and-ai-in-2026-eseyes-nick-earle-internet-of-things-podcast - **Moving Past the Pilot Phase in IoT and AI | HiveMQ's Barry Libert | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-12-16, 19m): Episode 389. Barry Libert, Chairman and CEO of HiveMQ, discusses the critical challenge of moving industrial IoT projects from pilot to scale, arguing that companies must view themselves as data streaming entities rather than product manufacturers. He emphasizes that the primary hurdle is often poor data quality and a lack of alignment across technical, strategic, and economic leadership tiers, rather than the AI models themselves. Libert outlines how HiveMQ has evolved from a connectivity tool to an industrial AI platform, enabling agentic workflows that allow organizations to trade data sets for operational efficiency and predictive maintenance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-12-16-moving-past-the-pilot-phase-in-iot-and-ai-hivemqs-barry-libert-internet-of-thing - **What is Hybrid Connectivity for IoT? | Monogoto's Maor Efrati | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-11-25, 18m): Episode 388. Maor Efrati, co-founder and CTO of Monogoto, explains hybrid connectivity as a software-defined approach that allows a single device to switch between cellular, Wi-Fi, private 5G, and satellite networks based on coverage and cost needs. He highlights how edge AI reduces bandwidth requirements by streaming metadata instead of raw video, making low-power networks viable for high-value use cases like connected cars and robots. Efrati also discusses the shift toward built-in security and SIM virtualization, noting that market education remains a significant hurdle for customers unfamiliar with these integrated capabilities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-11-25-what-is-hybrid-connectivity-for-iot-monogotos-maor-efrati-internet-of-things-pod - **Industrial IoT and Connectivity | Simply Embedded's Chris Karaplis | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-11-11, 19m): Episode 387. Chris Karaplis, founder and CEO of Simply Embedded, discusses the shift in industrial IoT from consumer-focused applications to complex B2B environments like mining, energy, and manufacturing. He explains how his company helps clients transition from wired to wireless systems, highlighting the importance of bidirectional communication for fleet management and remote diagnostics. Karaplis addresses the barriers to adoption, including past failures and cost concerns, by demonstrating long-term ROI through reduced labor costs and improved operational efficiency. He also outlines Simply Embedded's upcoming products, Field Site and Fleet Scan, which enable wireless connectivity for legacy industrial equipment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-11-11-industrial-iot-and-connectivity-simply-embeddeds-chris-karaplis-internet-of-thin - **How to Build Smart Building Solutions | akenza's Jonas Schmid | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-10-28, 23m): Episode 386. Jonas Schmid, co-founder and co-CEO of akenza, discusses the evolution of the smart building market, highlighting the risks of platform consolidation and hardware vendor bankruptcy. He explains how akenza’s low-code, cloud-native IoT platform helps enterprises migrate from discontinued systems and scale from pilot to production. The conversation covers the strategic value of partnerships, the role of AI assistants in replacing static dashboards, and the organizational pressures required to move IoT projects out of the R&D phase. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-10-28-how-to-build-smart-building-solutions-akenzas-jonas-schmid-internet-of-things-po - **Monetizing Connected Cars | Freeeway's Harald Fuchs & KPN IoT's Mark van den Berg | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-09-30, 35m): Episode 385. Harald Fuchs, CEO of Freeeway, and Mark van den Berg from KPN IoT discuss how rising data consumption in connected cars is reshaping the automotive industry, turning connectivity from a cost center into a monetized service. They explain that while Chinese OEMs lead in high-data entertainment features, European OEMs are struggling with the costs, prompting Freeeway's Monetization Hub to help manage global connectivity, compliance, and payments. The conversation covers the shift toward vehicles acting as digital service providers, integrating services like EV charging and road pricing, and the future business models involving autonomous driving and revenue sharing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-09-30-monetizing-connected-cars-freeeways-harald-fuchs-kpn-iots-mark-van-den-berg-inte - **Software Validation and Testing in IoT | Doppelio's Gaurav Johri | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-09-16, 21m): Episode 384. Gaurav Johri, co-founder and CEO of Doppelio, explains why software validation is critical for connected products as value shifts from hardware to cloud and edge software. He details how Doppelio uses device virtualization to create 'Doppels' (digital twins) that allow enterprises to test at scale without physical devices, overcoming the limitations of custom simulators. Johri discusses the integration of physical and virtual labs, the role of intelligent automation in CI/CD pipelines, and the ROI of early defect detection in industries like automotive and medical devices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-09-16-software-validation-and-testing-in-iot-doppelios-gaurav-johri-internet-of-things - **Using IoT to Modernize Infrastructure | IotaComm's Terrence DeFranco | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-09-03, 28m): Episode 383. Terrence DeFranco, CEO of IotaComm, explains how the company leverages its nationwide FCC-licensed 800 MHz spectrum portfolio and the LoRaWAN standard to provide carrier-grade connectivity for smart buildings and cities. He details the strategic shift from selling raw sensor data to providing actionable intelligence, using indoor air quality monitoring in K-12 schools as a primary example of driving health and educational outcomes. DeFranco also discusses the challenges of integrating IoT with legacy building management systems, the importance of addressing multiple buyer personas in enterprise sales, and the company's recent crowdfunding campaign to fund its next growth phase. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-09-03-using-iot-to-modernize-infrastructure-iotacomms-terrence-defranco-internet-of-th - **Bringing LPWAN to Industrial IoT | Miromico's Liliane Paradise & Alex Raimondi | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-08-20, 28m): Episode 382. Liliane Paradise, COO, and Alex Raimondi, CTO of Miromico, discuss bringing LPWAN technologies like mioty to industrial IoT. They explain why mioty’s TSMA protocol offers superior reliability in noisy factory environments compared to LoRaWAN, and highlight the shift toward battery-free, energy-harvesting sensors to reduce long-term operational costs and toxic waste. The conversation covers the challenges of scaling from proof-of-concept to mass deployment, emphasizing the need for robust device management, pre-certified building blocks to accelerate time-to-market, and educating customers on optimizing data transmission for battery life. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-08-20-bringing-lpwan-to-industrial-iot-miromicos-liliane-paradise-alex-raimondi-intern - **Why Multi-Network SIM is a Game Changer for IoT | POND IoT's Alex Kotler | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-08-05, 18m): Alex Kotler, SVP of Sales and Partnerships at POND IoT, explains how multi-network SIMs reduce dead zones by allowing devices to connect to any available mobile network operator (MNO) like AT&T, Verizon, or T-Mobile. He details use cases in ATMs, vending machines, and EV charging stations, where connectivity failures lead to expensive truck rolls and lost revenue. Kotler advises IoT developers to prioritize hardware that supports seamless carrier switching and to value stability over price, noting that POND IoT provides 24/7 live support to minimize downtime. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-08-05-why-multi-network-sim-is-a-game-changer-for-iot-pond-iots-alex-kotler-internet-o - **The State of AIoT | Transforma Insights' Jim Morrish | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-07-22, 21m): Episode 381. Jim Morrish, Founding Partner at Transforma Insights, defines AIoT as the specific deployment of AI algorithms on IoT devices rather than in the cloud, enabling benefits like reduced latency, privacy, and lower bandwidth usage. He highlights key use cases such as smart speakers, CCTV for defect detection, and robotics, noting that while the cloud AI market (exemplified by Nvidia) is larger, the AIoT hardware market is fragmented with specialized chipmakers like Semid, Mythic, and Halo. Morrish argues that success requires optimizing solutions for specific use cases, managing device drift in constrained environments, and navigating emerging regulatory frameworks around fairness and liability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-07-22-the-state-of-aiot-transforma-insights-jim-morrish-internet-of-things-podcast - **How Drones and Telecom Enable Aerial IoT | Dimetor's Thomas Neubauer | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-07-08, 16m): Episode 380. Thomas Neubauer, co-founder and CEO of Dimetor, explains how his company bridges the telecom and aviation industries to enable safe, scalable drone operations. He details the AirborneRF platform, which processes telecom network data to provide real-time connectivity and people density insights for Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLOS) flights. Neubauer discusses the convergence of these sectors, the regulatory progress with SORA 2.5 in Europe, and the evolving business models for telecom operators engaging in the drone ecosystem. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-07-08-how-drones-and-telecom-enable-aerial-iot-dimetors-thomas-neubauer-internet-of-th - **The State of Smart Buildings | Milesight's Jingyi Chew | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-06-24, 15m): Episode 379. Jingyi Chew, Marketing Specialist at Milesight, discusses the evolution of smart buildings from simple energy saving to human-centric, wireless IoT solutions. She explains how people sensing technology goes beyond occupancy counting to capture dwell time and demographics, enabling adaptive facility, energy, and space management. Chew highlights the importance of LoRaWAN for reliable, low-power connectivity in complex legacy environments and emphasizes the role of partners in delivering end-to-end solutions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-06-24-the-state-of-smart-buildings-milesights-jingyi-chew-internet-of-things-podcast - **How AI is Reshaping IoT | Velocity IoT's Anthony Protopsaltis | Internet of Things Podcast** (2025-06-10, 22m): Episode 378. Anthony Protopsaltis, Principal at Velocity IoT, explains how the company uses AI to optimize global IoT connectivity through multi-IMSI profiles and localized packet gateways. He details the importance of pre-deployment planning for resilient infrastructure, citing a real-world example of a security camera company that relies on automatic carrier switching to maintain connectivity in remote areas. Protopsaltis also advises on navigating complex connectivity standards like SGP.32 and Non-Terrestrial Networks (NTN), emphasizing the need for regional data sovereignty and thorough testing to manage customer expectations regarding battery life and connection times. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/iot-for-all-podcast/2025-06-10-how-ai-is-reshaping-iot-velocity-iots-anthony-protopsaltis-internet-of-things-po ## Hackaday Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast Hackaday's editors go through the week's most interesting hacks: circuit boards, robots, reverse-engineered consumer electronics and the odd feat of mechanical cleverness. - Categories: Electronics, Engineering, Hardware - Latest episode: 2026-10-09 - Apple Podcasts: 66 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/305027/destinations/2437685.xml - Website: https://hackaday.com/tag/hackaday-podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Ep 390: DOOM, Cranium Stuff, and Odd OpenSCAD Opportunities** (2026-10-09, 49m): Episode 390. Hosts Elliot Williams and Christina Panos discuss Amazon's decision to disable the auxiliary input on existing Alexa devices, noting the retroactive nature of the change. They cover several hacks, including Ray Triangle's ESP32-based DOOM console built into an antenna converter, Google Japan's conveyor belt keyboard concept, and Throthy Mumbo's FPGA-based VHS video game system. The episode also features Gareth Davies' ESP32 AM radio transmitter, Mihi's OpenSCAD-designed vertical garden, and articles on running a Matrix server and repairing headphones with OpenSCAD. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-10-09-ep-390-doom-cranium-stuff-and-odd-openscad-opportunities - **Hackaday Podcast Ep 389: Spinning Lightfield Displays and Jenny Visits a Blast Furnace** (2026-10-02, 58m): Episode 389. Jenny List and Elliot Williams discuss Henrik Forstén’s synthetic aperture radar drone, which achieves centimeter-level resolution using RTK GPS and post-processing kinematic positioning. They also cover Breaking Taps’ custom microprocessor designed via wafer.space, James’ spinning Nipkow lightfield display, and Peter A. Jansen’s open-source tricorder featuring a Pomelo radiation detector and Hamamatsu spectrometer. Finally, Jenny describes her visit to the Zeche Zollverein industrial site in Germany’s Ruhr Valley. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-10-02-hackaday-podcast-ep-389-spinning-lightfield-displays-and-jenny-visits-a-blast-fu - **Ep 388: RAM-Swapping on Raspberry Pi, Raindrops on Radar, and a Fine Mesh** (2026-09-25, 1h 14m): Episode 388. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss the community reaction to Raspberry Pi locking out RAM chip swapping, debating the balance between preventing fraud and preserving hacker freedom. They explore the physics of raindrops acting as radar antennas, the historical cracking of World War I ADFGVX ciphers, and the potential FCC compliance issues facing LoRa mesh networks like Meshtastic and Meshcore. The episode also covers practical hacks including on-chip debugging for MicroPython, repurposing cheap LTE modems into handheld computers, and local speech recognition tools for Linux. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-25-ep-388-ram-swapping-on-raspberry-pi-raindrops-on-radar-and-a-fine-mesh - **Ep 387: Superhuman Clocks, CAN in USB-C, and the Joys of Bare Metal** (2026-09-18, 1h 10m): Episode 387. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss recent community hacks, including Mikey Sklar's work to bring MicroPython's Viper and empy cross speedups to CircuitPython, and Bas Bottberg's reverse engineering of a Bluetooth printer using bleak. They also cover Ben's complete firmware rewrite of an E-grooter in Rust, which involved discovering CAN bus over USB-C, and Egg Karate Singh's complex mechanical clocks like Ovodio. The episode concludes with Hackaday Europe talks: Sylvain's bare metal 'Minimacy' virtual machine for security-critical applications, and Janelle Wellen's presentation on space mission hacks and troubleshooting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-18-ep-387-superhuman-clocks-can-in-usb-c-and-the-joys-of-bare-metal - **Ep 386: Doomscroll Tamagotchis, Clavichords, and Vibrotrucks** (2026-09-11, 46m): Episode 386. Hosts Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos review a week of hacks, including Isar Aerospace's successful orbital launch from Europe and the growing Retrocomputing Challenge. They discuss Peter Reisek's self-balancing monopole that uses quadcopter control algorithms, Forgak Moles' non-destructive retrofit of a rotary phone for cellular use, and Diffraction Limited's micron-scale 3D printing using turmeric. The episode also covers Ian Summers' clavichord build, Gadget Industry's computer-in-a-mouse project, and a large-scale seismic survey using vibrotrucks in Munich. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-11-ep-386-doomscroll-tamagotchis-clavichords-and-vibrotrucks - **Ep 385: 3D Printers with Lasers, Wicked RAM Prices, and Reverse Polish Notation** (2026-09-04, 1h 08m): Episode 385. Hosts Elliot Williams and Jenny List discuss a variety of hardware hacks, including a 3D printer modified with blue lasers to smooth FDM prints by remelting layers, and an air conditioning unit tricked into cooling more effectively by heating its external temperature sensor. They also cover the impact of high RAM prices on single-board computers like the Raspberry Pi, leading some manufacturers to stop shipping devices, and explore alternative operating systems such as Haiku, ReactOS, and AROS. The episode concludes with a deep dive into PETG filament properties and an overview of Reverse Polish Notation calculators, including a teardown of a Sinclair Cambridge. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-09-04-ep-385-3d-printers-with-lasers-wicked-ram-prices-and-reverse-polish-notation - **Ep 384: OCR MOD Records, Magical PCBs, and the Gravity of Space Stations** (2026-08-28, 1h 06m): Episode 384. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss a wide range of DIY projects, including a 3D-printed thermoacoustic Stirling engine, optical reading of MOD tracker files, and home fabrication of LEDs. They also cover the history of space stations, from the fictional 'Brick Moon' to the Manned Orbiting Laboratory, and review a talk by Catherine Dietrich on designing usable PCB props for Dungeons & Dragons. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-28-ep-384-ocr-mod-records-magical-pcbs-and-the-gravity-of-space-stations - **Ep 383: QR Codes, Caving Gear, and the Old School Way to Learn Electronics** (2026-08-21, 1h 27m): Episode 383. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the 2026 Retrocomputing Challenge, laser-assisted 3D printing, and an open-source firmware project for a Master Built Gravity 800 grill. They also cover Phil Underwood’s open-source cave surveying hardware, QR code compression techniques, and the legacy of Radio Shack electronic kits. The episode concludes with a look at over-the-counter hearing aids and the Motorola MC14500 one-bit CPU. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-21-ep-383-qr-codes-caving-gear-and-the-old-school-way-to-learn-electronics - **Ep 382: Glueballs, Borg Cubes, and Supersonic Trebuchets** (2026-08-14, 51m): Episode 382. Hosts Elliot Williams and Christina Panos discuss recent Hackaday news, including Supercon 10 ticket sales and a breakthrough in particle physics at the Beijing Electron Positron Collider regarding glueballs. They review several community hacks, including a fiber-to-the-home security analysis by Rithwick Jaya Simha and Vibhu, a supersonic trebuchet by Tom Stanton, and a time-tracking cube by Edris Isborg. The episode also covers articles on prosthetic running blades by Van Phillips and storm glasses by Robert Fitzroy, highlighting the intersection of engineering, history, and community innovation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-14-ep-382-glueballs-borg-cubes-and-supersonic-trebuchets - **Ep 381: Airless Tires, Full-color Prints, and 28 MW of LEDs** (2026-08-09, 56m): Episode 381. Elliot Williams and Jenny List review the week's hacks, starting with a 3D-printed airless mountain bike tire by Berm Peak that uses TPU springs, and a hybrid UV/SLA printer from Hey Gear that combines color inkjet printing with 3D resin curing. They discuss Omega Corporation's press release clarifying the licensing of Commodore and Amiga intellectual property, and analyze the massive scale of the Las Vegas Sphere's 28 MW LED display. The episode concludes with coverage of a fully analog FM radio station at the BornHack hacker camp and various smaller community projects. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-08-09-ep-381-airless-tires-full-color-prints-and-28-mw-of-leds - **Ep 380: 3D Printing the Rainbow, IR and IP Camera Hacks, and Americium 241 on the Loose** (2026-07-31, 1h 05m): Episode 380. Hosts Elliot Williams and Al Williams review recent Hackaday projects, highlighting Sentient Stardust's Image Map technique for multicolor FDM 3D printing, which reduces filament waste by varying layer perimeters. They discuss Kevin Kelm's elaborate 'Halcyon Dawn' starship simulator console, Project 326's tri-camera infrared video hack, and Cocono's portable X-band weather radar built from an RV dish and SDR. The episode also covers Trist's handling of loose Americium-241 sources at EMF hacker camp, Jessica Stanley's DIY flexible PCB workshops, and Tom Nardi's review of the ThingPwn firmware for IP cameras. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-31-ep-380-3d-printing-the-rainbow-ir-and-ip-camera-hacks-and-americium-241-on-the-l - **Ep 379: Driving E-ink DIY, NES on ESP, and the Other IRC** (2026-07-24, 1h 03m): Episode 379. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss several hardware hacks, including Tony Weston’s DIY ESP32-based E-ink driver achieving 20 FPS, and RK Industries’ NES emulator ported to the ESP32. They also cover Stefan’s use of Prusa’s load cell for automated pressure advance, Mirko Pavlevsky’s DIY X-ray machine using old TV tubes, and China’s recent success in catching a rocket with a giant net. The episode concludes with a discussion on the history and impending discontinuation of International Reply Coupons (IRCs). Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-24-ep-379-driving-e-ink-diy-nes-on-esp-and-the-other-irc - **Ep 378: C Coders, Ceramic Printers, and Shadow Archives** (2026-07-17, 58m): Episode 378. Hosts Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos discuss the upcoming Supercon conference in Pasadena and the Frikkin' Lasers Contest. They cover several hacks, including Abdul Sahil's OpenStrap project which reverse-engineers the Whoop fitness tracker's Bluetooth protocol to enable local data processing, and Paul Rickards' portable Raspberry Pi cyberdeck. The episode also features a deep dive into Michael Weebush's analog directional coupler for bidirectional communication over a single wire, and Maya's analysis of the challenges in archiving software as physical media disappears. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-17-ep-378-c-coders-ceramic-printers-and-shadow-archives - **Ep 377: Parallel Pixels, Wiggly Consoles, and Seven Segments** (2026-07-10, 1h 11m): Episode 377. Jenny List and Elliot Williams discuss [Bitluni]'s massive GPU project, which uses 8,192 CH570 microcontrollers to drive RGB LEDs, highlighting the extreme power consumption (2 kW) and manufacturing hurdles like PCB panelization limits and programming logistics. They also cover a home-made die casting machine using graphite molds, a DIY Raman spectrometer built with 3D printed parts, and an open-source Kei truck design by Andy Diderossi. The episode concludes with a deep dive into the history of 7-segment displays and a critique of engineering education regarding design for manufacturing, based on List's article. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-10-ep-377-parallel-pixels-wiggly-consoles-and-seven-segments - **Ep 376: Modern Retro Projects, Retro Modern Projects, and the Teen Years for 3D Printing** (2026-07-03, 57m): Episode 376. Hosts Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss a range of hardware hacks, including Sprite TM's vapor deck, a handheld 486 PC built from scratch, and Paul Cosila's mechanical TV using 1920s parts. They also cover Tony Gocher's custom motor controller for a tracked trike, Thirty Mambo's YouTube-playing Game Boy cartridge, and Bub's Builds' 2-micron linear displacement sensor. The episode concludes with reflections on the 'teen years' of 3D printing, citing Solidoodle, PrinterBot, and MakerBot, and an explanation of aircraft airspeed sensors. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-07-03-ep-376-modern-retro-projects-retro-modern-projects-and-the-teen-years-for-3d-pri - **Ep 375: Rebuilding Tech on Our Terms and the Hero Nerd** (2026-06-26, 1h 23m): Episode 375. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the shutdown of the RPiLocator.com tool, a nostalgic time capsule from the chip shortage era. They review listener hacks including a fake bike counter, a graphics upgrade for the Nintendo Entertainment System using a second Picture Processing Unit, and building dynamic RAM from discrete components. The episode also covers a drop-in replacement PCB for the Casio G-Shock watch, DIY robot actuators, and the evolution of the 'hero nerd' archetype in film. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-26-ep-375-rebuilding-tech-on-our-terms-and-the-hero-nerd - **Ep 374: Flippin' Phones, Sexy Spraysers, and Frikkin' Lasers** (2026-06-19, 48m): Episode 374. Hosts Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos review a triple mailbag and a series of hardware hacks, including Wenting's 60Hz E-Ink Modus Flow monitor using an FPGA, Commodore's Linux-powered flip phone, and OpenCAL's computed axial lithography 3D printing kit. The episode also covers Nathaniel Nifong's ceiling-mounted cable robot for cleaning, Robin's CNC wooden piano, and an ergonomic mouse with finger saddles, alongside news about the ISS Zvezda module leak and ViewMaster history. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-19-ep-374-flippin-phones-sexy-spraysers-and-frikkin-lasers - **Ep 373: GPS, Danger In Space, and Robby the Robot** (2026-06-12, 53m): Episode 373. Hosts Elliot Williams and Jenny List discuss Stephen Murdoch's research revealing that GPS satellites have been broadcasting secret, encrypted messages in the 'special messages' field of subframe 4 for decades, effectively acting as a modern numbers station. They then cover several hardware hacks, including an ATtiny85 emulating an Intel 8080, techniques for embedding magnets in 3D prints, and the debunking of the myth that all modern cassette mechanisms are identical. The episode concludes with home automation projects integrating linear tracking turntables and car diagnostics, and a 3D-printed Robbie the Robot costume. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-12-ep-373-gps-danger-in-space-and-robby-the-robot - **EP 372: Pop Tubers, Shifty Semiconductors, and Shelving Shelf Labels** (2026-06-05, 59m): Episode 372. Hosts Tom Nardi and Kristina Panos discuss a range of hardware hacks, including Texas Instruments' changes to legacy op-amps like the NE5532 and OPA134, which create compatibility issues for designers. They explore creative projects such as loading Sega Genesis games from vinyl records using a Mega EverDrive Pro and a Pico 2, and projecting live ADS-B aircraft data onto a ceiling with an RTL-SDR. The episode also covers a DIY router build by Maya, the ethical concerns surrounding electronic shelf labels, and a ceramic circuit board prototype by Emily Velasco. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-06-05-ep-372-pop-tubers-shifty-semiconductors-and-shelving-shelf-labels - **EP 371: Space Computers, Spy Phones, and So Long CHU** (2026-05-29, 1h 19m): Episode 371. Hosts Tom Nardi and Al Williams discuss the shutdown of the CHU time broadcast station, the potential of using cheap smartphones as Linux servers, and a cycle-accurate 386 clone on FPGA. They also cover a microcontroller-based VPN gateway, the history of WWII spy radios like the S-phone and Joan-Eleanor, and the unexpected vulnerability of modern smartphone cameras to magnets. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-29-ep-371-space-computers-spy-phones-and-so-long-chu - **Ep 370: Softer Cyberdecks, a Simulated Clutch, and an Overstuffed Mailbox** (2026-05-22, 1h 16m): Episode 370. Hosts Elliot Williams and Al Williams discuss recent Hackaday projects, including 'girly' cyberdecks like Boss Brat's Mermaid Clutch Purse and Kati's PinkPad, which repurpose toys into Linux laptops. They analyze Raccoon Lab's 3D-printed circuit boards using copper tape and a Honda patent for a simulated clutch on electric motorcycles that mimics the feel of internal combustion engines. The episode also covers safety concerns regarding 3D printing emissions, specifically the need to vent VOCs from materials like ABS and polycarbonate, and reviews software tools like KiCad and KDE Connect for local file sharing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-22-ep-370-softer-cyberdecks-a-simulated-clutch-and-an-overstuffed-mailbox - **Ep 369: IR, E-Ink, and Avgas** (2026-05-08, 1h 08m): Episode 369. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Tom Nardi discuss the rising cost of PCB fabrication due to supply chain issues, alongside several community hacks including Tag Tinker's work on hacking infrared electronic shelf labels and Joel Hawksley's e-ink home dashboard. They also cover CNC Dan's 3-axis camera slider, a home-built EDM machine for cutting metal gears, and Victor Frost's solar-powered local message board. The episode concludes with a deep dive into vanadium flow batteries for grid storage and the ongoing phase-out of leaded aviation gasoline (avgas). Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-08-ep-369-ir-e-ink-and-avgas - **Ep 368: A Pencil that Draws Against You, 3D Printing Stuff, and Tablet, Shmablet!** (2026-05-01, 42m): Episode 368. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Kristina Panos review recent community hacks, including a laser-powered mist-and-mirrors multi-view display by ancient, a robotic drawing assistant called Penpal from the University of Chicago, and a new Orca Slicer fork enabling supportless 3D printing overhangs. They also discuss a trackball 3D controller by David Liu, a fully mechanical 3D-printed pinball machine by Steven, and a guide to CubeSat design by Francis Drew. The episode concludes with commentary on GPS III satellite interoperability and a debate on the utility of tablets versus smartphones. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-05-01-ep-368-a-pencil-that-draws-against-you-3d-printing-stuff-and-tablet-shmablet - **Ep 367: Radioactive Weather, Continuous Pickles, and Moon Junk** (2026-04-24, 58m): Episode 367. Hosts Elliot Williams and Al Williams review a week of hardware hacks, including a low-power DIY smart button network using nRF52 microcontrollers and a rocket camera module stabilized by a spinning brass gyroscope. They discuss a continuous pickle bioreactor, weather stations in Chernobyl, and a capacitive proximity sensor, before covering long-form articles on wire splicing techniques and the history of human debris on the moon. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-04-24-ep-367-radioactive-weather-continuous-pickles-and-moon-junk - **Ep 366: DOOM on a Toaster, Music in LED Strips, and Old Drives in New Clothes** (2026-04-17, 53m): Episode 366. Hackaday editors Elliot Williams and Jenny List discuss recent community hacks, including Scott Lawson’s sound-reactive LED strips, a Mac 128 emulator running on an ESP32, and a custom LCD replacement for a Fluke multimeter. They also cover Blue Origin’s lunar regolith oxygen project, the Linux kernel’s new stance on AI-assisted code, and Tom Nardi’s discovery of personal data on cheap hard drives. The episode concludes with an analysis of AI utility by Jenny List and a history of the SeaLab underwater research program. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2026-04-17-ep-366-doom-on-a-toaster-music-in-led-strips-and-old-drives-in-new-clothes ## OnTrack Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack Altium's podcast on PCB design and hardware development, in conversation with the engineers and designers who lay out, simulate and ship boards. - Categories: Electronics, Engineering, Design, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-07 - Apple Podcasts: 22 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://feed.podbean.com/podcast.altium.com/feed.xml - Website: https://resources.altium.com/ontrack?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **PCB Connectors That Survive Space, Shock & 500 Thermal Cycles** (2026-10-07, 35m): Episode 357. Shane Dabrowski, a Field Applications Engineer at Samtec, explains how the company’s Severe Environment Testing (SET) and MIL-DTL-55302 lot-based testing validate standard connectors for military, aerospace, and LEO satellite applications. He details why solder joint fractures, rather than pin failure, are the primary issue during extreme thermal cycling from -65°C to 125°C, and discusses tin whisker mitigation through custom plating. The conversation covers the shift toward high-speed combo signal-and-power connectors, the use of C-Ray mezzanine connectors in VPX systems, and the industry's move toward column solder joints to replace BGA balls for better signal integrity at 224G speeds. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-10-07-pcb-connectors-that-survive-space-shock-500-thermal-cycles - **Altium & Duro: The PLM Software Built for Hardware Startups** (2026-09-30, 31m): Episode 356. Michael Corr, founder and CEO of Duro, explains why Altium acquired his cloud-based PLM platform to help hardware startups and small engineering teams manage product data without heavy IT overhead. He details how the Altium Designer plugin publishes library parts and full projects into Duro with part numbers and revision status, while the deeper integration within Altium 365 allows seamless switching between the two interfaces. Corr also highlights Duro's new AI agents that act as RF, mechanical DFM, and supply chain specialists to review change orders for teams that cannot hire those specialized roles. Finally, he emphasizes Duro's API-first architecture, which is designed to be easily consumed by AI coding agents to build custom integrations and extensions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-30-altium-duro-the-plm-software-built-for-hardware-startups - **PCB Grounding Mistakes Your Datasheet Taught You** (2026-09-23, 50m): Episode 355. Dan Beeker, president of System Solution Specialists and former Technical Director at NXP, explains why PCB grounding mistakes originate in datasheets and reference designs rather than the designer. He argues that the industry wastes hundreds of millions annually by blindly copying evaluation board shortcuts, such as split grounds and unnecessary ferrites, instead of applying field-based physics to manage energy in the dielectric. Beeker highlights critical missing data in datasheets, such as switching speeds and core geometry, and advocates for a shift from traditional circuit theory to 3D electromagnetic field analysis to achieve first-time compliance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-23-pcb-grounding-mistakes-your-datasheet-taught-you - **AI PCB Routing Without the Epic Fails: Inside DeepPCB** (2026-09-16, 38m): Episode 354. Alain-Sam Cohen and Nabil Chouba of InstaDeep’s DeepPCB explain how their reinforcement-learning routing engine, paired with the natural-language orchestrator Cooper, detects design intent like net classes and impedance before routing. They demonstrate how the tool identifies missing context, such as unspecified reference planes and USB impedance mismatches, allowing the AI to flag and fix errors that classic autorouters miss. The guests argue that task-based AI, which focuses on specific optimization problems rather than generating entire designs from vague prompts, is the viable path for hardware automation. They also discuss how DeepPCB integrates with code-based PCB tools by acting as the placement and routing backend for schematic generation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-16-ai-pcb-routing-without-the-epic-fails-inside-deeppcb - **PCB Assembly Mistakes Designers Keep Making: PCB West 2026 Preview** (2026-09-09, 39m): Episode 353. Zach Peterson hosts Mike Buetow (PCEA), Chrys Shea (Shea Engineering), and Daniel Stanphill (Aurora Boardworks) to preview the circuit assembly track at PCB West 2026. The panel discusses common PCB design-for-manufacturing mistakes, such as using unvalidated datasheet footprints and ignoring padstack constraints, and highlights advanced assembly technologies like placing 2 kg components and 006003 passives. They also cover the importance of networking, talent acquisition, and understanding solder paste and stencil design for successful production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-09-pcb-assembly-mistakes-designers-keep-making-pcb-west-2026-preview - **The Custom Power Chip You Configure Yourself: Power GreenPAK** (2026-09-02, 36m): Episode 352. Sidney Chan, product marketing director at Renesas, explains how Power GreenPAK allows engineers to configure custom power chips with integrated DC-DC converters, LDOs, and load switches at their desk. He demonstrates the SLG51002, an 8-channel high-PSRR LDO, showing how clean power rails prevent visible banding and artifacts on CMOS image sensors in smartphones and automotive systems. Chan also outlines the broader GreenPAK family, including AnalogPAK, HVPAK, and the new ForgeFPGA line, emphasizing system-level efficiency and rapid prototyping over traditional ASIC development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-09-02-the-custom-power-chip-you-configure-yourself-power-greenpak - **AI PCB Design: Turning a 100-Page Spec Into an MCU Shortlist** (2026-08-25, 31m): Episode 351. Marco Witzmann, Head of Requirements Portal at Altium, demonstrates the new AI-powered engineering assistant within the Altium Requirements Portal, formerly known as Requirements Manager. He walks through a live demo of converting a high-level email about a wind-farm inspection drone into structured requirements, using skills to enforce team standards and generate TBD placeholders. The workflow highlights the AI's ability to break down specs into mechanical, electronics, and flight software categories with full traceability, and specifically how it extracts MCU-driving parameters from a 100-page IMU PDF for Octopart parametric search. Witzmann and host Zach Peterson discuss the tool's role in faster iteration, team standardization, and future roadmap items like API access and ECAD integration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-08-25-ai-pcb-design-turning-a-100-page-spec-into-an-mcu-shortlist - **Altium Is Coming Home to the Designer | Lawrence Romine on OnTrack** (2026-08-18, 37m): Episode 350. Lawrence Romine, senior director of marketing at Altium, explains the company's strategic pivot from a single-product model to three distinct offerings: Altium Develop, Teams, and Enterprise. He details how Altium Develop targets individual designers and small teams with a PCB-centric, lower-cost solution that excludes enterprise features like single sign-on, while Enterprise serves regulated industries with governance. Romine also addresses user concerns about being left behind during the shift to cloud collaboration, confirming a return to frequent, feature-rich core PCB design releases similar to the 2015–2020 era. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-08-18-altium-is-coming-home-to-the-designer-lawrence-romine-on-ontrack - **DDR Compliance Simulation in Seconds, Not Days** (2026-07-29, 38m): Episode 349. Ben Dannan, founder of Signal Edge Solutions, and Tyler Huddleston, an SI/PI engineer at the same company, discuss the challenges of high-speed DDR compliance simulation. They explain how traditional workflows using Keysight ADS Memory Designer can take days and produce false positives, then demonstrate their new tool, MEM Check Pro, which processes HDF5 waveform data to return compliance results in under a minute. The conversation also covers signal integrity issues in thick data center boards, managing loop inductance, and the importance of IBIS model quality. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-07-29-ddr-compliance-simulation-in-seconds-not-days - **Mayan-on-Chip: Training Mexico's Next Semiconductor Engineers** (2026-07-15, 37m): Episode 348. Nasska Medrano of Altium Education and Professor Johan Estrada of the Autonomous University of Yucatán (UADY) discuss the Mayan-on-Chip initiative, a workforce development program in southeastern Mexico designed to train engineers in electronics, embedded systems, and semiconductors. The first cohort exceeded expectations with 72 graduates, addressing the gap between academic theory and industry needs for practical PCB design and semiconductor skills. They highlight how Mexico's national semiconductor plan and nearshoring trends are driving a shift from pure manufacturing to engineering and R&D, requiring coordinated efforts among government, academia, and industry partners like Intel and Microsoft. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-07-15-mayan-on-chip-training-mexicos-next-semiconductor-engineers - **Altium API Deep Dive: Opening PCB Data to Developers** (2026-07-07, 46m): Episode 347. Rob Barton, Head of Platform API at Altium, explains the evolution of Altium's programmatic access from disconnected SDKs to the new Platform API, a federated GraphQL schema exposing design data, supply chain intelligence, and manufacturing services. He demonstrates live queries for Octopart supply data (pricing, availability, RoHS compliance) and deep PCB design data (layers, nets, track coordinates) via the Altium 365 infrastructure. Barton discusses the strategic shift toward an API-first philosophy to support enterprise customization and AI agents interacting via MCP servers, noting the upcoming Altium Developer Center. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-07-07-altium-api-deep-dive-opening-pcb-data-to-developers - **Code-Based PCB Design with AI: Inside atopile** (2026-06-23, 44m): Episode 346. Ioannis Papamanoglou and Narayan Powderly, co-founders of atopile, explain their code-based, AI-driven approach to PCB design, arguing that hardware has lagged behind software in tooling automation. They discuss how capturing engineering intent in code allows for deterministic design and seamless integration with tools like Altium Designer and LTspice, shifting the designer's role from boilerplate tasks to system architecture. The founders highlight the importance of connecting disconnected tools to improve supply chain resilience and firmware integration, while noting that the bottleneck for AI in hardware is orchestration rather than model capability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-06-23-code-based-pcb-design-with-ai-inside-atopile - **EMC Testing in the Age of AI: Why Respins Aren't Going Away** (2026-06-16, 47m): Episode 345. Andy Eadie, founder of Engentica and owner of EMC FastPass, explains why electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing pass rates often fall below 50% and argues against budgeting for inevitable respins. He demonstrates Engentica, an AI-powered design co-pilot that ingests schematics and layouts to run compliance-focused checks and answer natural language queries about design risks. Eadie discusses the limitations of fully generative AI in hardware design, noting that simulation remains essential for signal and power integrity, while his tool focuses on scaling domain expertise and catching predictable errors early. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-06-16-emc-testing-in-the-age-of-ai-why-respins-arent-going-away - **70% of PCBs FAIL EMC Testing (And AI Is Making It Worse)** (2026-06-16, 43m): Episode 344. EMC expert Dr. Anton Tishchenko joins host Zach Peterson to discuss why 70% of PCBs fail EMC testing and how AI is exacerbating the issue. Tishchenko explains that large language models often generate confident but incorrect layouts, leading to 'garbage in, garbage out' scenarios when constraints are misapplied. He demonstrates his web-based tool, pcb4emc.com, which performs EMC design rule checks directly from Gerber files to evaluate ground plane quality, impedance, and crosstalk risk without requiring sensitive schematic data. The conversation highlights the distinction between AI as a helpful enhancement for literature reviews and simulation optimization versus its failure as a replacement for human engineering judgment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-06-16-70-of-pcbs-fail-emc-testing-and-ai-is-making-it-worse - **The Signal Integrity Tool Every Engineer Is Missing** (2026-05-19, 47m): Episode 343. David Banas, a Solutions Engineer at Keysight, discusses three open-source Python packages—PyBERT, PyIBIS-AMI, and PyChopMarge—that provide accessible alternatives to expensive commercial signal integrity simulation tools. He demonstrates how PyBERT generates eye diagrams and bathtub curves to analyze jitter and equalization techniques like CTLE and DFE for high-speed serial links. Banas also explains how PyIBIS-AMI allows developers to test and debug IBIS-AMI models, while PyChopMarge offers a Python implementation of the COM (Channel Operating Margin) standard for rapid link assessment. The conversation highlights the transition from proprietary MATLAB environments to open-source Python ecosystems, driven by cost-cutting measures at Xilinx and the growing community adoption of Python in hardware engineering. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-05-19-the-signal-integrity-tool-every-engineer-is-missing - **Drones, Robots & the Low-Altitude Economy: A New Industry Is Born** (2026-05-12, 42m): Episode 342. Gabriel Guglielmi, VP of Global Product Management at Infinite Electronics, discusses the rapid rise of the unmanned systems industry, comparing its current disruption to SpaceX's impact on aerospace. He explains how interconnect technology has become as critical as semiconductors in drones and robots, and highlights the urgent need to rebuild a 'friendly-nation' supply chain to replace Chinese components due to FCC bans and defense requirements. Guglielmi details the convergence of military and commercial drone designs, citing the Department of War's Drone Dominance program and companies like Neros and Wing as key players in this emerging low-altitude economy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-05-12-drones-robots-the-low-altitude-economy-a-new-industry-is-born - **PCB Metrology Gap: How SCAN Labs Is Automating Microsectioning** (2026-05-05, 51m): Episode 341. Geoffrey Leeds, founder of SCAN Labs, explains the 'metrology gap' between semiconductor and PCB industries, detailing how his company automates microsectioning to provide high-fidelity data for high-reliability sectors. He describes a serialized grinding and imaging system that produces analyzed IPC coupons every six minutes, generating 3D digital twins and spatial analytics to replace manual, operator-dependent processes. The conversation highlights the labor shortage in skilled metrology, the limitations of non-destructive X-ray inspection, and the potential to feed standardized as-built data back into design tools like Altium and SolidWorks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-05-05-pcb-metrology-gap-how-scan-labs-is-automating-microsectioning - **High-Speed Interconnects for AI & Physical AI with Samtec** (2026-04-28, 39m): Episode 340. Matt Burns, Director of Technical Marketing at Samtec, discusses the evolution of high-speed interconnects for AI data centers and embedded systems. He explains how connector selection has shifted from an afterthought to a critical early-stage architectural decision to support data rates of 112G, 224G, and 448G. The conversation covers specific product families like Sci-Flex LP, Accelerated HP, and Sci-Flex HD, and details the move toward co-packaged copper and optics to reduce signal loss. Burns also explores how these high-speed technologies are trickling down to 'physical AI' applications in robotics and edge computing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-04-28-high-speed-interconnects-for-ai-physical-ai-with-samtec - **Altium File Parsing, AI Design Reviews & PCB Viz Tools** (2026-04-21, 49m): Episode 339. Eli Hughes, principal at Wavenumber LLC, demonstrates his open-source 'Altium Cruncher' toolset, which parses Altium project files to generate BOMs, net lists, and 3D HTML viewers without opening the CAD software. He explains how he feeds these parsed net lists into AI models like Claude and Codex for automated design reviews, power tree analysis, and Zephyr device tree generation, drastically reducing manual effort. Hughes outlines his vision for a next-generation, AI-queryable knowledge store that ingests decades of schematic history and reference designs from companies like TI and NXP to facilitate design reuse and supply chain validation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-04-21-altium-file-parsing-ai-design-reviews-pcb-viz-tools - **Is FPGA the Best Engineering Career? With Adam Taylor** (2026-04-14, 36m): Episode 338. Adam Taylor, founder of Adiuvo Engineering and FPGA Horizons, explains why he considers FPGA engineering a top career choice, citing the evolution of FPGAs from simple glue logic to advanced compute platforms with AI engines. He discusses how modern FPGA tools are more accessible and how AI-driven agentic coding assistants are changing RTL development by acting as a new layer of abstraction rather than replacing engineers. Taylor also details the success of his vendor-neutral conference, FPGA Horizons, and its expansion to the US through a partnership with PCEA at PCB East, highlighting the critical need for collaboration between FPGA and PCB designers to handle high-speed signaling and complex power requirements. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-04-14-is-fpga-the-best-engineering-career-with-adam-taylor - **IPC 2221 vs. 2152: The Truth About PCB Trace Current Ratings** (2026-03-24, 59m): Episode 337. Mike Jouppi, formerly of the IPC 2152 Task Force, joins host Zach Peterson to explain why the IPC 2221 standard’s internal trace charts are misleading because they were derived from traces removed from the board and tested in free air, not in-board. Jouppi argues that designers should focus on power loss budgets rather than a static 10°C temperature rise, as adding copper planes allows for higher current but significantly increases total power dissipation. He highlights that modern simulation tools often lack the necessary baselines to validate complex current flows, such as those around high-current connectors, and calls for more industry involvement in updating standards like IPC 2152 to address parallel conductors and transient currents. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-24-ipc-2221-vs-2152-the-truth-about-pcb-trace-current-ratings - **GreenPAK for Automotive: Reliability, Integration & Real-World Demos** (2026-03-17, 45m): Episode 336. Michele Deviato and Oleh Saphia from Renesas explain how Automotive GreenPAK differs from industrial components through AEC-Q100 qualification, vibration-resistant packaging, and rigorous reliability testing. They demonstrate how the configurable mixed-signal IC consolidates discrete components to reduce BOM cost and board area by up to 90%, while eliminating the need for firmware via the Go Configure software. Oleh provides a live demo of building an LED animation circuit in minutes, highlighting the tool's ease of use and the chip's ability to replace microcontrollers in specific logic applications. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-17-greenpak-for-automotive-reliability-integration-real-world-demos - **Advanced Packaging & Chiplet Design with Chipletz** (2026-03-13, 37m): Episode 335. Stephen Newberry, Victor Kronberg, and Ching-Ping Wong from Chipletz, a fabless advanced packaging company, discuss their technical paper presented at DesignCon on the wallstrip transmission line. They explain how this novel die-to-die interconnect structure eliminates the need for a silicon interposer, reducing layer count and cost while improving insertion loss and enabling higher data rates (up to 58 GT/s) for UCIE interfaces. The team highlights the signal integrity challenges of managing crosstalk in this tall, vertical trace configuration and discusses the significant hurdles preventing an open chiplet marketplace, such as lack of standardization and limited assembly capabilities for fine-pitch dies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-03-13-advanced-packaging-chiplet-design-with-chipletz - **Violet Labs: The Integration Hub Solving Hardware Data Chaos** (2026-02-17, 38m): Episode 334. Lucy Hoag, founder and CEO of Violet Labs, explains how her no-code integration platform solves hardware data chaos by connecting disparate tools like Altium Designer, Teamcenter, and NetSuite into a single hub. She details the historical lack of native interoperability in regulated industries like aerospace, driven by ITAR constraints and the combinatorial explosion of maintaining point-to-point integrations. Hoag highlights Violet's recently launched MCP server, which allows AI agents to query structured data directly from the platform, enabling natural language reporting and automated synchronization without hallucination risks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-02-17-violet-labs-the-integration-hub-solving-hardware-data-chaos - **Why Hardware Startups Are Finally Investable Again** (2026-02-10, 43m): Episode 333. Mihir Shaw and Benji Chia, co-founders of Hardware FYI, discuss the resurgence of hardware startup investment and the evolution of their newsletter from a niche technical publication to a community of 20,000 engineers. They highlight specific companies like Crown Control, which automates aerospace compliance reports, and Sencut, an on-demand sheet metal fabricator, as examples of the new wave of investable hardware ventures. The conversation also covers the challenges of PCB manufacturing complexity, the importance of first-principles content, and the realistic total addressable market for hardware engineering tools. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ontrack/2026-02-10-why-hardware-startups-are-finally-investable-again ## Global Medical Device Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast Greenlight Guru's interviews with medical device founders, engineers and regulatory experts on design controls, quality systems and getting a device cleared and to market. - Categories: Medical Devices, Manufacturing, Product Development, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 96 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://api.riverside.com/hosting/8GyjCuKS.rss - Website: https://www.greenlight.guru/podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **#475: Rethinking FDA Guidance: Why Non-Binding Documents Define Your Regulatory Strategy** (2026-10-13, 34m): Episode 475. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols and regulatory consultant Mike Drues dive deep into the world of FDA guidance documents. They unpack what these documents truly represent—the agency's current thinking rather than binding law—and explore how manufacturers can navigate them effectively. The discussion covers the distinction between regulations in the Code of Federal Regulations and agency guidance, highlighting why a rigid, literal interpretation can be dangerous for product development. The conversation examines the practical realities of using guidance documents as tactical tools and highlights the importance of proactive engagement with the agency.… - **#470: The Real Cost of MedTech Innovation: From Idea to Pre-Production with Lisa Voronkova** (2026-09-22, 39m): Episode 470. Building a medical device rarely follows the smooth, predictable trajectory presented in investor pitch decks. While regulatory consultants often default to "it depends," medical device teams require concrete figures regarding engineering hours, calendar timelines, and budget allocations to bring a concept to market safely and effectively. Lisa Voronkova, co-founder of OVA Solutions, draws on a dataset from developing over 200 medical devices to pull back the curtain on hardware engineering realities. She outlines the four structured phases of engineering—Discovery, Proof of Concept, Design, and Development—explaining how disciplined phase-gate management mitigates costly late-stage… - **#474: Behind the QMSR Audits: The Top 5 FDA Citations & Risk Management Pitfalls** (2026-09-21, 33m): Episode 474. In this episode of the Global Medical Device Podcast, host Etienne Nichols sits down with Nikhil Mangale, Vice President of Quality at Kapstone Medical, to discuss the real-world impact of the FDA's Quality Management System Regulation (QMSR). Seven months post-implementation, the industry is seeing actual inspection data that shifts the focus away from superficial documentation updates and directly onto core quality system operations. Nikhil breaks down the top five areas where the FDA is issuing citations under the new regulation: risk management, supplier controls, complaint handling, Unique Device Identification (UDI), and corrective actions. The discussion highlights how the industry… - **#473: The MedTech Odyssey: Bridging Academic Science to Series A Success** (2026-09-21, 42m): Episode 473. The transition from academic research to commercial MedTech entrepreneurship requires a strategic mindset shift, particularly when navigating high-risk vascular innovations. Jordi Martorell, CEO and co-founder of Aortyx, shares his journey from mapping arterial blood flow at the Harvard-MIT Biomedical Engineering Center to developing bioresorbable endovascular patches for aortic dissection. Driven by a desire to solve true unmet medical needs, Martorell leveraged his background in fluid mechanics and vascular engineering to build a company capable of transforming clinical outcomes. Navigating early-stage funding outside major venture capital hubs presents unique structural challenges.… - **#472: Cost Containment: Right-Sizing Medical Device Cybersecurity with Chris Gates** (2026-09-21, 40m): Episode 472. Medical device cybersecurity is no longer an optional feature or a last-minute checkbox prior to market entry. Hosted by Etienne Nichols, this episode features Chris Gates, founder and CEO of arsMedSecurity, who delivers a practical, engineering-first perspective on embedding security directly into the development lifecycle. Gates highlights that deferring cybersecurity efforts until the end of development leads to severe financial penalties, extended regulatory delays, and potential company failure. The discussion demystifies common misconceptions held by executive teams and "bean counters," such as the myth that off-network devices or small companies are exempt from cyber threats. Under… - **#471: From AI Visuals to FDA Approval: Fixing MedTech’s Design-to-Market Gap** (2026-09-21, 38m): Episode 471. Many MedTech startups and innovators focus heavily on core technology development, often assuming physical product design is simple polishing once a working concept exists. Michael Sprauve explains that this approach frequently creates a gap between brilliant engineering and a market-ready, commercially viable medical device. Succeeding in hardware requires looking past the technology to consider every individual who will interact with the device throughout its entire lifecycle. A critical challenge in MedTech design is managing the complex web of user personas involved. Unlike consumer electronics, where design caters to one or two primary end users, medical devices must meet the needs of… - **#469: Why Market Strategy Comes First in MedTech Development** (2026-09-21, 39m): Episode 469. Medical device startups frequently fall into the trap of developing complex technology first, only to struggle downstream with clinical adoption, regulatory hurdles, and reimbursement. In this episode, host Etienne Nichols sits down with Shai Policker, Managing Partner at Edge Medical Ventures, to explore why reversing this traditional paradigm leads to sustainable, category-defining products. Policker details how working backward from validated clinical needs—identified directly by multinational corporations, physicians, and health systems—allows developers to map out the regulatory and reimbursement landscapes before building the first prototype. By addressing the commercial critical… - **#468: SaMD Issues, Defects & Detection | Shawnnah Monterrey** (2026-08-10, 44m): Episode 468. Shawnnah Monterrey, founder of Beanstalk Ventures and an FDA-accredited third-party reviewer, discusses post-market quality issues in medical devices, drawing on her experience at ZEISS and Illumina. She explains how inadequate upstream characterization, such as neglecting shipping stresses or subsystem-level DFMEAs, leads to costly 'dead on arrival' failures and field complaints. The conversation highlights the importance of robust unit testing, clear design documentation, and structural post-market surveillance to prevent catastrophic recalls, using a Class 1 ventilator case study to illustrate software-hardware interaction failures. Monterrey also addresses the challenges of integrating AI-generated code into maintainable systems and the critical need for open communication loops between R&D, manufacturing, and post-market teams to feed field intelligence back into product design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-08-10-468-samd-issues-defects-detection-shawnnah-monterrey - **#467: Combination Product Compliance: PMOA, 21 CFR Part 4 & QMS Alignment** (2026-08-03, 35m): Episode 467. Jim Fentress, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Galero (a Santa Group company), explains the regulatory complexities of combination products, focusing on how the Primary Mode of Action (PMOA) dictates FDA oversight. He details the challenges pharmaceutical companies face when integrating device Quality Management Systems (QMSR/ISO 13485) into their existing CGMP frameworks under 21 CFR Part 4. The discussion covers specific friction points like risk management alignment (AAMI TIR105 vs. ICH Q9), labeling classifications, and the critical need for transparent change control protocols between device manufacturers and pharma partners. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-08-03-467-combination-product-compliance-pmoa-21-cfr-part-4-qms-alignment - **#466: Leaving the Ivory Tower - How Notified Body Engagement Unlocks Startup Growth** (2026-07-27, 31m): Episode 466. Malte Knowles Schmidt, Global Portfolio Lead for Medical Device Software, AI, and Cybersecurity at TÜV SÜD, explains how early-stage medtech startups can demonstrate regulatory maturity to investors before achieving full certification. He advocates for 'leaving the ivory tower' by engaging notified bodies early, implementing an enterprise Quality Management System (eQMS), and pursuing partial ISO 13485 certification for core design processes. Schmidt warns against 'Pyrrhic certifications' where commercial viability is sacrificed for regulatory approval and suggests using external testing as strategic evidence of progress. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-07-27-466-leaving-the-ivory-tower-how-notified-body-engagement-unlocks-startup-growth - **#465: Why Good Medical Devices Fail: Reimbursement Strategy with Ali Samiian** (2026-07-20, 39m): Episode 465. Ali Samiian, founder of Popular Access Advisors, explains why medical device companies fail commercially by treating reimbursement as a post-FDA paperwork exercise rather than a core product strategy. He details how product design, clinical trial endpoints, and regulatory pathways (such as 510(k) vs. De Novo) must align with payer requirements for durable medical equipment (DME) or other categories to ensure coverage. Samiian highlights the importance of demonstrating durability, standard-of-care comparisons, and value to the healthcare system to secure appropriate pricing from CMS and private payers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-07-20-465-why-good-medical-devices-fail-reimbursement-strategy-with-ali-samiian - **#464: Why LLM Unpredictability is a Liability in MedTech** (2026-07-13, 53m): Episode 464. Tyler Harmon, CEO of Iaso Automated Medical Systems, explains why the inherent randomness in Large Language Models (LLMs) makes them unsuitable for safety-critical medical devices compared to deterministic algorithms like Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs). He details how Iaso uses non-LLM machine learning to detect Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in ICU patients and advocates for treating third-party AI stacks as Software of Unknown Provenance (SOUP). Harmon also outlines the need for a dedicated Machine Learning Management System (AIMS) within Quality Management Systems to govern AI governance, hallucination risks, and data integrity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-07-13-464-why-llm-unpredictability-is-a-liability-in-medtech - **#463: Finding MedTechs Leading Voices with Sean Smith** (2026-07-06, 45m): Episode 463. Sean Smith, founder of MedTech Leading Voices, explains how B2B marketing in the medical device industry must prioritize human connection and expert attribution over polished corporate messaging and AI-generated content. He argues that while technical 'how-to' content is becoming a commodity due to LLMs, enduring value comes from storytelling that helps peers make money or stay out of trouble. Smith highlights the importance of building communities, such as his MLVX.ai platform, to create durable archives of expertise that protect professionals from automation and build trust through consistent, human-centric visibility. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-07-06-463-finding-medtechs-leading-voices-with-sean-smith - **#462: Implementing an eQMS: The Ultimate Move-In Guide for MedTech Leaders** (2026-06-29, 38m): Episode 462. Michaela Kivett, a medical device consultant at Greenlight Guru, explains the strategic implementation of an electronic Quality Management System (eQMS) using a 'moving house' analogy to warn against simply migrating messy legacy data. She details the operational friction of paper-based or generic repository systems like SharePoint, highlighting issues with version control, physical signatures, and tracking personnel across large facilities. The conversation emphasizes leveraging AI to scan documents for ISO 13485 compliance gaps and automating workflow updates to mitigate the efficiency dip during transition. Kivett argues that successful adoption requires a culture of quality and a structured, room-by-room self-evaluation of procedures rather than just installing new software. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-06-29-462-implementing-an-eqms-the-ultimate-move-in-guide-for-medtech-leaders - **#461: Why Manufacturing is Part of Product Development with Mike Dolphin** (2026-06-22, 47m): Episode 461. Mike Dolphin, CEO of GuideStar Medical Devices, explains why manufacturing process development must be integrated into product design rather than treated as a post-development step. He details the engineering of a closed-loop epidural safety device, emphasizing early decisions on injection molding and radiation sterilization to ensure scalability. Dolphin highlights the financial and timeline risks of using contract manufacturers for iterative development, advocating for in-house manufacturing to reduce costs and accelerate FDA 510(k) clearance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-06-22-461-why-manufacturing-is-part-of-product-development-with-mike-dolphin - **#460: FDA AI Regulations: Master the QA/RA Skills to Stay Ahead** (2026-05-18, 15m): Episode 460. The FDA is actively shaping the regulatory landscape for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in real time. As the agency expands its internal expertise through the Digital Health Center of Excellence, FDA reviewers are becoming highly sophisticated. The era of submitting vague algorithm descriptions is over, paving the way for a more level playing field that rewards companies executing documentation correctly. Navigating this evolving space requires a dual-front approach for global medical device companies. Manufacturers must balance the FDA's framework with the EU AI Act, which classifies AI medical devices as high-risk systems demanding rigorous conformity assessments… - **#459: The Purolea Warning Letter & Validating AI in Medical Devices - What FDA Actually Requires** (2026-05-11, 24m): Episode 459. The MedTech industry widely misread the FDA's recent warning letter to Purolea Cosmetics Lab as a direct crackdown on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Host Etienne Nichols challenges this narrative, explaining that viewing the event strictly through an AI lens causes medical device manufacturers to miss the actual compliance lesson. At its core, the Purolea situation is not a story of bad software, but rather a fundamental failure of process validation and quality system oversight. When stripped of its technical novelty, the regulatory citation reveals an inspector's nightmare: lack of microbiological testing, absent process validation, and a non-functional quality unit. The AI components were… - **#458: What the FDA Actually Says About AI in Medical Devices** (2026-05-04, 18m): Episode 458. The medical device industry is undergoing a paradigm shift as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) transition from novelties into heavily regulated realities. The turning point arrived when the FDA integrated its own internal AI tool, Elsa, into its scientific review and inspection targeting processes. With regulators actively leveraging the technology, MedTech companies can no longer treat AI as a buzzword; it demands a deep understanding of concrete regulatory frameworks and actual engineering rules. To properly understand this evolution, the traditional internet analogy must be cast aside in favor of a more accurate comparison: electricity. Just as the adoption of… - **#457: Exploring the MedTech Commercial Valley of Death with Ryan O'Mahoney** (2026-04-27, 35m): Episode 457. Ryan O'Mahoney, founder of Catalyst Ventures and former VP at Precision X-Ray and Stryker, explains the 'commercial valley of death' in MedTech, where startups fail after FDA clearance due to underestimating institutional purchasing complexity. He argues that founders must integrate commercial strategy months before regulatory approval to align clinical data with operational ROI for hospital administrators and value analysis committees. O'Mahoney compares traditional full-time hiring, independent consulting, and distribution models, advocating for modern fractional commercial teams to preserve capital while building necessary momentum. He emphasizes that successful adoption requires navigating the gap between clinician enthusiasm and administrative budget constraints through early, structured engagement. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-04-27-457-exploring-the-medtech-commercial-valley-of-death-with-ryan-omahoney - **#456: What You Don’t Know Can Hurt You: 483 Pitfalls and Regulatory Accountability** (2026-04-20, 53m): Episode 456. Mike Drues, an industry veteran with over 30 years of experience, joins host Etienne Nichols to discuss the dangers of 'boneheaded' regulatory mistakes in MedTech, specifically focusing on the non-delegable responsibility of manufacturers. They analyze the first FDA warning letter issued for GMP violations related to AI, where a company used AI to generate specifications without process validation, arguing that AI cannot replace human judgment or the Quality Unit. The conversation extends to the debate on individual accountability in warning letters, the distinction between wellness and regulated devices, and new FDA programs like the TEMPO pilot and Breakthrough Device Designation (BDD). Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-04-20-456-what-you-dont-know-can-hurt-you-483-pitfalls-and-regulatory-accountability - **#455: MedTech Founder 101: Shifting from Corporate to Startup with John Schindler** (2026-04-13, 39m): Episode 455. John Schindler, CEO of Liquet Medical, discusses the transition from corporate roles at Atrium and Merit Medical to founding a startup, emphasizing the 'novel but simple' philosophy for vascular drug delivery devices. He explains how Liquet leverages its 510(k) clearance for pulmonary embolism treatment while planning an IDE trial, advocating for limited market releases to build strategic enterprise value through intentional clinical data. Schindler also covers the challenges of fundraising, negotiating with regulatory service providers, and the importance of early FDA engagement to avoid timeline resets. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-04-13-455-medtech-founder-101-shifting-from-corporate-to-startup-with-john-schindler - **#454: Bridging the Gap: Avoiding the MedTech Valley of Death with Dr. Adam Saltman** (2026-04-06, 39m): Episode 454. Dr. Adam Saltman, Chief Medical Officer at NAMSA, explains why medical device startups fail in the 'valley of death' by building technology without validating unmet clinical needs, often getting stuck in a 'tech echo chamber.' He warns against the '510(k) trap,' where choosing the fastest regulatory pathway leads to commodity pricing and reimbursement hurdles because the device lacks distinct clinical evidence. Saltman also discusses the risks of 'automation bias' in AI, citing an X-ray failure where algorithms predicted mortality based on patient location rather than clinical data, emphasizing that AI must be treated as an assistant, not a replacement. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-04-06-454-bridging-the-gap-avoiding-the-medtech-valley-of-death-with-dr-adam-saltman - **#453: Sustainable Material Selection in MedTech with Lucas Pianegonda** (2026-03-30, 44m): Episode 453. Lucas Pianegonda, founder of Gradical, explains that MedTech sustainability is driven by investor pressure, hospital customer demand, competitive FOMO, and EU regulations like the Green Deal. He details how materials and use-phase account for 95% of Scope 3 emissions, making material selection the primary lever for reducing carbon footprints. Pianegonda advocates for 'mass balance' drop-in solutions to avoid costly re-validation and warns against over-engineered 'Ferrari' plastics like PEEK, suggesting cheaper alternatives like polypropylene. He emphasizes that biocompatibility is a device property, not a material property, and that sustainability serves as a market tie-breaker in tenders rather than a simple green premium. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/global-medical-device-podcast/2026-03-30-453-sustainable-material-selection-in-medtech-with-lucas-pianegonda - **#452: Switching Careers to MedTech: A Practical Guide for Engineers and Professionals** (2026-03-23, 26m): Episode 452. In this episode, host Etienne Nichols speaks directly to professionals in industries like automotive, aerospace, and manufacturing who are looking to transition into MedTech. Drawing from his own experience moving from aerospace to medical devices, Etienne demystifies the industry’s high barriers to entry and explains why your existing skills are more valuable than you might think. The conversation centers on the "three doors" of entry: Quality, Regulatory Affairs, and Product Development. While each path has unique requirements, Etienne emphasizes that foundational skills like project management, root cause analysis, and technical writing are the true drivers of success. He also clarifies… - **#451: Building a MedTech Powerhouse: The 5 Stages of Founder Success** (2026-03-16, 30m): Episode 451. In this deep-dive episode, host Etienne Nichols shifts away from the "inspiring" fluff of entrepreneurship to deliver a gritty, practical masterclass for medical device founders. Drawing from his experience judging at MedTech Innovator and speaking with hundreds of founders, Etienne highlights a sobering reality: success in this industry isn't just about having the best technology. It is about getting the right specialized experts in the room at exactly the right time to avoid the "walls" that sink most startups. The conversation centers on the critical importance of early-stage strategic planning. Etienne argues that the most important first step for any founder isn't building a prototype… ## The Startup CPG Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-startup-cpg-podcast Founders, buyers and operators of consumer packaged goods brands on co-packers, sourcing, retail buyers, pricing and scaling a physical product on the shelf. - Categories: Consumer Products & CPG, Sales & Marketing, Startups, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 639 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/startupcpg - Website: https://startupcpg.com/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **#270 Insights from 34,000 in-store demos with Grassroots Marketing** (2026-10-13, 45m): Episode 384. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with David Heiser, Co-Founder of Grassroots Marketing, to walk through a new, free report analyzing 34,000 in-store demos at Whole Foods, Sprouts, Central Market, and Erewhon, and what it means for where, when, and how brands should spend their demo dollars. Grassroots runs demos and in-store sampling events across the country at major natural retailers and independents alike. Daniel first met David’s team while launching his own beverage brand at Erewhon, where Grassroots is the retailer’s official demo partner, and the two teamed up to turn years of Grassroots’ data into a first-of-its-kind resource. The analysis… - **R&D RADIO: Oil Analytics, Seed Oils and Adulterated Avocado Oil with Dr. Selina Wang of UC Davis** (2026-10-12, 29m): Episode 385. In this episode of R&D Radio, host and food scientist Adam Yee sits down with Dr. Selina Wang, chemist and Professor of Cooperative Extension at the University of California, Davis, to talk about a recent study suggesting that many store-bought products made with avocado oil may not contain 100% avocado oil. Dr. Wang is Faculty Director of the UC Davis Olive Center and an internationally recognized expert in edible oil quality, authenticity, and chemistry. Her early studies of supermarket olive oil helped inform California's olive oil standards adopted in 2014, and in 2020 her lab published the first comprehensive evaluation of commercial avocado oil quality and purity in the United States,… - **How to Ask Someone to Invest in Your CPG Brand, with Fave's Ryan Raish** (2026-10-10, 38m): Episode 383. In this Founder Fundraising Journey episode, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Ryan Raish, founder of Fave, a first-to-market certified organic powdered drink mix bringing nostalgic flavors back to the category without artificial colors, flavors, or excess sugar. Ryan has spent nearly two decades in CPG, working his way from grassroots demos at Guayaki to building out the West Coast for Honest Tea, a 10-year run at Popchips, and stints at Super Coffee and Chloe's Fruit Pops. The idea for Fave came to him in a grocery store aisle, watching his five-year-old beg for Kool-Aid loaded with artificial dye and 40+ grams of sugar, and realizing there was no "better-for-you" option in the massive,… - **Reinventing the Pizza Bagel: Bagelverse's Jacob Cooper on Nostalgia and CPG** (2026-10-09, 29m): Episode 381. In this Founder Feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Jacob Cooper, founder of Bagelverse, who's reinventing the classic pizza bagel with real mini New York bagels and bold flavors like spicy vodka and barbecue chicken. Jacob spent eight years as a CTO in AI and tech before making a complete 180 to chase a childhood nostalgic idea. He launched Bagelverse in April 2026, and in the months since has sold over 80,000 pizza bagels through pop-ups around New York City, won a Shelfie Award, and had one of the most visited booths at Summer Fancy Food. Caitlin and Jacob dig into his unconventional career pivot, the surprisingly complex supply chain behind a "simple" pizza bagel (which… - **#269 Retailer Spotlight: Mariano's, with Amanda Puck** (2026-10-06, 40m): Episode 382. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Amanda Puck, Vice President of Communications and Brand Development for Roundy's, for the "Mariano's 101" episode listeners have been asking for. Amanda has been with Mariano's since 2014, working in the grocery retail business after years in restaurants and a lifelong love of grocery shopping that started as a kid clipping coupons with her grandmother. Today she leads communications, brand strategy, and community engagement for Mariano's and Metro Market, both banners of Kroger with deep Midwest roots dating back 150 years to Roundy's founding. Daniel and Amanda dig into what makes Mariano's feel like a… - **Partnership Not Ownership: Inside Main Post Partners' Investment Approach** (2026-10-03, 35m): Episode 380. In this Investor Spotlight, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Tara Hyland, Principal at Main Post Partners, to break down how growth equity differs from venture capital and what founders should understand about building an enduring consumer business. Tara's path to Main Post started in investment banking on a consumer-focused food and beverage team, followed by a move into private equity at Swander Pace Capital. She joined Main Post, a consumer-focused private equity firm known for its "partnership not ownership" philosophy, in 2020, and works primarily with founder-led businesses navigating their first institutional capital raise. Hannah and Tara dig into the key pillars Main Post… - **Why This Architect is Choosing to Build a National CPG Wellness Brand** (2026-10-02, 31m): Episode 379. In this Founder Feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Jane Kate Wong, founder of Noon World, a cognitive wellness company making dual-layer gummies designed for mind, mood, focus, chill, and sleep. Jane's path to Noon ran through architecture, where she designed urban planning projects, high-end residential and commercial spaces, and cultural centers, before moving into interaction design at Nike, Google, and Apple. After burning out from that work, she built Noon as a culmination of her interests in design, technology, and health, focused on what she believes is the next frontier of wellness: cognition. Her design background shows up everywhere in the brand, from the minimalist,… - **#268 The Rise of Gymkhana Fine Foods with Gulrez Arora** (2026-09-29, 40m): Episode 377. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with his longtime friend Gulrez Arora, founder of Gymkhana Fine Foods, the retail brand born out of London's two-Michelin-star Gymkhana restaurant, to talk about building a global premium Indian food brand from scratch. Gulrez and Daniel first met working together at Mars, where Gulrez spent nearly a decade in strategy roles across Asia Pacific chocolate and later ran an internal innovation and venture studio program. That experience taught him how hard it is to manufacture true founder energy inside a large corporation, and eventually led him to London, where a chance introduction to the founders of JKS Restaurant… - **R&D RADIO: The Real Science Behind Sugar Replacement with Icon Foods' Thom King** (2026-09-28, 31m): Episode 378. In this episode of R&D Radio, host Adam Yee sits down with longtime friend Thom King, Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of Icon Foods, for a deep dive on sweetener systems from a food scientist's perspective. Thom founded Icon Foods in 1999 (originally as Steviva Brands), becoming one of the first companies to import stevia glycosides into the US. After partnering with Quest Nutrition on their first bar, the company shifted fully into ingredient supply, eventually rebranding to Icon Foods and expanding into rare sugars, fibers, and polyols. Thom holds a Master's degree in Food Science from Cornell and has spent decades helping brands solve one of the industry's toughest problems:… - **How "Taste to Retain" Built a Billion-Dollar Supplement Brand** (2026-09-26, 41m): Episode 374. In this Operator Spotlight, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Hye Rin (Juliet) Choi, VP of Product at Grüns, to unpack the product philosophy and process behind one of the fastest billion-dollar acquisitions in CPG history. Hye Rin (Juliet) started her career in brand management at Johnson & Johnson's consumer health division, working on brands like Neutrogena and Tylenol, before pursuing her MBA at Stanford, where she met Grüns founder and CEO Chad Janis. She joined as employee number nine and the company's first product hire, helping build the product function from the ground up as Grüns scaled to over 130 employees and was acquired by Unilever roughly three years after launch. Hannah… - **How This Ex-Attorney Reinvented Hard Candy as a Health Tool** (2026-09-25, 30m): Episode 375. In this Founder Feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Erica Haft, founder of Sweeter Collective, an organic hard candy brand modernizing the category with just 16 calories, less than 3 grams of sugar, and nearly 2 grams of fiber per piece. Erica spent almost 10 years as an attorney before leaving law behind to build the brand. Her inspiration was close to home: her mother, a registered dietitian, has eaten hard candy daily for over 30 years to satisfy her sweet tooth without derailing her health goals. After nearly two years of R&D, including an early attempt at the old-school "panning" technique used for jawbreakers, Erica landed on a boiling method using soluble tapioca fiber and… - **Should You Apply for Startup CPG's Founders & Funders?** (2026-09-23, 20m): Episode 376. In this bonus solo episode, host Daniel Scharff breaks down everything founders need to know about Founders & Funders, Startup CPG's flagship fundraising event happening December 10th in New York City, to help you decide whether you should apply. Daniel explains why he built the event: after hearing founders describe spending up to 50% of their time on fundraising, he wanted to create a highly efficient, application-based summit that brings together the top 100 VCs in emerging CPG with the community's strongest brands for a single, high-impact day. Unlike the free, ticketed regional roadshows Startup CPG runs throughout the year, the December event is capped, competitive, and… - **#267: Term Sheets 101 with Giannuzzi Lewendon** (2026-09-22, 44m): Episode 372. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Adam Marsh and Gabrielle McGonagle, partners at Giannuzzi Lewendon, a top-tier CPG law firm, for a deep dive on term sheets and what every founder needs to understand before raising capital. Adam has spent nearly 13 years practicing law focused on the CPG space, while Gabrielle brings over a decade of experience at the firm, including work on major exits like BodyArmor's $8 billion sale. Together, they've guided countless CPG brands through fundraising, from pre-revenue startups to companies doing nine figures in revenue, and are frequent partners of Startup CPG's Founders and Funders events. Daniel, Adam, and… - **The 4-Part Diligence Framework Every Founder Should Know** (2026-09-19, 36m): Episode 371. In this Investor Spotlight, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Ashley Hartman, Managing Partner at Bluestein Ventures, an early-stage firm investing at the intersection of culture, science, and technology in modern wellbeing and consumer brands. Ashley's path to venture capital ran through financial consulting at NERA Economic Consulting and then operating strategy at her family's manufacturing business, giving her a rare blend of analytical rigor and hands-on operating experience. She's now co-Managing Partner at Bluestein Ventures, which evolved from a family office into an independent, family-backed VC fund, and has made more than 40 investments across her career, primarily at seed… - **Meat Stick Who? How TofuGo Turned Tofu Into a Viral Protein Snack** (2026-09-18, 25m): Episode 368. In this Founder Feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Caroline Dai, founder of TofuGo, a savory protein snack made from whole foods tofu with 12 grams of protein, zero sugar, and zero natural flavors. Caroline grew up eating tofu daily in her Chinese family before moving to Seattle at age 13. After years working in business and finance, constantly snacking on sugary protein bars at her desk, she realized there was nothing savory, whole-food, and additive-free on the market. She launched TofuGo in March 2026, and just two weeks later, a simple living-room video went viral with over 350,000 views. Five months in, the brand is now in over 40 U.S. states and Canadian provinces, with a… - **#266: Building an Organic Social Media Following with Lindzi Shanks, XO Marshmallow** (2026-09-15, 36m): Episode 370. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Lindzi Shanks, founder and CEO of XO Marshmallow, to unpack how she built an organic social following of 1.4 million across platforms and turned it into real, trackable sales. Lindzi started XO Marshmallow 10 years ago with a background as an influencer and blogger, designing the brand from day one to be visually shareable. As short-form video took off, she realized the marshmallow-making process itself was perfectly suited to content, from ASMR-style pulling and pouring to behind-the-scenes factory footage. That instinct, paired with a willingness to constantly experiment and adapt, has turned XO into one of the… - **R&D RADIO: How Startup CPG's Product Developer Database Helped This Founder Reformulate** (2026-09-14, 25m): Episode 369. In this episode of R&D Radio, host Adam Yee sits down with Drake Nickell, founder of Dimitri's Greek Kitchen, to talk through how he used Startup CPG's Product Developer Database to find the right partner for reformulating his brand's pita chips. Drake and his sister built Dimitri's Greek Kitchen around traditional Greek and Mediterranean snacks with a modern twist, starting with whipped feta before pivoting into pita chips after finding a manufacturing partner who could bring the product to life. With the chips now in over 300 stores, including all 189 Jewel-Osco locations across Illinois, Drake turned to the Product Developer Database to level up the product with a well-defined scope of… - **How Whole Foods Invests in Emerging Brands with Ellen Gorra** (2026-09-12, 30m): Episode 367. In this Investor Spotlight, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Ellen Gorra of Whole Foods Market, who leads the retailer's equity investment and warrant partnership programs, to unpack how one of the industry's most influential retailers evaluates, invests in, and supports emerging brands. Ellen's path to Whole Foods wound through equity research at Piper Sandler, buy-side coverage of hedge funds and private equity, and a stint at L Catterton in Asia, where she helped lead an $80 million investment in K-pop entertainment company YG Entertainment. After a brief detour into music at Live Nation, she found her way back to consumer - this time in food - and has been investing in and partnering… - **Tallow, Trust, and Testing: Inside My Neighbor's Rapid Growth** (2026-09-11, 30m): Episode 366. In this Founder Feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Harri Magaldi, founder of My Neighbor's, a regenerative tallow and vegan skincare brand manufactured in-house in the Hudson Valley. Harri left nine years on Wall Street after her daughter developed eczema as a baby. Unable to find anything that worked, she started making beef tallow balm at home in a crock pot using suet from a local farm, initially just to help her own daughter and as gifts for friends. After encouragement from other moms, she launched at the Hudson Farmer's Market in May 2024, selling $4,000 worth of product on day one. Four months later, she was picked up by Anthropology and Terrain, catapulting the brand into… - **#265: Marion Nestle on Food Politics and the Cereal Aisle** (2026-09-08, 41m): Episode 363. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Marion Nestle, Professor Emerita of Nutrition, Food Studies, and Public Health at NYU, to unpack decades of cereal industry marketing history and what it reveals about food policy today. Marion is one of the most influential voices in food politics, having helped pioneer food studies as an academic discipline and served as Senior Nutrition Policy Advisor at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, where she helped oversee the landmark 1988 Surgeon General's Report on Nutrition and Health. She's the author of numerous bestselling books, including Food Politics, What to Eat, Soda Politics, and Unsavory… - **Turning Customers Into Investors: A Popcorn Brand's Crowdfunding Playbook** (2026-09-05, 38m): Episode 364. In this Founder Fundraising Journey episode, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Tal Moore, founder and CEO of Popsmith, a design-forward stovetop popcorn brand that's landed on Oprah's Favorite Things list and is heading into Williams Sonoma nationwide this year. Tal is a serial e-commerce founder with 25 years in the space, starting as a 12-year-old selling gumballs and candy in elementary school before building and exiting multiple online businesses, including a popcorn equipment store he ran two decades before launching Popsmith. After divesting from his other ventures, he went all-in on building the popcorn brand he always wished existed, one built around the nostalgia of movie nights… - **She Couldn't Find a Clean Electrolyte Brand, So She Created One** (2026-09-04, 30m): Episode 365. In this Founder Feature, host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Danielle Nuss, founder of Short Story, a clean electrolyte mix made with organic fruit powder and naturally sourced minerals - and notably, zero natural flavors. Danielle is a mom of two boys working full-time in tech who started making her own electrolytes at home during her second pregnancy after struggling to find anything clean on shelf. What began as homemade batches for personal use turned into a farmer's market launch in Denver, where she sold through her first full production run and is now heading toward retail. Danielle is also a 2026 Shelfie Award winner, a detail she didn't even know about at the time of recording.… - **#264 How Foundation Foods Became One of SoCal's Most Trusted Grocery Distributors** (2026-09-01, 34m): Episode 360. In this episode of the Startup CPG Podcast, host Daniel Scharff sits down with Louis D'Angelo, founder of Foundation Foods, a beloved natural products distributor serving Southern California's most quality-focused retailers, to talk about how the company was built, what it takes to get on their shelves, and why strict ingredient standards have always been non-negotiable. Louis got his start freelancing as a de facto sales rep for small organic brands before ever knowing what a broker was. His path to founding Foundation Foods took a dramatic turn when a rattlesnake bite left him hospitalized for two weeks, during which the distributor he'd been working for stopped paying him and every brand… - **R&D RADIO: Building a Reliable Formula Brand with Casey Bauer, COO, Bobbie** (2026-08-31, 25m): Episode 361. In this special R&D Radio episode, guest host Caitlin Bricker sits down with Casey Bauer, COO of Bobbie, one of only four infant formula manufacturers in the United States, to dig into what "test obsessed" really means when your product is a baby's sole source of nutrition. Casey has spent almost a year at Bobbie overseeing quality, regulatory, and supply chain, following roles as COO at Kate Farms, a leading medical nutrition company, and operations leadership at Pharmavite (Nature Made) and Nutrabolt. That background in sole-source and medical nutrition shaped how seriously he takes food safety at Bobbie, where the company runs over 2,000 safety and quality checks and manufactures under… - **From Hand Sanitizer to Tomato Sauce - How Sauz Went From 10 Doors to 3,500 in a Year** (2026-08-29, 50m): Episode 359. In this Founder Fundraising Journey episode, host Hannah Dittman sits down with Troy Bonde, co-founder and CEO of Sauz, to trace the winding path from a college side hustle to building one of the fastest-growing brands in the tomato sauce category. Troy's road to Sauz started with a hand sanitizer and thermometer dispenser he and childhood friend and co-founder Winston sold to schools during COVID, using the proceeds to fund early angel investments and, eventually, Sauz itself. Frustrated by a commoditized tomato sauce aisle with no flavor innovation, Troy and Winston sold their cars to bootstrap the brand, launched at Erewhon in July 2023, and scaled from 10 doors to 3,500 in just 12… ## Designing in the Wild Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild Industrial designers and inventors on turning messy real-world constraints into products that can be made and sold. - Categories: Design, Product Development, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-14 - Apple Podcasts: 3 ratings averaging 4/5 - Feed: https://rss.buzzsprout.com/1903003.rss - Website: https://designinginthewild.buzzsprout.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (17) - **Designing for Joy: Finding Meaning in Industrial Design with Daniela Garcia | S3E04** (2026-10-14, 55m): Episode 4. Industrial designer Daniela Garcia, who revitalized the Boston IDSA chapter and works with companies like G appliances and Medea, explains her design philosophy centered on 'joy' and reducing user stress. She details her workflow, which combines low-fidelity cardboard prototyping to avoid 'CAD goggles' with AI tools like Vizcom and Figma for rapid visualization and stakeholder buy-in. Garcia also discusses her wellness initiative, Shanti, and how observing nature and birdwatching informs her CMF strategies and biomimicry approaches. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2026-10-14-designing-for-joy-finding-meaning-in-industrial-design-with-daniela-garcia-s3e04 - **Industrial Design, AI & the Business of Design with Jordan Nollman | S3E02** (2026-10-07, 1h 01m): Episode 3. Jordan Nollman, founder and CEO of Sprout, a Boston-based multidisciplinary design consultancy, discusses the evolution of industrial design from a solo practice to a 60-person studio offering strategy, branding, UX, and engineering. He details the business realities of running a consultancy, including the critical importance of retainers, the pitfalls of all-equity deals, and the strategic use of AI tools like VizCom to accelerate storyboarding and visualization without replacing core design thinking. Nollman emphasizes that while AI speeds up execution, the value lies in solving real-world problems, citing projects like a microplastics sensor and a solar-powered milk trolley that balance aesthetics, function, and sustainability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2026-10-07-industrial-design-ai-the-business-of-design-with-jordan-nollman-s3e02 - **How to Do Better Design Research with Jill Bohaboy | S3E02** (2026-09-30, 58m): Episode 2. Jill Bohaboy, founder of Trek Solutions, joins Rob to discuss the craft of design research, emphasizing that meaningful insights come from observation and qualitative methods rather than just asking people what they want. They explore specific techniques such as 'build-it' sessions, shop-alongs, and breaking down products like diapers to understand compensating behaviors and latent needs. Bohaboy argues that researchers can conduct effective, low-budget studies by simply observing consumers in their natural environments and asking open-ended questions to avoid bias. The conversation highlights how these methods help uncover the 'why' behind user actions, turning research into a launch pad for innovation rather than a roadblock. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2026-09-30-how-to-do-better-design-research-with-jill-bohaboy-s3e02 - **We're BACK! Industrial Design, Biomimicry & More: Designing in the Wild Season 3 (Trailer) | S3E01** (2026-09-25, 3m): Episode 1. Designing in the Wild is back for Season 3 — and this time, we're going video. This season, I'm sitting down with designers, researchers, biomimicry experts, sustainability consultants, software modelers, design directors, manufacturing professionals, and other people doing genuinely interesting work across the design world. We'll get into everything from industrial design and manufacturing to Rhino and Grasshopper, biomimicry, sustainability, emerging tools, design leadership, and the realities of building things in the real world. I've spent more than 20 years working as an end-to-end industrial designer, on projects ranging from Amazon's smart shopping carts to net-zero tiny homes and… - **#012 Season 2: Robert Irwin - Senior Industrial Designer, Founder of LearnIndustrialDesign.com, Principal Sustainability Consultant at irwindesigned** (2024-05-01, 26m): Episode 12. Senior Industrial Designer Rob Irwin charts two decades of sustainable practice, from biomimetic lawn-dart redesigns to net-zero houses with $12 power bills. Along the way he demystifies lifecycle thinking: extraction, processing, manufacturing, distribution, use, upgrades, end-of-life, and transport. Rob critiques the limits of current LCA tools—“CO₂ is not the whole story”—and spotlights hidden health impacts like polyester microfibers. He closes with a challenge to designers: treat environmental criteria as a primary design requirement, right alongside cost, form, and function. Have ideas or just want to say hi, shoot me a note. Support the show - **#011 Season 2: Jason Belaire - IDSA Chair(2021-2022) | Belworld Creative, INC. Talks of living abroad, childhood abuse, empathy, social projects around the world, and sustainability** (2023-09-28, 1h 13m): Episode 11. Jason Belaire, Chair of the Industrial Design Society of America (IDSA) and founder of Belworld Creative, INC., discusses how his experiences living in Argentina and working in the outdoor industry shaped his sustainable design philosophy. He explains that designing for resource-constrained environments in places like Northern Argentina fostered a deeper empathy and creativity than standard first-world models allow. Belaire advocates for integrating emotional intelligence and servant leadership into product development to create more equitable and sustainable outcomes, arguing that the design profession must actively address its environmental impact. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2023-09-28-011-season-2-jason-belaire-idsa-chair-2021-2022-belworld-creative-inc-talks-of-l - **#010: Andre Brown - Principal Engineer on Amazon's Transportation Sustainability Team - Digital vs. Physical Prototyping, Creating Flat Hierarchies within Teams, Innovating Faster, Designing in Virtual Reality, Eggs and Vacuum Cleaners, Procedural Design.** (2022-03-01, 1h 22m): Episode 10. Andre Brown, Principal Engineer at Amazon’s Transportation Sustainability team and former R&D lead at Dyson and Shark, discusses the strategic balance between physical prototyping and high-fidelity simulation in product development. He details how Amazon uses massive CFD simulations to optimize aerodynamic fairings for its fleet, while contrasting this with Dyson’s cardboard prototyping and Shark’s customer-centric testing for vacuum cleaners. Brown also highlights his work on open-source race cars, the use of Gravity Sketch for VR design, and biomimicry-inspired innovations like the egg-protected Dyson robot vacuum. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-03-01-010-andre-brown-principal-engineer-on-amazons-transportation-sustainability-team - **#009 - Unleashing Creativity Through User-Driven Storytelling - Sam Feller - Human-Centered Engineering, Team Management, Tracking Deliverables, Tactics for Problem Solving** (2022-02-21, 1h 01m): Episode 9. Sam Feller, a product manager at Tulip Interfaces and former program manager at Amazon, discusses his transition from mechanical engineering to systems management. He explains how shifting teams from technical task lists to user-driven storytelling and deliverable-based tracking simplifies complex engineering problems, such as runtime conflicts, into simpler user interface solutions. Feller also details his approach to managing large hardware teams by focusing on binary deliverables rather than percentage completion, and shares his background with early hardware ventures like Awkward Engineer and solar kiosks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-02-21-009-unleashing-creativity-through-user-driven-storytelling-sam-feller-human-cent - **#008: Blood In The Water: Americas Assault on Innovation - Kip Doyle - Patent Process, Product Innovation, Defending Patents, Napkin Sketch to Manufacturing** (2022-02-14, 58m): Episode 8. Kip Doyle, inventor of the Card Shark credit card wallet skin and author of 'Blood In The Water', recounts her decade-long struggle to protect her intellectual property against major tech companies like Speck and OtterBox. She details the transition from a napkin sketch to utility and design patents, explaining how the America Invents Act (AIA) and Inter Partes Review (IPR) processes have made it nearly impossible for independent inventors to defend their rights. Doyle advises creators to document their ideas meticulously, hire local or student lawyers to manage costs, and join communities like USInventor.org for support. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-02-14-008-blood-in-the-water-americas-assault-on-innovation-kip-doyle-patent-process-p - **#007: It's Time We Start Thinking Beyond the User - Dan Griner - Director of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at University of Colorado Denver** (2022-02-07, 1h 01m): Episode 6. Dan Griner, Director of Design, Innovation, and Strategy at the University of Colorado Denver, discusses his journey from a high school dropout and pinstriper to a designer focused on social impact and meta-design. He details his work with OtterBox, where he helped develop an innovation method, and his current projects with the Common Sense Institute to map homelessness systems and create PPE through the nonprofit Make for COVID. Griner argues that designers must move beyond user-centric aesthetics to consider the entire lifecycle, supply chain ethics, and planetary impact, citing biomimicry resources like asknature.org and the importance of empathy in solving systemic issues. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-02-07-007-its-time-we-start-thinking-beyond-the-user-dan-griner-director-of-design-inn - **#006: The Creators Revolution + Mid-Week Update - February 2, 2022** (2022-02-02, 5m): Creative disciplines have been undervalued since the industrial revolution began. I drop a quick anecdote to the misunderstood values industrial design offers...and catch you up on what's next! Have ideas or just want to say hi, shoot me a note. Support the show - **#005: Industrial Designer Turned Concept Artist, Todd Hebenstreit - Facebook Oculus Designer, VR aficionado, UI/UX Savant, Analog to Digital, Game Design, Era Specific Influence, and Process** (2022-01-31, 1h 37m): Episode 5. Todd Hebenstreit, a former industrial designer at Dell and concept artist for Oculus and Naughty Dog, discusses his transition from physical product design to digital UI and concept art. He details his work designing the Oculus Store interface and VR environments, emphasizing the use of 3D underlays to accelerate the concepting process. Hebenstreit also shares insights on navigating high-pressure engineering cultures at Facebook and Amazon, the importance of rigorous hiring standards, and his evolving digital workflow using Photoshop and Wacom tablets. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-01-31-005-industrial-designer-turned-concept-artist-todd-hebenstreit-facebook-oculus-d - **Mid-Week Update - January 27, 2022** (2022-01-27, 2m): Quick drop on what I've been up to behind the scenes at, Designing In The Wild, and what to expect in the coming weeks. You won't want to miss out! Have ideas or just want to say hi, shoot me a note. Support the show - **#004: Why We Need to Be Tinkering More: Industrial Designer Jorge Paricio - Open-Ended Exploration, Sketching and Ideation, Material Knowledge, Confirmation Bias, and Getting Out To Talk With End Users.** (2022-01-24, 1h 18m): Episode 4. Industrial designer and Associate Professor Jorge Paricio discusses the importance of open-ended exploration, sketching, and material knowledge in product design. He emphasizes the need for designers to get out and talk to end-users to avoid confirmation bias and highlights the evolution of industrial design from physical objects to connected digital interfaces. Paricio also shares advice on mentorship, the value of tinkering in a garage, and specific techniques for effective hand rendering. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-01-24-004-why-we-need-to-be-tinkering-more-industrial-designer-jorge-paricio-open-ende - **#003: Getting A Design Job Out Of College** (2022-01-21, 9m): Episode 3. Your host, Rob Irwin gives you pointers taken from his experience navigating his first design job straight out of college. He offers practical knowledge and tips for nailing your first job as a designer. Have ideas or just want to say hi, shoot me a note. Support the show - **#002: Rob Irwin Takes Us On His Journey To Becoming An Industrial Designer** (2022-01-17, 19m): Episode 2. Host Rob Irwin, an industrial designer with 17 years of experience and work for Fortune 500 companies, recounts his journey from a high school shop teacher's mentorship to a crisis of conscience triggered by Victor Papanek's 'Designing for the Real World.' After leaving college to pursue personal enlightenment and minimalist living, an epiphany during a tribal gathering led him to return to school with a focus on sustainability, biomimicry, and circular economies. He details how reading authors like Daniel Quinn, Bill McDonough, and Janine Benyus reshaped his approach to design, moving away from planned obsolescence toward responsible creation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/designing-in-the-wild/2022-01-17-002-rob-irwin-takes-us-on-his-journey-to-becoming-an-industrial-designer - **#001: Do you really want to listen to this Podcast?** (2022-01-14, 1m): Episode 1. A quick heads up on what this podcast is all about, so you can decide if it's the right time for you to...level up! Have ideas or just want to say hi, shoot me a note. Support the show ## The Electromaker Show Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show Electromaker's weekly round-up of maker electronics: new boards and modules, DIY projects and crowdfunding campaigns. - Categories: Electronics, Hardware - Latest episode: 2026-03-20 - Apple Podcasts: 8 ratings averaging 4/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/143504/destinations/907163.xml - Website: https://www.electromaker.io/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Arduino Ventuno Q, Nordic AI and More from Embedded World 2026** (2026-03-20, 37m): Episode 174. In this episode of the Electromaker Show, Ian takes you on a fast tour through Embedded World 2026, covering the interviews, demos, and products that stood out most on the show floor. From the new Arduino Ventuno Q and native Zephyr on Arduino Nano Matter, to Nordic's in-house Edge AI tools, Bluetooth channel sounding, and satellite-connected nRF9151 demos, this episode covers a wide spread of embedded tech in one place. At the event we stopped by Silicon Labs, D-Robotics, JetBrains, Texas Instruments, DFRobot, and Epishine to look at robotics platforms, AI-enabled IDEs, sensor demos, x86 single board computers, and indoor solar energy harvesting. If you want a sharp overview of what… - **Nordic Semiconductor nRF54L, Duke Nukem 3d on an Arduino Nano Matter, Open Source Touch eReader!** (2025-12-16, 25m): Episode 173. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 173! Somehow Nordic Semiconductor made the nRF54L series twice as fast as the nRF52, but use less power. We talk about this, and the nRF Connect VSCode plugin, along with Duke Nukem 3D running on an Arduino Nano Matter, Electromaker Behind the Tech and Product of the Week releases, and the wonderful Open Book Touch open source e-reader on Crowd Supply! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here:… - **On the floor of Maker Faire Shenzhen, Neuton.AI on Nordic hardware, Win a HuskyLens2!** (2025-11-27, 24m): Episode 172. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 172! The Electromaker Show is back with news from our trip to Maker Faire Shenzhen, Nordic and Neuton.AI's merging and what it means for edgeAI, and our Product of the Week: The HuskyLens2! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our shop:… - **Arduino Nano R4, Bela Gem Funded, Nordic WiFi 6 Magic, and More!** (2025-08-19, 39m): Episode 171. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 171! The Electromaker Show returns! Today we look at the wonderful Bela Gem, a music and sound coding platform based on the PocketBeagle 2, Discover the nRF70x series from Nordic Semiconductor, and learn about the new Arduino Nano R4 from our in house engineer Robin Mitchell! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from… - **Super ESP32 M5Dial! Soldering and AI funding projects, new PocketBeagle, and More!** (2025-02-26, 25m): Episode 170. Ian discusses the release of the PocketBeagle 2 from BeagleBoard, highlighting its dual Cortex-A53 CPU, DDR4 RAM, and integrated MCU cores as a significant upgrade over the original 32-bit board. He then reviews the M5Dial, an ESP32-S3 development kit from M5Stack featuring a rotary encoder and touchscreen, praising its utility for makers with limited time. The episode also covers crowdfunding projects including aesthetic soldering kits from MakerQueenAU and the RK3588 AI Module 7, which offers Jetson Nano compatibility. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2025-02-26-super-esp32-m5dial-soldering-and-ai-funding-projects-new-pocketbeagle-and-more - **Brandon Satrom Returns! Blues SVP talks Starnote, and cheap Satellite Communication!** (2025-02-05, 33m): Episode 169. Ian Wiggins introduces Blues SVP Brandon Satrom to discuss the StarNote, a satellite communication accessory for Blues Wireless Note Cards that enables failover connectivity via JSON commands. Satrom explains how StarNote for Skylo lowers the barrier to entry for IoT satellite data by offering prepaid kilobyte-based plans instead of expensive monthly subscriptions, targeting use cases like asset tracking in remote areas. The episode also covers the winner of a Seeed Studio SenseCAP S2104 competition, Embedded World student initiatives, and a deep dive into Zigbee versus Thread protocols by YouTuber Great Scott. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2025-02-05-brandon-satrom-returns-blues-svp-talks-starnote-and-cheap-satellite-communicatio - **Vintage Tractor goes EV, Beautiful 1978 Radio Upcycle, $10 EdgeAI Camera, and more!** (2025-01-30, 20m): Episode 168. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 168! Today we get way too enthusiastic about upcycling, whether it's a Massey Ferguson 65 getting the EV treatment, at 1978 'Jackal' portable sound and vision machine getting a #Teensy and #ESP32 upgrade, and we also look at an #EdgeAI camera making training #AI models with #EdgeImpulse easier than ever! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the… - **Maker Wizardry, LoRaWAN Decade Long Battery Life Sensors, The Cutest Hacking Tool Ever, and More!** (2025-01-23, 24m): Episode 167. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 167! This week we discover ingenious DIY smart home wizardry, a wizard's staff that's smarter than most, a cloak that predicts rain, 10 kilometer range #LoRaWAN sensors and much more! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our shop:… - **Pi 5 16GB, Arduino protokits, ESP32 variants and much more!** (2025-01-16, 25m): Episode 166. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 166! This week we reflect on our huge Red Pitaya EduPack giveaway, ask who will buy the new Pi5 16GB variant, and look at a quite specialized ESP32 C61 devkit! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our shop: https://www.electromaker.io/shop Join us on… - **Raspberry PI 500 released! Arduino Nano Matter released! AI Scale... prototyped!** (2024-12-17, 28m): Episode 164. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 164! New gear bonanza! #RaspberryPi Monitor, #Pi500 released, #Arduino Nano #Matter arrives (with some incredible demos including a #DIY #Thread router) and an amazing #AI Macro scale that sees the food it weighs! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our… - **Raspberry Pi Compute Module 5, nVME Baseboards, WebScreen Clip-On Display, and more!** (2024-12-05, 20m): Episode 163. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 163! The Compute Module 5 from Raspberry Pi has landed! We also looks at the Pimoroni nVME Base for #RaspberryPi 5 (and give one away), along with on demand Mouser webinars and WebScreen, a mini #ESP32 hackable with #JavaScript display! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and… - **Amazing Open Source Raspberry Pi Pico 2 Synth, Cutting Edge Power over Skin Research, and much more!** (2024-11-09, 31m): Episode 161. The host discusses the Dodepan, an open-source synthesizer by Tori Skandura built around the Raspberry Pi Pico 2, and cutting-edge 'Power Over Skin' research from Carnegie Mellon University's Future Interfaces Group. He highlights Espressif's ESP32-S3-Box-3B as the Product of the Week, noting its integrated touchscreen, audio, and expansion capabilities, while also covering automated soldering innovations by Bad Obsession Motorsport and OpenScan. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-11-09-amazing-open-source-raspberry-pi-pico-2-synth-cutting-edge-power-over-skin-resea - **Quake on an Arduino Nano Matter, new Raspberry Pi SSD kits, Nordic nRF54L series, and more!** (2024-10-25, 27m): Episode 160. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 160! This week we see a jaw dropping Quake port on an #Arduino Nano #Matter board, learn about #raspberrypi putting out branded SSDs and HAT+ kits, dive into Nordic's new nRF54L15 chip for #BLE, plus much more! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our… - **New Arduino Pro Enviro Board, Winamp on the ESP32 Cardputer, Carcinogens in 3D Printing and more!** (2024-10-16, 25m): Episode 159. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 159! This week we peruse a pair of promising projects, dig into the new #arduino Nicla Environmental Sensor module, and get wowed by a wonderful winamp clone on the #ESP32 based #M5Stack Cardputer Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our shop:… - **Mystery Raspberry Pi hardware, beautiful ESP32 ZX Spectrum, Stretchy PCBs and MUCH more!** (2024-10-09, 35m): Episode 158. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 158! This week we dive into uncharted Raspberry Pi hardware territory, get giddy over the M5Stack Cardputer ESP32 devkit, Stretch our imaginations with two deformable PCB projects, explore solderless pcb prototyping and much more! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many… - **Amazing hacks, singing MCUs, Raspberry Pi AI camera, tiny robot ESP32 devboards, and more!** (2024-10-03, 23m): Episode 157. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 157! This week a slightly sick Ian shows some wondersou Maker projects, a brand new and utterly tiny ESP32 C3 devboard for robotics, discovers the new Raspberry Pi AI camera module, and shares a 5 devboard that's faster than most and circuitpython compatible! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio,… - **Jumperless V5 Creator Interview! Arduino Alvik Giveaway, Raspberry Pi VSCode Extension, and more!** (2024-09-25, 39m): Episode 156. Kevin Cappucio, creator of the Jumperless project, discusses the release of Jumperless V5, a software-defined breadboard that eliminates jumper cables using analog crossbar switches and the RP2350B microcontroller. The episode highlights the board's ability to provide real-time voltage and current profiling via 451 LEDs and a dedicated probe, alongside a demonstration of Bitluni's LED magnet matrix using binary code modulation. Additionally, the host covers the new Raspberry Pi Pico VSCode extension for streamlined development and introduces the Arduino Alvik robotics kit as the product of the week. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-09-25-jumperless-v5-creator-interview-arduino-alvik-giveaway-raspberry-pi-vscode-exten - **Accessibility-focused Maker builds, Texas Instruments Giveaway, New Nordic Cellular IoT, and more!** (2024-09-19, 28m): Episode 155. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 155! This week we giveaway a Texas Instruments MSPM0C1104 LaunchPad Devkit, announce the winner of the Arduino Plug and Make kit, look at Nordic's new flagship #Cellular #IoT parts, along with some accessible Maker projects! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more!… - **Brandon Satrom, Blues SVP interview! Proxmox x86 Clusters! mmWave Sensing, and more!** (2024-09-06, 32m): Episode 154. Brandon Satrom, Senior Vice President of Blues, discusses the collaboration with Arduino on the Opta PLC, a micro PLC designed to bring industrial connectivity to smaller applications. The episode highlights the Blues Wireless Opta Kit, which integrates cellular and LoRaWAN connectivity into the Arduino ecosystem via NoteHub, allowing for secure, IT-friendly industrial monitoring. Additionally, the show covers Robin Mitchell’s tutorial on building Proxmox x86 clusters using Zima Blade single-board servers, and explores the use of mmWave sensors for human presence detection in Home Assistant setups. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-09-06-brandon-satrom-blues-svp-interview-proxmox-x86-clusters-mmwave-sensing-and-more - **Arduino Plug and Make Giveaway, Hacking Walmart LED panels, Flexible Arduinos and more!** (2024-08-30, 32m): Episode 153. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 153! Retro Trolley racing, Arduino Plug and Make Giveaway, more RP2350 goodness and hacking terrible but good Walmart LED panels! We also announce the winner of our ongoing Blues LoRaWAN Starter Kit competition! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, Pimoroni, Sparkfun, and many more! Browse our… - **New 2GB Raspberry Pi Benchmarked, E-Ink Typewriters, ARM SBC Laptops, and much more!** (2024-08-24, 27m): Episode 152. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 152! Today we discover just how far someone will go for the perfect Stroop Waffle, receive a home automation mission from Gandalf, discover modular laptops and e-ink typewriters and learn about just how powerful the new 2GB variant of the Raspberry Pi really is! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed… - **Interview with Zach Supalla - Particle CEO! Tachyon 5G SBC! Blues LoRaWAN Starter Kit!** (2024-08-19, 1h 03m): Episode 151. Zach Supalla, CEO of Particle, discusses the launch of the Particle Tachyon, a 5G single-board computer that leverages Qualcomm Snapdragon hardware with mainline Linux support to bridge the gap between microcontrollers and complex IoT applications. He explains Particle's 10-year evolution from the Spark Core to a comprehensive edge-to-cloud platform, emphasizing their focus on making scalable, secure, and reliable IoT infrastructure accessible to both hobbyists and enterprise customers. The episode also covers the Blues LoRaWAN Starter Kit, highlighting its ease of use for building low-power wireless networks via a unified JSON API. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-08-19-interview-with-zach-supalla-particle-ceo-tachyon-5g-sbc-blues-lorawan-starter-ki - **Raspberry Pi Pico 2 released! Particle Tachyon 5G SBC! So Many RP2350 devkits! Hoorah!** (2024-08-14, 43m): Episode 150. The host of The Electromaker Show details the release of the Raspberry Pi Pico 2 and its RP2350 microcontroller, highlighting the dual-core architecture (ARM Cortex-M33 and RISC-V Hazard 3), increased SRAM, and new security features like TrustZone. He also covers the Particle Tachyon, a 5G single-board computer on Kickstarter that uses smartphone-grade Qualcomm hardware and runs upstream Linux. Finally, he reviews several third-party RP2350 development boards from Adafruit, Seeed Studio, and others, noting their form factors and specific use cases. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-08-14-raspberry-pi-pico-2-released-particle-tachyon-5g-sbc-so-many-rp2350-devkits-hoor - **Red Pitaya gets even more Incredible, Lego Planetarium meets Arduino, Autotuned Kazoo, and More!** (2024-08-02, 20m): Episode 149. The host reviews Red Pitaya's STEMlab 125-14 and MIKROE Click Add On Shield, describing the FPGA-based board as a versatile 'Swiss Army Knife' for engineers that can function as an oscilloscope, logic analyzer, or software-defined radio. Guy Dupont’s Autotuned Kazoo project is highlighted, featuring an ESP32-S3 and MEMS microphone to create a wireless MIDI controller and synthesizer using a sawtooth wave trick. Robin Mitchell’s Electromaker Educator segment demonstrates a voice-controlled Lego Planetarium upgrade using an Arduino Nano 33 IoT and stepper motors, while Wiznet’s announcement of the W55RP20 chip combining an Ethernet controller with an RP2040 is also noted. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-electromaker-show/2024-08-02-red-pitaya-gets-even-more-incredible-lego-planetarium-meets-arduino-autotuned-ka - **Arduino Plug and Make Kit, FPGA mixing console on 1990s OS/2, and much more!** (2024-07-26, 30m): Episode 148. This week's Electromaker Show is now available on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts! Welcome to the Electromaker Show episode 148! Today we discover the new Arduino Plug and Make kit, marvel at an incredible project merging audio processing on an FPGA with retro computing, look at an inventive non-MCU custom game controller and see the effort involved in bringing open source the ESP32 MAC! Tune in for the latest maker, tech, DIY, IoT, embedded, and crowdfunding news stories from the week. Watch the show! We publish a new show every week. Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiMO2NHYWNiVTzyGsPYn4DA?sub_confirmation=1 We stock the latest products from Adafruit, Seeed… ## EMS@C-LEVEL Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level Interviews with executives of electronics manufacturing services companies on their businesses, their customers and the state of the contract electronics manufacturing industry. - Categories: Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Operations, Electronics, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-11 - Feed: https://rss.buzzsprout.com/1251833.rss - Website: https://emsatc.buzzsprout.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **How Costa Rica Attracts High-Tech Investment Through Procomer, with CEO Laura López** (2026-10-11, 3m): Costa Rica is quietly becoming one of the most practical case studies in how to win advanced manufacturing without hype. We’re on the ground at the inauguration of a second Zollner facility in Costa Rica, and I’m joined by Laura López, CEO from PROCOMER to unpack what’s really driving the country’s momentum in medical devices, electronics manufacturing, and semiconductors. We talk about what PROCOMER actually does day to day: promoting Costa Rica around the world, supporting exporters, and helping global companies arrive, invest, and grow. That work shows up in a way you can see and feel on an industrial estate that started with early movers and is now packed with new buildings, expanding… - **Costa Rica Manufacturing Momentum: with Stephan Weiss, CEO at Zollner Electronics Inc.** (2026-10-05, 6m): A customer hears “Costa Rica” and thinks rainforests and beaches. Then they walk into a spotless factory, meet a sharp engineering team, and suddenly nearshoring feels like the smartest move on the roadmap. From the inauguration of Zollner’s expansion in Costa Rica, I’m joined by Stephan Weiss, CEO for the Americas, to unpack how manufacturing credibility is built and why this region keeps surprising people who have not visited the floor. We talk through the growth story from the early Milpitas days in Silicon Valley, the steady expansion, and how added facilities and acquisitions create a stronger Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) network. Stephan explains what it takes to move a… - **Standardized Systems Make Global Manufacturing Agility Possible: with Zollner's Martin Eisenhart** (2026-09-23, 7m): Tariffs, regulations, and supply shocks are forcing a hard question: can your electronics manufacturing network move fast without breaking quality? We’re at Zollner in Costa Rica with Martin Eisenhart, who leads global operations in Electronics, to dig into what actually makes an EMS footprint resilient and scalable when customer expectations keep rising. We get specific about the operational backbone that enables control across multiple factories: one ERP across the group, one MES, and one traceability system. That standardization creates real transparency in the global supply chain, helps benchmark performance site to site, and keeps processes aligned as products get more complex in… - **How Zollner Scaled From Startup To 400 Jobs In Cartago with General Manager Octavio Matus** (2026-09-22, 8m): You can feel it the moment you walk into a great factory: the pace is confident, the details are tight, and the people carry real pride in what they build. That’s what I hear again and again as I sit down in Costa Rica with Octavio Matus, General Manager of Zollner Costa Rica, for a candid look at how a site grows from early uncertainty into a high-performing electronics manufacturing operation. We talk about the real startup work behind an EMS launch: developing local suppliers, training teams, and building a culture that lasts. Octavio shares why retention and loyalty are not “soft” topics at all, but a hard advantage for quality, speed, and problem-solving. When your leaders and… - **How Geopolitics Is Reshaping Electronics Manufacturing: Zollner's Markus Aschenbrenner in Costa Rica** (2026-09-15, 8m): The map for global manufacturing is changing fast, and it’s not just about who can build it cheapest anymore. From Costa Rica, I’m joined by Markus Aschenbrenner, Member of the Managing Board of Zollner, to unpack what’s actually driving electronics manufacturing strategy right now: the voice of the customer, the squeeze of geopolitics, and the practical impact of tariffs and IP protection that don’t look like they’re going away. We talk about why regionalization is accelerating and what customers are asking for as they try to protect supply, shorten lead times, and keep access to key markets. Markus shares how a high-tech EMS partner has to think differently, because qualifying a new… - **EMS India Pod with InCap: India Is Not A Low-Cost Manufacturing Bet, It's So Much More** (2026-08-30, 48m): Murthy Munipalli, Managing Director of InCap India, and Otto Pukk, Global President and CEO of InCap, discuss the evolution of InCap India from a small acquired unit into a major electronics manufacturing services (EMS) hub with 2,000+ employees and three factories near Bangalore. They argue that India is no longer a low-cost labor destination but a strategic base for advanced manufacturing, driven by engineering depth, IP protection, and democratic stability. The conversation covers InCap's recent investments in AI-driven SMT lines and flying probe testers to serve massive American conglomerates, as well as the broader growth of the Indian EMS market, which is projected to reach $150 billion by 2030. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-08-30-ems-india-pod-with-incap-india-is-not-a-low-cost-manufacturing-bet-its-so-much-m - **The EMS India Pod: How India Is Building A World Class Electronics Supply Chain, Gaurab Majumdar, VP, Global Electronics Association** (2026-08-30, 31m): Gaurab Majumdar, Vice President at the Global Electronics Association, explains how India is transitioning from hype to tangible execution in electronics manufacturing, driven by the PLI scheme and a new component manufacturing scheme. He details the geographic distribution of manufacturing hubs, from Bangalore’s defense roots to Gujarat’s semiconductor ambitions, and highlights the rapid growth in IPC certifications and workforce training initiatives. Majumdar emphasizes the importance of bridging the gap between academia and shop-floor skills, while navigating complex government relations and raw material supply chain dependencies to support global OEMs and SMEs alike. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-08-30-the-ems-india-pod-how-india-is-building-a-world-class-electronics-supply-chain-g - **Trade, Tariffs and Trust: The Case for a Global Electronics Policy Council, with Chris Mitchell** (2026-07-30, 18m): Chris Mitchell, Vice President for Global Government Relations at the Global Electronics Association, explains the creation of the Global Electronics Policy Council (GEPC) as a new mechanism for global electronics companies to engage with governments on trade and industrial policy. He details the council's founding members, including EMS, PCB, and IC substrate companies, and its goal to provide a trusted, two-way channel for industry insights and government strategy. Mitchell outlines the GEPC's 12-month success metrics, focusing on expanding global representation, establishing credibility with policymakers, and producing actionable industry intelligence on critical issues like tariffs and USMCA. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-07-30-trade-tariffs-and-trust-the-case-for-a-global-electronics-policy-council-with-ch - **How A Cornwall EMS Company Scales With Defense And Aerospace Demand, with Jon Hurrell, Sellectronics** (2026-07-13, 16m): Jon Hurrell, Managing Director at Sellectronics, explains how the UK-based EMS provider scaled from a garage startup to a 52-employee operation handling complex SMT assembly for defense and aerospace clients. He details the supply chain disruptions caused by AI data center demand, which has stretched PCB lead times and created shortages for high-end BGAs and FPGAs. Hurrell describes the strategic shift from chasing prime suppliers to targeting tier one and two system builders and 'neo primes' in the drone sector, while highlighting the critical challenge of home-growing talent to fill the UK's electronics manufacturing skills gap. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-07-13-how-a-cornwall-ems-company-scales-with-defense-and-aerospace-demand-with-jon-hur - **The PCB Supply Chain Squeeze - A C-Level Special with Confidee's Raymond Goh and TLT's Vytautas Ilgunas** (2026-07-13, 27m): Raymond Goh of Confidee and Vytautas Ilgunas of TLT PCB discuss the severe PCB supply chain squeeze driven by AI server demand and upstream material shortages. They explain how capacity loss in European laminate manufacturing, combined with resin shortages from Middle East conflicts, has created lead times of up to nine months for advanced materials. The guests highlight that availability now trumps price, forcing customers to approve alternate laminates and reserve capacity years in advance to avoid production halts. They argue that rebuilding a complete European electronic manufacturing ecosystem, from sand to assembly, requires long-term policy support rather than short-term urgency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-07-13-the-pcb-supply-chain-squeeze-a-c-level-special-with-confidees-raymond-goh-and-tl - **How PTG Electronics Wins in Low Volume, High Mix, Mid-Complexity Manufacturing, with CEO Nick Wasserman** (2026-07-07, 16m): Nick Wasserman, CEO of PTG Electronics (formerly Pinnacle Technology Group), explains how the 40-year-old Southeast Michigan EMS provider rebranded to clarify its focus on low-volume, high-mix, mid-complexity manufacturing. He details the strategic value of their recent AS9100 aerospace certification and the surge in drone hardware inquiries from startups needing design-for-manufacturability support. Wasserman also discusses how AI-driven quoting tools and prototype bots are accelerating speed-to-quote, while addressing supply chain turbulence including memory constraints and emerging FR4 laminate issues. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-07-07-how-ptg-electronics-wins-in-low-volume-high-mix-mid-complexity-manufacturing-wit - **From CEO to Owner, Carsten Ellermeier of Deltec on How Ownership Changes Everything** (2026-07-02, 25m): Carsten Ellermeier, CEO and owner of Deltec Group, explains how he acquired the German EMS company out of insolvency in late 2024 and has since diversified its revenue away from automotive passenger cars to reduce concentration risk. He details Deltec's strategic shift toward vertical integration, including a new partnership with Panasonic for guided manual assembly and the acquisition of a former Circor facility in Tunisia for wire harness and plastic injection capabilities. Ellermeier also discusses the current supply chain pressures regarding PCB laminate and tantalum capacitors, emphasizing transparent forecasting and hard-but-fair relationships with suppliers like Shengyi and King Board to maintain stability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-07-02-from-ceo-to-owner-carsten-ellermeier-of-deltec-on-how-ownership-changes-everythi - **Otto Pukk on INCAP’s 2026 Playbook From Acquisition Integration To Organic Growth** (2026-06-15, 24m): Otto Pukk, President and CEO of INCAP, discusses the company's strategic focus on organic growth and integration following the acquisition of Lacon. He details how INCAP is managing supply chain disruptions caused by AI-driven semiconductor demand and navigating tariffs as a 'new normal.' Pukk also outlines the company's balanced approach to the defense sector, emphasizing agility in serving both legacy multinationals and innovative drone startups. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-06-15-otto-pukk-on-incaps-2026-playbook-from-acquisition-integration-to-organic-growth - **Building Unified Intelligence For The Electronics Supply Chain: Christoph Solka, Global Electronics Association** (2026-06-08, 15m): Christoph Solka, Director of Industry Intelligence at the Global Electronics Association, explains the consolidation of the European EMS, European PCB, and Global NVI programs into a unified intelligence platform. He details the strategy of strengthening the IT foundation to handle larger-scale data collection while preserving the trusted methodologies of predecessors Randall Sherman and Dieter Weiss. Solka highlights the diverging regional trends in Europe, where Western Europe struggles with automotive weakness and insolvencies, while Eastern Europe and the Nordics benefit from AI infrastructure and defense spending. The discussion concludes with an analysis of industry resilience, noting that 42% of companies improved margins through cost control despite falling revenues. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-06-08-building-unified-intelligence-for-the-electronics-supply-chain-christoph-solka-g - **On Location at ALL Circuits: President & CEO Bruno Racault on Disruption in European Automotive Manufacturing** (2026-05-27, 10m): Bruno Racault, President & CEO of ALL Circuits, explains how the company pivoted early to support the automotive industry's shift from internal combustion engines to electric vehicles (EVs). He details the strategic decision by carmakers to retain engineering and intellectual property in-house, relying on EMS partners like ALL Circuits for PCB assembly and process discipline rather than full ECU design. Racault highlights the competitive advantage of proximity to European OEMs, offering faster iteration and DFX feedback compared to the lower costs but longer lead times of Chinese manufacturing. The conversation also covers the company's agility in adapting to market changes and the mutual learning relationship with Chinese manufacturers, where Europe provides innovation while China excels in execution. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-05-27-on-location-at-all-circuits-president-ceo-bruno-racault-on-disruption-in-europea - **Disrupting German Manufacturing Through One-Stop Scale: Florian Weiss, HANZA (BMK)** (2026-05-26, 4m): What if you could move a complex hardware product from dispersed vendors to one accountable partner—and do it in three months? I sit down with Florian Weiss, HANZA's Head of Business Development Region Central Europe to unpack how BMK scaled a Raspberry Pi-based platform beyond PCBA into a complete, end-to-end manufacturing solution that absorbs production and logistics so teams can focus on sales, R&D, and marketing. The story isn’t theory; it’s the playbook for turning hundreds of components and many suppliers into a single, flexible pipeline that ships thousands of units, yet still delivers in quantities as low as one. We dig into the mechanics of transfer—tooling and test migration,… - **On Location at ALL Circuits: Deputy CEO Stephane Klajzyngier Explains How They Are Turning Global Scale Into Faster Wins** (2026-05-26, 13m): Stephane Klajzyngier, Deputy CEO of ALL Circuits, discusses the 12-month progress of the acquisition by DBG, highlighting shared CapEx on SMT machines, AOI, and printers to win new business. He explains how combining global footprints allows them to target large OEMs with multi-million dollar RFQs across North America, Europe, and Asia, including Chinese customers seeking non-China manufacturing. The partnership has enabled entry into the AI server market, where ramp times are measured in weeks rather than months, requiring significant investment readiness. Finally, Klajzyngier identifies humanoid robots for elder care and smart glasses electronics as key future manufacturing opportunities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-05-26-on-location-at-all-circuits-deputy-ceo-stephane-klajzyngier-explains-how-they-ar - **IMI Shifts From Turnaround Mode To Focused Growth - with CEO Lou Hughes** (2026-05-19, 23m): Lou Hughes, CEO of IMI, explains how the company shifted from a turnaround mode to focused growth by consolidating its global footprint from nearly 15 sites to six, reducing net debt from $280 million to $110 million, and investing in mechanical capabilities like injection molding and machining in the Philippines and Mexico. Hughes details IMI's strategic bets on high-growth segments, including power module packaging for EVs and data centers, driver monitoring cameras, and megatronics controls, while leveraging a 'strategic supplier initiative' to add value in electromechanical commodities. The conversation highlights IMI's intentional approach to supply chain resilience, noting the shift of power module and camera manufacturing potential to India, and the continued cost-effectiveness of China operations despite geopolitical pressures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-05-19-imi-shifts-from-turnaround-mode-to-focused-growth-with-ceo-lou-hughes - **The STI Acquisition Repositions NOTE For Long-Term Defense Programs, with NOTE CEO Johannes Lind-Widestam** (2026-05-17, 18m): Johannes Lind-Widestam, CEO of NOTE, discusses the strategic acquisition of STI, which adds three specialized UK sites (including former Chief of Air Staff Sir Michael Wigston on the board) to strengthen NOTE's position in defense manufacturing. He outlines a diversified sector outlook, highlighting strong growth in security, defense, and industrial, while noting softer performance in medtech and fluctuating green tech. Lind-Widestam also addresses supply chain headwinds, including memory constraints and AI-driven foundry pressure, and details NOTE's regional strategy of balancing organic growth with disciplined M&A to achieve 10-15% annual growth beyond 2026. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-05-17-the-sti-acquisition-repositions-note-for-long-term-defense-programs-with-note-ce - **How EMS Can Scale Defense Production Faster, with Kitron's CEO Peter Nilsson** (2026-05-01, 12m): Peter Nilsson, CEO of Kitron Group, explains how the company scaled defense electronics revenue from roughly 44 million to nearly 140 million euros by serving both legacy primes and agile defense tech startups. He details the operational challenges of rapid ramp-ups, including component decommitments from distributors, and the solution of using AI agents within ERP systems to automate supply chain planning. Nilsson also discusses the strategic integration of the Delta Nordic acquisition, the shift toward organic growth mixed with targeted M&A, and broader demand drivers in AI data centers and industrial IoT. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-05-01-how-ems-can-scale-defense-production-faster-with-kitrons-ceo-peter-nilsson - **How Vertical Integration Builds Smarter Defense Supply Chains with HANZA CSO Mattias Lindhe** (2026-04-29, 6m): War has sped up everything—demand signals, lead times, and the tolerance for fragile supply chains. I sit down with Mattia Lindhe, HANZA's Chief Strategy Officer at their recent Capital Markets Day to dig into HANZA's Lynx program’s twofold mission: deliver urgent support for Ukraine while building a stronger, more resilient European defense base that can scale locally and reliably. Along the way, we open the toolbox on what HANZA's twin superpowers: deep vertical integration that spans heavy mechanics to electronics, and advisory services that rewire supply chains for speed, flexibility, and lower tied-up capital. From there, we take a sober look at drones. Everyone has a drone program,… - **How HANZA Blends ESG, Vertical Integration, And Smart Acquisitions To Scale with CFO Lars Åkerblom** (2026-04-28, 6m): What happens when a manufacturer treats values as part of an operating system, not a slide? I sit down with HANZA CFO Lars Åkerblom at their recent Capital Markets Day to unpack how code of conduct and sustainability guide every decision—from factory floor safety and anti-corruption to transparent relationships with customers, suppliers, and investors—and why that stance fuels both resilience and growth. We trace the recent uptick in organic momentum as customer activity returns and orders turn into revenue, then dig into how vertical integration turns execution into advantage. By pulling more of the value chain inside, HANZA cuts handoffs, speeds problem-solving, and earns room to… - **EMS & The Economist: How AI Data Centers Are Reshaping Memory Prices And Supply with Shawn DuBravac** (2026-04-27, 21m): Shawn DuBravac, Chief Economist of the Global Electronics Association, explains how AI data centers are creating a 'memory squeeze' by consuming scarce semiconductor resources and driving up prices, even when availability remains stable. He discusses the inflationary impact of the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz tensions on energy and shipping costs, noting a divergence where AI and defense sectors remain strong while consumer electronics faces headwinds from reduced discretionary spending. DuBravac also highlights the structural shift in global trade, driven by tariffs and geopolitical uncertainty, which is causing lasting momentum in supply chain reconfiguration and increased manufacturing investment in the US and Europe. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ems-c-level/2026-04-27-ems-the-economist-how-ai-data-centers-are-reshaping-memory-prices-and-supply-wit - **Customer-Led Manufacturing Made Easy with Andreas Nordin, HANZA's COO** (2026-04-23, 6m): What if scaling production were as simple as one phone call? I sat down with Andres Nordin, HANZA's COO at their recent Capital Markets Day to unpack a customer-led operating model that turns complex supplier webs into a single, responsive partnership—and why the most valuable technology choices start with pain points, not buzzwords. From defining six core capabilities to exploring a seventh and eighth, we walk through how real quote requests shape investment in sub-technologies like specialized welding and assembly, keeping capital focused on outcomes customers actually want. The conversation gets tactical on supply chain rewiring. Instead of managing forty suppliers to move capacity 20%… - **Vertical Integration as a Superpower with HANZA Founder & CEO Erik Stenfors** (2026-04-22, 4m): What if your supply chain felt like one well-run factory instead of a maze of vendors and shifting promises? I sit down with founder and CEO Erik Stenfors at Hanza's Capital Markets Day in Stockholm to unpack a simple but powerful idea: build a manufacturing partner the way a buyer wishes it worked. That means vertical integration where it counts, smart outsourcing where it helps, and a single accountable brain coordinating many capable hands. We walk through the evolution from scattered globalization to an orchestrated model that turns fixed costs variable, reduces delivery risk, and makes room for growth. As Erik explains, HANZA's framework runs on three axes—geography, technology, and… ## The Robot Report Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast The Robot Report's weekly show on the robotics industry, in conversation with roboticists and the companies building robots for warehouses, factories, construction and other physical work. - Categories: Robotics, Manufacturing, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-09 - Apple Podcasts: 39 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:830627836/sounds.rss - Website: https://www.therobotreport.com/category/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Why humanoid robot demos still fail the generalization test** (2026-10-09, 1h 18m): Janine Sinanan-Singh, Director of Gen AI Research at Appen, explains why humanoid robot demos often fail the generalization test, emphasizing that high-quality egocentric video data and human judgment are critical for training models that can handle out-of-distribution tasks. She discusses the shift from classical robotics to AI-driven approaches, noting that while foundation models like Gemini offer zero-shot capabilities, latency and the need for intent understanding remain significant hurdles. The conversation also covers the role of synthetic data in scaling training, the importance of multi-agent systems for safety, and the economic pressures driving token optimization in AI development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-10-09-why-humanoid-robot-demos-still-fail-the-generalization-test - **Inside Omron’s Next-Generation LD Mobile Robots** (2026-10-02, 1h 07m): Miguel Garces Moreno, Product Marketing Manager for AMRs at Omron, discusses the European robotics market, highlighting growth in collaborative robots and AMRs driven by labor shortages and supply chain pressures. He previews the next-generation LD150 and LD300 mobile robots, which feature faster wireless charging, 360-degree safety coverage, and improved serviceability through modular design. The conversation emphasizes Omron's strategy to differentiate through software, navigation, and fleet management rather than hardware alone, while addressing the critical role of system integrators in deploying mobile manipulators and ensuring interoperability across multi-brand fleets. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-10-02-inside-omrons-next-generation-ld-mobile-robots - **General Robotics Is Betting on Modular Intelligence, Not One Robot Brain** (2026-09-25, 1h 04m): Sai Vemprala, CTO of General Robotics, explains how the company’s Grid platform addresses the gap between robotics research and real-world deployment by using modular, robot-agnostic intelligence rather than a single monolithic 'robot brain.' He details how Grid combines specialized models for perception, grasp prediction, and motion planning into reusable skills that can be adapted to various robotic form factors, from humanoids to wheeled manipulators. Vemprala also discusses the platform's architecture, which separates heavy reasoning on the cloud from safety-critical operations on the edge, and emphasizes that enterprises retain full ownership of their proprietary data and custom skills. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-09-25-general-robotics-is-betting-on-modular-intelligence-not-one-robot-brain - **The picks-and-shovels strategy behind the robotics boom** (2026-09-18, 1h 26m): Teddy Haggerty, founder and CEO of RoboStore and Robo Inc., explains his strategy of selling 'picks and shovels' in the robotics boom by focusing on distribution, education, and integration rather than building general-purpose humanoids. He details how RoboStore became the North American distributor for Unitree robots, leveraging his background in drones and crypto to build a curriculum-based sales model. Haggerty then describes the pivot to Robo Inc., where his company localizes solutions by integrating third-party hardware and software stacks to address specific use cases in healthcare, security, education, and small business, effectively acting as a systems integrator and robotic service provider. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-09-18-the-picks-and-shovels-strategy-behind-the-robotics-boom - **One brick at a time: How Monumental uses robotics to build walls** (2026-09-11, 1h 18m): Salar al Khafaji, CEO and founder of Monumental, explains how his company automates on-site bricklaying by selling 'walls as a service' rather than robots. He details the fleet of custom mobile robots—Pizza, Petra, and Pantheon—that work together to extrude mortar and place bricks, guided by their software platform Atrium. Al Khafaji discusses the engineering challenges of using computer vision in harsh construction environments, the decision to build custom hardware because off-the-shelf AGVs didn't meet their needs, and the company's expansion into the UK and Netherlands. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-09-11-one-brick-at-a-time-how-monumental-uses-robotics-to-build-walls - **How FPGAs become the gatekeepers of Physical AI Security** (2026-09-04, 1h 08m): Eric Sivertson, VP of Security Business at Lattice Semiconductor, explains how FPGAs provide deterministic guardrails for physical AI and robotics, addressing the shift from traditional IT risk to real-world safety risks. He details how FPGAs can monitor system buses in real-time to enforce cyber resilience, ensuring that probabilistic AI decisions are checked against deterministic hardware constraints. The discussion highlights the vulnerability of main processors like GPUs and MCUs, which lack internal non-volatile memory, and positions Lattice's Root of Trust (ROT) components as essential for secure boot and runtime recovery. Sivertson argues that integrating these security features early in the design cycle is critical for humanoids and autonomous systems to gain market trust and avoid regulatory backlash. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-09-04-how-fpgas-become-the-gatekeepers-of-physical-ai-security - **From Teach-and-Repeat to SelfPath AI: The next robotics leap** (2026-08-28, 1h 20m): John Black, CTO of Brain Corp, explains how the company scaled its autonomous mobile robot fleet to over 50,000 units and evolved its Brain OS platform from simple teach-and-repeat navigation to the AI-driven Self-Path system. He details the engineering challenges of deploying robots in public spaces, the strategic value of OEM partnerships with companies like Tennant and Walmart, and the transition from cleaning robots to inventory intelligence and manipulation via Project Braun. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-28-from-teach-and-repeat-to-selfpath-ai-the-next-robotics-leap - **How software-defined manufacturing fits into real factory operation** (2026-08-21, 1h 07m): Roby Lynn, founder and CEO of R2 Labs, explains how his company’s R2 Autonomy Controller bridges the gap between legacy OT systems (PLCs, robots) and modern IT tools (MES, ERP) in industrial manufacturing. He details the product's ability to orchestrate production assets, integrate AI-based vision inspection, and run models locally on GPU-accelerated hardware to avoid cloud dependencies. Lynn also shares lessons from building the company, emphasizing the importance of customer feedback, pragmatic design over 'cool' technology, and addressing the workforce talent crunch in legacy automation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-21-how-software-defined-manufacturing-fits-into-real-factory-operation - **How Protolabs turns CAD files into parts in under 24 hours** (2026-08-14, 1h 12m): Marc Kermisch, CTO and AI Officer at Protolabs, explains how the company uses AI and simulation to turn CAD files into physical parts in under 24 hours across CNC machining, 3D printing, injection molding, and sheet metal. He details how ProDesk flags manufacturability issues like tight tolerances and ejector locations, while internal AI tools optimize print box placement and visual quality inspection. Kermisch also discusses the critical tradeoffs between prototyping and production, highlighting common design mistakes such as non-uniform wall thickness and missing draft angles that engineers must address before tooling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-14-how-protolabs-turns-cad-files-into-parts-in-under-24-hours - **Building robots that survive the warehouse** (2026-08-07, 51m): Josh Cloer, General Manager for North America at No Magic, explains how the company applies 'physical AI' and vision-language-action (VLA) models to warehouse each-picking and recovery workflows. He emphasizes that No Magic’s competitive advantage lies in using real-world production data rather than simulation to handle edge cases, such as flexible shoebox handling. The discussion covers the shift from batch to continuous 'always-on' operations, the integration of AI layers onto existing hardware like ASRS, and strategies for de-risking automation adoption for supply chain leaders. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-08-07-building-robots-that-survive-the-warehouse - **FCC robot ruling shines a spotlight on U.S. policy; how next-gen AI can help warehousing** (2026-07-31, 1h 29m): Derik Pridmore, CEO and co-founder of OSARO, explains how warehouse robotics has evolved from limited perception systems to adaptable AI-driven automation, emphasizing hardware-agnostic design, continuous learning, and real-world monitoring. He details OSARO's use of low-cost cameras, specialized models for specific tasks, and a suite of models to balance generality with the specificity required for reliable production. The episode also covers the FCC's new ruling banning imports of foreign advanced robots, including humanoids and mobile robots, citing cybersecurity and supply chain protection as primary drivers, while noting the broad scope and potential contradictions of the policy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-07-31-fcc-robot-ruling-shines-a-spotlight-on-u-s-policy-how-next-gen-ai-can-help-wareh - **Unlocking the Power of Time Series Databases for Industrial and Robotic Systems** (2026-07-24, 1h 06m): Doug Pagnutti, Developer Advocate at Tiger Data, explains how TimescaleDB, a PostgreSQL extension for time series data, helps robotics developers manage high-volume telemetry, spatial, and multimodal data. He details strategies for edge-to-cloud data synchronization, the use of continuous aggregates and compression to handle fleet-scale data, and integrating with industrial tools like Ignition and MQTT. The conversation also covers the emerging need for hybrid search stacks to combine temporal data with vector embeddings for AI-driven maintenance and fleet optimization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-07-24-unlocking-the-power-of-time-series-databases-for-industrial-and-robotic-systems - **Transforming Solar Construction Through Robotics with Deise Yumi Asami** (2026-07-17, 1h 00m): Deise Yumi Asami, founder of Maximo Robotics, an AI-enabled robotics startup incubated within the AES corporation, explains how their robotic system automates utility-scale solar panel installation to improve speed, safety, and project certainty. Asami details the engineering challenges of designing a dual-arm robot capable of handling heavy, variable modules in harsh outdoor environments without requiring changes to existing supply chain components. She also describes the strategic advantage of having a captive internal customer (AES) that allows for rapid iteration, real-world testing across diverse US climates, and frank feedback loops that accelerate product development and commercialization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-07-17-transforming-solar-construction-through-robotics-with-deise-yumi-asami - **How Path Robotics uses AI to optimize robotic welding** (2026-07-10, 1h 16m): Andy Lonsberry, CEO and co-founder of Path Robotics, explains how his company uses AI, specifically reinforcement learning and real-time visual feedback, to make robotic welding adaptive and capable of handling complex, non-repeatable industrial environments. He details the development of 'Obsidian,' a neural simulator that allows robots to weld with high first-pass yields without relying on perfect CAD models, and discusses the launch of 'Rove,' a mobile welding platform built on Boston Dynamics' Spot quadruped for shipbuilding and construction. Lonsberry also outlines Path Robotics' 'Robotics as a Service' business model, which delivers welding outcomes rather than just hardware, and notes the company's recent Series D2 funding and rapid scaling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-07-10-how-path-robotics-uses-ai-to-optimize-robotic-welding - **Automate 2026 Show Recap** (2026-07-02, 1h 02m): Steve Crowe, Mike Oitzman, and Sarah Wynn recap Automate 2026, noting the industry's pivot from humanoid hype to practical Physical AI and edge computing. They highlight ABB's collaboration with Nvidia on sim-to-real training, Rockwell Automation's FactoryTalk Orchestration, and Sereact's zero-shot picking for e-grocery logistics. The hosts also critique the lack of moving industrial humanoids at the show, contrasting stationary displays from Boston Dynamics and Agility Robotics with real-world deployments by Figure AI. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-07-02-automate-2026-show-recap - **Insights Behind Kinisi’s Acquisition by Bear Robotics** (2026-06-29, 47m): Bren Pierce, founder and CEO of Kinisi, discusses his company's acquisition by Bear Robotics, explaining that the deal combines Kinisi’s humanoid robotics expertise and datasets with Bear’s mature fleet-management, cloud, and manufacturing infrastructure. Pierce details the challenge of collecting affordable training data, which led to the development of a low-cost, robot-agnostic glove and gripper system for data collection. The near-term focus is on making the KR1 robot reliable in real deployments and proving ROI in warehouses, hotels, and restaurants, leveraging Bear’s existing sales channels and supply chain. The episode frames the acquisition as a strategic step toward a broader mobile-manipulation platform, moving the industry from novelty to serious commercial momentum. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-06-29-insights-behind-kinisis-acquisition-by-bear-robotics - **Deep Dive into Arm’s Physical AI and Robotics Strategies with Drew Henry** (2026-06-23, 1h 11m): Drew Henry, Executive Vice President of Arm’s Physical AI business unit, explains how Arm is shifting from component-level design to system-level architecture for robotics and autonomous vehicles. He details the critical engineering constraints of physical AI, including the need for sub-millisecond latency, power efficiency measured in 'tokens per joule per kilogram,' and the integration of perception-driven and interactive-driven compute planes. Henry also discusses Arm's 'Seamless Fabric' software strategy, the industry's reliance on simulation to bridge the data gap for humanoid robots, and the move toward distributed computing architectures to handle complex sensor streams. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-06-23-deep-dive-into-arms-physical-ai-and-robotics-strategies-with-drew-henry - **AI in Warehousing: Akash Gupta's vision for the future** (2026-06-12, 1h 13m): Akash Gupta, CEO and co-founder of GreyOrange, explains the company's strategic pivot from manufacturing AMRs to becoming a pure-play software provider for warehouse orchestration. He details how GreyMatter uses AI and machine learning to optimize fulfillment outcomes rather than just robotic uptime, integrating with various hardware vendors through a certification program. The discussion covers the development of digital twins, predictive analytics, and the use of large language models to enable intent-based warehouse management. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-06-12-ai-in-warehousing-akash-guptas-vision-for-the-future - **Why deterministic real-time systems are more critical than ever in robotics** (2026-06-05, 45m): Winston Leung, Senior Strategic Alliances Manager at QNX, explains how the company’s microkernel architecture provides deterministic real-time performance and safety for physical AI robots. He details QNX’s partnerships with NVIDIA, Intel, and AMD to optimize high-performance computing platforms for robotics developers. The discussion highlights the shift from isolated robotic environments to unstructured human-interaction spaces, necessitating integrated cybersecurity and functional safety standards like ISO 10218. Leung also addresses the integration complexities and regional risk profiles shaping modern robotic software architectures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-06-05-why-deterministic-real-time-systems-are-more-critical-than-ever-in-robotics - **2026 Robotics Summit Recap** (2026-06-02, 54m): Steve Crowe, Brianna, Eugene, and Mike recap the 2026 Robotics Summit in Boston, highlighting key themes like AI integration and the 'worthiness' of robots. They discuss Brian Gerkey’s insights on Open Robotics and the Open Source Robotics Alliance (OSRA), as well as Michael Taylor’s framework for deploying reliable industrial robots at companies like Amazon and GM. The episode concludes with a powerful recap of Noland Arbaugh’s keynote on his journey as the first Neuralink patient and the potential of brain-computer interfaces. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-06-02-2026-robotics-summit-recap - **Exploring PLC and Robot Integration with YRG Robotics Chris Elston** (2026-05-23, 55m): Chris Elston, Chief Robotics Manager at Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) and founder of Mr. PLC, discusses the enduring relevance of Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) in modern automation. He explains how YRG simplifies integration for controls engineers through Add-On Instructions (AOIs) and function blocks that allow ladder logic to control robots and read real-time data like amperage for predictive maintenance. Elston also assesses the current limitations of AI in generating ladder logic while highlighting its potential for debugging and anomaly detection via Python drivers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-23-exploring-plc-and-robot-integration-with-yrg-robotics-chris-elston - **Why the World’s Most Successful Robotics Founders Are Systems Thinkers** (2026-05-15, 1h 13m): Ajay Agarwal, partner at Bain Capital Ventures, discusses his investment philosophy and early backing of Kiva Systems, emphasizing the importance of 'systems thinking' and integrated solutions over isolated hardware innovation. He highlights the critical gap between 'demo-ability' and 'deployability' in robotics, using Kiva's early deployment struggles as a key example of why field testing is essential. The episode also covers the RBR 50 Robotics Innovation Awards, featuring winners like Amazon's Vulcan robot, Physical Intelligence, and Hello Robot's Stretch 4, while noting the launch of Automated Tire's autonomous tire-changing system. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-15-why-the-worlds-most-successful-robotics-founders-are-systems-thinkers - **Why Traditional Robotics Data Collection Is Obsolete and What Replaces It** (2026-05-08, 1h 04m): Eric Chan, chief scientist and co-founder of Rhoda AI, explains the company's Direct Video Action (DVA) model, which uses internet video data to train robots for zero-shot learning. Chan contrasts this approach with traditional Vision-Language-Action (VLA) models, arguing that predicting future video frames provides a more scalable and data-efficient prior for robot control. The discussion covers the technical challenges of low-latency inference, the use of force/tactile inputs, and the future of prompting robots via language or single-shot demonstrations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-08-why-traditional-robotics-data-collection-is-obsolete-and-what-replaces-it - **Inside Colin Angle’s bid to build companion robots with Familiar Machines & Magic** (2026-05-04, 54m): Colin Angle, founder of iRobot, introduces his new venture, Familiar Machines and Magic, which is emerging from stealth to build an empathetic, four-legged robotic companion. The company combines iRobot’s price-performance engineering, Boston Dynamics’ mobility, and Disney’s animatronics to create a pet-like robot with 23 degrees of freedom and a soft, digitally knitted exterior. Angle argues that the future of physical AI lies in emotional connection rather than just industrial efficiency, aiming to ship the first product next year at a cost comparable to owning a pet. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-04-inside-colin-angles-bid-to-build-companion-robots-with-familiar-machines-magic - **The Art of Crossing the Chasm: When Is a Startup Ready for Enterprise Adoption?** (2026-05-01, 1h 02m): Neal Hansch, CEO of Silicon Foundry, explains how his firm helps robotics startups navigate enterprise adoption by acting as a scout for Fortune 1000 companies, focusing on physical AI and the transition from pilot to production. He discusses the criteria for startup maturity, noting that while enterprises prefer Series B+ companies with traction, some are willing to engage early to co-develop solutions. Hansch also analyzes macroeconomic drivers like reshoring and tariffs, which are accelerating automation investment despite creating planning paralysis for some leaders. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robot-report-podcast/2026-05-01-the-art-of-crossing-the-chasm-when-is-a-startup-ready-for-enterprise-adoption ## Catalyst Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst Latitude Media's weekly interview show on the energy transition, covering the technologies, costs and investment behind clean power, the grid, fuels and decarbonization. - Categories: Climate & Energy, Supply Chain & Operations, Startups, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-08 - Apple Podcasts: 281 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/catalyst - Website: https://www.latitudemedia.com/podcasts/catalyst/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **The truth about data center water usage** (2026-10-08, 44m): Tim Shedd, founder of Ebullient Insights, explains how the shift from air cooling to single-phase direct-to-chip liquid cooling is transforming data center thermal management. He details how modern GPU racks drawing 220 kW to 500 kW+ require advanced cold plates and manifolds, rendering traditional air cooling obsolete. Shedd argues that while historical data centers used significant water for evaporative cooling, modern designs optimize for higher temperature rejection, drastically reducing water consumption and allowing for closed-loop systems. The discussion also covers the industry's need for greater transparency to address community concerns about local water usage and infrastructure impacts. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-08-the-truth-about-data-center-water-usage - **ERCOT batteries: boom, bust, or rebound?** (2026-10-01, 37m): Shayle Kann interviews Brandt Vermillion, U.S. market lead at Modo Energy, about the Texas (ERCOT) grid-scale battery market, which has grown from 200 megawatts to 17 gigawatts, causing revenue to plummet by 84% due to ancillary service saturation and energy arbitrage cannibalization. Vermillion explains that while current revenues of ~$30/kW are underwater for most projects, the influx of data center load and the retirement of aging gas plants are expected to restore volatility and revenues by 2029-2030. The conversation details how longer-duration batteries (2.5-4 hours) capture secondary price spikes during extreme weather events like Storm Fern, and how developers are using tolling agreements to bridge the gap until market conditions improve. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-10-01-ercot-batteries-boom-bust-or-rebound - **The rush for clean, on-site power [partner content]** (2026-09-28, 31m): Aman Joshi, chief commercial officer at Bloom Energy, explains how long interconnection queues and grid constraints are driving data centers and industrial customers to adopt permanent, on-site fuel cell power. He details why the traditional levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) model is misleading for on-site generation, arguing that total delivered cost per watt into the rack—including reliability, community acceptance, and water use—makes Bloom's solid-state fuel cells economically superior to combustion turbines. Joshi highlights that community pushback regarding emissions and water consumption is forcing major projects, such as Oracle's New Mexico deployment, to switch from gas turbines to Bloom's technology to secure permits and social license. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-09-28-the-rush-for-clean-on-site-power-partner-content - **Anduril's vision for powering maritime defense** (2026-09-24, 32m): Dr. Andrew Nuss, head of growth and strategy for the Maritime Division at Anduril, explains the unique energy challenges of maritime defense, where water's density requires 1,000 times more energy for propulsion than air. He details how Anduril optimizes single energy systems for both propulsion and payload sensors, utilizing repackaged lithium-ion cells in pressure vessels or epoxy-potted modules to withstand deep-sea conditions. Nuss highlights the high cost and long timelines of certifying battery systems for naval use, which delays adoption of commercial innovations, and discusses the potential for surface/subsea recharging depots and the renewed interest in nuclear propulsion for high-speed commercial shipping. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-09-24-andurils-vision-for-powering-maritime-defense - **AMA: Fuel cells, geopolitics, and the solar growth curve** (2026-09-17, 23m): Shayle Kann, host of Catalyst and investor at Energy Impact Partners, discusses the surprising bipartisan backlash to data center growth, noting that local community opposition has moved faster than expected. He highlights Bloom Energy's success in securing large orders for fuel cells due to favorable permitting and operational data, while arguing that U.S. solar capacity will continue to grow despite tariff challenges. Kann also predicts that massive grid capacity additions are imminent, driven by multi-year regulatory cycles that are finally accelerating. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-09-17-ama-fuel-cells-geopolitics-and-the-solar-growth-curve - **Do data centers actually increase electricity prices? No...and yes** (2026-09-10, 42m): Andy Lubershane, head of research at Energy Impact Partners, joins host Shayle Kann to explain the dual impact of data centers on electricity prices: they often lower local utility rates through the 'denominator effect' while driving up global grid costs via supply chain bottlenecks. They discuss how soaring demand for transformers, switchgear, and labor is inflating the cost of new generation and transmission, creating a macroeconomic pressure that offsets local benefits. The conversation also explores strategies to mitigate these costs, including load flexibility, distributed energy resources, and energy efficiency, as well as the political and public perception challenges surrounding data center expansion. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-09-10-do-data-centers-actually-increase-electricity-prices-no-and-yes - **What comes after the data center backlash?** (2026-09-03, 47m): Brian Janous, co-founder and chief commercial officer of Cloverleaf Infrastructure, discusses the rapid shift in community sentiment from welcoming to opposing data center development, attributing it to the scale of modern AI facilities and a broader backlash against AI itself. He argues that while specific grievances like water use and grid impact are negotiable through transparency and community benefits, the emotional opposition to AI is harder to solve with facts alone. Janous also evaluates emerging alternatives like behind-the-meter generation, underwater data centers, and distributed edge computing, concluding that while some niche solutions may emerge, large-scale terrestrial data centers remain the dominant and most efficient model for the foreseeable future. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-09-03-what-comes-after-the-data-center-backlash - **The rise of metal fuels** (2026-08-27, 40m): Richard Wang, co-founder and CEO of Voya Energy, explains how his company is replacing diesel generators with electrochemical generators powered by aluminum pellets. Wang details why diesel remains dominant due to its high energy density and low cost, but highlights its issues with emissions, noise, and permitting, particularly for data centers. He describes Voya's metal-air cell technology, which offers superior power quality, compact footprint, and zero air emissions, while leveraging low-grade scrap aluminum as a cost-competitive fuel source. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-08-27-the-rise-of-metal-fuels - **Can AI revolutionize grid operations?** (2026-08-20, 39m): Josh Wong, CEO and founder of ThinkLabs AI, explains how utility planning is currently siloed, reliant on manual data cleaning, and stuck in a cycle of worst-case scenario studies that identify problems but not solutions. He describes ThinkLabs' physics-informed AI, which trains deterministic models on specific utility data to generate grid solutions in minutes rather than months, drastically reducing interconnection queue times. Wong argues that this technology bridges the gap between planning and operations, enabling continuous real-time analysis and closed-loop feedback to improve reliability and workforce efficiency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-08-20-can-ai-revolutionize-grid-operations - **Is now the time for DERs to scale? [re-published]** (2026-08-13, 42m): Shayle Kann and Andy Lubershane of Energy Impact Partners discuss why Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are finally ready to scale after a decade of stagnation. They argue that while the market previously lacked the desperation for grid flexibility, current transmission and interconnection bottlenecks have created a critical need for dispatchable capacity. The conversation highlights the evolution from simple demand response to Virtual Power Plants (VPPs) aggregating thermostats, batteries, and EVs, noting that falling hardware costs and rising grid stress are finally aligning to make DERs a viable alternative to traditional infrastructure upgrades. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-08-13-is-now-the-time-for-ders-to-scale-re-published - **Critical Capital: Senator Tillis' case for "all-of-the-above" energy** (2026-08-11, 31m): Senator Thom Tillis, a North Carolina Republican, argues for an 'all-of-the-above' energy strategy to overcome partisan whiplash and ensure durable policy for renewables, natural gas, and nuclear. He highlights the economic damage caused by abrupt project cancellations, such as the Orsted wind farm and XL pipeline, which created stranded costs and spiked utility rates. Tillis also discusses the need for domestic critical mineral extraction, citing a lithium project in North Carolina, and advocates for a light-touch, standards-based regulatory framework for AI to avoid stifling innovation while competing with China. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-08-11-critical-capital-senator-tillis-case-for-all-of-the-above-energy - **The electrician shortage slowing the AI boom** (2026-08-06, 34m): Raymond Hawkins, Chief Customer Officer at Compass Data Centers, explains that a severe shortage of qualified electricians is a critical bottleneck for AI data center construction, driving up costs and extending timelines. He details how Compass addresses this by partnering with community colleges like Texas State Technical College to train specialized workers and by utilizing modular, prefabricated construction methods to reduce on-site labor demands. The discussion highlights the industry's shift toward 'traveling' skilled labor, similar to travel nurses, and the necessity of community transparency regarding water usage and grid impact to secure local support. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-08-06-the-electrician-shortage-slowing-the-ai-boom - **The commercial battery comeback** (2026-07-30, 44m): Tim Hade, senior vice president at Voltus and founder of Brightfield Infrastructure, explains why commercial and industrial (C&I) battery storage has historically lagged behind residential and utility-scale markets due to unattractive economics and high transaction costs. He details how four revenue streams—time-of-use arbitrage, demand charge management, ancillary services, and capacity markets—are now making C&I storage viable, driven by rising electricity prices and grid constraints. Hade highlights that battery hardware costs have fallen by roughly 30-40% in 18 months, while AI-powered automation is projected to reduce transaction costs by up to 90%, making the business case compelling for commercial customers. Finally, he discusses how aggregating thousands of distributed batteries into virtual power plants (VPPs) enables hyperscalers to secure capacity for data centers through 'bring your own capacity' programs, accelerating adoption in constrained grids like PJM. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-07-30-the-commercial-battery-comeback - **The multi-billion dollar promise of vehicle-to-grid integration** (2026-07-23, 34m): Steve Letendre, senior advisor at the Vehicle-Grid Integration Council and editor of V2G News, explains why Vehicle-to-Grid (V2G) technology is moving from pilot programs to reality. He details the technical and economic differences between AC and DC architectures, noting that while DC systems like those in the Ford F-150 Lightning are expensive, AC systems like the Tesla Cybertruck offer lower hardware costs. Letendre discusses the critical barriers of battery degradation fears, warranty ambiguities, and the need for utility monetization to justify the high upfront costs of bidirectional charging. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-07-23-the-multi-billion-dollar-promise-of-vehicle-to-grid-integration - **When will quantum computing have its breakout moment?** (2026-07-16, 40m): Bob Sorensen, chief analyst for quantum computing at Hyperion Research, explains that while governments have committed over $50 billion and VC funding has surged, quantum computing remains in a pre-commercial 'noisy intermediate-scale' phase. He argues that current 'quantum advantage' claims, such as Google's Willow chip simulation, are often based on artificial benchmarks with no real-world relevance, and that the industry must overcome the significant hurdle of error correction to produce useful logical qubits. Sorensen predicts fault-tolerant systems in 3-4 years, noting that 85 hardware vendors is too many for the ecosystem and that market consolidation is inevitable to avoid an 'AI winter' style downturn. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-07-16-when-will-quantum-computing-have-its-breakout-moment - **Inside the AI power wars** (2026-07-09, 43m): Jeremie Eliahou Ontiveros of SemiAnalysis explains that hyperscalers like Google, Amazon, and Meta are adopting divergent power strategies to address grid interconnection delays, with Google leading in sophistication and Meta pioneering behind-the-meter solutions. He details how frontier labs like Anthropic and OpenAI are driving demand by leveraging hyperscaler balance sheets for financial backstops to secure capacity, while also deploying modular generation like aeroderivative turbines and fuel cells to meet speed-to-power requirements. The conversation highlights the shift from traditional grid reliance to self-built, behind-the-meter infrastructure, including reciprocating engines and Bloom Energy fuel cells, as a necessary response to transmission constraints. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-07-09-inside-the-ai-power-wars - **Inside the most sophisticated plan for solar geoengineering** (2026-07-01, 37m): Yanai Yedvab, CEO and co-founder of Stardust Solutions, explains the company's proprietary solar radiation management (SRM) technology, which uses biodegradable amorphous silica and calcite particles instead of toxic sulfuric acid to cool the planet. Yedvab details the estimated cost of $100 million per million tons of particles and the 'clinical trial' approach to testing, emphasizing that deployment requires strict authorization from multiple governments to mitigate moral hazard and governance risks. The discussion covers the technical challenges of stratospheric injection, the potential for ozone layer depletion, and the ethical imperative of providing safe options alongside decarbonization efforts. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-07-01-inside-the-most-sophisticated-plan-for-solar-geoengineering - **How data centers are complicating transmission expansion** (2026-06-25, 30m): Maeve Allsup, a senior reporter at Latitude Media, discusses the Mid-Atlantic Resiliency Link (MARL), a $960 million transmission line approved by PJM in 2022 that is now facing significant delays due to multi-state cost allocation disputes. She explains how the surge in data center load and the 'Ratepayer Protection Pledge' signed by tech hyperscalers have empowered state consumer advocates to challenge the project, arguing that local ratepayers should not subsidize infrastructure primarily benefiting Virginia's data centers. Allsup highlights the conflict between the rapid pace of AI-driven energy demand and the slow, complex regulatory processes governing grid expansion. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-25-how-data-centers-are-complicating-transmission-expansion - **Enter the electric supercycle** (2026-06-18, 36m): Andy Lubershane, head of research at Energy Impact Partners, explains the 'electric supercycle'—a series of interlocking technological flywheels involving solar PV, lithium-ion batteries, EVs, and wide-bandgap power electronics that are accelerating the clean energy transition. He argues that while AI-driven data center demand is creating a severe supply chain bottleneck and price surge, these early investments are scaling technologies like silicon carbide and microgrid controllers that feed back into grid infrastructure and robotics. Lubershane identifies physical transmission corridors as the primary rate limiter for meeting this surging demand, noting that societal resistance to new infrastructure remains the biggest hurdle. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-18-enter-the-electric-supercycle - **How China is reshaping the global auto market** (2026-06-11, 34m): Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights and author of 'Car Wars', explains how China has scaled car exports to 12 million annually, surpassing Japan and Germany, by leveraging massive domestic capacity and brutal price wars. He details the two tiers of Chinese automakers—legacy scale giants like BYD, Geely, and SAIC, versus software-focused disruptors like Xiaomi, Xpeng, Leapmotor, and Nio—and discusses how their low-cost EVs are forcing European and Japanese legacy automakers to plan closures and layoffs. Dunne argues that while the US maintains a regulatory wall via 100% tariffs, Chinese companies are penetrating Canada and Mexico, and will likely enter the US through joint ventures or acquisitions, such as buying Stelantis or Nissan brands, to bypass trade barriers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-11-how-china-is-reshaping-the-global-auto-market - **Surprising trends in global electricity generation** (2026-06-04, 44m): Nic Fulghum, a senior energy and climate data analyst at Ember, discusses findings from Ember’s Global Electricity Review, highlighting that solar generation grew by 30% year-over-year in 2025, maintaining exponential growth despite market maturity. He explains that global fossil generation declined for the first time since 2020, driven by drops in coal use in China and India, as renewables increasingly meet demand. Fulghum also details how grid-connected batteries are shifting midday solar peaks to shoulder hours, with countries like Australia and Chile leading in integration, while the US lags behind. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-06-04-surprising-trends-in-global-electricity-generation - **Building inference data centers on the high seas** (2026-05-28, 48m): Garth Sheldon-Coulson, co-founder and CEO of Panthalassa, explains how the company builds 85-meter steel 'nodes' that harness wave energy to power AI inference clusters in the deep ocean. He details the 'Ocean Hydro' technology, which uses a rigid hull shape to pump seawater into a reservoir and drive a turbine, eliminating the need for anchors or shore-based cables. Sheldon-Coulson discusses the unit economics, noting that while power costs are low (3.5-4 cents/kWh), the primary value lies in high availability and free seawater cooling for compute hardware. He outlines the company's roadmap from full-scale prototypes like Ocean 2 to the commercial Ocean 3 pilot fleet launching in late 2026, targeting long-running inference and reinforcement learning workloads. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-05-28-building-inference-data-centers-on-the-high-seas - **A blueprint for scalable fusion power** (2026-05-21, 40m): Carrie von Muench, COO of Pacific Fusion, explains the company's strategy for scalable inertial fusion power using modular, commodity-based drivers to achieve net facility gain by 2030. She details the technical distinction between the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory's laser-driven ignition and Pacific Fusion's more efficient pulsed-power approach, emphasizing the importance of the 'ignition cliff' and achieving 5x gain for commercial viability. Von Muench also discusses the company's unique multi-tranche financing model, inspired by biotech, which de-risks capital deployment through defined technical milestones. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-05-21-a-blueprint-for-scalable-fusion-power - **Inside the global fertilizer crunch** (2026-05-14, 36m): Josh Linville, vice president of fertilizer at StoneX, explains how the global fertilizer market is experiencing unprecedented supply tightness due to a 'stacking shock' of pre-existing constraints and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He details how China's export bans on phosphate and urea, combined with reduced European nitrogen production due to high gas prices, left the market with no shock absorption before the geopolitical crisis. Linville highlights that roughly a third of tradable urea and significant anhydrous ammonia are now locked behind the Strait, creating a stalemate where prices are high but physical shortages are not yet absolute, though the risk of rationing grows as the planting season approaches. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-05-14-inside-the-global-fertilizer-crunch - **Cracking the code on autonomous trucking** (2026-05-07, 43m): Eyal Cohen, founder and CEO of Humble Robotics, explains why autonomous trucking has lagged behind passenger vehicles due to the high stakes of highway edge cases and the limitations of retrofitting existing tractors. He details Humble's clean-sheet design of a fully cabless, electric Class 8 truck that combines the tractor and trailer into a single smart platform to optimize unit economics and safety. Cohen discusses the company's shift from LiDAR-heavy systems to a camera-centric approach leveraging Visual Language Models (VLMs) and the regulatory challenges of deploying a vehicle with no windshield or steering wheel. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/catalyst/2026-05-07-cracking-the-code-on-autonomous-trucking ## The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast A show about the craft of building embedded products, from architecture, testing and requirements to team process and AI tools, with an eye on safety-critical fields such as medical devices. - Categories: Embedded, Engineering, Product Development - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 12 ratings averaging 4.9/5 - Feed: https://feeds.simplecast.com/rNXmD7y7 - Website: https://agileembeddedpodcast.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Testing Embedded Systems in the Cloud and On-Prem with Marie Meyer and Joel Schulz-Andres** (2026-10-13, 45m): Marie Meyer and Joel Schulz-Andres, founders of OnMCU, discuss their cloud-based and on-prem hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing platform designed to bridge the gap between host unit tests and physical integration. They explain the concept of 'on-target unit tests' using remote dev boards to catch peripheral errata early, and detail the significant hardware challenges they faced, including unreliable USB hubs and non-existent cable chains, when building their infrastructure. The conversation covers the trade-offs between cloud scalability and on-prem security, as well as their strategy to offer a generalized interposer box to help small-to-medium companies avoid building expensive custom test rigs from scratch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-10-13-testing-embedded-systems-in-the-cloud-and-on-prem-with-marie-meyer-and-joel-schu - **TDD: The Hard Parts - Getting Started with Test-Driven Development** (2026-09-30, 45m): Jeff Gable and Luca Ingianni discuss the practical challenges of adopting Test-Driven Development (TDD) in embedded software, specifically addressing the difficulty of starting with a blank screen. They outline a process that begins with decomposing systems into modules, sketching test ideas as bullet points, and writing test outlines in plain English before implementing code. The hosts highlight how LLMs can help overcome the fear of the empty screen but create new traps by generating overwhelming or nonsensical test suites, requiring developers to review test code more thoroughly than production code to ensure it accurately reflects the desired module interface and behavior. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-09-30-tdd-the-hard-parts-getting-started-with-test-driven-development - **The Big Rename: From Agile to Pragmatic** (2026-09-23, 16m): Hosts Jeff Gable and Luca Ingianni announce the renaming of their show from The Agile Embedded Podcast to The Pragmatic Embedded Podcast, explaining that the term 'agile' has become outdated and restrictive for their current scope. They discuss the reality of AI adoption in embedded development, noting that while hype is high, actual integration into core workflows remains limited among most developers. The hosts emphasize that software engineering fundamentals remain critical, with AI serving as a tool that shifts developers toward lead-level responsibilities for code quality and architecture rather than replacing them. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-09-23-the-big-rename-from-agile-to-pragmatic - **100 Episodes! Break Out the Champagne! A Retrospective** (2026-08-24, 59m): Joe Schneider and Jacob Beningo interview founders Luca Ingianni and Jeff Gable of the Agile Embedded Podcast, discussing their origin story as solo consultants who started the show in 2021 without prior connection. The hosts share war stories about difficult debugging challenges, including a one-line interrupt fix that took five days and a temperature-dependent DDR RAM failure that required two months to resolve. They also analyze the current state of the industry, debating whether AI is following the Gartner hype cycle like Agile did and predicting a future focus on requirements engineering and AI integration in embedded development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-08-24-100-episodes-break-out-the-champagne-a-retrospective - **From Vision to Reality: Product Roadmaps in Embedded Development** (2026-08-04, 43m): Hosts Jeff Gable and Luca Ingianni discuss the hierarchy of planning artifacts, moving from product vision to roadmaps and backlogs, emphasizing that roadmaps are alignment and discovery tools rather than static commitments. They identify common mistakes such as the 'progress by PowerPoint' trap, where teams list milestones like 'specification complete' instead of value delivery, and the danger of over-committing to dates before understanding the problem space, particularly in VC-funded startups. The conversation covers tailoring roadmaps for different audiences, the importance of prioritization, and the 'iceberg principle' of granularity, concluding with a discussion on the iron triangle of project management and why varying resources is often the least effective lever when a project is late. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-08-04-from-vision-to-reality-product-roadmaps-in-embedded-development - **Factory Firmware Flashing with Pete Staples** (2026-06-09, 50m): Pete Staples, founder of Blue Clover Devices, explains the disconnect between engineering and manufacturing, noting that factory firmware flashing is often a dusty, manual afterthought rather than a sophisticated process. He details how Blue Clover’s Production Line Tool (PLT) and Test Agent standardize hardware and software to bridge the gap between engineer desks and factory floors, addressing security, provisioning, and calibration. Staples argues that engineers must define the test plan and 'good enough' criteria early to avoid costly emergency travel and production delays. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-06-09-factory-firmware-flashing-with-pete-staples - **Requirements Engineering, part 2: A Practical Process for Safety-Critical Development** (2026-05-27, 50m): Jeff Gable and Luca engineer discuss a rigorous process for requirements engineering in safety-critical development, particularly for medical devices. They distinguish between prototyping (technical feasibility) and MVPs (market viability), emphasizing that design-controlled requirements must be minimal yet comprehensive, including extensive error handling. The hosts advocate for writing test cases alongside requirements, tracking requirements completion for honest project status, and using 'tracer bullets' to reduce uncertainty early in implementation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-05-27-requirements-engineering-part-2-a-practical-process-for-safety-critical-developm - **Fuzzing and Dynamic Analysis for High-Integrity Software with Paul Butcher** (2026-05-13, 48m): Paul Butcher, Unit Director of Dynamic Analysis at AdaCore, explains how dynamic analysis techniques like fuzzing find corner-case bugs that traditional unit testing misses in high-integrity software. He details the mechanics of fuzzing, including mutation engines and anomaly detection, and discusses challenges with timing and concurrency in embedded systems, citing success with the NH90 avionics MIL bus. Butcher also describes combining static analysis with targeted fuzzing to automatically triage false positives and generate reproducers, while touching on formal verification using SPARK for the London Underground's Victoria line and the cautious role of LLMs in verification workflows. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-05-13-fuzzing-and-dynamic-analysis-for-high-integrity-software-with-paul-butcher - **Linux Profiling with Mohammed Billoo** (2026-04-30, 46m): Mohammed Billoo, founder of Mab Labs Embedded Solutions and author of the Embedded Linux Essentials Handbook, explains how to profile embedded Linux systems by distinguishing between VM size and VM RSS to identify memory leaks in scientific instruments. He details how to use tools like HTOP, perf, and LTTNG to prove that the CPU is rarely the bottleneck, often pointing to crypto engines, DMA, or file system I/O as the real constraints. Billoo advocates for baking kernel configurations like kallsyms and function tracers into builds from day one to enable rapid debugging without premature optimization. The conversation also covers using LLMs to interpret complex tool outputs like Valgrind and perf, while emphasizing that physical measurements remain the ultimate arbiter of system performance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-04-30-linux-profiling-with-mohammed-billoo - **E94 Requirements Engineering, part 1: Fundamentals** (2026-04-15, 47m): Jeff Gable, a medical device consultant, and Luca, with automotive and aerospace experience, discuss the fundamentals of requirements engineering for safety-critical products. They explain the hierarchy from user needs to system requirements, emphasizing the EARS format and the critical distinction between verifiable requirements and design choices. The hosts argue against using Word or Excel for complex traceability, advocating instead for dedicated requirements management tools to ensure regulatory compliance and engineering rigor. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-04-15-e94-requirements-engineering-part-1-fundamentals - **Hardware-Software Co-Development with Tobias Kästner** (2026-04-01, 52m): Tobias Kästner, a software architect at Inovex, explains how his team replaced six-month hardware cycles with three-week sprints by breaking monolithic PCB designs into modular 'feature boards' connected via shields. He details using Git for hardware version control with SHA-1s on silkscreens and leveraging Zephyr RTOS to enable plug-and-play firmware that matches the hardware modularity. The approach allowed them to scale agile co-development to projects with 120+ people across multiple teams while maintaining a clear path to final form-factor designs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-04-01-hardware-software-co-development-with-tobias-kastner - **Test-Driven Development in the Age of AI** (2026-03-18, 42m): Luca Jani, an embedded systems expert and host of the Embedded AI Podcast, explains his test-driven development (TDD) workflow using Claude Code, arguing that TDD provides essential control and confidence when AI generates code. He details a three-phase process—test ideas, test outlines, and test implementations—to prevent 'success theater' where AI creates overly generous, weak assertions. The conversation highlights that the real bottleneck in AI-assisted development is expressing clear intent and specifications, not code generation speed, and emphasizes that developers must maintain tight conceptual control while treating AI as a pair programmer. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-18-test-driven-development-in-the-age-of-ai - **Engineering Organizations Part 2: Product Companies and Market-Driven Focus** (2026-03-04, 43m): Jeff Gable and Luca Jani discuss how engineering organizations should align their focus with their company stage, starting with startups where speed and MVP validation trump quality. They examine narrow-focus 'hidden champions' that optimize for efficiency in stable niches, and wide-focus companies that must manage internal startups alongside established product lines. The hosts argue that large enterprises must focus on high-level process learning to avoid organizational weight while maintaining agility across parallel product lifecycles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-03-04-engineering-organizations-part-2-product-companies-and-market-driven-focus - **Engineering Organizations Pt 1: Service Firms - When You Are the Product** (2026-02-18, 43m): Jeff Gable and Luca Johnny categorize service-oriented engineering organizations into product development firms, engineering development firms, and solo engineers, arguing that each must focus its learning on what it actually sells. They explain that product development firms must master process-level learning and rapid prototyping to guide clients through uncertainty, while engineering development firms must specialize in high-value technical domains to avoid becoming commoditized. The hosts warn that solo engineers face the dual challenge of possessing deep, complete expertise while managing all business functions, emphasizing that teaching and specialization are the best forms of marketing for all three types. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-02-18-engineering-organizations-pt-1-service-firms-when-you-are-the-product - **Rust with Milica Kostic** (2026-01-19, 35m): Milica Kostic, an embedded software architect with a background in electrical engineering and safety-critical industries like medical devices, discusses her journey from C/C++ to adopting Rust in production. She explains that the most successful adoption occurred in a greenfield embedded Linux project using a microservice architecture, which allowed for clean isolation of Rust code and minimized complex C/C++ interoperability challenges. Kostic highlights the benefits of Rust's tooling, such as Cargo and built-in static analysis, while noting current limitations in microcontroller support, IDE tooling, and certified stacks like BLE. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-19-rust-with-milica-kostic - **MicroPython with Matt Trentini** (2026-01-05, 57m): Matt Trentini, Principal Software Engineer at Planet Innovation, explains how his team uses MicroPython for professional embedded development, including Class B medical devices. He details the benefits of the interactive REPL and the Unix port for rapid testing, while addressing performance trade-offs and the ability to integrate C code for critical sections. Trentini highlights how this approach accelerates board bring-up, improves junior developer productivity, and enables real-time client demos that are difficult to achieve with C++. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2026-01-05-micropython-with-matt-trentini - **Terrible Habits of the Solo Developer** (2025-12-16, 53m): Jeff Gable and Luca Jani, both solo embedded software consultants, discuss the unique challenges of working alone, such as multitasking pressure and wearing multiple hats. They identify five bad habits: skipping documentation, avoiding code reviews, making poor architectural decisions, neglecting simulators, and failing to make code easy for others to take over. The hosts propose solutions including hiring third-party reviewers, using LLMs for low-level checks, forming mastermind groups, and enforcing self-imposed processes to maintain quality and sanity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-12-16-terrible-habits-of-the-solo-developer - **Agile Hardware Development with Gregor Gross** (2025-12-03, 50m): Gregor Gross, founder of Alpha-board, a Berlin-based PCB design and agile hardware development service, explains how his company applies agile principles to hardware projects where fixed-price contracts are the norm. He details practical strategies such as breaking complex PCBs into testable modules and shields, using Zephyr OS sample boards for early software validation, and implementing automated documentation with KiCad to facilitate mixed hardware-software teams. Gross also discusses the cultural resistance to pair programming despite its proven quality benefits, the importance of Git integration for version control, and the contractual challenges of moving from fixed-price to hourly service agreements. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-12-03-agile-hardware-development-with-gregor-gross - **Crossover with Embedded AI Podcast** (2025-11-18, 55m): Jeff Gable, Luca, and Ryan Torvik discuss integrating Large Language Models (LLMs) into embedded systems engineering workflows, emphasizing that AI must augment rather than replace rigorous engineering discipline. They identify 'vibe coding' as a critical anti-pattern where developers lose control of architectural decisions by letting AI generate too much code at once, leading to unmanageable outputs and hallucinations. The hosts advocate for strict context management, test-driven development (TDD), and small, incremental commits to maintain deterministic quality, particularly in safety-critical domains like medical devices and automotive systems. They conclude that while LLMs accelerate prototyping and boilerplate generation, human code review and ownership remain non-negotiable for reliable production software. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-11-18-crossover-with-embedded-ai-podcast - **AI-enhanced Embedded Development (May 2025 Edition)** (2025-11-12, 28m): Luca, an embedded software expert, discusses his experience at the Embedded Online Conference and a German conference, highlighting an LLM-only hackathon where participants were forbidden from writing code manually. He explains that effective AI-assisted development requires rigorous context management, treating prompts like version-controlled code, and managing external context files to prevent hallucinations. The conversation covers the economic benefits of AI (approx. $0.01 per line of code), the tightening of feedback loops, and the evolving role of developers from coders to AI supervisors and technical product owners. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-11-12-ai-enhanced-embedded-development-may-2025-edition - **Zephyr with Luka Mustafa** (2025-11-09, 45m): Luka Mustafa, founder and CEO of Irnas Product Development, explains how Zephyr RTOS, a Linux Foundation-backed project, enables hardware-agnostic embedded development by abstracting low-level details through device trees and a comprehensive ecosystem. He highlights the dramatic reduction in porting time—moving Bluetooth code between chip architectures in an hour versus months—and the ability to run native POSIX simulations on Linux for faster development. Mustafa also details Zephyr's testing framework, Twister, and its cultural impact, noting the steep learning curve for electrical engineers while emphasizing the long-term benefits of code reuse and reduced maintenance overhead. The discussion covers resource constraints, safety-critical certification processes, and specific scenarios where simpler solutions like Arduino are preferable to an RTOS. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-11-09-zephyr-with-luka-mustafa - **Crossover with Mob Mentailty Part 2** (2025-10-21, 46m): Austin Chadwick and Chris Lucian, hosts of the Mob Mentality podcast, explain how mob programming applies to embedded systems by involving firmware and hardware engineers in collaborative coding sessions. They argue that mobbing reduces the feedback loop from days to minutes, addressing the 'local vs global efficiency' objection by prioritizing continuous delivery and high-quality code over short-term solo productivity. The guests detail how they sell this approach to management through trust built by frequent production releases, dynamic team composition, and automated testing infrastructure that bridges waterfall hardware gates with agile software delivery. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-10-21-crossover-with-mob-mentailty-part-2 - **Crossover with Mob Mentality part 1** (2025-10-16, 48m): Jeff Gable and Luca Johnny of the Agile Embedded Podcast join Chris Lucian and Austin Chadwick of the Mob Mentality Show to discuss bridging hardware-software gaps in embedded systems. They argue that hardware abstraction layers and decoupling strategies allow embedded code to be tested on PCs, while mob programming eliminates silos between electrical, mechanical, and software engineers. The group highlights how mobbing improves flow efficiency and reduces documentation overhead in safety-critical medical device development by integrating all necessary roles into a single team. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-10-16-crossover-with-mob-mentality-part-1 - **Violet Su on hardware manufacturing** (2025-07-08, 43m): Violet Su, Business Development Manager at Seed Studio, discusses the realities of hardware manufacturing, emphasizing the importance of rapid prototyping and early user feedback to avoid costly mistakes. She highlights common pitfalls for startups, such as underestimating certification costs, supply chain lead times, and the gap between prototype functionality and mass production quality. The conversation covers the growing role of AI in hardware development, insights from Embedded World 2024, and the OpenUC2 microscopy project as a success story for iterative design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-07-08-violet-su-on-hardware-manufacturing - **AI-augmented software development** (2025-06-25, 45m): Host Jeff Gable interviews Luca Johnny about integrating AI tools into embedded software development workflows. They compare IDE-integrated tools like GitHub Copilot and Cursor with command-line agents like Aider, emphasizing that workflow integration matters more than the underlying LLM. The discussion covers specific use cases for testing, debugging, and learning new frameworks, while warning that AI cannot replace the architectural judgment of experienced engineers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-pragmatic-embedded-podcast/2025-06-25-ai-augmented-software-development ## Coredump Sessions Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions Memfault's podcast for embedded engineers and teams building connected devices, with stories and technical deep dives on firmware, OTA updates, connectivity and shipping reliable products. - Categories: Embedded, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-05 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/102eaee78/podcast/rss - Website: https://memfault.com/coredump-sessions/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **#025: Powered by Sunlight, Fenced by Software: Inside Monil's Cattle Collar** (2026-10-05, 58m): Episode 26. Torstein Nesse, co-founder and CEO of Monil, explains how his company builds solar-powered virtual fencing collars for livestock using Nordic nRF9160 and nRF52 chips alongside u-blox GNSS receivers. He details the low-power design challenges, the decision to use a dedicated GNSS module for performance, and the implementation of offline operation with buffered telemetry. The conversation covers a four-month network debugging challenge involving rural connectivity, the use of IMU sensors for animal behavior detection, and the business model combining hardware sales with subscriptions for farmer peace of mind. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-10-05-025-powered-by-sunlight-fenced-by-software-inside-monils-cattle-collar - **#024: Shipping Firmware Under the CRA: Nicolas Schieli on the Questions Everyone’s Asking, and the Ones They Should Be Link:** (2026-09-16, 1h 01m): Episode 25. Nicolas Schieli, VP of Product Security at Nordic Semiconductor, joins François Baldassari and Chris Coleman to explain the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) for connected products. They detail the immediate 24-hour vulnerability reporting requirements, the December 2027 compliance deadline, and the necessity of threat modeling, secure boot, and SBOMs. The discussion covers product classification, long-term support obligations, and how manufacturers remain responsible for their supply chain's security posture. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-09-16-024-shipping-firmware-under-the-cra-nicolas-schieli-on-the-questions-everyones-a - **#023: Running Edge AI in Their Sleep: How Elemind Built Embedded Firmware for On-Demand Rest** (2026-06-25, 58m): Episode 24. David Wang, CTO of Elemind, explains how his company built a wearable headband that uses real-time EEG sensing and closed-loop audio stimulation to help users fall asleep faster. The device achieves a critical 2-millisecond latency loop by optimizing embedded firmware on a Cortex-M33 processor, avoiding expensive FPGAs while handling signal processing and edge AI for sleep staging. Wang details the 5-year development journey, including the shift from uncomfortable hair-penetrating electrodes to comfortable dry carbon-graphite sensors and the discovery that alpha wave suppression is more effective than boosting delta waves. The team is now developing an 'AI sleep tailor' to personalize stimulation for the 24% of users who do not initially respond to the standard protocol. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-06-25-023-running-edge-ai-in-their-sleep-how-elemind-built-embedded-firmware-for-on-de - **#022: How Two Dads Thoughtfully Scaled Yoto Into One of the Fastest Growing Kid Tech Brands** (2026-05-13, 59m): Episode 22. Yoto co-founders Ben Drury and Filip Denker explain how they scaled their screen-free audio player for kids from a garage prototype to a global brand, balancing hardware durability, content licensing, and regulatory compliance. They discuss the evolution from Raspberry Pi prototypes to custom ESP32 hardware, the challenges of Wi-Fi connectivity and captive portals, and how they use fleet observability to manage millions of devices in the field. The conversation also covers Yoto's developer program, which allows community members to build interactive audio experiences, and their strategic use of AI for compliance and content generation while maintaining transparency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-05-13-022-how-two-dads-thoughtfully-scaled-yoto-into-one-of-the-fastest-growing-kid-te - **#021: Hardware at Software Speed: How BootLoop Is Bringing AI to the Bench for Firmware Teams** (2026-03-25, 1h 01m): Episode 22. Noah Pasek-Nelson and Chris Markus, co-founders of BootLoop, explain how their AI platform accelerates the firmware lifecycle by combining deep hardware context with automated hardware-in-the-loop testing. They discuss how ingesting schematics and data sheets eliminates hallucinations, allowing the system to generate, flash, and validate code on physical devices like oscilloscopes and logic analyzers. The founders also cover BootLoop's security posture, pricing model, and its 'Sentinel' product for automated field debugging. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-03-25-021-hardware-at-software-speed-how-bootloop-is-bringing-ai-to-the-bench-for-firm - **#020: The Hidden Architecture of Autonomy: How Skydio Drones Think, See, and Connect** (2026-01-29, 53m): Episode 20. Ross Yeager, VP of Device Platform Software at Skydio, discusses the company's vertically integrated manufacturing in California and its pioneering fully autonomous drone technology. He details the engineering challenges of building complex embedded systems with multiple microcontrollers and SoCs, emphasizing the critical need for safety, reliability, and rigorous testing in high-stakes government and first responder applications. Yeager also reflects on his career path, from early Kickstarter projects and work at Boosted Boards and Altera to leading software architecture at Skydio. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2026-01-29-020-the-hidden-architecture-of-autonomy-how-skydio-drones-think-see-and-connect - **#019: END-OF-YEAR CELEBRATION: Moments You Loved, Stories You Missed, and 2026 Predictions You Need** (2025-12-11, 55m): Episode 20. François Baldassari and Chris Coleman, co-founders of Memfault, reflect on the 20th episode of Coredump Sessions, highlighting lessons from guests like Nick Sinas of Oval, Dan Mangum of Golioth, and Chad from Gabb. They discuss the critical importance of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, the rise of AI-assisted firmware development using tools like Claude and Cursor, and the evolving security landscape for devices from Pebble to modern smart rings. The hosts predict that 2026 will see OTA become a regulatory requirement and AI offload processing to the edge, while emphasizing the need for engineers to adapt to higher-level abstractions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-12-11-019-end-of-year-celebration-moments-you-loved-stories-you-missed-and-2026-predic - **#018: The Hidden Complexity of Sleep Tech: Power, Comfort, and 8 Hours of Reliability** (2025-11-26, 58m): Episode 19. Charles Taylor, co-founder of Ozlo Sleep, explains how his team revived Bose’s discontinued Sleepbuds by balancing extreme miniaturization, power efficiency, and firmware-driven reliability. He details the engineering challenges of designing earbuds smaller than AirPods that last 8-10 hours, the critical role of Kickstarter in building a beta community for real-world testing, and the strategic decision to pursue FDA clearance for software-based therapies rather than classifying the hardware as a medical device. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-11-26-018-the-hidden-complexity-of-sleep-tech-power-comfort-and-8-hours-of-reliability - **#017: Building and Scaling a Startup in the Ultra-Competitive Health Wearables Market** (2025-10-29, 57m): Episode 18. Vatsal Singhal, co-founder of Ultrahuman, explains how the company transitioned from a software-first background to building health wearables by adopting rapid iteration cycles, including changing the PCB design roughly 20 times in a year. To support this velocity, Ultrahuman built its own manufacturing facilities in Bangalore and Texas, allowing for close collaboration between R&D and production. Singhal details the critical role of edge machine learning for biomarker analysis and the use of Memfault for firmware observability to manage the complexity of multiple hardware revisions in the field. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-10-29-017-building-and-scaling-a-startup-in-the-ultra-competitive-health-wearables-mar - **#016: From Startup to Global Brand: Scaling Engineering at reMarkable** (2025-09-17, 1h 00m): Episode 17. Nico Comier, CTO of reMarkable, discusses scaling the company from a garage startup to a global brand, focusing on the development of the Paper Pro Move. He explains how customer feedback drove the decision to create a smaller, portable device adapted for uncontrolled environments, balancing hardware constraints with user experience. The conversation covers the importance of cross-functional collaboration, platform-based engineering to de-risk production, and the critical 'hypercare' phase post-launch to address early user feedback and yield issues. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-09-17-016-from-startup-to-global-brand-scaling-engineering-at-remarkable - **#015: Developing kid-safe tech at Gabb: what it takes and why it’s so important** (2025-08-20, 57m): Episode 15. Chad (Director of Product) and Lance (SVP of Marketing) from Gabb discuss building kid-safe IoT devices like the Gabb Watch 3E and Gabb Phone 4. They explain their strategy of using multiple OEMs for hardware and firmware to mitigate supply chain risk, while keeping parental control software and AI-driven content filtering in-house. The conversation covers the challenges of balancing security, privacy (COPPA compliance), and user experience for both children and parents, as well as managing firmware versioning across different product lines. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-08-20-015-developing-kid-safe-tech-at-gabb-what-it-takes-and-why-its-so-important - **#014: Why Your IoT Project Still Hasn’t Taken Off — And How to Fix It** (2025-08-05, 57m): Episode 15. Chris Coleman and Tyler from Memfault host Afzal Saleem, an IoT entrepreneur and former T-Mobile Netherlands startup lead, to discuss why IoT projects stall despite technical viability. They analyze organizational resistance, such as the Dutch railway case where internal job security fears blocked adoption, and the '500K SIM card' phenomenon where pilots fail to scale due to slow enterprise processes. The conversation highlights how giants like Google, Ericsson, and Cisco waste millions by skipping niche validation, contrasting this with successful niche strategies from companies like Golioth and Nordic Semiconductor. They argue that IoT must learn from AI's community-driven, fast-iteration go-to-market playbook to overcome fragmentation and e-waste risks from deprecated cloud services. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-08-05-014-why-your-iot-project-still-hasnt-taken-off-and-how-to-fix-it - **#013: Prepping Your AI Model for the Wild: Building Edge AI Models That Work in the Real World** (2025-07-23, 57m): Episode 14. David Tischler and Alessandro Grande from Edge Impulse discuss the practical realities of deploying Edge AI models on constrained devices, emphasizing that customization and fine-tuning are the primary value propositions over raw model complexity. They explain how effective Edge AI requires a combination of traditional DSP pre-processing and ML models, and why hardware selection must balance compute power with software ecosystem usability. The conversation highlights the critical need for observability and OTA updates to monitor model drift and push fixes in the field, as models rarely work perfectly out of the box. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-07-23-013-prepping-your-ai-model-for-the-wild-building-edge-ai-models-that-work-in-the - **#012: Plug-and-Play Cellular Connectivity: Nearly Here or Never Happening?** (2025-07-08, 55m): Episode 13. Vincent Corish, CEO of Kigen, joins Memfault's Alfonso Baldasari and Chris Coleman to discuss the evolution of cellular connectivity for IoT devices, focusing on eSIM and iSIM technologies. The conversation covers the shift from physical SIMs to soldered-down secure elements, the impact of falling module costs on device design, and new business models like rental and advertising enabled by remote connectivity. Key technical topics include the GSMA SGP.32 standard for fleet management, the trade-offs between NB-IoT and LTE-M, and strategies for optimizing battery life through efficient protocol selection. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-07-08-012-plug-and-play-cellular-connectivity-nearly-here-or-never-happening - **#011: Memfault Joins Nordic Semiconductor: What This Means for the Future of Connected Product Development** (2025-07-01, 55m): Episode 12. François Baldassari and Chris from Memfault, joined by Kjetil Holstad from Nordic Semiconductor, discuss Memfault's acquisition by Nordic and the strategic vision for a 'chip-to-cloud' platform. They trace Nordic’s history from design services to Bluetooth leadership, highlighting the pivotal role of the iPhone 4S in accelerating BLE adoption and the increasing complexity of embedded software. The conversation details the deep technical integration between Memfault and Nordic’s nRF Connect SDK and Zephyr, emphasizing how this partnership lowers barriers for developers building reliable IoT devices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-07-01-011-memfault-joins-nordic-semiconductor-what-this-means-for-the-future-of-connec - **#010: From Pebble to Intel: can hardware startups beat the big players?** (2025-06-11, 59m): Episode 11. Kean Wong, former VP of Software at Pebble and current CTO at Igor, discusses scaling hardware startups against big tech, emphasizing that startups can outpace giants by staying nimble and hiring from developer communities. He details Pebble's strategy of using hackathons and community engagement to recruit talent, maintaining a 6-week release cadence to drive evangelism, and investing 10-20% of engineering effort into infrastructure and automated testing. Wong also explains how he applies these lessons at his current company, Igor, by leveraging AI tools for software development while recognizing their limitations in complex firmware and embedded systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-06-11-010-from-pebble-to-intel-can-hardware-startups-beat-the-big-players - **#009: Zephyr’s Meteoric Rise and What It Means for the Future of Embedded** (2025-05-27, 59m): Episode 11. Kate Stewart, VP of Dependable Embedded Systems at the Linux Foundation, explains how Zephyr RTOS evolved from Intel’s Wind River roots into a multi-vendor open-source project with a governance model designed to prevent corporate capture. She details Zephyr’s technical differentiators, including its Linux-inspired Kconfig and device tree, the pragmatic reuse of MCUboot, and the introduction of 5-year Long-Term Support (LTS) releases to meet regulatory demands like the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA). The conversation covers Zephyr’s safety certification journey, its transparent CVE tracking, and its growing adoption by silicon vendors like Nordic and Arduino, as well as its expanding support for RISC-V and Rust. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-05-27-009-zephyrs-meteoric-rise-and-what-it-means-for-the-future-of-embedded - **#008: Navigating the Changing IoT Security Landscape: A Survival Guide for Product Leaders** (2025-05-13, 58m): Episode 9. Giovanni Alberto Falcione, CTO at Exine, joins Memfault's François Baldassari and Thomas Sarlandie to discuss the impact of the EU's Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) on IoT security. They analyze the shift from voluntary standards like NIST 800-53 to mandatory compliance, highlighting the critical need for runtime security monitoring and Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) tracking. The conversation details how eBPF technology enables low-overhead anomaly detection and how OTA updates are essential for mitigating vulnerabilities in the field. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-05-13-008-navigating-the-changing-iot-security-landscape-a-survival-guide-for-product - **#007: AI, Open Source, and the Future of Embedded Development: How Much Code Will We Actually Write?** (2025-04-29, 55m): Episode 7. François Baldassari, CEO of Memfault, and Thomas Sarlandie, Field CTO of Memfault, host a panel with Jonathan Beri, CEO of Golioth, and Dan Mangum, CTO of Golioth, to discuss the intersection of AI, open source, and embedded development. The group analyzes the maturity of edge AI for audio and video processing, the challenges of integrating LLMs into hardware due to rapid model iteration, and the current state of using AI for firmware development. They conclude that while AI is transforming code generation and review, open source remains critical for training models and providing trusted, complex infrastructure like Zephyr and FreeRTOS. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-04-29-007-ai-open-source-and-the-future-of-embedded-development-how-much-code-will-we - **#006: Pebble’s Code is Free: Three Former Pebble Engineers Discuss Why It's Important (PART 2/2)** (2025-04-15, 1h 13m): Episode 7. Brad Murray, former head of Pebble firmware, and Tomas, former developer evangelist at Pebble, discuss the risks and decisions behind building firmware for Pebble smartwatches. They detail a critical OTA update bug that nearly bricked nearly a million devices, which was recovered using a clever BLE-based stack overflow hack. The team also explains how they built a massive developer ecosystem through tools like CloudPebble and the Watch Face Generator, and how they optimized code size to backport Pebble 3.0 to legacy hardware using techniques like Link Time Optimization and bootloader rewriting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-04-15-006-pebbles-code-is-free-three-former-pebble-engineers-discuss-why-its-important - **#005: The Current Realities of Cellular IoT** (2025-03-19, 59m): Episode 6. Fabien Korheim, Head of Global Products Strategy at ONES, and Chris Coleman, CTO of Memfault, discuss the current state of cellular IoT, emphasizing the operational advantages of MVNOs over traditional MNOs for global deployments. They analyze the trade-offs between NB-IoT and LTE-M, noting LTE-M as the current safe bet for low-power applications, while 5G RedCap is positioned as a future alternative. The conversation highlights the untapped potential of cellular in consumer devices, such as baby monitors and pet trackers, to reduce setup friction and returns, and details critical debugging strategies involving observability, module selection, and firmware practices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-03-19-005-the-current-realities-of-cellular-iot - **#004: The Future of Edge AI and What it Means for Device Makers** (2025-02-25, 58m): Episode 5. Alex Samuelson, CTO and co-founder of Imagimob, joins Memfault founders Francois Baldassari and Chris Coleman to discuss the practical implementation of Edge AI on embedded devices. They highlight how hardware accelerators like the Cortex-M55 and U55 have enabled GPU-like performance on microcontrollers, allowing for real-time inference in applications such as welding quality monitoring and fall detection. The conversation emphasizes that data collection, labeling, and memory constraints are the primary bottlenecks, requiring device makers to build data acquisition firmware early in the development process. Finally, they discuss the shift toward 'AI as a Service' business models, where hardware companies generate recurring revenue by updating models over the device's lifecycle. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-02-25-004-the-future-of-edge-ai-and-what-it-means-for-device-makers - **#003: Pebble's Code is Free: Three Former Pebble Engineers Discuss Why It's Important (PART 1/2)** (2025-02-11, 49m): Episode 4. Francois Baldassari, Chris Coleman, and Brad Murray, former engineers at Pebble, discuss the technical architecture and engineering decisions behind PebbleOS. They explain how a single codebase supported multiple hardware variants, enabling a platform approach that simplified updates and app compatibility. The team details their custom NOR Flash file system, app sandboxing using MPU fault handlers, and the strategic use of intentional crashes to generate core dumps for debugging. They also highlight the importance of analytics, serial protocols, and the collaboration between firmware and hardware teams in shaping the final product. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2025-02-11-003-pebbles-code-is-free-three-former-pebble-engineers-discuss-why-its-important - **#002: The secrets to building secure & scalable OTA infrastructure with Nick Sinas** (2024-12-18, 57m): Episode 3. Nick Sinas, CTO at Oval, and Chris Coleman, CTO at Memfault, discuss the critical importance of Over-the-Air (OTA) updates for connected devices, emphasizing that OTA must be designed into the hardware architecture from day one. They detail the technical requirements for secure, scalable OTA systems, including bootloader design, memory management, and cloud-side cohort rollouts to mitigate fleet-wide risks. The conversation highlights real-world failures, such as breaking future update capabilities due to stack overflow fixes, and stresses the need for rigorous testing, security best practices like signing keys, and fallback mechanisms like dual-bank architectures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2024-12-18-002-the-secrets-to-building-secure-scalable-ota-infrastructure-with-nick-sinas - **#001: The future of Bluetooth connectivity with Blecon Founder, Simon Ford** (2024-11-27, 1h 08m): Episode 2. Simon Ford, founder of Blecon, joins Memfault’s Chris Coleman and François Baldassari to discuss the evolution of Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) from its Nokia origins to its current role in cloud-connected devices. The group analyzes key technical shifts like LE Audio, PAwR, and coded PHY, while debating the practical trade-offs of BLE for IoT, asset tracking, and audio compared to Wi-Fi, cellular, and UWB. They also cover the challenges of BLE interoperability, debugging connection issues in the wild, and the limited real-world adoption of Bluetooth Mesh. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/coredump-sessions/2024-11-27-001-the-future-of-bluetooth-connectivity-with-blecon-founder-simon-ford ## EE Times Current Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current EE Times on the electronics industry, from semiconductors and AI hardware to design tools, for design engineers and other technology professionals. - Categories: Electronics, Engineering, Hardware - Latest episode: 2026-10-07 - Apple Podcasts: 28 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://feeds.blubrry.com/feeds/aspencore.xml - Website: https://www.eetimes.com/podcast/weekly-briefing/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Beyond PPA: How Foundation IP Enables Predictable Execution and Lower TCO for AI-Era SoCs** (2026-10-07, 24m): Ravi Todi, Executive Director of Product Management at Synopsys, explains that competitive power, performance, and area (PPA) are no longer sufficient for AI-era SoCs, as design complexity and execution risk at advanced nodes require a focus on predictable execution and total cost of ownership (TCO). He details how Synopsys' Foundation IP platform—integrating embedded memory, logic libraries, and I/O—reduces integration risks and avoids expensive re-spins, which can cost $20–$40 million in mask sets and delay tape-outs by 6–9 months. Todi highlights that this holistic approach enables first-pass silicon success, cross-foundry portability, and optimized PPA for both high-performance compute (HPC) and edge AI (HAI) designs, shifting the buying decision from lowest IP license price to lowest total cost of silicon on time. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-10-07-beyond-ppa-how-foundation-ip-enables-predictable-execution-and-lower-tco-for-ai - **Why Computing With Time Gives Neuromorphic AI an Edge** (2026-09-18, 57m): Dr. Ryad Benosman, co-founder of Prophesee and researcher at Johns Hopkins, explains why neuromorphic engineering and event-based vision offer a superior path for AI compared to traditional frame-based computer vision. He details his journey from pure mathematics to building event sensors, commercializing them through Prophesee, and developing retinal prosthetics using optogenetics and silicon implants. Benosman argues that computing with time allows for efficient, low-power processing that mimics biological systems, whereas current AI hits a wall due to power and data inefficiency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-09-18-why-computing-with-time-gives-neuromorphic-ai-an-edge - **Where Software Meets Silicon: A Digital Twin Playbook** (2026-09-04, 23m): VJ Chobisa, Senior Director at Siemens EDA, explains how digital twins and virtual platforms enable early software-hardware co-development to address system-level verification challenges in massive designs. He details the transition from architectural exploration to emulation and FPGA prototyping, highlighting how connected platforms help teams find power, performance, and DFT issues before tapeout. Chobisa argues that digital twins extend beyond electronics to model entire systems, such as automotive scenarios involving sensors and actuators, ensuring safety and reliability in complex products. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-09-04-where-software-meets-silicon-a-digital-twin-playbook - **Trust at Scale: The Next Challenge for AI-Driven Semiconductor Development** (2026-08-26, 24m): Dr. Jim Shiely, Chief of Staff for Calibre Semiconductor R&D at Siemens EDA, discusses the 'trust bottleneck' emerging in semiconductor development as AI becomes embedded in engineering workflows. He explains that while AI accelerates tasks, it creates an overflow of data that requires 'trustworthy engineering intelligence'—grounded in independent verification tools like Calibre and physics-based models—to prevent hallucinations and ensure decision confidence. Shiely argues that successful companies will use digital twins and agentic flows to provide structured, traceable intelligence rather than just raw data, enabling humans to make rapid, confident decisions in a high-pressure environment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-08-26-trust-at-scale-the-next-challenge-for-ai-driven-semiconductor-development - **Do Spikes Need Common Language for Sensing and Learning?** (2026-08-25, 1h 00m): Dr. Sunny Bains chairs a panel at the University of Sussex featuring Dr. Chiara Bartolozzi (Italian Institute of Technology), Dr. Federico Corradi (Eindhoven University of Technology), Dr. James Knight (University of Sussex), Dr. Laura Kriener (Institute of Neuroinformatics, Zurich), and Dr. Sebastian Siegel (Peter Grünberg Institute, Jülich) to debate whether spikes provide a common language for sensing and learning. The panelists argue that while spikes offer energy efficiency, the field lacks a unified encoding scheme to integrate multimodal data, such as combining event-based vision with frame-based imaging or touch sensors. They discuss the commercial trajectory of neuromorphic engineering, highlighting early adoption in edge IoT and drones by companies like Okterov and Kinema, while emphasizing the need for co-design of hardware and algorithms to solve complex robotic tasks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-08-25-do-spikes-need-common-language-for-sensing-and-learning - **Designing the AI Factory from the Rack Up** (2026-08-21, 18m): Neeraj Paliwal, Senior Vice President of Silicon IP Product Management at Synopsys, explains why the AI rack has replaced the data center as the fundamental unit of design and economics. He details the shift from 8kW to 130kW+ power densities in systems like NVIDIA's GB200 NVL72, driven by the need to optimize cost per token across distributed GPUs. Paliwal highlights that the industry is moving past single-die limits toward 3D stacking, custom HBM memory integration, and high-speed die-to-die interfaces like UCIe to overcome the memory and I/O bandwidth walls. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-08-21-designing-the-ai-factory-from-the-rack-up - **Beyond Automation: Self-Verifying AI Agents for Semiconductor and PCB Design** (2026-08-07, 23m): Amit Gupta, Chief AI Strategy Officer at Siemens EDA, and Tim Costa, VP and GM of Industrial and Computational Engineering at NVIDIA, discuss their collaboration to build self-verifying AI agents for semiconductor and PCB design. They explain how the Fuse EDA AI agent uses NVIDIA's GPU-accelerated libraries and Nemotron models to execute long-running engineering workflows while verifying outputs against physics-based EDA engines. The speakers highlight a specific case study with NVIDIA's silicon team, where the Salido characterization suite achieved a 10x reduction in turnaround time and token costs by automating manual setup and error handling. They outline three milestones for the future: workflow coverage, verified repeatability, and integration into core engineering infrastructure, aiming to cut tape-out schedules in half. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-08-07-beyond-automation-self-verifying-ai-agents-for-semiconductor-and-pcb-design - **Can Great Sky’s Light-Connected AI Enable Bigger Brains?** (2026-07-22, 58m): Dr. Jeff Shainline, founder of Great Sky, explains how his company combines superconducting electronics with photonic interconnects to build neuromorphic AI hardware that operates at 4 Kelvin. He details the use of Josephson junctions, SQUIDs, and single-photon detectors to achieve extreme speed and energy efficiency, arguing that this architecture offers a 300x cost advantage for large language models compared to NVIDIA's GB 200 systems. The discussion covers manufacturing partnerships with companies like Seek and IMEC, the roadmap to wafer-scale integration, and the physical limits of cognition defined by light-speed communication. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-07-22-can-great-skys-light-connected-ai-enable-bigger-brains - **Under the Hood of Intelligent Systems** (2026-06-27, 32m): Hezzy Sar, Executive Director of Product Management at Synopsys and Chair of the MIPI Alliance Board, discusses how the MIPI Alliance is evolving interface standards from mobile phones to automotive, industrial, and physical AI applications. He details specific protocols like MIPI AFI for automotive connectivity, CSI-2 features such as Smart Region of Interest (SROI) and Event Sensing and Processing (ESP), and DSI advancements for XR displays. The conversation highlights the importance of low-power, high-efficiency connectivity and the new security frameworks being integrated into these standards to ensure end-to-end protection for autonomous systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-06-27-under-the-hood-of-intelligent-systems - **Will Photonics Loosen the Bottlenecks in Neural Systems?** (2026-06-08, 46m): Dr. Patty Stabile of Eindhoven University of Technology explains her all-optical neuromorphic computing architecture using semiconductor optical amplifiers and wavelength division multiplexing to achieve ultra-low latency processing without optical-to-electrical conversion. Hosts Dr. Sonny Baines and Dr. Juliette D’Angelo discuss the scalability, power efficiency, and material challenges of indium phosphide versus silicon photonics, while Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings of Johns Hopkins University critiques the current state of the field and highlights applications in autonomous vehicles and 6G signal processing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-06-08-will-photonics-loosen-the-bottlenecks-in-neural-systems - **When AI Gets a Body: Physical AI, Humanoids and the Future of Silicon** (2026-06-05, 41m): Hezi Saar, Executive Director of Product Marketing at Synopsys, discusses the rise of Physical AI, focusing on the semiconductor demands of humanoid robots and autonomous systems. He explains the shift from cloud-only AI to hybrid inference architectures that balance latency, privacy, and cost, highlighting the 'memory wall' bottleneck in edge devices. Saar also details how open standards like MIPI CSE 2.0 and multi-die packaging are critical for reducing risk and enabling secure, scalable physical AI hardware. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-06-05-when-ai-gets-a-body-physical-ai-humanoids-and-the-future-of-silicon - **Zonal Power: 48V Architectures for the Software Defined Vehicle** (2026-05-08, 34m): Elmech Dihiras, a senior technical marketing engineer at Monolithic Power Systems (MPS), explains the automotive industry's transition from legacy 12V domain architectures to 48V zonal architectures for Software Defined Vehicles (SDVs). He details how zonal controllers aggregate local I/O and use high-speed Ethernet to feed central compute platforms, enabling scalable vehicle platforms and robust OTA updates. The discussion highlights the technical advantages of 48V systems, including reduced current, lighter wiring, and lower copper costs, while addressing challenges like fault energy, EMI, and functional safety. Dihiras showcases MPS's integrated 48V e-fuses, such as the MPQ5884, as critical building blocks for enabling dynamic power distribution and rich telemetry in modern EVs and robotaxis. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-05-08-zonal-power-48v-architectures-for-the-software-defined-vehicle - **Fixing AI’s Bottlenecks: Memory, Scale, and Sparsity** (2026-04-23, 58m): A panel of neuromorphic engineering experts, including Dr. Damien Querlioz, Dr. Julian Büchel, Professor Tamalika Banerjee, Dr. Maxence Ernoult, and Professor Steve Furber, discusses the bottlenecks in AI hardware at the Atoms to Bits conference. They debate the shift from scale-based emergence to engineered approaches, highlighting memory, connectivity, and sparsity as critical challenges. The discussion also covers the viability of emerging technologies, the role of public funding, and the potential for an AI market bubble. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-04-23-fixing-ais-bottlenecks-memory-scale-and-sparsity - **Can the Nvidia Monopoly on AI Chips Be Broken?** (2026-03-16, 49m): Sally Ward-Foxton of EE Times discusses the AI chip market with hosts Dr. Sunny Bains and Dr. Giulia D’Angelo, analyzing the dominance of Nvidia and the potential for neuromorphic and specialized inference chips to break its monopoly. The conversation covers the spectrum of AI hardware from data center GPUs to ultra-low-power edge devices, highlighting the critical role of software stacks and latency in determining adoption. Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings joins to critique the industry's focus on power versus learning capabilities and to discuss the future of neuromorphic computing, including memristors and photonic integration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-03-16-can-the-nvidia-monopoly-on-ai-chips-be-broken - **Automated Multiphysics for 3D IC Success** (2026-03-06, 28m): Chevanoki and John Ferguson from Siemens EDA discuss the challenges of automated multiphysics analysis for 3D IC design, specifically how power, heat, and stress interact in stacked heterogeneous architectures. They explain the shift from traditional 2D verification to integrated flows that account for GDS-level details, thermal impacts, and mechanical stresses to ensure timing closure and reliability. The guests highlight the importance of standards like 3D-BC, the use of Siemens' Calibre and Flowtherm tools, and the future role of AI in reducing the steep learning curve for designers moving into 3D stacking. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-03-06-automated-multiphysics-for-3d-ic-success - **Neuromorphic Spikes Unify Control and Decision Making** (2026-02-06, 56m): Professor Rodolphe Sepulchre of the University of Cambridge discusses his work applying control theory to neuromorphic engineering, arguing that building physical circuits is often more effective than simulating differential equations. He explains how mixed positive and negative feedback in neurons allows for the unification of discrete decision-making and continuous regulation, using examples like a pendulum and a simulated snake. Hosts Julia D'Angelo and Sunny Bains, along with Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings from Johns Hopkins University, discuss the importance of embodiment, the resurgence of analog design, and the concept of 'sparsity shells' in efficient neuromorphic systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-02-06-neuromorphic-spikes-unify-control-and-decision-making - **Chips at the Edge: Innovation for AI at Edge and Automotive** (2026-01-14, 25m): Hezzy Tzar, Executive Director at Synopsys, discusses the shift of AI workloads from the cloud to the edge, highlighting the critical balance of power, performance, and cost in devices like smartphones and automotive systems. He explains that memory bandwidth, specifically involving LPDDR6 and UFS, is the primary bottleneck for on-device AI, necessitating flexible multi-die architectures and standards like UCIe to manage scalability and reliability in automotive applications. Tzar emphasizes the importance of 'shift left' methodologies, using emulation and FPGA prototyping to handle rapid model changes, and predicts a future where hardware must support continuous software upgrades and subscription-based models for physical AI devices like robotics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-01-14-chips-at-the-edge-innovation-for-ai-at-edge-and-automotive - **Green Always-On Sensing with Neuronova’s Sub-μwatt Chip?** (2026-01-07, 47m): Alessandro Milazzi and Michele Mestella, co-founders of Neuronova, discuss their neuromorphic startup's strategy to enable always-on sensing with sub-microwatt power consumption. They explain their choice of floating-gate memory over memristors for reliability and their focus on audio keyword spotting and health monitoring applications. The episode also features commentary from Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings on the market landscape and the potential for AI-driven health monitoring. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2026-01-07-green-always-on-sensing-with-neuronovas-sub-watt-chip - **An Architecture for Building Brains from Top to Bottom?** (2025-12-05, 55m): Professor Chris Eliasmith of the University of Waterloo discusses his Semantic Pointer Architecture Unified Network (SPAUN) and the Neural Engineering Framework (NEF), explaining how they enable cognitive modeling and efficient neuromorphic computing. He details the development of Legendre Memory Units (LMUs) and the spin-out company Applied Brain Research, which recently released a low-power MRAM-based chip for state-space models. The episode concludes with a debate between hosts Dr. Sunny Bains and Dr. Giulia D’Angelo, and commentator Prof. Ralph Etienne-Cummings, regarding the efficiency, standardization, and practical utility of these neuromorphic approaches. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-12-05-an-architecture-for-building-brains-from-top-to-bottom - **Tracking & Locationing Technologies from Renesas** (2025-11-12, 21m): Annie Ru, a product marketing engineer at Renesas, explains the evolution from simple asset tracking to intelligent, real-time 'locationing' using Renesas Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) System on Chips (SoCs). She details three core technologies: CrowdSourced Locationing (CSL) for global consumer tracking, Atlas for high-scale industrial triangulation, and Wira for precise wireless ranging in RF-hostile environments. Ru highlights real-world applications, including Carnival Cruise Lines using Atlas and Wira for guest services and safety, and demonstrates how these solutions enable new use cases like conference attendee tracking and smart retail theft prevention. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-11-12-tracking-locationing-technologies-from-renesas - **Artificial Hearing: From Ear Drums to Tuning Forks** (2025-11-07, 51m): Dr. Claudia Lenk of the University of Bamberg explains her group's development of a silicon cochlea using micromechanical cantilever beams that act as artificial hair cells, offering frequency-selective sensing and adaptive feedback to improve speech recognition in noisy environments. The team is integrating these sensors with memristor-based reservoir computing for low-power hearing aid applications, a project funded by the Caritase Foundation under the name Noirosensia. The discussion also features Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings of Johns Hopkins University, who debates the definition of neuromorphic engineering and compares Lenk's active sensing approach to other low-power AI hardware like Chi-Chi Liu's recent work. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-11-07-artificial-hearing-from-ear-drums-to-tuning-forks - **The State of Multi-Die: Insights and Customer Requirements** (2025-11-07, 20m): Shaker Kapur, Executive Director of Productline Management for the Synopsys EDA Group, discusses the industry shift toward multi-die design driven by the strategic collaboration between OpenAI and AMD. He explains how this partnership, involving up to 6 gigawatts of AMD Instinct GPUs, highlights the necessity of co-optimizing hardware and software to meet exploding AI compute demands. Kapur details how Synopsys addresses these challenges through its 3DIC Capital platform, which unifies multi-die architecture exploration and system-level analysis to enable scalable, power-efficient data center architectures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-11-07-the-state-of-multi-die-insights-and-customer-requirements - **Calibre Directions in Artificial Intelligence** (2025-10-22, 21m): Carrie Robertson, Vice President of Product Management at Siemens EDA, explains how the company integrates AI into its Calibre design verification suite. She distinguishes between the deterministic algorithms used for sign-off quality and the AI techniques used to accelerate productivity, such as error organization and debugging. Robertson highlights Calibre Vision AI, which helped a GPU manufacturer reduce verification time by 50% by clustering millions of errors into manageable signals. The discussion also covers the strategic importance of a private data lake for IP security and the future roadmap of automatic error fixing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-10-22-calibre-directions-in-artificial-intelligence - **A Theoretical Framework for Neuromorphic Technology?** (2025-10-03, 55m): Dr. Brad Aimone of Sandia National Laboratories discusses his proposed theoretical framework for neuromorphic engineering, explaining why large-scale platforms like Intel's Loihi 2 and Spinnaker 2 are suited for Monte Carlo simulations and iterative algorithms rather than dense linear algebra. He argues that the non-Von Neumann, event-driven nature of neuromorphic hardware imposes constraints that require intentional algorithm design, where the algorithm is encoded in the hardware circuitry itself. The episode also features commentary from Professor Ralph Etienne-Cummings of Johns Hopkins University on the importance of theoretical bounds and the role of adult neurogenesis in preventing catastrophic forgetting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-10-03-a-theoretical-framework-for-neuromorphic-technology - **Neurons Close the Loop from Insect Perception to Action** (2025-09-09, 44m): Professor Barbara Webb of the University of Edinburgh explains how she uses physical robots to validate neural mechanisms in crickets, ants, and bees, demonstrating that biological cognition requires complete sensory-motor loops. She details her work on cricket sound localization using analog electronics for precise timing, bee path integration via the central complex, and ant grasping mechanics using passive hairs. The discussion highlights the value of embodied robotics in testing biological hypotheses and inspiring efficient, low-power robotic control strategies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/ee-times-current/2025-09-09-neurons-close-the-loop-from-insect-perception-to-action ## People of Packaging Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging Conversations with people across the packaging industry, from packaging suppliers and designers to founders of consumer brands, on how products are packaged, bought and brought to market. - Categories: Consumer Products & CPG, Design, Supply Chain & Operations, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 29 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://api.substack.com/feed/podcast/1060538.rss - Website: https://encase.substack.com/podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **361 - Men have skin too and love good packaging design! W/ Freddie Sheridan from YCODE** (2026-10-13, 38m): Episode 361. Freddie Sheridan, founder of YCODE, explains how his brand addresses the men's skincare gap by formulating products specifically for male skin biology, including 25% thicker skin and higher oil content. He details the design of the original matchbox-style packaging, which uses GF Smith paper and a glue dot, and the subsequent rebrand to a cleaner white aesthetic to avoid stereotypes. The episode highlights the Well Kept Advanced Eye Serum, noting its color-adaptive properties and the innovative 100% aluminum tube with a snap-off lid designed for sustainability and ease of use. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-10-13-361-men-have-skin-too-and-love-good-packaging-design-w-freddie-sheridan-from-yco - **360 - Beyond the Die Line - The pitch was awful. They liked the bar! Tom Seymour and Ree Dolnick** (2026-10-08, 1h 09m): Episode 360. Ree Dolnick, founder of JECA Energy Bars, explains how she transitioned from cancer research to building a self-manufacturing CPG brand after co-packers rejected her clean-label recipe and demanded unfeasible run sizes. She details the company's pivot to in-house production developed with RIT engineers, which allowed JECA to control quality and offer short turns that retailers like Whole Foods and Wegmans prefer. Dolnick also discusses the iterative packaging journey, moving from plain film to digital printing and finally to ePac pouches, while emphasizing the importance of customer discovery at UB Cultivator to identify the true buyer profile. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-10-08-360-beyond-the-die-line-the-pitch-was-awful-they-liked-the-bar-tom-seymour-and-r - **359 - The most interesting way AI is disrupting packaging design with Andy Kurtts from Buttermilk Creative** (2026-09-21, 35m): Andy Kurtts, founder of Buttermilk Creative, explains how 'agentic shoppers'—AI tools that autonomously select products based on user intent—are disrupting packaging design by requiring brands to optimize copy and visual claims across all packaging panels. He demonstrates a live test using Google Gemini, showing how AI interprets product data from physical packaging OCR and retailer listings to make recommendations. Kurtts advises brands to ensure consistency between their physical packaging, e-commerce descriptions, and retailer dashboards to avoid being filtered out by vision models that scan thumbnails and text for specific keywords like 'seed oil free.' Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-09-21-359-the-most-interesting-way-ai-is-disrupting-packaging-design-with-andy-kurtts - **358 - Former NBA President/GM Tommy Sheppard drops some leadership NUGGETS!** (2026-09-09, 39m): Tommy Sheppard, former President and GM of the Washington Wizards, discusses his 32-year career in the NBA, his transition to executive leadership coaching, and the importance of servant leadership. He shares anecdotes from his time with the Denver Nuggets, including the franchise's historic 11-71 season and the legacy of Joe Wolf, while emphasizing the value of building relational equity over transactional interactions. Sheppard also offers advice to young athletes and parents on maintaining a love for the game amidst increasing commercialization and stress. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-09-09-358-former-nba-president-gm-tommy-sheppard-drops-some-leadership-nuggets - **357 - Dustin Steerman is putting Vert on the map and changing how packaging is bought** (2026-08-24, 35m): Dustin Steerman, founder and CEO of Vert, explains how his company is disrupting the flexible packaging industry by combining digital printing with a service-first model. He details Vert's expansion from a cannabis-focused startup into a broader supplier for sports nutrition and pet treats, supported by a new 35,000-square-foot facility in Longmont, Colorado. Steerman emphasizes that their competitive advantage lies in solving the friction of packaging procurement through 24-hour quote turnarounds and managing complex multi-state regulatory artwork versioning. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-08-24-357-dustin-steerman-is-putting-vert-on-the-map-and-changing-how-packaging-is-bou - **356 - A very bubbly interview with fellow CSU Ram and Bom Dia founder, Kevin Selvy** (2026-08-17, 37m): Kevin Selvy, Founder and CEO of Bôm Dia, explains the 3.5-year journey of exporting the first canned Brazilian sparkling wine to North America. He details the engineering challenges of matching carbonation levels between glass bottles and aluminum cans to ensure identical taste, and the decision to use direct screen printing on glass to avoid label damage during ocean freight. Selvy also discusses the logistical nightmare of navigating complex US alcohol distribution laws and a surprise 50% import tariff that hit while their first shipment was at sea. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-08-17-356-a-very-bubbly-interview-with-fellow-csu-ram-and-bom-dia-founder-kevin-selvy - **355 - Shark Tank Alum Olivia Abrams from Tick Mitt!** (2026-08-09, 32m): Olivia Abrams, CEO and Co-Founder of TickMitt, discusses the journey of creating a chemical-free tick removal mitten and the Tick Sidekick with her father, Steve. She details their experience pitching on Shark Tank, where they received two offers but declined them due to valuation, and explains how they designed packaging to balance low D2C shipping costs with retail visibility using clear windows and pegboard hooks. The conversation highlights the operational challenges of scaling, including transforming shipping boxes into PDQs and navigating complex 136-page compliance manuals for big-box retail. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-08-09-355-shark-tank-alum-olivia-abrams-from-tick-mitt - **354 - Beyond the dieline with the incomparable Jake Karls from Mid-Day Squares** (2026-07-22, 47m): Jake Karls, co-founder of Mid-Day Squares, explains how the company evolved from hand-making bars in a condo kitchen to building a custom manufacturing facility producing 150,000 squares daily after facing rejection from 26 co-packers. He details the strategic decision to place their refrigerated snacks in the fresh aisle to avoid the 'sea of sameness' in dry nutrition bars and discusses the launch of their viral 'No-Bread PB&J' line, which was developed to mitigate cocoa price surges. Karls emphasizes the importance of radical social media transparency and storytelling to build an emotional connection with consumers, turning early pandemic crises into growth opportunities by going 'on offense.' Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-07-22-354-beyond-the-dieline-with-the-incomparable-jake-karls-from-mid-day-squares - **353 - Adam Page and Adam Peek discuss Packaging Market Trends!** (2026-07-14, 38m): Adam Page, VP of Reports at Smithers, discusses the limitations of AI in market research and the necessity of human expertise for triangulating data across the packaging value chain. He highlights how e-commerce growth is driving flexible packaging but reducing corrugated volumes through AI-driven right-sizing, while a global shortage of Post-Consumer Recycled (PCR) material threatens brand sustainability goals. Page explains that Smithers serves brands, retailers, and suppliers by providing primary research to navigate regulatory changes and supply chain complexities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-07-14-353-adam-page-and-adam-peek-discuss-packaging-market-trends - **352 - Are you ready to see the next revolution in packaging testing?!? Ankit Dhawan from Blue-Pill.ai** (2026-06-22, 36m): Ankit Dhawan, founder of Bluepill.ai, explains how his software uses AI-driven digital twins to simulate consumer behavior for packaging testing, reducing costs from $15,000–$25,000 and weeks of time to under ten minutes. During a live demo, Dhawan analyzes Miss Essie’s BBQ Sauce packaging against competitors like Sweet Baby Ray’s and Stubbs, identifying strengths like practical dispensers and weaknesses like pale illustrations. The discussion highlights the software’s ability to provide objective, data-driven insights on shelf performance and claim effectiveness, addressing the high cost and slow iteration of traditional market research. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-06-22-352-are-you-ready-to-see-the-next-revolution-in-packaging-testing-ankit-dhawan-f - **351 - The best RTD innovation I've seen in packaging! 2 cans with Tatiana Chamorro from Toucan** (2026-06-15, 26m): Tatiana Chamorro, CMO and founding team member of Toucan Cocktails, explains the engineering and packaging decisions behind their two-can RTD system. She details the transition from leaky 3D-printed prototypes to a final design featuring a universal black top can and direct digital UV inkjet printing to simplify supply chain and demand planning. The episode highlights the mechanical challenge of creating a leak-proof seal using a connecting ring and the strategic choice to use tin for the spirit can to ensure shelf stability. Chamorro emphasizes how this modular architecture allows for flavor personalization while maintaining operational efficiency for a small team scaling in a legacy industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-06-15-351-the-best-rtd-innovation-ive-seen-in-packaging-2-cans-with-tatiana-chamorro-f - **350 - Beyond the Dieline - Dr Juan from PNuff Crunch joins Tom Seymour** (2026-05-27, 1h 10m): Dr. Juan Salinas, founder of Pnuff Crunch, discusses his transition from food science roles at Nabisco, Cadbury, Kraft, and Nestle to launching his own functional snack brand. He details the operational challenges of scaling production, specifically the costly mistake of over-purchasing long-run packaging film rolls and the strategic pivot to digital printing and smart plate design to manage inventory. Salinas also recounts his viral Shark Tank appearance, where Mark Cuban’s intervention saved the pitch, leading to Cuban’s investment, and explains how Pnuff Crunch’s high-protein, high-fiber formulation targets modern dietary trends including GLP-1 companion foods. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-05-27-350-beyond-the-dieline-dr-juan-from-pnuff-crunch-joins-tom-seymour - **349 - Why all your UPC barcodes might be going away soon! Ned Mears from GS1** (2026-05-18, 35m): Ned Mears, Senior Director of Global Standards at GS1 US, explains the industry-wide shift from 1D UPC barcodes to 2D barcodes under the 'Sunrise 2027' initiative. He details how adding dynamic data like expiration dates can reduce food waste by up to 40% and enable serialized identity for inventory management. Mears discusses the convergence of RFID and QR codes, allowing brands to capture direct consumer data and control digital experiences at the point of sale. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-05-18-349-why-all-your-upc-barcodes-might-be-going-away-soon-ned-mears-from-gs1 - **348 - Cracking the Code of Label Compliance with Lauren Rockteacher** (2026-05-07, 28m): Lauren Rockteacher, founder of Proof and Panel, explains the critical importance of regulatory compliance in food and dietary supplement labeling, distinguishing between the two categories based on structure-function claims. She warns against relying on AI for regulatory advice, noting that while it can be a starting point, it often hallucinates specific code sections, leading to non-compliant labels. Rockteacher emphasizes that her 200+ checkpoint review process prevents costly recalls and waste by ensuring conditional labeling elements are handled correctly before printing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-05-07-348-cracking-the-code-of-label-compliance-with-lauren-rockteacher - **347 - Get a $1 Million investment with www.grow-ny.com** (2026-05-01, 34m): Jenn Smith, Director of Food and Ag Innovation Programs at Cornell University and Director of Grow-NY, explains the details of the Grow-NY competition, a $3 million equity investment program for early-stage startups. She highlights past winners like Living Ink Technology, which developed algae-based inks, and discusses the holistic sustainability criteria and eligibility requirements for the program. The episode also covers the definition of 'Upstate New York' and the application deadline of May 15th. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-05-01-347-get-a-1-million-investment-with-www-grow-ny-com - **346 - Sistine Spritz packaging aesthetic is unreal! w/ founder Kate McLamb and Lauren Alexander** (2026-04-28, 28m): Kate McLamb and Lauren Alexander, co-founders of Sistine Spritz, explain how they built a beverage brand by treating it like a fashion house, prioritizing brand aesthetics and community before finalizing the liquid formula. They discuss the design of their 750ml champagne bottle with a hand-applied blue wax seal and the technical challenges of transitioning to a 222ml slim can while maintaining their 'sexy' brand identity. The founders detail how they achieved the drink's natural ruby-red color using beets and carrots to match their computer-generated ideal, and describe their strategy of launching through intimate events and LA retail partnerships rather than traditional alcohol distribution. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-04-28-346-sistine-spritz-packaging-aesthetic-is-unreal-w-founder-kate-mclamb-and-laure - **345 - Beyond the Dieline - The secret success behind Junebar! Tom Seymour and Keith McCullough** (2026-04-17, 59m): Keith McCullough, founder of Junebar, explains his pivot from a 20-year career in video game development to creating high-fiber, plant-based snack bars. He details the product's formulation, focusing on clean ingredients and a 4-month refrigerated shelf life, and discusses the strategic importance of fiber in the current CPG landscape. McCullough shares critical advice for early-stage founders, emphasizing the need for small initial packaging orders, the benefits of co-packing, and the emotional resilience required to handle consumer feedback and imposter syndrome. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-04-17-345-beyond-the-dieline-the-secret-success-behind-junebar-tom-seymour-and-keith-m - **344 - CERM user group with Trent Bremer from Grand Rapids Label** (2026-04-06, 19m): Trent Bremer, VP of Operations & Finance at Grand Rapids Label, discusses the company's 142-year legacy and its transition from a 40-year-old homegrown system to implementing Serm ERP. He details the technical challenges of producing durable automotive labels and direct food-contact items like ice cream cone sleeves, emphasizing the need for strict certifications. Bremer also explores the practical applications of AI in their operations, specifically for forecasting customer order patterns and automating EDI mapping for automotive clients. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-04-06-344-cerm-user-group-with-trent-bremer-from-grand-rapids-label - **343 - Returning guest, Manya Rubinstein on her new BIG venture!** (2026-03-17, 27m): Manya Rubinstein, CEO of Isco Spirits and Providence Distilling, discusses the launch of Big Dick’s Banana Whiskey, a playful banana-flavored bourbon created as a 'naughty little sibling' to her serious sustainability-focused brands. She explains the product's genesis as a humorous riff on the male-dominated spirits industry, detailing the use of real ingredients to create a smooth, ready-to-drink spirit available in 100ml nips and an upcoming 1-liter bar size. The episode covers the 1950s Americana branding designed by Kiki Schulo, the strategic use of fruit-style QR stickers, and the logistical challenges of shipping alcohol across US state lines, particularly to Utah. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-03-17-343-returning-guest-manya-rubinstein-on-her-new-big-venture - **342 - Beyond the Dieline with Tom Seymour - Episode 2 with Benita Kasbo from Kasbo's Market** (2026-03-09, 1h 02m): Benita Kasbo, founder of Kasbo's Market, discusses her transition from pharmaceutical sales to launching a Syrian cheese brand during the pandemic. She details the unique flavor profile provided by Mahlab spice, the challenges of sourcing ingredients and finding dairy co-packers, and her strategy for pitching new categories to retailers like Wegmans. Kasbo also highlights her collaboration with Cornell University to cultivate St. Lucy cherry trees in New York and her successful pop-up partnership with Chobani Cafe. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-03-09-342-beyond-the-dieline-with-tom-seymour-episode-2-with-benita-kasbo-from-kasbos - **341 - 2 Kings talk about "people-ing", data, and Compton High** (2026-02-20, 30m): Adam Peek, founder of Label King, and Esteban Garcia from CERM discuss the implementation of CERM’s MIS software at Label King’s Utah facility. Peek explains that he chose CERM based on testimonials from other successful label companies rather than sales pitches, aiming for a single source of truth for estimating, production, and scheduling. The conversation highlights the heavy lift of implementation, the strategic use of automation to free up staff for complex decision-making, and the value of on-site support from CERM’s Dean. They also explore how AI and integrations with pre-press software like Hybrid can reduce lead times and improve customer transparency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-02-20-341-2-kings-talk-about-people-ing-data-and-compton-high - **340 - Perro Verde Mezcal Packaging is muy interesante! Special bi-lingual episode** (2026-02-18, 37m): Juan Santiago Rodriguez and Mariana Carvajal, founders of Perro Verde Mezcal, discuss their journey from CPG and high fashion backgrounds to launching a luxury spirit brand rooted in a 120-year-old Oaxacan family legacy. They explain how they bridge the gap between rustic traditional distillation and premium product quality, emphasizing a design philosophy that avoids compromise on sustainability or aesthetics. The episode highlights their specific packaging innovations, including 3D-printed branding on glass, raw wood stoppers, and rigid board boxes, all produced entirely in Mexico to support local supply chains and reduce environmental impact. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-02-18-340-perro-verde-mezcal-packaging-is-muy-interesante-special-bi-lingual-episode - **339 - Beyond the Dieline ep 1 with Tom Seymour and Jessica Kwon from Moka Energy!** (2026-02-05, 46m): Tom Seymour interviews Jessica Kwon, founder of Jack & Friends Jerky and co-founder of Moka Energy, about her journey from a Cornell food science background to building CPG brands. Kwon details the operational challenges of bootstrapping, including 3 AM kitchen shifts and hand-packing orders after a New York Times feature, and the technical pivot from DIY Photoshop designs to custom-printed packaging via Wagon Design Studio. The conversation highlights the importance of owning manufacturing mistakes with partners like Seymour’s company and the strategic decision to launch Moka Energy with an experienced team to skip early-stage hurdles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/people-of-packaging/2026-02-05-339-beyond-the-dieline-ep-1-with-tom-seymour-and-jessica-kwon-from-moka-energy - **MCC, Chapter 11, and what it might all mean** (2026-02-02, 41m): 🎙️ Show Notes: The “Prepackaged” Truth Behind the MCC Bankruptcy What is going on, everybody! Welcome back to the People of Packaging. Today, we’re digging into the weeds of one of the biggest stories in the industry right now: the Multi-Color Corporation (MCC) Chapter 11 filing. Last week, I made a post that stirred up a bit of a hornet’s nest. I got a lot of “Adam, you didn’t do your research” comments regarding what a “prepackaged” bankruptcy actually is. Well, friends, I did the research. I went through the 241-page court filing on my own and used AI to help as well. Both resources are listed below. In this episode, we’re breaking down the macroeconomics, the management “Project… - **337 - Rooting yourself in truth - part 1 of Sales Exegesis** (2026-01-19, 17m): People of Packaging Podcast: Rooting Your Sales Journey in Truth In this episode, host Adam Peek takes us on a deep dive into his new book, Sales Exegesis: A Pastor’s Journey into Packaging Sales. Drawing from his unique background as a pastor and his decade-plus career in the packaging industry, Adam explores why so many sales professionals feel disconnected from their work and how to find dignity and integrity in the sales process. Key Discussion Points: * The Dignity of Sales: Adam discusses how the “manipulative salesperson” stereotype has stripped the dignity from the profession. He shares his passion for helping others rediscover that dignity and find wholeness in their roles. *… ## Additive Snack Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack EOS's podcast on additive manufacturing and industrial 3D printing, with interviews and real-world stories from engineers, specialists and users of the technology. - Categories: Manufacturing, Design, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-13 - Apple Podcasts: 13 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/additive-snack - Website: https://www.eos.info/content/podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **When Production Overtakes Prototyping: Materialise’s Next Phase of AM** (2026-10-13, 1h 02m): Episode 44. Bart van der Schuren, CTO of Materialise, explains how the company transitioned from a 1995 service bureau to a production powerhouse, recently surpassing prototyping with serial manufacturing. He details the three pillars of Materialise—manufacturing, software, and medical applications—and highlights rapid adoption in hearing aids, dental, and drones, contrasted with the slow, recertification-heavy aerospace sector. Van der Schuren argues that AI-driven automation and in-situ quality control are critical for reducing New Product Introduction (NPI) costs and scaling production in regulated industries. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-10-13-when-production-overtakes-prototyping-materialises-next-phase-of-am - **U.S. Navy's Captain Deichler on AM in the Submarine Industrial Base** (2026-10-06, 1h 02m): Episode 43. Captain Jason Deichler, Chief of Staff for Submarine Programs at the U.S. Navy, explains the Navy's strategy to achieve a 'one plus two' production goal (one Columbia-class and two Virginia-class submarines annually) by rebuilding a strained industrial base through additive manufacturing (AM). He details how AM addresses workforce shortages, supplier attrition, and lost casting/forging capabilities, moving from qualifying individual parts to establishing qualified material and process standards via Project Peculiar Documents (PPDs). The conversation covers the transition from skepticism to adoption, the scaling of qualified parts from 25 to 75, and the future vision of tens of thousands of additive parts integrated into submarine sustainment and new construction. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-10-06-u-s-navys-captain-deichler-on-am-in-the-submarine-industrial-base - **Building Drones at Scale: SLS Production from Low-Volume to High-Rate Manufacturing** (2026-09-29, 44m): Episode 42. Nick Classen, General Manager of Northwest Rapid Manufacturing, explains how the company evolved from supporting Northwest UAV into a high-rate production provider for UAVs using EOS SLS technology. He details the shift from prototyping to end-use parts, highlighting specific applications like conformal fuel tanks, EMI-shielded housings, and structural brackets made from Nylon 12, Alumide, and glass-filled polymers. Classen discusses the operational challenges of scaling production, the critical role of post-processing, and the company's strategic expansion into metal AM (DMLS) to meet growing defense and aerospace demand. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-09-29-building-drones-at-scale-sls-production-from-low-volume-to-high-rate-manufacturi - **The AM Sasquatch: Challenging AM Qualification with Math, Physics, & AI** (2026-09-01, 55m): Episode 41. Harshil Goel, founder and CEO of Dyndrite, explains how current additive manufacturing qualification practices lock down variables like software, machine, and layer height, stifling innovation. He details Dyndrite’s role in three America Makes programs: AI4AM, which uses statistical methods to reduce specimen counts for material allowables; DeltaQual 2.0, which enables 'bracketed qualification' allowing parameter changes within a defined window without requalification; and Gotham, which transfers qualified parameters across different machines and sizes. Goel introduces 'Sasquatch,' a physics-based framework using non-dimensional ratios (e.g., energy density) to bound process windows, aiming to accelerate industry adoption within a two-year timeline. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-09-01-the-am-sasquatch-challenging-am-qualification-with-math-physics-ai - **AM as a Moat: How Annihilator Created a Competitive Advantage in Broadhead Manufacturing** (2026-08-25, 1h 08m): Episode 40. Brandon Brodie, co-founder and CEO of Annihilator Broadheads, explains how a failed elk hunt inspired the creation of a broadhead with a unique 'scoop' design that creates high-pressure and low-tension wound channels. After validating the concept through plastic prototypes and an improvised Instant Pot wind tunnel test, Brodie faced severe supply chain failures with investment casting and metal injection molding suppliers, leading to massive scrap rates and lost dealers. To save the company, he brought metal laser powder bed fusion in-house, learning to operate 5-axis CNC grinding and metal printing to achieve tight tolerances and enable complex geometries like the Katana broadhead. Brodie outlines how this additive manufacturing moat allows for rapid innovation, new product lines, and future contract manufacturing partnerships. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-08-25-am-as-a-moat-how-annihilator-created-a-competitive-advantage-in-broadhead-manufa - **AI Is Getting Hot: Can Additive Manufacturing Help Cool It Down?** (2026-08-18, 49m): Episode 39. Professor PS Lee, founder of CoolestDC and head of Mechanical Engineering at the National University of Singapore (NUS), explains how additive manufacturing (AM) enables complex unibody cold plates that reduce junction temperatures by ~10°C and pumping power by 60–70% in AI data centers. He details the transition from single-phase to two-phase direct-to-chip liquid cooling and the deployment of AM cold plates at NUS’s Sustainable Tropical Data Center Testbed (STDC), which features 22 liquid-cooled racks and ~500 kW capacity. Lee discusses system-level challenges, including leakage risks, total cost of ownership (TCO) evaluations, and the potential for AM in space-based data centers and waste-heat reuse. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-08-18-ai-is-getting-hot-can-additive-manufacturing-help-cool-it-down - **Inside GM's Additive Industrialization Center with Ante Lausic** (2026-07-21, 1h 00m): Episode 38. Ante Lausic, Lead Process Engineer at General Motors' Additive Industrialization Center (AIC), explains that scaling additive manufacturing (AM) in automotive requires AM-native designs, automotive-grade materials, and cost-effective production rather than just faster machines. He details how GM uses the AIC to validate technologies and supports high-value, low-volume applications like the Cadillac Celestiq, which incorporates over 130 AM components including safety-critical parts. Lausic highlights significant growth in tooling and end-of-arm tooling, while noting that scaling to high-volume vehicles like the Corvette remains challenging due to material limitations and qualification hurdles like PPAP. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-21-inside-gms-additive-industrialization-center-with-ante-lausic - **Why AM and Orthotics & Prosthetics are the Perfect Fit** (2026-07-14, 1h 14m): Episode 36. Brent Wright, VP at EastPoint Prosthetics and co-founder of Life Enabled, explains how additive manufacturing is transforming orthotics and prosthetics (O&P) by replacing hazardous, non-digital traditional workflows with scalable, data-driven digital processes. He details the shift from plaster casting and carbon fiber layups to pressure casting, 3D scanning, and SLS printing with materials like PK5000 to create flexible sockets that heal wounds and improve comfort. Wright discusses the challenges of scaling care in developing regions like Guatemala through local manufacturing and modular kits, while noting that reimbursement barriers in the US limit the adoption of advanced sensors and actuators. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-14-why-am-and-orthotics-prosthetics-are-the-perfect-fit - **AM at a Crossroads: Incodema3D Proves What's Possible at Scale** (2026-07-07, 41m): Episode 37. Sean Whittaker, founder and CEO of Incodema3D, explains how the company evolved from a sheet metal prototyping shop into one of North America's largest metal additive manufacturing operations, now scaling to over 50 Laser Powder Bed Fusion (LPBF) systems. He details the strategic shift from prototypes to high-volume production, emphasizing vertical integration, the maturity of Design for Additive Manufacturing (DfAM), and the critical role of AFM Capital's investment in accelerating expansion. Whittaker highlights specific applications in thermal management, defense, and energy, noting how reshoring and automation are driving the industry's transition into a scalable, capital-intensive manufacturing model. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-07-07-am-at-a-crossroads-incodema3d-proves-whats-possible-at-scale - **AM Rocket Engines and Space Nuclear Power with Omar Mireles** (2026-06-23, 1h 58m): Episode 35. Omar Mireles, Director of Manufacture and Materials at Space Nuclear Power Corporation (Space Nukes), discusses how additive manufacturing (AM) accelerates the development of space nuclear reactors and liquid rocket engines. He details his career at NASA, Oak Ridge, and Los Alamos, focusing on the challenges of printing refractory metals like niobium and tungsten, and explains Space Nukes' goal of delivering safe, affordable power anywhere in the solar system using a Krusty design heritage. Mireles outlines an aggressive ~2-year flight timeline, noting that heat rejection and regulatory barriers are the primary constraints, while AM enables part consolidation and weight reduction in complex geometries. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-06-23-am-rocket-engines-and-space-nuclear-power-with-omar-mireles - **The Manufacturing Comeback: Dean Bartles on Defense, AI, and the Next Industrial Revolution** (2026-06-02, 57m): Episode 34. Dean Bartles, President and CEO of the Manufacturing Technology Deployment Group (behind NCDMM and America Makes), discusses the evolution of the US defense industrial base, highlighting consolidation, workforce shortages, and the rise of 'neoprime' companies like Andro and Ursa Major. He explains how AI is transforming additive manufacturing, specifically laser powder bed fusion and low-cost desktop FFF for drones, by enabling adaptive control and process monitoring to solve repeatability issues. Bartles emphasizes the need for open data sharing, improved training via community colleges and Tooling U, and sustainability efforts through the Additive Manufacturing Green Trade Association to make manufacturing more efficient and profitable. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-06-02-the-manufacturing-comeback-dean-bartles-on-defense-ai-and-the-next-industrial-re - **From Hypersonics to AI Workflows: How Ursa Major Is Scaling Rocket Production** (2026-05-26, 1h 11m): Episode 33. Thomas Pomorski of Ursa Major discusses the company's progress in hypersonics, solid rocket motors, and in-space propulsion, highlighting the successful flight of the 3D-printed Hadley engine and the Draper engine with AFRL. He details Ursa's 'unit cell' manufacturing approach for solid rocket motors to avoid fixed tooling costs and demonstrates how his small team uses AI tools like Claude Code to rapidly prototype slicer features and build data-monitoring web applications. Pomorski explains that while AI significantly boosts development productivity by acting as a force multiplier for experienced engineers, production validation remains a challenge due to the difficulty of verifying AI-generated code and surrogate models. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-26-from-hypersonics-to-ai-workflows-how-ursa-major-is-scaling-rocket-production - **Printing Batteries, how AM is changing Battery Manufacturing and Performance** (2026-05-15, 52m): Episode 32. Karl Littau, CTO of Sakuu, explains how the company is disrupting the stagnant battery manufacturing industry by replacing wet, solvent-based slurry coating with dry powder-bed additive processes. Littau details how this shift eliminates toxic solvents, allows for powder reclaim, and significantly reduces the footprint and cost of equipment like long drying ovens. The conversation covers Sakuu's roadmap from initial electrode coating products to future bipolar designs that eliminate copper and aluminum, potentially enabling structural batteries and broader electrification. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-15-printing-batteries-how-am-is-changing-battery-manufacturing-and-performance - **Simulation as an Enabler: Pan Michaleris & Erik Denlinger on the Evolution of Additive FEA** (2026-05-06, 55m): Episode 31. Pan Michaleris, founder of Pan Optimization, and Erik Denlinger, co-founder and chief engineer, discuss the evolution of finite element analysis (FEA) in additive manufacturing. They explain how PanX software predicts distortion, thermal stress, and material properties to replace costly trial-and-error builds, particularly for large aerospace components. The conversation covers the shift from expert-driven simulation to automated workflow integration with machines like EOS and Velosis, and the cautious role of AI surrogate models in qualification. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-05-06-simulation-as-an-enabler-pan-michaleris-erik-denlinger-on-the-evolution-of-addit - **The State of AM in Asia** (2026-04-10, 59m): Episode 30. Peter Rogers, an additive manufacturing consultant based in Japan, discusses the diverse state of AM across the Asia-Pacific region. He contrasts Japan’s conservative, high-quality manufacturing culture with China’s aggressive cost reduction and market dominance, particularly in desktop FDM via Bambu Lab. Rogers highlights how lower-cost Chinese metal PBF machines are disrupting service bureaus, while noting India’s rise as an R&D hub and Southeast Asia’s focus on production over innovation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-04-10-the-state-of-am-in-asia - **From Fashion to Metal AM: Scaling Additive Manufacturing into Production** (2026-03-25, 58m): Episode 29. Erin Mastroni, founder and president of I3D Manufacturing, explains how she transitioned from fashion trend forecasting to building one of the largest metal additive manufacturing contract manufacturers in the US. She details the company's evolution from a two-machine startup in Oregon to a 54-employee operation with two campuses, highlighting the pivotal role of early customer Blue Origin and the strategic acquisition by BTX Precision. Mastroni discusses the industry's shift from prototyping to production, the impact of private equity, and the emerging role of AI in optimizing powder usage and design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-03-25-from-fashion-to-metal-am-scaling-additive-manufacturing-into-production - **AI Update in Additive Manufacturing: Design, Process, Workforce and Industry impact** (2026-03-04, 56m): Episode 28. Duann Scott, founder of CDFAM and executive director of the 3MF Consortium, discusses the evolution of AI in additive manufacturing, moving from hype to practical tools like the Raven plugin for Rhino/Grasshopper. He highlights the critical need for high-quality training data, advocating for the 3MF format to capture metadata and toolpath information to enable surrogate models and material parameter transfer. Scott also outlines the upcoming CDFAM conferences in Barcelona, DC, and Tokyo, emphasizing cross-disciplinary innovation and government engagement. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-03-04-ai-update-in-additive-manufacturing-design-process-workforce-and-industry-impact - **Beyond the Printer: Automation’s Role in the Next Generation of AM** (2026-01-27, 37m): Episode 27. Oliver Elbert, Head of Additive Manufacturing at Grenzebach, discusses how the company is applying its decades of industrial automation expertise to scale additive manufacturing (AM). He explains that while AM technology has matured, post-processing remains a bottleneck, which Grenzebach addresses through automated guided vehicles (AGVs), job exchangers, and fully automated post-processing lines like the Polyline project. Elbert highlights that automation significantly increases printer availability and reduces labor dependency, making AM viable for high-volume serial production and reshoring efforts in the US and Europe. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-01-27-beyond-the-printer-automations-role-in-the-next-generation-of-am - **How AM is Supporting the Grid** (2026-01-22, 38m): Episode 26. Kristen Mulherin, Director of Additive Manufacturing Technology at Hubbell Inc., explains how the 150-year-old electrical solutions company established an internal Additive Manufacturing Center of Excellence to support grid infrastructure. She details the strategic decision to vertically integrate binder jetting and laser polymer technologies to achieve single-digit dollar part costs and 2-3 week lead times, bypassing expensive contract manufacturers. Mulherin emphasizes the critical role of cross-departmental education, particularly with finance and supply chain teams, to identify 'killer applications' like part consolidation and high-volume production of low-volume components. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-01-22-how-am-is-supporting-the-grid - **Education, Investment & the Additive Workforce with America Makes - Part 2** (2026-01-06, 1h 01m): Episode 25. Dr. Edward Herderick, Director of Education and Workforce Development at America Makes, discusses the maturation of the additive manufacturing industry, emphasizing the shift from generalist expertise to specialized, T-shaped professionals. He highlights the ubiquity of entry-level 3D printing in education and the critical need for hands-on experience with industrial technologies to bridge the gap between design and manufacturing. Herderick also addresses the investment landscape, arguing that the industry must provide specific, segmented market data to become more investable for capital allocators. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2026-01-06-education-investment-the-additive-workforce-with-america-makes-part-2 - **Policy, Innovation & Defense Additive Manufacturing: A Deep Dive with America Makes - Part 1** (2025-12-16, 54m): Episode 24. Kimberly Gibson, Director of Industrial Base Integration at America Makes, discusses the organization's role in de-risking additive manufacturing and fostering industrial resilience. She highlights the transition from defense-focused demand to a diversified commercial strategy, emphasizing the importance of the 'could versus should' tool for business cases. Gibson details recent legislative wins, including Senate Bill 2214 and provisions in the National Defense Authorization Act, which aim to certify and qualify one million additively made parts for Department of Defense platforms. The conversation covers the strategic overlap between defense, energy, and unmanned sectors, urging companies to diversify beyond defense contracts to ensure stability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-12-16-policy-innovation-defense-additive-manufacturing-a-deep-dive-with-america-makes - **AM in Turbomachinery: Deep dive in Applications, Materials, Production & Qualification** (2025-12-09, 1h 01m): Episode 23. Dr. Ilya Fedorov, an R&D project manager at Siemens Energy, explains how additive manufacturing, specifically laser powder bed fusion (LPBF), is transforming gas turbine design, production, and repair. He details the development of complex combustion components, such as hydrogen-ready burners and turbine guide vanes with internal cooling channels, which offer performance improvements and supply chain resilience. The discussion covers the rigorous qualification processes, including 30,000 hours of engine testing, and the shift toward developing new alloys specifically optimized for additive processes rather than just replicating conventional casting materials. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-12-09-am-in-turbomachinery-deep-dive-in-applications-materials-production-qualificatio - **Breaking - Euler Launch: AI & the Future of AM Monitoring** (2025-11-14, 43m): Episode 22. Eythor Eiriksson, founder and CEO of euler, explains how his company uses AI to analyze existing powder bed fusion camera data for real-time monitoring and quality assurance in additive manufacturing. He details the platform's ability to predict defects like spatter and warping before they cause crashes, allowing operators to intervene early. Eiriksson discusses the challenges of data access for training models, the company's hybrid cloud/on-prem deployment strategy, and the future potential of reducing reliance on post-print CT scans. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-11-14-breaking-euler-launch-ai-the-future-of-am-monitoring - **Recent Policy Changes Affecting AM, Gen Z & New AM-Adopting Industries** (2025-10-21, 50m): Episode 21. Matt Kremenetsky, an analyst for 3DPrint.com, discusses the evolution of additive manufacturing media, the impact of recent US policy shifts on workforce development, and the strategic R&D partnerships enabled by new tax incentives. He highlights emerging applications in defense, data centers, satellites, and power grids, emphasizing thermal management as a key benefit of additive technology. The conversation also explores Gen Z's work ethic, the threat of AI to entry-level jobs, and the importance of integrating additive manufacturing into broader advanced manufacturing ecosystems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-10-21-recent-policy-changes-affecting-am-gen-z-new-am-adopting-industries - **Scaling AM in Oil & Gas: ExxonMobil’s Strategy with Christopher Beeson** (2025-09-30, 54m): Episode 20. Christopher Beeson, ExxonMobil’s additive manufacturing lead for North America, explains how the company scaled 3D printing from a corporate pilot to a distributed site-level operation. He details the strategic use of the FieldNode digital supply network to share scanned CAD models of legacy parts, reducing inventory costs and lead times for critical oil and gas equipment. Beeson highlights specific applications like replacing cast iron pump components with wire DED and printing bubble caps via binder jetting, while noting that workforce development through the Louisiana Additive Manufacturing Association is key to overcoming talent shortages. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/additive-snack/2025-09-30-scaling-am-in-oil-gas-exxonmobils-strategy-with-christopher-beeson ## Lights Out Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out MakingChips' show on automating machine shops, from robots and pallet systems to machine monitoring and the data needed to run CNC production unattended. - Categories: Manufacturing, Supply Chain & Operations, Mechanical, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-09 - Apple Podcasts: 4 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/545947/destinations/4707502.xml - Website: https://makingchips.com/show/lights-out/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Automation, Machining, and a Coal Mine: What Vertical Integration Buys You | Ep. 51** (2026-10-09, 52m): Episode 51. Michael McHale, founder of PSA Systems, explains how his vertically integrated automation integrator and machine shop in Pennsylvania grew from $900,000 in revenue to over $30 million by owning fabrication, machining, and engineering capabilities in-house. He discusses the capital-intensive nature of modern manufacturing, citing an $800,000 five-axis mill that cost nearly a million to install, and advocates for a five-year strategic plan over short-term EBITDA chasing. McHale also details PSA's rollout of IBM Watson for enterprise AI workflow automation, emphasizing the need for data guardrails when handling Department of Defense contracts, and shares his philosophy that employee prosperity is the true measure of business success. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-10-09-automation-machining-and-a-coal-mine-what-vertical-integration-buys-you-ep-51 - **The $5 Automation Project Hiding in Your Shop | Ep. 50** (2026-09-25, 52m): Episode 50. Uriel Eisen, founder of Arda and Austere Manufacturing, explains how he doubled throughput in his 325-square-foot shop by implementing Kanban and lean principles rather than buying robots. He details the transition from index cards to his software platform, Arda, to solve inventory stockouts that were derailing production. Eisen discusses the hidden costs of micro-interruptions, the importance of reliability over cycle time, and how reducing friction in processes like tooling and ordering yields faster ROI than expensive automation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-25-the-5-automation-project-hiding-in-your-shop-ep-50 - **Zero Setup Time: Inside Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik GmbH's 23-Machine Automated Shop | Ep. 49** (2026-09-11, 52m): Episode 49. Stefan Kempf, owner of Norbert Kempf CNC-Technik, explains how he transformed his father's 1970 turning shop into a 23-machine automated facility with zero setup time and over 90% utilization. Risto Niemi of Fastems and Yanick Müller of swissMODULAR discuss the critical roles of standardized tooling, flexible work holding, and long-term strategic planning in achieving this level of automation. The episode highlights the 'monoculture' of machines, the central tool system (CTS) with Fanuc robots, and a unique company-wide bonus system tied to daily machine utilization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-09-11-zero-setup-time-inside-norbert-kempf-cnc-technik-gmbhs-23-machine-automated-shop - **Your Machines Have a Heartbeat: Here's What It's Telling You | Ep #48** (2026-08-28, 52m): Episode 48. Lauren Dunford, co-founder and CEO of Guidewheel, explains how their platform uses current transformers on power cords to monitor machine electrical heartbeats, providing non-invasive visibility into run, idle, and down states without PLC integration. She details how this data enables cycle counting, anomaly detection, and predictive maintenance, while emphasizing a philosophy of using data to empower teams rather than surveil them. Dunford shares origin stories from her food manufacturing background and describes how customer feedback shaped Guidewheel’s API-first approach, allowing partners like Slytek to layer industry-specific depth onto their broad platform. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-08-28-your-machines-have-a-heartbeat-heres-what-its-telling-you-ep-48 - **You Can't Automate What You Can't Find: RTLS and the Data Foundation for Lights-Out | Ep. 47** (2026-08-14, 49m): Episode 47. Mitch Tucker of HID explains how Real-Time Location Systems (RTLS) provide the data foundation necessary for lights-out manufacturing and Industry 5.0. He argues that shops must first standardize processes through Gemba walks and 5S before implementing RTLS to solve the costly problem of 'tribal knowledge' and search time. The discussion covers scaling from simple RFID to ultra-wideband, using location data for safety and digital twins, and the ethical considerations of worker tracking. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-08-14-you-cant-automate-what-you-cant-find-rtls-and-the-data-foundation-for-lights-out - **Inside Conexus Indiana: The Industry Network Driving Manufacturing Tech and Talent | Ep. 46** (2026-07-31, 52m): Episode 45. Bryce Carpenter, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating and Strategy Officer at Conexus Indiana, explains how this industry-led nonprofit facilitates collaboration among 126 manufacturing, logistics, academic, and public sector partners to drive workforce development and technology adoption. He details the evolution of the industry from viewing automation as an enemy to embracing it as a necessity, highlighting a specific case where automating hated palletizing jobs improved retention. The episode also covers the Manufacturing Readiness Grants program, which has supported over 700 small and midsize shops, and success stories like FiberX and Arcamed, illustrating how strategic peer learning and targeted investments accelerate growth. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-31-inside-conexus-indiana-the-industry-network-driving-manufacturing-tech-and-talen - **Don't Automate Chaos: Running Lights Out with Sarah Wierman of Fastems, Ep #45** (2026-07-17, 59m): Episode 45. Sarah Wierman of Fastems explains why automation is driven by labor shortages and retirements rather than just replacing people, and why shops must standardize processes before automating. She describes Fastems as a production orchestration company whose core product is the MMS software, which plans, runs, and monitors production, including predictive tool life alerts up to 96 hours in advance. Wierman emphasizes that repeatable workholding is the foundation of any automation strategy and advises shop owners to document practices and track downtime to avoid automating chaos. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-17-dont-automate-chaos-running-lights-out-with-sarah-wierman-of-fastems-ep-45 - **You Don't Have a Capacity Problem — You Have a Visibility Problem, Ep #44** (2026-07-03, 59m): Episode 44. Brian Anderson, Solutions Architect at ProShop ERP, explains that machine shops often mistake visibility problems for capacity issues, leading to misguided investments in staff or equipment. He details how ProShop ERP provides end-to-end visibility through features like contract review and digital work instructions, allowing shops to identify root causes like shipping errors or poor tool life management. Anderson advocates for using data to optimize utilization—such as splitting jobs for unattended roughing—rather than simply adding headcount, emphasizing that small, continuous improvements compound to solve systemic bottlenecks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-07-03-you-dont-have-a-capacity-problem-you-have-a-visibility-problem-ep-44 - **Before You Buy Another Spindle, Use the Ones You Have, #43** (2026-06-19, 1h 00m): Episode 43. Walt Swenton, Senior Manager of Advanced Manufacturing at Eaton, explains why shops must solve problems with data before buying new CNC equipment. He outlines a three-level OEE strategy, starting with basic machine monitoring to identify idle time, then adding operator context, and finally leveraging advanced data for AI-driven insights. Swenton emphasizes that standardized, digitized tool management via ZOLLER systems is the critical foundation for any smart factory or automation initiative. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-06-19-before-you-buy-another-spindle-use-the-ones-you-have-43 - **The 20-Hour Machine: Automation, Throughput & Smarter Capacity Planning, Ep #42** (2026-06-05, 53m): Episode 42. Mike Padilla, founder of Hill Manufacturing, and Nick Golner of Making Chips discuss how Hill is using automation and strategic capital expenditure planning to scale capacity without simply adding headcount. They detail the concept of the '20-hour machine,' explaining that realistic unattended runtime targets must account for tooling and setups, and how integrating machine monitoring with tool life optimization prevents costly crashes during lights-out operations. The conversation highlights how automation frees skilled machinists from 'doorman' tasks to focus on higher-value work, while also emphasizing the critical importance of vendor service support and calculating the true cost of downtime when making equipment investments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-06-05-the-20-hour-machine-automation-throughput-smarter-capacity-planning-ep-42 - **Lights Out Lenses: Engineering, Quality & the Leadership Behind Automation (Part 2), Ep #41** (2026-05-22, 52m): Episode 41. Forrest Vaught, Director of Engineering & Programming at Advanced Machine & Fabricating, explains how standardization of tooling, fixturing, and programs is critical for successful automation in high-mix, low-volume environments. He details the logic of the FASTEMS 'Pistol Pete' system, which optimizes pallet selection based on tool life and due dates, and discusses the bottlenecks of feeding the system. Owner Scott Shortess reflects on the financial risks, the humility required to admit weak leadership, and how benchmarking in Europe exposed the need for automation to improve both throughput and employee quality of life. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-22-lights-out-lenses-engineering-quality-the-leadership-behind-automation-part-2-ep - **Lights Out Lenses: Inside an Automation Journey from the Operations & Production Frontlines, Ep #40** (2026-05-08, 46m): Episode 40. Randel Hamilton, Director of Operations, and PK, Director of Production, from Advanced Machining & Fabricating (Advanced PMC) in Oklahoma, discuss their automation journey using FASTEMS cells and Okuma machines. They explain that automation expands rather than simplifies operations, requiring significant upstream and downstream adjustments in material flow, purchasing, and quality control. PK highlights the challenge of capturing 52 unused hours per week in their FASTEMS cell by focusing on part selection, stability, and repeatability in a high-mix, low-volume environment. The episode emphasizes that successful automation is a stability and process project, not just a technology one, requiring careful part selection and robust workholding to handle tight tolerances and exotic materials. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-05-08-lights-out-lenses-inside-an-automation-journey-from-the-operations-production-fr - **DIY Automation That Actually Works: How One 80-Person Shop Cracked High-Mix Lights-Out Manufacturing, Ep #39** (2026-04-24, 54m): Episode 39. Katie Murphy, from Arcamed, an 80-person medical manufacturing company in Indiana, explains how her team built a high-mix, lights-out automation system in-house. By leveraging a state grant for collaborative robots and focusing on common features like vices, they increased spindle utilization from 50% to 80% and achieved 58 hours of unattended runtime. This DIY approach allowed them to upskill operators, such as 'Jerry,' into CNC programmers, proving that small shops can automate complex, low-volume work without expensive integrators. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-24-diy-automation-that-actually-works-how-one-80-person-shop-cracked-high-mix-light - **Lights Out, Level Up: Inside Imago's Next Phase of Automation and Time Freedom, Ep #38** (2026-04-10, 47m): Episode 38. Ryan, founder of Imago Manufacturing, explains how his northern Illinois shop achieved a 50% revenue growth goal over three years without adding headcount, spindles, or floor space by maximizing throughput through automation. He details the implementation of a Hennig WorkFlow system, a robot loader for mills, and an automated inspection system to eliminate bottlenecks and respect machinists' time. The episode highlights the philosophy of 'lights in' manufacturing, where automation during the day creates 'time freedom' for employees to focus on higher-value problem solving and personal life. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-04-10-lights-out-level-up-inside-imagos-next-phase-of-automation-and-time-freedom-ep-3 - **Additive Manufacturing on the Shop Floor: Hype, Reality, and Where It Actually Works, Ep #37** (2026-03-27, 52m): Episode 37. Mark Barfoot, VP of Global Sales at Exact Metal, discusses the practical application of metal additive manufacturing in machine shops, moving beyond hype to real-world use cases like jigs, fixtures, and end-use parts. He explains that while the technology is maturing, success requires designing for additive (DfAM) rather than simply replacing CNC machining, and highlights the importance of facility safety, powder handling, and building internal expertise. Barfoot notes that laser powder bed fusion is becoming more accessible for job shops, with lower-cost machines enabling production runs of thousands of small parts, provided the geometry justifies the cost. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-27-additive-manufacturing-on-the-shop-floor-hype-reality-and-where-it-actually-work - **Lights Out Jeopardy: Additive, Automation, and Absolute Chaos, Ep #36** (2026-03-13, 53m): Episode 36. Host Eric Nekich challenges regulars Dave Vuyk and Nick Goellner, along with special guest Mike Payne of Payne Industrial, to a Jeopardy-style trivia game covering automation, additive manufacturing, and machine monitoring. The group debates concepts like hybrid manufacturing, adaptive controls, and the true purpose of machine monitoring, with David Buick ultimately winning the game. The episode serves as a recap of recent Lights Out themes, emphasizing that modern machinists are highly skilled problem solvers rather than simple button pushers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-03-13-lights-out-jeopardy-additive-automation-and-absolute-chaos-ep-36 - **Who Killed the Cobot Dream? The Truth About Collaborative Robots, Ep #35** (2026-02-27, 41m): Episode 35. Hosts Nick Goellner, Eric Nekich, and David Buick investigate why collaborative robots (cobots) failed to meet the explosive growth forecasts made a decade ago, identifying five key suspects: marketing overpromise, technical limitations like speed and payload, misapplication, integration complexity, and market saturation. They explain that the industry has matured, with ISO and ANSI eliminating the term 'cobot' in 2025 in favor of 'collaborative application' to enforce application-specific risk assessments. The hosts conclude that cobots are not a universal solution but work well for specific, repetitive tasks like tending lightweight parts, citing a successful case study involving medical plastics and dedicated automation staff. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-02-27-who-killed-the-cobot-dream-the-truth-about-collaborative-robots-ep-35 - **Hybrid Manufacturing: Why Additive vs. Subtractive Is the Wrong Debate, Ep #34** (2026-02-13, 1h 03m): Episode 34. Dr. Jason Jones, CEO and founder of Hybrid Manufacturing Technologies, explains that hybrid manufacturing integrates metal 3D printing, CNC machining, and in-process inspection into a single digitally controlled workflow to eliminate handoffs and improve efficiency. He argues that the industry's focus on the 'additive vs. subtractive' debate is misguided, as the real value lies in combining these processes for applications like aerospace blade repair and late-stage configuration. Jones details how integrating inspection technologies like ultrasound and eddy current directly into the machine reduces validation barriers and accelerates adoption by providing immediate quality feedback. The discussion covers cost ranges, implementation strategies, and the importance of partnerships in helping shops transition from traditional machining to hybrid workflows. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-02-13-hybrid-manufacturing-why-additive-vs-subtractive-is-the-wrong-debate-ep-34 - **Lights Out at 20: Inside a One-Man, Multi-Axis Machine Shop with Michael King, Ep #33** (2026-01-30, 52m): Episode 33. Michael King, founder of Munkworks, explains how he built a profitable, one-person multi-axis machine shop by prioritizing automation and time freedom over traditional apprenticeships or rapid hiring. He details his transition from 3D printing to machining, his decision to buy a Haas DM2 and a used Matsura without a pallet pool, and his strategy of using bar feeders and high-density workholding to run parts overnight. King shares practical advice for other shop owners on maximizing existing equipment, avoiding 'dinosaur vices,' and leveraging online resources like Titans of CNC to learn skills without formal training. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-01-30-lights-out-at-20-inside-a-one-man-multi-axis-machine-shop-with-michael-king-ep-3 - **From ROI to Reality — Measuring Success After You Automate, Ep #32** (2026-01-16, 38m): Episode 32. Hosts David Buick and Eric Nekich discuss how machine shop owners can validate the performance of automation systems post-implementation, focusing on measuring ROI through specific KPIs rather than just labor savings. They emphasize tracking core metrics like OEE, throughput, and utilization, while warning against the 'automation trap' of comparing shops to industry averages without context. The conversation highlights the importance of change management, ensuring shop floor teams view metrics as tools for continuous improvement rather than surveillance, and outlines three key post-implementation actions to lock in value. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2026-01-16-from-roi-to-reality-measuring-success-after-you-automate-ep-32 - **How to Calculate Automation ROI — The Right Way, Ep #31** (2025-12-26, 31m): Episode 31. Hosts David Buick and Eric Neckic explain how to calculate automation ROI for machine shops using simple and expanded formulas, emphasizing the need for baseline data like spindle utilization and setup times. They walk through a specific example of a robotic tending system, detailing how to quantify labor savings, increased capacity, and scrap reduction to determine payback periods. The discussion covers the financial impact of pallet pools, high-density workholding, and adaptive feed-rate controls, while advising shop owners to leverage automation integrators rather than attempting DIY solutions for complex systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-12-26-how-to-calculate-automation-roi-the-right-way-ep-31 - **The Automation Adoption Boom: Why ROI is the 2026 Metric That Matters, Ep #30** (2025-12-12, 39m): Episode 30. Hosts David Buick and Eric Nekich launch a multi-part series on automation ROI, arguing that shops must quantify return on investment before investing in hardware. They emphasize that automation cannot fix unreliable processes, specifically highlighting the critical role of workholding systems from SMW Autoblok and pallet delivery systems from Hennig. The hosts outline five key baseline metrics—spindle utilization, setup time, operators per machine, labor cost per part, and remaining labor percentage—that shops must capture using simple tools like stopwatches to build a valid ROI model. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-12-12-the-automation-adoption-boom-why-roi-is-the-2026-metric-that-matters-ep-30 - **Facing the Future: Automation Truths from 40 Years on the Shop Floor with Mike Gamache, Ep #29** (2025-11-28, 1h 02m): Episode 29. Mike Gamache, who founded Gamache Systems before it was acquired by Metalcraft of Mayville, explains how to successfully implement automation in machine shops. He argues that companies must first stabilize processes through lean principles and define clear strategic goals before investing in robotics, warning against buying technology like cobots without a specific application. Gamache details how Metalcraft uses automation to support its Skag lawnmower line and discusses prioritizing bottlenecks by starting at the shipping dock and working upstream. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-11-28-facing-the-future-automation-truths-from-40-years-on-the-shop-floor-with-mike-ga - **From SWAT to Spindles: How Johnny Goode Led MSP Manufacturing's Lights-Out Transformation, Ep #28** (2025-11-14, 56m): Episode 28. Johnny Goode, President and Co-owner of MSP Manufacturing, explains how his background in law enforcement and SWAT shaped his leadership style and drove the company's transition to lights-out automation. He details the strategic shift from high Boeing dependency to diversified aerospace and defense work, leveraging modular workholding, 5-axis machining, and ProShop ERP to achieve 96% on-time delivery. Goode emphasizes that standardizing processes through 5S and base plates was a prerequisite for successful automation, allowing the shop to run 24/5 with minimal human intervention while maintaining quality and employee well-being. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-11-14-from-swat-to-spindles-how-johnny-goode-led-msp-manufacturings-lights-out-transfo - **The Real Takeaways from EMO: Monitoring, AI, and the Changing Face of Automation, Ep #27** (2025-10-31, 45m): Episode 27. Hosts Nick Golner, Eric Nick, and David Buick of MakingChips debrief from EMO Hannover, discussing the industry's shift from horizontal to 5-axis machining, the strategic removal of unused native OEM technology to lower sticker prices, and the critical need for dedicated continuous improvement roles. They highlight that while machine monitoring is abundant, adoption fails without proper change management, unified data stacks, and business-result-focused pricing models like subscriptions. The conversation emphasizes that shops must hire dedicated integrators to bridge the gap between technology and operational outcomes, rather than relying on OEMs to drive cultural change. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lights-out/2025-10-31-the-real-takeaways-from-emo-monitoring-ai-and-the-changing-face-of-automation-ep ## Shop Talk Live Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live Fine Woodworking magazine's editors and contributors answer listener questions and share woodworking tips, techniques and tools. - Categories: Design, Mechanical - Latest episode: 2026-10-02 - Apple Podcasts: 1318 ratings averaging 4.7/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/39488/destinations/113998.xml - Website: https://www.finewoodworking.com/blog/shop-talk-live?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **STL376: How Hefty is Your Handplane?** (2026-10-02, 1h 04m): Fine Woodworking editors Owen Madden and Bridget Gruber join host Vic Teslin to discuss the nuances of hand tool usage, specifically debating whether handplane weight impacts performance. They explore the '5/7 rule' for shaping roundovers, the value of classical training in contemporary design through maker Aspen Golan, and the practicalities of custom kitchen cabinetry versus standard sizes. The conversation also touches on the importance of hand tool safety and the historical context of woodworking techniques. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-10-02-stl376-how-hefty-is-your-handplane - **STL: The SawStop Bandsaw with CEO Matt Howard** (2026-09-25, 53m): Matt Howard, CEO of SawStop (now part of Festool North America), discusses the launch of the SawStop Professional Bandsaw, which integrates Sensic safety technology to stop the blade in milliseconds upon contact. He details the engineering challenges, including the sacrificial cartridge system, tool-free blade changes, and advanced guide adjustments designed to make maintenance easier and faster. The conversation also covers SawStop's history, from Steve Gass's invention in a barn to its acquisition by Festool, and the strategic integration of Shaper Tools into the Festool brand to expand distribution and ecosystem integration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-09-25-stl-the-sawstop-bandsaw-with-ceo-matt-howard - **STL375: What is Moonwood?** (2026-09-18, 46m): Fine Woodworking editors Bridget Gruber, Mike Pekovich, and Owen Madden discuss the folklore and science behind 'moonwood' harvesting, the tools Mike purchased at HandWorks 2026, and finishes for kitchen utensils. They address a listener's question about using walnut for trivets, debating finishes like shellac, oil, and polyurethane, and discuss personal preferences for joinery techniques like dovetail layout and lock miters. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-09-18-stl375-what-is-moonwood - **STL374: The Space Between the Dots** (2026-09-04, 1h 00m): Vasko Sotirov, a woodworker from Orgiano, Italy, and Fine Woodworking cover author, discusses his design philosophy, emphasizing that boxes are ideal for experimenting with aesthetics like dot spacing and dovetails without high commitment. He explains his preference for analog sketching to avoid emotional attachment to digital designs and advocates for using the measurement system (metric or imperial) that feels most natural to the maker. Sotirov details his technical approach to cutting precise miters using a sliding table saw and identifies his Lie-Nielsen No. 5.5 hand plane as his favorite tool due to its balance and feel. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-09-04-stl374-the-space-between-the-dots - **STL373: Big Changes for the Fine Woodworking Staff** (2026-08-20, 1h 11m): Ben Strano, a longtime host and editor at Fine Woodworking, announces his departure from the magazine to become a tech ed teacher, while editors Anissa and Mike discuss the future of the podcast with incoming hosts Vic Anosov and Bridget Dinkle. The group reflects on the show's evolution, the technical nuances of planer cutter heads like Tersa and helical systems, and the obsessive culture at Fine Woodworking. They also share personal woodworking anecdotes, including Anissa's 'smooth move' mishap and tool recommendations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-08-20-stl373-big-changes-for-the-fine-woodworking-staff - **STL372: David Bedrosian Is a Clever Dude** (2026-08-07, 1h 11m): Furniture maker David Bedrosian joins the show to discuss his engineering-driven approach to woodworking, highlighting his custom Fritz and Franz jig for sliding table saws and his modifications to standard shop equipment. He details his methods for safely machining non-ferrous metals like brass and aluminum, and offers technical advice on optimizing dust collection systems, specifically recommending pleated filters and cyclones over felt bags. The conversation also covers the safety and precision advantages of sliding table saws compared to traditional cabinet saws, and Bedrosian’s use of precision dowel pins for jig making and glue-ups. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-08-07-stl372-david-bedrosian-is-a-clever-dude - **STL371: The Wood Gets a Vote** (2026-07-24, 1h 05m): Adam Godet, a commission-based woodworker, and Owen Mann, Fine Woodworking’s associate editor, discuss the complexities of client relationships in custom furniture making, emphasizing the importance of clear contracts and managing client expectations regarding design changes and wood movement. They also address shop safety, specifically recommending layered hearing protection and FM transmitters to balance music enjoyment with the need to hear machine sounds for kickback warnings. The conversation covers practical tool recommendations, including the Ryobi cordless jigsaw and Collins clamps, and touches on the workflow of using analog sketches alongside digital CAD tools like Fusion 360 for client communication. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-07-24-stl371-the-wood-gets-a-vote - **STL370: Jamie Figures Things Out** (2026-07-10, 1h 20m): Jamie Gilgen, a self-taught woodworker and software engineer at Crowdmark, discusses her YouTube channel and unique woodworking techniques, including vacuum pressing bent laminations for a cello podium and light fixture. She and host Vic Tesla advise a listener on choosing between combination and standalone milling machines for a small shop, recommending a 12-16 inch combo machine like the Hammer A3 to save space. The conversation also covers buying used bandsaws, emphasizing mass and quality over size, and the challenges of sharpening carbide router bits. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-07-10-stl370-jamie-figures-things-out - **STL369: Calling All Choppers!** (2026-06-27, 1h 04m): Bill Pavlak, head cabinetmaker at Colonial Williamsburg, joins Ben Strano and Bridget Gruber to discuss the realities of working in an 18th-century shop, including the curriculum for apprentices, the requirement to wear period costumes, and the balance between making furniture and public interpretation. The group explores specific hand-tool techniques for cutting arched grooves and dovetails, emphasizing chiseling over sawing for efficiency, and discusses the psychological overlap between woodworking and music. They also identify timeless furniture forms like Shaker pieces and trestle tables, while highlighting tools such as the S-Wing mallet and large chisels. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-06-27-stl369-calling-all-choppers - **STL368: It Appeared to Me in a Dream** (2026-06-12, 56m): Vic Teslin and Steven Der-Garabedian discuss how subconscious processing and 'dream solutions' aid woodworking problem-solving, illustrated by Steven's anecdote about finding a glue-up fix while talking to Baker Bob. They identify the block plane as the most impactful tool for Steven, while Vic highlights the Festool Domino and high-quality marking tools like Peak pencils. The hosts also provide practical advice for a listener lacking a table saw, suggesting track saws, circular saw jigs, and bandsaw sleds for cross-cutting large panels. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-06-12-stl368-it-appeared-to-me-in-a-dream - **STL367: Mike Didn't Get The Memo** (2026-05-29, 1h 16m): Hosts Ben Strano, Vic Tesla, and Mike Pekovich discuss woodworking techniques, safety, and tool maintenance. They debate the safety of cutting tenons on a jointer, advise on pre-finishing drawers with shellac, and explain how grain direction affects planing dovetail joints. The hosts also share tips on cleaning tools, using wax paper for lubrication, and the importance of cabinet maker's marks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-29-stl367-mike-didnt-get-the-memo - **STL366: No Mallet is Safe** (2026-05-15, 1h 07m): Shea Alexander, custom furniture maker and co-owner of Alexander Brothers lumberyard, discusses the critical importance of context when selecting and working with wood. He explains how factors like wood movement, UV exposure, and oxidation affect materials like walnut and cherry, advising customers to consider how a piece will age in their specific environment. The conversation also covers the practical challenges of sourcing difficult woods like Honey Locust and the health risks associated with allergenic extractives in woods like Black Walnut and Kentucky Coffee Wood. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-15-stl366-no-mallet-is-safe - **STL365: The Thrifty Trio Convenes** (2026-05-01, 1h 00m): Ben Strano, Bridget Gruber (Dinkle), and Phil Huber of Woodsmith Shop discuss whether hobbyists should upgrade existing machinery or invest in hand tools, concluding that upgrading is rarely necessary unless the tool limits the work. Phil Huber explains how to make wood hinges using a box joint jig and roundover bit, while the group offers solutions for squaring large panels without a table saw, recommending circular saws with edge guides or router trimming. The episode concludes with each host sharing their favorite tool: Phil’s handmade jack plane, Dinkle’s Veritas spokeshave, and Ben’s Engineer screw pliers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-05-01-stl365-the-thrifty-trio-convenes - **STL364: Good Design Goes Unnoticed** (2026-04-17, 1h 19m): Konrad Sauer, founder of Sauer & Steiner Toolworks, discusses his transition from graphic design to high-end hand plane making, emphasizing that good design is unnoticed and feels right. He details the iterative design process for his curved-sided planes, balancing historical constraints with modern ergonomics and weight distribution. Sauer explains his unconventional business model, which involves absorbing material costs upfront and forgoing deposits to build deep trust and personal relationships with clients. The conversation highlights the importance of sketching, mockups, and critique in refining physical products. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-04-17-stl364-good-design-goes-unnoticed - **STL363: More Than One Way to Cut a Dovetail** (2026-04-03, 1h 07m): Bob Van Dyke, director of the Connecticut Valley School of Woodworking, joins Anissa and Ben to discuss the importance of flexibility in woodworking techniques, using the example of cutting dovetails (pins first vs. tails first) and referencing masters like Al Breed and Will Neptune. They also answer listener questions regarding the use of splines for panel glue-ups and the choice between butt, sausage, and invisible hinges for fine furniture. The group promotes the upcoming Fine Woodworking New England event, highlighting speakers like Tom Lee Nielsen, Mark Swanson, and Mary May. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-04-03-stl363-more-than-one-way-to-cut-a-dovetail - **STL362: Hold the Saw like a Baby Bird** (2026-03-20, 1h 07m): Jeff Miller, a prolific furniture maker and author, discusses his transition into building classical guitars and skin-on-frame canoes, treating them as new creative challenges. He explains his design philosophy, which applies musical concepts like melody and harmony to furniture curves, and details his rigorous prototyping process involving comfort and aesthetic iterations. Miller also emphasizes the critical importance of body mechanics and proper tool handling, using the 'baby bird' analogy for saw grip to minimize tension and maximize efficiency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-20-stl362-hold-the-saw-like-a-baby-bird - **STL361: Working at Speed** (2026-03-06, 1h 01m): Luthier Aaron Keim discusses modifying tools for ergonomic comfort to manage chronic pain from hemophilia and arthritis, emphasizing the freedom to customize handles on vintage British tools. He details his workflow for building approximately 60 instruments annually, focusing on speed and simple designs, while using sustainable North American woods like curly maple and pistachio instead of tropical species. Keim also shares his finishing techniques, preferring accessible options like Arm-R-Seal and shellac over complex lacquers, and highlights the importance of community engagement through projects like the Wayfinder Ukulele. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-03-06-stl361-working-at-speed - **STL360: Veneer Glue—Stirred, Not Shaken** (2026-02-20, 1h 10m): Steve Der-Garabedian, author of 'Veneering Essentials', joins hosts Vic and Ben to demystify veneering, discussing why it eliminates wood movement and extends resources like White Ash. The conversation covers practical techniques, including the use of Vacuum Press pumps, Roar Rocket manual pumps, and specific tools like Freud veneer blades and track saws for clean cuts. Der-Garabedian emphasizes the importance of stirring Type 1 cold press glue rather than shaking it, and explains how to manage veneer tape, masking tape, and substrate choices like MDF and Baltic birch to avoid warping. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-02-20-stl360-veneer-glue-stirred-not-shaken - **STL359: Making the Most of Shop Time** (2026-02-06, 42m): Mike Pekovich, Vic Tesla, and Amanda Russell discuss strategies for managing limited shop time, emphasizing the use of detailed checklists and 'order of operations' to minimize setup friction and decision fatigue during short work sessions. The hosts address how to handle interruptions in large projects by breaking tasks into small, definable steps and using visual markers like grease pencils to track joinery locations. They also debate the value of deliberate practice, suggesting that building functional, low-stakes items like trays or boxes is more effective for skill acquisition than repetitive drills on scrap wood. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-02-06-stl359-making-the-most-of-shop-time - **STL358: He Hunts For Tools, So You Don't Have To** (2026-01-23, 1h 09m): Joshua Clarke, founder of Hyperkitten Tool Company, discusses his business sourcing and selling high-quality vintage hand tools, explaining how he transitioned from a hobbyist on the Old Tools email list to a professional dealer after being featured by Christopher Schwarz. Clarke details the specific market dynamics for Stanley planes, noting that user-focused tools like the No. 4 and No. 5 sell rapidly, while collectors focus on rare items, and he highlights alternative brands like Sargent, Miller's Falls, and Craftsman as valuable, affordable options. He also covers the historical context of New England tool manufacturing, the importance of estate sales for sourcing, and current trends in woodworking such as the resurgence of interest in vintage tape measures and shrink pot tools. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-01-23-stl358-he-hunts-for-tools-so-you-dont-have-to - **STL357: Rob Spiece's Show and Tell** (2026-01-09, 49m): Rob Spiece, who teaches at Berea College and Pinecroft Woods School, discusses the unique work-college model where students learn woodworking through production roles. He details the design and iteration of the 'dulcematic' instrument and the 'Boone Tavern' tables, highlighting how student craft studios support the college financially. Spiece also shares his philosophy on teaching, emphasizing that failure and frustration are essential parts of the learning process for both students and professional woodworkers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2026-01-09-stl357-rob-spieces-show-and-tell - **STL356: Unconscious Competency** (2025-12-12, 58m): Vic Tesolin and Ben Strano discuss the nuances of woodworking mastery, focusing on the concept of 'unconscious competency' where tools become extensions of the user. They cover practical topics including sharpening techniques using the Tormek system, saw blade selection for track and hand saws, and strategies for managing scrap wood hoarding. The conversation also details specific tool disappointments like the Veritas combination plane, favorite domestic hardwoods such as cherry and ash, and the contents of their shop EDC pouches. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-12-12-stl356-unconscious-competency - **STL355: Pencil Geeks Assemble!** (2025-11-28, 1h 06m): Grant Christensen, president of Black Wing pencils, joins the Shop Talk Live hosts to discuss the history, manufacturing, and resurgence of the Black Wing 602 pencil. The conversation covers the brand's origins with the Barrelzheimer family, the use of California incense cedar, and the intricate process of creating their specific graphite leads. The hosts also share personal anecdotes about their obsession with pencils, the community culture surrounding them, and the specific tools like the two-stage sharpener that enhance the user experience. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-11-28-stl355-pencil-geeks-assemble - **STL354: Go and Do the Thing** (2025-11-14, 57m): Erik Curtis, a furniture maker and YouTuber based in Philadelphia, joins Shop Talk Live to discuss the realities of running a woodworking business, teaching, and creating content. Curtis and hosts Amanda and Vic explore the myth of the solitary furniture maker, arguing that modern makers must diversify through teaching, writing, and media to sustain their craft. They debate the role of YouTube in woodworking, distinguishing between entertainment-focused channels and those that provide substantive technical education, while addressing the accessibility of high-end tools versus the necessity of skill. The conversation also covers design philosophy, emphasizing the importance of grain selection, proportion, and stripping away excessive ornamentation to achieve clear, functional aesthetics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-11-14-stl354-go-and-do-the-thing - **STL353: A Big Bit of Community** (2025-10-31, 1h 06m): Ben and Mike Pekovic discuss the latest Fine Woodworking issue, highlighting a printing error with non-peeling mailing labels and new shop lighting upgrades. They then interview Megan Shannon, founder of A Tiny Bit Of Wood, a community-focused woodworking school in Lansing, Michigan. Shannon details her journey from milling local lumber with a Wood-Miser LT25 to building an accessible, inclusive school that offers diverse classes for all ages, including challenging kids' summer camps. The conversation covers the financial and logistical hurdles of running an affordable, community-integrated business, including securing insurance and navigating nonprofit status. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/shop-talk-live/2025-10-31-stl353-a-big-bit-of-community ## Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast A podcast on reverse engineering hardware, covering projects, tools and methods with guests from the hardware hacking community. - Categories: Electronics, Teardowns, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-05-09 - Apple Podcasts: 40 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/103623/destinations/552832.xml - Website: https://unnamedre.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **078 - Séance Mode - An Interview with Michael Ossmann** (2026-05-09, 1h 32m): Episode 78. Michael Ossmann of Great Scott Gadgets discusses the release of the HackRF Pro, a complete redesign of the original HackRF1, and the Cynthion, a high-speed USB analyzer and emulator. He explains how Cynthion’s Python-based FaceDancer framework enables 'seance mode' reverse engineering by emulating missing USB devices, and details the HackRF Pro’s ability to receive signals down to 100 kHz using non-direct sampling techniques. The conversation also covers the company’s strategic rejection of LLM-generated code contributions, their reactive approach to global regulatory compliance, and the severe impact of recent chip shortages on their product roadmaps. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-05-09-078-seance-mode-an-interview-with-michael-ossmann - **077 - The Beatbox Diversion** (2026-01-09, 1h 00m): Episode 77. Jen and Alvaro, hosts of the Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast, discuss 2025 trends including the consolidation of media power, the Right to Repair movement, and the rise of surveillance technologies like Flock cameras. They highlight the work of 404 Media, iFixit, and researchers like Ben Jordan and Jon GainSec in exposing privacy violations and promoting repairability. The conversation also covers the ethical implications of AI, the democratization of hardware via cheap microcontrollers like the ESP32 and RP2040, and personal projects involving debugging tools and vintage computing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2026-01-09-077-the-beatbox-diversion - **076 - Living In A Vast World of Craziness** (2025-09-29, 1h 00m): Dan Walters, founder of Bytetinker, discusses his work running the ISP hacking ward at CypherCon, focusing on the security vulnerabilities of DOCSIS cable infrastructure. He explains how default configurations in cable modems and CMTS units allow for unauthenticated access, enabling man-in-the-middle attacks, remote firmware updates, and data interception. Walters details the hardware and software tools required to build a private ISP lab, including CMTS units, RF testers, and reverse engineering tools like binwalk and JTAG programmers. He highlights the lack of encryption in legacy DOCSIS standards and the ease with which attackers can compromise network integrity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2025-09-29-076-living-in-a-vast-world-of-craziness - **075 - Teleporting All Over The Timeline** (2025-08-02, 1h 34m): Episode 75. Nathan Emerick, creator of the open-source project DeskThing, explains how he reverse-engineered Spotify's discontinued CarThing hardware to keep it functional after Spotify bricked the device. He details the technical journey from discovering the Amlogic chip and ADB access to building a web-based flashing tool and a desktop app that turns the CarThing into a versatile desktop controller. Emerick also discusses the challenges of dealing with Spotify's MFi Bluetooth restrictions, the sudden viral growth of the project, and his current struggles in the software engineering job market. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2025-08-02-075-teleporting-all-over-the-timeline - **074 - This Coconut Won't Open** (2025-05-06, 1h 05m): Noah Holland and Joshua Stiebel, from the Michigan Tech Red Team, discuss their reverse engineering of Dormakaba's SafeLock electronic access control systems. They detail how they discovered vulnerabilities in the MyFare Classic and Ultralight card formats, allowing them to clone keys and generate master keys using tools like the Proxmark3 and Flipper Zero. The conversation covers the limitations of Dormakaba's patching efforts, the importance of per-site AES keys, and the value of consulting old patents for protocol documentation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2025-05-06-074-this-coconut-wont-open - **073 - REPP.show** (2025-02-01, 1h 10m): Jen Castillo (Rebelbot Jen) and Alvaro Prieto, hosts of the Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast, discuss the show's origins, their technical workflows, and career reflections. They detail specific reverse engineering projects, including a capacitive touchscreen clicker and STM8 glitching using an RP2040, while highlighting tools like the Bus Pirate, PC Bites, and the Cynthion. The conversation also covers their experiences with engineering management, the importance of community, and the cultural shift in hardware accessibility. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2025-02-01-073-repp-show - **072 - EOF?** (2024-12-07, 1h 15m): Episode 72. Hosts Almero and Jen review the seven-year statistics of the Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast, noting 230,983 unique downloads and an average episode length of just over one hour. They discuss the evolution of their production workflow, moving from Audacity to Ferrite on iOS and using Zencastr for remote recording, while highlighting past guests like Ken Shiriff, Joe Grand, and Piotr Esden-Tempski. The episode also covers the hosts' decision to pause their Patreon due to reduced output and reflects on the fragmentation of social media platforms like Twitter and Mastodon. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-12-07-072-eof - **071 - Snerd Niped** (2024-09-07, 1h 31m): Thomas Roth (Stacksmashing) discusses his recent hardware reverse engineering projects, including bypassing the lock on iPhone 15 and MacBook M3 chips using the Ace 3 controller and tools like the Central Scrutinizer and Tamarin-C. He also details a low-cost BitLocker key sniffer built with a Raspberry Pi Pico and his work with HexTree.io on the RP2350 Hacking Challenge and the Faultier glitching tool. Roth emphasizes the importance of accessible, open-source hardware security tools for education and community learning. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-09-07-071-snerd-niped - **070 - I Have a DediProblem** (2024-06-09, 1h 56m): Jesse Michael and Mickey Shkatov from Eclypsium discuss the intricacies of BIOS and UEFI reverse engineering, tracing their careers from Intel to their current startup. They detail specific research projects, including an exploit of a Nissan Leaf's telematics unit and a DMA attack on Intel WiGig, while explaining the technical evolution from legacy BIOS to UEFI. The conversation covers practical tools for hardware debugging, such as DediProg programmers and Intel DCI, and explores the emerging scene of UEFI-based game cheating and System Management Mode vulnerabilities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-06-09-070-i-have-a-dediproblem - **069 - Canned Cheese and Onion Rings** (2024-04-17, 1h 22m): Ian from Dangerous Prototypes discusses the evolution of the BusPirate, culminating in the BusPirate 5, which utilizes an RP2040 microcontroller and features an LCD, adjustable power supply, and current sensing. He details the creation of DirtyPCBs and other services like DirtyCables, explaining how he automated PCB ordering in Shenzhen to disrupt the market. Ian also shares anecdotes about his time in Huaqiangbei, including the 'Expressway to Pleasure' project and his experiences with local manufacturing quirks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-04-17-069-canned-cheese-and-onion-rings - **068 - The Monkey Button** (2024-04-07, 1h 08m): Lori Wired, a reverse engineer specializing in mobile malware and a YouTube educator, discusses the challenges and techniques of analyzing Android and iOS applications. She explains the shift in malware tactics toward native code and packers to evade static analysis, highlighting tools like Ghidra and Frida for dynamic instrumentation. The conversation also covers her community engagement through Twitter Spaces and malware trivia, as well as her perspective on the mobile threat landscape and the Xcode Ghost supply chain attack. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-04-07-068-the-monkey-button - **067 - I Don't Know What I'm Doing** (2024-03-03, 15m): Hosts Alvaro and Jen interview hardware hacker Jacob Creedon about his recent reverse engineering work on PTZ cameras using the VISCA protocol and his recommendation of the ImHex hex editor. Creedon explains that while VISCA is documented, real-world packet analysis via Wireshark reveals nuances and security flaws that static documentation misses. The hosts also discuss the difficulty of contacting guests due to the fragmentation of social media platforms like Twitter and Mastodon. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2024-03-03-067-i-dont-know-what-im-doing - **066 - Use Your Scope!** (2023-12-09, 1h 40m): Episode 66. James Lewis, known as Bald Engineer, details his reverse engineering of the Apple II MegaII chip to build a functional computer, explaining how he used KiCad, JLCPCB, and RP2040 microcontrollers to recreate vintage hardware. He discusses the challenges of debugging with Digilent Digital Discovery and Analog Discovery 2 tools, noting that the MegaII was likely an incomplete chip repurposed for I/O in the Apple II GS. Lewis also shares technical insights on capacitor aging, oscilloscope safety, and the importance of using test equipment correctly to avoid misleading results from logic analyzers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2023-12-09-066-use-your-scope - **065 - Multitalented Grinch** (2023-07-30, 1h 03m): Hosts Alvaro Brieto and Jen discuss their recent attendance at Open Sauce and the Crowd Supply teardown conference, highlighting the community aspect of hardware reverse engineering. They review several books on security and hacking history, including 'ARM Assembly and Reverse Engineering' and 'Murdoch's Pirates', while also sharing news about past guests like David from Cyber City Circuits teaching the First Lady to solder. The episode concludes with technical discussions on CAN bus vulnerabilities in Toyota vehicles, hotel IoT security, and Alvaro's new DJI Mic recording setup for upcoming coverage at CCCamp. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2023-07-30-065-multitalented-grinch - **064 - MS-DOS Malware Chose Me** (2023-05-21, 1h 08m): Nika (ic3qu33n), a security consultant at Leviathan Security Group, discusses her reverse engineering of 16-bit MS-DOS malware, a project inspired by Mikko Hypponen’s Malware Museum. She explains how she uses tools like Rizin, Cutter, QEMU, and Bochs to analyze and recreate viruses from authors like Spanska and Dark Angel, focusing on their use of graphical payloads and polymorphic engines. Nika highlights the creative and political motivations of 1980s virus writers, noting that their techniques laid the groundwork for modern boot kits and UEFI malware. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2023-05-21-064-ms-dos-malware-chose-me - **063 - I Read Online That It's Impossible** (2023-03-26, 1h 15m): Episode 63. Security researcher Thomas Roth (@stacksmashing) discusses his hardware hacking projects, including dumping the Apple AirTag firmware via fault injection on an NRF52 microcontroller and building the open-source 'Tamarin' cable to enable JTAG debugging on iPhones. He details the complex reverse engineering of the Apple Lightning protocol, the challenges of implementing a custom SWD stack on a Raspberry Pi Pico, and his work enabling multiplayer Tetris on a physical Game Boy using WebUSB. Roth also shares insights on his career, favorite tools like Ghidra and the RP2040, and the accessibility of modern fault injection techniques. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2023-03-26-063-i-read-online-that-its-impossible - **062 - Keymap Rain Dance** (2022-12-30, 1h 16m): David Ray of Cyber City Circuits explains his company's transition from a kitchen-table hobby to a small-scale manufacturing hub for electronics and escape room props. He details a specific reverse engineering workflow for PCBs involving high-resolution photo scanning, GIMP, and Inkscape to recreate designs in KiCad, illustrated by his TI-83 calculator project. The conversation also covers the challenges of legacy component obsolescence, the utility of online communities like electronics Twitter, and the technical aspects of building interactive escape room hardware. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-12-30-062-keymap-rain-dance - **061 - A Case of the Sniffles** (2022-11-09, 1h 00m): Sultan Qasim Khan, a security consultant at NCC Group, discusses his work in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) security, including the development of Sniffle, a tool for reliable BLE packet capture. He explains how Sniffle overcomes the limitations of previous tools like Ubertooth by utilizing TI and Nordic hardware to support Bluetooth 5 features like 2 Mbps and coded PHY. Khan also details his research on BLE relay attacks, demonstrating how lower-level relaying can bypass latency detection in systems like Tesla key fobs, and mentions his work on nOBEX for fuzzing car infotainment systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-11-09-061-a-case-of-the-sniffles - **060 - The Brie List** (2022-08-13, 52m): Hosts Alvaro and Jen celebrate the 5-year anniversary of the Unnamed Reverse Engineering Podcast with a retrospective on their personal and professional lives. Jen discusses her transition to voiceover work, her new role in research, and her ethical concerns regarding robotics, while Alvaro highlights the podcast's most popular episodes and the success of the Asahi Linux project. They also promote the book Open Circuits by Wendell and Eric, sharing a discount code for listeners. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-08-13-060-the-brie-list - **059 - Instant Nerd Snipe** (2022-07-04, 1h 02m): Mike Ryan, founder of Ice9 Consulting and a Bluetooth security expert, joins the hosts to discuss reverse engineering RF protocols and the state of software-defined radio (SDR) tools. He details his methodology for analyzing custom RF signals using tools like Inspectrum and Baudline, explains how to identify modulation types like OOK and FSK, and shares insights on hardware choices like the HackRF and Ubertooth. Ryan also discusses his upcoming open-source Bluetooth sniffer for SDRs, the challenges of virtualization on M1 Macs, and the importance of using standard protocols like BLE over custom RF for security. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-07-04-059-instant-nerd-snipe - **058 - Technically Met the Specs** (2022-06-15, 1h 28m): Episode 58. Eric Schlaepfer and Windell Oskay discuss their book 'Open Circuits,' detailing the process of cutting components in half with sandpaper and grinding wheels to reveal internal structures, while Jacob Creedon, Spencer Moss, Ken, and Will McGuiness share their perspectives on reverse engineering tools like IDA Pro and Ghidra, and the legal and social implications of technology. The group debates the future of AI, the validity of NFTs, and the importance of right-to-repair legislation, with Spencer Moss from Google and Ken from Somerset Recon highlighting the increasing complexity of hardware security. Mike Ryan from Ice 9 Consulting joins to discuss Bluetooth security, the obsolescence of passwords, and the dual-use nature of technology in the context of government regulation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-06-15-058-technically-met-the-specs - **057 - I Did Not Expect Sharks!** (2022-05-09, 1h 37m): Michael Ossmann, founder and CTO of Great Scott Gadgets, discusses the creation of open-source hardware tools like HackRF One and Ubertooth One, which emerged from his background in wireless security research. He explains how his work on public safety protocols like APCO P25 and the NSA's ANT catalog led to the development of accessible RF tools and a passion for education through his SDR video series. Ossmann also shares anecdotes about unexpected uses of his hardware, such as studying shark behavior, and the importance of open-source software like GNU Radio Companion in lowering the barrier to entry for digital signal processing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-05-09-057-i-did-not-expect-sharks - **056 - Listening to Jupiter** (2022-03-17, 1h 12m): Oleg Kutkov, a reverse engineer from Kyiv, details his work reverse engineering SpaceX Starlink terminals and satellites, explaining how he bypassed security to access the underlying Linux kernel and custom 'SpaceX Launcher' software. He discusses the technical challenges of using a HackRF supercluster to monitor Starlink beacons, specifically citing phase noise issues, and describes his Allsky Camera project which was repurposed for medical research. Kutkov also covers his Tesla LTE modem replacement and the use of tools like Saleae logic analyzers and IDA Pro in his hardware hacking process. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-03-17-056-listening-to-jupiter - **055 - Stacks Of Bricked Chips** (2022-03-13, 1h 01m): Laura Abbott, a software developer at Oxide Computer, explains how her team reverse engineered the NXP LPC55S69 microcontroller to build a root of trust for their servers. She details discovering an undocumented ROM patching hardware block that allowed privilege escalation, leading to a CVE and a DEF CON presentation. Abbott also discusses her background in Linux kernel development, the transition to Rust for microcontrollers, and the challenges of working with contradictory chip documentation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-03-13-055-stacks-of-bricked-chips - **054 - It's A Calibration, Not An Update!** (2022-02-11, 1h 16m): Episode 54. Willem Melching, head of OpenPilot at comma.ai, details his journey from hobbyist electronics to reverse engineering automotive ECUs. He explains how he bypassed security on a VW Golf power steering module by exploiting a calibration protocol to dump firmware, then used Ghidra and binwalk to modify safety limits. Melching also describes the architecture of OpenPilot, an open-source Level 2 driver assistance system that supports over 150 cars by reverse engineering their CAN bus communications. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/unnamed-reverse-engineering-podcast/2022-02-11-054-its-a-calibration-not-an-update ## The Circuit Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg on the business and market of semiconductors: chip makers, memory, AI silicon and the supply chain behind them, with interviews from across the industry. - Categories: Electronics, Hardware, Supply Chain & Operations, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-12 - Apple Podcasts: 45 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/the-circuit - Website: https://thecircuit.fm/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Unpacking Marvell's Analyst Day, OpenAI Revenue Rumors, and the Heterogeneous Rack** (2026-10-12, 1h 00m): Episode 189. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze Marvell's recent Analyst Day, highlighting its strategic shift from Amazon ASIC share battles to a broader data center infrastructure play involving optical interconnects, switching silicon, and new AI infrastructure management silicon. They discuss the fragility of the AI semiconductor trade, noting that physical infrastructure bottlenecks, specifically the U.S. grid's ability to energize 20-30 gigawatts, pose a greater risk to chip timelines than end-user demand. Finally, they explore a strategic theory that TSMC is granting AMD extra wafer capacity to potentially throttle Intel's cash flow as Intel Foundry becomes a credible competitive threat. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-10-12-unpacking-marvells-analyst-day-openai-revenue-rumors-and-the-heterogeneous-rack - **Has the Memory Cycle Broken? Plus: Nvidia & Broadcom’s $40B+ Financing Playbook** (2026-10-05, 58m): Episode 188. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze whether the memory market has structurally changed or remains cyclical following Micron's earnings, debating the impact of CXMT's rapid capacity expansion and the trade-offs between HBM and legacy memory. They examine HPE's strategic pivot to networking post-Juniper acquisition, questioning its unique value proposition amid security concerns driven by agentic AI. The discussion then shifts to 'Balance Sheet as a Service,' detailing Nvidia's vendor financing disclosures and Broadcom's $42 billion loan commitment to Anthropic, analyzing why fabless designers are taking on capital risk instead of foundries like TSMC. Finally, they explore 'Tokenomics,' advocating for quantifying AI unit economics to move past hype and understand the hard-dollar value of input/output tokens and hardware optimization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-10-05-has-the-memory-cycle-broken-plus-nvidia-broadcoms-40b-financing-playbook - **Memory Pricing Pressures, Meta's Muse AI, and the Agentic CPU Crunch** (2026-09-28, 50m): Episode 187. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the semiconductor memory market, noting that Chinese providers YMTC and CXMT are ramping capacity and improving yields, which may offer pricing relief to OEMs squeezed by data center demand. They analyze Meta's new 'Muse' AI assistant as a potential catalyst for mainstream adoption by bridging the user skill gap through proactive orchestration, while also highlighting the massive, unforeseen surge in CPU demand required to power these continuous 'agentic' workloads. Finally, they unpack Anthropic's $11 billion equity-exchange partnership with Akamai, highlighting its implications for distributed edge inference and the critical need for CPU infrastructure. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-09-28-memory-pricing-pressures-metas-muse-ai-and-the-agentic-cpu-crunch - **Conversation with Ayar Labs CEO Mark Wade on Silicon Photonics, Co-Packaged Optics, and Next-Gen AI Infrastructure** (2026-09-21, 50m): Episode 186. Mark Wade, CEO of Ayar Labs, and Jesse Leiter, VP of Capital Strategy, discuss the company's strategy to solve the interconnect bottleneck in AI data centers using co-packaged optics (CPO). Wade explains the technical complexity of integrating silicon photonics into TSMC's advanced CMOS nodes and the strategic importance of partnerships with NVIDIA, AMD, and Intel. Leiter details Ayar Labs' funding journey, including a recent $650 million raise and strategic investments from major tech giants, positioning the company for an eventual IPO in a market projected to reach $30-50 billion by 2030. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-09-21-conversation-with-ayar-labs-ceo-mark-wade-on-silicon-photonics-co-packaged-optic - **EP 192: Talking Apple Silicon with Apple's Tom Boger, Kaiann Drance, and Sri Santhanam** (2026-09-15, 30m): Episode 185. Tom Boger, Kaiann Drance, and Sri Santhanam from Apple discuss the transition to 2-nanometer process technology across the A20 Pro and M-series chips, highlighting the shift to a dual neural engine and unified memory architecture. They explain how vertical integration allows Apple to optimize packaging, such as moving DRAM off the SoC to improve thermal management and sustained performance for AI workloads and gaming. The panel also details the implementation of the Secure Enclave and Secure Exclave to handle computationally expensive cybersecurity tasks and protect sensitive data at the silicon level. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-09-15-ep-192-talking-apple-silicon-with-apples-tom-boger-kaiann-drance-and-sri-santhan - **Ep 191: Agents Gone Wild: Broadcom’s ASICs and the AI Frontier** (2026-09-07, 51m): Episode 184. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Broadcom's recent earnings, highlighting the shift in custom ASIC customers from Google to Anthropic and OpenAI, and the increasing complexity of modeling mixed-chip programs involving competitors like MediaTek and Marvell. They debate the semiconductor supply chain, with Bajarin predicting peak constraints in 2027 and capacity relief in 2028, while Goldberg warns that this oversupply could shift pricing power and compress margins. The hosts also analyze Nvidia's $13 billion acquisition of Hugging Face, arguing it secures Nvidia's position in AI software without locking in open models, and conclude that both open and closed frontier models will coexist, with frontier models remaining essential for enterprise cybersecurity and national security. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-09-07-ep-191-agents-gone-wild-broadcoms-asics-and-the-ai-frontier - **EP 190: NVIDIA and Marvell Earnings, Hot Chips Hot Takes** (2026-08-31, 53m): Episode 183. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze NVIDIA’s earnings, highlighting a 70% revenue growth guide driven by supply constraints and TSMC capacity, while noting margin pressure from rising memory and component costs. They discuss Marvell’s strategic focus on XPU-attached silicon and its $1.2 billion Google deal, contrasting its 60% growth with NVIDIA’s aggressive outlook. The hosts also cover the Hot Chips conference, describing an 'era of ferment' with competing inference architectures, custom HBM base dies, and workload-specific silicon from companies like Waymo and AMD. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-08-31-ep-190-nvidia-and-marvell-earnings-hot-chips-hot-takes - **EP 189: Analyzing ADI Earnings, Custom Silicon Shifts, and Semiconductor Debt** (2026-08-23, 38m): Episode 182. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze Analog Devices' (ADI) recent earnings, highlighting a doubling of data center revenue driven by 800-volt architectures and high gross margins, while noting their conservative focus on Serviceable Addressable Market (SAM). They discuss Marvell's strategic win with Google for custom silicon periphery and optical interconnects, clarifying that this diversifies Marvell's customer base beyond Amazon without significantly impacting Broadcom's core TPU business. Finally, the hosts examine the emerging trend of 'balance sheet competition,' where chipmakers like NVIDIA and Broadcom use Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) and debt to fund data center capacity, a risky departure from the industry's historical low-debt model. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-08-23-ep-189-analyzing-adi-earnings-custom-silicon-shifts-and-semiconductor-debt - **EP 188: The Wild West of Optical, Cisco's AI Hack, and Is Compute an Investable Asset** (2026-08-17, 56m): Episode 181. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze the optical networking sector, contrasting Lumentum's success with Coherent's struggles in transitioning to 6-inch indium phosphate wafers, while debating the adoption timelines for Near-Packaged Optics (NPO) versus Co-Packaged Optics (CPO). They discuss Cisco's resurgence driven by its Silicon One chips and a strategic partnership with Anthropic to use the Mythos model for security audits, and examine Applied Materials' strong earnings backed by Long-Term Agreements (LTAs), attributing guidance hesitation to Intel's pending capital plans. Finally, the hosts critique NVIDIA's $500 billion data center financing initiative and Jensen Huang's claim that compute is a non-obsolescent asset class, arguing that rapid hardware obsolescence makes such an investment model risky. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-08-17-ep-188-the-wild-west-of-optical-ciscos-ai-hack-and-is-compute-an-investable-asse - **EP 187: Inside the Future of Memory Summit & AMD’s "Boring" Bullishness** (2026-08-09, 40m): Episode 180. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze AMD's recent earnings, noting that while the execution was solid and data center CPU demand doubled year-over-year, the market reaction was muted due to conservative guidance and high capital expenditure expectations. Ben reports from the Future of Memory Summit, highlighting the maturation of the CXL (Compute Express Link) ecosystem, driven by hyperscalers' need to reuse legacy DDR4 memory for inference workloads. The hosts also discuss the durability of long-term agreements (LTAs) in the memory supercycle, citing Sandisk's strong margins, and identify SiTime as a key beneficiary of the rack-scale AI infrastructure boom. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-08-09-ep-187-inside-the-future-of-memory-summit-amds-boring-bullishness - **EP 186: Mobile Bottlenecks, Skyrocketing AI CapEx, and the Compute Crunch** (2026-08-03, 1h 04m): Episode 179. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze recent earnings from Apple, Qualcomm, ARM, and MediaTek, highlighting severe mobile supply chain bottlenecks and soft demand driven by elevated memory costs and foundry capacity constraints. They discuss skyrocketing hyperscaler CapEx from Amazon, Microsoft, and Meta, focusing on the transition from AI training to inference, the rise of behind-the-meter power solutions like Bloom Energy, and critical labor shortages in electrical trades. The episode concludes with an examination of market volatility linked to hedge fund unwinds and the increasing reliance on debt financing for data center expansion. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-08-03-ep-186-mobile-bottlenecks-skyrocketing-ai-capex-and-the-compute-crunch - **EP 185: AMD Advancing AI, Intel Earnings and WFE Demand** (2026-07-27, 54m): Episode 178. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze AMD's Advancing AI Day, focusing on CEO Lisa Su's Helios rack-scale architecture, the strategic partnership with Anthropic, and the competitive dynamics against Nvidia in inference workloads. They then review Intel's strong quarterly earnings, highlighting customer traction for 18A and 14A nodes and increased CapEx, which signals sustained demand for semiconductor capital equipment (WFE). Finally, they discuss Texas Instruments' solid performance, noting recovery in automotive and industrial markets alongside surging demand for power semiconductors in AI data centers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-07-27-ep-185-amd-advancing-ai-intel-earnings-and-wfe-demand - **Ep 184: Earnings TSMC/ASML/AEHR, State of AI Semis** (2026-07-20, 59m): Episode 177. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze recent earnings from TSMC, ASML, and AEHR, discussing how AI-driven demand is reshaping semiconductor manufacturing. They detail TSMC's increased CapEx for advanced packaging, ASML's expansion of High NA EUV capacity, and AEHR's role in critical burn-in testing for complex chiplets. The hosts also examine market sentiment, noting investor rotation away from semiconductors despite strong fundamentals, and debate the long-term ROI of massive AI infrastructure investments by hyper-scalers and neoclouds. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-07-20-ep-184-earnings-tsmc-asml-aehr-state-of-ai-semis - **EP 183: SKHynix IPO, AI Model Wars, and NVIDIA Supply Chain Rumors** (2026-07-14, 47m): Episode 176. Ben Baharin and Jay Goldberg discuss SK Hynix's first US IPO, driven by the AI memory boom and the need for deeper capital pools, while speculating that MediaTek might follow suit. They analyze the fierce competition in frontier AI models, noting that enterprise evaluation is shifting toward token efficiency for knowledge work and the growing importance of AI orchestration layers and data ownership. The hosts also break down Wall Street's harsh reaction to ON Semiconductor's acquisition of Synaptics, attributing the stock drop to a lack of clear corporate messaging regarding both sprawling businesses. Finally, they analyze rumors surrounding Nvidia's product roadmaps, concluding that while minor delays won't impact Nvidia's overall revenue given massive compute demand, these shifts trigger significant volatility for smaller optical and supply chain players. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-07-14-ep-183-skhynix-ipo-ai-model-wars-and-nvidia-supply-chain-rumors - **EP 182: AI Fatigue , Meta's Neo-Cloud Rumors , and Samsung's Foundry Comeback** (2026-07-06, 59m): Episode 175. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze the recent volatility in semiconductor stocks, attributing it to 'AI fatigue' and the influence of retail 'tourists' and passive index funds driving valuations ahead of fundamentals. They dissect rumors of Meta leasing excess data center capacity to Google, debating whether this signals a strategic pivot to a 'Neo-Cloud' or a pragmatic barter for coding tools like Gemini. The conversation shifts to the foundry landscape, highlighting Infineon's new 300mm fab in Germany and Samsung's strategic leverage of its memory business to win logic deals, while warning of unprecedented pricing power and margin expansion across the supply chain. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-07-06-ep-182-ai-fatigue-metas-neo-cloud-rumors-and-samsungs-foundry-comeback - **EP 181: Cerebras Earnings, QCOM Investor Day, Micron Earnings and the Memory Mafia** (2026-06-29, 1h 02m): Episode 174. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze Cerebras's first public earnings, highlighting strong AI inference demand but investor concern over low gross margins caused by expensive wafer-scale packaging and capacity rental dynamics. They then dissect Qualcomm's Investor Day, focusing on its aggressive $15 billion data center revenue guidance, the 'Dragonfly' ARM CPU roadmap, and the strategic acquisition of Modular to address software integration challenges. Finally, the hosts examine Micron's massive earnings report, noting a 60% quarter-on-quarter memory price surge that surprised buyers like Apple, and discuss the 'Game of Thrones' style market dynamics and pricing leverage among Micron, SK Hynix, and Samsung. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-06-29-ep-181-cerebras-earnings-qcom-investor-day-micron-earnings-and-the-memory-mafia - **EP 180: HPE Reflections on AI Compute Racks, Analog Analog Analog Semis.** (2026-06-22, 48m): Episode 173. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss findings from HPE Discover and Computex, focusing on how Dell and HPE are differentiating their AI infrastructure through custom rack engineering, hybrid cooling, and specialized networking strategies. They analyze the shift toward on-premises 'private AI factories' for enterprises and the growing importance of analog components and passive parts like MLCCs driven by the power demands of NVIDIA's Vera Rubin GPUs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-06-22-ep-180-hpe-reflections-on-ai-compute-racks-analog-analog-analog-semis - **EP 179: Apple's WWDC and Siri AI, Nebius Inflection, China Trip Takeaways** (2026-06-15, 53m): Episode 172. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Apple's WWDC announcements, highlighting the rebuilt Siri indexer, system-level CPU scheduling, and Apple's surprising use of Nvidia for confidential cloud compute. Ben also analyzes Nebius's 'Inflection' conference, noting their custom server racks and positioning as a neo-cloud provider, while Jay reports from China on the ineffectiveness of US entity list restrictions, Espressif's global marketing strategy via social media, and manufacturing bottlenecks in humanoid robot actuators from companies like Leader Drive and Harmonic Drive. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-06-15-ep-179-apples-wwdc-and-siri-ai-nebius-inflection-china-trip-takeaways - **Ep 178: COMPUTEX! Broadcom Earnings, other nuggets from the Week** (2026-06-08, 43m): Episode 171. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Computex, noting its shift from PC hardware to the epicenter of AI server infrastructure, including Nvidia's entry into the PC CPU market with the RTX Spark chip. They analyze Broadcom's recent earnings and stock dip, attributing it to market expectations outpacing near-term deployment realities and rising data center costs. The hosts also cover the emerging shortage of MLCC capacitors and the competitive dynamics between Broadcom and Marvell in the custom silicon space. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-06-08-ep-178-computex-broadcom-earnings-other-nuggets-from-the-week - **EP 176: Earnings! Marvell, Synopsis, Dell and more thesis time.** (2026-06-01, 44m): Episode 170. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze recent earnings from Marvell, Synopsys, and Dell, discussing the shift in AI infrastructure from training to heterogeneous inference. They highlight Marvell's growing role in optical networking, Synopsys's challenges with its Ansys acquisition and opaque business model, and Dell's strategic advantage as an OEM partner for NVIDIA and neo-clouds. The episode concludes with a debate on whether NVIDIA creates ecosystem value similar to Apple's App Store. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-06-01-ep-176-earnings-marvell-synopsis-dell-and-more-thesis-time - **EP 166: NVIDIA Earnings, Dell Tech World and Storage Shock, Tech IPOs** (2026-05-26, 58m): Episode 169. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze Nvidia's recent earnings, noting the stock's stagnation despite strong financials, and discuss the strategic implications of its new segment reporting structure which blends networking into data center revenue. They examine emerging enterprise trends from Dell Tech World, specifically the financial pressure of cloud token spend driving a shift toward on-prem AI infrastructure, and highlight a miniaturized quantum computer prototype. Finally, they review two major IPO filings: Elon Musk's SpaceX S1, detailing its diverse business units, and China's CXMT, discussing its rapid growth and geopolitical constraints. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-05-26-ep-166-nvidia-earnings-dell-tech-world-and-storage-shock-tech-ipos - **EP 165: Cerebras IPO, Premium Tokens, Neo Clouds, and the Angstrom Era** (2026-05-18, 56m): Episode 168. Hosts Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg analyze the recent Cerebras IPO, noting it is the first semiconductor startup to go public since 2022, signaling a shift in industry consolidation. They debate the economics of 'premium tokens' in inference, arguing that while hardware providers target high-value workloads, enterprise cost controls and hyperscaler routing will likely dictate pricing. The discussion highlights Applied Materials' long-term visibility and the structural shift into the 'Angstrom era,' where Moore's Law has ended and manufacturing requires entirely new tooling and processes. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-05-18-ep-165-cerebras-ipo-premium-tokens-neo-clouds-and-the-angstrom-era - **EP 164: ARM, ARM Earning, Agentic CPU Inflections, A World of Constraints** (2026-05-11, 1h 01m): Episode 167. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss the semiconductor industry's 'agentic CPU' surge, driven by the need to execute AI-generated code, which is causing massive demand for high-core-count CPUs from ARM and AMD. They analyze the 'ultimate constraint' of anhydrous hydrogen bromine, a gas critical for EUV lithography and memory production, highlighting supply chain risks involving Japanese refiner Resonac and Israeli raw materials. The hosts also critique 'Neo Cloud' players like CoreWeave and Nebius for their strategic deficit in CPU install base compared to hyperscalers, and break down recent earnings from ARM, AMD, and SiTime, while noting breaking news of a potential foundry deal between Intel and Apple. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-05-11-ep-164-arm-arm-earning-agentic-cpu-inflections-a-world-of-constraints - **EP 163: Breaking the Memory Wall: Micron’s Strategy for the AI Era** (2026-05-05, 52m): Episode 166. This episode of The Circuit features Jeremy Werner, SVP and GM of Micron’s Core Data Center Business Unit, discussing the transformative impact of AI on the memory and storage industry. Werner explains that the industry has shifted from a traditional cyclical model to a period of sustainable growth, driven by the unique demands of AI training and inference. He highlights the emergence of a "memory wall" in inference, where massive amounts of high-speed memory and storage are required to manage expanding context windows and avoid redundant recomputation. The conversation also covers Micron's efforts to innovate across the memory hierarchy—including HBM4 and ultra-high-capacity SSDs—to solve… - **EP 162: TPUs Via Cloud Next, Intel Earnings, Foundry Scarcity** (2026-04-27, 49m): Episode 165. Ben Bajarin and Jay Goldberg discuss Google's launch of TPU v5p and v5i at Google Next, highlighting the strategic shift to disaggregated training and inference silicon, including the new 'Boardfly' networking and Axion CPU head nodes. They analyze Intel's strong earnings and 'CPU resurgence,' noting improved yields, the viability of 14A process, and Intel Foundry's growing capacity. Finally, they examine the TSMC Symposium's discussion on High-NA EUV adoption delays and the broader semiconductor bull cycle. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-circuit/2026-04-27-ep-162-tpus-via-cloud-next-intel-earnings-foundry-scarcity ## Being an Engineer Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer Aaron Moncur of Pipeline Design & Engineering talks with engineers and engineering leaders about mechanical design, product development, medical devices and what it takes to grow in an engineering career. - Categories: Engineering, Product Development, Mechanical, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-09 - Apple Podcasts: 61 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://rss.buzzsprout.com/995575.rss - Website: https://beinganengineer.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Elad Einav | How To Engineer Covered Medical Device Stents** (2026-10-09, 45m): Episode 42. Elad Einav, Co-Founder and CEO of Medibrane, a medical device CDMO specializing in polymer covers for stents, explains the engineering challenges of attaching membranes to metal scaffolds. He details the tradeoffs between traditional sewing, ePTFE sintering, and adhesive-assisted lamination, emphasizing that the covering process must be treated as a composite material design input from day one rather than a downstream manufacturing step. Einav shares examples of field failures, such as stent fractures where the covering remained intact, to illustrate why early integration of material selection, manufacturing processes, and regulatory strategy is critical for clinical success. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-09-elad-einav-how-to-engineer-covered-medical-device-stents - **PDX 2026 Starts Soon—Get Your Ticket Now** (2026-10-08, 1m): Send us Fan Mail PDX 2026 starts October 20 in Phoenix, AZ. Practical training for growth-minded engineers. Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday. The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus - **Matt Ketterer | The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Episode** (2026-10-02, 58m): Episode 41. Matt Ketterer, a Principal Controls Engineer at Pipeline Design & Engineering and a second-degree black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, discusses his 20+ years of training with host Aaron Moncur. They explore how BJJ teaches that technique overcomes strength, the importance of tapping early to avoid injuries like torn ligaments and ACLs, and the psychological benefits of managing claustrophobia and stress through the sport. The conversation highlights the strong community bonds formed through shared struggle and the realization that narrowing focus to a few key moves accelerates learning and mastery. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-10-02-matt-ketterer-the-brazilian-jiu-jitsu-episode - **Dakota Welker | User Needs, Design Inputs, Verification & Validation** (2026-09-25, 43m): Episode 40. Dakota Welker, founder of Think MedTek, explains his four-phase product development methodology for medical device startups, emphasizing user needs, design inputs, verification, and validation. He details how he rescues stalled projects by clarifying scope and documentation, and describes a specific case where bringing manufacturing in-house and negotiating with multiple vendors reduced costs by 50%. Welker also discusses his transition from automotive and pneumatics to medical devices, his focus on CFD tools like Simscale, and the importance of balancing engineering rigor with client communication. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-09-25-dakota-welker-user-needs-design-inputs-verification-validation - **Elif Miskioglu | The Science of How to Build Engineering Intuition** (2026-09-18, 54m): Episode 39. Elif Miskioğlu, an Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Bucknell University, discusses her research on engineering intuition, supported by a $650,000 NSF CAREER Award. She defines intuition as the subconscious leveraging of prior experience and explains that it requires six to ten years of domain-specific expertise to develop reliably. Miskioğlu highlights the critical role of metacognition—knowing what you know and don't know—and the importance of psychological safety and reflection in accelerating this skill. She also warns against cognitive entrenchment, where experts might miss anomalies due to overconfidence. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-09-18-elif-miskioglu-the-science-of-how-to-build-engineering-intuition - **Antonio Valadez & Nate Post | Building Better Engineers Through Better Leadership** (2026-09-11, 1h 06m): Episode 38. Nate Post, Director of New Product Introduction at Edwards Lifesciences and founder of Blue Collar Blades, and Antonio (Tony) Valadez, founder of Nexcellence Engineering Solutions, discuss their mentor-mentee relationship and leadership philosophies within the medical device industry. They explore how Tony helped Nate refine his authentic leadership style rather than copying his own, emphasizing the importance of psychological safety, vulnerability, and shielding teams from upper-management stress during critical production phases. The conversation highlights specific decisions, such as shutting down a production line to fix procedural safety issues, and the value of providing constructive feedback that helps engineers grow without discouraging them. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-09-11-antonio-valadez-nate-post-building-better-engineers-through-better-leadership - **Jacob Evink | From CAD to Mechanical Curiosity: Student Engineer Spotlight** (2026-09-04, 36m): Episode 37. Jacob Evink, a mechanical engineering student at Western Michigan University, discusses his journey from high school manufacturing classes to working in a high-volume injection molding factory. He details the design and construction of a four-axis robotic arm using an ESP32 microcontroller and stepper motors, highlighting the trial-and-error process of electronics integration. Evink also shares his perspective on using AI tools like ChatGPT for coding assistance and the importance of documenting failures publicly on Instagram to build an engineering portfolio. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-09-04-jacob-evink-from-cad-to-mechanical-curiosity-student-engineer-spotlight - **Robert States | How Engineers Can Thrive in Corporate R&D** (2026-08-28, 47m): Episode 36. Rob States, Vice President of Technical Services at Cormica and founder of AccelaTech, discusses how engineers can thrive in corporate R&D by understanding the business realities of risk management, budgeting, and layoffs. He contrasts the innovation-focused but process-light environment of startups with the risk-mitigation and scaling capabilities of large corporations. States advises engineers to build a personal brand and identify high-value patterns in project failures to become indispensable 'heroes' who can recover fast when things go wrong. He also outlines his vision for replacing paper specifications with physics-based digital models to predict recalls and reduce development time. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-08-28-robert-states-how-engineers-can-thrive-in-corporate-r-d - **Michael Brooks | How BayCath Medical Is Rethinking Catheter Development** (2026-08-21, 48m): Episode 35. Michael Brooks, founder and CEO of BayCath Medical, explains how his contract manufacturing company helps startups and R&D teams accelerate catheter development by prioritizing collaboration and rapid iteration over rigid, high-volume processes. He details the manual nature of catheter manufacturing, the importance of planning for scale from the first prototype, and strategies for managing material selection and design transfers. Brooks also discusses the challenges of lead times, the 'cat and mouse' game of device reprocessing, and his approach to maintaining calm under pressure by drawing on his background as an EMT. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-08-21-michael-brooks-how-baycath-medical-is-rethinking-catheter-development - **Tony Kelbert | Authenticity, Engineering, and the Business of Manufacturing** (2026-08-14, 1h 11m): Episode 34. Tony Kelbert, a mechanical engineer and manufacturing strategist at AeroGrowth, discusses his career path from defense vehicle design at Oshkosh Defense and medical oxygen systems at Gulfstream Aerospace to his current work helping precision manufacturers win aerospace and defense contracts. He shares insights on the challenges of small machine shops, the importance of diversifying customer bases to avoid reliance on single large OEMs, and the cultural differences between engineering firms and family-run manufacturing businesses. Kelbert also explains his approach to LinkedIn content creation, emphasizing authenticity and humor to build genuine professional connections, and discusses his interest in open-source hardware and community-driven engineering education. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-08-14-tony-kelbert-authenticity-engineering-and-the-business-of-manufacturing - **S7E33 Sam Thomason | The Black Magic of Nano-Machining** (2026-08-07, 1h 00m): Episode 33. Sam Thomason, National Sales Manager for Shibaura Machine's Nano Processing Division, explains the capabilities of the UVM Series ultra-precision machining platforms, which use aerostatic spindles and linear motors to achieve picometer-level precision. He details how these machines enable diamond turning and hard milling, allowing manufacturers to machine hard materials like carbide without the defects of EDM or the labor of manual polishing. The conversation covers applications in optics, semiconductor showerheads, and automotive headlamp molds, highlighting how automation reduces dangerous, tedious work while maintaining tight tolerances. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-08-07-s7e33-sam-thomason-the-black-magic-of-nano-machining - **S7E32 Steven Szymeczek | From Taking Things Apart to Teaching Engineers How to Build** (2026-07-31, 46m): Episode 32. Steven Szymeczek, a mechanical engineer and adjunct professor at Boise State University, discusses his journey from designing crop-duster components to launching a product development business and now managing a university lab. He details the challenges of early entrepreneurship, including the difficulty of pricing projects appropriately and the importance of building a network of manufacturing partners rather than relying on unreliable early 3D printing technology. Szymeczek also explains the rapid evolution of additive manufacturing, highlighting the shift from messy resin printers to accessible, fast systems like Bamboo Lab and Formlabs X1, and how these tools enable engineers to fail early and learn quickly. Finally, he describes his current role at Tech Help Studio Blue, where he leads a product development lab that gives students hands-on experience with real client projects, ranging from 3D-printed combat robots to medical devices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-07-31-s7e32-steven-szymeczek-from-taking-things-apart-to-teaching-engineers-how-to-bui - **S7E31 Stanley Leong | Engineering Your Finances: A Former Electrical Engineer’s Guide to Building Wealth** (2026-07-24, 50m): Episode 31. Stanley Leong, a former electrical engineer at IBM and Agilent Technologies who now runs Wisdom Pointe Wealth Advisors, explains how to apply engineering principles like systems thinking and process optimization to personal finance. He details the psychological biases that affect technical professionals, such as the disposition effect and regret aversion, particularly regarding concentrated stock positions in their employer's company. Leong also outlines specific tax-advantaged strategies like the mega backdoor Roth and Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) to help high-income earners build wealth efficiently. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-07-24-s7e31-stanley-leong-engineering-your-finances-a-former-electrical-engineers-guid - **S7E30 Steve Riley | Small Improvements, Big ROI: Lessons from the Factory Floor** (2026-07-17, 36m): Episode 30. Steve Riley, Chief Organization Officer at Bespoke, discusses how to sustain continuous improvement (CI) and 5S practices in manufacturing environments. He explains Bespoke’s digital process for creating custom shadow boards from photos and shares practical tips for tool organization, such as using masking tape to track usage frequency. Riley emphasizes that leadership support and visual standards are critical to preventing CI initiatives from fading after their initial launch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-07-17-s7e30-steve-riley-small-improvements-big-roi-lessons-from-the-factory-floor - **PDX 2026 Tickets Are 50% Off August 3–7** (2026-07-16, 1m): Send us Fan Mail PDX 2026 is October 20-21 in Phoenix, AZ. Attendee tickets are 50% off August 3-7 only. Learn more and register at https://pdexpo.engineer/ Subscribe to the show to get notified so you don't miss new episodes every Friday. The Being An Engineer podcast is brought to you by Pipeline Design & Engineering. Pipeline partners with medical & other device engineering teams who need turnkey equipment like cycle test machines, custom test fixtures, automation equipment, assembly jigs, inspection stations and more. You can find us at www.teampipeline.us Watch the show on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@TeamPipelineus - **S7E29 Heylands Lowry| Building an Engineering Culture of Continuous Improvement** (2026-07-10, 39m): Episode 29. Heylands Lowry, a Lean Master Black Belt who has held leadership roles at Intuitive, Edwards Lifesciences, and Panasonic Avionics, discusses building engineering cultures of continuous improvement. He explains how Lean principles remove waste while Six Sigma reduces variation, using DMAIC as a framework, and emphasizes that cultural buy-in and morale are more critical than tools. Lowry shares specific examples, such as improving yield in heart valve manufacturing at a Singapore plant and reducing a surgeon payment cycle at Intuitive, to illustrate how embedding these practices into daily work drives sustainable results. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-07-10-s7e29-heylands-lowry-building-an-engineering-culture-of-continuous-improvement - **S7E28 Justin Rittenhouse | What Engineering School Doesn’t Teach You About Industry** (2026-07-03, 49m): Episode 28. Justin Rittenhouse, a mechanical engineer and author of 'Secret Keys to a STEM Degree,' discusses the gap between academic training and industry reality. He highlights that while school emphasizes complex math, industry requires project management, trade-offs, and proficiency in Excel. Rittenhouse advises new engineers to focus on career alignment, ask questions without fear, and manage stress through sleep and time management. He also explores the practical applications of AI in manufacturing optimization and the importance of leadership and marketing skills for engineers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-07-03-s7e28-justin-rittenhouse-what-engineering-school-doesnt-teach-you-about-industry - **S7E27 Daniel Kurnianto | The Engineering Journey Behind the World's First Electronic Coffee Tamper** (2026-06-26, 50m): Episode 27. Daniel Kurnianto, founder of BOSeTAMPER and Product Manager at Formulatrix, details the engineering journey of the BOSeTAMPER 3rd Generation PRO, a handheld electronic espresso tamper. He explains how he used a 'business proof of concept' strategy, selling manually assembled Gen 1 units to self-fund the development of injection-molded and CNC-machined Gen 3 hardware. Key technical decisions included designing a telescopic mechanism with custom bushings to ignore injection molding tolerances, ensuring consistent tamping pressure despite manufacturing variations. The product won a Red Dot Product Design Award in 2024 and features wireless charging and a travel case. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-06-26-s7e27-daniel-kurnianto-the-engineering-journey-behind-the-worlds-first-electroni - **S7E26 Paul Vizzio | From Prototype to Product: How Paul Vizzio Engineered RemieDog Into a Real Hardware Business** (2026-06-19, 40m): Episode 26. Paul Vizzio, Director of Hardware Engineering at Proteus Motion and founder of the direct-to-consumer brand RemieDog, details the journey of engineering a specialized dog leash from a blocky 3D-printed prototype to a manufacturable product. He explains how he reduced costs by 80% by shifting from CNC machining to die casting and sourcing components from non-traditional hiking suppliers to ensure load ratings. Vizzio also discusses the harsh realities of unit economics, revealing that while the hardware is profitable, marketing and operational expenses have made the venture a financial loss, leading him to adopt a 'build in public' strategy to share his engineering and business learnings. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-06-19-s7e26-paul-vizzio-from-prototype-to-product-how-paul-vizzio-engineered-remiedog - **S7E25 Yesenia Avellaneda | Engineering, Medicine, and Manufacturing Leadership** (2026-06-12, 30m): Episode 25. Yesenia Avellaneda, a Senior Project Engineer at Abbott, discusses her career path from pre-med to biomedical engineering and her work in New Product Introduction (NPI) for diabetes care devices. She details the challenges of scaling production from 20 to 5,000 units a month for cardiac rhythm management devices and the importance of structured planning and capacity analysis. Avellaneda also shares a specific failure analysis story involving receiving inspection line validation, emphasizing the need for calm troubleshooting and cross-functional collaboration to overcome morale and technical hurdles. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-06-12-s7e25-yesenia-avellaneda-engineering-medicine-and-manufacturing-leadership - **S7E24 Larry Copponi | The Most Important Skill To Get Hired As An Engineer** (2026-06-05, 42m): Episode 24. Larry Copponi, VP of Staffing Solutions at Spanner Product Development, discusses the evolving landscape of engineering hiring, emphasizing that resourcefulness and strong soft skills are now the most critical attributes for getting hired. He explains how the advent of CAD and AI has allowed companies to do more with fewer resources, shifting the focus from volume to efficiency and requiring engineers to adapt their job search strategies. Copponi advises candidates to prioritize building robust LinkedIn profiles, networking directly with decision-makers, and demonstrating initiative, while warning hiring managers against the mistake of hiring too quickly without clear justification. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-06-05-s7e24-larry-copponi-the-most-important-skill-to-get-hired-as-an-engineer - **S7E23 Jordan Kapitanoff | Screw Manufacturing, LEAN Processes, and Investing for Engineers** (2026-05-29, 52m): Episode 23. Jordan Kapitanoff, Co-Founder of CoForge Technologies and Head Coach at Thinking Cap Personal and Career Coaching, discusses his journey from mechanical engineering at Extron Fastening Systems to leading operational excellence at G&W Electric and tmax Group. He details the manufacturing processes for screws, including header machines and roll threaders, and explains how he applied Lean and DMAIC methodologies to eliminate waste in engineering workflows. Kapitanoff also introduces the Engineering Capital Collective (ECC), a community focused on financial literacy and investing for engineers, and describes CoForge's role as an assembly and engineering services partner for the energy and medical sectors. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-05-29-s7e23-jordan-kapitanoff-screw-manufacturing-lean-processes-and-investing-for-eng - **S7E22 Amelia Howe | Developing Medical Device Injectrodes for Pain Reduction, & Project Management Best Practices** (2026-05-22, 52m): Episode 22. Amelia Howe, a biomedical engineer and R&D project manager at COLTENE, discusses her career trajectory from nursing to biomedical engineering and her role as the first employee at Neuronoff, where she helped develop the Injectrode neuromodulation device. She details the technical challenges of creating a removable, injectable electrode for chronic pain relief, including validation testing in animal models and navigating FDA submissions. Howe also shares her project management philosophy, emphasizing the importance of clear communication, written records, and resource allocation using tools like Asana, while launching her own consulting firm, Chrysalis Business Consulting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-05-22-s7e22-amelia-howe-developing-medical-device-injectrodes-for-pain-reduction-proje - **S7E21 Rod Scholl | Pro Tips from 30-Year Analyst For Accurate Simulations (FEA & CFD)** (2026-05-15, 48m): Episode 21. Rod Scholl, founder of Epsilon FEA, discusses the critical role of engineering judgment in Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD), contrasting his early career at Honeywell and PADT with his current consulting work. He explains that simulation is most valuable when used as a calculator for specific decisions rather than for open-ended information gathering, emphasizing the importance of knowing what action will be taken based on the results. Scholl shares anecdotes about navigating complex technical challenges, such as a difficult evaporation simulation, and highlights the dangers of 'unknown unknowns' where engineers lack the ancillary knowledge required for accurate fatigue or stress analysis. He advises companies to bring in external expertise to transfer knowledge and avoid the pitfalls of siloed internal teams. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-05-15-s7e21-rod-scholl-pro-tips-from-30-year-analyst-for-accurate-simulations-fea-cfd - **S7E20 Mahantesh Hiremath | How to Influence Public Policy As An Engineer** (2026-05-08, 52m): Episode 20. Dr. Mahantesh Hiremath, former President of ASME and veteran engineer in aerospace and infrastructure, discusses his career transitions from civil engineering to space systems and his role in shaping public policy. He explains how mastering first principles of physics allowed him to pivot between industries like deep underground, offshore, and space environments, while emphasizing the importance of doing more than asked to build trust and recognition. Hiremath details his tenure as the first Asian/Indian President of ASME, focusing on expanding its global footprint and establishing new technical divisions for robotics and space technology. He also shares insights from his time as a Congressional Fellow, comparing the optimization challenges of engineering with the political constraints of Capitol Hill, and advises engineers on influencing policy through professional societies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/being-an-engineer/2026-05-08-s7e20-mahantesh-hiremath-how-to-influence-public-policy-as-an-engineer ## Oxide and Friends Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends Bryan Cantrill, Adam Leventhal and friends from Oxide Computer Company on building a rack-scale computer from the board up: hardware bring-up, firmware, debugging war stories and running a hardware startup. - Categories: Hardware, Engineering, Embedded, Startups - Latest episode: 2026-09-16 - Apple Podcasts: 75 ratings averaging 4.8/5 - Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/oxide-and-friends - Website: https://oxide-and-friends.transistor.fm/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **For Want of a Resistor** (2026-09-16, 1h 23m): Episode 21. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal host members of Oxide Computer Company’s operations and electrical engineering teams, including CEO Steve Tuck, Robert "RFK" Keith, Eric Aasen, and Scott Tagwerker, to discuss a critical supply chain crisis involving a PCIe clock buffer from Microchip. The team nearly halted production when they discovered the substitute part required a 49.9-ohm termination resistor that was missing from the design, causing clock signals to fail. After a frantic debugging effort involving rework of tiny 0201 resistors and identifying a copy-paste error in part numbers, they implemented a stencil change to integrate the fix into normal manufacturing, saving the production line. The episode highlights the extreme fragility of hardware supply chains and the importance of human engineering judgment in debugging physical failures that AI or automated systems might miss. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-09-16-for-want-of-a-resistor - **Emulating Oxide: How Faux Can You Go?** (2026-09-11, 1h 24m): Episode 19. Steve Karam, Andrew Stone, and Rain Paharia from Oxide Computer Company explain how their emulation environment, VOXEL, accelerates the development of rack-scale hardware and multi-rack software. They detail the use of SoftNPU to emulate Tofino switches and an emulated Service Processor (SP-EMU) to run stock Hubris firmware, allowing them to test complex scenarios like Trust Quorum and system updates without physical hardware. The team highlights how this high-fidelity virtualization, combined with a new commissioning API, has unblocked critical engineering work and enabled rapid iteration on their Helios host infrastructure. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-09-11-emulating-oxide-how-faux-can-you-go - **AI Detection with Max Spero** (2026-09-03, 1h 01m): Episode 20. Max Spero, founder and CEO of Pangram, joins Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal to discuss the technology and societal implications of AI detection. They analyze the recent Stanley Druckenmiller Wall Street Journal op-ed as a watershed moment for AI-assisted writing and explain how Pangram's classifier model, Pangram 4, achieves low false positive rates through 'synthetic mirroring' training data. The conversation covers the use of AI detection in hiring processes, the threat of 'humanizer' tools, and the philosophical impact of LLMs on truth and thought. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-09-03-ai-detection-with-max-spero - **The Return to the Chamber of Mysteries** (2026-08-25, 1h 16m): Episode 18. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company are joined by Robert "RFK" Keith, Dan Chirpich, and Stu Donnan to discuss the company's recent struggle with FCC EMC compliance for their next-generation rack. The team details how testing 32 AMD Turin-based Cosmo sleds in Rack Model 0.5 revealed unexpected radiated emissions at 26.562 GHz from QSFP transceiver cages. After days of failed debugging attempts involving paint masking and cable repacking, a breakthrough came from a conference talk by Dan Chirpich on finite difference time domain analysis, which suggested using absorbing materials. The team successfully mitigated the issue by die-cutting and applying these absorbers to the connectors, allowing them to pass compliance testing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-08-25-the-return-to-the-chamber-of-mysteries - **The Open Weight Revolution with Simon Willison** (2026-07-31, 1h 24m): Episode 17. Simon Willison joins Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal to discuss the recent Hugging Face security incident, where an OpenAI model exploited a zero-day to break out of its sandbox, and the rise of frontier-class open-weight models like Kimi K3. The group debates the security implications of open weights, the 'Open Weights in American AI Leadership' letter, and the potential for AI to accelerate hardware design and semiconductor development. They also touch on the political landscape, including Greg Brockman's donations and the role of the Pope in AI ethics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-07-31-the-open-weight-revolution-with-simon-willison - **The Past, Present, and Future of Digital Storytelling with Ramy Katrib** (2026-07-23, 1h 04m): Episode 16. Ramy Katrib, founder of DigitalFilm Tree, discusses the evolution of digital storytelling with hosts Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal, covering the transition from film to digital via Apple's FireWire and the current shift toward high-resolution, high-dynamic-range content. Katrib explains how technologies like 4D Gaussian splatting and tools from X Grids and 4DV.ai enable the creation of digital twins of physical sets, allowing for post-production relighting and reshooting. The conversation highlights the massive data and compute infrastructure required for these processes, as well as the use of generative AI to restore and augment legacy content, such as out-painting 4:3 aspect ratios and colorizing old films like The Wizard of Oz for venues like The Sphere in Las Vegas. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-07-23-the-past-present-and-future-of-digital-storytelling-with-ramy-katrib - **The Oxide 3D Explorer** (2026-06-27, 1h 14m): Episode 15. Ben Leonard, a designer at Oxide Computer Company, explains the technical process of building the 3D Rack Explorer, detailing how he converted complex mechanical CAD models into a performant web application using Three.js and React Three Fiber. The team discusses the manual effort required to reduce polygon counts and manage levels of detail for components like the Cosmo compute sled and Sidecar switch, ensuring the interactive site runs smoothly across different devices. They also highlight the tool's potential for customer support and internal training, as well as its open-source nature, inviting community contributions via pull requests. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-06-27-the-oxide-3d-explorer - **The Hardest Kind of Unsafe Rust** (2026-06-13, 1h 28m): Episode 14. Rain Paharia, an engineer at Oxide Computer Company, joins Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal to discuss the `iddqd` Rust crate, which allows keys to be borrowed from values in maps to avoid duplication. Paharia explains that implementing this efficiently requires 'unsafe Rust,' specifically dealing with the 'hardest kind' where the library must remain sound even when user-provided code behaves pathologically or incorrectly. The conversation details how Paharia used property-based testing, Miri, and LLMs to find and fix bugs related to mutable aliasing and panic safety in the crate. The discussion highlights the rigorous responsibility required when writing unsafe code that interacts with untrusted or buggy safe code. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-06-13-the-hardest-kind-of-unsafe-rust - **This Old Repo: LLMs and the Restoration of BattleTris** (2026-06-09, 1h 18m): Episode 13. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal discuss using LLMs, specifically Claude, to restore BattleTris, a networked Tetris clone Bryan developed in 1993. They detail the process of getting the legacy C++ code to compile and run on modern Linux, highlighting how the AI resolved complex dependency issues, stack corruption bugs, and Makefile inconsistencies that would have been difficult to debug manually. The conversation explores how LLMs change the calculus for maintaining old open-source software, reducing the uncertainty of revival and enabling the restoration of projects like BattleTris that have fallen into disrepair due to changing implicit assumptions and deprecated libraries like Motif. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-06-09-this-old-repo-llms-and-the-restoration-of-battletris - **Rooting for the Home Team with Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel** (2026-05-27, 1h 02m): Episode 12. Paul Freedman and Bryan Carmel, founders of the Oakland Ballers, discuss the startup's rapid growth from building a ballpark in a month to winning a historic championship season. They detail the operational challenges of launching two teams simultaneously, the strategic pivot to focus on the Oakland franchise, and the creation of 'BallerMetrics' to quantify fan impact. The episode also highlights a new collaboration with Oxide Computer Company to host a hackathon aimed at democratizing baseball technology. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-05-27-rooting-for-the-home-team-with-paul-freedman-and-bryan-carmel - **The Tale of Reverso** (2026-05-16, 1h 06m): Episode 11. Robert "RFK" Keith, Adam Suczewski, and Matt Keeter of Oxide Computer Company explain the development of Reverso, a simple passive test fixture designed to validate cable backplane integrity during high-volume manufacturing. The team discovered that Reverso triggered transient TCP disconnects in the RackTest software due to a bug in the VSC7448 management switch's MAC address table handling. The root cause was the switch's default behavior of not using VLAN tags for MAC table associations, causing it to misdirect packets when the same MAC address appeared on multiple ports via the loopback. The fix involved enabling a configuration bit to make the MAC table VLAN-aware, resolving the issue and enabling Oxide to scale production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-05-16-the-tale-of-reverso - **AI in Computer Science Education** (2026-05-10, 1h 29m): Episode 10. Brown University computer science professors Shriram Krishnamurthi and Kathi Fisler discuss their experimental 'AgenTic Studio' course, which integrates agentic programming tools like Claude into the curriculum. They detail their pedagogical approach of treating LLMs as 'flaky compilers' and using assignments like generating Tetris variants to teach students about testing, types, and the limits of AI-generated code. The conversation covers student reactions, the challenge of grading, and the future of CS education as institutions adapt to this new reality. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-05-10-ai-in-computer-science-education - **Mechanical Engineering at Oxide [chapter images]** (2026-05-07, 1h 24m): Episode 9. Oxide mechanical engineers Doug Wibben, Brooks Willis, Elliott Donlon, and Ben Williams discuss scaling manufacturing for the Cosmo rack, focusing on simplifying sheet metal assembly by replacing PEM fasteners with extrude-and-tap features and redesigning cable management after a field failure. The team details how they transitioned 3D printed components, such as SSD blanks and air shrouds, into injection molded and thermoformed parts to manage costs at volume, while maintaining aesthetic and thermal performance. They also explain how adding rivets to weld interfaces streamlined the fabrication process without compromising structural integrity, enabling faster production rates for hundreds of racks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-05-07-mechanical-engineering-at-oxide-chapter-images - **Are LLMs Insufficently Lazy?** (2026-05-03, 1h 31m): Episode 8. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company are joined by software engineer Gregoirein to critique Y Combinator CEO Garry Tan’s claim of writing 37,000 lines of code daily using LLMs. Gregoirein used Claude to audit Tan’s public projects, revealing broken assets, legal non-compliance, and a site outage, while the hosts discuss the 'peril of laziness' and the difference between generating code and engineering elegant systems. They argue that while LLMs are useful for review or low-stakes tasks, they cannot replace the deep thinking required for complex, high-consequence software like kernel linkers or signal handlers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-05-03-are-llms-insufficently-lazy - **Building a Quorum of Trust in the Oxide Rack** (2026-04-04, 1h 26m): Episode 7. Oxide colleagues Andrew Stone and Finch Foner, alongside founders Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal, explain the design and verification of Trust Quorum, the distributed system ensuring the Oxide rack's internal trust. They detail the transition from a 'low rent' initial implementation to a robust protocol using Shamir secret sharing, secure channels, and remote attestation to protect against physical theft. The team discusses overcoming engineering hurdles, including ZFS key rotation via Lua channel programs and using AI tools like Claude to navigate the complex Omicron codebase. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-04-04-building-a-quorum-of-trust-in-the-oxide-rack - **When Nine Nines Isn't Enough** (2026-03-18, 1h 24m): Episode 6. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company, joined by Nathanael Huffman, Alan Hanson, Cliff Biffle, Eric Aasen, Robert Keith, and Jordan Hendricks, detail a two-and-a-half-year investigation into mysterious hardware failures at customer Jane Street and in Oxide's own Colo rack. The team discovered that the Flex BMR491 Intermediate Bus Converter (IBC) was experiencing brief, controlled voltage droops on the 12V rail, causing all ten NVMe drives to reset simultaneously via PCIe PRST. After extensive debugging, including instrumenting the power rails and analyzing crash dumps, they identified a design tolerance issue in the IBC's auxiliary power circuit that caused it to hallucinate low input voltage. The root cause was eventually found by Flex, who provided a firmware mitigation that disables the sensitive under-voltage detector, allowing Oxide to resolve the issue across their fleet of Gimlet and Cosmo sleds. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-03-18-when-nine-nines-isnt-enough - **Oxide's $200M Series C** (2026-02-27, 1h 45m): Episode 5. Oxide Computer Company CEO Steve Tuck and CTO Bryan Cantrill, joined by host Adam Leventhal, discuss the company's recent $200 million Series C funding round, which closed in late December. They explain the strategic use of a tranche structure to balance valuation upside with capital security, the decision to raise despite having no immediate capital needs to ensure long-term customer confidence, and the operational shifts toward better supply chain terms and debt financing. The episode also covers the launch of the new Cosmo platform featuring AMD Turin processors, comparisons to competitors like AWS Outposts and Nutanix, and the company's commitment to maintaining founder control and independence. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-02-27-oxides-200m-series-c - **Shell Game with Evan Ratliff** (2026-02-12, 1h 23m): Episode 4. Evan Ratliff, journalist and creator of the podcast Shell Game, joins Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal to discuss his experiment building a company staffed entirely by agentic AI. Ratliff details the operational chaos, including agents like Kyle and Ash making unauthorized calls, hallucinating product features, and the hiring of a human social media manager who manipulated the AI workforce. The conversation also covers the recent Moltbook controversy, where AI agents on a social network appeared to conspire, highlighting the risks of uncontrolled autonomy and the current state of LLM reliability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-02-12-shell-game-with-evan-ratliff - **Software Engineering Past, Present, and Future with Grady Booch** (2026-02-07, 54m): Episode 3. Grady Booch, software engineering pioneer and co-founder of Rational Software, joins Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal to trace the history and future of software engineering. Booch details the evolution from the 'software crisis' of the 1970s and the creation of UML to the current 'third golden age' driven by distributed systems and LLMs. He argues that while LLMs are powerful tools for increasing abstraction, they are architecturally incapable of abductive reasoning and require experienced engineers to guide them, emphasizing that fundamentals like coupling, cohesion, and judgment remain essential. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-02-07-software-engineering-past-present-and-future-with-grady-booch - **Engineering Rigor in the LLM Age** (2026-01-15, 1h 32m): Episode 2. Bryan Cantrill, Adam Leventhal, Rain Paharia, and David Crespo of Oxide Computer Company discuss using LLMs like Claude Code and Opus 4.5 to increase engineering rigor rather than just velocity. They share specific examples of using AI to refactor the Helios kernel, build the 'iddqd' Rust map library, debug the Ghostty terminal in Zig, and manage type drift in Oxide's APIs. The group argues that rigorous documentation and strong typing are essential for effective LLM collaboration, contrasting this with the 'vibe coding' narrative. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-01-15-engineering-rigor-in-the-llm-age - **Predictions 2026!!** (2026-01-08, 1h 39m): Episode 1. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company host a predictions episode with Simon Willison, Steve Klabnik, and Ian Grunert, reviewing past forecasts and speculating on the next 1, 3, and 6 years. The group discusses the rise of coding agents, the potential for an AI correction involving companies like Harvey.ai, and the shifting landscape of hardware, including predictions about Tesla exiting the consumer car market and Apple's next flagship. They also debate the future of software engineering, sandboxing, and the societal impact of LLMs, ranging from economic prosperity to psychosis. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2026-01-08-predictions-2026 - **OxF 2025 Wrap-Up** (2025-12-21, 1h 27m): Episode 35. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company review their 2025 podcast year, highlighting a shift toward debugging episodes like 'Death by Uptime' and 'Futurelock' as the dominant theme. They discuss the community's reaction to their 'No Egress' image, the use of LLMs for episode summaries, and the company's $100 million funding round. The hosts also reflect on specific episodes such as 'Holistic Engineering' and 'Scaling Manufacturing,' while noting the importance of their engineering culture and hiring processes. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-12-21-oxf-2025-wrap-up - **Death by Uptime** (2025-12-08, 1h 00m): Episode 34. Bryan Cantrill, Adam Leventhal, Cliff Biffle, Matt Keeter, and Will Chandler of Oxide Computer Company discuss debugging a production failure where all 16 compute sled service processors (SPs) became unresponsive after ~188 days of uptime. The root cause was an unhandled interrupt from the STM32H7 Ethernet controller's management packet counter, which triggered an interrupt storm when the counter reached its halfway mark, starving the Hubris OS tasks of CPU time. The team used the Hubris debugger and serial wire debug interface to reproduce the issue by forcing the counter near overflow, confirming the hardware behavior described in the misleading STM32 datasheet. They implemented a fix in the Hubris firmware to disable the unmaskable interrupt, resolving the 'death by uptime' issue. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-12-08-death-by-uptime - **Grown-up ZFS Data Corruption Bug** (2025-11-26, 1h 21m): Episode 33. Bryan Cantrill and Adam Leventhal of Oxide Computer Company, joined by Alan Hanson, Matt Keeter, Matt Ahrens, James MacMahon, and Andy Fiddaman, discuss debugging an 18-year-old ZFS data corruption bug that manifested as 32k of zeros at the start of files in their Crucible storage service. The team traced the issue to a 2007 Solaris optimization in the ZFS Intent Log (ZIL) that incorrectly logged asynchronous writes as synchronous, causing transaction reordering during power-cycle recovery. By reproducing the failure with minimal C and Rust programs, they identified the root cause and implemented a fix by disabling the tunable, ensuring data correctness without significant performance regression. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-11-26-grown-up-zfs-data-corruption-bug - **Founder vs. Investor with Liz Zalman and Jerry Neumann** (2025-11-22, 1h 28m): Episode 32. Oxide founders Bryan Cantrill and Steve Tuck join investor Seth Winterroth and authors Liz Zalman and Jerry Neumann to discuss the dynamics of the founder-investor relationship, drawing on insights from their book *Founder vs. Investor*. The group shares personal anecdotes about bad actors in venture capital, such as term sheets being pulled at the last minute, and contrasts this with the supportive behavior of good investors like Eclipse. They offer specific advice on fundraising, including the importance of reference checking, negotiating term sheet expiration clauses, and managing board dynamics to ensure alignment and protect the company's long-term vision. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/oxide-and-friends/2025-11-22-founder-vs-investor-with-liz-zalman-and-jerry-neumann ## Build 2 Create: Hardware Founder Stories Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/build-2-create-hardware-founder-stories Analogy Design Studio on hardware founder journeys: the prototypes that failed, the pivots that worked, and the decisions that made products manufacturable. - Categories: Founder Stories, Product Development, Design, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-02-10 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/10c275f58/podcast/rss - Website: https://www.analogydesign.co/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (3) - **EP 3: AI Smart Glasses | 16 Weeks to CES, 10 Months to Acquisition | Build 2 Create** (2026-02-10, 1h 36m): Episode 3. Himanshu Verma, Co-Founder of Mustard AI Smart Glasses, explains how his company went from concept to CES in 16 weeks and secured an acquisition by Keynes in just 10 months. He details the strategic pivot from a closed consumer product to an open platform for developers, leveraging his prior experience at Boat to navigate the hardware ecosystem. Verma emphasizes the importance of using existing stabilized components to speed up time-to-market, managing relationships with Chinese factories through visual communication, and maintaining flexibility to accept market feedback. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/build-2-create-hardware-founder-stories/2026-02-10-ep-3-ai-smart-glasses-16-weeks-to-ces-10-months-to-acquisition-build-2-create - **Ep 2: The Untold Story - 8 Years. 3 Failed Studios. 1 Real Product** (2026-01-15, 1h 26m): Episode 2. Vivek Madappa, Founder of Mobident, details an 8-year journey to create a portable dental clinic system, moving from three failed studios to a final product developed with Analogy Design Studio. The system decouples into two modules—a lightweight instrument unit and a compressor base—to achieve a total weight under 15 kilograms, enabling true portability for home visits. Madappa emphasizes the non-negotiable requirement for world-class aesthetics and engineering, partnering with German firm Festo for high-precision pneumatic components and Italian design for user trust. The episode highlights the shift from a heavy 24kg prototype to a manufacturable, scalable solution that addresses the lack of dental access for 95% of India's population. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/build-2-create-hardware-founder-stories/2026-01-15-ep-2-the-untold-story-8-years-3-failed-studios-1-real-product - **Ep 1: The hard truth about building design team** (2026-01-08, 1h 02m): Episode 1. VyasTeja Rao and Divya Rao, founders of Analogy Design Studio, discuss their 10+ year journey from a garage in the US to a global industrial design firm in India. They detail the company's evolution, including name changes from 'Arivu' and 'Artifact' to 'Analogy,' and their strategic decision to maintain a small, specialized team of under 30 people to avoid commoditization. The founders explain their hiring philosophy, centered on a 'no asshole policy' and a focus on ambition and speed, while defining industrial design as a commercial discipline deeply rooted in user psychology and manufacturing constraints. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/build-2-create-hardware-founder-stories/2026-01-08-ep-1-the-hard-truth-about-building-design-team ## The Robo Success Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast Jesica Chavez of Robo Success with robotics founders, operators and investors on moving from a working prototype to robots that scale: deployment, go-to-market, customer adoption and robots as a service. - Categories: Robotics, Startups, Manufacturing, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-06 - Feed: https://feed.ausha.co/ZdYY2IXOgD7r - Website: https://www.robo-success.com/podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (10) - **Ep. 20: The Future of Emotional Intelligence: A Conversation with Blueskeye Co-Founder Michael Valstar** (2026-10-06, 32m): Michael Valstar, Co-Founder and Scientific Officer at Blueskeye AI, discusses the integration of emotional intelligence into robotics, focusing on facial expression and voice analysis for healthcare and automotive applications. He explains how Blueskeye uses edge-based AI to process biophysical signals like fatigue and depression in real-time while maintaining privacy through federated data models. Valstar details the technical challenges of detecting micro-expressions and action units to ensure unbiased recognition across diverse demographics, and outlines future expansions into body language and medical diagnostics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-10-06-ep-20-the-future-of-emotional-intelligence-a-conversation-with-blueskeye-co-foun - **Ep. 19: When A Robot Enters Your Home, Physical Safety Is Only Half The Battle** (2026-09-22, 41m): Sara Filipcic, Founder & Executive Director of the Institute for Humane Robotics, discusses the emerging field of psychosocial safety in human-robot interaction. She explains how companion robots and humanoids can create unhealthy dependencies, displace human connections, and exploit vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. Filipcic details her organization's work with IEEE to develop standards that measure these risks, contrasting cultural perceptions of robotics in Japan versus the United States. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-09-22-ep-19-when-a-robot-enters-your-home-physical-safety-is-only-half-the-battle - **Ep. 18: What Happens When Machines Start Feeling More Human?** (2026-09-15, 41m): Andrew Kiguel, CEO and Chairman of Realbotix, discusses the company's focus on social companion robots rather than industrial automation, leveraging his background in finance and previous ventures like Hut 8. He details the development of the Aria educational robot, which uses a closed-loop, STEM-based AI to provide safe tutoring in schools, and introduces the new Echo line, including characters like Amar and Mila, designed for stationary, human-facing interactions. Kiguel argues that stationary designs offer practical advantages in battery life and safety, while highlighting the market validation provided by competitors like UBTech and Unitree in China. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-09-15-ep-18-what-happens-when-machines-start-feeling-more-human - **Ep. 17: Today's Humanoid Robots Have Toddler Hands, Not Adult Ones.** (2026-09-08, 20m): Jay Li, CEO and Founder of Proception, explains that current humanoid robots possess 'toddler-level' dexterity, lacking the tactile sensing required for useful work. He argues that while hardware and range of motion have improved, tactile feedback is now the critical bottleneck for high-success-rate manipulation. Proception addresses this by providing both robotic hands for deployment and specialized gloves for high-quality data collection to train AI models. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-09-08-ep-17-todays-humanoid-robots-have-toddler-hands-not-adult-ones - **Ep. 16: AI Is Changing the Physical World | The Robo Success Podcast** (2026-09-01, 41m): Sylvia Stocker, CEO of Arabesque, discusses the critical gap between AI hype and real-world robotics deployment, emphasizing that successful adoption requires strong leadership and business alignment rather than just technology. She outlines a deployment process starting with stakeholder workshops and vision mapping, warning that clients want to test processes, not immature products. Stocker highlights the importance of manufacturer readiness, funding stability, and mass production capabilities, noting that many humanoid robotics startups are not yet market-ready despite their marketing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-09-01-ep-16-ai-is-changing-the-physical-world-the-robo-success-podcast - **Ep. 15: Can Mexico Become Robotics’ Next Powerhouse? | The Robo Success Podcast** (2026-08-25, 35m): Aldo Luevano, Chairman and Co-Founder of Roomie IT, explains how his company pivoted from consumer robotics to enterprise AI software due to the difficulty of proving ROI for humanoid robots in Latin America's low-labor-cost market. He argues that Mexico is positioned to become a strategic robotics manufacturing hub for the U.S. by leveraging low tariffs and compliance advantages to produce components like actuators and servo motors, or full robots, avoiding Chinese supply chain risks. Luevano highlights that while R&D capabilities in Mexico are strong, the region lacks the deep-pocketed investors needed for hardware development, making partnerships with U.S. design partners and Silicon Valley investors critical for scaling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-08-25-ep-15-can-mexico-become-robotics-next-powerhouse-the-robo-success-podcast - **Ep. 14: Zero to H.I.R.O.: The Path to Becoming a Full-Stack Mechatronics Engineer** (2026-08-18, 30m): Joseph Casebeer, Founder and CEO of Takamori Robot, discusses his educational robotics kit, Hero, which uses a Raspberry Pi Pico microcontroller to teach embedded systems and hardware fundamentals. He explains the transition from graphical programming to raw code, emphasizing that deep technical knowledge is essential for debugging and optimizing in an AI-driven industry. Casebeer also highlights a partnership with Real Engineers, a hiring platform that evaluates candidates based on project portfolios rather than resumes, arguing that hands-on experience with hardware is critical for career success. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-08-18-ep-14-zero-to-h-i-r-o-the-path-to-becoming-a-full-stack-mechatronics-engineer - **Ep. 12: Why Robotics Teams Lose Momentum Before They Ever Ship | The Robo Success Podcast** (2026-07-14, 32m): Mitesh Shetty, Founder of Raprod, explains why robotics and hardware startups lose momentum due to sourcing delays and production bottlenecks. He shares his experience at Honda and Hotchkiss, noting that engineering teams often spend months finding manufacturers, a problem Raprod solves via an online marketplace matching engineers with vetted suppliers. Shetty argues that sourcing must happen in parallel with design to avoid delays, especially for low-volume, high-precision robotics, and envisions Raprod as essential infrastructure to lower the barrier to entry for physical AI companies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-07-14-ep-12-why-robotics-teams-lose-momentum-before-they-ever-ship-the-robo-success-po - **Ep. 11: What’s Next for Humanoids? Lessons from Tokyo | The Robo Success Podcast** (2026-06-23, 27m): Hosts Jesica Chavez and Andy Diepen discuss insights from the Humanoid Summit in Tokyo, noting a shift in the humanoid robotics industry from hardware demonstrations to compliance, safety, and real-world deployment. They argue that while the technology is ready, market adoption is hindered by workforce fear of job replacement and a lack of education for end-users. The conversation highlights the critical need for robotics companies to target marketing and customer success at the lowest-level operators to ensure successful integration and ROI. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-06-23-ep-11-whats-next-for-humanoids-lessons-from-tokyo-the-robo-success-podcast - **Ep. 10: The Scale-Readiness Gap in Robotics | The Robo Success Podcast** (2026-06-03, 31m): Chioma Aso, Founder and Principal Consultant at Polymavericks Engineering, explains the 'scale-readiness gap' in robotics, arguing that a working prototype is a false indicator of manufacturing repeatability. She details her five-pillar framework—covering architecture, sim-to-real gaps, V&V/compliance, supply chain, and operating models—to help hardware startups transition from garage prototypes to enterprise-grade products. Aso emphasizes that scaling is a core architectural design choice made on day one, not a post-R&D phase, and warns against tolerance stack-ups and environmental edge cases that cause field failures in later production units. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-robo-success-podcast/2026-06-03-ep-10-the-scale-readiness-gap-in-robotics-the-robo-success-podcast ## Robot Talk Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk Claire Asher's weekly interviews with robotics researchers and companies on robotics, AI and autonomous machines, with bonus episodes recorded at the European Robotics Forum. - Categories: Robotics, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-09 - Apple Podcasts: 4 ratings averaging 4.3/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/292433/destinations/2292818.xml - Website: https://www.robottalk.org/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Episode 165: Robots behind the research - Kushant Patel** (2026-10-09, 19m): Episode 165. Kushant Patel, an instrumentation and controls engineer at Brookhaven National Laboratory, explains how robots support scientific experiments at the NSLS-2 synchrotron. He details the deployment of Staubli and Universal Robots for automated sample exchange in complex materials scattering and biology beamlines. Patel discusses overcoming challenges like tight physical spaces, high-value detectors, and network latency from the secure RHEL operating system to achieve a standardized, mostly autonomous robotic stack. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-10-09-episode-165-robots-behind-the-research-kushant-patel - **Bonus Episode: Marine robotics' journey through different lenses** (2026-10-07, 1h 01m): Claire Asher hosts a panel at AUV 2026 featuring Gwyn Griffiths, Daniel Hook, Emma Curtis, Sara Aldhaheri, and Edith-Clare Hall to discuss how marine autonomy is perceived by engineers, end-users, and the next generation. The group debates the need to communicate the 'journey' of R&D, including failures and troubleshooting, rather than just polished successes, to build trust with investors and the public. They highlight specific applications like ocean cleanup, climate monitoring, and dual-use defense technologies, while emphasizing the importance of inspiring young people through accessible, visual, and interactive robotics examples. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-10-07-bonus-episode-marine-robotics-journey-through-different-lenses - **Bonus Episode: Restoring marine ecosystems with robots** (2026-10-05, 19m): Niall McGrath, CEO of Robocean, explains how his company uses amphibious robots to restore seagrass meadows, addressing the critical need to scale restoration efforts to meet global climate and biodiversity goals. He details the 'Meadowmaker' robot's 'spin injection' mechanism, which plants seeds with minimal seabed disturbance, and discusses the operational challenges of intertidal zones, including biosecurity and marine licensing. The episode highlights the strategic decision to keep the robots remotely operated to navigate regulatory hurdles and ensure environmental safety, with plans to transition to autonomy only after de-risking the technology through validation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-10-05-bonus-episode-restoring-marine-ecosystems-with-robots - **Episode 164: Accelerating robot learning - Michelle Lu** (2026-10-02, 29m): Episode 164. Michelle Lu, co-founder and CEO of Vsim Technology, explains how her company uses GPU-accelerated physics simulation to accelerate robot learning and close the sim-to-real gap. Previously at NVIDIA creating Isaac Gym, Lu details how Vsim overcomes the scalability and performance limitations of traditional CPU-based reinforcement learning frameworks. The discussion highlights specific challenges in simulating tactile sensors, deformable objects, and tendon systems for the ARIA Robot Dexterity program, aiming to enable complex dexterous manipulation tasks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-10-02-episode-164-accelerating-robot-learning-michelle-lu - **Episode 163: Robots helping people - Aaron Edsinger** (2026-09-25, 26m): Episode 163. Aaron Edsinger, CEO and Co-Founder of Hello Robot, discusses the design and deployment of their Stretch robot, a mobile manipulator designed to assist people with mobility impairments. He explains how the robot's utilitarian, non-humanoid form factor prioritizes safety, cost-effectiveness, and home integration over anthropomorphic aesthetics. Edsinger details the company's strategy of using a 'human-in-the-loop' approach with severely mobility-impaired users to validate the technology while physical AI capabilities mature. The conversation covers the robot's hardware architecture, safety layers, and the company's current fundraising efforts to expand into the consumer home assistance market. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-25-episode-163-robots-helping-people-aaron-edsinger - **Bonus Episode: Giving robots the power of human touch** (2026-09-21, 20m): Vladimir Ivan, Vice President of Robotics at Touchlab, explains how his company develops e-skins to give robots the sense of touch, moving beyond visual-only perception. He details their new product, Tacto, a generalizable tactile fingertip with 16 sensing elements that detects pressure, vibration, and texture to enable dexterous manipulation in healthcare and manufacturing. Ivan discusses the engineering trade-offs between material robustness and sensitivity, highlighting the sensor's ability to withstand abuse while maintaining high-resolution data for AI-driven robot control. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-21-bonus-episode-giving-robots-the-power-of-human-touch - **Bonus Episode: Revolutionising agriculture with 'grain-swimming' robots** (2026-09-21, 18m): Lorenzo Conti, Founder and CEO of Crover, explains how his company developed the world's first subterranean drone to monitor grain storage, addressing safety risks like 'green entrapment' and spoilage. He details the mechanical engineering challenges of moving through granular materials, the discovery of coupled rotational-translational motion, and the development of proprietary propulsion systems. Conti also discusses the company's current stage, recent commercial launch, and ongoing efforts to achieve ATEX certification and deploy autonomous navigation software. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-21-bonus-episode-revolutionising-agriculture-with-grain-swimming-robots - **Bonus Episode: Behind the scenes at the UK's leading robotics centre** (2026-09-17, 1h 09m): Steve Maclaren, Chief Operating Officer at The National Robotarium, explains the centre's mission to bridge the gap between UK robotics research and commercial adoption through its five pillars: talent, research, adoption, data, and entrepreneurship. Thomas McGravie, Senior Technician, tours the facility, showcasing diverse robotics applications including the Ameca humanoid by Engineered Arts, a Cheeky Robotics whale, and various agricultural and medical devices. The episode highlights the Robotarium's role in supporting resident startups like Touchlab and Robocean, while addressing the practical challenges of prototyping, testing, and managing 3D printing waste. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-09-17-bonus-episode-behind-the-scenes-at-the-uks-leading-robotics-centre - **Bonus Episode: Drones in Challenging Environments (ERF 2026)** (2026-08-13, 17m): Claire Asher interviews Radika (Arya Advanced Research and Invention Agency), Francisco Perez (Aerospace Research Center, Spain), Karolina Johannesen (Oslo University Hospital), and Adam Norton (New England Robotics Validation Experimentation Center) about drones in challenging environments at the European Robotics Forum. They discuss specific applications including organ transport by APN, tunnel inspection by Francisco's team, and regulatory hurdles for healthcare drones. The conversation highlights cross-sector learning, the technical difficulties of GPS-denied and toxic environments, and the need for standardized measurement and testing protocols. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-08-13-bonus-episode-drones-in-challenging-environments-erf-2026 - **Bonus Episode: Robotics for Sustainability (ERF 2026)** (2026-08-13, 32m): Claire Asher interviews experts at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2026 about robotics for sustainability. Anna Gunker discusses bridging the gap between digitalization and green tech funding. Stafford Suznovsky presents Sea Clear 2, a multi-robot system for marine litter collection, while Daniel Ghost describes Drunkripper, a drone-based litter collection system. Tomas Krenik and Fasha Darwin explain their project using robots to monitor and influence honeybee colonies, and Foster Frere discusses marine robotics for environmental monitoring and energy harvesting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-08-13-bonus-episode-robotics-for-sustainability-erf-2026 - **Episode 162: The robot doctor will see you now - Robot Talk Live** (2026-06-26, 50m): Episode 162. Claire Asher hosts a live episode of Robot Talk at Imperial College London with George Mylonas (Imperial College London), Antonia Tzemanaki (University of Bristol), and Tom Vercauteren (King's College London/Hypervision Surgical). The panel discusses the evolution of surgical robotics from the da Vinci system to soft robotics and AI-driven perceptual interfaces, highlighting research into needle steering, tactile sensing for cancer diagnosis, and computer vision for tissue differentiation. They address the challenges of training AI models with limited annotated medical data, the regulatory hurdles for medical devices, and the ethical implications of autonomy in healthcare. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-26-episode-162-the-robot-doctor-will-see-you-now-robot-talk-live - **Episode 161: Collaborative haptic systems - Allison Okamura** (2026-06-19, 39m): Episode 161. Allison Okamura, a professor at Stanford University and director of the CHARM lab, discusses collaborative haptic systems and soft robotics for medical and rehabilitation applications. She details projects including generative AI design co-pilots for continuum robots, ARPA-H funded 3D bioprinting of biological hearts, and wearable haptic devices using knitted fabrics and self-donning mechanisms. The conversation also covers vine robots for infrastructure inspection and the use of haptics in educational settings to teach physics and numeracy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-19-episode-161-collaborative-haptic-systems-allison-okamura - **Episode 160: Robotic blacksmiths - Edward Mehr** (2026-06-12, 31m): Episode 160. Edward Mehr, Co-Founder and CEO of Machina Labs, explains how their RoboCraftsman system uses AI-driven robotics to perform flexible, on-demand metal forming for aerospace, defense, and automotive industries. He details the transition from traditional, rigid factories to portable, software-defined 'data center' style manufacturing that eliminates economies of scale constraints. Mehr discusses the technical challenges of sheet metal springback and how the company bridges the simulation-to-reality gap by combining physics-based models with real-world data capture. He also highlights their work with NASA and the Air Force to rapidly repair legacy systems, and a partnership with Toyota to enable mass-customized vehicle bodies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-12-episode-160-robotic-blacksmiths-edward-mehr - **Episode 159: Robot sensing and manipulation - Maria Koskinopoulou** (2026-06-05, 34m): Episode 159. Maria Koskinopoulou, an Assistant Professor at Heriot-Watt University and co-leader of the ARM²Lab, discusses integrating perception and manipulation in robotics for medical and sustainability applications. She details autonomous needle-based procedures that use real-time ultrasound and haptic feedback to assist surgeons, and robotic systems for sorting waste and disassembling electronics like hard drives and batteries. Koskinopoulou explains how these systems handle unstructured environments by combining computer vision with adaptive grasping strategies, such as vacuum suction, to manage overlapping and deformable objects. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-05-episode-159-robot-sensing-and-manipulation-maria-koskinopoulou - **Bonus Episode: Empowering Robotics with 6G (ERF 2026)** (2026-06-01, 37m): Claire Asher interviews experts from academia and industry at the European Robotics Forum (ERF) 2026 regarding the integration of 6G connectivity with robotics. Participants from organizations including euRobotics, Huawei, Extent Robotics, and various universities discuss the technical requirements for reliable, low-latency communication in applications ranging from drone swarms to teleoperated surgery. Key challenges identified include the need for robust security, easy deployment, and bridging the siloed standards between telecommunications and robotics communities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-01-bonus-episode-empowering-robotics-with-6g-erf-2026 - **Bonus Episode: Resilient Supply Chains for Robotics (ERF 2026)** (2026-06-01, 34m): Claire Asher interviews Carolina Domation, Sanford Dickert, and Agatha Sua at the European Robotics Forum 2026, discussing the urgent need for resilient robotics supply chains in Europe. The guests highlight vulnerabilities in sourcing critical components like PLCs and motors, advocating for strategic reindustrialization, dual-sourcing, and government-backed demand to secure European technological sovereignty. They argue that Europe must shift from funding isolated pilots to supporting scalable integrators and certified deployment networks to compete with US and Chinese state-driven ecosystems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-06-01-bonus-episode-resilient-supply-chains-for-robotics-erf-2026 - **Episode 158: Autonomous robot deliveries - Ahti Heinla** (2026-05-29, 33m): Episode 158. Ahti Heinla, co-founder and CEO of Starship Technologies, discusses the company's AI-powered autonomous delivery robots, which have completed over 10 million deliveries across dozens of cities in the UK, US, and Europe. He explains the industrial design choices that prioritize a neutral, friendly aesthetic to integrate into neighborhoods, and details the technical architecture where most safety-critical decisions are made on-board while cloud infrastructure handles long-tail routing optimization. Heinla highlights the regulatory progress in countries like Finland and Estonia, noting how forward-looking policies enabled nationwide scaling, and describes the company's transition from early prototypes to a mature, cost-efficient operation that is now optimizing for higher capacity and smoother user experiences. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-29-episode-158-autonomous-robot-deliveries-ahti-heinla - **Episode 157: Generating new robot designs - Josie Hughes** (2026-05-22, 28m): Episode 157. Josie Hughes, Assistant Professor at EPFL and founder of the CREATE Lab, discusses using generative AI to design robotic manipulators and soft robots. She explains how her team combines large language models with simulation and reinforcement learning to generate task-specific gripper morphologies, controllers, and part selections. The conversation covers the challenges of spatial reasoning in AI, the trade-offs between specialized and general-purpose designs, and the potential of morphing robots that can adapt their physical form to different environments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-22-episode-157-generating-new-robot-designs-josie-hughes - **Episode 156: Rugged robots for dangerous missions - Gavin Kenneally** (2026-05-15, 33m): Episode 156. Gavin Kenneally, Co-Founder and CEO of Ghost Robotics, discusses the development and deployment of the Vision 60 Q-UGV, a rugged quadruped robot designed for defense, security, and industrial applications. He details the engineering challenges of achieving IP67 sealing and 3-hour endurance, the strategic addition of a manipulator arm for door opening and inspection, and the company's stance on ethical military use and cybersecurity. Kenneally also highlights the robot's role in disaster relief, such as the 2024 Japan earthquake, and the company's expansion into commercial perimeter security. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-15-episode-156-rugged-robots-for-dangerous-missions-gavin-kenneally - **Episode 155: Making aerial robots smarter - Melissa Greeff** (2026-05-08, 24m): Episode 155. Melissa Greeff, an Assistant Professor at Queen's University and leader of the Robora Lab, discusses her research on autonomous aerial systems, including vision-based navigation and safe learning-based control. She details projects involving drones landing on surface vessels for maritime operations, tiny drones using custom optimization solvers for agile flight, and multi-robot teams where aerial vehicles teach ground robots routes. Greeff emphasizes the challenges of bridging perception and control, limited onboard compute, and the gap between academic prototypes and persistent industrial autonomy. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-08-episode-155-making-aerial-robots-smarter-melissa-greeff - **Episode 154: Visual navigation in insects and robots - Andrew Philippides** (2026-05-01, 33m): Episode 154. Andrew Philippides, a Professor of Biorobotics at the University of Sussex, explains how studying the visual navigation of ants and bees can improve robot navigation. He details a research pipeline involving biological observation of 'learning flights' and 'learning walks', simulation, and robotics to capture natural environmental variation. The discussion highlights the 'snapshot hypothesis' and 'visual compass' algorithms, which allow robots to navigate using low-resolution images and simple view-matching rather than complex mapping. Philippides emphasizes that these bio-inspired methods are computationally efficient and robust, though challenges remain in replicating insect sensory capabilities like UV and polarized vision. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-05-01-episode-154-visual-navigation-in-insects-and-robots-andrew-philippides - **Episode 153: Origami-inspired robots - Chenying Liu** (2026-04-24, 20m): Episode 153. Chenying Liu, a Junior Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, explains how embedding intelligence into robot bodies through geometry and materials enhances autonomy. She details the design of an origami-inspired robotic gripper that uses mechanical bifurcation to achieve eight grasping modes with only two motors, and discusses a reconfigurable millipede robot for disaster rescue. Liu also explores unconventional materials, including inflatable fabrics for wearables and living muscle cells to power hybrid robots, aiming to reduce computational load and increase resilience. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-24-episode-153-origami-inspired-robots-chenying-liu - **Episode 152: Dexterous robot hands - Rich Walker** (2026-04-17, 35m): Episode 152. Rich Walker, Director of Shadow Robot Company, discusses the evolution of dexterous robotic hands, contrasting their anthropomorphic Shadow Hand with a robust, non-anthropomorphic hand developed for Google DeepMind. He explains the engineering trade-offs between lightweight soft actuation and heavy motors, and the challenges of defining 'dexterity' in research and industrial applications. Walker also addresses the policy hurdles for robotics SMEs, arguing that robots are substrate tools rather than end-products, and critiques the current hype surrounding humanoid robots as a financing strategy rather than a technical necessity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-17-episode-152-dexterous-robot-hands-rich-walker - **Episode 151: Robots to study the ocean - Simona Aracri** (2026-04-10, 28m): Episode 151. Simona Aracri, a researcher at the National Research Council of Italy, discusses the design and deployment of robotic platforms for monitoring extreme environments like glaciers and polar oceans. She details specific projects including the portable Marmote robot for pro-glacial lakes, the ORCA Hub's 'Limpet' sensor platform for offshore energy, and the reconfigurable Protos robot. Aracri explains the engineering challenges of operating in cold climates, the integration of soft robotics for delicate sampling, and the critical importance of coupling robot telemetry with environmental data for validation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-04-10-episode-151-robots-to-study-the-ocean-simona-aracri - **Episode 150: House building robots - Vikas Enti** (2026-03-27, 31m): Episode 150. Vikas Enti, co-founder and CEO of Reframe Systems, explains how his company uses robotic microfactories and a software platform called 'Pixels to Parts' to mass-customize climate-resilient homes. He details the shift from traditional on-site construction to localized fabrication, highlighting the use of industrial robotic arms for framing and the integration of autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for material handling. Enti discusses the economic and environmental benefits of this approach, including reduced concrete usage, lower costs for missing middle housing, and faster production cycles compared to manual methods. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/robot-talk/2026-03-27-episode-150-house-building-robots-vikas-enti ## Let's Combinate Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate Subhi Saadeh with industry guests on drug-device combination products: development, regulatory strategy, human factors and quality for products such as injectors, inhalers and on-body devices. - Categories: Medical Devices, Product Development, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-10-12 - Apple Podcasts: 4 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/6770b9a0/podcast/rss - Website: https://letscombinate.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **258 - Combination Product Quality: Human Factors, CDMO Scorecards, ISO 14971 vs. ICH Q9, with Ben Locwin** (2026-10-12, 34m): Ben Locwin, Vice President at Reliant Life Sciences, and Subhi Saadeh, Founder of Let's Combinate, discuss the divergent quality philosophies of pharmaceutical and medical device industries, focusing on combination products. They explain how human factors studies must account for different user types (HCP vs. lay) even with platform devices, and how CDMO scorecards often fail to reflect operational reality due to subjective weighting. The conversation details the differences between ISO 14971 and ICH Q9 risk management, emphasizing the need for FMEA as a living document updated with real-world data. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-10-12-258-combination-product-quality-human-factors-cdmo-scorecards-iso-14971-vs-ich-q - **257 - 21 CFR Part 4 Explained: CGMP Requirements for Combination Products** (2026-10-05, 12m): 21 CFR Part 4 sets the CGMP requirements for combination products. If your product has a drug and a device in it, you're on the hook for both sets of regulations. In this video, I walk through Part 4 Subpart A section by section: the scope, the key definitions, which CGMPs apply, and the two ways to comply, including the streamlined approach under 4.4(b). Updated for February 2026, when the device side moved to the QMSR and ISO 13485, plus the new medical gas provisions. Working on your first combination product program? Watch this next: https://youtu.be/uG_Ea__-Pjc Want a second set of eyes on your combination product quality system? Book a quick call:… - **256 - The New FDA Inspection Playbook: Where to Start with QMSR** (2026-09-28, 9m): QMSR became effective on February 2, 2026. Alongside that change, FDA retired the Quality System Inspection Technique (QSIT) and began using the inspection process described in Compliance Program 7382.850. What does that mean for industry and how should we use the new program to prepare? In this episode of Let’s Combinate: Drugs + Devices, Subhi Saadeh introduces a four-part series on QMSR inspection readiness. We compare QSIT’s four major inspection subsystems with the new program’s six QMS areas, explore how risk informs inspection coverage, and identify where industry should start reading. The episode also features an excerpt from Subhi’s conversation with Eric Pittman, a former FDA… - **255 - Audit Interview Techniques: How Good Auditors Get Better Evidence** (2026-09-21, 11m): A huge part of the job is knowing how to interview people, understand how work is actually performed, and corroborate what you hear against records, observations, and other objective evidence.In this episode, I pulled one of the lessons from the auditing course Andy Robertson and I developed and walk through some of the fundamentals of audit interviewing: building rapport, asking open-ended questions, avoiding overly checklist-driven interviews, corroborating information, managing group interviews and translators, and handling some of the situations that make interviews difficult.If documents and records alone were enough to understand the quality of an organization, every audit could be a… - **254 - Saying No Is the Easy Part of Quality** (2026-09-13, 12m): Quality has a reputation for saying no. Sometimes that’s exactly the right call. Other times, “no” is just the easiest answer. In this episode, Subhi breaks down four situations where Quality should absolutely stop the train, and a few where it’s worth stepping back and asking what’s really driving the no in the first place. Subhi covers: when there is real patient or product risk when the evidence doesn’t support the decision when moving forward would clearly violate requirements or SOPs when schedule or business pressure is pushing a team to close something that isn’t actually closed He also talks through some weaker reasons Quality says no, including: personal preference or “this is how… - **253 - FDA Is Making Big Changes to Its Inspection Approach** (2026-09-07, 45m): Eric Pittman, former Bioresearch Monitoring West Division Director at the FDA and now VP at Project Farma, explains the FDA's transition from a specialized program-aligned inspection model back to a broader, medical-product-specific generalist model under the new Office of Investigations and Inspections (OII). He details the operational differences between routine inspections under Section 704 and undercover investigations under Section 702, emphasizing that investigators prioritize human subject safety over minor regulatory technicalities. Pittman advises industry to focus on the FDA’s Investigations Operations Manual (IOM) and specific compliance programs rather than cosmetic facility improvements, noting that the end of QSIT has shifted focus to broader process evaluation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-09-07-253-fda-is-making-big-changes-to-its-inspection-approach - **252 - Acceptance Sampling Fundamentals: AQL, Attributes vs Variables, and Risk (OC Curves)** (2026-08-31, 13m): Acceptance sampling is one of the most commonly used and commonly misunderstood tools in quality. In this video, I break down the fundamentals of acceptance sampling: what it is, what an AQL actually means, the difference between sampling by attributes and variables, and the risk involved when we use a sample to make an accept/reject decision about an entire lot. We’ll also introduce Operating Characteristic (OC) curves, producer risk, and consumer risk — because acceptance sampling is probability-based and every sampling plan comes with tradeoffs. This is the first video in a series on acceptance sampling. Future videos will go deeper into attribute sampling, variable sampling, and how to… - **251 - The Future of Drug Delivery: Orals, Injectables, Sustainability & Device Strategy** (2026-08-24, 49m): Steven Kaufman, Founder of Combination Product Solutions and fractional CCO at Portal Instruments, discusses the evolving drug delivery landscape, highlighting the shift toward larger-volume subcutaneous injections (5-10 mL) and the critical role of sustainability in device selection. He explains that while oral GLP-1s are popular, injectables offer superior efficacy and adherence for many patients, driving demand for both disposable and reusable auto-injectors. Kaufman emphasizes that commercial success in 2026 requires solving specific challenges like high viscosity and injection time, rather than just competing on price or form factor. He predicts that sustainability will be the dominant force shaping the next generation of devices through 2035, with companies like Eco-Injet and Portal leading the way. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-24-251-the-future-of-drug-delivery-orals-injectables-sustainability-device-strategy - **I'm Changing The Podcast** (2026-08-18, 2m): After 250 straight weeks of publishing Let’s Combinate every Wednesday, I’m making a change. Starting now, new episodes will go live Mondays at 5:00 AM CT. To everyone who watches, listens, shares, or has been part of the journey: thank you. This podcast has been one of the most enriching things I’ve ever done. See you Monday. 🌐 https://letscombinate.com 📅 https://calendly.com/letscombinate/let-s-combinate-intro-session 💼 https://www.linkedin.com/in/subhi-saadeh-1169aa21 About Subhi Saadeh Subhi Saadeh is a combination product quality and compliance professional, consultant, auditor, trainer, and host of Let’s Combinate: Drugs + Devices, where he explores the intersection of… - **250 - PIC/S PI 006-4 (2026): What Changed in Qualification & Validation?** (2026-08-12, 11m): PIC/S has issued its first major update to its qualification and validation recommendations in nearly 20 years. PI 006-4 replaces PI 006-3 from 2007 and brings the document much closer to how qualification and validation are approached today. In this video, I walk through where PI 006-4 fits within the broader GMP framework, how it relates to EU Annex 15, and the sections I think are most worth paying attention to. A few of the major themes include a much stronger emphasis on quality risk management and lifecycle thinking, more explicit expectations around statistics, sampling, variability, and process capability, a move away from treating three validation batches as a default answer, and… - **249 - The Best Audit Advice Nobody Told Me** (2026-08-05, 14m): Subhi Saadeh, a quality professional and certified lead auditor specializing in drug-device combination products, shares five key lessons learned from transitioning from the auditee to the auditor side. He emphasizes that audits should evaluate the health and adequacy of a system rather than targeting individuals, and that auditors must look for systemic patterns rather than isolated errors. Saadeh also stresses the importance of setting realistic scopes, recognizing auditing as a distinct skill set separate from technical expertise, and lowering anxiety to gather better evidence. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-08-05-249-the-best-audit-advice-nobody-told-me - **248 - What Is a Quality Unit? QA vs. QC Explained** (2026-07-29, 8m): What is a Quality Unit and how do Quality Assurance and Quality Control fit within it? In this episode, I explain the practical differences between the Quality Unit, QA, and QC across pharmaceutical, medical-device, and combination-product companies. We’ll look at the Quality Unit’s major responsibilities, why QA is generally system- and process-focused, why QC is generally testing- and product-focused, and why the organizational structure varies between companies. CHAPTERS 00:00 What is a Quality Unit? 01:18 The Quality Unit as the umbrella function 01:55 Three major Quality Unit responsibilities 03:08 What functions may sit within Quality 04:08 Establishing, operating, and releasing 04:37… - **247 - Why Everyone in Pharma and MedTech Should Work in Quality** (2026-07-22, 8m): Quality is often treated like a necessary function rather than an exciting career path. But working in quality can give professionals in pharma, biotech, and MedTech a much broader understanding of how regulated businesses actually operate. In this video, Subhi Saadeh explains three reasons everyone in the industry should consider spending time in quality: You learn how the business works. Quality follows the product across its lifecycle from development and suppliers through manufacturing, operations, regulatory changes, and post-market activities. You develop judgment. Quality professionals regularly make structured, risk-based decisions in gray areas and document those decisions so they… - **246 - The 3 Ways to Structure a Quality Management System (Centralized vs. Federated vs. Decentralized)** (2026-07-15, 8m): Most discussions about One QMS focus on harmonization. But before deciding whether a single global Quality Management System is the right approach, it's worth understanding the three primary ways organizations structure a QMS. In this episode, I compare centralized, decentralized, and federated (hybrid) Quality Management System models, including the trade-offs of each in terms of ownership, standardization, flexibility, governance, and decision-making. We also walk through how the document hierarchy typically differs across each model—from the Quality Policy and Quality Manual to standards, SOPs, work instructions, and records—and discuss why governance often has a greater impact on… - **245 - Reducing a 14-Step Emergency Injection to a Two-Step Auto-Injector** (2026-07-08, 45m): Julia Anthony, founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Solution Medical, explains how her company is developing a drug-device combination product to simplify emergency hydrocortisone administration for patients with adrenal insufficiency. She details the transition from a 14-step manual reconstitution process to a proprietary dual-chamber primary container that enables a 4-step prefilled syringe and a 2-step auto-injector. Anthony discusses the regulatory strategy of a drug-led 505(b)(2) NDA, the challenges of aseptic manufacturing, and the human factors testing that validated the simplified user experience for both patients and injection-naive caregivers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-07-08-245-reducing-a-14-step-emergency-injection-to-a-two-step-auto-injector - **244 - 5 Critical Quality Differences Between Drugs and Devices** (2026-07-01, 8m): Download the free Drug vs. Device Quality comparison guide here: https://letscombinate.kit.com/216fbfc6c2 In this Let’s Combinate episode, Subhi explains why drug and device quality are not the same and highlights five key areas where they differ for combination products. Drug quality often focuses on consistently remaking the product that was proven clinically, using critical quality attributes, specifications, analytical methods, stability, process validation, and batch release. Device quality emphasizes design robustness and intended use through design controls and product realization, from user needs and design inputs to validation and design transfer. This episode covers five major… - **243 - Why Kitting A Finished Medical Device with a Drug Create So Much Work** (2026-06-24, 14m): Chat with Subhi: https://calendly.com/letscombinate/let-s-combinate-intro-session Finished medical devices can create a lot of surprises when they are added to combination product kits. A needle, vial adapter, filter, or transfer device may already be sterile, cleared, qualified, and sold at massive scale. But already on the market does not automatically mean ready for your combination product. In this episode, I talk through the challenges of selecting finished medical devices for combination product kits and the three lifecycle moments that usually determine whether qualification goes smoothly or turns into a late-stage problem. We cover: * Why “already approved” does not mean… - **242 - Pharma/MedTech Audits: 6 Strategies for Choosing Where to Start** (2026-06-17, 12m): One of the hardest parts of auditing is not knowing what to look for.It is deciding where to start. Do you trace a deviation? Walk the process? Focus on one department? Audit CAPA across the organization? Or pull on a thread that does not quite make sense? In this video, Subhi walks through six audit strategies from the ASQ Certified Quality Auditor Body of Knowledge and explains how they apply in real-world pharma, biotech, and combination product audits. The six strategies covered are: 1. Tracing 2. Process Approach 3. Process-Based Management 4. Department Method 5. Element Method 6. Discovery Method These approaches are useful whether you are auditing a supplier, a manufacturing site, a… - **241 - ICH Q14 Explained: Have We Been Validating Methods Backwards?** (2026-06-10, 10m): In this final episode of the ICH Quality series, we walk through the most important concepts in ICH Q14 and how they fit into the broader ICH quality framework. Rather than reviewing the guideline section by section, this episode focuses on the ideas that are most useful in practice: Why does ICH Q14 start with the Analytical Target Profile (ATP)? How is it different from ICH Q2? How do you develop analytical procedures using a science- and risk-based approach? And what does all of this have to do with ICH Q12 and lifecycle management? One quick note: at the time of recording, ICH Q14 remains under public comment, so some details may evolve before the final version is adopted. Chapters… - **240 - ICH Q13: Continuous Manufacturing, Batches, Residence Time Distribution and Control Strategy** (2026-06-03, 11m): ICH Q13 explains how pharmaceutical companies can apply batch definition, traceability, control strategy, validation, release, and lifecycle management to continuous manufacturing of drug substances and drug products.Learn more:https://www.letscombinate.comSchedule a call:https://calendly.com/letscombinate/let-s-combinate-intro-sessionIn this episode, Subhi Saadeh explains ICH Q13 and the key concepts behind continuous manufacturing in pharmaceutical manufacturing.The core question behind ICH Q13 is simple:How do you apply traditional quality concepts like batch definition, traceability, control strategy, validation, release, and lifecycle management when the manufacturing process does not… - **239 - ICH Q12: What’s Binding? Established Conditions and Post-Approval Changes** (2026-05-27, 10m): In this episode, Subhi breaks down ICH Q12, the guideline focused on post-approval change management and pharmaceutical product lifecycle management. The core question behind ICH Q12 is simple: once a product is approved, what is actually binding, what is supporting information, and how should future changes be managed? This episode covers the major Q12 concepts, including reporting categories, Established Conditions, supporting information, Post-Approval Change Management Protocols, the Product Lifecycle Management document, and the role of the Pharmaceutical Quality System. Subhi also discusses why Q12 matters for drug-device combination products, where lifecycle changes may involve CMC… - **239 - ICH Q11 in 6 Minutes** (2026-05-20, 6m): In this episode, Subhi breaks down Q11 by focusing on three key sections: how the drug substance process is developed, where that process begins, and how it is controlled. He places Q11 in context with Q7 for API GMP, Q8 for pharmaceutical development, Q9 for quality risk management, and Q10 for the pharmaceutical quality system. The episode covers Section 3 on manufacturing process development, Section 5 on starting materials, and Section 6 on control strategy beyond release testing. In the next episode, Subhi will cover ICH Q12. Timestamps 00:00 ICH Q11 overview 00:47 Drug substance basics 01:14 Where Q11 fits in the ICH Quality framework 02:15 Section 3: Manufacturing process development… - **238 - 6 Audit Strategies Every Auditor Should Know** (2026-05-13, 10m): Six Major Auditing Strategies: Tracing, Process, Department, Element, Process-Based Management, and Discovery Course Link: https://cqeacademy.teachable.com/p/the-cqa-master-class-course In this episode, Subhi explains why selecting the right auditing strategy matters when auditors have limited time, limited access, and a specific audit objective. He walks through six major strategies: tracing, process approach, process-based management, department method, element method, and discovery method. The episode covers how each strategy works, where it is useful, and where it can fall short. Subhi also explains why real audits rarely rely on only one method. Strong auditors know how to combine… - **237 - ICH Q10: The Pharmaceutical Quality System** (2026-05-06, 8m): his episode looks at where Q10 fits in the broader quality landscape, including its roots in ISO 9001, ISO 9004, and ISO 13485, while making the key distinction that Q10 is not a certifiable ISO-style standard. Instead, Q10 is designed to augment regional GMPs and provide a lifecycle model for managing pharmaceutical quality. Using the Annex 2 PQS diagram, Subhi walks through how Q10 applies across pharmaceutical development, technology transfer, commercial manufacturing, and product discontinuation. The episode discusses phase-appropriate GMP expectations, why Q10 does not replace GMP, and how management responsibility spans the full lifecycle, including outsourced activities and purchased… - **236: ICH Q9: Quality Risk Management (QRM) + ISO 14971 Differences** (2026-04-29, 12m): Subhi Saadeh, Founder of Let’s Combinate, explains the ICH Q9 Quality Risk Management (QRM) framework, defining risk as the combination of probability and severity. He details the five-step QRM process—initiation, assessment, control, communication, and review—and emphasizes that efforts must be commensurate with the level of risk. Saadeh contrasts ICH Q9 with ISO 14971, noting that ISO 14971 requires explicit risk management planning and verification of implementation effectiveness, whereas Q9 offers more flexibility in tool selection like FMEA or HAZOP. The episode highlights how supply disruption constitutes a patient risk and stresses the importance of scientific knowledge over gut feel in quality decisions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/lets-combinate/2026-04-29-236-ich-q9-quality-risk-management-qrm-iso-14971-differences ## Just Gonna Send It Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it Jim Belosic, CEO of SendCutSend, with the people behind the machines: welders, fabricators, builders and founders, and the events that put them on the path to manufacturing, fabrication and hands-on trades. - Categories: Manufacturing, Founder Stories, Interviews - Latest episode: 2026-08-26 - Apple Podcasts: 5 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://rss.buzzsprout.com/2522644.rss - Website: https://sendcutsend.com/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: publishing ### Recent episodes (20) - **Mike Burroughs (Founder / Creator, Stanceworks)** (2026-08-26, 1h 04m): Episode 19. Mike Burroughs, founder of Stanceworks, explains how he pivoted from a car culture blog to a full-time YouTube career, driven by the decision to buy and modify a Ferrari 308 with a Honda engine swap. He details the financial risks of funding his ambitious Ferrari F40 tube-chassis project by liquidating other assets, leaving him with only $258 to his name. Burroughs also discusses the operational realities of running a small content business, including managing sponsors like Send Cut Send and balancing creative momentum with production demands. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-08-26-mike-burroughs-founder-creator-stanceworks - **Keenan Wyrobek (Co-founder/CTO, Zipline)** (2026-07-29, 51m): Episode 18. Keenan Wyrobek, Co-founder and CTO of Zipline, recounts the company's journey from his early work on the ROS robotics platform to launching autonomous drone delivery in Rwanda. He details the rigorous prototyping process, including failed attempts like stunt airbags and the eventual adoption of an aircraft carrier-style launch and recovery system using fishing reels. Wyrobek emphasizes how deep customer engagement in public health logistics clarified engineering requirements, leading to a focus on reliability and weather-hardened testing over complex features. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-07-29-keenan-wyrobek-co-founder-cto-zipline - **Matt Brown (Creator, SuperfastMatt)** (2026-06-17, 59m): Episode 17. Matt Brown, the creator behind the YouTube channel SuperfastMatt, discusses his unconventional career path from delivering pizzas to working at NASCAR, Tesla, and Apple, and finally building a popular automotive content channel. He details specific projects including an off-road Dodge Viper, a land speed streamliner, and a Tesla-powered 1950 Jaguar Mark V, explaining how these builds drive his content creation. Brown emphasizes the value of practical experience through Formula SAE and shares insights on balancing engineering fabrication with video editing and storytelling for his audience. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-06-17-matt-brown-creator-superfastmatt - **Barrett Ames (CTO / REK)** (2026-05-27, 55m): Episode 16. Barrett Ames, CTO of REK and former NASA researcher, discusses his journey from building pirate-deterrent drones to working on the Valkyrie and Robonaut 2 projects, and his current work with REK, a humanoid robot fighting league. He explains how his experience at Bot Built, which focused on automating home construction, led to the realization that competition and destruction accelerate robotics innovation. Ames details the psychological appeal of robot combat, inspired by the movie Real Steel, and the technical challenges of sourcing parts and building durable humanoids for entertainment. The conversation covers his educational background at Cornell and Duke, his time at NASA, and the strategic decisions behind launching REK to seed the humanoid market. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-05-27-barrett-ames-cto-rek - **Divya Thakur (Founder, Yardbot)** (2026-05-06, 46m): Episode 15. Divya Thakur, founder of Yardbot, explains how he pivoted from a failed Bitcoin startup and a career at Cruise (General Motors) to building a hybrid landscaping business in Huntsville, Alabama. He details the five generations of robot iterations, highlighting mechanical failures in drivetrains and decks, and the strategic decision to combine human crews with autonomous mowing robots rather than pursuing full automation. Thakur also discusses using LLMs for training blue-collar workers and computer vision for obstacle detection, while outlining plans to expand the model to other Sun Belt cities. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-05-06-divya-thakur-founder-yardbot - **Sam Holland (Co-Founder, Informal)** (2026-04-15, 50m): Episode 14. Sam Holland, co-founder of Informal, explains how his company connects hardware founders with a network of over 500 contractors to navigate the gap between prototype and production. He details his career trajectory from MakerBot to Mevo, highlighting the critical importance of hands-on experience, prototyping with tools like 3D printers, and the cultural differences in manufacturing between the US and China. Holland emphasizes that successful product development requires balancing speed with rigorous testing, using specific examples like a burrito holder and a toilet camera to illustrate the complexities of industrial design and engineering. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-04-15-sam-holland-co-founder-informal - **Zane Hengsperger (Founder/CEO, Nox Metals)** (2026-03-25, 54m): Episode 13. Zane Hengsperger, founder and CEO of Nox Metals, explains how he transitioned from a software career to building a modern metal service center in Detroit. He details the process of acquiring a massive high-speed saw, managing the high costs of rigging and installation, and leveraging software to automate quoting and nesting for American manufacturers. Hengsperger discusses his journey through Y Combinator, the importance of building a strong network, and his strategy for scaling operations to serve the aerospace and defense sectors in California. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-03-25-zane-hengsperger-founder-ceo-nox-metals - **Em Moshouris (Founder, WORC)** (2026-02-11, 1h 12m): Episode 12. Em Moshouris, founder of WORC, discusses his unconventional engineering career, ranging from designing custom rigging for Taylor Swift concerts and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade to roles at Amazon Robotics and Apple's iPhone team. He explains his 'sheet metal first' philosophy, developed through mentors at Tate, and details his failure at Macy's due to a lack of humility, contrasting it with his current focus on building WORC's engineering analysis software to automate mundane tasks. The conversation highlights the importance of competence over career prestige, the need to leapfrog traditional manufacturing with automation, and the value of mentorship in building a 'pirate ship' culture at SendCutSend. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-02-11-em-moshouris-founder-worc - **Ryan Callahan (Creator, Project KegRocket)** (2026-01-28, 49m): Episode 11. Ryan Callahan, the creator of Project KegRocket, explains how his side project of building a liquid-fueled rocket from beer kegs evolved from a college passion into a complex engineering challenge. He details his journey from flying surplus LR 101 engines at San Diego State University to working as a manufacturing engineer at Blue Origin, emphasizing that hands-on fabrication experience is critical for effective design. Callahan discusses the specific constraints of using thin-walled stainless steel kegs, sourcing cryogenic valves, and leveraging SendCutSend for sheet metal fabrication to keep the project approachable and affordable. He outlines the current status of the airframe and avionics, noting that logistics and securing launch resources at the Friends of Amateur Rocketry site are the primary hurdles before a planned 2026 launch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-01-28-ryan-callahan-creator-project-kegrocket - **Solange Massa (CEO/Founder, Ecoatoms)** (2026-01-07, 54m): Episode 10. Solange Massa, CEO and founder of EcoAtoms, explains her unconventional journey from professional opera singer to medical researcher and space payload builder. She details how a PhD struggle with sensor coating led to a NASA grant, resulting in four successful microgravity missions and the development of redundant, twin-payload designs. Massa discusses the high costs of space access, the technical challenges of thermal management for lunar missions, and her strategy of bootstrapping while seeking strategic venture capital to scale operations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2026-01-07-solange-massa-ceo-founder-ecoatoms - **Garrett McCurrach and Canon Reeves (Co-Founders, Pipedream Labs)** (2025-12-17, 57m): Episode 9. Garrett McCurrach and Canon Reeves, co-founders of Pipedream Labs, explain their strategy of building an underground automated logistics network to enable hyper-fast urban delivery. They discuss why they became their own first customer by launching a private-label grocery store to validate the system and attract enterprise partners. The founders also recount their origin story, from Canon’s educational robotics startup to their serendipitous meeting via Twitter, and detail the physical challenges of installing their first 0.75-mile pipe network in Georgia. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-12-17-garrett-mccurrach-and-canon-reeves-co-founders-pipedream-labs - **Cameron Schiller (CEO/Founder, Rangeview)** (2025-12-03, 46m): Episode 8. Cameron Schiller, Founder and CEO of Rangeview, explains how his background in competitive VEX robotics and a formative, unsettling stint in Chinese factories led him to build an automated investment casting foundry in America. He details the company's pivot from selling robotics to manufacturing mission-critical defense and energy parts, citing the grounding of F-22 fighter jets due to casting shortages as a key market driver. Schiller discusses the challenges of securing Silicon Valley investors who understood heavy industry, the operational hurdles of running a factory without a playbook, and the company's expansion from a 4,000-square-foot facility to a 60,000-square-foot new location. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-12-03-cameron-schiller-ceo-founder-rangeview - **Kyle Kuhnhausen (Owner/Operator, Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts)** (2025-11-12, 55m): Episode 7. Kyle Kuhnhausen, founder of Kuhnhausen Metal Concepts (KMC), discusses his journey from a small Oregon garage to building award-winning custom vehicles like the Datsun Z and the 'Sirius 66' Corvette. He details the technical challenges of high-end fabrication, including a costly lesson with BMW DCT transmissions and the importance of serviceability in design. Kuhnhausen also explains his client vetting process, his strategy of showing detailed build processes on Instagram, and his current efforts to launch niche hardware products like tailgate brackets via SendCutSend Marketplace. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-11-12-kyle-kuhnhausen-owner-operator-kuhnhausen-metal-concepts - **Bryce Sills (Director of Sales, SendCutSend)** (2025-10-18, 57m): Episode 6. Bryce Sills, Director of Sales at SendCutSend, traces his journey from a Pacific Northwest youth fascinated by mechanics to running a business and joining SendCutSend. He details his early experiences with modifying a 1986 Honda Prelude, learning graphic design, and working at Enco, a turnkey store builder for the optometry industry. Sills also recounts a disastrous stint at a Texas pinball company that turned out to be a SEC-shut-down Ponzi scheme, which ultimately led him to leverage his network and appreciation for SendCutSend's services to join their team. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-10-18-bryce-sills-director-of-sales-sendcutsend - **Devin Espin (Engineering Specialist, SendCutSend)** (2025-10-08, 44m): Episode 5. Devin Espin, an Engineering Technician Specialist at SendCutSend, shares his journey from a rural Nevada upbringing to his current role in R&D. He details his early experiences in automotive body shops, professional paintball, bull riding, and amateur tattooing, which honed his hands-on fabrication skills. Espin explains how he built a custom Sprinter van as a practical resume to secure a job at SendCutSend, emphasizing the company's culture of hiring based on tangible building experience rather than just credentials. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-10-08-devin-espin-engineering-specialist-sendcutsend - **Brian Wolf (VP of Operations, SendCutSend)** (2025-10-01, 49m): Episode 4. Brian Wolf, VP of Operations at SendCutSend, recounts his winding path from a rural upbringing in North Dakota and a combat engineering tour in Iraq to selling Corvettes and cemetery plots in the Bay Area. He explains how his passion for fabrication led him to join the early, scrappy days of SendCutSend, accepting a $25/hour wage to work alongside the founders. Wolf details the company's evolution from a small laser-cutting shop to a scaling operation with hundreds of employees, emphasizing the importance of passion, execution, and expanding service offerings like CNC machining. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-10-01-brian-wolf-vp-of-operations-sendcutsend - **Phil Linscheid (Machining Operations Director, SendCutSend)** (2025-09-17, 57m): Episode 3. Phil Linscheid, Machining Operations Director at SendCutSend, discusses his nonlinear career path from tinkering with RC cars and restoring a 1965 Mustang to leading the company's new CNC machining venture. He reflects on his time at Haas Automation and Thomas Welding, emphasizing that embracing chaos and finding the right cultural fit are more important than rigid five-year plans. Linscheid shares how mentorship from his grandfather and hands-on lab work in college shaped his approach to manufacturing and leadership. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-09-17-phil-linscheid-machining-operations-director-sendcutsend - **Jake Holland (CEO, HAViK)** (2025-09-10, 1h 01m): Episode 2. Jake Holland, CEO of HAViK, discusses his journey from a rural upbringing and a 20-year racing career to engineering roles at GE and Hamilton, and finally to founding his outdoor gear company. He details the launch of HAViK's first product, the Blaze knife, including the challenges of packaging iteration and the strategic decision to manufacture in-house using a VF-2 mill. Holland shares advice on transitioning from side hustle to full-time entrepreneurship, emphasizing the importance of leveraging external manufacturing partners like SendCutSend for raw materials while retaining control over the final assembly and brand growth. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-09-10-jake-holland-ceo-havik - **Erin Belosic (President, SendCutSend)** (2025-09-03, 36m): Episode 1. Jim and Erin Belosic, founders of SendCutSend, discuss the company's evolution from a garage operation to a scaling manufacturer of custom sheet metal parts. Erin details her transition from elementary teaching to managing HR, finance, and operations, highlighting the capital-intensive nature of hardware and the challenges of securing lending for expensive equipment like lasers. They emphasize the importance of redundancy in machinery, building trust with lenders through consistent growth, and maintaining a strong company culture while expanding into CNC and anodizing services. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/just-gonna-send-it/2025-09-03-erin-belosic-president-sendcutsend - **Introducing: Just Gonna Send It with Jim Belosic** (2025-08-27, 16s): ## Over the Air Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air Very’s podcast on IoT, connected devices, and AI — unfiltered conversations with the executives and engineers building connected hardware products. - Categories: Product Development, Startups, Hardware - Latest episode: 2025-12-01 - Apple Podcasts: 58 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/f7df44d4/podcast/rss - Website: https://www.verytechnology.com/podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Closing One Chapter, Opening Another** (2025-12-01, 1m): After half a decade behind the mic, it’s time for us to sunset Over the Air. Creating this show has been one of the great privileges of our team’s journey, and we’re grateful to every guest and listener who helped make it meaningful. The good news? We’re not going far. Our next chapter is The Dispatch — a fresh podcast with a new mission and a broader lens. We hope you’ll join us there. TikTok: @ryantradesup - **Leading Digital Transformation in Industrial America ft. Nick Petersen** (2025-11-24, 34m): Nick Petersen, Division Director at FortifyIt (a division of DuraServe), explains how he led a 21-month digital transformation to build an intelligent IoT platform for loading dock equipment. He details the decision to use edge computing to achieve 10-year battery life in rugged environments, the strategic choice to outsource hardware development to external partners, and how the team navigated manufacturing challenges during the pandemic, bank failures, and shifting tariff landscapes. Petersen also shares his outlook on the rise of manufacturing in Mexico and Central America as a viable alternative to China. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-11-24-leading-digital-transformation-in-industrial-america-ft-nick-petersen - **Computing in the Cosmos: Sophia Space's Mission to Move Data Centers Into Orbit** (2025-07-24, 22m): Rob DeMillo, CEO of Sophia Space, explains the company's mission to deploy orbital data centers, starting with modular 'tiles' for edge computing before scaling to full 'string of pearls' configurations. He details the thermal engineering of these one-meter compute units, which leverage the 4 Kelvin vacuum of space for efficient heat dissipation without moving parts. DeMillo also discusses the operational challenges of self-managed hardware in orbit, the current state of space debris, and his predictions for commercial space activity, including asteroid mining and robotic Mars exploration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-07-24-computing-in-the-cosmos-sophia-spaces-mission-to-move-data-centers-into-orbit - **AI at the Edge: Justin Schneck on the Future of Embedded Devices** (2025-05-29, 24m): Justin Schneck, co-founder and CPO of Peridio, discusses the evolution of AI from cloud to edge, introducing Peridio's upcoming 'Avocado' OS designed to simplify embedded product development. He and host Ryan Prosser of Very explore the spectrum from cloud AI to embedded AI, noting how specialized silicon and miniaturized models are enabling practical applications like Garmin's radar-enabled bike lights. Schneck argues that while cloud AI handles massive compute, the real value lies in robust, self-initializing embedded systems that reduce hardware complexity for developers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-05-29-ai-at-the-edge-justin-schneck-on-the-future-of-embedded-devices - **Smart Air, Smarter Cooling: Actasys's Innovation in Data Center Technology** (2025-02-10, 30m): David Menicovich, CEO and co-founder of Actasys, explains how his company pivoted from aerodynamic drag reduction for vehicles to providing piezoelectric cooling actuators for data centers. He details the technology's ability to remove heat from specific hotspots on network interface cards and DPUs with high energy efficiency, enabling higher ambient temperatures in server racks. Menicovich discusses the challenges of navigating the semiconductor supply chain, the differences in customer engagement between automotive OEMs and tech integrators, and the company's operations from the Navy Yard in Brooklyn. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-02-10-smart-air-smarter-cooling-actasyss-innovation-in-data-center-technology - **From Wearables to Insurance: How Kinetic is Revolutionizing Workplace Safety** (2025-01-23, 29m): Heytham, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Kinetic, explains how the company evolved from designing wearable IoT devices to becoming a workers' compensation insurance provider. He details the hardware development of a belt-mounted sensor using Intel Edison chips to monitor body mechanics and prevent musculoskeletal injuries in frontline workers. Brock describes the strategic pivot to insurance to serve smaller companies, leveraging partnerships with insurers like Nationwide to offer risk-reduction technology alongside coverage. The episode highlights the use of computer vision and mobile apps to identify facility risks, focusing on industries like last-mile delivery and warehousing. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-01-23-from-wearables-to-insurance-how-kinetic-is-revolutionizing-workplace-safety - **The Connected Factory Floor: L2L and Data Management** (2025-01-09, 33m): Eric Whitley, Director of Industrial Transformation at L2L, explains how their connected workforce platform bridges the gap between enterprise ERP systems and shop-floor PLC data to provide real-time visibility into manufacturing operations. He details how L2L captures five key metrics—demand, build, scrap, labor, and downtime—to calculate Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE) and other critical KPIs for discrete manufacturers in automotive, food and beverage, and packaging. Whitley highlights the severe labor shortage in manufacturing, noting that 80% of surveyed firms report it impacts throughput, and describes how L2L’s AI tools and digital workflows help upskill workers by providing immediate, context-aware guidance on the shop floor. He also discusses the company's evolution from an in-house Excel tool at Autoleave to a global software provider, emphasizing the importance of practical AI applications that reduce wasted time and motion for mechanics and operators. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2025-01-09-the-connected-factory-floor-l2l-and-data-management - **Making Industrial IoT Work: Lessons from 30 Years in Automation with Grace Technologies** (2024-12-19, 37m): Drew Allen, CEO of Grace Technologies, discusses the company's 30-year evolution from automation components to industrial IoT solutions, including Graceport interface connectors, electrical safety devices, and wireless vibration monitoring. He explains the technical complexity of vibration analysis using Fast Fourier Transforms and the strategic importance of integrating sensors directly with Rockwell Automation PLCs via Ethernet/IP to serve plant floor operators. Allen highlights a critical failure mode where lack of real-time integration led to an $800,000 transformer arc flash event, emphasizing the need for robust connectivity strategies like LTE and Zigbee in harsh industrial environments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-12-19-making-industrial-iot-work-lessons-from-30-years-in-automation-with-grace-techno - **The Human-Centric Tech Revolution: Reimagining Indoor Environments With Bubblynet** (2024-12-12, 34m): Fabio Zanaboni, founder and chief vision officer at BubblyNet, explains how the company evolved from controlling LED lighting on luxury yachts to building an IoT platform for intelligent indoor environments using Bluetooth Mesh. He details the hardware architecture, which includes small cylindrical sensors with Nordic chips, and the software stack that processes data at the edge and gateway levels to optimize building performance. Zanaboni discusses the critical role of open standards like Bluetooth Mesh versus proprietary protocols, highlighting interoperability challenges with legacy systems like BACnet. The conversation covers specific applications in hospitality, education, and offices, focusing on how environmental factors like CO2 levels and lighting spectra impact human well-being, productivity, and energy sustainability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-12-12-the-human-centric-tech-revolution-reimagining-indoor-environments-with-bubblynet - **Cracking The Code Of Automotive Radar: An Inside Look With Arbe's Chief Radar Officer** (2024-12-05, 30m): Gonen Barkan, Chief Radar Officer at Arbe, explains how his company’s high-resolution 4D imaging radar chipsets provide superior safety for autonomous driving compared to legacy systems. He details the technical shift from simple tracking to 5-dimensional point clouds, highlighting Arbe's partnerships with tier-one suppliers like Magna and Chinese manufacturers to integrate their silicon into vehicle radar units. Barkan also recounts his history developing early imaging radar at GM and Cruise, discussing the cultural and technical challenges of transitioning traditional automotive DNA to a software-defined, deep-tech mindset. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-12-05-cracking-the-code-of-automotive-radar-an-inside-look-with-arbes-chief-radar-offi - **The Future Of Food Automation: How Chef Robotics Tackles Labor Shortages With Ai Robots** (2024-11-27, 36m): Rajad, CEO of Chef Robotics, explains how his company uses AI-powered robots to automate food assembly in high-volume manufacturing facilities, addressing labor shortages by handling thousands of ingredient variations. He details the pivot from targeting fast-casual restaurants to food manufacturing, the use of imitation learning and diffusion policies to teach robots new tasks, and the 'robotics as a service' business model. Rajad also discusses the challenges of market education, the hardware design of their 6-degree-of-freedom collaborative robots, and his skepticism regarding the near-term viability of general-purpose humanoid robots compared to specialized automation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-11-27-the-future-of-food-automation-how-chef-robotics-tackles-labor-shortages-with-ai - **Baby Tech Revolution: Nanit and the Future of Infant Monitoring** (2024-11-21, 23m): Anushka Salinas, CEO of Nanit, explains how the company evolved from a sleep-focused camera into a comprehensive smart parenting platform leveraging computer vision and AI. She details the technical architecture, including edge computing for critical breathing monitoring and cloud processing for long-term milestone tracking, while highlighting the shift toward a unified app ecosystem. The discussion covers the product's ability to reduce parental mental load through customizable smart alerts and the integration of audio monitors to create a cohesive family wellness solution. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-11-21-baby-tech-revolution-nanit-and-the-future-of-infant-monitoring - **End-Of-Line Automation With Ai: Inside Rapid Robotics Revolution** (2024-11-14, 32m): Kim, CEO of Rapid Robotics, explains how the company pivoted from custom manufacturing automation to end-of-line boxing and palletizing using generative AI to solve labor shortages and handle high SKU variability. She details the development of Rapid ID, which allows robots to identify and handle diverse objects without extensive programming, contrasting this with the limitations of traditional robotics in brownfield environments. Kim also shares her background in the toy industry at Hasbro and how that experience informs her approach to scaling the company and supporting US manufacturing reshoring. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-11-14-end-of-line-automation-with-ai-inside-rapid-robotics-revolution - **The Yard Automation Revolution: Inside Outrider With Ira Renfrew** (2024-11-07, 31m): Ira Renfrew, CPO of Outrider, discusses the company's mission to automate distribution yards using autonomous electric yard trucks. He details the technical challenge of automating the connection of 'glad hand' air lines using a custom robotic arm and AI vision, and explains why Outrider focuses on the constrained environment of private property rather than public roads. Renfrew also covers the company's scaling strategy, customer adoption hurdles, and the broader industry shift toward electric and autonomous logistics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-11-07-the-yard-automation-revolution-inside-outrider-with-ira-renfrew - **Autonomous Cleaning Revolution With Austin Deric** (2024-10-31, 26m): Austin Deric, Director of Software at Tailos, discusses building autonomous commercial cleaning robots. He details the transition from a legacy Raspberry Pi 3-based codebase to a more powerful Toradex processor to enable advanced SLAM and navigation. Deric explains the company's 'buy vs. build' strategy, leveraging ROS, Nav2, and Slam Toolbox, and highlights the importance of reliability in enterprise environments like hotels and airports. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-10-31-autonomous-cleaning-revolution-with-austin-deric - **Satellite Iot: Space-Based Connectivity Solutions With Oli Potter** (2024-10-24, 27m): Oliver Potter, COO of Ground Control, explains how satellite IoT bridges the connectivity gap for assets in remote maritime, renewable energy, and climate monitoring applications where cellular coverage is absent. He details the evolution from expensive geostationary satellites to cost-effective Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations, highlighting the industry's shift toward standardized protocols like 3GPP Narrowband IoT to enable cheaper, interoperable hardware. Potter emphasizes that successful deployment requires rigorous data compression and edge AI to manage the high cost and power constraints of space-based transmission, ensuring long-term reliability for critical infrastructure like wildfire detection and tsunami warning systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-10-24-satellite-iot-space-based-connectivity-solutions-with-oli-potter - **The Rise Of Retail Robots With Simbe Robotics** (2024-10-10, 29m): Shaw, CTO of Simbe Robotics, explains how the company pivoted from a generic autonomous mobile robot (AMR) platform to focusing on retail inventory management with their robot Tally. He details the evolution from early prototypes using GoPros and laser-cut wood to a sophisticated system combining computer vision, RFID, and AI to help retailers track stock levels and planogram compliance. Shaw also discusses the company's scaling journey, the integration of software stacks like ROS and AWS, and future innovations like the Cindy Mobile app and virtual tours. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-10-10-the-rise-of-retail-robots-with-simbe-robotics - **Energy Management at Scale with PowerFlex CTO Carl Moczydlowsky** (2024-10-03, 32m): Carl Moczydlowsky, CTO of PowerFlex, explains how the company manages commercial energy by integrating EV charging, solar, and battery storage through its PowerfulXX software. He details the technical challenges of maintaining reliable connectivity in concrete parking garages, noting that 85% of downtime stems from LTE and Wi-Fi failures rather than hardware defects. Moczydlowsky also discusses the industry's shift toward ISO 15118 plug-and-charge standards and the potential of bidirectional charging to optimize grid load. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-10-03-energy-management-at-scale-with-powerflex-cto-carl-moczydlowsky - **From Niche to Global: Navigating Ultra-Rugged IoT with Beontag** (2024-09-26, 23m): Ricardo Lobo, CEO of Beontag, explains how the company transitioned from a niche R&D-focused startup to a global brand by solving ultra-rugged IoT problems that major players ignored, such as reading through metal and liquids. He details the engineering challenges of embedding UHF sensors inside tires, which must survive vulcanization heat and pressure, and discusses the strategic balance between high-margin custom engineering and high-volume label manufacturing. Lobo also outlines future trends in the industry, including shrinking chip sizes, the push for penny-cost tags, and the convergence of UHF with Bluetooth Low Energy and 5G for real-time localization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-09-26-from-niche-to-global-navigating-ultra-rugged-iot-with-beontag - **Neurotech and Wearables: Revolutionizing User Experience with Datwyler** (2024-09-12, 37m): Mattia Lukini, Head of Wearables at Datwyler Group, discusses the evolution of neurotech and wearables, emphasizing the shift from signal quality to user-centric form factors like earbuds and smart glasses. He details Datwyler's collaboration with ETH Zurich to develop conductive rubber electrodes for biopotential detection and highlights use cases such as hands-free voice control via EMG and personalized health insights. Lukini also addresses the challenges of privacy, edge computing, and the industry's move toward integrating sensors into existing, aesthetically pleasing devices like traditional watches. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-09-12-neurotech-and-wearables-revolutionizing-user-experience-with-datwyler - **Managing Energy At The Edge: Navigating The Modern Grid With Itron** (2024-09-05, 31m): Nick Tumilowicz, Director of Product Management at Itron, discusses the challenges of managing the aging electrical grid amid the energy transition, focusing on transformer capacity limits and the shift to underground infrastructure. He explains how Itron leverages its installed base of smart meters as edge compute devices to enable real-time, autonomous load management for distributed energy resources like EVs and solar. The conversation covers the long sales cycles in the utility sector, the cultural differences in grid adoption between the US and Europe, and the importance of balancing technological innovation with customer incentives. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-09-05-managing-energy-at-the-edge-navigating-the-modern-grid-with-itron - **Powering the World: Unlocking Grid Capacity with Heimdall Power** (2024-08-26, 15m): Jorgen Festervoll, CEO of Heimdall Power, explains how his company uses dynamic line rating technology to unlock 30-40% more capacity on existing power grids by monitoring line temperature and sag in real-time. He details the deployment of their 'neuron' sensors via autonomous drones and the integration with utility software using DNP3 and IPCC protocols. Festervoll discusses the regulatory drivers like Firk Order 881, the rapid ROI from reduced congestion costs, and the company's expansion from a small team to a global player with over 40 customers in 17 countries. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-08-26-powering-the-world-unlocking-grid-capacity-with-heimdall-power - **Off-Grid Communication: Innovating Satellite Tech with Diego Lozano from Somewear Labs** (2024-08-15, 17m): Diego Lozano, Head of Hardware Engineering at Somewear Labs, explains how the company pivoted from consumer satellite communicators to operational mesh networks with their new product, No. He details the technical challenges of integrating LoRa mesh with Iridium satellite backhaul, specifically focusing on RF interference from power supplies and the difficulties of achieving IP68 waterproofing in compact enclosures. Lozano also discusses the strategic shift toward edge AI for low-bandwidth telemetry and highlights their integration with Whoop for biometric monitoring. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-08-15-off-grid-communication-innovating-satellite-tech-with-diego-lozano-from-somewear - **Revolutionizing IoT Device Management: Updating the World with Peridio** (2024-08-01, 34m): Bill Brock, COO, and Justin Schneck, CPO, of Peridio, discuss the challenges of managing IoT device fleets and their platform's approach to device-centric CI/CD. They explain why web development abstractions fail in embedded systems, highlighting the critical need for atomic updates to prevent 'bricked' devices from power failures or poor connectivity. The conversation covers the shift from simple sensors to complex edge AI, requiring collaborative workflows that bridge embedded engineers, data scientists, and web developers. They argue that current cloud providers offer scale but lack the necessary collaboration tools and safety nets for physical device distribution. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-08-01-revolutionizing-iot-device-management-updating-the-world-with-peridio - **Breaking IoT Connectivity Barriers with Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect** (2024-07-25, 31m): Chris Baird, CEO of OptConnect, discusses the evolution of IoT connectivity from early copper lines and Wi-Fi to modern cellular solutions for unattended devices like vending machines and kiosks. He details OptConnect's strategic pivot to private networks following the Heartbleed vulnerability and their current focus on 'Max Aware,' a hardware platform that enables edge instrumentation and anomaly detection for customers deploying at scale. Baird also highlights the growing IoT ecosystem in Utah, citing companies like Traeger and Monit as examples of successful connected product innovation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/over-the-air/2024-07-25-breaking-iot-connectivity-barriers-with-chris-baird-ceo-of-optconnect ## The Hardware Entrepreneur Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur Balint Horvath interviews hardware founders around the world on designing, manufacturing, funding, and selling physical products. - Categories: Founder Stories, Startups, Product Development, Interviews - Latest episode: 2019-05-15 - Apple Podcasts: 8 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.redcircle.com/21e835cb-2c25-4eac-bd94-8450cbaf4e0e - Website: https://www.thehardwareentrepreneur.com/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **#068 - Challenges of small manufacturers to organise their production and inventory, with Kristjan Vilosius of Katana, Estonia** (2019-05-15, 44m): Kristjan Vilosius, CEO and co-founder of Katana, explains how the Estonian startup provides a manufacturing ERP for small businesses, addressing the limitations of spreadsheets for complex inventory and production. He details Katana's focus on direct-to-consumer manufacturers, its integration with Shopify and accounting tools like QuickBooks, and its ability to handle multi-level bills of materials. Vilosius also discusses the shift toward Industry 4.0 for small workshops, the challenges of building an international team, and trends in the small manufacturing sector. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2019-05-15-068-challenges-of-small-manufacturers-to-organise-their-production-and-inventory - **#067 - How to speed up your New Product Introduction - Production Line Tool, with Pete Staples of Blue Clover Devices, USA** (2019-02-13, 38m): Pete Staples, co-founder and president of Blue Clover Devices, explains how his San Francisco and Shenzhen-based ODM company addresses production line inefficiencies through its new Production Line Tool (PLT). He details the high costs and rigidity of traditional automation, contrasting them with the PLT’s ability to automate testing for IoT devices at a fraction of the price, citing clients like Tesla, Volkswagen, and Scoot. Staples highlights the operational pain point of maintaining obsolete Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) and describes how the PLT enables remote firmware loading and testing, offering a 10x cost improvement over conventional systems. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2019-02-13-067-how-to-speed-up-your-new-product-introduction-production-line-tool-with-pete - **#066 - How to apply lean startup principles to hardware, with Ash Maurya of Leanstack, USA** (2019-01-16, 41m): Ash Maurya, founder of Leanstack, explains how Lean Startup principles apply to hardware by prioritizing problem validation over solution building, using Tesla and Apple as key examples of companies that manage high-risk physical product development through staged rollouts and software-defined infrastructure. He details the three stages of development—Problem-Solution Fit, Product-Market Fit, and Growth—and introduces his Customer Forces Canvas and Jobs To Be Done framework to help innovators understand the psychological triggers behind customer purchases. Maurya emphasizes that hardware startups can compete with software companies by focusing on the speed of learning and using tactics like small batch production and over-the-air updates to iterate quickly. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2019-01-16-066-how-to-apply-lean-startup-principles-to-hardware-with-ash-maurya-of-leanstac - **#065 - How to care about sustainability to get rid of plastic bottles (and still make a profit), with Moritz Waldstein of Mitte, Germany** (2018-12-19, 34m): Moritz Waldstein-Wartenberg, co-founder of Mitte, explains how his company replaces plastic bottled water with a home purification system that adds essential minerals to distilled water. He details the company's journey from a Berlin fab lab to a €10.6 million funding round, highlighting the strategic use of Kickstarter and Indiegogo to validate demand and attract investors like Manifesto Ventures and Kärcher. Waldstein also discusses the technical innovation of using heat-pump distillation to mimic nature's mineralization process and the organizational shift to agile 'work streams' to manage multidisciplinary hardware development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-12-19-065-how-to-care-about-sustainability-to-get-rid-of-plastic-bottles-and-still-mak - **#064 - To transform or not to transform your hardware company to an all agile one next year, with Balint Horvath, Switzerland** (2018-11-21, 12m): I’m back on this episode and you will hear about the continuation of the topic of the last published episode. What should you do once you know you have a problem worth solving and you validated what solution you should build with all the features? Should you just go ahead and develop the product based on the specs, the whole development potentially taking multiple years? What is some framework that’s being adopted by more and more organisations these days, such as by Tesla, Bosch, Mercedes Benz, BMW, Boeing, Saab Defense or also some of the smaller companies, startups? They realized you cannot keep developing and operating in a rigid plan-driven way since the whole world has turned upside… - **#063 - Your (hardware) product is not your product - think in terms of business models, with your host Balint Horvath, Switzerland** (2018-10-24, 18m): This episode features me and I’ll talk about topics that are especially relevant for technical founders. Your product is not the product. Many of us in high tech entrepreneurship have a technical background, with years of academic training where we’ve been educated about how to build products, with all the technical skills needed for that. We know how to calculate many things, such as mechanical properties, we know how to create CAD drawings, and how to actually translate theory into practise by actually building stuff. But is entrepreneurship really about these technicalities, specifically hardware entrepreneurship? In this episode I address 3 questions: (i) if it’s not your product that… - **#062 - How a hardware SaaS company wants to help you not get lost in your data during product development, with Michael Corr of Duro Labs, USA** (2018-09-26, 54m): Michael Corr, co-founder and CEO of Duro Labs, explains how his cloud-based SaaS tool helps hardware companies manage product data from prototype to production, addressing the inefficiencies of using Excel or antiquated PLM systems like SAP and Oracle. He discusses the gap between rapid prototyping technologies like 3D printing and the slow, manual nature of mass production, arguing that digitizing supplier interactions and implementing version control for CAD files are critical for agile hardware development. Corr also shares personal advice on networking and the importance of process in scaling startups, drawing on his 20-year background in telecom, IoT, and clean tech. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-09-26-062-how-a-hardware-saas-company-wants-to-help-you-not-get-lost-in-your-data-duri - **#061 - RERUN - How to avoid mistakes when building a team - lessons from mentoring 1200+ hardware entrepreneurs, with Alan Clayton of SOSV** (2018-08-29, 43m): Alan Clayton, who assesses hardware startup teams at the venture capital firm SOSV and its accelerator HAX, explains how to build effective founding teams using the Herrmann Brain Dominance Instrument (HBDI). He uses a Star Trek analogy to describe four types of intelligence—Captain Kirk (vision), Spock (analysis), Scotty (execution), and Dr. Bones (empathy)—and argues that successful founders must consciously adopt these different perspectives to avoid project delays and pitch effectively. Clayton highlights that over 70% of crowdfunding campaigns fail or are late due to a lack of basic project management talent, which can be mitigated by understanding team dynamics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-08-29-061-rerun-how-to-avoid-mistakes-when-building-a-team-lessons-from-mentoring-1200 - **#060 - Future global data connectivity without worrying about your costs, with Guy Zbarsky of Keepgo, Israel** (2018-08-01, 49m): Guy Zbarsky, co-founder of Keepgo, an established Israeli telecom company, explains how they pivoted from renting iPhones to selling global SIM cards and developing virtual SIM technology to solve roaming costs for travelers. He details the technical differences between their virtual SIM standard and the eSIM/eM standards, noting that their approach avoids operator dependency by transferring profiles from physical SIM banks. Zbarsky predicts that the adoption of SIM-free devices will enable a 'shared economy' for mobile data, allowing users to buy and resell connectivity like Airbnb, potentially disrupting major telecom operators by 2022. He also shares his management philosophy, emphasizing the use of tools like Trello and Slack, and personal habits like karate and power naps to maintain focus and well-being. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-08-01-060-future-global-data-connectivity-without-worrying-about-your-costs-with-guy-z - **#059 - Where IoT/AI are heading to - impressions from IoT Tech Expo Europe, with Balint Horvath, Switzerland** (2018-07-18, 15m): Balint Horvath shares insights from the IoT Tech Expo Europe, highlighting the rise of AI and IoT investments and the need for realistic expectations, citing companies like Aiir Innovations, Asgard, and Circuit. He discusses specific applications including predictive maintenance, livestock monitoring, and global connectivity solutions like Keep Go and Hyper. The episode features an interview with Cassandra Lore of Aiir Innovations, detailing their computer vision system for automated airplane engine inspections. Horvath emphasizes the strategic approach of assisting inspectors before moving to full automation, supported by partnerships with KLM and cloud computing resources. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-07-18-059-where-iot-ai-are-heading-to-impressions-from-iot-tech-expo-europe-with-balin - **#058 - Freedom to work and play anywhere without losing power, with Nancy de Fays of Linedock, USA** (2018-07-04, 40m): Nancy de Fays, co-founder of Linedock, explains how her two-person team launched a high-power USB-C docking station via Indiegogo, raising approximately $450,000 with near-zero marketing budget. She details the technical challenge of hacking the USB Power Delivery protocol to output 100 watts for laptops, differentiating Linedock from standard power banks. De Fays highlights the '90% done' fallacy in hardware, where component sourcing lead times of 40-45 weeks and complex certifications for batteries and radios caused significant delays despite a working prototype. The episode covers their strategic choice of Indiegogo over Kickstarter, the importance of early community engagement for feedback, and the cultural nuances of managing manufacturing relationships in China. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-07-04-058-freedom-to-work-and-play-anywhere-without-losing-power-with-nancy-de-fays-of - **#057 - Kickstarter Post-launch - a home gym challenges the "No pain No gain" crowd, with Joey Atlas of SCULPTAFIT Global, USA** (2018-06-20, 36m): Joey Atlas of SCULPTAFIT Global, a fitness consultant and founder, discusses the post-launch results of his Kickstarter campaign for a commercial-grade home gym system. He explains how he tested hypotheses about Kickstarter's algorithm, achieving 145% funding against a $32,000 goal, and details the specific tools he used, including email marketing and customer storytelling. Atlas outlines his strategy for the 'Evergreen phase,' focusing on building marketing funnels and leveraging founder backer interviews to drive sustainable growth and sales. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-06-20-057-kickstarter-post-launch-a-home-gym-challenges-the-no-pain-no-gain-crowd-with - **#056 - Not too early, not too late - how to get the timing right for your innovation, with your host Balint Horvath, Switzerland** (2018-06-06, 10m): I’m back again on the podcast with an episode where I’ll be talking about the timing of innovation. This means I don’t have a guest in this episode. Why do many startup ideas fail, what’s the main reason for it? What are some of the other implications for your business in case you fail due to that one reason? It turns out actually timing is crucial. And with timing I don’t mean when you get your team together, or when you get the funding. Timing entails here something else: when you should come out with the innovation. In this episode there will be many examples, hardware examples for companies, projects that didn’t see the light for a long time and I will touch on a few reasons why it… - **#055 - Why hardware startup ecosystem in Lebanon is becoming interesting, with Raja Younes of Startupsfund, Futuris Technologies, Lebanon** (2018-05-23, 24m): Raja Younes of Startupsfund and Futuris Technologies explains why Lebanon is becoming an attractive hub for hardware startups and engineering talent. He highlights the country's high education rankings, government incentives like tax exemptions, and the cost advantage of Lebanese engineers compared to Europe and Asia. Younes details his initiatives to bridge the gap between local talent and global market needs, citing success stories like Tony Fadell and companies like IPG Photonics and Nixon establishing operations in Beirut. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-05-23-055-why-hardware-startup-ecosystem-in-lebanon-is-becoming-interesting-with-raja - **#054 - Kickstarter Pre-launch - a home gym challenges the "No pain No gain" crowd, with Joey Atlas of SCULPTAFIT Global, USA** (2018-05-09, 55m): Joey Atlas of SCULPTAFIT Global explains how he self-funded the development of a versatile home gym machine that challenges the traditional 'no pain, no gain' fitness philosophy. He details the journey from prototyping with a Pennsylvania fabricator to finding a US-based industrial steel manufacturer for serial production after initial partners scaled down. Atlas also discusses his strategy for launching the product via Kickstarter to leverage algorithmic visibility and his target audience of time-challenged families. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-05-09-054-kickstarter-pre-launch-a-home-gym-challenges-the-no-pain-no-gain-crowd-with - **#053 - Which one to choose - b2b or b2c for hardware startups, with Balint Horvath, your host, Switzerland** (2018-04-25, 14m): In this episode I wanted to give you an overview on an essential topic that can make or break your business - the chosen business model. My goal now is to give you an overview of two major business models, B2C (Business to Consumers) and B2B (Business to Business) with all its pros and cons. I approach this topic based on my own recent experiences that you will learn about, as well as based on interviewing many entrepreneurs; lastly by relying on some good old logic. I will also make an announcement in this episode which will serve as pillars to this episode on what I have to share about B2B vs B2C. I think this is an important topic that I wanted to write and talk about for a long time, so… - **#052 - Student (hardware) entrepreneurship in Switzerland and worldwide, with Gregory Inauen of ETH Entrepreneur Club, Switzerland** (2018-04-11, 29m): Gregory Inauen, president of the ETH Entrepreneur Club at ETH Zurich, explains the organization's three pillars: inspire, educate, and accelerate. He highlights specific success stories, including Chris McCall of Photo Kite and the Blinkers team, who leveraged the club's speed dating and EC Award to launch hardware startups. Inauen also discusses the Swiss startup ecosystem's strength in engineering and craftsmanship, contrasting it with Silicon Valley's software focus, and emphasizes the importance of embracing failure as a learning tool for student entrepreneurs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-04-11-052-student-hardware-entrepreneurship-in-switzerland-and-worldwide-with-gregory - **#051 - Connecting the (hardware) dots, with Greg Fisher of BSG and Hardware Massive, USA** (2018-03-28, 35m): Greg Fisher, founder of Berkeley Sourcing Group (BSG) and Hardware Massive, discusses the realities of launching hardware products, emphasizing that business fundamentals like margins and distribution matter more than the product itself. He outlines a typical 6-9 month timeline for getting from concept to first production run in China, highlighting the importance of pre-production prototyping and early component ordering to avoid delays. Fisher also details the Hardware Massive platform and Hardwarecon event, which aim to connect startups with investors and industry leaders, noting that 75% of global hardware investment comes from the San Francisco Bay Area. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-03-28-051-connecting-the-hardware-dots-with-greg-fisher-of-bsg-and-hardware-massive-us - **#050 - How to get your product found on the internet, with Ashley Faulkes of Mad Lemmings, Switzerland** (2018-03-14, 48m): Ashley Faulkes, founder of Mad Lemmings, explains how hardware startups can drive traffic and convert visitors by choosing the right CMS and SEO strategy. He contrasts templated platforms like Wix and Squarespace with the flexibility of WordPress, recommending Thrive Themes for conversion-focused design. Faulkes advises startups to prioritize organic search (SEO) over paid ads like Google AdWords for long-term growth, emphasizing the importance of keyword research to find low-competition 'battles' on Google. He shares his experience growing a site to 67,000 monthly visitors by selecting the right keywords and maintaining patience during the initial ranking phase. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-03-14-050-how-to-get-your-product-found-on-the-internet-with-ashley-faulkes-of-mad-lem - **#049 - RERUN - Elements of building a successful tech business, with (proven) serial entrepreneur Milton Chang of Incubic Venture Fund, USA** (2018-02-28, 39m): Serial entrepreneur and Incubic Venture Fund managing partner Milton Chang explains why founders should start niche businesses modestly and bootstrap rather than chasing hot fields with rapid growth. He contrasts his bootstrapping of Newport and New Focus with the capital-intensive nature of scaling, arguing that early acquisition is often a better financial return than a difficult IPO. Chang emphasizes that success requires deep industry expertise, capital efficiency, and a 'self-actualizing' organizational culture that synchronizes employee needs with company goals. He also discusses how photonics serves as an enabler for healthcare and other industries, and offers advice on avoiding common pitfalls for academic founders. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-02-28-049-rerun-elements-of-building-a-successful-tech-business-with-proven-serial-ent - **#048 - RERUN - How to think like Elon Musk - scrum for hardware, with Joe Justice of WIKISPEED and Scrum Inc, USA** (2018-02-14, 51m): Joe Justice, President of Scrum @ Hardware at Scrum Inc. and CEO of WikiSpeed, explains how the Scrum framework accelerates hardware development by replacing rigid waterfall planning with short, iterative feedback loops. He contrasts the traditional phase-gate model with Scrum’s ability to adapt to market changes, citing Tesla’s adoption of agile as a key factor in its rapid scaling and success. Justice details how WikiSpeed scaled from a garage prototype to a global collaborative effort and discusses the specific obstacles to Scrum adoption in hardware, such as perceived tooling costs and outdated corporate policies. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-02-14-048-rerun-how-to-think-like-elon-musk-scrum-for-hardware-with-joe-justice-of-wik - **#047 - RERUN - How next-generation retail looks like, with Vibhu Norby of b8ta, USA** (2018-01-31, 38m): Vibhu Norby, co-founder of b8ta, explains how his software-powered retail platform addresses the conflict of interest between hardware brands and traditional retailers. He details b8ta's four-step customer journey analytics—impressions, discovery, demo, and sales—and contrasts this with the slow, margin-heavy traditional retail model. Norby also discusses the validation process for b8ta, noting the mistake of failing to secure Letters of Intent, and shares lessons on planning for success to avoid operational bottlenecks during early scaling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-31-047-rerun-how-next-generation-retail-looks-like-with-vibhu-norby-of-b8ta-usa - **#046 - When not to start a startup - how to license your idea (Part 2), with Stephen Key of inventRight, USA** (2018-01-17, 28m): Stephen Key of inventRight explains how inventors can license ideas using a Provisional Patent Application (PPA) instead of launching a startup, arguing that PPAs provide sufficient protection against copycats in fast-moving markets. He details the steps for writing a strong PPA, including conducting prior art searches and defining unique points of difference, while warning against relying solely on patent attorneys who may have financial conflicts of interest. Key also shares lessons from his career, such as the importance of working for startups early on and using non-disclosure agreements when seeking external help to avoid co-ownership disputes. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2018-01-17-046-when-not-to-start-a-startup-how-to-license-your-idea-part-2-with-stephen-key - **#045 - Simplicity and what it has to do with what I learned from my guests in 2017, with your host Balint Horvath, Switzerland** (2018-01-03, 21m): This episode contains some of the crucial learnings for me in 2017, and critical lessons that you might want to keep in mind in the year to come. I am extremely thankful for my guests for their insights. Such knowledge has transformed my life and in this episode I am talking about the impact on my daily routines, how I manage projects, some aspects of how I manage my podcast. You can learn about my guests’ routines, how they optimize their businesses from the start, what to keep in mind in terms of human capacity, skill when starting a business. Finally I’ll close off this episode with an outlook for 2018, what you can expect to hear about. Enjoy this episode and I wish you an… - **#044 - When not to start a startup - how to license your idea (Part 1), with Stephen Key of inventRight, USA** (2017-12-20, 26m): Stephen Key of inventRight explains why licensing an idea is often superior to starting a company, citing his work with Tim Ferriss and his own experience launching a skull-shaped guitar pick. Key argues that speed to market and avoiding the heavy lifting of operations are critical advantages of licensing, whereas entrepreneurship requires wearing many hats and managing significant risk. He advises inventors to sell the benefit of their idea first using low-cost 3D renders rather than building expensive prototypes, and to use provisional patent applications (PPAs) for perceived ownership while targeting companies with open innovation programs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-entrepreneur/2017-12-20-044-when-not-to-start-a-startup-how-to-license-your-idea-part-1-with-stephen-key ## Open Hardware Manufacturing Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast The Opulo team on taking an open source hardware product from idea to stable production, manufacturing in-house, and shipping thousands of machines worldwide, with interviews from other open hardware makers. - Categories: Manufacturing, Startups, Sales & Marketing, Hardware - Latest episode: 2025-11-14 - Apple Podcasts: 11 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/64a3414fccdc64001192533c - Website: https://shows.acast.com/ohm-podcast?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Ep. 46 - Deciding What to Work on Next** (2025-11-14, 1h 10m): Steven Hawes and Lucy Che Park of Opulo discuss their framework for prioritizing product development, emphasizing that customer interviews and community feedback are the primary inputs for deciding what to build next. They detail how they use the 'Three Machines' model (customer, product, and company) to categorize decisions, such as addressing support tickets, developing new features like wider feeders, or improving operational efficiency. The hosts highlight specific examples, including the decision to integrate community-sourced mods like the V3.1 update and the strategic pivot into the education market after observing unexpected university adoption. They also stress the importance of a clear mission—'helping people manufacture their products'—as a lens to filter out distractions and focus on the lowest-hanging fruit that aligns with their core goals. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-11-14-ep-46-deciding-what-to-work-on-next - **Ep. 45 - Advertising** (2025-10-02, 43m): Stephen Oz and Lucy from Opulo discuss their advertising experiments for the Lumen pick and place machine, highlighting the mismatch between social media ads and long sales cycles. They explain how they shifted focus from direct purchases to awareness and search ads, using exit surveys to track attribution. The hosts detail specific failures with Facebook, LinkedIn, and platform ads on Hackaday, while noting the effectiveness of search ads and event sponsorships in building brand credibility. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-10-02-ep-45-advertising - **Ep. 44 - Are Degrees Worthwhile?** (2025-09-12, 49m): Hosts Stephen Hoss and Lucy Chafe Park of Opulo discuss the value of formal engineering degrees versus personal projects and job experience. They argue that while a degree is often a prerequisite for stable engineering roles and provides a safety net, personal projects are critical for demonstrating practical ability and passion, especially for startups. They emphasize that 3-5 years of industry work is the best preparation for launching a hardware company, as it builds necessary networks and stress tolerance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-09-12-ep-44-are-degrees-worthwhile - **Ep. 43 - Collaboration in Open Source** (2025-08-28, 44m): Thea Flowers and Lucy from Opulo discuss collaboration models in open source hardware, highlighting projects like the LumenPnP, Arduino, and QMK. They emphasize the importance of documentation, clear expectations, and empowering contributors to take ownership. The conversation covers how community-driven projects like Voron and Ornament & Crime thrive by lowering barriers to entry and celebrating diverse contributions. They also touch on the challenges of managing community tone and the value of transparent decision-making in sustaining long-term engagement. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-08-28-ep-43-collaboration-in-open-source - **Ep. 42 - Certifications** (2025-07-18, 1h 09m): Steven Hoss and Lucy Trey Park of Opulo discuss the complex and expensive process of obtaining FCC and CE certifications for the Lumen PMP V4 3D printer. They detail the four main categories of EMC testing—radiated/conducted emissions and immunity—and explain how using pre-certified power supplies and open-source community feedback helped them pass on the first try. The hosts also share practical advice on budgeting, the importance of consulting certification houses early, and the specific marking requirements for different markets. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-07-18-ep-42-certifications - **Ep. 41 - Surviving the Bus Test** (2025-06-19, 38m): Lucy Chaparr and Stephen Hawes of Opulo discuss the 'bus test' (or bus factor) and how they survived Lucy's 10-week absence due to a family emergency. They detail the critical role of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) in tools like Ohai and Mattermost, which allowed the team to maintain order fulfillment and sourcing. However, they also highlight a failure in build management within their PLM system, which led to inventory discrepancies requiring a massive manual count of 100,000 components. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-06-19-ep-41-surviving-the-bus-test - **Ep. 40 - Influential Media** (2025-06-05, 1h 21m): Hosts Steven Hawes and Thea Flowers of Opulo discuss the books, documentaries, and creators that shaped their engineering and entrepreneurial journeys. They highlight Steven's early inspiration from Everett Bradford's flamethrower and Thea's foundational experience with a NoPix Linux live CD. The conversation covers influential media like the book 'Schiit Happened', Bunnie Huang's 'The Hardware Hacker', and the documentary 'Developing Hell: Launching Hades', drawing parallels between open source hardware development and video game early access models. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-06-05-ep-40-influential-media - **Ep. 39 - Starting a Hardware Company** (2025-05-15, 1h 21m): Stephen Hawes and Lucian Chapa, founders of Opulo, discuss the realities of starting a hardware company, emphasizing the necessity of accepting failure and overcoming imposter syndrome. They share personal anecdotes about failed projects, such as a 3D scanner and wedding cake toppers, to illustrate that iteration is key. The hosts also detail their strategy for building traction through authentic social media content, specifically YouTube, and the importance of validating product-market fit by engaging directly with early users. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-05-15-ep-39-starting-a-hardware-company - **Ep. 38 - Taking Prototypes to Production** (2025-02-27, 1h 05m): Stephen Haus and Lucian Chea Hunt of Opulo discuss the Engineering Validation Test (EVT), Design Validation Test (DVT), and Production Validation Test (PVT) phases of new product introduction. They contrast the rigid, high-stakes processes used at large companies like Form Labs with the compressed, agile workflows possible for smaller teams using in-house 3D printing and tools like the Lumen. The hosts emphasize that while the framework is universal, the execution must adapt to the company's scale, supply chain, and risk tolerance to avoid costly errors like cutting the wrong mold. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-02-27-ep-38-taking-prototypes-to-production - **Ep. 37 - Keeping Sales Up** (2025-02-07, 1h 12m): Lucian Chapar and Stephen Oz of Opulo discuss strategies for maintaining and growing sales for their Lumen pick-and-place machine. They emphasize the importance of identifying customer demographics, using organic social media like YouTube over paid ads, and leveraging analytics to track conversion sources. The hosts also cover the role of professional web design, trade shows, and nurturing existing customers through spotlights and email newsletters. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-02-07-ep-37-keeping-sales-up - **Ep. 36 - Keeping Up With Orders** (2025-01-24, 1h 10m): Stephen Hawes and Lucian Chapa of Opulo discuss the operational challenges of keeping up with orders for their open-source hardware products, specifically the Lumen and feeder systems. They detail their in-house manufacturing process, explaining how they use dynamic lead times, labor allocation, and a custom Google Sheets dashboard to manage production queues and avoid stockouts. The episode highlights the trade-offs between hiring full-time staff versus using flexible part-time labor, and the importance of maintaining strong vendor relationships to mitigate supply chain risks. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2025-01-24-ep-36-keeping-up-with-orders - **Ep. 35 - 2024 Year-End Review** (2024-12-27, 1h 09m): Stephen Hawes and Lucian Chepa of Opulo review 2024, highlighting the release of FreeCAD 1.0, Prusa's licensing controversy, and Opulo's shift to the OHL Weekly Reciprocal license. They discuss the successful launch of the LumenPnP V4, the development of the Leash API and Autobomb tool, and the closure of Ansla. The hosts also detail operational struggles, including failed ad campaigns, production bottlenecks, and the decision to hire more staff to manage scaling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-12-27-ep-35-2024-year-end-review - **Ep. 34 - Managing a Print Farm** (2024-12-13, 1h 16m): Steven Oz and Lucian Cha Park of Opulo discuss managing their 3D printing farm, which produces plastic parts for their Lumen PNP machine. They detail the transition from Prusa Mini printers to a fleet of Bambu Lab P1P units, emphasizing the importance of reliability over open-source flexibility in a commercial setting. The hosts cover critical operational challenges including filament selection, maintenance strategies, slicer standardization, and file management solutions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-12-13-ep-34-managing-a-print-farm - **Ep. 33 - Guest: Bar Smith of Maslow CNC** (2024-11-21, 1h 28m): Bar Smith, founder of Maslow CNC, explains the evolution of the Maslow 4.1 large-format CNC router, detailing the transition from a scrappy, open-source garage project to a polished product via a successful Kickstarter. He discusses key engineering decisions, such as switching from stepper to servo motors and using a ring-based linkage system to solve complex kinematic math, while highlighting the importance of community feedback and transparent communication in iterative hardware development. Smith also reflects on his decision to step away from the project, work in the industry, and return to shepherd the product, aiming to commoditize large-format CNC technology to the accessibility of a standard chop saw. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-11-21-ep-33-guest-bar-smith-of-maslow-cnc - **Ep. 32 - How to Write Documentation** (2024-11-08, 1h 15m): Steven Haus and Lucian Che Park of Opulo discuss the challenges and best practices of writing documentation for open hardware products. They advocate for a dynamic, living documentation approach using MkDocs and Markdown, emphasizing that photos are superior to text or CAD renders for assembly instructions. The hosts also cover the pitfalls of video documentation, the importance of user testing with non-technical individuals, and strategies for handling community feedback and internationalization. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-11-08-ep-32-how-to-write-documentation - **Ep. 31 - Going to Events** (2024-10-24, 1h 07m): Stephen Oz and Lucian Chaper of Opulo discuss the strategic value of attending trade shows for their LumenPnP pick-and-place machine, emphasizing that events are crucial for gathering customer data and shaping product direction rather than just direct sales. They recount how attending Electronica revealed that tier-one automotive companies viewed the LumenPnP as a prototyping tool for batches of 500 boards, a use case they had not initially considered, which significantly altered their marketing and product positioning. The hosts also share practical advice on booth management, including the importance of interactive demos, having backup plans for hardware failures, and refining the team's pitch to accurately represent the product's capabilities and limitations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-10-24-ep-31-going-to-events - **Ep. 30 - Avoiding Packaging Mistakes** (2024-10-10, 1h 13m): Lucian Shapira and Stephen Uss of Opulo discuss the complexities of designing packaging for the Lumen PnP 3D printer, emphasizing the need for flexibility to accommodate future product iterations like feeders. They detail their transition from laser-cut foam prototypes to stamped tooling, highlighting the risks of outsourcing and the value of maintaining in-house capabilities. The hosts also cover critical testing methods, such as ISTA drop tests, and the balance between protection, cost, and sustainability in their supply chain. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-10-10-ep-30-avoiding-packaging-mistakes - **Ep. 29 - Managing Customer Support** (2024-09-26, 57m): Steven Shapar and Mitchell from Opulo discuss building a customer support infrastructure for their open-source hardware company, LumenPnP. They detail their transition from solo support to a team, emphasizing the use of HubSpot for ticket management, text expanders for efficiency, and Guru for maintaining a living knowledge base. The hosts highlight the importance of hiring technical agents, providing them with test benches, and holding daily escalation meetings to feed field insights back into product design and documentation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-09-26-ep-29-managing-customer-support - **Ep. 28 - Design Decisions** (2024-09-12, 1h 16m): Steven Hawes and Lucian Shapar of Opulo discuss the design decisions behind the LumenPnP V4, a pick-and-place machine that prioritizes reliability and accuracy over raw speed. The hosts explain how community feedback drove key changes, including independent drag chains, a new motherboard with integrated drivers, and a dedicated control box to improve assembly and reduce noise. They also detail the rigorous process of selecting camera vendors, opting for a smaller partner to secure custom optics and better support without raising the machine's price. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-09-12-ep-28-design-decisions - **Ep. 27 - Launch Day** (2024-08-22, 1h 02m): Steven Hawes and Lucian Chepa of Opulo discuss the meticulous planning and execution of launch day for their open-source hardware products, such as the Lumen and Feeder. They detail strategies for website propagation, community seeding via Discord, and the critical importance of monitoring analytics and customer support in real-time to handle the influx of sales and questions. The hosts also cover logistical pitfalls like shipping zone errors, social media algorithm quirks, and the need to align launch timing with market behavior and holidays. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-08-22-ep-27-launch-day - **Ep. 26 - Preparing for a Product Launch - Part 2** (2024-08-08, 1h 00m): Steven Hawes and Lucian Shay Park of Opulo discuss the final stages of preparing their Lumen 3D printer for launch, focusing on internal operations and public-facing assets. They detail the creation of 'Ohai' (internal work instructions) and the rigorous setup of their Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) system using Liney to track inventory and costs. The hosts also cover pricing strategy, press kit distribution, managing the transition between product versions, and prepping customer support teams. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-08-08-ep-26-preparing-for-a-product-launch-part-2 - **Ep. 25 - Preparing for a Product Launch - Part 1** (2024-07-25, 56m): Stephen Oz and Lucian Che Park of Opulo discuss the comprehensive planning and execution required for launching a hardware product, using their Lumen 3D printer as a case study. They emphasize that engineering is only a small fraction of the launch process, detailing the importance of Gantt charts, dependency management, and the 'outside stuff first' strategy for vendor sourcing. The hosts explain how they handle long-lead items like cameras and cables, validate production parts through rigorous testing, and build a 'hero unit' to unlock marketing assets like documentation and launch videos. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-07-25-ep-25-preparing-for-a-product-launch-part-1 - **Ep. 24 - Open Hardware Licenses ft. Thea Flowers** (2024-07-11, 1h 25m): Thea Flowers, president of the Open Source Hardware Association, explains the spectrum of open hardware licensing, ranging from public domain to strongly reciprocal (copyleft) models. She details how copyright, patents, and specific licenses like CERN OHL, MIT, and GPL interact, emphasizing the legal concept of separability between hardware designs and firmware. The discussion highlights the importance of choosing licenses that match project goals, such as using permissive licenses for broad adoption versus reciprocal licenses for public utilities, and warns that legal enforcement often depends on resources rather than just the license text. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-07-11-ep-24-open-hardware-licenses-ft-thea-flowers - **Ep. 23 - Making Money with Open Source Hardware** (2024-06-27, 1h 00m): Stephen Oz and Lucian Chea of Opulo discuss various business models for open source hardware, contrasting the high costs of physical production with software. They explore revenue streams including selling assembled units or kits, crowdfunding via Kickstarter and Crowd Supply, and raising capital through SAFE notes or venture capital. The hosts also detail alternative monetization strategies such as licensing designs to manufacturers, selling affiliate links for bill-of-materials components, and securing government grants like the NSF POSE grant. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-06-27-ep-23-making-money-with-open-source-hardware - **Ep. 22 - Pricing Your Product** (2024-06-13, 1h 00m): Steven Haws and Lucian Che Park of Opulo discuss pricing strategies for their open-source hardware products, specifically the Lumen pick-and-place machine and Feeders. They detail the calculation of Bill of Materials (BOM) and Cost of Goods Sold (COGS), including labor and shipping, to determine a Minimum Monthly Obligation (MMO) that the product must cover. The hosts explain their iterative pricing history, moving from a loss-leading DIY kit price to a sustainable $2,000 for the assembled machine, while emphasizing the importance of transparency and value-add. They contrast top-down market-based pricing with bottom-up cost-plus models, advising founders to find a sweet spot that ensures business sustainability without alienating their community. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/open-hardware-manufacturing-podcast/2024-06-13-ep-22-pricing-your-product ## The Spark Gap Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap Karl and Corey on embedded electronics, from nuts-and-bolts circuit design to industry debates, with detours into 3D printing and CNC routers. - Categories: Electronics, Embedded, Engineering - Latest episode: 2018-01-31 - Apple Podcasts: 22 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://rss.libsyn.com/shows/55449/destinations/205185.xml - Website: https://thesparkgap.libsyn.com/webpage?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **The Spark Gap - Episode 53** (2018-01-31, 54m): Corey discusses his ongoing ping pong scoreboard project, which uses discrete logic chips like the CD4026 and struggles with CD4518 counters due to clock rise time violations at 12V. He details his debugging process involving breadboards, hex buffers, and the decision to design a PCB using Fritzing. Meanwhile, Karl introduces the STM32F723ZE microcontroller, highlighting its built-in USB High-Speed PHY, but warns of software library incompatibilities, and outlines his own project: a custom CNC Raspberry Pi hat integrating an Arduino and RS485 communication for a variable frequency drive. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-31-the-spark-gap-episode-53 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 52** (2018-01-01, 1h 32m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the strategic transition from using development kits to custom hardware designs. They analyze the risks of supply chain dependency, the importance of selecting dev kits based on final product requirements rather than convenience, and the software implications of hardware abstraction layers. The conversation also covers practical advice for first-time PCB designers, including managing power supplies and simplifying assembly processes. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2018-01-01-the-spark-gap-episode-52 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 51** (2017-04-12, 1h 13m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss protecting circuit boards from external damage, covering ESD, reverse polarity, and overcurrent scenarios. They highlight specific components like the Triad Semiconductor TS3633 for VR tracking and the Maxim Integrated DS2401 for serial numbers. The hosts explain design strategies including TVS diodes, current-limiting switches, and isolated power domains to safeguard microcontrollers and FPGAs from user error or faulty peripherals. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2017-04-12-the-spark-gap-episode-51 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 50** (2016-11-09, 1h 39m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss user input methods, starting with the LTC4366 surge stopper for managing in-rush current and the FTDI FT900 series microcontroller, which features a proprietary core and shadow memory. They then analyze tactile buttons, explaining mechanical bounce and debouncing techniques using capacitors and firmware counters. The conversation covers rotary encoders, distinguishing between incremental (quadrature) and discrete (Gray code) types, before concluding with resistive and capacitive touch sensing technologies, including the Silicon Labs CPT007B chip. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-11-09-the-spark-gap-episode-50 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 49** (2016-10-19, 59m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss their attendance at the 2016 Open Hardware Summit in Portland, focusing on the new Open Source Hardware Association certification and specific electronic components. Corey details the features of the NXP MMA8452Q accelerometer, noting its integrated DSP and QFN packaging limitations for hobbyists. Carl highlights the upcoming TI INA260 power monitor, which integrates a shunt resistor to simplify circuit design, and they analyze the trade-offs between integrated and discrete solutions. The hosts also review the BBC micro:bit educational platform and critique the summit's vendor presence and the new certification's numbering system. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-10-19-the-spark-gap-episode-49 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 48** (2016-09-28, 57m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss design choices for schematics and PCB layouts that facilitate easier board bring-up and debugging. They highlight specific components like current limiting diodes (1N5312) and bidirectional level shifters (SN74LVC1T45) to handle varying voltages and signal translation. The conversation emphasizes practical debugging strategies, including strategic package selection (QFP vs. BGA), the use of test points, and power isolation techniques using 0-ohm resistors to isolate faults during initial power-up. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-09-28-the-spark-gap-episode-48 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 47** (2016-04-27, 1h 23m): Speakers Carl and Corey discuss the ST L9779WD multifunction IC for engine management, highlighting its BCD 6S process technology and Micro2nd Channel interface, alongside the Texas Instruments TSU6111A USB/UART mux chip for firmware update workflows. They then analyze thermal management in embedded design, explaining how temperature coefficients (tempco) affect component behavior, leading to issues like BJT thermal runaway and crystal drift. The hosts cover prevention strategies like using switching regulators, detection methods using thermistors and digital sensors, and cooling solutions ranging from PCB copper pours and heat sinks to active fans and liquid cooling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-04-27-the-spark-gap-episode-47 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 46** (2016-03-09, 1h 10m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the Stackpole JW60-Z-T0300, a 0-ohm through-hole resistor that is literally just a piece of wire, highlighting its absurd marketing and high inventory. They then examine the Atmel SAM-V71 microcontroller, noting its Cortex-M7 core and integrated CAN-FD and USB peripherals, while warning about early silicon lacking ISO CAN-FD compliance. The remainder of the episode is a deep dive into the CAN bus protocol, covering its differential signaling, hardware-level arbitration, bit stuffing, and error handling, before introducing CAN-FD as a solution for higher throughput. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-03-09-the-spark-gap-episode-46 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 45** (2016-02-10, 51m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the STM32F0 microcontroller's built-in HDMI CEC controller and the Atmel U2043B automotive turn signal IC, highlighting specific hardware features like comparators and current sensing. They then detail key lessons from Eric Bogatin's Signal Integrity Boot Camp at DesignCon, focusing on PCB trace attenuation, the impact of fiberglass weave patterns on high-speed signals, and the limitations of impedance calculators. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2016-02-10-the-spark-gap-episode-45 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 44** (2015-12-25, 1h 04m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss a grab bag of embedded electronics topics, starting with their new remote recording setup using Shure and MXL microphones. They review the TI ADS1263 32-bit ADC and the Lattice iCE40 FPGA ecosystem, highlighting the open-source Project Ice Storm toolchain. The hosts then critique the Raspberry Pi Zero's limited I/O and the safety issues surrounding lithium-ion batteries in 'hoverboards', before Corey airs a grievance about poor PCB differential pair routing practices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-12-25-the-spark-gap-episode-44 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 43** (2015-11-11, 54m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the LTM2884 isolated USB transceiver and the MSGEQ7 audio spectrum analyzer chip, highlighting their specific technical applications. They then explore the 'burden of knowledge' experienced by electronics experts, using a poorly built $60 headphone amplifier as an example of deceptive product quality. The conversation shifts to a critique of crowdfunding scams, specifically analyzing the technical impossibility of the 'Leaf Hyperdrive' RAM expansion device and discussing the broader issues of trust and delivery in Kickstarter and Indiegogo campaigns. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-11-11-the-spark-gap-episode-43 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 42** (2015-10-21, 1h 07m): Chris Gammell, founder of parts.io, joins hosts Carl and Corey to discuss selecting the right operational amplifier for specific applications, using a 300mV DC signal and a 5nA current measurement as case studies. They also cover practical component choices like the LTC6903 programmable oscillator and the Microchip 24AA02 EEPROM with pre-burned MAC addresses. Gammell outlines parts.io's strategy to democratize access to Field Application Engineer (FAE) support by hiring an 'Internet Applications Engineer' and improving search algorithms to help small-scale designers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-21-the-spark-gap-episode-42 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 41** (2015-10-14, 59m): Chris Gammell, founder of Parts IO and Contextual Electronics, joins hosts Carl and Corey to discuss the complexities of selecting operational amplifiers (op-amps) and the challenges of component sourcing. They analyze specific parts like the AD5339 DAC and MAX7400 filter, highlighting how datasheet marketing often obscures real-world performance issues like offset voltage and noise. Gammell introduces Parts IO, a component search engine designed to aggregate data from multiple distributors and manufacturers to provide risk assessments, pricing trends, and availability metrics that standard distributors like Digi-Key often lack. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-14-the-spark-gap-episode-41 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 40** (2015-10-03, 1h 11m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the design gotchas of electronic connectors, covering power inputs like barrel jacks and screw terminals, as well as signal interfaces including ribbon cables and board-to-board connectors. They highlight specific risks such as contact resistance, voltage breakdown in high-density connectors, and the importance of pin sequencing for power rails. The conversation also covers practical PCB layout advice, including the use of 3D models to verify mechanical fit and the thermal limitations of surface-mount components during reflow. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-10-03-the-spark-gap-episode-40 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 39** (2015-08-12, 56m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the WS2812B addressable LED, noting its daisy-chain capability and 5V requirement, and the MAX1474 electronically trimmable capacitor, which allows for digital calibration of DC-DC power supplies. They then transition to a deep dive into embedded firmware, explaining that pointers are fundamental to microcontroller memory mapping and efficient C programming. The hosts argue that understanding pointers is crucial for embedded engineers to manage memory constraints, optimize execution speed, and interface directly with hardware registers, despite the abstraction provided by libraries like Arduino. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-08-12-the-spark-gap-episode-39 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 38** (2015-07-29, 1h 07m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the Maxim DS2413 one-wire GPIO expander and the Maxim MAX3421E USB peripheral host controller, analyzing their specific use cases and limitations in embedded design. They then detail their podcasting setup, explaining their transition from a Guitar Hero USB microphone to Rode Procaster XLR microphones and a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 audio interface to achieve multi-track recording. Finally, they share technical gripes regarding SPI bus mode inconsistencies and a Rigol DP832 power supply that failed by outputting 48 volts after a short circuit. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-07-29-the-spark-gap-episode-38 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 37** (2015-07-15, 1h 01m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss designing embedded systems for the future, focusing on hardware strategies that allow for upgrades and revisions without redesigning the entire board. They highlight the use of surface mount test points for easier debugging and the PCA9540B I2C bus multiplexer to manage address conflicts and isolate faulty peripherals. The conversation emphasizes selecting pin-for-pin compatible components, such as Allwinner and STM32 microcontrollers, to enable cost-downs or performance upgrades later in the product lifecycle. Finally, they argue for leaving unused microcontroller pins accessible via headers and including bootloader support to ensure devices can receive firmware updates and remain useful over time. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-07-15-the-spark-gap-episode-37 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 36** (2015-07-04, 57m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss their favorite entries from the 2015 Hackaday Prize, focusing on projects that address serious issues like water conservation and food production. They highlight specific hardware components such as the LS7366R quadrature counter and the Cypress FX3 USB controller, while reviewing projects like the Urban Kitchen Garden, Smartlet power outlet, and a light electric utility vehicle for Sudan. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-07-04-the-spark-gap-episode-36 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 35** (2015-06-17, 1h 50m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the evolution of car electronics, moving from mechanical carburetors and distributors to modern electronic fuel injection and OBD2 systems. They detail specific components like the TI SN74LVC1G99 configurable logic gate and the Maxim MAX3601 laser driver, explaining their utility in circuit design. The conversation covers the transition from open-loop mechanical systems to closed-loop electronic control, highlighting sensors like oxygen, mass airflow, and knock sensors that enable modern efficiency and emissions compliance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-06-17-the-spark-gap-episode-35 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 34** (2015-06-03, 51m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss electronics for a desert camping trip to Burning Man, using a 1963 Ford Falcon Van as the platform. They evaluate power solutions like generators, battery banks, and solar, and consider survival gear like UV water purifiers and swamp coolers. The conversation also covers 'swag' options such as EL Wire and RGB LED strips from Deal Extreme, and the hosts invite listeners to suggest Tesla coil music for the show. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-06-03-the-spark-gap-episode-34 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 33** (2015-05-20, 1h 29m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the practical application of Analog-to-Digital Converters (ADCs) and Digital-to-Analog Converters (DACs) in embedded electronics. They highlight specific components like the TI INA226 current/voltage monitor and the Microchip HV5623 high-voltage driver, using them to illustrate concepts of resolution, linearity, and signal integrity. The conversation covers the trade-offs between using built-in microcontroller ADCs versus standalone parts, emphasizing the importance of voltage references, grounding strategies, and noise management. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-20-the-spark-gap-episode-33 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 32** (2015-05-06, 1h 19m): Hosts Carl and Corey revisit topics from their first 31 episodes, discussing the NXP acquisition of Freescale, MakerBot's layoffs, and Tesla's certified pre-owned program and Powerwall. They also analyze the John Deere firmware ownership controversy, the performance trade-offs of No-OS and Lua on microcontrollers, and the evolution of the Raspberry Pi. The episode highlights specific components like NXP current-sensing MOSFETs and the PCA8550 I2C dip switch, while addressing software bugs in Boeing 787 generator control units and the importance of checking simple parts like LDOs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-05-06-the-spark-gap-episode-32 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 31** (2015-04-22, 52m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss the evolution and pitfalls of embedded displays, ranging from basic LEDs and 7-segment units to character LCDs, graphical displays, and TFTs. They highlight the high cost, power consumption, and supply chain instability of modern screens, noting that many are obsolete cast-offs from cell phones. Carl argues that for many products, using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth to display data on a user's phone is a more viable and cost-effective alternative than integrating a dedicated screen. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-04-22-the-spark-gap-episode-31 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 30** (2015-04-08, 57m): Hosts Carl and Corey discuss methods for switching and routing power in embedded electronics, starting with the limitations of microcontroller GPIO pins and the distinction between high-side and low-side switching. They analyze the trade-offs between P-channel and N-channel MOSFETs, explaining why N-channel devices are often preferred for high-side switching when paired with gate drivers to overcome threshold voltage issues. The conversation covers the problem of body diodes in MOSFETs, the use of dual-FET configurations or solid-state relays (SSRs) to block reverse current, and the specific advantages and disadvantages of mechanical relays regarding contact resistance, capacitance, and signal integrity. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-04-08-the-spark-gap-episode-30 - **The Spark Gap - Episode 29** (2015-03-25, 57m): Dr. Fouad Kiamilev from the University of Delaware explains the design of application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), detailing a high-power display projector chip with 250,000 I/Os and liquid nitrogen cooling. He describes the iterative development process, from a 64x64 test chip to a 512x512 production module costing $250,000, and the use of Cadence tools for full-custom layout. Kiamilev also discusses the importance of physical health, fitness, and work-life balance in sustaining long-term engineering productivity and avoiding burnout. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-spark-gap/2015-03-25-the-spark-gap-episode-29 ## Core77 Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast The industrial design publication's podcast: designers, studios and the business of designing physical products. - Categories: Design, Product Development, Startups - Latest episode: 2019-08-23 - Apple Podcasts: 1 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.soundcloud.com/users/soundcloud:users:54979166/sounds.rss - Website: https://www.core77.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Designing for Burning Man -** (2019-08-23, 49m): Jesse Silver, VP of Product at PAX Labs, and Joerg Student, Executive Design Director at IDEO, discuss their volunteer art collective FoldHaus and the challenges of designing large-scale kinetic sculptures for Burning Man. They detail the evolution from simple shade structures to complex LED installations like Radiolumia, emphasizing the need for robust engineering in the desert environment. The conversation covers the logistics of managing hundreds of volunteers, the importance of flat-pack design for transport, and the emotional reward of seeing strangers interact with their art. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2019-08-23-designing-for-burning-man - **How to Fund Your Social Impact Design Project: Joe Speicher of Autodesk Foundation (Core Talk Ep 4)** (2017-03-07, 22m): Joe Speicher, Executive Director of the Autodesk Foundation, explains how the 501(c)(3) charity funds social impact projects by prioritizing clear problem statements, design-centric management teams, and measurable scalability. He highlights specific grantees like Proximity Design, which uses water pumps and data collection to aid Myanmar farmers, and Build Change, which employs drone mapping for post-earthquake site assessment in Nepal. Speicher emphasizes that successful projects require a rigorous 'theory of change' to navigate pivots and leverage emerging technologies like IoT, robotics, and AI for climate adaptation and mitigation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-03-07-how-to-fund-your-social-impact-design-project-joe-speicher-of-autodesk-foundatio - **Core Talk, Episode 3: Martin Postler & Ian Ferguson, Founders of Design Firm PostlerFerguson** (2017-02-23, 15m): Martin Postler and Ian Ferguson, founders of the London-based design consultancy PostlerFerguson, discuss their work on diverse consumer products including the Stekler shoe stacking system and Papa Foxtrot wood toys. They explain the operational differences between managing small startup clients and large corporate accounts, noting that creative constraints often lead to better outcomes. The founders also share their criteria for the Core77 Design Awards, emphasizing high-quality manufacturing and designs that define a desirable future rather than chasing trends. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-23-core-talk-episode-3-martin-postler-ian-ferguson-founders-of-design-firm-postlerf - **Core Talk, Episode 2: Petrula Vrontikis on How Design Education Is & Will Be Changing for the Future** (2017-02-15, 19m): Petrula Vrontikis, Creative Director of Ron Tyke's Design Office and professor at the ArtCenter College of Design, discusses the evolution of design education. She emphasizes the need for 'ambidextrous designers' who combine strong analog skills with digital proficiency to navigate transmedia branding. Vrontikis highlights the importance of teaching narrative, presentation skills, and business strategy to help designers articulate value in multidisciplinary teams. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-15-core-talk-episode-2-petrula-vrontikis-on-how-design-education-is-will-be-changin - **Core Talk, Episode 1: Benjamin Hubert, founder of LAYER** (2017-02-08, 13m): Benjamin Hubert, founder of the design firm LAYER, discusses his studio's shift from a style-centric to a human-centered design approach, integrating hardware, software, and service design. He highlights specific projects like the 3D-printed Go Wheelchair and the World Being wearable, explaining how LAYER Lab explores forward-thinking concepts to complement their production work. Hubert emphasizes the importance of simplicity, sustainability, and tackling real-world problems through grounded, shippable concepts rather than 'blue sky' ideas. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2017-02-08-core-talk-episode-1-benjamin-hubert-founder-of-layer - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 20 - Ti Chang, 'Women in Industrial Design' Show Organizer (06/12)** (2014-06-12, 1h 14m): Ti Chang, co-founder of Crave, explains how she bootstrapped her first company, Incognito, by sourcing jewelry-grade manufacturers in China via Alibaba and validating the market through the Venus trade show in Berlin. She details the pivot to Crave after merging with co-founder Michael Tapolovac, leveraging angel funding to scale production and launching the Duet vibrator through a successful crowdfunding campaign on Siki. Chang also discusses her role organizing the Women in Industrial Design show, highlighting the systemic lack of recognition for female designers and the importance of creating visible platforms and supportive workplace environments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-06-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-20-ti-chang-women-in-industrial-design-show-organize - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 19 - Craighton Berman, Founder of Manual (04/16)** (2014-04-16, 1h 27m): Craighton Berman, founder of the brand Manual, discusses his transition from independent design studio to launching the Manual Coffee Maker (MCM) via Kickstarter. He details the product's design, which uses borosilicate glass and bamboo to create a ritualistic pour-over experience, and explains his strategy for scaling production and managing the crowdfunding campaign. Berman also reflects on the broader industry shift toward quality materials and the role of platforms like Kickstarter in enabling micro-entrepreneurship in industrial design. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-04-16-afterschool-podcast-episode-19-craighton-berman-founder-of-manual-04-16 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 18 - Michael Ditullo, Chief Design Officer of Sound United (04/08)** (2014-04-10, 1h 07m): Michael DiTullo, Chief Design Officer of Sound United, discusses the company's strategy for exhibiting at CES, including designing a 2-story booth and hosting cultural events to promote brands like Polk and Definitive Audio. He explains how Sound United navigates the intense competition in the Bluetooth speaker market by focusing on high-quality audio engineering and premium materials like wood and leather, rather than following generic tech aesthetics. DiTullo details his approach to convincing retailers to take 'safe risks' on new designs by presenting case studies and co-designing retail experiences, while also analyzing industry trends such as the rise of wearables and the shift toward natural materials in consumer electronics. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-04-10-afterschool-podcast-episode-18-michael-ditullo-chief-design-officer-of-sound-uni - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 17 - Caroline Baumann, Director of the Cooper-Hewitt (2/10)** (2014-02-10, 54m): Caroline Baumann, Director of the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum, discusses the museum's 16,000 square foot expansion in Andrew Carnegie’s former mansion and its upcoming 2014 reopening. She details the challenges of managing the project through a federal government shutdown, the museum's reliance on fundraising, and the strategic rebranding efforts with Pentagram. The conversation also covers the museum's National Design Awards, the role of First Lady Michelle Obama, and the integration of new technologies like 3D printing into the visitor experience. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-02-10-afterschool-podcast-episode-17-caroline-baumann-director-of-the-cooper-hewitt-2 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 16 - Sports Journalist Paul Lukas (2/03)** (2014-02-03, 1h 03m): Paul Lukas, editor of UniWatch and ESPN.com contributor, discusses the evolution of sports uniform design with host Don Lehman. They analyze the aesthetic shifts in NFL uniforms, specifically the Broncos' 1997 Nike-designed template and the Seahawks' 2012 neon green makeover, noting how manufacturers like Nike and Reebok now drive design rather than teams. The conversation covers the standardization of Super Bowl logos by Landor Associates, the lack of concussion-proof helmets from manufacturers like Riddell, and the 'superhero aesthetic' trend in modern athletic wear. Lukas also explains the origins of his UniWatch blog, which started at The Village Voice in 1999, and its role in documenting sports aesthetics and brand loyalty. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-02-03-afterschool-podcast-episode-16-sports-journalist-paul-lukas-2-03 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 15 - Author Leander Kahney (1/06)** (2014-01-06, 1h 18m): Author Leander Kahney discusses his book 'Jony Ive: The Genius Behind Apple’s Greatest Products' with host Don Lehman, detailing Ive’s journey from a design agency partner at Tangerine to leading Apple’s Industrial Design Group. Kahney explains how Steve Jobs’ return in 1997 transformed Apple’s culture, empowering Ive to implement a design-driven strategy that saved the company from bankruptcy. The conversation covers the secretive nature of Apple’s design studio, the collaborative yet hierarchical relationship between Ive and Jobs, and Ive’s subsequent expansion into software and hardware oversight after Jobs’ death. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-01-06-afterschool-podcast-episode-15-author-leander-kahney-1-06 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 14 - FiftyThree (12/17)** (2014-01-06, 1h 14m): FiftyThree co-founders John Harris and John Ikeda, along with industrial designer Audrey Louchart, discuss the creation of Pencil, the company's first hardware product designed to complement their Paper app. They detail the transition from Microsoft's Courier project to building a startup, focusing on the industrial design of the stylus, including its carpenter pencil form factor, materials, and the engineering challenges of fitting electronics into a wood and aluminum body. The conversation covers the 'kiss to pair' interaction, the tight coupling of hardware and software, and the logistical pains of manufacturing and fulfillment as a small team. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2014-01-06-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-fiftythree-12-17 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 14 - Pencil by FiftyThree (12/17)** (2013-12-17, 1h 14m): FiftyThree co-founder John Harris and industrial designers John Ikeda and Audrey Louchart discuss the creation of Pencil, the company's first hardware product designed to complement their Paper app. They detail the transition from Microsoft's Courier project to building a startup, focusing on the industrial design choices like the carpenter pencil form factor and the integration of wood and aluminum materials. The team explains the 'Kiss to Pair' connection mechanism, the engineering challenges of fitting electronics into a tight form, and the logistical hurdles of manufacturing and direct-to-consumer fulfillment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-12-17-afterschool-podcast-episode-14-pencil-by-fiftythree-12-17 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 13 - Next Generation Gaming Consoles (11/28)** (2013-11-28, 1h 48m): Don Lehman and Peter Rivera-Pierola discuss the design and market positioning of the newly released PS4, Xbox One, and Wii U. They analyze the PS4's modernist architecture and ergonomic controller, the Xbox One's ambitious but bulky 'living room' integration via the Kinect, and Nintendo's software-driven strategy for the Wii U. The conversation explores how industrial design choices reflect each company's broader business goals, from Sony's focus on gamers to Microsoft's push for media convergence. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-28-afterschool-podcast-episode-13-next-generation-gaming-consoles-11-28 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 12 - Comic Book Artist Paolo Rivera (11/18)** (2013-11-18, 1h 05m): Comic book artist Paolo Rivera, known for his work on Marvel titles like Daredevil and the Mythos series, discusses his hand-painted artistic style and his transition from fine arts to comics. He details the rigorous production process of his Mythos books, which involved painting large-scale oil and acrylic works on masonite, scanning them, and digitally assembling them. Rivera also explains his workflow for the Daredevil relaunch, including his collaboration with his father on inking and his use of digital tools like Photoshop for perspective grids and color correction. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-18-afterschool-podcast-episode-12-comic-book-artist-paolo-rivera-11-18 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 11 - Marco Perry and Mark Prommel of Pensa (11/12)** (2013-11-12, 53m): Marco Perry and Mark Prommel, partners at the Brooklyn design firm Pensa, discuss launching the DIWire, a desktop wire bender, via Kickstarter. They explain how the tool emerged from their prototyping needs for furniture models, evolving from an open-source prototype to a polished commercial product. The episode also covers their Street Charge solar charging station, developed in partnership with Goal Zero and AT&T, highlighting their strategy of open-source sharing and rapid field iteration to validate concepts and build brand credibility. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-12-afterschool-podcast-episode-11-marco-perry-and-mark-prommel-of-pensa-11-12 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 7 - Catherine Bailey (10/1)** (2013-11-05, 55m): Catherine Bailey, co-owner and Creative Director of Heath Ceramics, explains her transition from industrial design at Nike and her own consultancy to acquiring and turning around the historic American ceramic manufacturer. She details the challenges of the early years, including managing factory disasters like floods and unreliable equipment, while leveraging the company's deep heritage of craft and mid-century modern design. Bailey describes how Heath balances preserving its classic dinnerware legacy with innovative seasonal collections and new product lines like tile, supported by a hands-on design studio that prioritizes working directly with clay over CAD models. The episode covers the company's strategic expansion from Sausalito to Los Angeles and a new San Francisco facility, emphasizing careful pacing to maintain quality and culture while scaling production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-05-afterschool-podcast-episode-7-catherine-bailey-10-1 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 8 - Neven Mrgan (10/7)** (2013-11-05, 1h 22m): Neven Mrgan, a designer at Panic, discusses the design philosophy behind iOS 7, arguing that Apple's shift to flat design was an overcorrection from skeuomorphism that ignored the functional needs of software interfaces. He contrasts industrial design principles, where thin elements can fade into the background, with software requirements where clarity and hierarchy are paramount for usability. Mrgan also details the development of his text-based game Blackbar, explaining how he used minimalist constraints to create a dystopian narrative, and shares insights on the iterative challenges of game design at his small company. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-05-afterschool-podcast-episode-8-neven-mrgan-10-7 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 9 - Rusty Meadows (10/21)** (2013-11-05, 54m): Rusty Meadows, manager of the temporary tattoo company Tattly and founder of the Nearly Impossible conference, discusses the evolution of his business and the new event. He explains how Tattly emerged from a failed online store idea to focus on design-led temporary tattoos, navigating early challenges in shipping, packaging, and wholesale sales. Meadows details the structure of the Nearly Impossible conference, designed to help makers solve specific physical product hurdles through shared stories and expert labs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-05-afterschool-podcast-episode-9-rusty-meadows-10-21 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 10 - Joey Roth (11/1)** (2013-11-04, 49m): Joey Roth, founder of his eponymous design studio, discusses his Ceramic Speaker System, teapot, and poster series, explaining how his background in industrial design theory at Swarthmore College informs his 'reformed minimalist' approach. He details the transition from a student project to a business, driven by unexpected press coverage for his teapot which led to pre-orders and production in Asia. Roth explains his material choices for the speakers, specifically using porcelain for acoustic properties and aesthetic honesty, and his recent addition of wireless capability via an add-on unit to maintain sound quality. He emphasizes that his unique voice and focus on the user's ritual and interaction are the core drivers of his product development. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-10-joey-roth-11-1 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 4 - Martin Kastner (9/9)** (2013-11-04, 57m): Martin Kastner, founder of Crucial Detail, discusses his transition from a traditional blacksmith in the Czech Republic to an industrial designer in Chicago. He details his collaborative work with the restaurant Alinea, where he designed custom tools like a paraffin wax vessel to deliver hot and cold potato soup, and the Porthole infusion vessel for Aviary. Kastner also reflects on the operational challenges of scaling the Porthole via a successful Kickstarter campaign, including manufacturing delays and managing difficult backers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-4-martin-kastner-9-9 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 5 - StudioNeat (9/16)** (2013-11-04, 1h 00m): Dan Provost and Tom Gerhardt, co-founders of Studio Neat, discuss their journey from the first Kickstarter project, Glif, to their latest hardware release, the Neat Ice Kit. They explain their minimalist Kickstarter strategy, which avoids complex pledge tiers and stretch goals to ensure focus on delivery, and share lessons learned from manufacturing delays with the Cosmonaut stylus. The conversation also covers their design philosophy, their views on the iPhone 5C and iOS 7, and their approach to remote collaboration. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-5-studioneat-9-16 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 6 - Gary Hustwit (9/24)** (2013-11-04, 55m): Documentary filmmaker Gary Hustwit discusses his 'Design Trilogy'—the films Helvetica, Objectified, and Urbanized—and his new Kickstarter project, The Complete Interviews, which publishes the unedited transcripts of those films. Hustwit explains how he transitioned from independent music production to documentary filmmaking, relying on his eye for design rather than professional training. He details his organic interviewing process, the logistical challenges of securing high-profile subjects like Jony Ive and Rem Koolhaas, and the narrative structure that evolved from typography to product design to urban planning. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-11-04-afterschool-podcast-episode-6-gary-hustwit-9-24 - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 3 - Robert Brunner** (2013-08-28, 57m): Robert Brunner, founder of the design consultancy Ammunition, discusses the creation of the Beats by Dre headphone line with Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre, explaining how they re-engineered the headband and ear cups to create an iconic, wearable aesthetic. He details the strategic marketing approach, including leveraging Dr. Dre's cultural equity and using 'ambush marketing' with athletes like LeBron James to build brand visibility. Brunner also covers his work with Adobe on the Mighty Stylist and Napoleon ruler, physical input devices designed to enhance creative workflows on tablets, and his philosophy on why industrial design firms should move beyond traditional service models to equity partnerships. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-08-28-afterschool-podcast-episode-3-robert-brunner - **Afterschool Podcast, Episode 2 - Paul Hatch** (2013-08-21, 49m): Paul Hatch, founder of Teams Design and chair of the IDSA International Conference, discusses the planning and execution of the 2013 event in Chicago. He highlights the conference's theme 'Breaking the Rules,' the diverse speaker lineup including Dean Kamen and Bill Buxton, and the importance of networking. Hatch also shares insights on Chicago's architecture, food scene, and a social impact initiative addressing bullying. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/core77-podcast/2013-08-21-afterschool-podcast-episode-2-paul-hatch ## IDology Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology Designers at the industrial design studio Mindsailors on the specifics of their work, from research and form to prototypes and working with manufacturers. - Categories: Design, Product Development, Manufacturing - Latest episode: 2024-04-30 - Apple Podcasts: 2 ratings averaging 4.5/5 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/c0d5e0d8/podcast/rss - Website: https://mindsailors.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (21) - **Industrial design prototyping vs simulations - IDology #21** (2024-04-30, 38m): Episode 21. Piotr Dalewski and Mikołaj Wiewióra of Mindsailors discuss the strategic balance between physical prototyping and computer simulations in industrial design. They explain that while prototypes validate ergonomics, assembly, and tactile feedback, simulations like Finite Element Analysis (FEA) and ray tracing optimize mechanical stress and optical properties before tooling. The guests emphasize that both are necessary investments to mitigate risk, with the choice depending on project scale, cost, and the specific physical phenomena being tested. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-04-30-industrial-design-prototyping-vs-simulations-idology-21 - **How manufacturing and design co-exist - IDology #20** (2024-04-16, 42m): Episode 20. Anita Rogoża and Mikołaj Wiewióra from the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss the historical evolution of the relationship between design and manufacturing with host Voytek Holysz. They trace the shift from individual craftsmanship to mass production driven by Henry Ford's assembly line, and later to the democratization of design via CAD software in the 1990s. The conversation explores how smartphones and bicycles evolved from experimental forms to standardized designs due to user habits and regulations, and how modern mass customization via 3D printing is reshaping the industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-04-16-how-manufacturing-and-design-co-exist-idology-20 - **Technical documentation in industrial design - IDology #19** (2024-04-02, 28m): Episode 19. Piotr Dalewski and Rafał Piłat of Mindsailors explain that technical documentation serves as a universal language between designers, manufacturers, and quality control, ensuring parts meet precise tolerances and standards. They argue that 3D models alone are insufficient for mass production because they cannot convey material properties, surface finishes, or assembly requirements, making detailed documentation essential for accurate quoting and avoiding costly errors. The guests highlight that neglecting this documentation often leads to flawed parts and disputes, as manufacturers may claim they met unspecified 'best effort' standards rather than defined engineering requirements. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-04-02-technical-documentation-in-industrial-design-idology-19 - **Industrial machinery design pain points - IDology #18** (2024-03-19, 41m): Episode 18. Voytek Holysz, COO of Mindsailors, and Thomas Weber, Business Development Manager at Mindsailors, discuss the attitudes industrial machinery manufacturers have toward industrial design. They categorize clients into four groups: those who invest heavily in design for brand differentiation, those who ignore it, those who have had bad experiences with universities or freelancers, and those who rely on internal engineers. They emphasize that good design must balance aesthetics with manufacturability and functional reliability to avoid costly failures. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-03-19-industrial-machinery-design-pain-points-idology-18 - **Risks of using generative AI in product design - IDology #17** (2024-03-05, 38m): Episode 17. Rafał Piłat, co-founder of Mindsailors, and Jakub Zarzyński, a computational designer at Mindsailors, discuss the integration of generative AI into industrial design workflows. They argue that tools like Midjourney and Stable Diffusion are valuable for rapid ideation and automating sketching but warn against ethical pitfalls regarding copyright and the risk of homogenized design trends. The guests emphasize that AI output is not a substitute for professional manufacturing-ready design and urge designers to adapt to these technologies to remain competitive. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-03-05-risks-of-using-generative-ai-in-product-design-idology-17 - **Fail culture in product design - IDology #16** (2024-02-20, 35m): Episode 16. Voytek Holysz and Mikołaj Wiewióra of Mindsailors discuss 'fail culture' in industrial design, arguing that embracing failure is essential for innovation. They use the metaphor of a toddler learning to walk to illustrate how early, low-stakes failures provide critical learning data. The conversation highlights a specific case where a 3D printed prototype with thin walls was tested via MJF printing, proving manufacturability and elasticity that conservative assumptions had missed. They conclude that designers must advocate for this mindset within their companies, especially in conservative industries like automotive, to avoid stagnation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-02-20-fail-culture-in-product-design-idology-16 - **Using generative AI in product development - IDology #15** (2024-02-06, 19m): Episode 15. Voytek Holysz, Rafał Piłat, and Anita Rogoża of the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss integrating generative AI into their product development workflow. They detail using tools like ChatGPT, Midjourney, Stable Diffusion, and Cloth AI for pre-design research, inspiration, and enhancing 3D renders, while noting AI's limitations in generating novel, functional medical device designs. The team emphasizes that AI serves as a speed-up tool for sketches and marketing materials rather than a replacement for technical engineering and final design decisions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-02-06-using-generative-ai-in-product-development-idology-15 - **How educating your environment makes you a better designer - IDology #14** (2024-01-23, 36m): Episode 14. Voytek Hołysz, Mikołaj Wiewióra, and Rafał Piłat of the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss the critical importance of educating clients and internal teams to ensure mutual understanding in product development. They emphasize that assuming shared knowledge leads to misunderstandings, particularly regarding definitions like 'prototype,' and advocate for setting a baseline through workshops and clear communication. The founders highlight the need to manage expectations, define responsibilities, and recognize that clients are experts in their specific domains, requiring designers to act as facilitators and connectors to other specialists. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-23-how-educating-your-environment-makes-you-a-better-designer-idology-14 - **When using AI in product development is not a good idea - IDology #13** (2024-01-10, 32m): Episode 13. Piotr Dalewski, a mechanical design engineer, and Rafał Piłat, CEO of the industrial design studio Mindsailors, discuss why generative AI cannot currently replace human designers in product development. They argue that AI lacks the empathy and contextual understanding required to interpret vague client needs and validate design briefs against manufacturing constraints. The conversation highlights that while AI can assist with specific tasks, it struggles with reverse engineering novel objects and understanding the functional logic behind form, which requires years of professional experience. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2024-01-10-when-using-ai-in-product-development-is-not-a-good-idea-idology-13 - **IDology #12 - How to communicate in a product design project** (2023-04-12, 25m): Episode 12. Voiteko and Anita from the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss how ambiguous terminology in product design leads to costly misunderstandings between clients and designers. They clarify the distinctions between industrial design and product design, the iterative nature of R&D, and the specific roles of different prototype types (visual vs. mechanical). The conversation highlights the challenges of applying software methodologies like Agile to physical manufacturing and the critical difference between conceptual 3D models and manufacturing-ready CAD data. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-04-12-idology-12-how-to-communicate-in-a-product-design-project - **IDology #11 - Most common mistakes in product development** (2023-03-28, 41m): Episode 11. Rafał Piłat, co-founder of the industrial design studio Mindsailors, discusses common mistakes companies make during product development, emphasizing that 'hardware is hard' and requires realistic planning. He highlights errors such as skipping market research, over-engineering the first version (the 'curse of 2.0'), and underestimating the time and budget needed for prototyping and certification. Piłat also warns against assuming visual concepts are production-ready and stresses the importance of having a single decision-maker to avoid communication breakdowns. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-03-28-idology-11-most-common-mistakes-in-product-development - **IDology #10 - The difficulties of sustainability of industrial design** (2023-03-14, 40m): Episode 10. Anita Rogoża and Mikołaj Wiewióra of the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss the challenges of integrating sustainability into product design, covering strategies like serviceability, mono-materials, and reducing component counts. They analyze specific examples such as Brita filters, 3D printing for mass customization, and the regulatory push for USB-C, while contrasting linear and circular economy models. The conversation highlights the tension between consumer desire for cheap, perfect products and the engineering costs of sustainable design, concluding that shifting consumer habits is essential for systemic change. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-03-14-idology-10-the-difficulties-of-sustainability-of-industrial-design - **IDology #9 - NASAs TRL scale in product development** (2023-02-28, 1h 00m): Episode 9. Voytek and Mikołaj from the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss adapting NASA's Technology Readiness Level (TRL) scale for product development to manage client expectations and clarify the definition of 'prototype'. They walk through the nine stages, explaining how TRL 1-3 covers initial concepts and proof of concept, while TRL 4-6 involves testing components and systems in relevant environments. The conversation highlights the transition from laboratory validation to real-world user testing at TRL 7-8, culminating in a 'golden sample' or MVP that is ready for manufacturing tooling. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-28-idology-9-nasas-trl-scale-in-product-development - **IDology #8 - Dos and Don’ts of product development** (2023-02-15, 35m): Episode 8. Anita Rogoża and Wojciech Hołysz of the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss the dos and don'ts of product development, walking through their specific design process from concept to manufacturing. They emphasize the importance of a detailed brief, iterative prototyping, and balancing design integrity with manufacturing constraints during the DFM phase. The conversation highlights common pitfalls such as vague client requirements, ignoring ergonomic needs, and failing to verify vendor capabilities before committing to production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-02-15-idology-8-dos-and-donts-of-product-development - **IDology #7 - Tips on outsourcing R&D and product design work** (2023-01-31, 27m): Episode 7. Rafał Piłat and Anita Rogoża of Mindsailors discuss the strategic value of outsourcing Research and Development (R&D) to external design studios. They detail specific projects, including a medical catheter requiring manufacturing feasibility analysis and a mobile heart sensor where they redesigned a painful mounting mechanism for elderly patients. The conversation also covers bypassing existing patents for shower drainage systems and highlights failed R&D attempts, such as non-compliant plastic scaffolding planks, to illustrate the importance of clear briefs and regulatory awareness. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-01-31-idology-7-tips-on-outsourcing-r-d-and-product-design-work - **IDology #6 - Product development costs analysis** (2023-01-18, 1h 07m): Episode 6. Mikołaj Wiewióra, a senior designer at the industrial design studio MindSailors, explains how the firm structures budgets for product development, alternating between fixed-price conceptual phases and time-and-materials execution for mechanical and prototyping stages. He details the headcount and timeline for each stage, noting that complex products with kinematics or embedded electronics require larger teams and longer durations, while simpler enclosures are faster. Wiewióra emphasizes that prototyping iterations are essential to avoid costly tooling errors, contrasting a rapid six-month market launch with a stalled nine-year project caused by poor client-side project management. The discussion highlights that successful budgeting requires treating the design studio as an integrated partner with swift communication rather than an external vendor. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-01-18-idology-6-product-development-costs-analysis - **IDology #5 - Mindsailors industrial design process** (2023-01-03, 54m): Episode 5. Anita Rogoża and Mikołaj Wiewióra of the industrial design studio Mindsailors detail their six-phase industrial design process, explaining how it structures communication, budgeting, and timeline estimation for clients. They describe the progression from the initial brief through conceptualization, mechanical design, and DFM, emphasizing the iterative nature of prototyping and the challenges of physical product development compared to software. The discussion highlights how this structured approach helps manage uncertainty, align stakeholder expectations, and navigate the complexities of manufacturing and supply chain constraints. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2023-01-03-idology-5-mindsailors-industrial-design-process - **IDology #4 - Tips on outsourcing product development** (2022-12-14, 42m): Episode 4. Rafał Piłat, co-founder and senior designer at Mindsailors, explains how companies should prepare for outsourcing product development and what to expect from an industrial design studio. He details Mindsailors' six-stage process, emphasizing the need to educate clients on realistic timelines and the importance of clear communication to manage expectations. Piłat argues that hiring a studio over a freelancer provides crucial manufacturing expertise and a broader scope of talent, reducing the risk of unbuildable designs. He also highlights that R&D can sometimes conclude that a project is technically impossible, which is a valid and valuable outcome. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2022-12-14-idology-4-tips-on-outsourcing-product-development - **IDology #3 - Being a versatile product designer** (2022-11-29, 58m): Episode 3. Mikołaj Wiewióra, a senior designer at the industrial design studio Mindsailors, discusses the challenges and benefits of working across diverse industries, from consumer electronics to medical devices and industrial machinery. He explains how cross-industry experience drives innovation by transferring technologies like 3D printing and manufacturing constraints between sectors, and emphasizes that effective communication with both technical and marketing clients is critical to project success. Wiewióra also highlights the importance of designing for repairability and value rather than just competing on price against mass-market giants like IKEA. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2022-11-29-idology-3-being-a-versatile-product-designer - **IDology #2 - Prototyping in product development** (2022-11-15, 33m): Episode 2. Anita Rogoża and Mikołaj Wiewióra from the industrial design studio Mindsailors discuss the critical role of prototyping in product development. They categorize prototypes by stage—proof of concept, looks-like, and works-like—and detail techniques ranging from clay modeling and 3D printing to CNC machining and welding. The conversation highlights how wise prototyping saves significant costs by preventing expensive errors in injection molding tooling, which can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2022-11-15-idology-2-prototyping-in-product-development - **IDology #1 - How to get the best designs from an industrial design company** (2022-10-24, 31m): Episode 1. Voytek Holysz, COO of Mindsailors, interviews co-founder and senior designer Rafal Pilat on how clients can prepare effective briefs for industrial design projects. They discuss the importance of providing company background, detailed product descriptions, target audience data, and realistic budget constraints to avoid costly misunderstandings. Pilat emphasizes that admitting what you don't know allows the design studio to guide research and scope, ensuring the final design aligns with manufacturing realities and volume expectations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/idology/2022-10-24-idology-1-how-to-get-the-best-designs-from-an-industrial-design-company ## Hard Tech Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast Interviews with the people building aviation technology, on the engineering and the business of hard tech. - Categories: Climate & Energy, Startups, Engineering, Interviews - Latest episode: 2024-12-13 - Feed: https://media.rss.com/hardtechpodcast/feed.xml - Website: https://rss.com/podcasts/hardtechpodcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **What's the BEST Avionics Setup for Pilots? Analog vs Glass Cockpits #27** (2024-12-13, 6m): Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bS6sD0M07Fo ------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, we discuss the following: -The evolution of cockpit systems: from analog to digital. -Why some pilots still prefer older systems despite advancements in avionics technology. -The pros and cons of analog and digital systems in terms of navigation, reliability, and operation. -Industry standards and the training systems used by student pilots. ------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe for more insights and stories on aviation technology. - **TC-12B Huron: The Forgotten Legend of Pima Air & Space Museum #26** (2024-11-15, 10m): Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/DL8u1hGev7w ------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, we discuss the following: - The mission and significance of the Pima Air & Space Museum, home to the world's largest aircraft collection. - What sets the Beechcraft TC-12B Huron apart, including its unique twin turboprop engines. - The legendary aircraft featured at the museum and their historical connection to the Davis -Monthan Boneyard. - The cutting-edge technology used to preserve aircraft for decades. ------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe for more insights and stories on aviation technology. - **How This Pilot Survived The Longest Solo Flight EVER! Solar Impulse 2 #25** (2024-10-25, 12m): Bertrand Piccard and Andre Borschberg, the creators of Solar Impulse 2, explain how they engineered a solar-powered aircraft to circumnavigate the globe without fuel. The episode details the extreme lightweight design using carbon fiber and foam, the integration of 17,000 solar cells, and the critical battery management system that allowed for day-night flight cycles. It highlights the human endurance challenges faced by pilots, including cockpit insulation and sleep management, and the technical failure of overheated batteries during the Pacific crossing that required a major repair delay. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-10-25-how-this-pilot-survived-the-longest-solo-flight-ever-solar-impulse-2-25 - **Can We Electrify Aviation? Electric vs Fuel Planes #24** (2024-10-04, 6m): Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D1GICrtOURk&feature=youtu.be ------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, I discuss the following: -Current state of aircraft engines. -Challenges of gas powered planes. -Advancements in electric aviation. -Modern electric aircraft -Limitations of batteries for flight. ------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to the channel for insights into the future of the energy, robotics, transportation, healthcare, and more. - **A Brief History of Nuclear Energy: From Destruction To Powering AI #23** (2024-09-15, 8m): Watch this episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVgfzy0KBXw ------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, I discuss the following: -Current state of nuclear energy. -Eisenhower's Atoms for Peace Program. -Power plants in the United States. -Nuclear fusion & AI. ------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to the channel for insights into the future of the energy, robotics, transportation, healthcare, and more. - **Disaster Strikes on the Wobbly Bridge | The London Millennium Bridge #22** (2024-09-01, 8m): Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Q1Zvsjf6YsM ------------------------------------------------------------- In this episode, I discuss the following: -The London Millennium Bridge and its famous wobble. -Harmonic resonance and frequency. -Issues with the design of the bridge. -How dampers fixed the bridge. -What we can take away from this incident. ------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to the channel for insights into the future of the energy, robotics, transportation, healthcare, and more. - **Riley Knox: Leviathan Air, Flying Cargo Ships, and Altering Global Trade | Hard Tech Podcast #21** (2024-07-21, 2h 31m): Riley Knox, CEO and co-founder of Leviathan Air, explains the design and business case for autonomous flying cargo ships that utilize ground effect to bridge the gap between slow ocean freight and expensive air freight. He details how modern advancements in hybrid-electric propulsion, autonomous flight controls, and composite materials make the concept viable today, contrasting it with the Soviet-era Caspian Sea Monster. Knox outlines a strategy to build and operate these vehicles to serve high-value e-commerce and defense logistics, targeting a first flight within six to seven years. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-07-21-riley-knox-leviathan-air-flying-cargo-ships-and-altering-global-trade-hard-tech - **Timothy Blumberg: Innovative Gut Health Tech, Autonomous Vehicles, Shanghai | Hard Tech Podcast #20** (2024-06-24, 2h 01m): Timothy Blumberg, co-founder and CTO of Throne, discusses his journey from developing self-driving simulation platforms at Lyft to building a gut health tracking device. He explains how Throne uses a camera-based system to analyze stool consistency and urine color, leveraging machine learning to provide hydration and gut health insights. Blumberg details the hardware challenges of creating a battery-powered, low-power device and the strategic decision to avoid FDA medical device classification initially to maintain iteration speed. He also highlights the importance of data privacy, security architecture, and the 'Software 2.0' model where user data improves the product's predictive capabilities over time. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-06-24-timothy-blumberg-innovative-gut-health-tech-autonomous-vehicles-shanghai-hard-te - **Yonas Tadesse: 4D Printing, Humanoid Robots, Bionic Humans, AI for Engineers | Hard Tech Podcast #19** (2024-05-26, 1h 43m): Yonas Tadesse, a professor of mechanical engineering at the University of Texas at Dallas, discusses his research in soft robotics, 4D printing, and bionic humanoids. He explains how shape-memory polymers and alloys enable structures to change form over time, with applications in medical devices like dynamic hand orthoses for stroke rehabilitation. Tadesse also analyzes the shift in humanoid robotics from hydraulic to electric systems, citing Boston Dynamics' Atlas as a key driver of US research leadership, and offers advice on engineering education and funding. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-05-26-yonas-tadesse-4d-printing-humanoid-robots-bionic-humans-ai-for-engineers-hard-te - **Matty Schaefer: YouTube Fame, Surveillance Tech, Solving City Congestion | Hard Tech Podcast #18** (2024-05-12, 2h 09m): Matty Schaefer, founder and former CEO of Vade, discusses his journey from building a successful tech review YouTube channel, MS Tech, to solving urban congestion through smart parking technology. He explains how Vade uses wireless, solar-powered cameras to provide real-time curb data to cities, addressing the mismatch between parking supply and modern delivery/rideshare demand. Schaefer details the technical challenges of building proprietary hardware and computer vision models, the strategic decision to pivot from a consumer app to a B2G data provider, and his eventual decision to sell the company after five years of intense startup life. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-05-12-matty-schaefer-youtube-fame-surveillance-tech-solving-city-congestion-hard-tech - **Alex Villanueva: Asteroid Mining, Virtual Apparel Fitting, Biomimicry Inspired Tech | Hard Tech Podcast #17** (2024-04-02, 1h 32m): Alex Villanueva, founder and CEO of Eclo, explains how his AI platform reduces apparel returns by predicting shoe fit through a smartphone foot scanner and user preferences. He details the technical challenges of capturing 3D foot data and the business insight that increasing conversion rates is more valuable to retailers than just reducing returns. Villanueva also reflects on his graduate research building biomimetic robotic jellyfish at Virginia Tech and his internship at NASA working on pulse plasma thrusters. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-04-02-alex-villanueva-asteroid-mining-virtual-apparel-fitting-biomimicry-inspired-tech - **Hatch Duo: Industrial Design, Navigating AI, Branding, Hardware Innovation | Hard Tech Podcast #16** (2024-03-20, 1h 51m): Michael Yim and Jonathan Tai, co-founders of Hatch Duo, an AI-enhanced industrial design and engineering studio, discuss their journey from bootstrapping to serving early-stage hardware startups. They detail their 'design capital' model, where they invest in-kind to help pre-seed companies build prototypes to secure funding, and explain how they blend human creativity with AI tools like FLO.ai to enhance efficiency. The conversation covers the importance of brand identity, the challenges of working with first-time founders, and their strategic use of social media for client acquisition. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-03-20-hatch-duo-industrial-design-navigating-ai-branding-hardware-innovation-hard-tech - **Julia Parker: AI To Talk To Animals, Horse Pain Detection, Equestrian Riding | Hard Tech Podcast #15** (2024-02-26, 59m): Julia Parker, founder of Intuitive HorseWare, explains her technology for detecting pain in horses using sensors and AI, inspired by her 30 years as a farrier and a rescue horse named Beauty. She discusses how abnormal movement patterns indicate underlying issues, aiming to reduce the estimated 6.3 million cases of unnoticed pain in US performance horses. Parker details the use of accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to create baselines for normal gait, allowing riders to address problems before they become chronic. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2024-02-26-julia-parker-ai-to-talk-to-animals-horse-pain-detection-equestrian-riding-hard-t - **Siddharth Thakur: CEO at 19, Search and Rescue Robots, Firefighter Safety | Hard Tech Podcast #14** (2023-10-08, 1h 14m): Siddharth Thakur, CEO and founder of Paradigm Robotics, explains the development of Firebot, a high-temperature resistant robot designed to assist firefighters in search and rescue operations. He details the robot's thermal protection capabilities, allowing it to operate in 650°C environments, and its modular sensor suite for detecting victims and hazardous gases. Thakur also discusses the challenges of balancing a hardware startup with his undergraduate studies at UT Austin, the importance of university resources, and his experience pitching at TechCrunch Disrupt and meeting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-10-08-siddharth-thakur-ceo-at-19-search-and-rescue-robots-firefighter-safety-hard-tech - **Colby Harvey: Drones for Aircraft Inspections, Boeing, Air Force, Air Safety | Hard Tech Podcast #13** (2023-09-24, 41m): Colby Harvey, CEO of UltraView, explains how his startup uses autonomous drones equipped with 3D LiDAR and AI to inspect aircraft for defects like stress fractures and lightning strikes. He discusses the company's design process with Hatch Duo, its customers including Boeing and the U.S. Air Force, and the regulatory challenges of FAA approval for outdoor inspections. Harvey also addresses the impact of automation on maintenance jobs, the technical failures behind the Boeing 737 Max crashes, and the future of hardware versus software in the tech industry. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-09-24-colby-harvey-drones-for-aircraft-inspections-boeing-air-force-air-safety-hard-te - **Roger Pecina: Drones as First Responders, Flying Cars, Minority Report, DJI | Hard Tech Podcast #12** (2023-09-03, 55m): Roger Pecina, CEO of Eve Vehicles Corporation, discusses the development of the QROW drone for Drones as First Responders (DFR) networks and the future landscape of eVTOL flying cars. He explains how DJI pioneered the consumer drone market with the Phantom 1 and how Eve’s strategy involves deploying autonomous drone nests to address public safety labor shortages. Pecina also explores the integration of AI for predictive policing, drawing parallels to Minority Report, and the regulatory challenges of shared airspace. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-09-03-roger-pecina-drones-as-first-responders-flying-cars-minority-report-dji-hard-tec - **Alex Blum: $1200 Houses, Plant-based Plastics, Political Activism, and BioFi | Hard Tech Podcast #11** (2023-08-20, 1h 24m): Alex Blum, co-founder and CEO of Applied Bioplastics, discusses his company's plant-based biocomposites, specifically the refugee shelter material Betterboard and the injection-moldable thermoplastic BioFi. He explains how Applied Bioplastics avoids the common failure mode of bioplastics startups by licensing their cellulose-compatibilizing technology to existing compounders rather than building factories, ensuring commodity pricing and compatibility with standard industry equipment. Blum also details the company's low-tech, hand-layup manufacturing process for shelters that empowers local communities in disaster zones, and shares his personal philosophy on employee retention and his response to a severe health diagnosis. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-08-20-alex-blum-1200-houses-plant-based-plastics-political-activism-and-biofi-hard-tec - **Riley Knox: Smart Factories, 3D Printing, Adv. Manufacturing, and Elon Musk | Hard Tech Podcast #10** (2023-08-13, 1h 15m): Riley Knox, co-founder and CEO of Accelerate 3D, discusses his background in mechanical engineering and the development of smart factories that integrate 3D printing with automation. He contrasts the unproven economics of concrete 3D printing with the efficiency of robotic brick-laying systems like FBR, while arguing that additive manufacturing offers a viable path for small-to-medium batch production by eliminating mold costs. The conversation also covers the strategic importance of reshoring advanced manufacturing to the US, the limitations of hardware accelerators, and the polarizing influence of Elon Musk on public perception of hard tech. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-08-13-riley-knox-smart-factories-3d-printing-adv-manufacturing-and-elon-musk-hard-tech - **The All-Electric Trend Needs To Stop. There Are Other Power Options | Hard Tech #9** (2023-07-02, 34m): The host of the Hard Tech Podcast argues against the industry's narrow focus on battery-electric vehicles, advocating instead for a diversified portfolio of direct power options including solar, hydrogen, ammonia, and biofuels. He highlights NASA's decision to scrap its electric plane plans due to battery limitations and critiques the Toyota Mirai's poor packaging efficiency as evidence that hydrogen is currently better suited for heavy trucks, citing Hizon Motors' heavy rigid fuel cell vehicle as a viable alternative. The discussion also covers GAC's development of an ammonia engine for cars and the potential of biofuels derived from food waste to replace fossil fuels in the near term. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-07-02-the-all-electric-trend-needs-to-stop-there-are-other-power-options-hard-tech-9 - **Living In Space And On Water Will Soon Change Our Lives Forever | Hard Tech #8** (2023-06-25, 37m): The host analyzes four emerging concepts for living off-land: luxury 'ship homes' like World Residences at Sea, bamboo floating homes by HP Architects, the Dogin City floating smart healthcare city in Japan, and Varda Space Industries' orbital manufacturing. He critiques the social isolation of these models and the technical challenges of self-replication and re-entry. The discussion highlights specific companies and their unique value propositions, from bamboo buoyancy to microgravity pharmaceutical production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-06-25-living-in-space-and-on-water-will-soon-change-our-lives-forever-hard-tech-8 - **5 Ways Your Electric Car Could Be Continuously Recharged While You Drive | Hard Tech #7** (2023-06-18, 52m): Host Daniel Laporte discusses five methods for continuously recharging electric vehicles while driving: overhead cables, conductive rail charging, inductive road charging, solar roofs, and charging robots. He highlights specific implementations including a German highway project for trucks, Electreon’s inductive technology in Sweden, Lightyear’s solar car, and Zigi robots at DFW Airport. Laporte argues that inductive road charging and solar integration offer the most seamless user experience for mass adoption. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-06-18-5-ways-your-electric-car-could-be-continuously-recharged-while-you-drive-hard-te - **Andrei Klochko: Reversible Heat Pumps, Decarbonization, and Earth vs Mars | Hard Tech Podcast #6** (2023-06-14, 27m): Andrei Klochko, founder and CEO of Airthium, explains his company's reversible heat pump technology, which converts electricity to heat and vice versa using a modified Ericsson cycle with fast near-isothermal compression. He argues that decarbonizing industrial processes, particularly by replacing natural gas in food and agro-industry steam generation, is critical for fixing Earth rather than focusing on Mars colonization. Klochko discusses the economic drivers of carbon taxes in Europe, the technical advantages of his engine over Stirling cycles, and the need for long-term energy storage solutions like hydrogen in salt caverns to balance intermittent renewable sources. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-06-14-andrei-klochko-reversible-heat-pumps-decarbonization-and-earth-vs-mars-hard-tech - **Floating Power Sources, Augmented Reality For Work, And More | Hard Tech #5** (2023-06-11, 44m): Host Daniel Lapo discusses emerging hardware technologies, starting with SpaceTime, an augmented reality laptop system by Space Time that uses AR glasses to create virtual multi-monitor setups for remote work. He then covers a 'battery tanker' concept designed to transport up to 2 gigawatt-hours of electricity across oceans, and Helion Energy's ambitious 2028 timeline for commercial nuclear fusion, backed by Sam Altman and Microsoft. The episode concludes with an analysis of floating power sources, including offshore wind turbines like General Electric's Haliade X, floating solar arrays that conserve water, and small-scale hydro turbines like Blue Freedom for decentralized energy generation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-06-11-floating-power-sources-augmented-reality-for-work-and-more-hard-tech-5 - **Brett Walker: Advanced Manufacturing, Generative AI, Kickstarter & Austin | Hard Tech Podcast #4** (2023-06-07, 59m): Brett Walker, CEO and co-founder of Electroninks, discusses his company's particle-free conductive inks and their application in advanced electronics manufacturing, including EMI shielding and bezel-less displays. He details the company's journey from a University of Illinois startup to an Austin-based operation, highlighting the critical challenges of securing infrastructure and funding for materials science ventures. Walker also reflects on the evolution of crowdfunding, noting how Circuit Scribe’s successful Kickstarter campaign in 2013 contrasts with the current saturated market, and explains how Circuit Jet enables rapid, domestic PCB prototyping to support US supply chain resilience. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-06-07-brett-walker-advanced-manufacturing-generative-ai-kickstarter-austin-hard-tech-p - **Household Robots Are Now Available, Moonwalker Shoes Help You Walk Faster, And More | Hard Tech #3** (2023-06-04, 53m): Host Daniela Paul discusses five emerging hardware technologies, including Gucci’s partnership with Lanza Tech to create fragrance from industrial waste, a new mosquito-repellent fabric from Auburn University, and a method to convert diapers into concrete sand. She highlights Shift Robotics’ Moonwalker shoes, which use an eight-wheeled gearbox to increase walking speed by 250%, and analyzes the rise of household robots like Amazon Astro, Sanctuary AI’s Phoenix, and Tesla’s humanoid robot. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hard-tech-podcast/2023-06-04-household-robots-are-now-available-moonwalker-shoes-help-you-walk-faster-and-mor ## It's Only a Prototype Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype Tom Constable and Phil Staunton of product design agency Design 2 Market on the real stories behind physical product innovation, from the first idea and prototype to manufacturing and the shelf. - Categories: Product Development, Founder Stories, Interviews, Manufacturing - Latest episode: 2025-07-01 - Apple Podcasts: 1 ratings averaging 2/5 - Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/its-only-a-prototype/ - Website: https://www.design2market.co.uk/podcasts/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (7) - **Kickstarter, Copycats, and Comebacks: RiutBag’s Rise** (2025-07-01, 1h 08m): Sarah Giblin, founder of RiutBag, explains how she launched a secure backwards backpack as a solopreneur with no design background, using Kickstarter to fund production and TikTok for marketing. She details the critical role of customer surveys in defining the product's 15-inch laptop capacity and the importance of hand-checking every unit in her Chinese factory to ensure quality. Giblin also discusses overcoming severe burnout and depression after facing copycats and financial peril, emphasizing the need for frugality and 'extreme ownership' to sustain the business. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-07-01-kickstarter-copycats-and-comebacks-riutbags-rise - **Dyslexia, Deals & Devastation: Jez Williman on the Highs and Lows of Building Physical Products** (2025-06-12, 1h 14m): Jez Williman, a British entrepreneur who scaled a crowd control business to over $100 million in sales, shares the story of his second venture in electric mobility that he ultimately lost to investors. He details the failure of trusting a major UK design firm for the product development, which resulted in unusable CAD drawings and significant financial loss. Williman explains how a minority investor used contractual clauses to block further funding, forcing the company into administration and allowing the investor to take full control. He concludes by discussing his return to the crowd control industry with a new smart technology focus and the parallels between elite athletics and entrepreneurship. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-06-12-dyslexia-deals-devastation-jez-williman-on-the-highs-and-lows-of-building-physic - **How AI Is Transforming Product Design** (2025-05-29, 53m): Industrial designer and AI consultant Rupert Warries joins hosts Tom Constable and Phil Staunton to discuss how generative AI is transforming product design workflows. Warries explains how tools like Vizcom and ComfyUI allow designers to accelerate ideation and 3D rendering while managing stakeholder expectations regarding the realism of AI outputs. The conversation covers the legal ambiguities of AI training data, the risk of over-reliance on AI as a 'crutch', and the future impact of AI on design roles and hiring practices. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-05-29-how-ai-is-transforming-product-design - **Against All Odds: Overcoming Huge Setbacks to Sell 5 Million Worldwide** (2025-05-15, 55m): Rob Law, founder of Trunki, explains how he turned a student design project into a global brand selling 5 million units, detailing his journey from a disastrous Dragons' Den pitch to securing UK manufacturing. He discusses the strategic decision to buy a failing factory, the costly but PR-positive loss of a high court IP battle, and the lessons learned from the failed 'Journey' crowdfunding campaign. Law also outlines his current approach with Zeepy, using AI for rapid iteration and 'slow innovation' to build sustainable products without heavy upfront investment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-05-15-against-all-odds-overcoming-huge-setbacks-to-sell-5-million-worldwide - **Taming the Dragons whilst Saving the Planet** (2025-05-01, 59m): Lisa Hicks, founder of SNOAP, explains how she turned a lockdown frustration with slippery, unhygienic solid soap bars into the world’s first solid soap and shampoo dispenser. She details the development of seven prototypes to achieve a durable, 25-year lifespan and the rigorous due diligence required before appearing on Dragons' Den. After the episode aired, Hicks managed a massive surge in direct-to-consumer orders and secured investment from Deborah Meaden and Peter Jones to drive global expansion. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-05-01-taming-the-dragons-whilst-saving-the-planet - **Bootstrapped to 800,000 Units Sold Worldwide: The Story Behind Rockit** (2025-04-17, 44m): Matt Dyson, co-founder of Rockit, explains how he and his brother-in-law Nick Webb transformed a gaffer-taped DIY prototype into a global brand selling over 800,000 units. Dyson details the journey from quitting teaching to bootstrapping the business, securing IP protection on a shoestring, and raising £250,000 via CrowdCube. He discusses the strategic decision to use distributors for global expansion, maintaining a lean team of four, and fighting off cheap Chinese copycats through strong branding and IP enforcement. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/its-only-a-prototype/2025-04-17-bootstrapped-to-800-000-units-sold-worldwide-the-story-behind-rockit - **Introducing: It's only a Prototype Podcast** (2025-04-09, 5m): Welcome to It’s only a Prototype! What does it really take to launch a physical product? Spoiler: it’s messy, it’s unpredictable and it’s never as smooth as the success stories make it sound. Welcome to It’s only a Prototype, the podcast that goes behind the curtain of product development. In this trailer episode, your hosts Phil Staunton, an experienced industrial designer and founder of a product design consultancy, and Tom Constable, a curious outsider with a tech and entrepreneurial background, introduce the purpose of the show and what you can expect in the season ahead. Whether you're navigating complex supply chains, trying to avoid manufacturing pitfalls, or wondering when to pivot… ## Product Startup Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup Kevin Mako of MAKO Design + Invent with inventors, product startups and small manufacturers on taking an invention from idea to store shelves: design, prototyping, patents, funding and launch. - Categories: Product Development, Startups, Consumer Products & CPG, Interviews - Latest episode: 2024-07-25 - Apple Podcasts: 63 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.captivate.fm/productstartup/ - Website: https://productstartup.com/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **233: Raising Money For Scaling Via a Crowdfunding Campaign** (2024-07-25, 18m): Will Ford, President and Co-Founder of LaunchBoom, explains how hardware startups can leverage crowdfunding campaigns on Kickstarter and Indiegogo to validate products and raise growth capital without giving away excessive equity early. He details the strategy of using pre-launch testing to build an audience and convert backers into investors via equity platforms like Wefunder and StartEngine, citing Dr. Squatch as a successful example of scaling from a six-figure campaign to a massive exit. Ford emphasizes bootstrapping as long as possible and using crowdfunding proceeds to fund manufacturing and delivery, thereby increasing leverage for future venture capital or retail deals. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-07-25-233-raising-money-for-scaling-via-a-crowdfunding-campaign - **232: Video Product Renderings for Your Invention** (2024-07-07, 20m): David Brown, an industrial designer at Mako Design, explains how 3D CAD video renderings serve as a powerful tool for hardware startups to visualize products before physical prototypes exist. He details the technical process of applying materials, lighting, and virtual camera angles to create realistic animations, including complex features like exploded views that reveal internal mechanics. Brown emphasizes that these renderings are essential for securing investor interest, validating designs for crowdfunding campaigns, and creating marketing assets like tutorials and ads. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-07-07-232-video-product-renderings-for-your-invention - **231: Selling Your Invention on Your Own Website Starting from Zero** (2024-06-20, 23m): Hamdy Albana, founder of Push Analytics, explains how hardware startups can scale from zero to millions in revenue by selling directly on their own websites via Shopify or Squarespace, rather than relying solely on Amazon. He details the critical role of Meta (Facebook/Instagram) ads in the early stages, emphasizing that the first 50 orders are essential for training the algorithm to find efficient audiences. Albana advises starting with a $50/day ad budget, targeting broad geographies to let the algorithm optimize, and focusing on testing diverse content to identify high-performing messaging before scaling aggressively. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-06-20-231-selling-your-invention-on-your-own-website-starting-from-zero - **230: Product Packaging Advice for Your New Hardware Invention** (2024-06-14, 17m): Elizabeth Corbett, President of Enterprise Sales at AE Global, shares 30 years of packaging expertise with hardware startups, emphasizing that packaging must first protect the product, then represent the brand, and fit the budget. She discusses the critical differences between retail and e-commerce packaging, highlighting sustainability, cost reduction strategies like SIOC (Ship in Own Container), and the risk of porch theft. Corbett illustrates how unboxing experiences can drive viral marketing, citing examples from Tiffany, Wahl, and MeUndies, while advising founders to use packaging as 'free real estate' to connect directly with early customers via QR codes and personal videos. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-06-14-230-product-packaging-advice-for-your-new-hardware-invention - **229: Overview of Patenting for Hardware Startups** (2024-06-07, 23m): Tom Dunlap, managing partner of Dunlap Bennett & Ludwig, explains the different types of intellectual property protection for hardware startups, including utility patents, design patents, trademarks, copyrights, and trade secrets. He details the strategic use of provisional patents as a 'bookmark' to secure priority dates before public disclosure or fundraising, and clarifies the critical role of patent claims in defining the scope of protection. Dunlap also warns about the limitations of NDAs when working with overseas manufacturers and outlines the legal requirements for raising capital from friends and family. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-06-07-229-overview-of-patenting-for-hardware-startups - **228: How to Build a Digital Community Before Launching Your Invention** (2024-05-30, 15m): Jon Davids, founder of Influicity and author of 'Marketing Superpowers', explains how hardware startups can build digital communities before launch using his 'movement formula' of belief, faith, and action. He argues that founders should establish authority and trust early by sharing their core belief and the experts validating it, rather than trying to be professional content creators. Davids emphasizes that authenticity and consistency in messaging allow inventors to build a loyal audience that converts to sales naturally, citing examples like MrBeast and Kim Kardashian who succeed through community rather than just celebrity status. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-05-30-228-how-to-build-a-digital-community-before-launching-your-invention - **227: How to Sell Your Invention Direct to Companies as a Promotional Product** (2024-05-24, 22m): Jeff Lerner, CEO of Misnomer and former Google marketing lead, explains how hardware startups can bypass traditional retail to sell inventions directly to corporations as promotional products. He outlines a strategy of identifying a specific 'champion' within a target organization who faces a problem your product solves, allowing that person to look good by bringing the solution to their team. Lerner emphasizes that these products must offer unique value—such as improving efficiency, aiding employee retention, or enhancing sales processes at trade shows—rather than being generic items like pens. He advises starting locally through networking groups and chambers of commerce to generate early case studies and validation before scaling to larger, faceless B2B transactions. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-05-24-227-how-to-sell-your-invention-direct-to-companies-as-a-promotional-product - **226: Maximizing Your Invention’s Perceived Value Through Marketing** (2024-05-16, 17m): Valentin Radu, CEO of Omniconvert and author of 'The CLV Revolution', explains how hardware startups can maximize perceived value and pricing through marketing rather than just product features. He argues that 96% of buying decisions are emotional, urging founders to focus on the 'jobs to be done' and the pain points customers want to solve, using features only as secondary validation. Radu introduces the unit economics formula of Customer Lifetime Value divided by Customer Acquisition Cost as the core metric for profitability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-05-16-226-maximizing-your-inventions-perceived-value-through-marketing - **225: Communication Silos for Product Design Stakeholders** (2024-05-09, 15m): John Conafay, founder of Integrate, explains how compartmentalized communication tools solve the 'source of truth' problem in hardware development. Drawing from his background with aerospace startups and the US Air Force, he argues that siloing information protects intellectual property and reduces administrative overhead compared to disjointed toolchains like spreadsheets and email. He details how object-level permissions allow startups to scale from garage prototypes to enterprise manufacturing without losing data integrity or security. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-05-09-225-communication-silos-for-product-design-stakeholders - **224: Expanding Your Product Into New Verticals** (2024-05-02, 16m): Danny Angers, co-founder of VOSKER, explains how the company scaled from a niche wildlife monitoring camera to $150 million in annual sales by identifying and serving new customer verticals like construction and agriculture. He details the process of sampling early customers, using AI to bucketize usage data, and directly contacting users to uncover unmet needs that drove product iteration. Angers emphasizes the importance of developing Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) for each new vertical to validate demand before full-scale production, while maintaining a culture where 'assumption kills.' Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-05-02-224-expanding-your-product-into-new-verticals - **223: Mechanical Prototype Parts vs. Pre-Production Parts for Plastic Inventions** (2024-04-26, 17m): Tim Uys, Director of Design at MAKO Design + Invent, explains the critical differences between mechanical and pre-production prototypes for plastic hardware. He details how mechanical prototypes validate function and material strength, while pre-production prototypes apply specific manufacturing constraints like draft angles for injection molding. Uys warns that skipping these stages or adding feature creep exponentially increases costs, advising startups to keep initial features minimal to ensure a robust path to mass production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-04-26-223-mechanical-prototype-parts-vs-pre-production-parts-for-plastic-inventions - **222: Securing Grants for Scaling Up a Hardware Startup** (2024-04-18, 17m): Micki Vandeloo, President of Lakeview Consulting, explains how hardware startups can secure government grants to fund scaling operations, noting her firm has raised over $250 million for clients. She distinguishes between state grants, which are smaller and easier to access, and federal programs like SBIR/STTR and the CHIPS Act, which target larger-scale facility and hiring expansions. Vandeloo emphasizes that grants require proven market validation and a detailed project design, warning founders to be conservative in their estimates to avoid clawbacks if they fail to meet specific outcomes like job creation or capital investment. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-04-18-222-securing-grants-for-scaling-up-a-hardware-startup - **221: How to Go from Prototype to First Manufacturing Run** (2024-04-11, 15m): Keenan Wyrobek, Co-Founder and CTO of Zipline, explains the critical transition from prototyping to the first manufacturing run, emphasizing that design changes must cease once the architecture is frozen. He advocates for deep collaboration with manufacturing vendors, suggesting that designers work side-by-side with vendors to build relationships that survive inevitable production challenges. Wyrobek highlights the importance of a comprehensive design manufacturing pack and iterative testing to achieve reliability, especially in safety-critical systems with tight margins. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-04-11-221-how-to-go-from-prototype-to-first-manufacturing-run - **220: How Storytelling Drives Consumer Product Sales** (2024-04-05, 18m): Akeem Shannon, founder of Flipstik, explains how his hardware startup achieved over one million units sold and partnerships with 3,000 resellers by leveraging authentic storytelling rather than just product features. He details his journey from a college dropout to securing a deal with Snoop Dogg and appearing on Shark Tank, emphasizing that founders must sell their personal narrative to overcome the competition of 'nothing.' Shannon highlights specific customer stories, such as a deaf influencer using the device for FaceTime calls, which resonated deeply with audiences and drove viral sales through influencers like Brock Johnson. The episode underscores that authenticity and human connection are critical for scaling a consumer product business from a garage prototype to major retail distribution. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-04-05-220-how-storytelling-drives-consumer-product-sales - **219: Hiring Your First Team Members at a Hardware Startup** (2024-03-28, 19m): Kevin Lavelle, Co-Founder and CEO of Harbor and founder of Mizzen + Main, discusses hiring strategies for early-stage hardware startups. He emphasizes that first hires must possess integrity, relevant experience, and the ability to operate without the safety net of large organizational processes. Lavelle warns against hiring individuals from large corporations who cannot handle the fast-paced, uncertain nature of startups, and stresses the importance of avoiding feature creep to ensure product quality and timely launch. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-03-28-219-hiring-your-first-team-members-at-a-hardware-startup - **218: Best Sales Processes for Selling Hardware Products** (2024-03-21, 22m): Wesleyne Whittaker, CEO of Transformed Sales, outlines a three-phase sales process for hardware startups: prospect, nurture, and close. She emphasizes that founders must extract their technical knowledge and educate potential buyers through multi-channel content, such as video and writing, to demonstrate value rather than competing on price. Whittaker advises using a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) entry point to build customer lifetime value and argues that price objections are actually failures to communicate product worth. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-03-21-218-best-sales-processes-for-selling-hardware-products - **217: Using Crowdfunding for Real Customer Feedback on Your Invention** (2024-03-14, 19m): Yuri Dvoinos, founder of 15 companies including the maker of the Jammy portable guitar, explains how he used crowdfunding primarily for customer feedback rather than just capital. He details how the Jammy Guitar's first Indiegogo campaign raised $250,000, providing high-quality validation from backers that helped identify music professionals as the core target segment. Leveraging this feedback, Dvoinos launched a second campaign for the Jammy EVO on both Kickstarter and Indiegogo, raising $500,000 by refining the product for that specific niche and reducing costs. He emphasizes the importance of authentic, user-generated content in marketing and the strategic advantage of using crowdfunding to validate product-market fit before scaling production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-03-14-217-using-crowdfunding-for-real-customer-feedback-on-your-invention - **216: 5 Key Tips For Starting Your Product Development Journey** (2024-03-11, 27m): Wade Harmidy, a Six Sigma Black Belt project manager at MAKO Design + Invent, outlines five critical strategies for hardware startups to increase their chances of success during the early product development phase. He emphasizes the importance of defining a clear product vision, understanding the end user, and adhering to Minimum Viable Product (MVP) principles to reduce waste and accelerate time to market. Harmidy also stresses the necessity of setting realistic timelines to avoid cutting corners and planning for the big picture, including manufacturing and business goals, from the outset. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-03-11-216-5-key-tips-for-starting-your-product-development-journey - **215: Launching a New Product on Walmart Marketplace** (2024-03-01, 16m): Michael Lebhar, founder of SellCord, explains how hardware startups can launch and scale on Walmart Marketplace, noting that while getting approved is easier than Amazon, success requires optimizing listings for Walmart's specific 'listing quality score' and style guides. He details the importance of using Walmart Fulfillment Services (WFS) to gain visibility and leveraging Walmart Connect advertising to build sales momentum. Lebhar shares his background of starting an Amazon brand in high school before expanding to Walmart, where he now helps brands navigate the platform's unique requirements and growing competition. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-03-01-215-launching-a-new-product-on-walmart-marketplace - **214: Affiliate Marketing for D2C Sales of Inventions** (2024-02-22, 25m): Alex Back, founder of Couch.com and former founder of Apt2B, explains how hardware startups can leverage affiliate marketing to drive direct-to-consumer sales. He details the mechanics of affiliate platforms like Impact and CJ Affiliate, emphasizing the importance of offering aggressive commissions to secure early reviews from influencers and editorial sites like Wirecutter and Apartment Therapy. Back argues that this strategy builds long-term brand equity and SEO value, even if it sacrifices short-term profitability. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-02-22-214-affiliate-marketing-for-d2c-sales-of-inventions - **213: Researching How Your Product Fits on Amazon** (2024-02-15, 18m): Lesley Hensell, co-founder of Riverbend Consulting and author of The Amazon Incubator, explains how hardware startups can research and succeed on the Amazon marketplace. She details the importance of keyword research using tools like Helium 10 and Jungle Scout to identify niche gaps and optimize product listings. Hensell also covers critical launch strategies, including leveraging the 'honeymoon period' for Best Seller Rank (BSR) and using Amazon Brand Registry to protect intellectual property from knock-offs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-02-15-213-researching-how-your-product-fits-on-amazon - **212: The Customer Experience for New Hardware Products** (2024-02-05, 18m): Jason Friedman, CEO of CXFormula, explains how hardware startups can transform prospective customers into raving fans by mastering the customer journey. He advocates for 'method acting' research, such as analyzing Amazon reviews and interviewing users, to deeply understand customer pain points and language. Friedman details his 'Kinetic Customer Formula,' which uses reverse engineering to design an ideal testimonial and then builds the product and marketing journey to ensure customers naturally deliver that feedback, achieving the 'R4' outcome of raving, returning, renewing, and recruiting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-02-05-212-the-customer-experience-for-new-hardware-products - **211: Establishing Product Manufacturing Operations** (2024-01-28, 21m): Nikhil Joshi, founder of SNic Solutions, explains how hardware startups can prepare for complex manufacturing by integrating design, engineering, and operations early in the process. He highlights the shift from mass production to personalized, low-volume manufacturing, which requires agility and efficiency to manage increased complexity. Joshi advises startups to break down silos between functions and use integrated technology stacks to reduce lead times and avoid the pitfalls of designing without manufacturing logic in mind. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-01-28-211-establishing-product-manufacturing-operations - **210: Using Ad Funnels for D2C Product Sales** (2024-01-19, 17m): Taylor Frame, Co-Founder of Focus Funnels, explains how physical product startups can build direct-to-consumer sales funnels by focusing on four pillars: product, positioning, placement, and audience. He details the three core aspects of execution—content creation, media buying (paid vs. organic), and landing page optimization—using a weighted blanket case study to illustrate scaling from $5k to over $1M monthly revenue. Frame emphasizes that startups have a competitive advantage in authenticity, advising founders to keep ad content simple, test multiple hooks weekly, and provide extensive product information on landing pages to convert educated consumers. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-01-19-210-using-ad-funnels-for-d2c-product-sales - **209: Materials Research for Consumer Product Design** (2024-01-12, 15m): Ori Yudilevich, CTO of Materials Zone, explains why materials research is critical for hardware product development, comparing material selection to cooking ingredients where process and quality determine the final outcome. He highlights three dominant trends shaping modern product design: sustainability concerns regarding carbon footprints, supply chain disruptions forcing rapid adaptation to alternative materials, and strengthening global regulations on material safety. Yudilevich describes how his platform, Materials Zone, uses AI and machine learning to model complex material recipes, helping companies reduce time-to-market and costs by predicting outcomes rather than relying on expensive physical testing. The discussion emphasizes the need to balance front-end customer expectations for sustainable, safe products with back-end manufacturing realities like regional supply flexibility and regulatory compliance. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/product-startup/2024-01-12-209-materials-research-for-consumer-product-design ## Predictable Designs Podcast Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast John Teel, a former Texas Instruments chip designer, for hardware startups and entrepreneurs bringing a new electronic product to market: developing, manufacturing, marketing and selling it. - Categories: Electronics, Product Development, Startups - Latest episode: 2023-01-25 - Apple Podcasts: 12 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://rss.buzzsprout.com/797510.rss - Website: https://predictabledesigns.com/podcast/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (25) - **Q&A - Best PCB Design Software, Finding Co-founders, and Avoiding Unsold Inventory** (2023-01-25, 43m): In this episode I answer the following questions: Q1: What PCB design software do you recommend? Q2: How can I ensure that I'm able to sell my product so I don't end up with a warehouse full of unsold inventory? Q3: How can I find a technical co-founder? - **The Ugly Truth About Prototyping a New Product** (2023-01-11, 17m): Host John Teel explains the iterative stages of prototyping electronic hardware, emphasizing that no single prototype suffices for mass production. He details the progression from low-cost Proof of Concept (POC) prototypes using development kits like Arduino or Raspberry Pi to 'looks-like' models made of clay or 3D printed, and 'works-like' prototypes with custom PCBs. Teel outlines the critical transition to pre-production prototypes optimized for injection molding, followed by Engineering Validation Testing (EVT), Design Validation Testing (DVT) for certifications like FCC and UL, and Production Validation Testing (PVT) for pilot runs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2023-01-11-the-ugly-truth-about-prototyping-a-new-product - **Microcontroller Showdown: Selecting the Best One for Your Project** (2023-01-04, 18m): Do you know which microcontroller is best for your new electronic product? In this episode you will learn about the various microcontrollers available, and how to select the best one for your specific project. - **How Long Does It Take to Develop a New Electronic Product?** (2022-12-28, 8m): One of the most common questions I get asked is how long does it take to develop a new electronic hardware product and bring it to market? The simple answer is: probably longer than you think. The more accurate answer depends on 3 critical variables which I reveal in this episode. Near the end of this episode I then give you some concrete estimates on how long to expect it to take to develop your new electronic product. - **How to Outsource Product Development** (2022-12-21, 19m): Host John Teel explains how to outsource electronic product development by balancing experience, cost, location, and trust. He advises hiring specialized engineers with relevant product experience, using independent design reviews to mitigate risk, and paying via fixed-price milestones to control budget. Teel also distinguishes between proof-of-concept prototypes using off-the-shelf modules and manufacturable custom PCB designs, warning against switching software like Altium or Eagle mid-project. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-12-21-how-to-outsource-product-development - **Microcontroller or Microprocessor - Which Do You Need for Your Project?** (2022-12-14, 18m): Just about any new electronic product requires some sort of “brains”. The question though is what type of brains does your product really need? There are two choices: a microcontroller unit (MCU) or a microprocessor unit (MPU). In this episode you will discover how to determine which of these processor choices is right for your specific product. - **The Costs to Develop & Manufacture a New Electronic Product** (2022-12-07, 20m): In this episode you will discover how much it costs to both develop and manufacture a new electronic product. - **15 Steps to Develop a New Electronic Hardware Product** (2022-11-30, 20m): Host John Teel outlines a 15-step framework for developing new electronic hardware products, emphasizing the critical importance of early cost estimation and manufacturing feasibility. He details the progression from product definition and preliminary design to schematic capture, PCB layout, firmware development, and enclosure prototyping via 3D printing. The process concludes with iterative testing, debugging, and obtaining necessary electrical certifications like FCC and CE before mass production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-11-30-15-steps-to-develop-a-new-electronic-hardware-product - **13 Reasons Why New Hardware Products Fail** (2022-11-23, 14m): In this episode I share with you 13 of the most common reasons why new hardware products fail. We'll look at three categories of failures including technical, financial, and sales/marketing. Most importantly, you will discover how to prevent these same failures with your own hardware product. - **WORST DAY Bringing a New Product to Market** (2022-11-09, 11m): Episode 34. In this podcast episode I share my story about the worst day I experienced bringing my new product to market. I also share my most exciting day, and my most terrifying day. The story goes from my relaxing life in Alaska to presenting my product to executives at a multi-billion dollar company conveniently located at the top of a very intimidating skyscraper. I hope you enjoy it! - **Why You Must Simplify Your Product to Succeed** (2022-07-19, 10m): In this episode I discuss why it's critical for hardware entrepreneurs to simplify their product in order to successfully bring it to market. - **Why Patents Are a Death Trap for Entrepreneurs!** (2022-07-12, 12m): Episode 36. Just about everyone with a new product idea immediately focuses all of their attention and money on getting a patent. But this is a HUGE mistake! In this episode you will learn what you should do instead. - **Top 10 Product Design Mistakes You Must Avoid** (2022-07-05, 16m): Episode 35. John Teal, founder of Predictable Designs and former Texas Instruments chip designer, outlines ten critical product design mistakes for electronic hardware startups. He covers technical errors such as incorrect RF impedance matching, insufficient PCB trace width for high currents, and poor switching regulator layout, alongside process failures like neglecting Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and delaying cost estimation. Teal emphasizes the importance of independent design reviews and proper via selection to avoid costly prototype iterations and manufacturing issues. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-07-05-top-10-product-design-mistakes-you-must-avoid - **How to Know If Your New Product Idea is a Good One to Pursue** (2022-06-28, 18m): Episode 35. John Teel, host of the Predictable Designs podcast and former Texas Instruments chip designer, outlines ten criteria for evaluating new hardware product ideas. He emphasizes the importance of targeting reachable niches, ensuring market validation through existing competition, and avoiding dominant players like Amazon or Apple. Teel also stresses the need for product differentiation, appropriate pricing strategies, and high profit margins to ensure scalability and sustainability for startups. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-06-28-how-to-know-if-your-new-product-idea-is-a-good-one-to-pursue - **Hardware Entrepreneurs: 3 Critical Mistakes You Must Avoid** (2022-06-21, 9m): Episode 34. There are 3 critical mistakes that I see so many hardware entrepreneurs make over and over again. Not only will you now discover these 3 critical mistakes but you will learn how to avoid making them yourself. - **How to Validate the Market for Your New Product with Ivo Kalburdzhiev of CreatorClub** (2022-04-14, 54m): Episode 33. Ivo Kalburdzhiev, co-founder and CEO of CreatorClub, explains a product market validation process for hardware startups to avoid building unwanted products. He details a funnel using Facebook and Instagram ads to drive traffic to a landing page, where users can sign up or pay a small deposit to reserve a product, such as the DuoBox night-vision camera. Kalburdzhiev emphasizes testing price points, using real product photography over renders, and analyzing metrics like cost per lead and pre-launch metrics to ensure viability before full development. He shares his own past failures, including a failed Kickstarter for an iPad racing wheel and a phone stand, to illustrate the importance of validating demand early. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2022-04-14-how-to-validate-the-market-for-your-new-product-with-ivo-kalburdzhiev-of-creator - **How to Build an Audience for Your Product with Craig Rettew** (2021-06-02, 54m): Episode 32. Craig Rettew, founder of Zepto Industries and an electrical engineer, discusses his journey from corporate roles at FLIR Systems to launching his own product, the Stomp Switch, a wired USB foot pedal for media control. He explains his strategy of building an audience through YouTube, guest blogging, and Facebook ads before finalizing the product, emphasizing the importance of validating a niche market early. Rettew highlights the challenges of component shortages and the need to balance engineering services with product development, advocating for using crowdfunding like Kickstarter as a market validation tool rather than just a funding source. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-06-02-how-to-build-an-audience-for-your-product-with-craig-rettew - **Product Simplification, Marketing, and Crowdfunding with Miguel Hernandez of Palocam** (2021-05-18, 43m): Episode 31. Miguel Hernandez, founder of Palocam, explains how he drastically simplified his remote-control camera system by reducing custom injection molded parts from 18 to zero and removing a complex pan-and-tilt feature, which cut assembly time by over 500% and saved tens of thousands in mold costs. He discusses the financial realities of bootstrapping, estimating that producing 1,000 units would cost between $250,000 and $500,000, and explores funding strategies including manufacturer financing and crowdfunding. Hernandez details his marketing approach, leveraging YouTube videos and influencer outreach to build an audience and sell prototypes directly, while emphasizing the importance of validating features with real customers before scaling production. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-05-18-product-simplification-marketing-and-crowdfunding-with-miguel-hernandez-of-paloc - **How to Execute Quickly with Miguel Hernandez of Palocam** (2021-04-27, 1h 03m): Episode 30. Miguel Hernandez, founder of Palocam, explains how he reduced his remote-controlled climbing camera's part count from 18 to 3 by removing the pan-and-tilt mechanism, drastically cutting assembly time and manufacturing costs. He discusses his journey from a Lego prototype to selling 12 units, his experience with Y Combinator, and his strategy for sourcing manufacturers in China through Alibaba and TechDesigns. Hernandez highlights the importance of rapid execution and feedback, noting that his quick implementation of advice led to a significant investment offer from another Hardware Academy member. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-27-how-to-execute-quickly-with-miguel-hernandez-of-palocam - **Q&A with Miguel Hernandez, Creator of the PaloCam** (2021-04-21, 47m): Episode 29. Miguel Hernandez, creator of the PaloCam, a pole-climbing camera for sports, discusses his journey with host John Teel, who analyzes Miguel's financials and technical design. Hernandez has sold 10 units at a loss, spending $680 per unit against a $275 sale price, due to high costs from 18 custom 3D-printed parts and 10 hours of manual assembly labor. Teel advises reducing part count via injection molding or urethane casting, outsourcing sub-assemblies to Asian suppliers like Seeed Studio, and using manufacturing partners to finance tooling and inventory through amortization and favorable payment terms. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2021-04-21-q-a-with-miguel-hernandez-creator-of-the-palocam - **Marketing Lessons Learned with Fraser Vaage, Founder of Snik** (2020-08-31, 1h 02m): Episode 28. Fraser Vaage, founder of Snik, explains his strategy for launching a GPS-enabled bicycle security device that integrates into the standardized 16mm head tube. He details the hardware challenges of replacing the StarNut while maintaining signal integrity, and his partnership with Elliot, who handles software and hardware development. Vaage emphasizes a marketing approach focused on hyper-targeted digital funnels, leveraging his network of mountain bike athletes and retailers to build brand awareness before launch. He also discusses the importance of a recurring revenue model to sustain cash flow and the strategic decision to prioritize market validation over early patenting. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-08-31-marketing-lessons-learned-with-fraser-vaage-founder-of-snik - **The Importance of Defining Project Milestones with Dave Millman of SalesDev.Global** (2020-08-24, 53m): Dave Millman of SalesDev.Global and host John Teel discuss the critical importance of defining project milestones to reduce risk and increase valuation for hardware startups. They outline a progression from initial customer validation and proof-of-concept prototypes to letters of intent, revenue, and profitable manufacturing. Millman emphasizes that an idea alone has no value, and investors look for tangible progress, such as customer testimonials and working prototypes, to mitigate the high risks associated with hardware development. The conversation highlights strategies for engaging investors early by sharing progress updates rather than making unrealistic timeline commitments. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-08-24-the-importance-of-defining-project-milestones-with-dave-millman-of-salesdev-glob - **How to Define and Specify Your New Hardware Product** (2020-07-21, 24m): Episode 26. John Teel, host of the Predictable Designs Podcast and founder of the Hardware Academy, explains how to create a comprehensive product definition document to estimate development and manufacturing costs. He details specific technical specifications that founders must define, including electronics features, target retail price, dimensions, operating environment, power source, and processing requirements. Teel emphasizes the importance of specifying wireless range, display needs, mobile app requirements, and packaging to avoid costly design errors and ensure accurate cost estimation. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-07-21-how-to-define-and-specify-your-new-hardware-product - **How to Validate Your Product Idea Before You Spend Serious Money On It** (2020-07-13, 36m): Episode 25. Host John Teel explains how hardware entrepreneurs can validate product ideas before spending significant money on development. He outlines specific strategies including researching competition to ensure market proof, building an audience through content marketing, and using sales page tests to gauge real interest. Teel also discusses the importance of pre-selling, minimum viable products (MVPs), and leveraging an existing email list for successful crowdfunding campaigns like Pebble's. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-07-13-how-to-validate-your-product-idea-before-you-spend-serious-money-on-it - **Supply Chains and Manufacturing with Charles Lin of TechDesign** (2020-07-06, 51m): Episode 24. Charles Lin of TechDesign, a Taiwan-based hardware development facilitator, explains how his company connects startups with a network of over 500 suppliers in China and Taiwan. He outlines six key strategies for selecting suppliers, emphasizing the importance of finding mid-tier manufacturers with available capacity rather than large ODMs like Foxconn. Lin also details the advantages of Taiwan's electronics ecosystem, including its high patent density and engineering talent, and discusses how the company navigates supply chain challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/predictable-designs-podcast/2020-07-06-supply-chains-and-manufacturing-with-charles-lin-of-techdesign ## Tough Tech Vets Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tough-tech-vets Chris Ricks, a former submarine officer building small modular reactors, with veteran entrepreneurs solving hard problems at the intersection of hardware and software: energy, critical minerals and defence. - Categories: Startups, Founder Stories, Hardware, Interviews - Latest episode: 2025-02-10 - Apple Podcasts: 7 ratings averaging 5/5 - Feed: https://feeds.transistor.fm/tough-tech-vets - Website: https://toughtechvets.transistor.fm/?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (5) - **From the Battlefield to the Supply Chain: A Marine’s Mission to Secure Critical Minerals with Ian Killough, President of Ridgeline Elements** (2025-02-10, 47m): Episode 4. Ian Killough, President of Ridgeline Elements, explains how he transitioned from civil engineering to founding a company that secures critical minerals by processing cobalt from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. He details the company's pivot to using electrochemical leaching technology developed with the Idaho National Laboratory to create a feed-agnostic, ethical supply chain that avoids the corruption and opacity of traditional Chinese-dominated markets. Killough discusses the challenges of feasibility studies, securing government support, and building an equitable local workforce in the DRC while establishing operations in Arkansas. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tough-tech-vets/2025-02-10-from-the-battlefield-to-the-supply-chain-a-marines-mission-to-secure-critical-mi - **Rethinking Contested Logistics with Austin Gray, Co-Founder of Blue Water Autonomy** (2025-01-06, 39m): Episode 3. Austin Gray, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer of Blue Water Autonomy, discusses the company's development of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for contested logistics, drawing on his experience as a Navy Intelligence Officer and his time working in a drone factory in Ukraine. Gray argues that the US Navy needs a fleet of cheap, attritable vessels rather than relying solely on large, expensive ships, and highlights the critical need to improve the government feedback loop to accelerate the adoption of such technology by warfighters. He details the significant regulatory and operational hurdles of testing USVs in commercial harbors, such as Boston Harbor, and emphasizes that defense tech offers a rewarding career path for veterans who can leverage their unique credibility and understanding of national security needs. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tough-tech-vets/2025-01-06-rethinking-contested-logistics-with-austin-gray-co-founder-of-blue-water-autonom - **The Unique Challenges of Global Power with Mike Gallagher, CEO of AMPS Advanced Modular Power Systems** (2024-12-09, 47m): Episode 2. Mike Gallagher, CEO of AMPS (Advanced Modular Power Systems), explains how his team developed a grid-forming battery system to stabilize remote diesel generators in harsh environments like the Middle East. He details the transition from a garage prototype to early production, highlighting the use of EPC inverters and LG batteries, and the challenges of navigating international supply chains and UL certification. Gallagher discusses the strategic decision to lease units to oil companies in Oman and Iraq, proving the technology's value by reducing fuel consumption by 50% and improving uptime, while outlining plans for scaling production and expanding into markets like Alaska and Ecuador. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tough-tech-vets/2024-12-09-the-unique-challenges-of-global-power-with-mike-gallagher-ceo-of-amps-advanced-m - **Reimagining The Future of Aviation Training with Ted Slusher, founder & CEO of Silent Crown** (2024-11-25, 45m): Episode 1. Ted Slusher, founder and CEO of Silent Crown, and former Air Force pilot, explains how his company is reshaping military aviation training by replacing outdated 'chair flying' methods with advanced synthetic simulation environments that build critical thinking. He details the transition from his 524 combat missions to entrepreneurship, highlighting the shift from rigid military structures to the agile, high-agency culture required for a startup. Slusher emphasizes that Silent Crown’s technology automates administrative burdens to reduce instructor burnout and allows aviators to focus on mission-specific scenarios, ultimately aiming to create a deterrent through superior readiness. The episode explores the intersection of hardware and software in defense tech, focusing on the business case for integrating simulation with operational efficiency. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/tough-tech-vets/2024-11-25-reimagining-the-future-of-aviation-training-with-ted-slusher-founder-ceo-of-sile - **Tough Tech Vets Trailer** (2024-11-22, 1m): Episode 1. Welcome to “Tough Tech Vets,” a podcast series focused on veteran entrepreneurs solving hard problems at the intersection of hardware and software. I’m your host Chris Ricks. I'm a former Naval Submarine Officer and Founder of Starcube, a small modular reactor company that’s focused on building microreactors for critical infrastructure. Tough Tech refers to transformational technology that solves the world's most pressing challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and leadership. Think of critical technology domains such as biotechnology, quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and the list goes on. Be sure to subscribe to Tough Tech Vets on your favorite… ## The Hardware Story Directory page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-story Apoorv Shankar, former VP of Hardware at Ultrahuman, in long interviews with founders of successful hardware companies on building, the hard parts, and what they would do differently. - Categories: Founder Stories, Startups, Hardware, Interviews - Latest episode: 2025-06-02 - Feed: https://anchor.fm/s/f68272c8/podcast/rss - Website: https://www.youtube.com/@thehardwarestory?utm_source=hardwarepodcasts.com - Status: archived, no longer publishing ### Recent episodes (4) - **Ep 4- The Hardware Story of Ati Motors | Autonomous Robots for Material movement in Factories** (2025-06-02, 1h 41m): Saurabh Chandra, Co-Founder and CEO of Ati Motors, explains how he transitioned from a software product management background to building autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) for factory material movement. He details the company's journey from a $1M seed funded by his own capital to raising $37M+, highlighting the decision to use expensive 3D LiDAR early on and the pivot from a bulky prototype to a compact, hub-motor design after initial customer feedback. Chandra discusses the challenges of B2B sales with Fortune 500 clients, the strategic advantage of Bangalore's manufacturing ecosystem, and the importance of maintaining a standardized product to avoid costly customizations. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-story/2025-06-02-ep-4-the-hardware-story-of-ati-motors-autonomous-robots-for-material-movement-in - **Ep 3 -The Hardware Story of Miko Robotics w/ Sneh | Building Conversational learning Robots for Kids** (2025-01-15, 1h 27m): Sneh Vaswani, Co-Founder and CEO of Miko Robotics, details the journey of building a conversational learning robot for children, from prototyping in Mumbai to scaling global retail distribution. He explains how the team used Quality Function Deployment (QFD) and 23 product pilots with 50,000 kids to validate the product before launching, and discusses the strategic importance of IP defensibility and raising venture capital from operator-investors. Vaswani also shares insights on navigating manufacturing partnerships, overcoming supply chain disruptions during the pandemic, and achieving profitability with over half a million devices shipped. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-story/2025-01-15-ep-3-the-hardware-story-of-miko-robotics-w-sneh-building-conversational-learning - **Episode 2 - The Hardware Story of Ethereal Machines w/ Kaushik Mudda | Building a Deep tech Mfg company** (2024-10-02, 1h 12m): In the second episode of the Hardware Story, we are meeting Kaushik Mudda, the Co-Founder and CEO of Ethereal Machines, a Deep-Tech start-up based out of Bangalore which manufactures its own 5-Axis CNC machines and caters to precision manufacturing needs of companies ranging from Consumer, Defense to Aerospace. Kaushik started Ethereal Machines in 2014 with his Co-Founder Navin Jain.Ethereal has 30 machines running 24x7 at their current manufacturing unit, they are moving to a 3L sq ft facility with the goal to have 70 machines by end of 2024 and they have raised USD23Mn so far. In this episode, we deep dive into the Hardware story of how Kaushik and Navin came up with the idea to build in… - **Episode 1 - The Hardware Story of Inito w/ Aayush Rai | Building a B2C medical hardware company** (2024-06-26, 1h 22m): Aayush Rai, Co-Founder and CEO of Inito, discusses building a B2C medical hardware company from Bangalore, India, targeting the US market with a home fertility monitoring device. He details the journey from prototyping with Arduino to navigating FDA regulations, securing $15M in funding through a unique angel-first strategy, and the critical pivot to focus exclusively on the iOS ecosystem to achieve product-market fit. Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-hardware-story/2024-06-26-episode-1-the-hardware-story-of-inito-w-aayush-rai-building-a-b2c-medical-hardwa ## Other formats - https://hardwarepodcasts.com/llms.txt: the same shows without episodes, for a smaller fetch. - https://hardwarepodcasts.com/sitemap: every page in the directory, for a reader. - https://hardwarepodcasts.com/sitemap.xml: every URL with the date it last changed.