Top 10 Must-Listen Podcasts for Manufacturers

Looking for a simple way to keep your business current with the constant changes in manufacturing? Then you must dive into podcasts. For several years, experts have been publishing manufacturing podcasts on what’s happening in the industry and where it’s going.

To get started on your educational journey, here are 10 podcasts that can give you insights, information, and expertise – all while allowing you to listen when you’re in the shop, driving, running errands or exercising. You may be surprised at the vast amount of information, insights, and trends currently reshaping the industry.

1. Destiny of Manufacturing
   What will manufacturing’s destiny look like? Precision Metalforming Association (PMA)’s Destiny of Manufacturing Podcast is working to answer this question by speaking with industry leaders and manufacturing technology experts who share their outlook on the future of manufacturing. Primary topics consist of AI for metal formers, smart manufacturing, STEM, the key to overcoming workforce challenges, additive manufacturing, and changing the conversation about what manufacturing should do to make the industry and the world better off.

2. FMA Podcasts
   The Fabricators and Manufacturers Association (FMA) hosts three separate podcasts – The Fabricator Podcast, The Next-Gen Metal Fab Podcast, and Still Building America – each of which discusses metal fabrication in a unique way. The Fabricator Podcast holds conversations with people who make things out of metal, from manufacturing leaders, metal fabricators and welders to job shop owners, small business entrepreneurs, artists, marketers, and educators. The Next-Gen Metal Fab Podcast examines the impact of automation, software, and emerging technologies in sheet metal and tube fab shops, covering topics like laser cutting, robotic welding, metal forming, lean manufacturing, and more. Lastly, Still Building America shares inspiring stories of entrepreneurs, fabricators, blacksmiths, machinists, welders, hot rod builders, and other metalworkers, aimed at encouraging younger generations by showcasing career opportunities and advancements in the trades.

3. AMT Tech Trends
   Produced by the Association for Manufacturing Technology, AMT Tech Trends is a leader in the fourth industrial revolution, ushering in broad changes to every level of business. It supports manufacturers with forward looking information on technological developments and building dynamic ecosystems to nurture new concepts and solutions that help drive the overall growth of the manufacturing technology industry.

4. AutomationWorld Gets Your Questions Answered
   Recognized for its editorial excellence, AutomationWorld covers the entire spectrum of industrial automation technologies from software to hardware devices. In their podcast, AutomationWorld Gets Your Questions Answered, they highlight automation technology developments in the discrete manufacturing and batch/hybrid processing sectors, such as machines, robots, AI technology, IT integration, benefits of automation, and manufacturing safety.

5. Machine Language
   Machine Language, a podcast from one of Canada’s leading manufacturing publications Manufacturing Automation, reports on the intersection of technology and manufacturing. Episodes focus on how advanced tools and strategies, such as factory and process automation, Industry 4.0, Internet of Things (IoT), safety technology, robotics, motion control, sensor technology, industrial control, logistics, safety standards, risk assessments, communications and networking, can transform operations.

6. Control Intelligence
   Control Intelligence, a podcast produced by Control Design, goes deep inside the automation and technology that machine builders, system integrators and end users rely on to keep production safe and efficient. Each episode examines control measures, policies and procedures designed to mitigate specific risks, maintain the integrity of financial information, and ensure compliance with regulations, while offering listeners insights into the synergy of connectivity, precision control, innovative design, and AI-driven advances in automation.

7. CW Talks: The Composites Podcast
   CompositesWorld's CW Talks: The Composites Podcast explores what’s new and trending in composites design, tooling, materials and fabrication, frequently addressing how materials and processes come together for real-world applications in aerospace, construction, automotive, marine, wind energy, and other industries. For example, listeners can learn about innovative applications in bridge rehabilitation, cutting-edge ultrasonic processes for creating biomaterials, and the development of sustainable materials with enhanced mechanical properties.

8. The Robot Industry Podcast
   If you want to learn more about robotics, advanced steel systems, test engineering, and more, you can get your questions answered by listening to The Robot Industry Podcast. Each episode features guest speakers answering questions from the host on a wide range of topics related to the robotics industry. For example, in an episode related to engineered steel solutions, the host asked the guest: “What types of products do you build for robot integrators and machine builders? What kind of fabrications do you build? What kind of trends do you see in the industry?”

9. The Woodworking Network Podcast
   An ideal podcast for manufacturers serving the woodworking industry, The Woodworking Network Podcast explores diverse topics ranging from innovations in cabinetmaking and furniture design to discussions on supply chain challenges and industry trends. Episodes feature insights on workforce development, sustainability in woodworking practices, and the impact of emerging technologies on production processes. 
   

10. AviationPros Podcast
    The AviationPros Podcast covers the most pressing issues of air travel. Each episode highlights best practices and innovations ranging from airport operations, ground support processes, business and general aviation trends, and MRO/maintenance facility optimization. Podcast categories range from aircraft and airports to education and training, aviation security, engines and components, ground handling tools and equipment.

Conclusion

Manufacturing industry podcasts offer many benefits to manufacturers. The hosts and guests of each episode are experts in their fields and are continually seeking to advance the industry segment they specialize in. With most being 30 minutes or less, these podcasts provide important insights, information and the ongoing learning necessary to transform your operations.

If you can remember what manufacturing used to be like before computers and ERP software, you can imagine where it will go with all the new tools, technologies, automation, AI capabilities and willingness of manufacturers to think differently. These 10 podcasts will give you the insights you crave and create change throughout the industry. Take a listen today.