Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast

This is it. The final episode (side 1) of The Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast. Michael and Greg reflect on the past 8 years and 400+ episodes.   Sponsor: Keystone, www.keystonetech.com

Building the Boat While the Water is Rising with Scott Wachter [Pat: this is the new title changed from the live stream]In this second-to-final episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Michael and Greg sit down with Scott Wachter — the mind behind the Lighting Industry News Brief and a key player in countless NAILD projects since 2019.✨ Highlights:Scott reflects on his journey from theater kid to the lighting industry’s go-to reporter.Behind-the-scenes stories: live stream chaos, hilarious committee misfires, and the infamous “gun case in Vegas.”The art of writing quirky titles (“TVs Blossom” explained!) and why reporting beats opinion-driven journalism.Favorite wins, surprising failures, and the joy of seeing the News Brief chart alongside CNN and Bloomberg.Scott’s next chapter: taking over Restoring Darkness and pushing it to new heights.🔥 Why watch?This episode is part farewell, part celebration — honoring Scott as the “George Harrison” of the Get a Grip band.Connect with Scott:https://naild.org/lighting-industry-news-brief/https://restoringdarkness.com/darkness-news-update/linkedin.com/in/scott-wachter-5a3109113Sponsor: Satco, satco.com

In this episode, Michael and Greg sit down with Devin Wall, one of the inventive forces behind Louvers International, to unpack the infamous DLC report and the future of lighting standards. 🔥 Highlights: The history of industry pushback against DLC certifications (from mafia skits to cease-and-desist letters). Devin’s hands-on approach: walking the factory floor, designing real solutions, and tackling heritage lighting retrofits. Why many manufacturers see DLC as interference rather than innovation. The bigger picture: global standards, sustainability, interoperability, and whether energy efficiency certifications are even relevant anymore. Anecdotes from the trenches—cheap imports, failing drivers, and the need for real accountability in lighting.   ⚡ This isn’t just another lighting chat—it’s a candid, fiery look at how the industry can move forward with creativity, collaboration, and common sense. 👉 Watch now to hear why Devin Wall might just be the mad scientist lighting needs. Connect with Devin:  www.louversintl.com Instagram - @Louversintl Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/louversinternational Twitter - @louversintl YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/user/800LifesOk LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/devin-wall-22856a15/   Sponsor: Louvers International, louversintl.com, @louversintl

In this, episode 3 of the finale series of Get a Grip on Lighting, Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich sit down with Mark Baker of the Soft Lights Foundation to trace the journey from the early days of Starving for Darkness to the evolution of Restoring Darkness. They revisit how the pandemic sparked the industry’s first serious conversations about dark skies, Jane Slade’s passionate leadership, and the challenges of keeping the movement alive. Mark Baker shares his personal story, the health impacts tied to LED lighting, and why glare and light pollution remain urgent issues for communities everywhere. 👉 From industry skepticism to advocacy, this episode highlights the fight to recognize light pollution as a true environmental and public health problem—and the role podcasts played in building awareness. Connect with Mark: www.softlights.org Facebook: Soft Lights Foundation - https://www.facebook.com/groups/softlights.org Ban Blinding LEDs - https://www.facebook.com/groups/BanBlindingLEDs Petition to Ban Blinding Headlights: https://www.change.org/p/u-s-dot-ban-blinding-headlights-and-save-lives  Sponsor: Keystone, keystonetech.com

In this episode, hosts Michael and Greg welcome Webster Marsh and Ron Kuszmar from the Lighting Controls Podcast. They reflect on the journey from a chance conversation in late 2021 to building a thriving show with over 120 episodes.✨ Key Highlights: How Webster and Ron went from guest and co-host to paid podcasters. The evolution of lighting controls as a serious industry conversation. Education, collaboration, and breaking down silos across the lighting world. The challenges of proprietary systems, utilities’ influence, and the boom–bust cycle of lighting tech. This episode captures the growth of a podcast that helped reshape how the industry talks about controls—turning closed-door chatter into open, collaborative dialogue.Connect with Webster Marsh: https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-webster-marsh/  Connect with Ron Kuszmar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-kuszmar-7a8a3538/  Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

Michael and Greg sit down with Scott Griffin to reflect on the journey of creating and producing thousands of podcast episodes.Sponsor: Halco Lighting, halcolighting.com

Adam Chetakian, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Apprime Lighting, has over 30 years in the game. He, Michael and Greg address the dirty secret behind the LED retrofit world: fixtures that die young and end up in landfills. Adam’s here to flip the script with a patented, tool-less, replaceable light engine that saves time, money, and the planet 🌍.💡 Topics covered: Why LED “efficiency” betrayed fixture longevity The rise of modular, sustainable lighting solutions How Apprime’s tech slashes install time from 10 minutes to 25 seconds The future of circular economy in lighting Why contractors need to “own the fixture location” again 🎯 Whether you're an ESCO, distributor, or sustainability engineer, this episode is your blueprint for reclaiming control and cutting waste. Plus, some spicy takes on Europe’s TM66 rating.👉 Watch now and join the movement to make lighting smarter, longer-lasting, and landfill-free.#LightingRevolution #CircularEconomy #LEDRetrofit #Sustainability #GripLockSystems #GetAGripOnLighting #APPRIMELighting #DLCReform #LightingIndustryConnect with Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apprime-lighting YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apprimelighting Apprime Lighting: www.apprimelighting.com  Sponsor: Griplock Systems, griplocksytems.com

Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich declare a full-blown crisis in the lighting industry’s “right to repair.” From inaccessible drivers screwed into joists to obsolete Cat5 control systems and $300 can lights that can't be fixed, the guys expose the absurdity of modern lighting design. Real-world stories from schools, churches, and health clubs reveal how LED upgrades have turned into long-term liabilities. 💡 Topics Covered: Why customers are buying double fixtures just to stock backups The nightmare of replacing drivers buried in ceilings The rise and fall of Cat5-based lighting controls How “lighting as a service” might actually make sense now The emotional toll of unrepairable lighting systems "You literally have to cut the ceiling out to fix the light." — Michael Colligan Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

[Note: This episode contains important visuals. It is recommended to watch the video.] In this explosive episode of Get a Grip on Lighting (previously streamed live), industry lawyer David Radulescu joins Michael and Greg to dissect the legal and ethical challenges facing the DesignLights Consortium (DLC). What started as a podcast turned crusade now confronts the rebate gatekeeper head-on.💥 What’s Inside:• Why DLC’s tax-exempt status may be on shaky ground • The Energy Star exit: is DLC next? • 370,000 listed products—but 15 manufacturers dominate 58% • Opaque vendor relationships, questionable governance, and Article 7 scrutiny • Radulescu’s neutral but razor-sharp legal analysis—30 slides, days of prep, and no punches pulled📉 “The electrons aren’t worth the squeeze.” 📈 “Over 50% of LED revenue goes to certification vendors.” 📎 Watch this if you care about rebates, transparency, and the future of lighting standards.Connect with David:https://www.radip.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidradulescu/ 

 In this electrifying episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we sit down with Tom Kieffer of Service Lighting (aka LightBulbs.com)—a 40-year veteran who's still pushing boundaries and saving clients up to 85% on lighting costs. But this isn't just about retrofits and wattage. It's about honor, innovation, and rebellion. 💡 What’s Inside Tom’s take on why most lighting design is broken—and how to fix it The truth about wall packs (spoiler: “light pukers” 🚫) Why the lighting industry needs to grow a pair and say NO to bad fixtures A fiery debate on DLC, free fixture programs, and market fairness The rise of Starry Skies North and the fight against light pollution How NAILD is leading the charge on darkness restoration education Real talk on lighting distributors, contractors, and who really knows lighting  ⚡️ If you sell light bulbs, install fixtures, or care about the future of lighting—this one’s for you. #LightingIndustry #DarkSky #DLC #LightingDesign #NAILD #GetAGripOnLighting #TomKieffer #LightBulbsDotCom #StarrySkies #LightingReform #PodcastConnect with Tom:lightbulbs.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkieffer/tom@servicelighting.com Sponsor: Satco, satco.com, @satco

Is the DLC a wolf in sheep's clothing? Michael and Greg lay it out. The live stream experienced some technical difficulties, so here it is in full.

🔥 Buckle up for a bold ride through the lighting industry! Mike & Greg give you a brief recap of the Nailed Convention, and challenge the DLC to display their transparency values by inviting them and D+R to speak up on the Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast this Friday.  Plus, you’ll get some classic Mike & Greg banter, including a wild donkey analogy that somehow makes perfect sense. #LightingIndustry #LightingDistribution #TransparencyTalk #IndustryVoices #DLCdebate Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ehrich-2b375a2/  Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-colligan-64380016/

Alan Karen of Satco is the OG, the original gangster of lighting. With his 30-year journey in lighting, Alan brings wisdom, grit, and heart to the mic. 🔥 What’s inside: The evolution of lighting distribution and Satco’s game-changing portal Why relationships still matter in a tech-driven world The story behind the Guiding Light Award and the H Foundation’s fight against cancer (www.hfoundation.org) Real talk on lamp bans, tariffs, and the future of lighting legislation A passionate defense of the right to repair and the role of lighting distributors  Alan, Michael, and Greg tackle this episode with insight, humor, and inspiration. 💡 “We don’t dictate to the market—we supply it.” – Alan Karen  #LightingIndustry #Satco #AlanKaren #RightToRepair #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #HFoundation #GuidingLightAward #LEDRevolution #LightingDistributors Connect with Alan: https://twitter.com/SATCOPRODUCTS https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-karen-02a16b8/   Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Butters—lighting educator, and Founder & Executive Director of The Lighting Agora—for a no-holds-barred conversation on the state of lighting education, the evolution of the industry, and what to expect at the Canada Light Expo, November 12-13 (canadalightexpo.com). From the value of in-person learning to the challenges of brand-driven training, Tom brings clarity, candor, and a touch of rebellion to the mic. 💡 Whether you're a seasoned lighting pro or just curious about the future of the industry, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way. #LightingEducation #TomButters #CanadaLightExpo #LightingAgora #GetAGripOnLighting #Podcast Connect with Tom: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-butters-lc-20416551/ Https://lightingagora.com/ Https://www.nlb.org/  Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we welcome back Al Uszynski—founder of Inside Lighting (inside.lighting) and one of the most respected voices in lighting journalism—for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of the lighting industry. 📰 From the launch of the new Lumy Awards to the controversy surrounding DLC, Al shares candid insights into the role of journalism, the need for industry reform, and the importance of stakeholder engagement. This isn’t just a conversation—it’s a call to action. 💥 Topics covered: The creation and vision behind the Lumy Awards 🏆 Why journalism matters in lighting—and how Inside Lighting is changing the game The DLC debate: prescriptive rebates, transparency, and calls for a five-year moratorium Industry leadership, contested elections, and the future of IES How trade organizations can better serve their members   🔗 Learn more athttps://www.insidelighting.com🔗 Visithttps://www.naild.org #LightingIndustry #InsideLighting #LumyAwards #DLC #NAILD #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #AlUszynski #LightingJournalism #EnergyEfficiency #TradeOrganizations Connect with Al: Https://inside.lighting/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/inside-lighting/ Https://www.instagram.com/inside.lighting/ https://twitter.com/InsLighting https://www.facebook.com/InsideLighting/   Sponsor: Halco, www.halcolighting.com,

This episode tackles the hidden pitfalls of LED lighting with two seasoned designers who aren’t afraid to challenge the status quo. Rachel and Anne expose how the promise of long-lasting LEDs often falls short—especially in demanding environments like airports and hotels.🔧 Key Points: LEDs Aren’t Forever: Despite marketing claims, many fixtures fail within 3–7 years. Repairability Crisis: Most modern fixtures can’t be fixed, turning “sustainable” designs into landfill. Design Smarter: Specifying maintainable fixtures and attic stock upfront is crucial. Call for Standards: The industry needs enforceable guidelines to stop the throwaway trend. It’s a bold, insightful conversation that urges lighting pros to rethink what “sustainable” really means.Connect with Rachel: Stantec.com www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-fitzgerald-44901839/  Connect with Anne: Akld.net www.linkedin.com/in/annekustnerhaser/  Sponsor: Griplock Systems, griplocksystems.com

In this fiery and insightful episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Michael and Greg dive deep into the DLC's 501 (c) 3 charitable activities like product labelling in the lighting industry.  Pulling no punches as they challenge the status quo. Here's what you'll get: Lighting Industry Real TalkMichael and Greg dissect the influence of the DesignLights Consortium (DLC) and how its evolving standards are reshaping—some say disrupting—the lighting landscape. From rebate gatekeeping to the unintended consequences of product labelling outcomes, they call out the system with passion and precision. Global Power ShiftIs America losing its grip on lighting tech? Our hosts argue that DLC policies have inadvertently handed the reins to Chinese manufacturers, raising serious questions about strategic independence and technological sovereignty. Back to BasicsForget chasing rebates—Michael champions a return to practical lighting solutions that serve real needs other than free money from electrical utility ratepayers.  Smarter choices, and fixtures people can actually maintain. Unfiltered Opinions & Sharp InsightsFrom lumens per watt fatigue to the absurdity of shrinking fixtures for Chinese container optimization, this episode is filled with bold takes and industry wisdom.

🔥 Welcome to the ArchLight Experience 🔥 Get ready to plug into the pulse of the lighting design world at the ArchLIGHT Summit, September 16-17 at the Dallas Market Center.From color-changing corridors to line dancing at the Last Call party—this is lighting, learning, and networking at its best. #ArcLightSummit #LightingDesign #GetAGripPodcast #WILD #DallasEvents #DesignInnovation #PodcastVibes Connect with ArchLIGHT: archlightsummit.com https://www.linkedin.com/company/archlight-summit/ https://www.facebook.com/ArchLIGHTSummit/ https://www.instagram.com/archlightsummit/  Connect with Lea: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lea-tranakos-7476083b/  Connect with Cindy: https://www.linkedin.com/in/cindyfosterwarthen2009/

In this unforgettable episode, Matt Honson—President of NAILD and lighting industry veteran—shares his jaw-dropping journey from warehouse worker to industry leader. But it’s not just about lighting. Matt recounts surviving a near-fatal fall off a cliff in China, breaking his neck and back, and being rescued by farmers who carried him out on a donkey. His miraculous recovery and resilience are nothing short of inspiring.   We also dive into:  His unconventional path into the lighting business  The evolution of LED technology and industry challenges  NAILD’s fight against unethical practices and its renewed mission  Why the upcoming convention in Saint Paul, MN is a must-attend   🔥 If you’ve ever wondered what grit, leadership, and integrity look like in the lighting world—this is the episode to watch.   📅 Join the movement. Join NAILD. Convention info: September 22–24, Saint Paul, MN.  Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-honson-3171a32b/ https://www.thayerenergysolutions.com/about   Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, www.barronltg.com

In this spirited episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts dive deep into the highs and hiccups of the LSC training held in Dallas — a hands-on lighting controls certification course that left attendees saying, "It hurt good."  🔥 Highlights Include:  Insights from course creators Webster Marsh, Ron Kuszmar, and Chris O'Shea as they reflect on what worked and what evolved.  Emphasis on hands-on learning over theory, adapting curriculum in real-time to meet student needs.  Big takeaway? Lighting controls education is vital — and the industry is yearning for it.   🧠 Why This Matters:  The training emphasized real-world scenarios, offering immediate value to distributors and techs.  Students learned how to translate lighting control drawings into actionable installations — often for the first time.  The importance of legacy systems and maintaining older dimmer panels stirred lively discussion, pointing to a massive opportunity in the controls space.   🧾 Final Thoughts:  Education in lighting controls is no longer optional—it’s essential.  Plans for a second course (LS-C II) to dig deeper into legacy tech and advanced integration.   👉 Ready to be part of the revolution in lighting controls? Hit that like button, subscribe, and learn more at naild.org.  Connect with:  Chris: www.controlforce.comlinkedin.com/in/chris-o-shea-64a58131a  Webster: https://www.penumbracontrols.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/c-webster-marsh/ Ron: https://www.portlighting.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-kuszmar-7a8a3538/ Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com