Best Specified Podcasts (2026)

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The Iron Triangle of NPI: What to Sacrifice: Time, Cost or Quality? 41:22

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2h ago41:22

41:22

If your product launches late, over budget, or with quality issues; you’ve met the Iron Triangle. In this episode, Adrian and Paul break down the three corners (cost, time, quality), the real-world trade-offs founders and product teams face, and the “hidden” fourth factor that turns the triangle into a pyramid. The key takeaway: choose your anchor …

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What Role Does Blood Play in Self-Injury?, with Dr. Christian Schmahl 41:30

9d ago41:30

41:30

In this episode, Dr. Christian Schmahl from Heidelberg University and Mannheim, Germany, answers a listener's question and talks about his experimental research assessing how seeing blood affects heart rate and arousal among both those who engage in nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) and those who don't. He also shares insights into the role of self an…

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2026 Manufacturing Trends: Tariffs, China+1, Repairability, AI & ‘Smart’ Factories 32:47

6d ago32:47

32:47

In this pre-Christmas episode 307, Adrian and Renaud look ahead to five manufacturing trends that could shape 2026 for importers working with China and Asia. Thanks for listening during 2025. We appreciate all of our listeners and followers, and, if you like what we do, please consider giving us a 5-star rating on your podcast player! See you in 20…

1
Spotting Kickbacks In China Manufacturing: Middlemen Could Be Costing You 32:51

13d ago32:51

32:51

Hidden commissions and kickbacks can still be found in China sourcing, and many importers are unaware that they’re paying for them. In this episode, Adrian and Renaud unpack how these schemes work, how agents and trading companies quietly erode your margin, and what a more transparent, safer sourcing model looks like. Episode Sections: 00:00 – Intr…

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From Drone Flyovers to Hand Sketches: Joe Marker’s Signature Process 40:02

17d ago40:02

40:02

On this episode of Rooted in Innovation, we sit down with Joseph Marker, owner of Marker Elevated Landscapes, to explore what it really means to lead a residential landscape firm with vision. From his signature 3-2-1 design process to his hybrid use of drone imagery and hand-drawing, Joe walks us through the artistic, technical, and deeply personal…

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Can You Afford to Manufacture Your Idea? Budget Truths from Idea to Mass Production 47:05

20d ago47:05

47:05

Adrian is joined by Sofeast Group Head of New Product Development, Paul Adams, to unpack the brutal truth behind the question: “Can you actually afford to manufacture your new product idea?” They bust some of the most dangerous myths (like “MOQ × unit price is my total cost” and “we’ll fix reliability later”), then walk through Sofeast/Agilian’s 6-…

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Mold in the Container: How to Protect Your Shipments from Devastation 27:58

27d ago27:58

27:58

In episode 304 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Kate (Sofeast’s Supply Chain Management Manager) to dig into one of the nastiest hidden risks importers face: mold. They explain how weeks inside a hot, humid shipping container can ruin textiles, leather, wood, packaging, and even electronics, if humidity and packaging aren’t under…

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Media & Self-Harm: What Helps, What Harms?, with Dr. Nicholas Westers 53:58

1M ago53:58

53:58

In this episode, host and producer of The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast, Dr. Nicholas Westers, shares his own thoughts about how media portray nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) as well as suicide and mass shootings. He walks us through media guidelines for responsibly reporting and depicting each in the news, including the first ever NSSI media gu…

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How to Hire a Real Quality Manager in China/Asia 19:05

1M ago19:05

19:05

Hiring a “quality manager” in China or Asia doesn’t always mean you’re getting someone who can actually protect your brand. In this episode, Renaud walks through how to tell a real quality leader from a simple document handler: the interview questions that expose true ISO 9001 competence, what strong (and weak) answers sound like, and how this role…

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How to Reduce Injection Molding Costs Without Sacrificing Quality & Reliability 34:02

2M ago34:02

34:02

Adrian and Paul break down why molding costs “balloon” (over-tight tolerances and cosmetic overkill) and then walk through three practical levers to cut costs safely: smarter tooling design & DFM (wall thickness, draft, gates, material choice), good tooling decisions (steel grades like P20 vs H13, cavity count, hot vs cold runners), and production/…

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How Rob Ambler Built a People-First Landscape Company 36:00

2M ago36:00

36:00

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, we sit down with Rob Ambler, founder and owner of Ambler Industries, LLC, a design/build and maintenance firm based in Pennsylvania. Rob shares his deeply personal story of burnout, renewal, and the business transformation that followed. From restructuring his leadership team to adopting Aspire software, Rob…

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What The October 30 Trump–Xi Trade Framework Means for US Importers 31:19

2M ago31:19

31:19

The team unpacks October’s Trump–Xi meeting and the short-term “truce” it produced: a ~10 percentage-point cut on broad China tariffs tied to fentanyl controls, a one-year pause on rare-earth/magnet export controls, resumed Chinese purchasing of US soy/other ag, and continued Section 301 exclusions for key medical, electronics, HVAC, and solar item…

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Trauma and Self-Injury, with Dr. Rachel Zelkowitz 50:13

2M ago50:13

50:13

In this episode, Dr. Rachel Zelkowitz defines trauma and its prevalence among individuals who self-injure, delineates posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from complex PTSD (C-PTSD), and discusses common treatments for addressing trauma, including Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Prolonge…

1
Designing for Toughness: How to Specify & Achieve the Right IK Rating 36:40

2M ago36:40

36:40

It's episode 300! Host Adrian and Sofeast head of NPD Paul Adams dig into IK ratings, what they measure (impact energy in joules), why they matter for real-world product abuse (drops, kicks, tool strikes), and how to connect use-case, environment, materials, and system-level design choices (wall thickness, ribs, radii, gate location) to hit targets…

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Who’s Responsible? EU & UK Product Compliance Explained (AR, Importers & Dropshipping) [Feat. Roberth Jonsson of 24HourAR] 34:03

2M ago34:03

34:03

In episode 298, Renaud talks with Roberth Jonsson (24HourAR) about what “compliance” really means in the EU/UK. Industrial products, consumer goods, dropshipping; if you sell in the EU/UK under your own brand, you’re legally the manufacturer. That means CE testing alone won’t save you. You need the right directives/standards, a complete technical f…

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When Wearables Fail: Swelling Rings, Cracked Watches, and Failing Earbuds 47:21

2M ago47:21

47:21

In episode 297 of China Manufacturing Decoded, host Renaud is joined by Sofeast reliability specialist Andrew Amirnovin to unpack why smart wearables so often fail in the field, and how to stop it. They break down real cases across rings, earbuds, watches, and smart glasses (think swollen cells, failing mics, cracked displays, and weak straps), the…

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BONUS: China rare-earth export controls vs. U.S. 100% tariff threat + what it means for manufacturers 10:35

2M ago10:35

10:35

Renaud breaks down this week’s one-two punch in the U.S.–China trade saga: Beijing’s new export controls on key rare-earth minerals (notably neodymium for high-strength magnets) and the White House’s counter-threat of a 100% tariff on made-in-China imports from November 1. He unpacks the “small yard, high fence” strategy, how China is now mirroring…

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From Sketch to Factory: Industrial Design For Manufacturers (Feat. Vera Roldan) 30:14

3M ago30:14

30:14

In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, host Adrian is joined by Vera Roldan, head of the design department at Sofeast, to unpack how industrial design links user needs, aesthetics, and manufacturability. Vera outlines the practical workflow: research, mood boards, sketches, 3D CAD, renders, and tight collaboration with engineering and supp…

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Getting PR Right and Trade Fair Tips for Hardware Startups 18:49

3M ago18:49

18:49

In this episode, Adrian is joined by Kate, Sofeast's head of Supply Chain Management, who has just returned from IFA Berlin, Europe’s biggest consumer electronics trade fair. Together, they share key takeaways from the event, focusing on how PR can make or break your trade fair success. This episode offers actionable advice on getting media coverag…

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Parenting with Lived Experience of Self-Injury, with Dr. Janis Whitlock 53:13

3M ago53:13

53:13

Two topics are covered in this episode: (1) how parents with lived experience of nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) can navigate conversations with their children about their own scarring and wounds, and (2) how parents (with or without lived experience) can navigate conversations about self-injury with their young adult children when they turn 18. Dr.…

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Fail‑Safe by Design: Avoiding Catastrophic Product Failures 28:52

3M ago28:52

28:52

In this episode, Adrian is joined by Renaud Anjoran to explore fail-safe design principles: essential thinking for anyone developing most kinds of products. Through real-world examples ranging from Tesla doors to Boeing and consumer electronics, they highlight how designers must ask: “If this fails, what happens to the user?” They break down why it…

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Choosing the Right Polymer Processing Method 36:18

4M ago36:18

36:18

In episode 293 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian is joined by Sofeast’s Head of New Product Development, Paul Adams, for the final part of their trilogy on polymers. When people think of plastics, they usually picture injection molding. But it’s far from the only available process. We'll break down the major polymer processing methods, includi…

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Plastic Playbook: Choosing The Right Polymer 44:19

4M ago44:19

44:19

Choosing the right polymer for your plastic parts can significantly impact the success of your product. In this episode, Adrian and Paul Adams from Sofeast explore the most common polymers used in manufacturing, from everyday workhorses like ABS to high-performance engineering plastics and sustainable bioplastics. They cover the strengths, weakness…

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BONUS: China’s Oct 1 Export Overhaul: What Every Manufacturer Must Do Now 9:12

4M ago9:12

9:12

Starting October 1st, 2025, the Chinese government is enforcing stricter export compliance rules that could significantly disrupt supply chains. Exporters will need to disclose the manufacturer’s identity and prove that every component was purchased the formal way, with aligned flows of materials, contracts, and tax invoices. In this short bonus ep…

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What Landscape Designers Actually Want to Specify with Emily Bell 26:46

4M ago26:46

26:46

In this episode of Rooted in Innovation, the team sits down with Emily Bell, a landscape designer and founder of Emily Bell Landscape Design, to talk about real-world challenges—and smart solutions—in site planning. From stormwater management to tree stabilization, Emily shares the tools she actually specifies, including TreeStaple, Silver Cells, C…

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Prototype to Production: 7 Sneaky Pitfalls to Avoid 37:18

4M ago37:18

37:18

In episode 290 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran is back and joins Adrian to explore seven common pitfalls that can derail manufacturing projects during the critical transition from prototype to production. A working prototype may look and feel like the final product, but moving from prototype to mass production is a far more complex j…

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DSM Update: Nonsuicidal Self-Injury Disorder, or a Clinical Specifier? 1:03:20

4M ago1:03:20

1:03:20

In this episode, four of the top experts in researching and treating nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI) talk about the research behind NSSI Disorder, the evolution of how they now think about NSSI within the context of the DSM, and why they now advocate for an NSSI specifier rather than an NSSI Disorder in the DSM. They also delineate their proposed cr…

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When To Sign Off On Injection Mold Tooling — Inside the Journey from DFM to T0→T2 31:26

4M ago31:26

31:26

Episode 289: Adrian is joined again by our head of New Product Development, Paul Adams, to explore the complexity of plastic injection mold tooling and what it takes to go from tooling design to mass production of plastic parts. They explore the full journey, from DFM and tool design through trial runs (T0, T1, T2) to final sign-off and mass produc…

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Traffic Lights for Product Success. How Phase Gates Save Time & Money 37:40

4M ago37:40

37:40

Adrian is joined once again by Paul Adams, the Sofeast Group’s Head of New Product Development, based at Agilian Technology, our contract manufacturer, to discuss the importance of phase gate (or stage gate) reviews in new product introduction (NPI). When developing and manufacturing a product, rushing forward without checks at key stages can lead …

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Tariffs, Trade War, and the Factory Floor: Buyer Risks in 2025 38:33

5M ago38:33

38:33

Tariffs, shifting trade policies, and unpredictable order patterns are creating a “stop–go” manufacturing environment in China. For buyers, this means unexpected quality issues, capacity crunches, and supply chain instability. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the Sofeast team break down the real-world i…

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Pilot Runs: Crucial for Manufacturing Success 32:21

5M ago32:21

32:21

Jumping into mass production without a pilot run is like launching a rocket without a test fire, risky, costly, and likely to go wrong. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Renaud Anjoran and Adrian from the Sofeast team break down what the pilot run process really is, why it's non-negotiable in any serious manufacturing project, and wha…

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India Overtakes China in US Smartphone Shipments: What It Really Means 33:55

5M ago33:55

33:55

Adrian and Renaud explore a significant shift in global electronics production: India surpassing China as the top smartphone exporter to the USA. The discussion covers why this change happened so fast, how Apple and other big tech firms adapted, what this means for SMEs, and how Sofeast is now expanding its own manufacturing footprint in India. Sho…

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Help-Seeking for Self-Injury, with Nani Kim, RN 47:51

5M ago47:51

47:51

In this episode, Nani Kim, RN from the University of Texas at Austin talks all things help-seeking for nonsuicidal self-injury (NSSI). This includes common reasons people give for choosing to seek help for self-harm, common forms of help-seeking behavior for NSSI, how often individuals who self-injure seek help for their self-injury, why they choos…

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Q&A: Invention > Marketplace, Shorter Manufacturing Timelines, China V West Biz Culture Differences, etc. 34:31

5M ago34:31

34:31

In this diverse episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, hosts Adrian and Renaud cover several thought-provoking topics based on listeners' questions. They will discuss: How to transform an initial idea into a market-ready product. Cultural differences in business practices between Chinese and Western companies. Shortening manufacturing timelines, s…

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The Rise and Struggles of Smaller E-Commerce Sellers: Lessons from 2015 to Now 45:14

6M ago45:14

45:14

Adrian and Renaud examine how small e-commerce sellers surged in popularity between 2015 and 2021 and why many are now struggling. They discuss the boom in dropshipping, the impact of rising advertising costs, the dominance of big brands, and how platforms like Amazon, Meta, and Google have changed the game. This episode explores why success has be…

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Retail vs. Amazon FBA vs. D2C: Logistics & Product Prep Clarified 31:41

6M ago31:41

31:41

Welcome to episode 282 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast from Sofeast where we take a deep dive into the logistics and product preparation differences across three major e-commerce and sales channels. Adrian and Kate from Sofeast break down how to optimize supply chains depending on whether you're shipping to retailers, selling through Ama…

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Vietnam-US Trade Deal: Trump’s Tariff Tactics & Transshipment Troubles 24:52

6M ago24:52

24:52

A major shift just occurred in global trade. On July 2nd, the United States and Vietnam announced a new trade agreement that sets a 20% tariff on Vietnamese exports and 40% on goods deemed to be transshipped (often Chinese-origin products rerouted via Vietnam). In this episode, Adrian and Renaud break down what this means for importers using Vietna…

1
China's Rare Earth Monopoly: A Looming Supply Chain Crisis? 27:28

6M ago27:28

27:28

Adrian and Renaud chat about a timely topic, the complex and critical issue of rare earth minerals, focusing particularly on how the US/China trade war has recently influenced their availability. As China controls over 90% of the refined production of rare earth elements, recent developments in trade policies have significant implications for globa…

1
Why Do People Self-Injure? Part 2, with Dr. Kirsty Hird 42:48

6M ago42:48

42:48

Dr. Kirsty Hird, a Research Officer in the Youth Mental Health team at The Kids Research Institute Australia, adds to Episode 1 of The Psychology of Self-Injury podcast by explaining in depth and in layman's terms why people self-injure according to the six most common/popular theoretical models. Connect with Dr. Hird on LinkedIn here, view her sta…

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Tesla's Cybertruck Debacle: Reliability, Politics, & Plummeting Sales 34:38

7M ago34:38

34:38

In today’s episode, Adrian is joined by Andrew Amirnovin, our reliability expert, and we’re using Tesla’s Cybertruck problems as a case study in what happens when a product skips, or underinvests in, reliability testing. From panels that fall off to cracked windshields and sticky accelerator pedals, it’s clear the fundamentals weren’t locked down b…

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More Than Just A Box: Guide To Making Packaging 31:19

7M ago31:19

31:19

"Packaging is more than just a box," a phrase that becomes increasingly true the deeper you get into product development. In this episode of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian hosts Kate Oliynykova, Sofeast’s Head of Supply Chain Management, to dive into the often-overlooked yet critical world of packaging. From early-stage design to common pitfal…

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Protect Your IP: Strategies for Safely Sourcing Components 39:55

7M ago39:55

39:55

In episode 277 of China Manufacturing Decoded, Adrian and Renaud explore how to avoid leaking your intellectual property (IP) when sourcing components during the product development process. While working with suppliers, especially overseas, is often necessary, it can also pose significant IP risks. This discussion breaks down the real-world scenar…

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Self-Harm in Older Adults, with Dr. Lisa Van Hove 57:26

7M ago57:26

57:26

Just how prevalent is self-injury among older adults, specifically those ages 60 and over? Do the types and methods they use differ from those who self-injure at other ages? What about the reasons they give for self-injuring? In this episode, Dr. Lisa Van Hove from Vrije Universiteit Brussel (Brussels University) is the first to reveal the prevalen…

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Exploring the book: "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company" 33:53

7M ago33:53

33:53

Join Renaud on a journey into the fascinating world of electronics manufacturing and how Apple's strategic moves in China transformed it. Our episode is inspired by the book "Apple in China: The Capture of the World's Greatest Company," a book by journalist Patrick McGee, who offers a well-researched exploration of how Apple inadvertently establish…

1
Post-Brexit Compliance: Selling in the UK vs the EU 26:10

7M ago26:10

26:10

If you're manufacturing products for the EU and wondering how to break into the UK post-Brexit, this episode is for you. Renaud Anjoran sits down with compliance expert Fredrik Grönkvist from ComplianceGate to demystify the increasingly divergent regulatory frameworks between the UK and the EU. Show Sections 01:01 – Guest Introduction – Fredrik fro…

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Trading Companies Explained (BONUS) 8:49

8M ago8:49

8:49

In this special bonus episode of 'China Manufacturing Decoded,' Adrian and Renaud look into the often misunderstood role of trading companies in the Chinese manufacturing landscape. Ultimately, this episode aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to make informed decisions about engaging trading companies, weighing their potential benefits again…

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Breaking the Mold: How 3D-Printed Tooling Is Revolutionizing Plastic Prototyping 35:47

8M ago35:47

35:47

Welcome to episode 273 of the China Manufacturing Decoded podcast. Imagine validating your injection-molded parts using production-grade materials, without waiting weeks or spending tens of thousands. Adrian and Paul unpack the game-changing hybrid tooling process that combines 3D-printed soluble resin inserts with steel molds to accelerate develop…

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China Tariff Reductions (May 12) Breakdown: Temporary Relief for U.S. Companies [BONUS] 13:50

8M ago13:50

13:50

Recorded on the evening of May 12th, China time, as the news broke, Renaud breaks down the implications of the tariff adjustments announced by the U.S. administration. With tariffs previously skyrocketing to up to around 150%, recent talks in Switzerland between the USA and China have resulted in a significant reduction, providing a temporary windo…

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Tariffs, Trade Shifts & Tactics: A U.S. Importer's Guide (Feat. Owen Haacke of Supply Chain Shark) 34:03

8M ago34:03

34:03

Our guest for this episode is Owen Haacke, co-founder of Supply Chain Shark and a licensed customs broker. Owen is renowned for guiding businesses through the complex landscape of US Customs and tariffs. In this episode, we reconnect with Owen to discuss the evolving nature of import tariffs and the impact of recent regulatory changes on global tra…

1
Getting It Right from the Start: Essential Guide to Working with Manufacturers 28:37

8M ago28:37

28:37

Are you gearing up to manufacture a new electronic / hard good product? In this episode, Renaud and Adrian break down exactly what you need to prepare before starting with a manufacturer. These insights could save you time, money, and major headaches. Show Sections 00:00: Welcome and Introduction 01:13: Sourcing Existing Products: Know What You're …