Manufacturing Talk Radio

The August 2026 ISM Services Report is out—but what do the numbers actually tell us about the direction of the U.S. economy? Steve Miller joins Manufacturing Talk Radio to break down the latest services-sector data and provide context around the economic indicators businesses should be watching. The conversation explores business activity, demand, employment, pricing pressures, and the broader trends shaping the services economy. Get a clearer understanding of the numbers behind the ISM Services Report and what they could mean for business conditions in the months ahead. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Susan Spence of the Institute for Supply Management® joins Manufacturing Talk Radio to review the August 2026 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business®. Discover what the latest Manufacturing PMI® results reveal about demand, production, new orders, employment, inventories, supplier activity, pricing, and the overall health of U.S. manufacturing. This monthly conversation goes beyond the headline PMI number to explain the economic trends affecting manufacturers, supply chains, business leaders, and the broader economy. Follow Manufacturing Talk Radio for expert analysis of the ISM Manufacturing Report every month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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American manufacturing is growing—but who will fill the jobs? In this episode of Manufacturing Talk Radio, host Lewis A. Weiss sits down with Carolyn Lee of the Manufacturing Institute to examine one of the biggest challenges facing U.S. manufacturing: building the skilled workforce needed to support new investment, advanced technology, automation, and AI. Manufacturing has faced a structural talent shortage for years, with hundreds of thousands of open jobs across the industry. At the same time, reshoring, onshoring, new plant investments, artificial intelligence, robotics, and advanced manufacturing technologies are changing the skills employers need. So where will the next generation of manufacturing workers come from? Carolyn explains why automation and AI aren't replacing the need for people—they're changing the skills people need to succeed. She and Lou discuss how manufacturers can attract new talent, upskill existing employees, and build stronger workforce pipelines in their own communities. They also explore: Why manufacturing continues to struggle with a skilled labor shortage How AI, robotics, and automation are changing manufacturing jobs Why manufacturers need to invest in employee training and upskilling Manufacturing careers that don't necessarily require a four-year college degree The growing importance of technical education and Earn & Learn programs How manufacturers can attract younger generations Veterans and other overlooked sources of manufacturing talent Second-chance hiring and its potential to expand the workforce Why workforce development must happen at the local level What manufacturers can do now to prepare for the future Carolyn also challenges outdated perceptions of manufacturing. Today's facilities and careers can look dramatically different from the traditional image of factories and assembly lines. Modern manufacturing needs technicians, engineers, programmers, maintenance specialists, operations professionals, HR, finance, communications, and many other skilled roles. The future of American manufacturing isn't simply about building more factories or installing more technology. It's about developing the people and skills needed to keep those factories running, innovating, and growing. If you're a manufacturer, workforce development professional, educator, student, parent, or anyone interested in the future of American manufacturing, this is a conversation you won't want to miss. Subscribe to Manufacturing Talk Radio for conversations with the leaders, experts, and innovators shaping the future of manufacturing. Topics: U.S. manufacturing, manufacturing workforce shortage, skilled labor shortage, manufacturing jobs, AI in manufacturing, manufacturing automation, robotics, workforce development, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, manufacturing careers, reshoring, onshoring, employee training, upskilling, Manufacturing Institute, future of manufacturing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How healthy is the U.S. economy—and what do the latest ISM Services numbers really tell us? Lou Weiss and Amy Nicklaus sit down with Steve Miller, Chair of the ISM Services Business Survey Committee, to discuss the July 2026 Services PMI® Report. They cover the latest data on business activity, hiring, employment trends, AI's growing role in the workplace, healthcare supply chains, tariffs, oil prices, and why small businesses may be among the biggest beneficiaries of artificial intelligence. The conversation also looks ahead to what businesses should watch for in the coming months and why backlog and employment numbers could be key indicators of future economic growth. If you want practical insight into the economy without the political spin, this episode delivers expert analysis backed by real industry data. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices