Cast Polymer Radio

On this episode, Chris Hurdleston joins the show to talk about the 2026 Composites Fly-In up in Washington D.C. Industry leaders had the opportunity to meet directly with Members of Congress, federal agencies, and key decision-makers who influence the policies shaping our industry's future.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan joins the show to share some updates on the  ACMA's Certified Composites Technician programs . Kyle is Director of Certifications with the ACMA. He'll be discussing some of the new digital training options launched over the last couple of months, including those for CCT recertification.  You can learn more about these CCT training programs by visiting  https://acmanet....

The closure of the Strait of Hormuz is sending shockwaves through global supply chains—particularly across petrochemicals, resins, and other composite manufacturing materials. Joining the podcast this week is Dawn Hersey, Ph. D ., a combat veteran and subject matter expert in resilience, stability, and conflict. She owns Ferndon Consulting , an Intelligence firm. Her expertise is in international...

On this episode,  Marty Johnson , VP of Product and Technical Fellow at  3D Systems , joins the show to take a clear-eyed look at additive manufacturing materials—what they  can  do, what they  can't , and what engineers should realistically expect when composites and filled materials enter the 3D-printing conversation.

On this episode, we feature a previous interview with Derek Hill , VP of  Syn-Mar Products, Inc . In this interview, Derek shares how he's built a meaningful social media presence for their family-owned business using a smartphone, a $6-per-month editing app, and about an hour a day.

On this episode, we'll play an interview with Jerry Pilman and Louis Gibson, the owners of Artistic Marble in Huntsville Alabama. These two, along with their partner BJ purchased the company over a year ago, and with it inherited more than just manufacturing equipment and a customer list. They gained a team with decades of combined experience and a legacy dating back to 1992, when founder Kenneth ...

On this episode, copywriter Bill Mueller joins the podcast again to talk about "24 Ways to Tell a Story in an Email Without Telling a Story". Bill has been writing story-based emails and email sequences since 2005. His emails have sold millions in digital and physical products, coaching programs, and more in just about every market.  His approach over the years has been simple: People love stories...

On this episode, Jennifer Towner joins the show to discuss "The Buzz" and other events taking place in 2026. 

On this episode,  Daniel Murphy , founder of  Alcove Media , joins the podcast. His company helps companies turn trade shows from expensive branding exercises into measurable revenue engines. Daniel works closely with technology companies that invest heavily in expos but struggle to connect booth traffic to real sales outcomes. Daniel breaks down why most trade shows fail to deliver ROI, how a lac...

On this episode, designer Elizabeth Lord-Levitt joins the show to share some design trends of 2026 . Elizabeth has an extensive background in the remodeling industry, as the lead designer for a highly regarded Design-Build firm in Denver, and will be moderating a panel at KBIS in February.   

Artificial Intellegence is changing how online content is discovered and presented through AI-powered search. On this episode, copywriter Scott McKelvey joins us to talk about creating content that shows up in AI-generated answers, summaries, and overviews. You can learn more about Scott and read some of his work by visiting  https://www.scottmckelvey.com .

On this episode,  Rob Glenn  of  Forza joins the show. In business since 1979, Forza is a family-owned adhesive, sealant & specialty tape manufacturer based in the US. They supply the global industry with superior, high-performing, customized products. You can learn more by visiting  https://forzabuilt.com . 

On this episode,  Brittany Greer , executive director of  Rosie Riveters , joins the podcast. Their o rganization works very closely with the manufacturing industry with a particular focus on preparing the workforce of tomorrow. Brittany is a guest writer for  The AI Journal  and we'll be discussing t heir work in preparing the the gneration of workers with the skills needed to succeed alongside A...

On this episode, Cindy Squires talks about Composites Evolution , an event taking place October 22-23 in Knoxville, TN. A major shift is underway in open molding and the companies that prepare now will lead the future. This event will join leading manufacturers, suppliers, and technical experts to explore practical, profitable solutions to the EPA's styrene regulations. This focused, forward-looki...

On this episode,  Cindy Squires  and  Rebekah Stacha join the show to discuss CAMX 2025 , taking place in just over a week in sunny Orlando, FL (September 8-11).  CAMX  is the largest, most comprehensive composites and advanced materials event in North America. It offers a robust education program and an expansive exhibit hall with hundreds of manufacturers, distributors, and suppliers. You can st...

On this episode, Joseph Salzman joins the podcast to talk about his background in the industry. He founded Cultured Marble of Tucson  in 2018 following his service in the US Army.  You can check out their website at  https://culturedmarbleoftucson.com . 

On this episode, Lisa Ryan discusses lessons on transforming workplace culture from her most recent book  Gear Up for Greatness . This book presents a timely framework for business leaders grappling with workforce challenges that have become increasingly critical in our industry. As manufacturers face persistent labor shortages, rising turnover costs, and the need to attract skilled technicians, R...

On this episode, Jim Custer of Corporate Business Solutions, joins the podcast to discuss the importance of systems. Jim works with small business owners to identify and fix profit leaks, helping them maximize value, improve efficiency, and free up time for what truly matters.  His company offers a broad array of services, furnishing analytical, consulting and strategic tax planning for small busi...

This episode features an interview with Tato Corcoran, owner of Brandt Molded Marble . She shares some great lessons on the benefits of networking outside of our trade and how conversations with business leaders in other industries can lead to positive changes in your business.  This interview has been featured in the latest summer edition of Cast Polymer Connection . You can read the latest issue...

On this episode,  Dan Neumann  joins the podcast to discuss last week's  Composites Fly-In in Washington, DC. This event provided a unique setting for members of our industry to meet with Members of Congress and agency leadership and educate them on the capabilities of composite materials. 

On this episode, we feature an interview with Derek DeGeest, our POLYCON 2025 keynote speaker. He'll share his thoughts about automation and advanced robotic technology in the composites industry.  Derek is the president at  DeGeest Corporation , a leading resource for manufacturers looking for excellence in automation and finishing. They've been helping manufacturers solve problems since 1976. Yo...

On this episode, we'll feature an interview with Phil Jones , author of  Exactly What to Say on the show to discuss the magic words for influence and impact. Phil entered the world of business at the tender age of 14. With nothing more than a bucket and sponge, he went from single-handedly washing cars at weekends to hiring a fleet of friends working on his behalf, resulting in him earning more th...

In this episode, we'll be discussing the hidden drivers of consumer choice with guest expert Nika Kabiri. She has spent 25+ years studying decision-making, with 15 of those in consumer insights. She has taught Decision Science at the University of Washington, and her expertise in decision-making has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, the Washington Post, Time, Forbes, Inc., Fast Company, Ma...

On this episode, Jennifer Towner provides a highlight of our mid-year networking event organized annually by the ICPA. The event provides the opportunity for ICPA members to connect over two days, engaging in strategic discussions, exploring business solutions, and participating in fun social activities.

On this episode, Kyle Jordan discusses the release of the new Basic Composites Manual, now available in an enhanced, interactive Digital Edition. This latest update also includes a refined logo for the Certified Composites Technician (CCT) program, reflecting the program's refreshed content and commitment to excellence. The new Digital Edition offers a highly engaging and user-friendly experience...