Advanced manufacturing is about more than technology—it's about the policies, workforce, and investments that determine whether innovation succeeds.

In this episode, Congressman Dusty Johnson joins us to discuss what it will take for America to remain globally competitive. From protecting intellectual property and strengthening the defense industrial base to embracing AI, developing the manufacturing workforce, and fostering entrepreneurship, this conversation explores how policy and innovation intersect to shape the future of American manufacturing.

You'll hear why China is driving a renewed focus on domestic manufacturing, why AI should be viewed as an opportunity rather than a threat, how startups and small manufacturers fuel long-term innovation, and what South Dakota can teach the rest of the country about building the next generation of manufacturing companies.

Whether you're leading a manufacturing business, developing new technology, or simply interested in the future of American industry, this episode offers a unique perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• How manufacturing has become a critical component of national competitiveness.
• Why AI is more likely to create opportunity than eliminate it.
• The importance of protecting intellectual property and strengthening cybersecurity.
• How workforce development must evolve for the next generation of manufacturing.
• Why entrepreneurship and small manufacturers play a vital role in innovation.
• What policymakers, manufacturers, and technology leaders can do to help build America's industrial future.

Subscribe for more conversations with the leaders shaping the future of advanced manufacturing.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

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Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
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About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

Most conversations about additive manufacturing focus on the printer.

Patrick Dobbs believes that's the wrong place to start.

In this episode, we sit down with master jeweler, CAD designer, entrepreneur, and manufacturing innovator Patrick Dobbs to discuss why manufacturing judgment—not technology—is often the biggest differentiator between success and failure.

Drawing on decades of experience in jewelry manufacturing, digital design, rapid prototyping, and production optimization, Patrick shares practical lessons that apply far beyond the jewelry industry. We explore how manufacturers can use additive manufacturing to improve workflows, create custom production tools, accelerate learning, and drive meaningful business outcomes.

Along the way, Patrick challenges common assumptions about automation, AI, and additive manufacturing, arguing that understanding how a product is assembled, finished, inspected, and produced at scale remains a uniquely human skill.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

What separates successful additive manufacturing programs from expensive experiments? According to John Kawola, it starts with a simple question: Why?

In this episode of The Additive Advantage Podcast, Shon Anderson sits down with John Kawola, CEO of Boston Micro Fabrication (BMF), to discuss nearly three decades of lessons learned from the evolution of additive manufacturing. From his early days at Z Corp to leadership roles at Ultimaker and BMF, John has witnessed the industry's transformation from rapid prototyping to production-ready manufacturing.

The conversation explores why the most successful additive initiatives begin with a clearly defined business problem, how companies can avoid common adoption pitfalls, and what it really takes to move from promising pilot projects to repeatable production outcomes. John also shares his perspective on industry consolidation, the changing dynamics between OEMs and distribution channels, the growing importance of application engineering, and why expertise often matters more than equipment.

Whether you're evaluating additive manufacturing for the first time or looking to scale an existing program, this episode offers practical insights into technology selection, materials, quality systems, workforce development, and the organizational discipline required to turn additive manufacturing into measurable business value.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

Manufacturing leaders everywhere are trying to move additive manufacturing beyond prototypes and pilot programs — but scaling additive successfully takes far more than buying another 3D printer.

In this episode of The Additive Advantage Podcast, we sit down with Adam Simons, Head of Sales & Applications for North America at ATLIX (formerly TRUMPF Additive Manufacturing), to unpack what actually separates scalable additive programs from “pilot purgatory.” Adam shares practical insights from the front lines of metal additive manufacturing, including why repeatability matters more than printing one impressive part, how post-processing and machining impact real-world economics, and why workforce readiness and operational discipline are becoming the true differentiators in additive success.

The conversation explores how manufacturers should evaluate additive opportunities through a business lens first — focusing on measurable outcomes, scalability, and long-term operational impact rather than simply asking whether a part can be printed. Adam also discusses the growing maturity of laser powder bed fusion technology, how organizations can avoid common implementation pitfalls, and what executives should realistically expect when investing in additive manufacturing capabilities.

If you’re responsible for manufacturing strategy, operations, engineering, or innovation, this episode offers a grounded and practical look at what it actually takes to industrialize additive manufacturing and turn it into a sustainable competitive advantage.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

In this episode of The Additive Advantage Podcast, Shon Anderson sits down with Andre Wegner, CEO of Authentise, for a wide-ranging conversation on workflow orchestration, contextual data, AI, and the future of scalable additive manufacturing.

Andre shares how Authentise evolved from focusing on IP protection and distributed manufacturing into building systems designed to connect the entire additive workflow — eliminating the “island approach” that continues to limit scalability across the industry. Together, Shon and Andre explore why disconnected machines, software, and data systems create unnecessary friction and why the future of manufacturing depends on continuity across design, engineering, production, and quality.

The conversation dives into agile factories, reverse engineering at scale, automation in aerospace and defense, and the growing importance of capturing the “why” behind engineering decisions. Andre also explains why context will become critical for AI-enabled manufacturing systems and why manufacturers need strategic partners instead of simply searching for the next machine.

Along the way, the two discuss lessons learned from building companies in additive manufacturing, why curiosity may become one of the most important workforce skills of the future, and how manufacturers can begin thinking differently about additive as a strategic capability rather than a standalone tool.

If you’re interested in where additive manufacturing, automation, AI, and digital workflows are heading next, this episode delivers an honest and forward-looking conversation from two leaders deeply involved in building that future.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

In Episode 10 of The Additive Advantage Podcast, Shon Anderson and Dani Mason take on one of the biggest barriers in additive manufacturing: why so many companies struggle to move from prototyping into real production.

This solo episode breaks down a hard truth—additive doesn’t scale because of better 3D printers. It scales when companies build systems that deliver consistent, repeatable outcomes.

There’s no shortage of innovation in this industry. But too often, organizations prove that a part can be printed without proving it can be produced reliably, cost-effectively, and at scale.

Shon and Dani walk through what’s actually required to make additive work in production, including:

•  Why feasibility is not the same as commercial viability 
•  The role of QA/QC in building repeatable processes 
•  How variability shows up across machines, materials, and workflows 
•  Why supply chain, workforce, and process control matter just as much as the technology itself 
•  What companies get wrong when they treat additive like a tool instead of a system 

They also share real-world examples from working with manufacturers—highlighting where things break down and how to fix them.

If you’re serious about scaling additive manufacturing, this episode will help you rethink your approach—from focusing on printers to building production-ready systems.

Watch the full episode to learn how to move from possibility to repeatability—and from prints to production.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

In this episode of The Additive Advantage Podcast, we sit down with Tuan TranPham to unpack a hard truth about the additive manufacturing industry: despite billions of dollars in investment, the technology still hasn’t delivered at the scale many expected.

From the early days of hype and venture funding to today’s push for real production applications, Tuan shares his perspective on what’s been missing. He challenges the industry’s focus on hardware and explains why success in additive manufacturing has less to do with machines—and more to do with cost per part, process integration, and delivering what customers actually need.

This conversation dives into the realities of scaling additive, the disconnect between innovation and adoption, and why technologies like binder jetting gained traction by leveraging existing supply chains. It also explores what needs to change for additive manufacturing to move beyond prototyping and into true production.

If you’re working in additive, manufacturing, or product development, this episode offers a candid look at where the industry stands today—and what it will take to move forward.

Watch the full episode to hear Tuan’s insights on cost, materials, scaling production, and the future of additive manufacturing.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

What if the biggest problem in plastics manufacturing isn’t technology—but the gap between them?

In Episode 8 of The Additive Advantage Podcast, we sit down with the team at Polymer Dynamics to unpack one of the most persistent challenges in product development: bridging the divide between additive manufacturing and injection molding.

For years, engineers have been forced into tradeoffs. Additive offers speed and flexibility, but not always production-grade performance. Injection molding delivers quality and scale—but requires significant upfront investment, time, and tooling. That disconnect slows innovation and limits how quickly companies can move from idea to production.

Polymer Dynamics is working to change that.

In this conversation, we explore what it really means to “democratize manufacturing,” how companies can close the gap between prototype and production, and why the future of manufacturing may not be about choosing one technology—but integrating the right ones.

We also dive into:

• How internal manufacturing capability changes the way teams design and innovate
• What happens when engineers gain control over production
• The evolving manufacturing toolkit—and how to choose the right process
• The role of microfactories and distributed manufacturing
• Why speed, cost, and innovation are more connected than most companies realize

This episode is a must-listen for anyone thinking about how to scale additive manufacturing, improve product development workflows, or build more resilient manufacturing strategies.

Listen to Episode 8 to learn how the “handshake” between additive manufacturing and injection molding is shaping the future of production.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

In Episode 7 of The Additive Advantage, we’re joined by Stefan Joens, President of Elnik Systems and DSH Technologies, companies at the center of metal injection molding and sinter-based additive manufacturing.

Stefan shares how decades of experience in traditional manufacturing helped his team approach additive manufacturing with a different mindset—one grounded in proven manufacturing principles rather than hype. From debinding and sintering to workforce development and production economics, the conversation explores what it really takes to scale metal additive manufacturing.

We discuss why additive should be viewed as just another forming technology in the broader manufacturing toolkit, how education across the entire production chain is critical for success, and why the companies that succeed in advanced manufacturing will be the ones that prioritize people, culture, and collaboration alongside technology.

Stefan also shares leadership lessons from relocating his company, building a values-driven team, and why successful entrepreneurs must focus less on having the answers and more on building teams capable of solving problems together.

Ultimately, the future of additive manufacturing won’t be defined by machines alone. It will depend on manufacturing discipline, strong leadership, and a clear understanding of where additive truly creates value.

Key Takeaways

Additive is a tool—not a replacement for manufacturing.
Successful companies start by asking what is the best way to make this part, then choose the right technology.

Manufacturing fundamentals still apply.
Materials control, process validation, quality inspection, and workflow discipline remain critical when scaling additive.

Education across the production chain matters.
Understanding materials, debinding, sintering, and downstream processes is essential for repeatable production.

Technology adoption requires the right mindset.
Early hype around additive created unrealistic expectations. Long-term success comes from integrating it into existing manufacturing systems.

People and culture drive innovation.
Strong teams, clear core values, and collaborative problem solving are essential to building resilient manufacturing organizations.

Entrepreneurship requires resilience.
Founders and leaders must focus less on having all the answers and more on building teams capable of figuring things out.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.

In this episode of The Additive Advantage, we sit down with Tom Jantsch, COO of Ronawk, to explore why biotechnology is increasingly a national resilience and security issue.

Biotechnology extends far beyond healthcare — impacting agriculture, fuels, materials, and more. As global supply chains face pressure and policy attention intensifies, the ability to produce biotech solutions reliably and at scale becomes critical. Tom shares insights from his operations background and explains why moving biotech from craft-driven experimentation to standardized, repeatable production is essential for long-term competitiveness.

This conversation connects national strategy with technical execution — and highlights where additive manufacturing and production discipline can help build resilience.

Key Takeaways

1. Biotech Is a National Security Concern

Legislative and administrative focus has elevated biotech as a strategic priority. Heavy reliance on overseas production creates vulnerabilities that require stronger domestic manufacturing capability.

2. You Can’t Scale What You Can’t Standardize

Many biotech processes remain craft-based and inconsistent across labs. Without standardized environments and processes, predictable scale is impossible.

3. Rethinking Biological Production

Mammalian cells require structured, community-driven environments. Scaling effectively means designing production systems that honor biological behavior rather than forcing legacy methods.

4. Modular, Distributed Manufacturing

Rather than massive single-purpose facilities, modular and geographically distributed production offers flexibility and surge capacity.

5. The Role of Additive Manufacturing

Additive technologies enable controlled, repeatable environments that bridge research and scalable production in new ways.

6. From “Interesting” to Repeatable

Scaling biotech isn’t about novelty — it’s about consistency, documentation, and disciplined execution.

7. Leadership and Culture

Aligning scientists, engineers, and operators around shared metrics and mission is essential to translating breakthrough ideas into production reality.

About the Show
The Additive Advantage Podcast explores what it really takes to turn additive manufacturing into a scalable, performance-driven business capability. Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, the show features real conversations with leaders accountable for outcomes — not hype.

Follow & Subscribe
Follow The Additive Advantage Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, watch full episodes on YouTube, and follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date on new episodes and insights.
Apple | Spotify | YouTube | LinkedIn

About the Hosts
Hosted by Dani Mason and Shon Anderson, industry leaders with deep experience in technology and additive manufacturing.