Podcast
Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast
Hosted by Get A Grip On Lighting · EN
Recognizing a need in the lighting industry to forum together and discuss subjects & issues in our industry, the Get A Grip On Lighting Podcast was born. Get A Grip brings on industry experts to talk about real issues and focused on that subject matter. If there’s something to be said on the subject, Get A Grip will go there. Get A Grip On Lighting Podcasts are hosted by Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich, who have over 30 years of combined experience in the lighting industry. Michael Colligan is an entrepreneur and inventor. He’s a subject matter expert in commercial and industrial lighting supply, lighting retrofits, and finding recycling streams for hard-to-recycle waste. Greg Ehrich, LC is the former President of the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD) and owner of a progressive lighting distributorship.
31episodes
Episodes
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Episode 508: #414 - It Hurt Good
Aug 1100:23:46Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode 507: #413 - The Choir Effect
Aug 4, 202500:27:50Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode 506: #412 - Living in Constant Twilight
Jul 28, 202500:29:04Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode 505: #411 - Getting to Yes Quickly
Jul 21, 202500:29:06Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode 504: #410 - Restoring Beauty with Light Bulbs–or is it Lamps!
Jul 14, 202500:21:08Tap to summarizeIn 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
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Episode 503: #409 - Quantum Light and Other Dimensions
Jul 7, 202500:29:22Tap to summarizeIn this mind-bending episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, tech visionary Tony Lawrence dives deep into the future of light, AI, quantum computing—and even interdimensional data transfer. From mining Bitcoin with a lightbulb, to using quantum entropy to generate synthetic data, Tony explores how light itself is becoming both a medium for communication and a tool for cybersecurity, surveillance, and perhaps even time travel. If you’ve ever wondered how quantum randomness, entangled photons, or spy-level tech could shape the next digital revolution, this episode is unmissable. 👁️🗨️ Topics include: AI vs. Quantum: What’s the difference and how do they work together? Light as information (and maybe... an interdimensional messenger) LiFi, quantum key distribution, and the coming "quantum internet" Mining crypto through lighting fixtures (!) Why synthetic data may be the ethical future of AI 🚨 Tune in now—this one’s part sci-fi, part science, and all real. Connect with Tony:linkedin.com/in/tony-l-22b08151lightriderinc.com/https://twitter.com/VORTECHNOLOGYhttps://twitter.com/lightriderinchttps://www.facebook.com/lightriderinchttps://www.instagram.com/lightriderinc/https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-rider/ Sponsor: Grip Lock Systems www.griplock.com
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Episode 502: #408 - Emergency Lighting Doesn't Matter Until it Matters
Jun 30, 202500:14:12Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, hosts Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich dive into the ever-important topic of emergency lighting and exit signage. From battery packs to combo units and LED emergency backup tubes, they explore the evolving landscape and the challenges distributors face when retrofitting or maintaining systems. They emphasize the critical importance of separating emergency systems from general lighting, and share real-world examples where overlooking proper emergency planning led to serious consequences.Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group www.barronltg.com
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Episode 501: #407 - The Customer Service Role
Jun 23, 202500:09:54Tap to summarizeIn this eye-opening and unscripted episode, Mike and Greg peel back the curtain on one of the most underappreciated parts of the lighting industry—customer service. From misfit lightbulbs and warranty nightmares to dremel-happy customers and failing retrofits in century-old churches, no story is too strange and no frustration is off-limits. Whether it’s juggling returns, handling broken bulbs, or chasing down elusive manufacturer answers, these two veterans tackle it all with grit, humor, and a healthy dose of real talk.🔥 Topics Covered: Why customer service is the unsung hero of the lighting industry Mishaps with mislabeled bulbs and untested retrofits What happens when suppliers go quiet The real cost of poor follow-through This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a front-row seat to the real-life grind—and glory—of keeping the lighting world lit.💡 Tune in, laugh a little, learn a lot, and maybe shed a tear for your favorite customer service rep.Sponsor: Satco www.satco.com
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Episode 500: #406 - Living in the Light, You’ve Got Nothing to Hide
Jun 16, 202500:23:17Tap to summarize🚀 On the latest episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, Matt Honson, President of NAILD, dives into the evolution of lighting distribution, industry education, and the urgent need for transparency in product labeling and eco-fee schemes. - Why collaboration among independent distributors strengthens the industry - Why integrity comes natural when you are living in the light - There shouldn’t be anything to hide when you are working in the non-profit sector and charging the lighting industry for product accreditation and eco-fees. If you care about the future of lighting distribution, this conversation is a must-listen! #LightingIndustry #NAILD #Innovation #Leadership #transparency 📌 Listen now! 🔗 Connect with Matt: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-honson-3171a32b Sponsor: Keystone www.keystonetech.com
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Episode 499: #405 - The Post Rebate Zombie Apocalypse
Jun 2, 202500:17:03Tap to summarizeJoin Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich on Get a Grip on Lighting as they dive into the evolving lighting industry in 2025. With rebates disappearing and competition tightening, distributors must rethink their approach. Michael highlights a unique opportunity in repairable fixtures—bringing back the distributor's original role of providing lighting components instead of simply selling new fixtures. Greg shares real-world examples of retrofitting LED purpose-built fixtures with socketed solutions, making them easily replaceable and future-proof. Whether you're navigating post-rebate challenges or looking for fresh sales strategies, this episode is packed with insights to keep you ahead in the game! 🔥 Watch now and stay ahead of the curve in lighting sales! Sponsor: Halco Lighting www.halcolighting.com
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