Best Specified Podcasts (2025)

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

Play Pause

1d 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…

1
Trauma and Self-Injury, with Dr. Rachel Zelkowitz 50:13

2d 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…

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10/29/25 Show 283 : Raising Safety Concerns In The Fear Factory 2:00:00

3d ago2:00:00

2:00:00

with all due respect to my many friends and loved ones who deeply enjoy the occasion, this week’s program will not include a Halloween theme, Halloween music or any other sort of pandering, infantile bullshit designed to distract from the ongoing tire fire we’re engulfed in. By all means, have a great time with your Halloween parties and however yo…

1
Who’s Responsible? EU & UK Product Compliance Explained (AR, Importers & Dropshipping) [Feat. Roberth Jonsson of 24HourAR] 36:25

9d ago36:25

36:25

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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10/22/25 Show 282 : Reassessment Of Dennis Hopper's Nike Commercials Delayed Until A Future Episode 2:00:02

10d ago2:00:02

2:00:02

to quote Charlotte Caffey and Kathy Valentine, I am certain there are moments “"head over heels, to time to think / Looks like the whole world's out of sync” resonates deeply with each and every one of you. And that’s why I do this program each and every week, to try and help you make sense of the senseless. I’ll admit that I’ve not done a particul…

1
When Wearables Fail: Swelling Rings, Cracked Watches, and Failing Earbuds 47:21

16d 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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10/15/25 Show 281 : Take A Bite Out Of Criminally Overpriced Reissues 2:00:16

17d ago2:00:16

2:00:16

so none of my so-called friends thought it was worth mentioning that the National Crime Prevention Council’s ill-advised 1988 cassette, ‘McGruff’s Smart Kids Album’ had recently been reissued on multiple formats by some enterprising record label and all available copies are G O N E. On the endless list of things going wrong near and far, this proba…

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

17d 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…

1
From Sketch to Factory: Industrial Design For Manufacturers (Feat. Vera Roldan) 30:14

22d 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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10/08/25 Show 280 : There's No Such Thing As A Bad Bun E., Only The Thoroughly Great Bun E. 2:00:04

25d ago2:00:04

2:00:04

if you’re like me (and I suspect a few of you are), you were surprised but hardly outraged at the NFL’s recent announcement that Bun E. Carlos would be headlining the Super Bowl halftime show next February. Granted, a 15 minute drum solo is not everyone’s brand of entertainment (and technically, since this is an instrumental performance, no one wil…

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

30d 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…

1
The original Finance Medical Teacher - Dr. Michael Varenbut 1:01:09

1M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

This episode, I am having a conversation with Dr. Varenbut about his impetus for writing his book about personal finance for Canadian physicians. We will learn from his experience and wisdom surrounding the topic of financial wellness among members of our community. I am certain many will walk away with lots of pearls and golden nuggets. To reach o…

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10/01/25 Show 279 : Richer Sounds' Lifetime Warrant Does Not Specify Whose Lifetime 2:00:07

1M ago2:00:07

2:00:07

greetings friends, I nearly wasn’t able to complete this week’s episode after being diagnosed with a case of minor men’s whiplash acquired while reading the New York Times’ recent, “Is It OK To Use Your Phone On The Toilet?” article. Weirdly enough, I was not reading said think (?) piece on the toilet but instead an airport monorail that made an ab…

1
Parenting with Lived Experience of Self-Injury, with Dr. Janis Whitlock 53:13

1M 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.…

1
Fail‑Safe by Design: Avoiding Catastrophic Product Failures 28:52

1M 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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09/24/25 Show 278 : Pepperidge Farm Remembers ; Zendik Farm Forgets (To Pay The Electric Bill) 1:29:54

1M ago1:29:54

1:29:54

this week’s planned Goner Fest preview was scrapped at the last minute in favor of a two hour roundtable (pizza) discussion concerning the mooted mid 1990’s merger of eco-cult Zendik Farm with purveyor of delicious (albeit highly processed) baked goods Pepperidge Farm. Did it fall apart when the former’s patriarch, the late Wulf Zendik (above) lear…

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Choosing the Right Polymer Processing Method 36:18

1M 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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09/17/25 Show 277 : Change My Mind(era) - I'm Gonna Need At Least A Half Dozen 2:00:08

2M ago2:00:08

2:00:08

i’ve looked forward to the day I’d be able to do this program live from East Village Radio’s lovely 1st Avenue booth, however in light of recent events in the USA, I have implored station management for INCREASED SECURITY. Not for everyone, necessarily, primarily for me. I’ve come to understand that despite this show’s wild popularity, some of the …

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09/10/25 Show 276 : Never Been In An (Infa) Riot 2:00:57

2M ago2:00:57

2:00:57

this week’s program comes to you from Wood Green where following a fascinating guided tour of guitarist Barry D'Amery’s birthplace/museum, we’ll discuss the disappointing, nah, shocking paucity of details on INFA RIOT’s wikipedia. How can an ensemble with such a rich and colorful historybe summed up in a mere two paragraphs? Is there really nothing…

1
Financial Planning is like Advanced Care Planning in Palliative Care - just Essential! 44:52

2M ago44:52

44:52

We have a fireside chat with my good buddy Pratik and we discuss his approach to his career, personal life, and financial journey. Pratik shares with us his learnings and also many golden nuggets. Nobody teaches us these life lessons. We kinda have to learn these as we go. Sadly, many of us still are struggling to learn these life lessons. To leave…

1
Plastic Playbook: Choosing The Right Polymer 44:19

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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…

1
Prototype to Production: 7 Sneaky Pitfalls to Avoid 37:18

2M 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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09/03/25 Show 275 : Much Like A Yungblud Instore, There Is No Way To Rationalize This Photograph 2:00:07

2M ago2:00:07

2:00:07

he accompanying photograph is from an aborted IG account called ShaneandKaneOuttaContext. The problem is, I cannot possibly share such an arresting visual without providing some context. For the crap politician on the right, this is maybe the most (only?) relatable thing he’s ever done. For the Bill Simmons lookalike on the left, a man whose only m…

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

2M 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…

1
When To Sign Off On Injection Mold Tooling — Inside the Journey from DFM to T0→T2 31:26

2M 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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08/27/25 Show 274 : To Save Your Ears, I'll Zap Myself Into Irrelevancy 2:00:00

2M ago2:00:00

2:00:00

The other day, an East Village Radio colleague played a new recording by a band so derivative, so feckless, so utterly craven, so thoroughly lacking any musical or lyrical creativity that I knew I had to do something about it. Except of course, there’s nothing I can do about it. Where I to name and shame this particular ensemble, I would almost cer…

1
Physicians are more than just physicians - some of us are also entrepreneurs 37:27

2M ago37:27

37:27

Physicians have skills that can be applied to many industries and sectors of the economy. Many of us have followed our passion or calling. Many of us can still do this while working our day job. To leave me with your feedback or comments, please email me at [email protected] To reach me for financial coaching, email me at the address above.…

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

2M 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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08/20/25 Show 273 : You Dropped A (Brain)Bomb On Me 2:00:00

2M ago2:00:00

2:00:00

like many of you, I was confused, befuddled, even, when the Kennedy Centers Honors list was released earlier this month and BRAINBOMBS were included. I mean, they’re Swedish. OTOH, much of their subject matter would be right in line with the administration’s general worldview . As it turns out, I, like many of you, had presumed these presentations …

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

3M 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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08/13/25 Show 272 : Setting Boundaries (On Doctor's Orders) 2:00:04

3M ago2:00:04

2:00:04

i hate to get personal on mornings it’s time to promote the radio show, but I received a rather devastating health diagnosis last week. My doctor says if i do ONE MORE FAVOR for someone I barely know, I’m probably going to expire. As it happens, I did just agree to do another favor and that’s writing the liner notes to the long-mooted SLAMBODIANS b…

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Pilot Runs: Crucial for Manufacturing Success 32:21

3M 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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08/06/25 Show 271 : Throwing Raw Meat To The Denim Denialists 2:00:02

3M ago2:00:02

2:00:02

the recent Sydney Sweeney / eugenics dog whistling campaign is not only deeply stupid, but sadly, brought to mind my ill-fated attempt several years ago to revive Sears Roebuck’s once-vaunted Toughskins brand. An expensive-to-produce television commercial featuring adolescents declaring “we’ve got really average to below average jeans” had to be sc…

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07/30/25 show 270 : IT’S HARD(ER) TO WAVE IN HANDCUFFS 2:01:13

3M ago2:01:13

2:01:13

i am presuming you are all caught up in the sorry tale of police harassment / judicial overreach that has seen a beloved american icon (ok, Chuck E. Cheese) hauled away on the most specious of charges. who amongst us at one time or another not inadvertently borrowed a credit card and run up some miscellaneous charges at a local smoke shop or tavern…

1
India Overtakes China in US Smartphone Shipments: What It Really Means 33:55

3M 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…

1
Help-Seeking for Self-Injury, with Nani Kim, RN 47:51

3M 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

3M 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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07/23/25 Show 269 : FINGER ON THE DUMP BUTTON 2:00:03

3M ago2:00:03

2:00:03

greetings and welcome to episode 269. There were some last minute edits to today's episode --- i took a call on-air last night from an agitated individual who took great umbrage at Drake acknowledging Ozzy Osbourne's passing yet having nothing to say about the death of fellow Canadian Bill Exley (Nihilist Spasm Band). Though this caller sounded sus…

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

4M 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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07/15/25 Show 268 : Everyone Has Their Price (And Mind Finally Increased) 2:00:07

4M ago2:00:07

2:00:07

Over the past several weeks I feel as though I’ve inundated with unreasonable requests, many of them coming from persons I have no relationship with, personally or professionally. I’ll grant that my reactions to such demands are a tad on the sensitive side , but in the interests of separating the kellogg’s mini-wheats from the chaff, going forward …

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07/08/25 Show 267 : Only The Most Dynamic Pricing For Kindly Cock Records' Lone Signing 1:59:59

4M ago1:59:59

1:59:59

earlier this week, a (very funny) social media post by David Stubbs extensively cataloged the myriad ways Oasis suck-like-crazy, laying waste to the revisionist history these dopes had any redeeming values, musical or otherwise. As this post was timed to coincide with the (less interesting) Bruddas’ reunion stadium tour — not titled “Triumph Of The…

1
Oh doctor...don't forget about the taxes! 1:09:55

4M ago1:09:55

1:09:55

While I am not an accountant, I like to learn about taxes in Canada. This is because it allows me to better properly plan my financial life. I recognize many of us in the medical community shy away from learning about taxes that impact us. It is not in our best interest. It is essential to understand taxes well. If you have any comments or have ide…

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

4M 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…

1
Vietnam-US Trade Deal: Trump’s Tariff Tactics & Transshipment Troubles 24:52

4M 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…

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07/02/25 Show 266 : Indifference Day 2025 Special 2:00:08

4M ago2:00:08

2:00:08

KEEP HONKING if you’re in any way complicit (hey there fellow tax payers) in neighbors, friends, trusted colleagues and people who love their families so-very-much being hauled off U.S. streets and detained under brutal condition. Honest, kind, hard working people just like you (presuming you’re all of these things and if you’re not, that’s another…

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

4M 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

4M 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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06/25/25 Show 265 : Were It Not For The Fork, Abby Would've Been Far Less Stabby 2:00:04

4M ago2:00:04

2:00:04

June 25 marks the advent of two incredibly important inventions in the history of civilization ; June 25 1630 saw the introduction of the fork, while June 25, 1867 was day barbed wire was patented. Today’s program considers how our history might’ve changed had these dates been reversed ; nearly 250 years could’ve elapsed with nothing being eaten ex…