Best Midwest Happy Hour Podcasts (2024)

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180: Made in Missouri, Live from the 2024 Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference 1:07:22

10d ago1:07:22

1:07:22

This episode is all about ‘Made in Missouri’ and was recorded live at the 2024 Midwest Manufacturers Trade Show & Conference. It’s a special episode for host Chris Luecke, because not only did he grow up in Missouri, but also because he is a big fan of the Missouri Association of Manufacturers, which is a group that’s constantly advocating for manu…

1
182: Robotics and Automation in Additive Manufacturing with Liz Stortstrom, 3D Printing Product Manager at HP 43:56

1h ago43:56

43:56

Additive manufacturing isn’t exactly a new kid on the block, but are manufacturers using it as much as they could? And are we using it in the right way by teaming it up with automation? According to Liz Stortstrom, 3D Printing Product Manager at HP, manufacturers are starting to lean into using additive manufacturing with automation – but we could …

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181: Leadership and Ethics in the Adoption of Robotics with Ryan Gariepy, CTO of Clearpath Robotics & OTTO Motors 48:05

3d ago48:05

48:05

Now, who doesn’t love a good chat about robots? In this episode, we speak with Ryan Gariepy, the CTO of Clearpath Robotics & OTTO Motors, about the future of robotics and how leadership can effectively integrate autonomous equipment and robots into existing operations. We hear about Ryan’s career in robotics, from his early days to building his two…

1
179: The Power of Personal Branding and Building Trust With Your Ideal Customers Featuring Nikki Gonzales 59:55

17d ago59:55

59:55

Does personal branding have a place in the manufacturing space? It might be something you associate more with marketing or creative industries, but this week’s guest has seen her personal branding efforts open doors to new and exciting opportunities. Nikki Gonzales, the Head of Partnerships at Quotebeam and Co-Host of the Automation Ladies podcast …

1
178: Innovation, Allyship, and Empowering Women in STEM, Live from 3M Global Headquarters in St. Paul, MN 51:26

1M ago51:26

51:26

Innovation is 3M’s bread and butter. As a leading science-based technology company, we wanted to hear more about the stories from people who make all that innovation happen. This episode was recorded at 3M’s headquarters in St. Paul Minnesota, where we spoke with three brilliant women from 3M about innovation in STEM, how 3M encourages new ideas an…

1
177: Strengthening Your Engineering Team through Co-Ops and Employee Ownership with Marcease Warren 33:58

1M ago33:58

33:58

Well, this episode is certainly a trip down memory lane! Host Chris Luecke is joined by former college classmate Marcease Warren, the VP of Manufacturing at Sentry Equipment. Chris and Marcease catch up on what’s changed since they were pulling all-nighters trying to finish projects at Marquette’s College of Engineering. In this episode, we hear ab…

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176: Discussing Logistics, Automated Forklifts, and Craft Beer with Nick Malewicki, Big Joe Forklifts 46:23

1M ago46:23

46:23

What’s new in the forklift and logistics industry? According to Nick Malewicki, the General Manager of the Autonomous Vehicle Division at Big Joe Forklifts, we’re seeing smart forklifts, more automation, and better safety features in equipment. Nick joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to talk about his role and career and shares some insights into his o…

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175: The Evolution of Industrial Marketing, Live from the 2024 Industrial Marketing Summit 1:06:49

2M ago1:06:49

1:06:49

Welcome to this special episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, recorded live at the 2024 Industrial Marketing Summit in Austin Texas, where we chat with five awesome industrial marketers about the evolution of industrial marketing. The episode is divided into three parts and you’ll hear why an industrial marketing event is so important at the beginni…

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#67 Graham wants to podcast 48:33

2M ago48:33

48:33

Join us while we get through the first..15 minutes or so trying to convince Graham he is okay watching his show and eating his snack so we can record...he is a cutie. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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174: The Economy, Labor Market, and M&A Landscape: Paying Attention to What Really Matters with Alex Chausovsky 1:04:05

2M ago1:04:05

1:04:05

Get ready for a masterclass of an episode with Alex Chausovsky, the Director of Analytics and Consulting at Bundy Group. Alex gives us detailed breakdowns of the top things you need to know about the current economic climate, the labor market, and the M&A world. We hear about his varied career story and the key lessons he’s picked up from his time …

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173: Leveraging Robotics in an Unstructured World with Dexterity's Michael Patrick Perry 50:00

2M ago50:00

50:00

Robotics and automation have transformed the manufacturing world, logistics, supply chains, and warehouses over the past few years. Thanks to the democratization of these tools, more companies are utilizing the kind of AI-powered robots that Dexterity specializes in. Michael Patrick Perry, Dexterity’s VP of Marketing, returns to the show for a thir…

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#66 Lacey is what?!?!?!?!?!?! 57:36

2M ago57:36

57:36

Join us while Lacey gives a life update and shocks the heck out of Hayley! Enjoy!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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#65 The show continues 1:00:25

2M ago1:00:25

1:00:25

Join us while we do all of the chatting --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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172: How To Stay Focused on Your Mission and Deliver Robotic Solutions at Scale with Rapid Robotics CEO & Co-Founder Jordan Kretchmer 38:34

2M ago38:34

38:34

From energy to supply chain, manufacturing represents the lifeblood of pretty much everything that makes our society run. It also contributes 14% of the GDP of the US, making it a space that needs to grow aggressively and an attractive prospect for our guest on this episode, Rapid Robotics CEO & Co-Founder Jordan Kretchmer. Jordan explains how and …

1
171: AI and the "Art of the Possible" with Gregory Powers, VP of Cool Stuff at Gray Solutions 43:01

3M ago43:01

43:01

AI has been a key part of modern manufacturing for a few years now, and it’s here to stay. But we wouldn’t have it without people like our guest on this episode, who’s not afraid to try new things and take bold leaps into the unknown. With quite possibly the coolest job title ever, Gregory Powers, the VP of Cool Stuff at Gray Solutions, gives us so…

1
170: Marketing, Machine Shops, and Leadership with Jim Carr, CEO of CARR Machine & Tool 54:03

3M ago54:03

54:03

Marketing, manufacturing, and life advice are the key themes in this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour. Jim Carr, CEO of CARR Machine & Tool, joins the podcast to impart his words of wisdom as a manufacturing trailblazer. We hear about his early days of bartending and marketing and the surprisingly transferable lessons he now applies to manufactu…

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169: How to Apply “The Hospitality Mentality” to Manufacturing 1:09:37

3M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

Hospitality and the manufacturing industry couldn’t be further apart, right? But it turns out there are some universal lessons when it comes to delivering a great customer experience that apply no matter what industry you’re in. Whether you’re dealing with guests, customers, clients, or visitors, the “hospitality mentality” is key to success – says…

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#64 Mother God has transcended to her galactics 1:04:58

3M ago1:04:58

1:04:58

Join us while we break down Mother God "Love has Won" docuseries on MAX. I mean it is wild..the show is wild..the people are wild...I mean it is all wild. Alcohol, drugs, and Colloidal Silver. Please watch "Love has Won" because it is fascinating. Our instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcas…

1
#63 And Another One 59:38

3M ago59:38

59:38

Join us while we have a fun chat about the most random of things. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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168: Shifting Your Mindset on the Human Potential of AI with Concurrency CTO Nathan Lasnoski 53:50

3M ago53:50

53:50

When leveraged correctly, AI can enhance human creativity and allow businesses to connect disparate systems and make informed decisions. So, what choices can manufacturing businesses take to ensure they’re using AI the right way? We all know some aspects of our jobs can feel robotic, so Concurrency Chief Technology Officer, Nathan Lasnoski, suggest…

1
167: How HEINEKEN and SwipeGuide Are Putting Frontline Workers at the Center of the Connected Brewery, Featuring Joris Stolk and Willemijn Schneyder 50:29

4M ago50:29

50:29

For manufacturing to succeed in 2024 and beyond, it’s crucial we empower our frontline workers. But how can technology and data enhance their work experiences, capitalize on their strengths and build a positive culture? We’re delighted to be joined by not one, but two guests in this episode. Joris Stolk, Plant Manager at Lagunitas Brewing Company, …

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#62 Lacey broke up with her first real boyfriend how??? 1:03:14

4M ago1:03:14

1:03:14

Join us while we chat about bread, boyfriends, marriage, and just catching up. Enjoy!! --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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166: How Canvus Turns Wind Turbines into Functional Art with Brian Donahue 49:50

4M ago49:50

49:50

Most successful manufacturing processes start with some sort of roadmap, designed to outline goals and what you need to reach them. But how do you create a roadmap for an all-new, one-of-a-kind project? Brian Donahue, VP of Corporate Affairs at Canvus, says his roadmap creation consisted of commitment and creativity, not to mention a hard-working p…

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165: Unlocking the Full Potential of Frontline Operations, Lean Manufacturing, and Industry 4.0 with Natan Linder, Co-Founder & CEO of Tulip 47:27

4M ago47:27

47:27

Frontline operations platforms help manufacturing teams upgrade their processes. So what’s the story behind the world’s leading frontline ops platform and how do they simplify workflows for the manufacturers of today and tomorrow? You may have heard the phrase ‘a good engineer is a lazy engineer’. It’s certainly an exaggeration, but what is true is…

1
#61 Bikini Wax and Baking Bread 37:51

4M ago37:51

37:51

Join us while we have a random chat about Hayley's bikini wax and Lacey's bread making. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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164: How to Cut Turnover in Half by Leveraging Data and Empowering Frontline Leaders with Mike White, Founder & President of Secchi 1:08:59

4M ago1:08:59

1:08:59

Performance management is critical to keep your manufacturing processes running smoothly. So, as the capabilities of technology continue to advance, how can leaders leverage tech and data to build strong, meaningful employee relationships and cut their turnovers in half? This feels like a classic episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, and joining the…

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163: The Evolving Role of Industrial Distribution in a Manufacturing Ecosystem with E&H Electric Supply's Nate Bucklew 40:00

5M ago40:00

40:00

Industrial distribution is so much more than just shipping boxes. It’s an essential part of the manufacturing process and, without it, customers would never see the products they need. But how has industrial distribution evolved? What does it mean to be a distributor today? And what does the distributor of the future look like? We can’t believe we’…

1
#60 The Muffin Man and Coffee Enemas 59:34

5M ago59:34

59:34

Join us while we chat and laugh our way through this episode. We have a Brittney Spears poet at the end, talk about how the muffin man was not a great guy, and Lacey gives a coffee enema update along with a lot more!! Enjoy Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our Website midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com --- Send in a voice me…

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BONUS: Exploring the Characteristics of Smart Manufacturing Leaders, Live from the 2023 Smart Manufacturing Experience 1:12:46

5M ago1:12:46

1:12:46

There’s no doubt that Smart Manufacturing has a plethora of benefits for manufacturing organizations. It can help speed up your processes, improve your product quality and reduce your costs. But effective Smart Manufacturing adoption lies with the leader. That’s why host Chris Luecke asked seven industry leaders for their Smart Manufacturing tips a…

1
#59 Hayley is traumatized and now Lacey is too 54:55

5M ago54:55

54:55

Join us while we chat about all types of things. Hayley getting her birth control removed, JOJO - Get Out making a come back, Steve Sanchez, Hell's Kitchen - just all of the things. It was a fun one. Enjoy!!! Our Website midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ --- Send in a voice message: https://…

1
#58 Just a couple fools making life mistakes 35:43

5M ago35:43

35:43

Join us while we sip on a new drink and chat about all of the things. Hayley making a date error and Lacey's spouse deciding to work on the garage door and almost dying......we chat about it all. Emjoy! Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our Website midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcas…

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BONUS: Defining the Smart Manufacturing Mindset, Live from the Smart Manufacturing Experience (Powered by CESMII) 1:16:30

5M ago1:16:30

1:16:30

Smart Manufacturing goes way beyond being just a buzzword. It’s a movement and mindset taking the industry by storm. But what does it really mean, what are the key benefits and how can manufacturing leaders get started today? Manufacturing Happy Hour host Chris Luecke asked industry experts these questions live at the Smart Manufacturing Experience…

1
#57 Wine Night part 2 42:18

5M ago42:18

42:18

Join us while we finish off the bottle of wine and talk about all of the things! Enjoy!! Our instagram ⁠https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/⁠ Our Website ⁠midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com⁠ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message

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162: How Data and Automation are Shaping the Future of the Bourbon Industry with Opus Integration Co-Founders Don Ault and Scott Feldmeier 39:32

5M ago39:32

39:32

Louisville is the recognized bourbon capital of the United States, evolving alongside shifts in technology and culture. But how can the bourbon industry adapt in this age of data and automation? Don Ault, CEO, and Scott Feldmeier, Senior Automation Engineer and COO of Opus Integration, join Manufacturing Happy Hour to discuss the rich history of ma…

1
#56 Another Wine Night 45:27

5M ago45:27

45:27

Join us in our two parter wine night! We talk about all of the good stuff that we are sure will make you laugh! Our Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our Website: midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/midwesthappyhour/message…

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161: Do Your Values Align with Your Company's Culture? An interview with Jim Mayer, Host of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast 46:46

5M ago46:46

46:46

In every manufacturing organization, company culture is key to success. But what does company culture really mean? And how can manufacturing leaders ensure the culture in their organization is the best it can be? Jim Mayer, founder of TCO Strategies and host of the Manufacturing Culture Podcast, joins Manufacturing Happy Hour to share his thoughts.…

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160: Buying a Manufacturing Company and Reimagining Upskilling with Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision 46:46

6M ago46:46

46:46

What can a former Navy SEAL teach us about upskilling and manufacturing business acquisition? It turns out, a whole lot! Bill Berrien, CEO of Pindel Global Precision, joins episode 160 of Manufacturing Happy Hour, to share his thoughts on upskilling your team and his journey from the Navy to manufacturing business leader. We hear why he chose to ac…

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#55 Hayley got a new gig and Lacey has been bathing her kids in what???? 1:11:06

6M ago1:11:06

1:11:06

Join us while we chat about all the things. Hayley got a new job, Lacey talks about what she had been bathing her kids in, and then there is an update on Emily IYKYK. Also, our deepest sympathy to the families involved and the Ridgeview community, as 3 teens were involved in an auto accident with a semi - 1 teen tragically did not survive the crash…

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159: How Career & Technical Education (CTE) is Impacting Smart Manufacturing with Kent Powell of Amatrol 45:39

6M ago45:39

45:39

Whether it’s on the job or in a traditional academic setting, education is essential to building a strong manufacturing function. But this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour homes in on one specific aspect of learning – career and technical education (CTE) – and explores how it’s helping teams make better decisions and better products. Amatrol’s c…

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#54 Stock Yards and Brittney Spears 1:12:30

6M ago1:12:30

1:12:30

Join us while we catch up and talk about Lacey and Flint going to the Stock Yards...then we transition into the chaos of Brittney Spears - what is in her book and why people think she is actually AI. Enjoy! Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our Website midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com Our Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@mi…

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158: Letting Curiosity Lead and Finding Your Identity with Gray Solutions CEO Walker Mattox 47:54

6M ago47:54

47:54

Curiosity is at the heart of this guest’s leadership style, and it manifests in the projects he is involved in. But what does it mean to “let curiosity lead”? And how can manufacturing leaders take this advice on board? Joining this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour is Walker Mattox, CEO of Gray Solutions, one of the top 20 largest full-service s…

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#53 Final part 3 of Camping at Starved Rock 35:28

6M ago35:28

35:28

Join us for our final part 3 of us camping at starved rock! We are offically at our year mark of starting this podcast. Thank you all for your support! Next episode we will give you an official thank you :) Our instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our website midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com --- Send in a voice message: https://po…

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#52 Glampiong at Starved Rock Part 2 59:21

6M ago59:21

59:21

Join us while we continue with our sh*t talking while camping out at starved rock. Who knows what we talked about...but this one is an hr long so you are welcome! Our Instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our Website midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com Our Youtube https://www.youtube.com/@midwest.happyhour/videos --- Send in a voice m…

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157: Building Your Business to Sell with Bob Goldsmith, Founder & President of Northern Edge Advisors 42:47

6M ago42:47

42:47

Our guest this week is Robert Goldsmith, the Founder and President of Northern Edge Advisors, a boutique investment bank offering M&A expertise and advising for owners of private businesses. As the US experiences a manufacturing renaissance and the next generation starts to enter the manufacturing workforce, buying and selling manufacturing compani…

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156: "Clash of the Grinders: Student Edition" and the Future of Skilled Trades, presented by 3M 59:58

7M ago59:58

59:58

Today, we're exploring the future of skilled trades and we're doing this largely by speaking to the next generation of skilled tradespeople and the folks that our training and enabling them. From students to instructors, this episode includes a series of 5 interviews with folks that are part of 3M's upcoming series Clash of the Grinders: Student Ed…

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#51 Glamping at Starved Rock Part 1 23:12

7M ago23:12

23:12

Join us for Part 1 of 3 of our glamping/hiking trip up at Starved Rock and Matthiesson Park. We are one year into launching this podcast so we thought we deserved a night away with the boys (kids and husbands) So if you are in need of a get away with your best girlfriend then this is your permission to do so! We had such a great time just being out…

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#50 Is this really our number 50? 43:46

7M ago43:46

43:46

Yikes, is this episode really our 50th? HA because man was it rough to get through. Lacey was on her period so poor Hayley had to carry the team with random topics to discuss Our instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our website https://midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com Our YouTubehttps://www.youtube.com/@midwest.happyhour/videos ---…

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BONUS: Your Host Went to Oktoberfest, So Here Are Some Mindset and Productivity Tips 24:42

7M ago24:42

24:42

Here's an oldie but a goodie! While Chris was on holiday in Munich for this year's Oktoberfest, that was no excuse not to give you an episode this week. We're diving back in the archives for this episode with Craig Francisco where he shares some of his best mindset, productivity, and podcasting tips from one of his old podcasts: 8 Keys of Sales Exc…

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#49 Is it cocoa or cocoa? 1:11:30

7M ago1:11:30

1:11:30

Join us while we chat about all the things. The new nail salon in town, hormones, chocolate desserts, tea, cruise ships, 90 day fiancé the last resort, big ed, manipulation, intervention..I mean I am not sure what we didn't talk about! Our instagram https://www.instagram.com/midwest.happyhour/ Our website https://midwesthappyhour.squarespace.com Ou…

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155: Down to Earth Digital Transformation Advice with Vatsal Shah 35:07

7M ago35:07

35:07

Spending time on the plant floor gives you direct communication with your customers. But what’s the best way to gather their feedback and bring it to market quickly? In this episode of Manufacturing Happy Hour, we are joined by Vatsal Shah, Founder and CEO of Litmus, a unified platform for industrial IoT. Vatsal provides down-to-earth digital trans…

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