Best Univar Solutions Podcasts (2025)

1
From Alt Rock to Alt Fuels 25:19

6d ago25:19

25:19

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Givens—actor, social media influencer, and Director of Promotion & Marketing at Biofriendly —to explore the intersection of Alternative Music and Alternative Fuels. With over 500,000 followers across TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, Jacob has built a loyal audience by blending nostalgic 90s music content with …

1
Tackling Tariffs Together - Expert Insights and Strategies 38:04

2M ago38:04

38:04

Join hosts Andy and Chris as they dive into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on the chemical industry in this enlightening episode of the Smart Acids Podcast. Featuring expert insights from Dwayne Roark, VP of Corporate Affairs, Communications & Marketing at Univar Solutions, this episode explores historical tariff acts, current updates…

1
Chips: Beyond phones and video games 23:11

7M ago23:11

23:11

In this episode, the Smart Acids hosts welcome Joe 'Sherlock' Holmes, Business Development Manager, Electronics. Joe gives us a glimpse into the world of semiconductors and paints a vivid picture of the industry's ecosystem. He'll also provide insights into how vital the right chemistry solutions are and why he is optimistic about what lies ahead f…

1
A look back at two legendary careers 19:11

9M ago19:11

19:11

Smart Acids welcome back both Duane 'Papa Z' Ziolkoswki and Rick 'Ricky Lee' Roth. In this special episode Duane and Rick provide a retrospective on each of their 40+ year careers, the distribution industry over time, what has changed and what has remained constant. 01:30 – Papa Z shows up in a suit and tie and turns the tables with a surprise quiz…

1
Pricing roller coaster ride and the return of ethanol 14:42

11M ago14:42

14:42

Learn about the alcohol market's ups and downs and gain valuable insights into what's ahead for IPA and ethanol. The Smart Acids hosts welcome Duane "Papa Z" Ziolkowski, Product Director, Solvents for Univar Solutions. Listen as he explores the industry's latest market trends, including: Pricing fluctuations Changing market End-use evolution 01:50 …

1
Global Supply Chain 360 + Baltimore Key Bridge Incident 15:57

1y ago15:57

15:57

What’s the current state of our global supply chain and what’s driving costs, efficiencies and risk to the maritime shipping network? The Smart Acids return to navigate what's happening at sea with Jeff “Starbuck” Dixon, Director of International Trade Services for Univar Solutions. Listen now as Dixon discusses how carriers are withstanding disrup…

1
Chef Mike's top food trends of 2024 + culinary product development 23:23

1y ago23:23

23:23

What's shaping the future of food and beverage markets? Chef Mike Haracz brings his corporate chef expertise to the Smart Acids table to discuss the innovative landscape of the food industry and culinary product development. Let's dig into top food trends of 2024, including cost engineering, manufacturing better-for-you products, and reformulating …

1
Smart Acids' excellent adventure through science history and chemical innovation 19:19

1+ y ago19:19

19:19

"Everything in our world is chemistry and chemistry is everywhere in our lives," - David Allen Cole, CEO of the Science History Institute This episode is one for the history books. Smart Acids hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst welcome "The Historian" David Allen Cole, CEO of the Science History Institute, to share stories and historical context a…

1
BASF shares global production outlook + why do producers need distributors? 10:20

1+ y ago10:20

10:20

Smart Acids hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst welcome Detroit native and BASF Strategic Customer Network Leader Jarrett "Hustle" Russell to share a global outlook about what’s happening with production and demand across Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. Tune in for a chemical industry insider’s take on potential challenges associated with …

1
Energy Commodities Report: Is Oil & Gas dead? 12:10

1+ y ago12:10

12:10

Smart Acids hosts Andy and Chris welcome Chris "The Foreman" McAfee, Senior Director of Energy Upstream at Univar Solutions, for a view on the oil and gas industry landscape, what’s ahead for commodities, and the rising price per barrel. But first, see if an uncaffeinated Chris lives up to his Energy Director credentials when he takes the Smart Aci…

1
Ethanol Update Part 2: Navigating specially denatured alcohol permits 7:45

1+ y ago7:45

7:45

Smart Acids hosts Andy and Chris welcome back our resident expert of alcohol (the alcohol with two carbons, aka ethanol), Product Director Duane "Papa Z" Ziolkowski, for a quick rundown of the different classifications and regulatory requirements of ethanol products. 1:33 - Differences among ethanol classifications 2:00 - Undenatured ethanol 2:14 -…

1
The Industrial/Beverage split: Ethanol product moves 11:27

1+ y ago11:27

11:27

Returning guest Duane "Papa Z" Ziolkowski, product director at Univar Solutions, talks about all things ethanol, including its changing landscape, the role of imports and non-GMO, and how this essential – and circular – product moves from fuel to industrial to beverage and food-grade alcohols. Tune in for product insights and test your musical know…

1
Industrial Specialty Chemicals: Down to the nitty-gritty 14:24

2y ago14:24

14:24

Smart Acids hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst welcome Univar Solutions VP Industrial Solutions Michael ‘Diamond Delli’ DelliCompagni to talk about the industrial side of specialty chemicals, market moves in this segment, how the cost of borrowing is impacting manufacturers, and what’s most exciting about upcoming trends. Also, find out how you me…

1
Smart Acids go to Washington - Featuring NACD CEO Eric Byer 21:05

2y ago21:05

21:05

Smart Acids hosts Andy Erickson, Chris Ernst and special guest host Dwayne ‘the self-proclaimed Rock’ Roark welcome CEO of the National Association of Chemical Distributors (NACD), Eric ‘the filibuster’ Byer, to talk critical policy issues facing the chemical distribution industry and the role that NACD is playing. Special guest host intro, Dwayne …

1
Ag Market: Growth, circularity, and seasonal changes 11:12

2y ago11:12

11:12

Let’s talk all things ag – seasons, cycles, and other organic matters. Special guest Christian Jeuris, Agriculture Business Development Manager at Univar Solutions, helps us get to the bottom of Agriculture’s cyclical market, the state of the upcoming season, current industry challenges, and the latest innovations. Think product synergies and soil …

1
Do you know your pale ales? Plus ethanol, IPA, and propylene pricing dynamics 9:48

2y ago9:48

9:48

Smart Acids host Andy Erickson and the hops to his hazy pale ale, co-host Chris Ernst, talk IPAs – isopropyl alcohol vs the latest craft brews – with Product Director Duane "Papa Z" Ziolkowski. Hear market updates and pricing dynamics for ethanol, IPA, and propylene. Bonus round: do you know your IPAs and pale ales? IPA Updates Propylene pricing dy…

1
Current State of Trucking: Part 2 transportation market breakdown 9:57

2+ y ago9:57

9:57

Breaker-Breaker...Transportation Leader Rob McRae knows what’s driving the future of distribution. In this episode, McRae takes a comparative look at the truck transportation subsector and current state of today's carriers, and why our very own Univar Solutions fleet – the largest private fleet inside the chemical industry – can go the distance for…

1
Reliance on rail: Part 1 transportation market breakdown 14:31

2+ y ago14:31

14:31

Transportation Logistician Rob “The Rainmaker” McRae has a passion for all things that move. In this episode, McRae gives the Smart Acids team a market update on the rail transportation subsector, current freight shipping capacity, talk of rail-related embargoes, and what is affecting the overall health of today's rail network. "For us as a chemica…

1
Growing on the wellness and nutrition journey with hemp foods entrepreneur Mike Fata 12:40

2+ y ago12:40

12:40

Founder and former CEO/chairman of Manitoba Harvest Hemp Foods, Mike Fata is no stranger to the food and beverage industry. The visionary hemp guru and influencer was at the forefront of commercializing hemp foods in Canada, helping to transform the business of health and wellness. In 2021, Fata launched the Founder to Mentor Podcast™, sharing his …

1
Bulk chemical big picture of Chlor-Alkali market dynamics 9:11

2+ y ago9:11

9:11

Let's talk Chlor-Alkali market dynamics. What does the chlorine and caustic demand situation look like globally? The Smart Acids team closes out the year with Univar Solutions Chlor-Alkali VP Gary "The Czar" Gable giving a big picture view of the Chlor-Alkali market. Thanks for listening to Smart Acids, a Univar Solutions podcast, where we let boro…

1
What's driving the future of distribution? 14:48

2+ y ago14:48

14:48

What industries are delivering upside in today's chemicals and ingredients market, and what's driving the future of distribution for 2023? With more than 30 years' experience in the business, "Magic Man" Dan Matheny, VP of Product Management for Solvents, gives us the situation on crude oil and its direct derivatives. Brian "The Big Deal" Jurcak, S…

1
Overcoming life's hurdles with Olympian Sarah Wells, Believe Initiative founder 24:35

2+ y ago24:35

24:35

Let's talk active nutrition and empowerment. Sarah Wells is a 400-meter Olympic Hurdler, the winner of four major Canadian National Championships, Silver medalist at the Pan American Games, Amazing Race Canada frontrunner, and the founder of Believe Initiative. Her Believe Initiative is an impactful program empowering the leaders of today and tomor…

1
Surfactants shifts and who's betting heavy on bio-based surfactants 11:33

2+ y ago11:33

11:33

As Andy waxes poetic about the autumnal shifts of the season, Chris checks in on changes within the Surfactants market with Lidia Smorodina, "The Whispering Assassin" and senior product manager, specialties. Listen now to our latest market report as we dig deeper into why surfactants are rising to become a dynamic mover and Lidia discusses integrat…

1
You Be the Chemist Challenge winners take on the Smart Acids 18:06

2+ y ago18:06

18:06

The Smart Acids are back for a special edition episode featuring the winners of the 2022 National You Be the Chemist Challenge (grades 5-8). Univar Solutions is a proud sponsor of the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF) annual STEM competition to inspire the next generation of chemistry leaders. Hear this year’s award-winning team, the Chemistry …

1
Crude oil market report ahead of annual planning cycle 10:52

2+ y ago10:52

10:52

Smart Acids want to know: How are demands and supplies trending on crude oil? "It's a question of how much supply is needed and how fast," says Billy "The Piano Man" Grohl who returns to give us a market update heading into the end of the year. Grohl is Product Director of Aromatic Hydrocarbons at Univar Solutions. From crude into fuels, hear how d…

1
Drumming for health and happiness with Caribou drummer Brad Weber 13:18

3y ago13:18

13:18

Drumming is an intense physical activity involving the whole body. Clinical studies have demonstrated various health benefits of drumming that range from cardiovascular health to reduction in stress and anxiety. In this episode, we catch up with Brad Weber, a multi-instrumentalist composer, musician, and producer based in Toronto, Ontario. Brad is …

1
Owning the last mile: Supply chain sustainability 21:32

3y ago21:32

21:32

What are the biggest challenges that lie ahead for global industries becoming more sustainable? The Smart Acids talk technical with leaders in environmental sustainability, social responsibility, and governance roles at Univar Solutions. Sustainability can mean a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Here's how our guests describe w…

1
What does health and wellness mean to you? 8:32

3y ago8:32

8:32

The path to true health and wellness varies, but the end goal is simple – living well. We are in a time where there is an information overload, especially when it comes to overall health and well-being. Through talking about substantiated research, speaking to individuals about their journeys, and having a deeper conversation about what health and …

1
Sports nutrition and bringing balance to rugby with Jacob Atkins 19:26

3y ago19:26

19:26

Rugby is an intense sport involving high energy demand, agility, speed, endurance, strength, and mental acuity. For professional athletes, recovery is as important as game performance. Nutrition and physical training are fundamental for any athlete. In this episode, we get the real-life scoop from an elite athlete, Jacob Atkins. Jacob is a professi…

1
Revival of superfund tax and ripple effects across chemical space 16:34

3y ago16:34

16:34

What’s the ripple effect of the revived U.S. superfund-related tax across the chemistries and industries we serve? The Smart Acids get serious with experts from both the tax and commercial side to discuss the superfund tax's ripple effects to 2030 and for years to come. Hear how it impacts both domestic manufacturers and importers and why chemical …

1
What's the big deal with bulk chemicals? 20:41

3y ago20:41

20:41

On the latest episode of the Smart Acids, hear Univar Solutions Chlor-Alkali VP Gary 'the czar' Gable (01:32) break down the Chlor-Alkali market, global trade dynamics and pricing trend predictions. Tom ‘TomKat’ Edman (11:05) dives into specifics around caustic soda, and what makes it unique in terms of scale, velocity and security of supply. Final…

1
International impacts, phosphate and surfactant moves 20:30

3y ago20:30

20:30

“If you’re importing raw materials, don’t run your inventories low. Make sure you’re keeping some measure of inventory on hand and a buffer to guard against delays.” Listen as the Smart Acids learn more from International Trade Director Larry ‘Globetrotter’ Ogden (02:08) about Omicron in China and its impacts on the interconnected global supply cha…

1
Turbulent times and the solvents market 18:56

3y ago18:56

18:56

Smart Acids goes global and welcomes Rob 'Duke of Solvents' Lawton, business director in EMEA, to discuss the eastern European conflict's short and long-term impacts. Rick Roth, product director of Local Chemical Distribution - Solvents, reviews crude oil volatility and how industry is responding. Smart Acids™ is the source for product insights and…

1
State of transportation and food industry trends 28:59

3y ago28:59

28:59

With ports, rails and the trucking network backed up, how are suppliers and distributors navigating the current state of transportation? Listen as Transportation VP Rob 'Rainmaker' McRae talks with the Smart Acids about this critical link in the supply chain. 15:00: Calling all "legit" foodies: gain insights on food industry dynamics and trends fro…

1
Wild world of propylene and crude pricing impacts in 2022 24:36

3+ y ago24:36

24:36

What do crude oil and grunge music have in common—and what's disrupting the propylene market in 2022? Listen as product director Kyle 'Killer B' Stratton shares the latest on propylene supply and 'The Piano Man' Billy Groel, aromatic hydrocarbons & methyl ethyl ketone product director, gets us up to speed on crude oil, hydrocarbons and alternative …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Univar Solutions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen