Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

By Get A Grip On LightingTechnology
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Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast episodes

  • Episode 516: #422 - DLC Core Values

    🔥 Buckle up for a bold ride through the lighting industry! Mike & Greg give you a brief recap of the Nailed Convention, and challenge the DLC to display their transparency values by inviting them and D+R to speak up on the Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast this Friday. 

     

    Plus, you’ll get some classic Mike & Greg banter, including a wild donkey analogy that somehow makes perfect sense.

     

    #LightingIndustry #LightingDistribution #TransparencyTalk #IndustryVoices #DLCdebate

     

    Connect with Greg: 

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ehrich-2b375a2/ 

     

    Connect with Michael: 

    https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-colligan-64380016/

    8 min
  • Episode 515: #421 - Develop the Trust

    Alan Karen of Satco is the OG, the original gangster of lighting. With his 30-year journey in lighting, Alan brings wisdom, grit, and heart to the mic.

     

    🔥 What’s inside:

    • The evolution of lighting distribution and Satco’s game-changing portal
    • Why relationships still matter in a tech-driven world
    • The story behind the Guiding Light Award and the H Foundation’s fight against cancer (www.hfoundation.org)
    • Real talk on lamp bans, tariffs, and the future of lighting legislation
    • A passionate defense of the right to repair and the role of lighting distributors

      •  

      Alan, Michael, and Greg tackle this episode with insight, humor, and inspiration.

       

      💡 “We don’t dictate to the market—we supply it.” – Alan Karen

       

       #LightingIndustry #Satco #AlanKaren #RightToRepair #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #HFoundation #GuidingLightAward #LEDRevolution #LightingDistributors

       

      Connect with Alan: 

      https://twitter.com/SATCOPRODUCTS 

      https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-karen-02a16b8/ 

       

       Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

      34 min
    • Episode 514: #420 - Depth of Education

      In this episode, we sit down with Tom Butters—lighting educator, and Founder & Executive Director of The Lighting Agora—for a no-holds-barred conversation on the state of lighting education, the evolution of the industry, and what to expect at the Canada Light Expo, November 12-13 (canadalightexpo.com). From the value of in-person learning to the challenges of brand-driven training, Tom brings clarity, candor, and a touch of rebellion to the mic.

       

      💡 Whether you're a seasoned lighting pro or just curious about the future of the industry, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way.

       

      #LightingEducation #TomButters #CanadaLightExpo #LightingAgora #GetAGripOnLighting #Podcast

       

      Connect with Tom: 

      Https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-butters-lc-20416551/ 

      Https://lightingagora.com/ 

      Https://www.nlb.org/ 

       

      Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

      25 min
    • Episode 513: #419 - Journalism, DLC, IES and Industry Reform

      In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we welcome back Al Uszynski—founder of Inside Lighting (inside.lighting) and one of the most respected voices in lighting journalism—for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the lighting industry.

       

      📰 From the launch of the new Lumy Awards to the controversy surrounding DLC, Al shares candid insights into the role of journalism, the need for industry reform, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action.

       

      💥 Topics covered:

      • The creation and vision behind the Lumy Awards 🏆
      • Why journalism matters in lighting—and how Inside Lighting is changing the game
      • The DLC debate: prescriptive rebates, transparency, and calls for a five-year moratorium
      • Industry leadership, contested elections, and the future of IES
      • How trade organizations can better serve their members

        •  

         🔗 Learn more athttps://www.insidelighting.com
        🔗 Visithttps://www.naild.org

         

        #LightingIndustry #InsideLighting #LumyAwards #DLC #NAILD #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #AlUszynski #LightingJournalism #EnergyEfficiency #TradeOrganizations

         

        Connect with Al: 

        Https://inside.lighting/ 

        https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-lighting/ 

        Https://www.instagram.com/inside.lighting/ 

        https://twitter.com/InsLighting 

        https://www.facebook.com/InsideLighting/ 

         

         Sponsor: Halco, www.halcolighting.com,

        33 min
      • Episode 512: #418 - Lighting Should not be Consumer Electronics

        This episode tackles the hidden pitfalls of LED lighting with two seasoned designers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Rachel and Anne expose how the promise of long-lasting LEDs often falls short—especially in demanding environments like airports and hotels.

        🔧 Key Points:

        • LEDs Aren’t Forever: Despite marketing claims, many fixtures fail within 3–7 years.
        • Repairability Crisis: Most modern fixtures can’t be fixed, turning “sustainable” designs into landfill.
        • Design Smarter: Specifying maintainable fixtures and attic stock upfront is crucial.
        • Call for Standards: The industry needs enforceable guidelines to stop the throwaway trend.

          It’s a bold, insightful conversation that urges lighting pros to rethink what “sustainable” really means.

          Connect with Rachel: 

          Stantec.com 

          www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fitzgerald-44901839/ 

           

          Connect with Anne: 

          Akld.net 

          www.linkedin.com/in/annekustnerhaser/ 

           

          Sponsor: Griplock Systems, griplocksystems.com

          30 min
        • Episode 511: #417 - DLC - Please Stop Tinkering

          In this fiery and insightful episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Michael and Greg dive deep into the DLC's 501 (c) 3 charitable activities like product labelling in the lighting industry.  Pulling no punches as they challenge the status quo. Here's what you'll get:

           

          Lighting Industry Real Talk

          Michael and Greg dissect the influence of the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and how its evolving standards are reshaping—some say disrupting—the lighting landscape. From rebate gatekeeping to the unintended consequences of product labelling outcomes, they call out the system with passion and precision.

           

          Global Power Shift

          Is America losing its grip on lighting tech? Our hosts argue that DLC policies have inadvertently handed the reins to Chinese manufacturers, raising serious questions about strategic independence and technological sovereignty.

           

          Back to Basics

          Forget chasing rebates—Michael champions a return to practical lighting solutions that serve real needs other than free money from electrical utility ratepayers.  Smarter choices, and fixtures people can actually maintain.

           

          Unfiltered Opinions & Sharp Insights

          From lumens per watt fatigue to the absurdity of shrinking fixtures for Chinese container optimization, this episode is filled with bold takes and industry wisdom.

          17 min
        • Episode 510: #416 - Get a Grip on the ArchLIGHT Summit

          🔥 Welcome to the ArchLight Experience 🔥

           

          Get ready to plug into the pulse of the lighting design world at the ArchLIGHT Summit, September 16-17 at the Dallas Market Center.

          From color-changing corridors to line dancing at the Last Call party—this is lighting, learning, and networking at its best.

           

          #ArcLightSummit #LightingDesign #GetAGripPodcast #WILD #DallasEvents #DesignInnovation #PodcastVibes

           

          Connect with ArchLIGHT: 

          archlightsummit.com 

          https://www.linkedin.com/company/archlight-summit/ 

          https://www.facebook.com/ArchLIGHTSummit/ 

          https://www.instagram.com/archlightsummit/ 

           

          Connect with Lea: 

          https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-tranakos-7476083b/ 

           

          Connect with Cindy: 

          https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyfosterwarthen2009/

          7 min
        • Episode 509: #415 - The Cliff, the Comeback, and the Convention

          In this unforgettable episode, Matt Honson—President of NAILD and lighting industry veteran—shares his jaw-dropping journey from warehouse worker to industry leader. But it’s not just about lighting. Matt recounts surviving a near-fatal fall off a cliff in China, breaking his neck and back, and being rescued by farmers who carried him out on a donkey. His miraculous recovery and resilience are nothing short of inspiring. 

           

           We also dive into: 

          • His unconventional path into the lighting business 
          • The evolution of LED technology and industry challenges 
          • NAILD’s fight against unethical practices and its renewed mission 
          • Why the upcoming convention in Saint Paul, MN is a must-attend 

            •  

            🔥 If you’ve ever wondered what grit, leadership, and integrity look like in the lighting world—this is the episode to watch. 

             

             📅 Join the movement. Join NAILD. Convention info: September 22–24, Saint Paul, MN. 

             

            Connect with Matt: 

            https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-honson-3171a32b/ 

            https://www.thayerenergysolutions.com/about 

             

             Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, www.barronltg.com

            29 min
          • Episode 508: #414 - It Hurt Good

            In this spirited episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts dive deep into the highs and hiccups of the LSC training held in Dallas — a hands-on lighting controls certification course that left attendees saying, "It hurt good." 

             

            🔥 Highlights Include: 

            • Insights from course creators Webster Marsh, Ron Kuszmar, and Chris O'Shea as they reflect on what worked and what evolved. 
            • Emphasis on hands-on learning over theory, adapting curriculum in real-time to meet student needs. 
            • Big takeaway? Lighting controls education is vital — and the industry is yearning for it. 

              •  

              🧠 Why This Matters: 

              • The training emphasized real-world scenarios, offering immediate value to distributors and techs. 
              • Students learned how to translate lighting control drawings into actionable installations — often for the first time. 
              • The importance of legacy systems and maintaining older dimmer panels stirred lively discussion, pointing to a massive opportunity in the controls space. 

                •  

                🧾 Final Thoughts: 

                • Education in lighting controls is no longer optional—it’s essential. 
                • Plans for a second course (LS-C II) to dig deeper into legacy tech and advanced integration. 

                  •  

                  👉 Ready to be part of the revolution in lighting controls? Hit that like button, subscribe, and learn more at naild.org. 

                   

                  Connect with: 

                   

                  Chris: 

                  www.controlforce.com

                  linkedin.com/in/chris-o-shea-64a58131a 

                   

                  Webster: 

                  https://www.penumbracontrols.com/

                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-webster-marsh/

                   

                  Ron: 

                  https://www.portlighting.com/

                  https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-kuszmar-7a8a3538/

                   

                  Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

                  24 min

                About Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

                From the publisher's feed

                Recognizing a need in the lighting industry to forum together and discuss subjects & issues in our industry, the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast was born. Get A Grip brings on industry experts…