A good manufacturing podcast balances entertainment with education to produce content ideally suited for a morning run, lunchtime break, or long drive home.
Yet, with so many manufacturing podcasts to choose from, finding one you like can seem like a daunting task.
We are here to help.
We spent hours listening to different manufacturing podcasts and summarized and ranked each one.
Plus, we have provided recommendations on what episodes to start with, so you aren’t wasting time getting the good stuff.
The following are the 10 best manufacturing podcasts of 2024.
1. Advanced Manufacturing Now
Produced by SME Media, the Advanced Manufacturing Now podcast provides industry leaders and innovators a forum to discuss the latest technologies, tools, and processes that are impacting the manufacturing industry.
SME Media taps into its vast talent pool to assemble a team of hosts that provide expert opinions and conduct in-depth interviews with experts from across the industry.
- Where to start: 3 Ways to Improve Operational Efficiency and Save Costs is a good starting point for new listeners that provides value to any leader in manufacturing regardless of specialty or role.
2. Manufacturing Happy Hour
The Manufacturing Happy Hour podcast explores the latest trends in manufacturing technology and its impacts on the industry.
Host Chris Luecke interviews the industry’s top movers and shakers — the founders, the builders, and the leaders — and gets their insights on the strategies and tools that will carry the manufacturing industry forward.
While the topics and technologies discussed can be complex, Chris makes everything digestible and relatable to anyone in the industry, regardless of knowledge or expertise.
- Where to start: Discussing Logistics, Automated Forklifts, and Craft Beer with Big Joe Forklifts’ Nick Malewicki, is a fun episode that had me thinking for days afterward about the impacts of automated vehicles on the manufacturing industry (and craving a good craft beer).
3. The 10 in 10 Podcast
For those without a ton of time on their hands, The 10 in 10 podcast is for you. The format is simple — 10 questions in 10 minutes. But don’t let the short form format fool you, each episode of The 10 in 10 is packed full of unique perspectives and insights that anyone can learn from.
- Where to start: The great thing about The 10 in 10 Podcast is that you can blast through a bunch of episodes pretty quickly, giving you a good idea of what this show is about without a ton of time investment. The next data center frontier: Global trends reshaping the industry is a good place to start.
4. MakingChips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders
The MakingChips Podcast for Manufacturing Leaders has an industrial manufacturing focus, but the topics covered are broadly reaching enough to provide meaningful insights to any leader in the manufacturing space.
Hosts Jason Zenger and Jim Carr have a deep love for the manufacturing industry, and that comes through as they discuss the trends and challenges that affect leaders in manufacturing.
- Where to start: The episode, Manufacturing Fuels Greatness is a great example of the relevant, thought-provoking content you can expect from MakingChips. Guest host Drew Crowe speaks with Dan Borders of Edge Technologies and explores the challenges of attracting and retaining talent in the current business landscape.
5. Gemba Academy Podcast
The Gemba Academy Podcast is well known for providing educational content specializing in Lean thinking and Six Sigma practices.
Thought leaders from across the manufacturing industry and beyond join host Ron Pereira to discuss continuous learning and self-improvement methodologies and explore the impacts these techniques have on their lives and businesses.
The Gemba Academy Podcast has something to offer any listener, regardless of industry, specialty, or interest. Business leaders, managers, and executives, in particular, will benefit from the deep insights and fresh perspectives provided.
- Where to start: Building a Culture of Continuous Improvement with Jim Huntzinger is a great introduction to the type of thought provoking content you can expect from the Gemba Academy podcast.
6. The Manufacturing Report
Hosted by Alliance for American Manufacturing President Scott Paul, The Manufacturing Report explores the policies, news, and events that affect the US manufacturing industry.
The topics discussed in this podcast vary widely, but the significance and relevance of the issues make every episode a worthwhile listen, regardless of your own area of expertise.
- Where to start: ‘Making It in America’ Author Rachel Slade on Why American Manufacturing Has a Bright Future is a really uplifting episode that shines a positive light on American manufacturing.
7. Mindfulness Manufacturing
The Mindfulness Manufacturing podcast focuses on the best practices and behaviors that business leaders need in order to be successful in today’s competitive manufacturing environment.
While the show’s host and many of the guests come from a manufacturing background and many of the topics are explored through a manufacturing lens, the lessons gleaned can be applied to businesses and teams of all types.
- Where to start: Finding New Perspectives Through Emotional Intelligence with Karine Leblanc is a great launching point for anyone looking to see what this podcast has to offer. The topic is relevant and intriguing and the tools and techniques discussed can be applied to any business regardless of industry.
8. Manufacturing Tomorrow
As the name implies, the Manufacturing Tomorrow podcast has its finger on the pulse of the trends and technology shaping the manufacturing world.
Produced by Ohio State University, each episode features interviews with local leaders from the manufacturing industry and beyond as they discuss the innovations, solutions, and partnerships that are shaping the manufacturing industry.
- Where to start: Manufacturing Tomorrow’s interview with Christelle Keefer, of ABB Robotics is a good introduction to this podcast. Christelle’s experience with robotics and automation technology spotlights the potential of these cutting edge tools for US manufacturing.
9. The Manufacturing Executive
The Manufacturing Executive podcast is an excellent resource for manufacturing leaders looking for compelling content focused on industry growth and frontline sales strategies.
Hosted by Gorilla 76 founder Joe Sullivan, the Manufacturing Executive podcast invites movers and shakers from across the manufacturing space to share the methods and techniques they use to drive results and innovation.
- Where to start: The Real Reason Manufacturers Are Missing with Gen Z w/ Jacob Sanchez is an episode brimming with relevance for today’s manufacturing leaders and serves as a great introduction to The Manufacturing Executive podcast.
10. The Manufacturers Alliance Podcast
The Manufacturers Alliance Podcast brings together the top minds in manufacturing in order to find solutions to the challenges facing the industry today.
The topics discussed in this podcast cover a wide range of manufacturing issues, including safety and compliance, operational efficiency, hiring and staffing, thought leadership, and more.
With new episodes released monthly, there is something for everyone in the Manufacturers Alliance content library.
- Where to start: Since the Manufacturers Alliance Podcast covers such a wide range of topics, a good starting place will be best dictated by your own area of interest.
That said, The Executives Role In Developing a CI Culture is an episode with a far-reaching appeal regardless of specialty or expertise.
