Adam Chetakian, Co-Founder and Chief Growth Officer at Apprime Lighting, has over 30 years in the game. He, Michael and Greg address the dirty secret behind the LED retrofit world: fixtures that die young and end up in landfills. Adam’s here to flip the script with a patented, tool-less, replaceable light engine that saves time, money, and the planet 🌍.💡 Topics covered:Why LED “efficiency” betrayed fixture longevityThe rise of modular, sustainable lighting solutionsHow Apprime’s tech slashes install time from 10 minutes to 25 secondsThe future of circular economy in lightingWhy contractors need to “own the fixture location” again🎯 Whether you're an ESCO, distributor, or sustainability engineer, this episode is your blueprint for reclaiming control and cutting waste. Plus, some spicy takes on Europe’s TM66 rating.👉 Watch now and join the movement to make lighting smarter, longer-lasting, and landfill-free.#LightingRevolution #CircularEconomy #LEDRetrofit #Sustainability #GripLockSystems #GetAGripOnLighting #APPRIMELighting #DLCReform #LightingIndustryConnect with Adam: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/apprime-lighting YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@apprimelighting Apprime Lighting: www.apprimelighting.com  Sponsor: Griplock Systems, griplocksytems.com

Michael Colligan and Greg Ehrich declare a full-blown crisis in the lighting industry’s “right to repair.” From inaccessible drivers screwed into joists to obsolete Cat5 control systems and $300 can lights that can't be fixed, the guys expose the absurdity of modern lighting design. Real-world stories from schools, churches, and health clubs reveal how LED upgrades have turned into long-term liabilities. 💡 Topics Covered:Why customers are buying double fixtures just to stock backupsThe nightmare of replacing drivers buried in ceilingsThe rise and fall of Cat5-based lighting controlsHow “lighting as a service” might actually make sense nowThe emotional toll of unrepairable lighting systems"You literally have to cut the ceiling out to fix the light." — Michael Colligan Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

[Note: This episode contains important visuals. It is recommended to watch the video.] In this explosive episode of Get a Grip on Lighting (previously streamed live), industry lawyer David Radulescu joins Michael and Greg to dissect the legal and ethical challenges facing the DesignLights Consortium (DLC). What started as a podcast turned crusade now confronts the rebate gatekeeper head-on.💥 What’s Inside:• Why DLC’s tax-exempt status may be on shaky ground • The Energy Star exit: is DLC next? • 370,000 listed products—but 15 manufacturers dominate 58% • Opaque vendor relationships, questionable governance, and Article 7 scrutiny • Radulescu’s neutral but razor-sharp legal analysis—30 slides, days of prep, and no punches pulled📉 “The electrons aren’t worth the squeeze.” 📈 “Over 50% of LED revenue goes to certification vendors.” 📎 Watch this if you care about rebates, transparency, and the future of lighting standards.Connect with David:https://www.radip.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/davidradulescu/ 

 In this electrifying episode of Get a Grip on Lighting, we sit down with Tom Kieffer of Service Lighting (aka LightBulbs.com)—a 40-year veteran who's still pushing boundaries and saving clients up to 85% on lighting costs. But this isn't just about retrofits and wattage. It's about honor, innovation, and rebellion. 💡 What’s InsideTom’s take on why most lighting design is broken—and how to fix itThe truth about wall packs (spoiler: “light pukers” 🚫)Why the lighting industry needs to grow a pair and say NO to bad fixturesA fiery debate on DLC, free fixture programs, and market fairnessThe rise of Starry Skies North and the fight against light pollutionHow NAILD is leading the charge on darkness restoration educationReal talk on lighting distributors, contractors, and who really knows lighting ⚡️ If you sell light bulbs, install fixtures, or care about the future of lighting—this one’s for you. #LightingIndustry #DarkSky #DLC #LightingDesign #NAILD #GetAGripOnLighting #TomKieffer #LightBulbsDotCom #StarrySkies #LightingReform #PodcastConnect with Tom:lightbulbs.comhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/tomkieffer/tom@servicelighting.com Sponsor: Satco, satco.com, @satco

Is the DLC a wolf in sheep's clothing? Michael and Greg lay it out. The live stream experienced some technical difficulties, so here it is in full.

🔥 Buckle up for a bold ride through the lighting industry! Mike & Greg give you a brief recap of the Nailed Convention, and challenge the DLC to display their transparency values by inviting them and D+R to speak up on the Get a Grip on Lighting Podcast this Friday.  Plus, you’ll get some classic Mike & Greg banter, including a wild donkey analogy that somehow makes perfect sense. #LightingIndustry #LightingDistribution #TransparencyTalk #IndustryVoices #DLCdebate Connect with Greg: https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-ehrich-2b375a2/  Connect with Michael: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-colligan-64380016/

Alan Karen of Satco is the OG, the original gangster of lighting. With his 30-year journey in lighting, Alan brings wisdom, grit, and heart to the mic. 🔥 What’s inside:The evolution of lighting distribution and Satco’s game-changing portalWhy relationships still matter in a tech-driven worldThe story behind the Guiding Light Award and the H Foundation’s fight against cancer (www.hfoundation.org)Real talk on lamp bans, tariffs, and the future of lighting legislationA passionate defense of the right to repair and the role of lighting distributors Alan, Michael, and Greg tackle this episode with insight, humor, and inspiration. 💡 “We don’t dictate to the market—we supply it.” – Alan Karen  #LightingIndustry #Satco #AlanKaren #RightToRepair #LightingPodcast #GetAGripOnLighting #HFoundation #GuidingLightAward #LEDRevolution #LightingDistributors Connect with Alan: https://twitter.com/SATCOPRODUCTS https://www.linkedin.com/in/alan-karen-02a16b8/   Sponsor: Satco, www.satco.com

In this episode, we sit down with Tom Butters—lighting educator, and Founder & Executive Director of The Lighting Agora—for a no-holds-barred conversation on the state of lighting education, the evolution of the industry, and what to expect at the Canada Light Expo, November 12-13 (canadalightexpo.com). From the value of in-person learning to the challenges of brand-driven training, Tom brings clarity, candor, and a touch of rebellion to the mic. 💡 Whether you're a seasoned lighting pro or just curious about the future of the industry, this episode delivers insight, honesty, and a few laughs along the way. #LightingEducation #TomButters #CanadaLightExpo #LightingAgora #GetAGripOnLighting #Podcast Connect with Tom: Https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-butters-lc-20416551/ Https://lightingagora.com/ Https://www.nlb.org/  Sponsor: Barron Lighting Group, barronltg.com

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 gameThe DLC debate: prescriptive rebates, transparency, and calls for a five-year moratoriumIndustry leadership, contested elections, and the future of IESHow 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

In 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

In 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