Episode 509: #415 - The Cliff, the Comeback, and the Convention

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

In this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, Michael Colligan, Greg Ehrich, and Scott Wachter dive deep into the latest efforts to address light pollution through education and innovation in the lighting industry. Scott reveals the launch of Lighting Specialist: Darkness Restoration Part One, a pioneering training program designed to equip professionals with practical knowledge to mitigate night pollution in poor outdoor lighting design. 🔥 Topics Covered: - The behind-the-scenes creation of the 71-minute training course 🧠- Why fixture certification alone isn't enough—and might be misleading ⚠️- The importance of educating installers and designers on lighting specs 📘- Regional successes in dark sky initiatives, from Georgia to Arizona 🌌- Debates around the health impacts of LED lighting, featuring Mark Baker 👁️- The role of nonprofits, corporations, and associations in shaping lighting legislation 🏛️- How the lighting industry's lack of unified leadership is slowing progress ⏳- Scott’s vision for future advanced modules and hands-on training 💡 💬 “At the end of this, you’ll have a certification that says you know your stuff.” – Scott Wachter If you're a lighting professional, sustainability advocate, or just curious about the next frontier in outdoor lighting, this episode is a must-watch. 📅 Convention details, and more available at naild.org/ls-c 👍 Like, Subscribe & Comment — and join the conversation around restoring our night skies. Connect with Scott:https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-wachter-5a3109113https://restoringdarkness.com/darkness-news-update/https://naild.org/lighting-industry-news-brief/ Sponsor: Keystone, www.keystonetech.com

In this illuminating episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, science journalist Lynne Peeples—author of The Inner Clock: Living in Sync with Our Circadian Rhythm—joins Greg and Michael for a deep dive into the fascinating world of biological timekeeping. 🌞🕰️  From her background in biostatistics and journalism to her personal struggles with sleep and seasonal affective disorder, Peeples shares why aligning our lifestyles with natural light-dark cycles is essential for optimal health, productivity, and well-being. 💡 Key topics covered: - What circadian rhythms really are and how they govern nearly every system in our body - The biological impact of electric lighting—both its disruptions and potential benefits - Why LED technology could revolutionize our health (if used wisely) - Real-world examples: circadian lighting for pro athletes and shift workers - The equity gap in light access and its implications for public health - Practical strategies for syncing with your inner clock—no fancy gadgets required!  If you've ever wondered how something as simple as light could shape your sleep, your energy, and even your future, this episode is a must-watch. Available now wherever you get your podcasts—and don’t forget, The Inner Clock is available from RiverheadBooks on all platforms including Audible and in bookstores everywhere. 📚🌙  Connect with Lynne: IG: lynne.peeples X: @lynnepeeps FB and LinkedIn: Lynne Peeples  Sponsor: Keystone, www.keystonetech.com

In this illuminating episode, Karl Zartarian, Regional VP at Barron Lighting Group, joins the show to discuss innovation, strategy, and the evolving landscape of emergency and specialty lighting. From anti-ligature exit signs for institutional settings to RGBW panels with DMX controls, Karl shares practical insights and real-world applications that are shaping the future of lighting. 💡 Topics include: - Why green exit signs might be more than just a design choice - How RGB lighting is being used in hospitals, airports, and entertainment venues - The challenges and opportunities of utility rebates and DLC standards - What makes lighting controls effective—and why tech support matters - How distributors, engineers, and designers each play a unique role in the lighting ecosystem  Whether you're in distribution, design, or just passionate about lighting, this episode offers a fresh perspective on where the industry is headed.  Connect with Karl: linkedin.com/in/karl-zartarian  Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group www.barronltg.com

In this vibrant episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Greg and Mike welcome back Kathryn Toth, an award-winning architectural lighting designer renowned for her mastery in crafting artistic lighting solutions across commercial, residential, retail, and landscape spaces. 🌍✨ 🎙️ Highlights Include: - Decorative Lamp Design Tips: Kathryn shares her preferences for medium and candelabra base lamps that enhance ambiance and avoid unsightly shadows. - Antique Fixture Restoration: Hear how she navigates importing, rewiring, and customizing antique fixtures to meet UL/ETL safety standards, including dramatic pieces for Urban Outfitters and luxury Bahamas installations. - Dark Sky Advocacy: Learn how Kathryn promotes sustainable lighting by supporting DarkSky International and integrating low-wattage, dimmable LED solutions. - Lighting Controls in Projects: From residences to hotels, Kathryn dives deep into programmable systems with astronomical timers and tailored scenes to improve mood, reduce glare, and support retail experiences. - Maintenance Made Easy: She champions lamp consistency across projects, emphasizing repairability and long-term planning for her clients. 🔦 Plus: Insight on trends like retrofit vs. replace, compatibility concerns with European fixtures, and the importance of diffused light over visible diodes in high-end design.  Connect with Kathryn: www.illiedu.orgwww.theialighting.com Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com