Podcast – The OM Blog by Heizer, Render, & Munson

OM Podcast #54: Defense Strategy, Military Logistics, and Strategic Stockpiles

In our latest podcast episode, Barry and Misty interview Colonel Jay Reckard, who retired from the U.S. Army after 28 years of service and now works as a defense strategist through his consulting practice. During his military career, Jay served in a variety of leadership roles, culminating as director of the U.S. Army Chemical Materials Activity.

In this podcast, Barry, Misty, and Jay discuss the critical role of logistics and supply chains in military operations. Topics include strategic stockpiles, chemical and biological defense, 3D printing in deployed environments, munitions readiness, contested logistics, and the supply chain implications of global events such as activity in the Strait of Hormuz and the South China Sea.

Prof. Misty Blessley

As we prepared for this episode, Jay took a moment to reflect on his friend and fellow soldier, the late Retired Colonel Jeffrey J. Britton (1969–2026). He shared how Jeff’s leadership in military logistics made it possible for others, including Jay, to accomplish their missions. We were touched by Jay’s tribute and join him in remembering Jeff’s dedicated service and lasting impact.

“Jeff Britton was the finest logistician I ever served with. He was intelligent, capable, and a man of deep character. His strengths were many and his weaknesses few, and he cared for his soldiers more than himself. Jeff’s steadfast leadership of the 193d BSB solved every logistics challenge facing the 4th MEB. Above all, he loved his family. I will always be in his debt and wish him lasting peace.”

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #54: Defense Strategy, Military Logistics, and Strategic Stockpiles

TRANSCRIPT LINK

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Did you know every podcast is available to assign from within Pearson’s MyLab product for the Heizer, Render Munson Operations and Supply Chain title? You can find them under the Podcast chapter.

OM Podcast # 53: AI at Verizon and the Future of Work

Welcome back to school! We hope the start of fall classes is going smoothly for everyone, and we hope you enjoy our first podcast of the semester.

AI is transforming the way organizations operate and Bryan Hartling, Senior Program and Project Manager at Verizon, is helping lead that change.

Prof. Misty Blessley

In this episode, Bryan joins Barry and Misty to discuss Verizon’s AI initiatives, machine learning applications, procurement automation, business intelligence modernization, and the future impact of AI on jobs and software services. The conversation provides an insider look into how large organizations are using AI to simplify processes, improve decision-making, and drive innovation.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast # 53: AI at Verizon and the Future of Work

TRANSCRIPT LINK

A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

Have you subscribed to this podcast on Apple Podcasts? Just go to your Apple Podcasts app, search“Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get all our podcasts on your mobile device as soon as they come out!

Instructors, assignable auto-graded exercises using this podcast are available in MyLab OM. Contact your Pearson representative to learn more.

Find Your Rep

OM Podcast #52: Renewable Natural Gas & Heavy-Duty Transportation

We hope you’re having a nice summer!

In our latest podcast, Barry and Misty interview Charles Love, renewable natural gas (RNG) expert for Love’s Alternative Energy. Together they discuss renewable natural gas, how it is produced, distributed, and used as a transportation fuel, as well as its growing role in the future of heavy-duty transportation.

During the conversation, Charles explains the difference between fossil methane and renewable natural gas, describing how RNG is created from organic sources such as food waste, animal manure, and wastewater.

Charles also discusses Love’s extensive operations, the company’s vertically integrated business model, and the important role farmers play in renewable natural gas production. Listeners will learn how renewable fuels create value throughout the supply chain while helping address environmental concerns.

Prof. Misty Blessley

Charles shares his perspective on where the industry is headed and why RNG is currently an attractive solution for heavy-duty trucking fleets seeking a combination of cost effectiveness and environmental benefits.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #52: Renewable Natural Gas & Heavy-Duty Transportation

TRANSCRIPT LINK

A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

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OM Podcast #51: AI in Healthcare and the Future of Patient Care

Happy summer to everyone! In our latest podcast, Professors Barry Render and Misty Blessley interview Dr. Satinder Singh, Medical Director at Lehigh Valley Health Network, Jefferson Health.

Dr. Singh shares insights from his journey into medicine and leadership, and discusses how artificial intelligence is transforming clinical practice. From improving physician efficiency to strengthening the doctor–patient relationship, this episode explores how AI is already being used in healthcare—and where it’s headed next.

A key focus of the conversation is how tools like ambient AI can reduce administrative burden, allowing physicians to spend more time at the bedside. The discussion also highlights important considerations such as accuracy, oversight, and the responsible use of AI in medical decision-making.

Prof. Misty Blessley

Finally, Dr. Singh shares his perspective as an educator, emphasizing the importance of building strong clinical fundamentals before using AI as a tool to enhance performance.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #51: AI in Healthcare and the Future of Patient Care

LINK TO PODCAST TRANSCRIPT

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OM Podcast #50: AI, the Workforce, and National Security

In our latest podcast, Barry and Misty interview Kyle Stephens, Senior Director at General Dynamics IT (GDIT). Kyle brings a unique perspective shaped by experience across retail operations, defense contracting, enterprise technology, and government service.

In this conversation, we explore how artificial intelligence is already reshaping work inside mission‑critical and national security environments. Kyle explains how he uses AI in his own role to accelerate analysis, compress large volumes of information, and improve decision quality. The discussion also addresses workforce implications, including how organizations should think about upskilling employees as AI adoption increases.

Prof. Misty Blessley

Finally, the podcast turns to AI and security. Kyle explains why AI security in defense settings extends well beyond cybersecurity, and how AI is being deployed by the U.S. as well as adversaries.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #50: AI, the Workforce, and National Security

TRANSCRIPT
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

Have you subscribed to this podcast on Apple Podcasts? Just go to your Apple Podcasts app, search “Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get all our podcasts on your mobile device as soon as they come out!

OM Podcast #49: An Interview with the CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine About Reshoring

In this episode of the Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast, Barry Render talks with Dr. Ron Piccolo, CEO of the Florida Semiconductor Engine, about why semiconductors have become such a critical issue for the U.S. economy. From phones and cars to medical devices and defense systems, semiconductors power everyday life—but much of the manufacturing and packaging happens overseas, creating supply‑chain and security risks.

A key focus of the conversation is advanced packaging, which refers to newer ways of assembling semiconductor chips to improve performance, reduce heat, and increase reliability. Piccolo explains that while high‑volume manufacturing will likely remain global, the U.S. has a strong opportunity to bring specialized, high‑reliability packaging back home—especially for industries like space, healthcare, and defense.

The episode also explores how universities, government, and industry can work together to build regional innovation ecosystems. Supported by a National Science Foundation grant, the Florida Semiconductor Engine aims to create a one‑stop shop for design, prototyping, and testing—strengthening U.S. competitiveness while supporting high‑skill jobs and regional growth.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #49: Reshoring Semiconductors

TRANSCRIPT LINK
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

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Instructors: assignable auto‑graded exercises using this podcast are available in MyLab OM. To learn more, view our earlier blog post featuring Chuck Munson or contact your Pearson representative: Find your rep

OM Podcast #48: Cold Storage, AI, and the Future of Industrial Facilities

In this episode of the Podcast, Professors Barry Render and Misty Blessley sit down with David Aschenbrand, Executive Managing Director at Newmark, to explore how cold storage and temperature‑controlled facilities are evolving in today’s operations and supply chain environment. Drawing on his background across logistics, transportation, warehousing, and industrial real estate, David explains how cold storage facilities support food, pharmaceutical, and other temperature‑sensitive supply chains, and what clients look for when developing or operating these specialized buildings.

The conversation highlights how facility design decisions—such as location, building footprint, dock configuration, and proximity to ports—can directly affect labor availability, transportation efficiency, and long‑term operational performance. David shares insights on the growing role of automation and AI in industrial facilities, while emphasizing the continued importance of skilled trades and hands‑on roles that support these operations.

The episode concludes with a discussion of what rising labor costs mean for cold storage operators. Together, the hosts and guest offer a practical look at how operations management, facility design, workforce trends, and technology intersect in modern cold chain and warehouse environments.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #48: Cold Storage, AI, and the Future of Industrial Facilities

TRANSCRIPT LINK
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

Prof. Misty Blessley

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OM Podcast #47: Leadership and Continuous Improvement

In our latest podcast, Barry Render interviews John Dyer, a well‑known speaker, consultant, and expert in continuous improvement, and the author of The Façade of Excellence: Defining a New Normal of Leadership. With over 40 years of experience—including roles at GE, Ingersoll Rand, and years of consulting across manufacturing, government, and nonprofit sectors—John brings a depth of practical insight that leaders at every level can learn from.

In this episode, Barry and John discuss:

What operational excellence really means beneath the surface
Why so many continuous improvement initiatives fail after 12–18 months
The psychology behind middle‑management resistance
The shift from “manager” to “coach” as the core leadership evolution
How empowerment really works
How AI will reshape teamwork, decision‑making, and PDCA cycles
Real‑world examples of fully empowered, high‑performance teams

This is an outstanding conversation for instructors, operations leaders, and students who want an honest, experience‑grounded perspective on building sustainable cultures of excellence.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #47: Leadership and Continuous Improvement

TRANSCRIPT LINK
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

OM Podcast #46: Logistics, Circularity & Vertical Integration at East Penn Manufacturing

In our latest podcast episode Barry Render and Misty Blessley speak with Harry Ziff, VP of Corporate Logistics at East Penn Manufacturing, one of the world’s largest lead‑battery producers. Harry shares highlights from his 37‑year supply chain career and explains how East Penn’s unique structure allows it to excel in reliability, sustainability, and customer service.

Harry discusses East Penn’s deep vertical integration, including in‑house lead refining, plastic molding, and battery case manufacturing. He also describes the company’s closed‑loop recycling system, where nearly 100% of batteries are collected, processed, and reused. The episode also dives into East Penn’s large private fleet, which enables direct‑store delivery, consistent service, and strong customer relationships.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #46: Logistics, Circularity & Vertical Integration at East Penn Manufacturing

TRANSCRIPT LINK
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the transcript link above.

Prof. Misty Blessley

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OM Podcast #45: Inside Purchasing at Temple University

In our newest podcast episode, Barry Render and Misty Blessley sit down with Donna Schweibenz, former Senior Director of Purchasing at Temple University, for a fascinating look inside one of higher education’s most complex operational functions.

Donna brings 26 years of experience leading a centralized purchasing department responsible for everything from office supplies to cadavers for medical training—yes, cadavers! She shares how universities must navigate wide‑ranging procurement categories, strict compliance requirements, and unexpected challenges that arise even from seemingly simple purchases.

In this episode, Barry, Misty, and Donna discuss:

The sheer variety of goods and services a major university must procure, and the challenges the centralized purchasing team faces.
The creation of a three‑university purchasing alliance between Temple, Penn State, and Pitt, and how collaboration led to better pricing and efficiencies.
What people often misunderstand about purchasing, including bid thresholds, contracts, warranties, lead times, vendor vetting, and how essential communication is to prevent operational issues.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #45: Inside University Purchasing

TRANSCRIPT LINK

A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

Prof . Misty Blessley

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OM Podcast #44: Inside the Cold Storage Industry with Dr. Anna Johnson

Happy New Year! In our first episode of 2026, Professors Barry Render and Misty Blessley sit down with Dr. Anna Johnson, Vice President of Marketing and Commercial Strategy at U.S. Cold Storage, to explore the fascinating world of temperature-controlled logistics.

Dr. Johnson explains how third-party logistics providers keep America’s food supply safe and efficient, why 98% of U.S. food storage is outsourced, and how sustainability initiatives like anaerobic digestion are reducing food waste.

Prof . Misty Blessley

The conversation also dives into industry trends—from the surge in capacity during COVID to the current state of the market—and highlights how AI, robotics, and digital twins are transforming operations, and creating new roles for skilled workers in this evolving sector.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #44: Inside the Cold Storage Industry with Dr. Anna Johnson

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Our Top Five OM Podcasts of 2025

Our podcasts are gaining a wider and wider audience and we are creating new ones every few weeks. In case you missed them, here are the top five of those that went live in 2025.

OM Podcast #37:Global Supply Chain Vulnerabilities Professor Darrell Edwards at the U. of Tennessee shares his decades of industry experience.
OM Podcast #34: An Inside Look at Tariffs Bob O’Donnell, VP of Business Development of Life Sciences at East Coast Warehouse, who previously spent 13 years with Maersk, discusses tariffs and their potential impacts.
OM Podcast #38: Editorial Leadership and the Future of Operations Management Texas Christian University Prof. Tyson Browning discuss Tyson’s six-year tenure as journal editor of the Journal of Operations Management, the evolving role of AI in research, and the future direction of the operations management field.

4. OM Podcast #32: Supply Chain Risk Management George Zsidisin, the Barringer Professor of Supply Chain Management at the University of Missouri – Saint Louis is author of several books on Supply Chain Risk.

5. OM Podcast #31: The Impact of AI on Jobs and the Environment Charlie Render is President of Render Analytics, which helps businesses of all kinds implement AI. He is also the creator of the popular job-search engine, Apply Genie (ApplyGenie.ai)

Have you subscribed to this podcast on Apple podcasts? Just go to your Apple podcasts app, search “Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get all our podcasts on your mobile device as soon as they come out!

OM Podcast #43: An Interview with Mike Rich, VP of Supply Chain at American Water

In our latest podcast episode Barry and co-host Misty Blessly welcome Mike Rich, Vice President of Supply Chain at American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States.

Mike shares his fascinating career journey—from managing thousands of SKUs at Home Depot to driving strategic sourcing initiatives at Arizona Public Service—and how those experiences shaped his leadership approach today. The discussion dives into:

Building a customer-service mindset in supply chain
Challenges in talent acquisition and team growth
Negotiation strategies and risk mitigation in procurement
The role of AI and Agentic AI in transforming category strategy and operations

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #43: An Interview with Mike Rich, VP of Supply Chain at American Water

Read the full transcript

Prof. Misty Blessley

OM Podcast #42: An Interview with the Founders of Canada’s Simpla Foods

We’re back with another inspiring episode of the Heizer/ Render/ Munson OM Podcast. In this episode, Barry Render sits down with Canadian entrepreneurs Katie Wookey and Ari Davis, co-founders of Simpla Foods, a plant-based yogurt company that’s redefining sustainability and supply chain innovation in the food industry.

Barry explores how Katie and Ari turned a personal health journey into a thriving business now sold in over 300 stores across Canada. The couple shares their experience with co-packing and contract manufacturing, explaining how outsourcing production has allowed them to scale efficiently while staying focused on product development and sustainability.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #42: An Interview with Simpla Foods

Transcript

OM Podcast #41: Healthcare Supply Chains

In our latest podcast Barry Render is joined by Misty Blessley, professor of supply chain at Temple University, to co-host a conversation with Jennifer Taylor, Director of Contracts at Universal Health Services (UHS).

Jennifer shares her journey to leading procurement and sourcing at one of the nation’s largest healthcare providers. The discussion covers the challenges of transitioning industries, managing purchasing across hundreds of facilities, and navigating the complexities of tariffs and product allocations in healthcare supply chains.

You’ll also hear about UHS’s innovative internship

Misty Blessley

program designed to build a pipeline of young talent in supply chain management—and how it’s already producing full-time hires.

Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast · OM Podcast #41: An Interview with Jennifer Taylor from UHS

TRANSCRIPT
A Word document of this podcast will download by clicking the word Transcript above.

Have you subscribed to this podcast on Apple Podcasts? Just go to your Apple Podcasts app, search “Heizer Render Munson OM Podcast,” and subscribe to get all our episodes on your mobile device as soon as they come out!