Gear Talk

What does it actually mean to “flush” a lubrication system? And how do you know whether the flush you’re planning will actually solve the problem?

In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with flushing expert Larry Jordan of Conquest Services to break down the different types of equipment flushing, why the right approach depends on what you’re trying to remove, and why simply circulating oil through a filter cart may not be enough.

Larry draws on nearly four decades of field experience to explain the differences between particulate flushing, varnish mitigation, conversion flushing, and other cleaning strategies. He and Wes also dig into the importance of flow velocity and turbulence, why Larry targets a Reynolds number of at least 10,000 for particulate removal, and why critical components often need to be bypassed during a high-velocity flush.

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Whether you’re preparing for a major turnaround, dealing with contamination after a failure, addressing varnish, or simply trying to determine whether a system really needs to be flushed, this conversation provides a practical framework for choosing the right approach.

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What if the biggest problem with CMMS isn’t the technology, but how people actually use it?

In this episode of Gear Talk, Wes Cash sits down with UpKeep founder Ryan Chan to talk about where CMMS came from, where it’s headed and how emerging technology is changing the way maintenance teams capture information, analyze data and get work done.

Ryan shares how his own experience with cumbersome, desktop-based maintenance software led to the creation of UpKeep, and why putting technicians first can make the difference between useful maintenance data and another digital filing cabinet. The conversation also looks ahead at AI, voice interfaces, connected technicians and what these tools could mean for reliability over the next decade.

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Whether your plant is still working from paper, already experimenting with AI or somewhere in between, this conversation offers a practical look at how CMMS technology is evolving and why the people using it still matter most.

Learn about this episode's sponsor at https://www.assetwatch.com/get-started?utm_source=noria&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-ads-wes&utm_term=q1-2026&utm_content=get-started

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How can maintenance and reliability teams turn training and certification into real improvement across the plant? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with Matt Spurlock, PhD, of Georgia-Pacific, to talk about the connection between lubrication certification, leadership, trust, and organizational commitment.

Drawing from 30 years of experience in oil analysis and lubrication, along with doctoral research focused on MLT-certified professionals, Matt shares what his findings reveal about how certified employees view their leaders and what actually helps technical knowledge turn into action. While training and certification remain critical for building frontline knowledge and technical credibility, the conversation points to a bigger issue: leaders have to trust their people, listen to their recommendations, and create the conditions for trained employees to use what they know.

From the difference between management and leadership to the role of trust, empowerment, and technical credibility, this episode explores why reliability programs need both skilled people and strong leadership to succeed.

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Whether you’re leading a maintenance team, managing a lubrication program, or working on the front lines of reliability, this episode offers practical insight into how organizations can make training and certification more effective by pairing them with trust, leadership, and follow-through.

Learn about this episode's sponsor at https://www.assetwatch.com/get-started?utm_source=noria&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-ads-wes&utm_term=q1-2026&utm_content=get-started

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How do strong maintenance and reliability teams align communication across the shop floor, leadership, and peer groups without creating friction or bottlenecks? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with coach Jaison Thomas to talk about building the kind of culture that keeps teams connected, engaged, and moving in the same direction. Drawing from experience in the Air Force, chemical manufacturing, food and beverage, and plant leadership, Jaison shares practical insight into how leaders can build trust on the factory floor, communicate effectively across levels of the organization, and create systems that help teams respond well when plans change. From psychological safety and lateral communication to SOP ownership and problem-solving at the level closest to the work, this episode focuses on how culture and leadership drive operational success.

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Whether you’re leading a plant, managing a maintenance team, or trying to improve communication across your operation, this episode offers practical ideas for building stronger alignment and a healthier culture.

Learn about this episode's sponsor at https://www.assetwatch.com/get-started?utm_source=noria&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=podcast-ads-wes&utm_term=q1-2026&utm_content=get-started

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Why has lubrication drifted from a specialized engineering discipline to something many plants treat as a basic task? In this episode of Gear Talk, recorded at Reliable Plant 2025, host Wes Cash sits down with Danny Shorten to explore how the role of lubrication has changed over the last four decades—and why it may be time to rethink it.

Drawing from experience in lubricant testing, field engineering, marine environments, and lubrication management, Danny explains how some organizations gradually lost dedicated lubrication expertise and what that erosion has cost them. From lube room standards and lubricant selection to leadership ownership, training, and cross-functional alignment, this episode offers a practical look at what “good” lubrication really looks like in a modern facility.

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Whether you’re trying to start a lubrication program, improve an existing one, or simply better understand where lubrication fits into reliability, this episode will help you focus on the fundamentals that drive lasting results.

We'll be at Reliable Plant Conference again this June - will you? Register at https://conference.reliableplant.com before prices go up! Want to chat with Wes when you're there? Email us at [email protected].

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What does reliability look like when your assets aren’t bolted to the floor—but hauling 200 tons of ore up a 6% grade? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with Terry Taylor, a veteran of mining and heavy industry, to explore reliability in mobile equipment environments.

From massive draglines in Texas to gold mining operations in Nevada and coal fleets in West Virginia, Terry shares hard-earned lessons on lubrication, oil analysis, planning, and culture. He explains how structured PM systems, in-house oil labs, and disciplined execution helped drive major cost reductions—and why mobile fleets demand just as much rigor as fixed plant assets.

You’ll learn about:

Whether you work in mining, heavy equipment, or fixed plant operations, this episode offers practical insight into building sustainable reliability programs in some of the toughest operating environments in the world.

Learn about this episode's sponsor at https://www.assetwatch.com/get-started

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What does it really take to build a culture of reliability—and why do so many programs stall even when the tools are right? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash is joined by Mike Dwyer to explore how reliability succeeds or fails based on culture, communication, and alignment across an organization.

Drawing from Mike’s experience spanning the U.S. Navy, steel, pulp and paper, global condition monitoring programs, and his current role at Mobius Institute, the conversation digs into why reliability can’t live in a silo. From maintenance and operations to procurement, energy management, and leadership, this episode breaks down what it takes to get everyone rowing in the same direction—and why technology alone isn’t enough.

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Whether you’re trying to strengthen an existing reliability program or struggling to get buy-in across departments, this episode offers practical insight into how culture, not just tools, drives long-term success.

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AI, sensors, and digital tools are flooding the maintenance and reliability world—but are organizations adopting them the right way? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with Dave Howard, CEO of Erbessd Instruments, to challenge the “technology-first” mindset and make the case for a more sustainable approach: people first, technology second.

Drawing on decades of experience—from military aviation and plant leadership to vibration analysis and executive leadership—Dave explains why technology alone can’t fix reliability problems, why AI won’t replace skilled analysts, and how cultural buy-in determines whether new tools succeed or fail. The conversation cuts through fear-based narratives and focuses on how technology can improve safety, reliability, and quality of life for maintenance professionals.

You’ll learn about:

Why people and culture must come before technology adoption

How AI should be used as a filter and efficiency tool—not a replacement for expertise

The limits of automation in vibration analysis and condition monitoring

When pilot programs make sense—and when they stall progress

How technology can reduce emergency call-ins and improve work-life balance

Whether you’re a maintenance leader evaluating new technology or a reliability professional concerned about the future of your role, this episode provides a practical, grounded perspective on adopting technology in a way that actually works.

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What does the manufacturing industry look like in Oklahoma? In this episode of Gear Talk, Wes Cash sits down with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell to discuss the manufacturing industries prevalent in the state of Oklahoma and identify what steps are being taken to bring more skilled professionals to the state and reduce the skills gap.

From career tech schools to student outreach, Lt. Governor Pinnell sheds light on the manufacturing opportunities in Oklahoma and the incentives that are available to companies looking to get into manufacturing here. You’ll learn about:

Whether you are fresh out of school looking for a job in manufacturing, or a facility looking to hire quality educated employees, this episode will open your eyes to the steps Oklahoma is taking to train, educate, and attract people to the manufacturing industry.

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How do workforce barriers impact staffing in manufacturing? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with the Tulsa Port of Catoosa’s Sheila Shook to discuss the steps that the Port is taking to attract, hire, and educate workers in manufacturing.

From transportation limitations, to a wide-spread lack of manufacturing awareness, Sheila shares her experiences with overcoming workforce barriers and providing training and education in manufacturing.

You’ll learn:

Whether you are a manufacturing facility aiming to increase employee sustainability or someone looking to get hired in the manufacturing industry, this episode will educate you on some of the most the common barriers and arm you with the solutions to overcome them.

Missed an episode of Gear Talk? Check out the playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUMZtxzM4WqOBC53dsyVBi6FQGWsMDPT4

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