Manufacturing Talk Radio

Economic Wrap-Up 2025: Insights and Predictions for 2026 In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lewis Weiss welcomes Cliff Waldman, CEO of New World Economics, and Chris Kuehl, Managing Partner and Chief Economist at Armada Corporate Intelligence, to discuss the economic trends of 2025 and predictions for 2026. Key topics include the recent strong GDP performance, the challenges in the labor market, the potential for AI to transform entrepreneurship, and the role of education and apprenticeship programs in addressing skill gaps in manufacturing. The discussion also touches on international demographics, the impact of tariffs, and the evolving economics of cannabis.

00:00 Welcome Back to Manufacturing Talk Radio

01:02 Introducing Our Esteemed Guests

01:45 Chris Keel's Background and Insights

03:12 Cliff Waldman's Background and Insights

06:09 Reflecting on the Economic Landscape of 2025

10:18 The Impact of AI and Demographic Changes

18:53 Challenges in Employment and Manufacturing

22:02 The Role of Education and Apprenticeships

27:49 Innovative Solutions in Workforce Development

31:08 Concluding Thoughts and Future Discussions

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In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lou Weiss talks with Filip Aronshtein, the founder and CEO of Dirac Inc., about how his company is revolutionizing the manufacturing sector with its first automated work instruction platform.

Aronshtein shares insights into his background in electrical engineering and robotics, the motivations behind starting Dirac Inc., and how their software significantly reduces the time and effort needed to create manufacturing work instructions. The discussion highlights the software's impact on improving training, reducing errors, and enhancing overall efficiency in various manufacturing environments.

Aronshtein emphasizes the benefits for both engineers and operators and shares real-world examples of drastic improvements achieved by their clients.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:20 Meet Phil Stein: Background and Journey

02:08 Direct's Innovative Software Solution

03:22 Training and Implementation

05:00 Real-World Impact and Success Stories

09:12 Software Sales and Future Plans

14:08 Client Feedback and Continuous Improvement

19:24 Case Studies: ARA and Sputnik

21:45 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

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In this episode of Manufacturing Think Tank, host Cliff Waldman is joined by Harvard Business School professor Matt Weinzierl and Blue Origin strategy manager Brendan Rosseau to discuss the burgeoning space economy. The conversation delves into the entrepreneurial drive needed to explore space, the integration of space manufacturing into existing industries, and the potential economic benefits. They also touch on technology frontiers like AI and robotics, and how they interconnect with space development, alongside workforce implications and educational needs to support this growing sector.

00:00 Introduction to Manufacturing Think Tank

00:26 Exploring the Space Economy

00:52 Meet the Experts: Matt Wineur and Brendan Rousseau

02:52 The Evolution and Risks of the Space Sector

04:18 Public and Private Roles in Space

16:27 Manufacturing in Space: Opportunities and Challenges

21:04 Impact of Space on Terrestrial Economics

26:33 Stimulating Manufacturing Entrepreneurship

29:33 Addressing the Skills Deficit in Manufacturing

33:17 Educational Institutions and the Space Economy

38:41 The Future of Globalization and Space

41:54 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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Welcome to the rebooted Manufacturing Talk Radio! 

After a year-long hiatus, hosts introduce the new 2.0 version of the show with new co-host, Amy Nicklaus. The episode covers a recap of the past year's key developments in manufacturing, including AI, labor shortages, supply chain stabilization, and reshoring. 

New episodes promise more engaging discussions on sustainability, digitization, and the US economy with industry leaders and experts. 

Subscribe, share, and stay tuned for candid, informative, and exciting conversations ahead.

00:00 Welcome Back to Manufacturing Talk Radio 2.0

01:00 Meet the New Co-Host: Amy Nicklaus

01:40 Topics and Trends in Manufacturing

03:39 Recap of the Past Year in Manufacturing

05:11 Sustainability and Digitization in Manufacturing

06:42 Future Discussions and Closing Remarks

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On this episode of Manufacturing Think Tank just one of many shows on Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Cliff Waldman explores the profound impact of quantum computing on manufacturing and the broader economy, with guest Floreta Teodoridis.

This conversation highlights the potential to revolutionize areas such as simulating physical systems for material and drug discovery, solving complex optimization problems like logistics in manufacturing, and analyzing large datasets to speed up the search and potentially crack current encryption methods.

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Manufacturing Talk Radio is BACK! Well... almost! But we are too excited and too many important things are happening in the world of manufacturing to delay any longer. This special report features manufacturing and economic expert insights from friends of the show Harry Moser and Jeremy Leonard, hosted by longtime MTR contributor Cliff Waldman. This is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Stay tuned for new episodes coming soon!

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Tim Fiore, Committee Chair for the Manufacturing Report on Business® and Anthony Nieves, Committee Chair for the Services Report on Business® join hosts Lew Weiss and Tim Grady to discuss the results of ISM’s survey on business conditions.

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

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Take a detailed look at the latest ISM Services Report On Business from the source, Anthony Nieves, Committee Chair, Services ISM® Report on Business.

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

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