Lighting Controls Podcast

By Lighting ControlsTechnology

Lighting Controls Podcast episodes

October 16, 2025I Know It, So They Must Know It with Mitch Hefter
What do DMX512, LP6, LP16, and RP42 have in common? Mitch Hefter. In this powerhouse episode, the legendary standards-maker returns to break down the protocols, practices, and pitfalls of lighting controls — from entertainment tech to architectural chaos.

💡 Highlights include:
The wild world of dimming methods and how your fixtures communicate
LP6’s total rewrite: 600+ pages of lighting control wisdom
RP42 decoded — finally, a way to know what “dimmable” actually means
The difference between 0–10V and 1–10V (yes, it matters)
Upcoming changes to common standards and how you can get involved

Whether you're a designer, distributor, or just tired of guessing what “line voltage dimmable” really means — this episode is your decoder ring.

🔗 Learn more about Mitch’s consulting work and the standards mentioned at mitchhefter.com

#LightingControls #DMX512 #LP6 #LP16 #RP42 #LightingDesign #DimmingDrama #Podcast

Connect with Mitch:
NEC: nfpa.org/70
usitt.org
esta.org
https://www.linkedin.com/in/mitch-hefter

Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com, @maxlite
53 min
October 09, 2025What Do You Want Your System To Do? with Nathan Williams
In this episode, we welcome back Nathan Williams—lighting controls expert and founder of Williams Lighting Control Services—for a deep dive into the real-world challenges and triumphs of lighting control systems. From daylighting dilemmas to commissioning chaos, Nathan shares boots-on-the-ground insights that every designer, technician, and stakeholder needs to hear.

🔥 Topics Covered:
Why daylighting is more art than science
The critical role of foot candle set points
How poor documentation sabotages great systems
Real stories from school districts and performance venues
The future of commissioning with LCA’s Design Express template

💬 “If you can tell a light is off, your daylighting is dead wrong.” — Nathan Williams

#LightingControls #Podcast #NathanWilliams #Daylighting #Commissioning #SmartBuildings #LightingDesign #LCA #MaxLite #NAILD

Connect with Nathan:
www.LinkedIn.com/in/Nathan-Williams-LightingControls

Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com, @maxlite
50 min
October 03, 2025 It’s Complicated with Carol Jones
Carol Jones has seen the lighting industry from every angle—design, standards, mentorship, and advocacy. In this episode, she reflects on her journey from engineering to lighting leadership, including her pivotal role in advancing DALI.

💬 What you'll hear:
- Carol’s early career and transition into lighting
- Her work with IES and the development of TM-30 color metrics
- Why DALI matters for designers and how it’s evolved
- Advice for emerging professionals in lighting

Carol’s perspective on DALI isn’t just technical—it’s about giving designers more creative control and flexibility. If you care about lighting controls, design freedom, or building a more inclusive industry, this episode is for you.

#LightingDesign #CarolJones #DALI #WomenInLighting #Podcast #WILD #TM30 #IES #designleadership

Connect with Carol: www.linkedin.com/in/caroljones-beyondlight

Sponsor: DALI Alliance, dali-alliance.org
55 min
September 26, 2025Come to Boston for Boston Lights 2025 with Bryan Lussier
In this episode, we welcome back Bryan Lussier—Lead Control Specialist at Apex Lighting and President of DLF New England—to talk all things Boston Lights, New England’s premier lighting design and technology show.

🔥 What’s Inside:
The evolution of Boston Lights and what makes it a must-attend event
Behind-the-scenes insights on curating seminars and speaker lineups
The power of regional shows vs. national expos
Lighting controls, DMX, and the art of smart integration
How architects, engineers, and designers can better collaborate
Why accessibility and education are at the heart of this year’s show

📍 Event Details: 🗓️ October 28, 2025
📍 Omni Boston Hotel at the Seaport
🎟️ FREE admission to the show floor
💬 CEU-accredited seminars, live interviews, and 140+ vendors!

🔗 Learn more at BostonLights.org

Be a part of the audience for an exclusive Boston Lights recording of the Lighting Controls Podcast.

#LightingControls #BostonLights #SmartLighting #LightingDesign #Podcast #LightingIndustry #DLFNewEngland #MWConnect #LightingControlsAcademy #Architecture #Engineering #DesignInnovation

Connect with Bryan: linkedin.com/in/bslussier
https://www.apexlightingsolutions.com
https://twitter.com/bslussier
Https://www.facebook.com/ApexLightingSolutions
https://www.linkedin.com/company/apex-lighting-solutions/
https://www.instagram.com/apexlighting_apexbuilding

Sponsor: mwConnect, www.mwconnect.us
37 min
September 11, 2025 Finding the iPhone Level Disruption with Scott Rosenfeld
In this illuminating episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, we welcome Scott Rosenfeld, lighting designer at the Smithsonian Institution, for a deep dive into the art and science of museum lighting. Scott shares his journey from theatrical lighting to designing systems that protect priceless artifacts while enhancing the visitor experience.

Discover how Bluetooth-enabled lighting controls are transforming historic buildings, why lighting design is as much about art as it is about technology, and how Scott balances conservation with innovation in some of the world’s most iconic museums. From the challenges of retrofitting century-old architecture to the subtle power of light in storytelling, this episode features insights for designers, tech enthusiasts, and museum lovers alike.

#LightingDesign #MuseumLighting #Smithsonian #SmartLighting #BluetoothControls #LightingControlsPodcast #DesignInnovation #PreservationThroughTechnology #humancentriclighting

Connect with Scott:
Https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-rosenfeld-fies-77b84412/

Sponsor: MaxLite, maxlite.com
51 min
August 28, 2025Make It Yours with Gary Meshberg and Harold Jepsen
Welcome back to the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this powerhouse episode, we’re joined by two industry legends, Gary Meshberg and Harold Jepsen, who dive deep into the evolving world of lighting controls and the groundbreaking new Sequence of Operations Matrix.
🔍 What’s the Matrix? The Sequence of Operations Matrix is a free, editable Excel-based design tool developed by the Lighting Controls Association to simplify and standardize lighting control documentation. It’s built to help designers, engineers, contractors, and commissioning agents clearly communicate lighting control intent—space by space, system by system.
🔥 What’s Inside:
How the Sequence of Operations Matrix simplifies design, boosts efficiency, and bridges the gap between intent and execution
Why lighting controls are often misunderstood—and how to fix that
The story behind the new LCA design tool that’s changing the game
Real talk on code compliance, best practices, and the future of lighting documentation
Whether you're a designer, engineer, contractor, or just lighting-curious, this episode is filled with insights.
Connect with Gary:
Https://www.linkedin.com/in/garymeshberg/

Connect with Harold:
Https://www.linkedin.com/in/harold-jepsen-p-e-well-ap/

Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com
48 min
August 21, 20257 Points and 2 Parameters with Lyn Gomes
In this insightful episode, we welcome back Lyn Gomes—MEP Coordinator and President of the Building Commissioning Association—for a deep dive into the complexities of lighting controls, commissioning, and project coordination.

🔧 Topics Covered:
The role of general contractors vs. subcontractors
Why commissioning providers matter—and how budget impacts quality
The importance of early coordination and Owner’s Project Requirements (OPR)
Seven key data points for lighting system integration
How historical data and button presses can improve long-term energy efficiency
Task tuning, aging fixtures, and designing for the long haul
Network architecture challenges in modern building systems
Why soft skills and negotiation are essential for young professionals
The value of professional organizations and committee involvement

💡 Whether you're a designer, contractor, or building owner, this episode offers practical advice and real-world examples to help you avoid costly change orders and ensure project success.

Don’t miss the upcoming Building Commissioning Association Conference:
🗓️ October 22–24 | 📍 Pittsburgh, PA
https://www.bcxa.org/conference/

Connect with Lyn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lyngomes/

Sponsor:
mwConnect
www.mwconnect.us
47 min
August 14, 2025 30 Seconds or 3 Hours with Chuck Cameron
Welcome back to the Lighting Controls Podcast! In this episode, we sit down with Chuck Cameron—Northeast Regional Sales Manager at ETC and a true veteran of the lighting world. From his early days in theater lighting to shaping architectural lighting design and education, Chuck shares a fascinating journey through the layers of light, control systems, and the evolving role of design in modern spaces.

💡 Topics we explore:
- Chuck’s transition from theater to architectural lighting
- Building a lighting design curriculum from the ground up
- Why education in lighting controls is still lagging—and how to fix it
- Real-world stories of design missteps and smart solutions
- The power of nuanced lighting and dynamic control programming
- How interior designers and architects can better integrate lighting controls
- What every professional should know before specifying a system

Whether you're a designer, educator, engineer, or just lighting-curious, this episode is packed with insights, laughs, and practical wisdom. Chuck’s experience and storytelling make this one of our most illuminating conversations yet.

Connect with Chuck:
https://www.etcconnect.com/ https://www.nysid.edu/master-of-professional-studies-in-lighting-design
https://be-exchange.org/ Living Lab Project, supported by BEEx:
https://be-exchange.org/report/the-living-lab-demonstration-project/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuck-cameron-ltg/ Instagram: @chuckcameronltg

Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com
52 min
August 07, 2025 NAILD LS-C Recap with Chris O’Shea
In this special debrief episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast, hosts Webster Marsh, Ron Kuszmar, and Chris O'Shea—who also happen to be instructors—recap the inaugural session of the Lighting Specialist in Controls (LS-C) certification program (naild.org/ls-c/) hosted at Lightovation in June 2025.

🔥 Highlights from the episode:
- 🧠 Behind the scenes of creating and delivering the LS-C certification
- 🎯 Three skill tracks: Distribution, Design, Installation
- 👩‍🎓 Anecdotes about student engagement, unexpected challenges, and successful learning pivots
- 🛠️ Deep dive into the importance of soft skills, pre-wire coordination, and deciphering manufacturer documentation
- 🔁 Reflections on terminology inconsistencies across lighting control systems
- 🏁 The open-book final exam—turned group learning session due to tech hiccups—revealed strong participation and critical thinking
- 💡 Takeaways for manufacturers, technicians, designers, and distributors alike The team also shares insights on future improvements, broader industry applicability beyond NAILD members, and excitement for the next certification session.

🔗 Website & Details: Visit lightingcontrolspodcast.com to explore previous episodes, certification info, and stay tuned for the next LS-C opportunity.

👉 Whether you’re a distributor, designer, rep, or technician—this episode shows how the LS-C program is equipping lighting professionals for the future. Subscribe, listen, and share if you’re ready to level up in lighting controls! 💡

Connect with Chris: www.controlforce.com

Sponsor: Dali Alliance, https://www.dali-alliance.org
42 min
July 31, 2025 NY Controlled 2025 with Nehal Youssef & Jennifer Mason
Welcome to another electrifying episode of the Lighting Controls Podcast!

This week, we're joined by industry leaders Jennifer Mason (Regional Sales Manager at QTL and VP of the Designer Lighting Forum of NY) and Nehal Yousef (Chairperson of NYControlled and Sales Manager at Diversified Lighting) for an in-depth conversation on the future of lighting controls and education in New York City.

Topics Covered:
- The role of DLFNY and IES in advancing lighting education
- Behind the scenes of NYControlled, NYC’s focused lighting controls conference
- Insights from previous events and what’s new for 2025 - Spotlight on the hands-on workshop designed for early-career specifiers (0–5 years experience)
- Growing interest from integrators, distributors, and manufacturers
- The importance of demystifying controls to make them approachable and accessible
- Trends in industry involvement, exhibitor expansion, and educational programming
- How NYControlled is becoming a central hub for lighting controls learning & networking

📅 Save the Dates: Hands-On Workshop: October 14, 2025 (Limited to 30 attendees!) NYControlled Exhibition: October 15, 2025 at the Metropolitan Pavilion, NYC

✅ Whether you're a lighting designer, engineer, distributor, or just curious about the evolving world of lighting controls, this episode is jam-packed with insights, updates, and inspiration.

🔗 Watch the full podcast to hear how Jennifer and Nehal are shaping the future of lighting controls education—and how you can get involved!

#LightingControlsPodcast #NYControl2025 #LightingDesign #DLFNY #LightingEducation #SmartLighting #LightingControls #IndustryEvents #NYCevents #LightingInnovation #NehalYousef #JenniferMason #TechTalks #HandsOnWorkshop #MetropolitanPavilion #LightingSpecifiers

Connect with Nehal: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nehalmyoussef/

Connect with Jennifer: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-mason-78798814/

Sponsor: MaxLite, www.maxlite.com
33 min

About Lighting Controls Podcast

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Join industry powerhouses Ron Kuszmar and C. Webster Marsh as they flip the switch on everything happening in the world of lighting controls. From cutting-edge…