Best Robotic Welding Podcasts (2025)

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Engineering on the Edge: Learning from Failure with Jaxon Baker 31:22

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6d ago31:22

31:22

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, host Dan Allford sits down with mechanical engineering student Jaxon Baker, a repeat guest on the podcast. Jaxon, a rising senior, discusses his involvement with the Formula SAE and Baja SAE programs, which Allford considers to be highly valuable extracurricular activities. The programs allow students t…

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#266 - Ali Kashani | Serve Robotics – Scaling Sidewalk Autonomy 48:08

13d ago48:08

48:08

In this episode, I’m joined by Ali Kashani, Co-Founder and CEO of Serve Robotics. Serve is pioneering autonomous sidewalk delivery at scale—with hundreds of robots already operating in major U.S. cities and thousands more on the way. Ali and I dive into the complexity of autonomy: the technical challenges, the economics, the regulatory and consumer…

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#265 - Drew Allen | Grace Technologies – Building Safer, Smarter Industry 50:47

24d ago50:47

50:47

In this episode, I’m joined by Drew Allen, President & CEO of Grace Technologies. Grace is a family business built on innovation in electrical safety and predictive maintenance, and Drew has carried that forward—shaping the company into a leader in industrial technology and workplace safety. We cover a lot of ground in this conversation. Drew share…

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#264 - Impact Requires Both Attention and Depth 14:23

1M ago14:23

14:23

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a challenge he sees everywhere — in his own work, at PJ Wallbank Springs, and in the broader world of leadership and business. The tension between attention and depth. It’s easy to get attention without substance. It’s also possible to have real substance without anyone noticing. But if you want to make a lasti…

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#263 - Mike Spagnola | SEMA & PRI – How the Automotive Aftermarket Drives Innovation, Policy, and Product Development 40:50

2M ago40:50

40:50

The automotive aftermarket often flies under the radar—but it plays a major role in advancing engineering, manufacturing, and performance. In this episode, Mike Spagnola, President & CEO of SEMA and PRI, joins me to explore how the specialty automotive sector is driving innovation across ICE, hybrid, EV, hydrogen, and beyond. We dive into how SEMA …

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#262 - The Work that Really Matters 13:54

2M ago13:54

13:54

In this solo episode, Brandon reflects on a recurring theme in his work and leadership journey. The increasing presence of uncomfortable, ambiguous, and high-stakes problems. He explores how the most meaningful work often comes with the most discomfort, and why learning to sit with that tension is both necessary and worthwhile. This isn’t a glorifi…

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Scalable Robotics and the Future of Human-Robot Collaboration 37:45

3M ago37:45

37:45

In this episode of The Roboticist Chronicles, host Dan Allford of ARC Specialties welcomes Tom Fuhlbrigge and Carlos Martinez from Scalable Robotics. Discover their innovative vision-based system that allows users to simply "show" a robot what to do, eliminating complex programming. Learn how this technology is transforming processes like welding, …

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#261 - Ami Spira | Civan Lasers - Precision Welding, Precision Beam Shaping, and the Future of Manufacturing 42:13

3M ago42:13

42:13

Welding isn’t just sparks and heat—it’s an essential (and often misunderstood) part of modern manufacturing. In this conversation, Ami Spira, General Manager of Civan Lasers USA, joins me to talk about the state of the art in welding technology and why laser welding is making such a big impact. We cover how different welding methods work, what make…

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The Dark Side of Machine Building: Rebuilding Robotic Systems 9:58

3M ago9:58

9:58

Join Dan Allford and John Martin of ARC Specialties as they reveal "The Dark Side of Machine Building" – the often-unseen struggles of failed automation projects. They discuss the prevalence of expensive, non-functional robots that end up collecting dust, and the financial burden on customers who might pay multiple times for a system that still doe…

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#260 – Brandon Bartneck | Redefining Innovation: Building Real Impact, One Iteration at a Time 15:35

3M ago15:35

15:35

What’s the point of innovation? In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck reflects on what innovation actually means—and why the version we celebrate most (flashy tech, hype cycles, moonshots) often misses the point. Drawing from personal experience at Boeing, Bose, and multiple advanced tech sectors, Brandon shares why he’s now more energized leading…

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#259 – Sean McCormack | First Student – Technology, Safety, and Real-World Innovation in Student Transportation 48:36

4M ago48:36

48:36

Big innovation doesn’t always mean big headlines. Sometimes it looks like improving how 5.5 million students get to school every day. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck talks with Sean McCormack, Chief Information Officer at First Student. They dive into the challenges of routing 45,000 school buses, the role of AI and EVs in impr…

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Beyond Oil: Tech Innovations at the Offshore Technology Conference 2025 13:50

4M ago13:50

13:50

Join Dan Allford and Johnny Tyler live from the Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) in Houston, Texas, in May 2025, as they delve into the surprising high-tech nature of the event, showcasing how robotics and automation are revolutionizing the oil and gas industry and beyond. Discover ARC Specialties' groundbreaking offshore robotic riser system a…

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#258 – The Truth About Transparency: Leading Through the Gray Areas 17:43

4M ago17:43

17:43

In this solo episode, Brandon Bartnick explores the messy reality behind transparency and authenticity in leadership. These are buzzwords in many settings, but the day-to-day application is far more complex. Drawing from recent experiences in a manufacturing and audit context, Brandon reflects on: Why total transparency isn’t always helpful The ris…

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Meet the Robotic Viper: Kentucky-Built, Industry-Changing Tech 21:05

5M ago21:05

21:05

In this episode, I sit down with Justin Falck, Marketing & Communications Manager at Fives Machining Systems, Inc., to explore the cutting-edge technology behind the Cincinnati Robotic Viper—a high-speed automation system redefining what’s possible in advanced manufacturing. 🤖⚙️ Justin shares how the Robotic Viper is designed to boost efficiency, p…

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#257 - Marta Anadón Rosinach | Upway - Scaling Micromobility: How Upway is Changing the E-Bike Market in the US 37:35

5M ago37:35

37:35

Electric bikes are more than a trend—they’re a key part of a more sustainable, accessible, and human transportation ecosystem. But the market is still early, and big challenges stand in the way: trust, affordability, infrastructure, and shifting consumer behavior. In this episode, Brandon Bartneck talks with Marta Anadón, Head of US at Upway, the l…

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Episode 6: Panel Discussion on the Future of QA/QC in Manufacturing 1:00:52

5M ago1:00:52

1:00:52

Welcome to another exciting episode of the EWI Technology Podcast! In this episode, we explore the world of Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) in manufacturing, automation, and technology. Topics We Cover: ✅ When should companies invest in a QA/QC program? ✅ The role of automation in modern manufacturing. ✅ How real-time data improves …

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Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky: PDS Optical | Sean Loosen 12:08

5M ago12:08

12:08

This week, we’re highlighting a finalist that’s making a real difference—custom prescription eyeglasses for veterans, proudly made by PDS Optical. 🇺🇸👓 I had the pleasure of talking with Sean Loosen, CEO of PDS Optical, about how their team combines innovation, precision, and purpose to serve those who’ve served us. From Kentucky to VA clinics acros…

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#256 – From Generalities to Clarity: How We Actually Solve Problems 9:50

5M ago9:50

9:50

In this solo episode, Brandon unpacks a powerful idea that keeps surfacing in his work and personal life: we can’t solve problems we don’t understand. And we can’t understand problems until we stop speaking in generalities and start getting specific. The spark came from a bedtime story with his son—What Do You Do With a Problem? by Kobi Yamada—but …

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Revitalizing Houston Manufacturing: A Conversation with Bart Taylor of the GHMA 38:39

5M ago38:39

38:39

Join Dan Allford as he speaks with @Bart Taylor, the driving force behind the Greater Houston Manufacturers Association (GHMA). They discuss Bart's journey from media to championing local manufacturing, the untapped potential of Houston's industrial ecosystem, and the GHMA's vision for connecting and promoting the region's makers to a national and …

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#255 – Jim Liefer | Ambi Robotics - Real-World Robotics and the Future of Logistics Warehouse Automation 45:00

6M ago45:00

45:00

In the world of logistics, automation is no longer a future concept—it’s happening now. But rolling out robotics in high-volume warehouse environments isn’t as simple as plugging in a machine and walking away. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon sits down with Jim Liefer, CEO of Ambi Robotics, to talk about what it actually takes to build a…

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Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: Elizabeth McCall | Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked 9:44

6M ago9:44

9:44

We’re shining a spotlight on one of the top contenders from the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky tournament this year—Brown-Forman's Woodford Reserve Double Double Oaked! 🥃🔥 In this spotlight, I sit down with Elizabeth McCall, Master Distiller at Woodford Reserve, to talk about what makes Double Double Oaked such a standout in the world of bourbon. F…

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#254 – Mark Reich | Managing on Purpose with Hoshin Kanri and Lean Leadership 50:19

6M ago50:19

50:19

Strategic planning too often becomes an annual ritual that loses meaning as soon as the binders hit the shelf. Mark Reich is on a mission to change that. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck sits down with Mark Reich, author of Managing on Purpose and one of the foremost experts on hoshin kanri—a strategy deployment system rooted in…

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Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: National Band & Tag Company | Paw Finders Rabies Tag 15:22

6M ago15:22

15:22

In this Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky spotlight, we’re featuring National Band & Tag Company and their innovative Paw Finders Tag—a game-changer for lost pet recovery! 🐶🐱 The Paw Finders Tag helps reunite lost pets with their owners using a simple yet effective QR code system, providing instant contact information to anyone who finds a missing pet…

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Episode 523-Alina Momin, Computer Engineer, JHU APL, Travel, Major League Hacking, Travel, Bali, Thailand 16:56

6M ago16:56

16:56

This is the 523nd episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast highlights adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode, recorded on April 1st, features Alina Momin from JHU Hopkins University Applied Physics Labratory. Alina discusses working in the Computer Engineering field, workin…

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#253 – Reflections on Q1: Operational Leadership, Learning, and Building Better in the Real World 16:50

6M ago16:50

16:50

In this solo episode of Building Better, host Brandon Bartneck reflects on the first quarter of 2025. Drawing from recent episodes and his own evolving role leading engineering at PJ Wallbank Springs, Brandon shares the four themes that defined Q1: intentional innovation, operational leadership, learning and growth, and strategic problem-solving. T…

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Coolest Thing Made In Kentucky Spotlight: WaterStep | WoW Cart 17:40

6M ago17:40

17:40

🌊💧 Built in the Bluegrass is back with another Spotlight, featuring WaterStep and its life-changing WoW Cart – a participant in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament! 🏆 The WoW Cart (Water on Wheels) is revolutionizing access to clean water, bringing safe drinking water and sanitation to communities in need around the world. In this spotlig…

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Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Spotlight: Beltways 13:56

6M ago13:56

13:56

Welcome to another episode of Built in the Bluegrass, where we highlight the most innovative and exciting products made right here in Kentucky! 🔵🏆 In this episode, we sit down with Beltways, a standout competitor in the Coolest Thing Made in Kentucky Tournament. We dive into their story, the impact of their product, and what makes them a game-chang…

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#252 – Xiaodi Hou | Bot Auto - Operational Excellence and the Future of Autonomous Trucking 45:19

6M ago45:19

45:19

Autonomous trucking has long promised a more efficient, scalable future for freight. But making it real requires more than bold ideas—it takes precision, discipline, and a deep understanding of operations. In this episode of Building Better, Brandon Bartneck talks with Dr. Xiaodi Hou, founder and CEO of Bot Auto. They explore how Bot Auto is approa…

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Episode 522-Ashley Purcella, Whiting-Turner, Construction, Miss Silver Spring, Dance. 14:56

6M ago14:56

14:56

This is the 522nd episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast highlights adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode, recorded on March 13th, celebrates Women's History Month and features Ashley Purcella. Ashley discusses working for Whiting-Turning in construction. Check out https…

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Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight: Joseph Haydon & Armag Corporation 10:41

6M ago10:41

10:41

🔦 Coolest Thing Made in KY Spotlight: Armag Corporation & Their EMP Shielded Generator Shelters In an increasingly uncertain world, protecting critical infrastructure from electromagnetic threats is more important than ever. That’s where Armag Corporation steps in, designing and manufacturing EMP Shielded Generator Shelters and HEMP Shielded ISO Co…

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#251 – Tony Kinsman | Polaris - Driving the Right Innovation in Powersports 47:12

7M ago47:12

47:12

Polaris is at the forefront of innovation in powersports, with a portfolio that spans off-road vehicles, motorcycles, snowmobiles, boats, and more. But what does it take to lead technology development in such a dynamic industry? In this episode of Building Better, Tony Kinsman, Chief Technology Officer and Vice President of Off-Road Engineering at …

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Episode 521-Maria Roat, Deputy Federal CIO, US Navy, Mathematics, Travel, and Antarctica. 22:53

7M ago22:53

22:53

This is the 521th episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast highlights adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode, recorded on March 12th, features Maria Roat. Maria talks about her career in the Federal Government including being Deputy CIO, her time in the Navy, and her love o…

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#250 – The Value of Doing Hard Things: Learning Through Challenge 15:07

7M ago15:07

15:07

This week, I’m exploring an idea that’s been on my mind a lot lately: what happens when we push ourselves through something hard? Recently, I set a tough fitness goal, breaking 6:20 on a 2,000-meter row. I've trained for months. I prepped. Then, on test day, everything felt off. My body wasn’t cooperating, my mind was telling me to quit, and every …

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Episode 520-Erin Sutton, APL, Dragonfly mission, University of Dayton, Turkey, and Lord of the Rings. 16:33

7M ago16:33

16:33

This is the 520th episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast highlights adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode, recorded on February 28th, features Erin Sutton. Erin discusses her work at JHU APL, including the Dragonfly project, and her efforts to encourage young people to e…

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#249 - Ahmad Ghahreman | Cyclic Materials - Revolutionizing Rare Earth Recycling and Sustainable Materials 40:26

7M ago40:26

40:26

Rare earth elements are essential to electrification, decarbonization, and modern technology, yet only 1% of these materials are currently recycled globally. Cyclic Materials is changing that. In this episode of Building Better, Ahmad Ghahreman, CEO of Cyclic Materials, shares how his company is pioneering rare earth element recycling to create a c…

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Episode 519-Sean Flowers, Kiera Drew, Ready Force Cyber, North Carolina State, Patriots Technology Training Center, Space Camp, Pediatrics. 24:15

7M ago24:15

24:15

This is the 519th episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast is where you meet adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode features Sean Flowers, recorded on February 3rd, and Kiera Drew, recorded on February 21st. Sean discusses his organization, Ready Force Cyber, which creates …

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Episode 5: Ryan Gneiting: Automation, Cobots, and Industry Innovations 50:38

7M ago50:38

50:38

This week, we're excited to sit down with Ryan Gneiting, Senior Automation Engineer at EWI, to discuss the evolution of automation in welding and manufacturing. From the advancements in robotics and cobots to the challenges of integrating automation into diverse industries, Ryan shares his insights from over 20 years in the field. We explore topics…

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#248 – Ross Blum | Skyline Robotics - Automated Skyscraper Window Cleaning, Facade Management & More 49:26

7M ago49:26

49:26

For more than a century, window cleaning for skyscrapers has been a dangerous, labor-intensive job. Skyline Robotics is changing that. In this episode of Building Better, Ross Blum, President and COO of Skyline Robotics, discusses how their flagship robotic system, Ozmo, is transforming facade maintenance through automation. Ozmo cleans windows thr…

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Episode 518-Sandra Dorsey, SAIC, Cybersecurity, Risk Management, Women Employee Resource Group. 25:34

7M ago25:34

25:34

This is the 518th episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast is where you meet adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode features SAIC’s Sandra Dorsey recorded on February 14th. Sandra discusses working in Cybersecurity and Risk Management for SAIC’s and her role leading SAIC’s …

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Episode 4: Miranda Marcus: Polymer Welding: Innovations and Challenges 47:42

7M ago47:42

47:42

In this episode, we sit down with Miranda Marcus, Senior Engineer and a leading expert in polymer welding, for an in-depth conversation about the fascinating world of plastics, polymers, and cutting-edge science happening at EWI. • The evolution of the polymer group at EWI and its critical role in innovation. • The science behind polymer welding an…

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#247 - The Skill That Changes Everything: How to Learn Faster and Smarter 18:38

7M ago18:38

18:38

The ability to learn on your own is one of the most valuable skills you can develop. The world is moving too fast to rely only on formal education or structured training. If you want to stay ahead, you need to take control of your own learning. In this solo episode, Brandon Bartneck breaks down three key pillars of effective learning: Depth & Bread…

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Episode 3: Logan McNeil: Robotics, DED, & Additive Technologies 45:49

8M ago45:49

45:49

In this episode, Max sits down with Logan McNeil, an Applications Engineer at EWI, to discuss: • The evolution of large-scale manufacturing • Advanced robotics and additive manufacturing (DED) • The exciting future of welding, materials science, and convergent manufacturing • How automation, AI, and new technologies are shaping industries like aero…

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#246 – Tony Olivo & Ken Rahn | FlexGen - Revolutionizing Energy Storage with Better Software 48:48

8M ago48:48

48:48

Tony Olivo and Ken Rahn from FlexGen join the conversation to discuss the evolution of energy storage and its role in grid stability. FlexGen has transitioned from a hardware-focused company to a software-first approach, helping utilities and developers optimize energy storage solutions. The discussion covers the challenges of communicating value i…

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Episode 517-Mike Peace, M.A.P. Technologies, Baltimore, Gaming, Coding, Robotics, Summer Camp 22:14

8M ago22:14

22:14

This is the 517th episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast is where you meet adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode features Mike Peace of M.A.P. Technologies, recorded on February 3rd. Mike discusses what is happening in downtown Baltimore at M.A.P. Technologies, including…

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Episode 2: Jeff Ellis: Polymers and Sustainability 43:21

8M ago43:21

43:21

In this episode, we dive deep into polymers and advanced materials, with insights from Jeff Ellis, Senior Technology Leader for Polymers at EWI. Explore how polymers are shaping the future of industries from Aerospace and Automotive to Pipelines and Consumer Goods. Jeff breaks down: Joining Innovations: Welding polymers to metals and beyond. Degrad…

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Weld Testing & Quality Control with Welding Consultants LLC. 37:25

8M ago37:25

37:25

Join us for an in-depth look at Welding Consultants, LLC., a leading provider of welding inspection and nondestructive testing services. In this episode, we sit down with Matthew Brinkman, VP of Operations and Senior Welding Engineer, to explore the company's history, delve into the intricacies of various testing methods, and discuss the critical r…

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#245 – Kacie Freeberg | The Power of Returnable Packaging in Automotive Manufacturing 50:07

8M ago50:07

50:07

In this episode of Building Better with Brandon Bartneck, Kacie Freeberg, a leader in automotive returnable packaging, joins the conversation to discuss the critical role of sustainable packaging solutions in the supply chain. Kacie is Senior Director, Industrial at ORBIS Corporation. With a deep understanding of returnable packaging, Kacie shares …

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Richard Connor of LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics 42:02

8M ago42:02

42:02

In this episode of Built In the Bluegrass, we’re diving into the world of cybersecurity with Rich Connor, President of LockStock Cybersecurity & Analytics. With the increasing threat of digital vulnerabilities, LockStock is on the front lines, providing cutting-edge security solutions to businesses big and small. Join us as we chat with Rich about …

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Episode 516-Natalie Ciampa, Aisha Abdulkarimu, Engineering, Costumes, Telescopes, Weather Satellites, Biology 22:10

8M ago22:10

22:10

This is the 516th episode of the Fun with the Maryland STEM Festival Podcast. The podcast is where you meet adults and students doing fun and exciting things in STEM in our area. This episode features Natalie Ciampa recorded on January 24th, and Aisha Abdulkarimu on January 20th. Natalie discusses her career path and love of costumes. Aisha discuss…

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Episode 1: Joshua James: Corrosion, Carbon Capture, and Hydrogen 45:16

8M ago45:16

45:16

Welcome to the EWI Technology Podcast! In this episode, Max Ceron interviews Joshua James, Senior Technology Leader for EWI's Corrosion and Environmental Testing Group, at the organization's Columbus location. Join us for an insightful discussion covering topics such as: The science of corrosion: how metals interact with their environments and ways…