Dual Source Discourse

Dr. Elouise Epstein + Sarah Scudder
  • 5.0 (3)
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Procurement doesn’t have to be boring! Join hosts Dr. Elouise Epstein and Sarah Scudder on Dual Source Discourse, the podcast where they unpack the complexities of supply chain and procurement with a twist of humor and intellect. In each episode, Sarah brings a burning topic to the table, armed with opinions and insights, while Dr. Elouise plays devil's advocate, challenging assumptions and shedding light on alternative perspectives. From the boardroom to the warehouse floor, Dual Source Discourse dives into the big-picture issues shaping the world of supply chain management and procurement. Whether it's discussing the impacts of global trade policies, dissecting the latest technology trends, or exploring strategies for sustainable sourcing, they're here to break it down and make it accessible and entertaining. So, grab your headphones and join them as they navigate the wacky world of supply chain.

  1. French Fries | Dual Source Discourse #67

    OCT 1

    French Fries | Dual Source Discourse #67

    BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND In this fun yet thought-provoking episode, Sarah and Dr. Elouise dive deep into the surprising complexity of French fries—from how they’re made to how they’re marketed. What starts as a lighthearted conversation quickly turns into an exploration of food supply chains, sustainability, consumer cost, and shifting health priorities in the U.S. They explore Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s stance on seed oils, Steak ‘n Shake’s switch to beef tallow, and the hidden realities behind how French fries are really produced and distributed. With references to fast food giants like McDonald’s, In-N-Out, and even Pizza Hut, the episode highlights how seemingly small changes ripple through the procurement world. The duo also reflect on the growing power of informed consumers, thanks to tools like Gemini and NotebookLM. Key Points: • French Fries as a Lens into Supply Chain Complexity: What we eat is often the result of multi-step, global supply chains—changing one part requires rethinking the whole. • Cost Implications of Health-Conscious Changes: Healthier ingredients often mean higher costs, raising equity questions for families and food providers. • Sustainability and Packaging Waste: Frozen fry distribution creates massive packaging waste, sparking debates on biodegradable alternatives like mushroom-based packaging. • Consumer Access to Data is Reshaping Influence: AI tools and social media give consumers power to uncover, understand, and shape narratives around food and sustainability. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 Introduction and upcoming travel plans for Sarah and Dr. Elouise 01:54 Why this might be their favorite episode title yet: “French Fry” 02:50 The connection between fries, health, the environment, and procurement 04:15 Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s push against seed oils in fried foods 05:10 Steak 'n Shake’s switch to beef tallow: what it really means 06:22 Supply chain realities: fries are pre-fried in seed oil before restaurant delivery 07:55 Vegetarian/vegan concerns with beef tallow and ethical sourcing 08:45 Food cost concerns for the average American family 09:50 In-N-Out’s simplified, onsite fry process vs. mass-production models 11:05 Rising scrutiny of preservatives, dyes, and shelf-stability in food 12:20 What McDonald's fry uniformity says about branding and sustainability 14:30 Reflection on Pizza Hut’s fall: how production method shifts affect taste 15:45 Sustainable packaging debate: biodegradable vs. reusable 17:00 IKEA’s mushroom packaging experiment and challenges like odor 18:20 Packaging waste from McDonald’s fry deliveries: scale and disposal 19:55 How AI tools like Gemini enabled this research and episode 22:00 The growing power of consumers and social media to influence brand behavior 26:30 Final thoughts and call for comments: What’s your favorite kind of fry? Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Apple Podcasts: https://rb.gy/c8nknq Spotify: https://rb.gy/w01h4t Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    28 min
  2. The AI Content Revolution | Dual Source Discourse #66

    SEP 24

    The AI Content Revolution | Dual Source Discourse #66

    AI IN CONTENT CREATION: MARKETING & PROCUREMENT PERSPECTIVES In this episode, Sarah and Dr. Elouise dive into the role of AI in content creation and its impact on marketing and procurement. Sarah shares insights from her perspective as a marketer actively using AI to generate campaigns, while Elouise brings her lens as a heavy consumer of AI-generated content. Together, they discuss the opportunities and challenges of adopting AI tools, from improving efficiency and creativity to grappling with issues of authenticity, originality, and trust. They explore how AI can be applied to storytelling, thought leadership, and procurement-specific content, offering a balanced view of what’s possible today—and what to watch out for tomorrow. Key Points: • AI as a Dual Force: How marketers are using AI to create content and how buyers/consumers are engaging with it. • Efficiency vs. Authenticity: The tension between faster output and maintaining originality and human connection. • Applications in Procurement: Opportunities for AI in sourcing insights, supplier communication, and thought leadership. • Future Outlook: Why adaptability and discernment are essential as AI tools evolve and reshape industries. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 Introduction: why AI is becoming relevant to every career path 05:02 Personal vs. work use of ChatGPT and how people apply it differently 09:59 Setting the stage: the premise of today’s conversation on AI in content 15:10 Realization: so much modern content online is AI-created 20:08 Dr.Elouise notes YouTube as a major source of AI-generated media 25:41 Structuring AI outputs into usable Q&A formats for clarity 30:14 AI tools generating “10 best” recommendations and their implications 35:13 Using AI effectively when ramping up or launching new initiatives 40:24 The risk of all content sounding the same due to overuse of AI 45:25 Wrap-up and preview of the next episode Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    46 min
  3. Why Six Figure Jobs Are Now in Hard Hats, Not Coding | Dual Source Discourse #65

    SEP 17

    Why Six Figure Jobs Are Now in Hard Hats, Not Coding | Dual Source Discourse #65

    Why Skilled Trades Are Rising as AI Reshapes White-Collar Work Sarah and Dr. Elouise unpack how automation is squeezing traditional office roles while demand (and pay) for skilled, hands-on work is climbing. They compare paths like electrician, plumber, diesel mechanic, wind-turbine technician, and nuclear tech; discuss wage growth and why these jobs are harder to automate; and explore the cultural and educational shifts (Gen Z’s interest in trades, the role of AI in classrooms, and a likely resurgence of trade schools). They also highlight how tech—drones, robotics, digital measuring tools—is augmenting the trades and creating new training opportunities. Key Points: • AI is compressing white-collar roles: Routine office tasks and some knowledge-work functions are increasingly automated, driving layoffs and redefining “safe” careers. • Skilled trades have structural advantages: On-site troubleshooting and physical work (electric, plumbing, diesel, nuclear) are far harder to automate, and infrastructure demand is rising. • Wages and respect are rebounding: Pay for electricians, plumbers, and related roles is up, and cultural attitudes (especially among Gen Z) are shifting in favor of trades. • Education must adapt: Expect more trade-school programs, renewed high-school vocational tracks, and tech-augmented training (drones/robots) alongside a rethink of AI’s role in learning. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 Intro & travel chat 01:55 CEOs openly cite AI-driven layoffs and automation of office work 03:06 Plumber pay in high-demand metros reaching near six figures 03:34 Diesel mechanic as a resilient, widely needed trade 03:56 Nuclear technician path and the return of nuclear capacity 18:18 Electrician employment growth and why troubleshooting resists automation 23:27 Climbing, blade repairs, and safety 23:47 Drones augment inspections and expand tech–trade intersections 25:24 Gen Z shift toward trades and fresh stats on cultural respect 34:14 From “no calculators” to embracing AI tools 35:19 Trade-school resurgence and rethinking high-school vocational tracks Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    40 min
  4. Procurement Skills You Need Now & Next | Dual Source Discourse #64

    SEP 10

    Procurement Skills You Need Now & Next | Dual Source Discourse #64

    THE CAPABILITIES EVERY PROCUREMENT PRO SHOULD KNOW TO LEVEL UP AI is transforming procurement from tactical execution to strategic business impact. Sarah and Dr. Elouise lay out the core capabilities modern teams must build—data and digital literacy, AI collaboration, including prompt craft and agent-building, ethical and transparent use of AI in supplier decisions, scaled-yet-human SRM, negotiation and scenario planning, and cybersecurity/third-party risk awareness. They also spotlight “human skills” that rise in value—critical thinking, change management, EQ, and storytelling—and close with pragmatic next steps: jump in, experiment, and build a personal AI playbook to work smarter. Key Points: • From tactical to strategic: Source-to-pay work is trending toward full AI automation—freeing procurement to drive business outcomes. • Fluency in data, prompts, and managing AI “agents” will define productivity—beyond dashboards and legacy apps. • Keep the human in the loop: Ethical AI in supplier selection, trust-building SRM, and creative negotiations remain distinctly human advantages. • Risk is real (and rising): Cybersecurity and third-party risk—especially AI-enabled fraud—are board-level priorities procurement must own. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 “The two procurement nerds are back”—listener question from Australia sets the agenda 03:05 Source-to-pay becomes an “AI factory”/black box; buying gets “Amazonified.” 07:40 Who drives change? It’s not just CPOs 12:30 Fighting alert overload with what actually matters. 21:10 Prompt craft and “every employee a manager of agents” 26:45 Ethical & responsible AI 30:15 SRM at scale 33:40 Reverse auctions’ comeback, long-term value, and procurement as a revenue generator 37:20 Supplier weaknesses, and why this stays budget-proof 40:05 “AI flattens the world Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    41 min
  5. Avocado Cartels: The Story Behind Your Guacamole | Dual Source Discourse #63

    SEP 3

    Avocado Cartels: The Story Behind Your Guacamole | Dual Source Discourse #63

    GREEN GOLD: THE DARK SIDE OF AVOCADOS In this episode, Sarah and Dr. Elouise dive into the surprising connection between the global avocado trade and cartel activity in Mexico. What starts as a lighthearted conversation about TikTok videos quickly turns into an eye-opening discussion about forced labor, extortion, and deforestation tied to avocado farming. They explore the economic, ethical, and environmental impacts of this billion-dollar industry and question the responsibility of corporations, governments, and consumers. The duo also reflects on dual sourcing, compliance, and the role of procurement in creating sustainable and ethical supply chains. Key Points: • Cartel Involvement: Criminal groups extort avocado farmers, seize orchards, and coerce labor. • Environmental Impact: Avocado farming has led to deforestation, water theft, and resource exploitation. • Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: US import inspections face violence, and certification processes are easily gamed. • Consumer & Corporate Responsibility: Businesses, governments, and buyers must address traceability, diversification, and ethical sourcing. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 Introduction to today’s topic 00:23 TikTok video sparks discussion about cartels and avocados 01:00 Cartels extorting farmers and seizing avocado orchards 02:15 US reliance on Mexico for 89–90% of avocado imports 03:20 Environmental issues: deforestation and water theft 04:10 USDA inspectors in Mexico face violence and kidnappings 05:15 Decline in heroin revenues pushes cartels toward avocados 06:30 “Guacamole pays better than cocaine” – cartels move into legal industries 07:45 Ethical questions: corporations turning a blind eye 09:00 Dual sourcing and potential alternatives in supply chain management Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    35 min
  6. Inside PepsiCo’s Strategy & Transformation with Lauren Hymen | Dual Source Discourse #62

    AUG 27

    Inside PepsiCo’s Strategy & Transformation with Lauren Hymen | Dual Source Discourse #62

    Balancing AI with legacy systems, reorgs that align IT and the business, and why peer practitioners matter more than pitches! Live from DPW New York (in a very on-brand subway-car studio), Elouise sits down with Lauren Hymen, Head of Digital Procurement at PepsiCo, to unpack how a global enterprise balances AI ambition with legacy-system reality. Lauren explains PepsiCo’s dual-track approach (stabilize foundations while piloting AI), why procurement is earning increased investment (up to CEO-level interest in should-cost models), and how reorganizing under Strategy & Transformation tightened alignment between IT and the business. She also spotlights the power of practitioner networks—real users, real stacks, real results—and shares rapid-fire personal notes that humanize the transformation journey. Key Points: • AI vs. Legacy Duality: PepsiCo focuses ~60–70% on strengthening core systems while running targeted AI experiments to build comfort and trust with internal data. • Investment & Executive Pull: Procurement is seen as a value driver; increased budget support includes CEO-level discussion of should-cost models. • Org Design as an Accelerator: Unifying Strategy, Shared Services, and IT under Strategy & Transformation gives procurement a clear voice and funding pathway. • Proof Over Pitch: Practitioner roundtables and contract-analytics pilots (alongside a big CLM) provide quick wins and credible validation vendors can’t match. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 DPW NYC intro and the subway-car podcast setup 03:02 Lauren’s seat outside the procurement org within Strategy & Transformation 06:14 The “big ugly question”: balancing AI ambitions with legacy constraints 07:51 Procurement as a value driver 09:02 Strategy + Shared Services + IT under one leader 10:36 “Quick-and-dirty” AI alongside enterprise CLM; pilots in motion 15:13 Daily AI habit and surrounding yourself with people smarter than you 16:00 Why DPW feels “sexy” 17:37 Ongoing tech sharing with Walmart’s digital procurement lead 23:31 Harnessing PepsiCo’s internal energy to advance digital procurement Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    29 min
  7. More Travel Hacks! | Dual Source Discourse #61

    AUG 20

    More Travel Hacks! | Dual Source Discourse #61

    Travel Tips & Aspirations: Practical Advice Meets Creative Exploration In this episode, Sarah and Dr. Elouise revisit one of their most popular topics: travel strategies. They reflect on lessons learned from past international and domestic trips, sharing practical hacks for making travel more comfortable and efficient. From essential items like screen protectors and water bottles to fun new practices such as dice-walk exploration and postcard souvenirs, the hosts balance actionable tips with personal stories. Along the way, they touch on trends like fanny packs, creative cultural experiences, and even bra-free long-haul comfort. This episode blends humor, authenticity, and real-world travel wisdom for anyone preparing for their next journey. Key Points: • Everyday Travel Hacks: Practical tools like screen protectors, reusable bottles, and AirTags can save time, stress, and privacy. • Creative Exploration: Unique strategies like dice-walk discovery or taking a metro line end-to-end can open up authentic cultural experiences. • Packing & Luggage Lessons: From stackable bags to trio-color wardrobes, thoughtful preparation can ease stress and reduce overpacking. • Memorable Moments: Building in “wow” experiences, recording clips, or mailing yourself a postcard ensures trips are remembered beyond business or routine. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 Revisiting the travel tips episode and why it’s worth another look 01:00 Domestic vs. international focus: Sarah’s fun spin vs. Elouise’s practical tips 05:20 Screen protector advice: keeping client work private while flying 12:40 The rise of fanny packs (or “belt bags”) and why they’re practical for travel 18:10 Grocery store exploration: tasting local snacks as a cultural experience 24:55 Device charging lessons and the dangers of arriving with a dead phone 34:30 Overpacking struggles and strategies for color-coordinated packing 42:10 Using Air Tags to track luggage and personal bags with peace of mind 53:00 From creative classes to bra-free flights, making travel more comfortable and memorable Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    37 min
  8. Things I Miss From the 80s & 90s | Dual Source Discourse #60

    AUG 13

    Things I Miss From the 80s & 90s | Dual Source Discourse #60

    A Journey Through Pre-Digital Life and Cultural Touchstones In this nostalgic episode, Sarah and Dr. Elouise take a trip down memory lane, exploring the cultural touchstones, fashion trends, technology, and lifestyle differences that defined the 1980s and 1990s. The two procurement professionals share personal memories and observations about growing up before smartphones, social media, and modern conveniences. From fashion faux pas to entertainment experiences, they paint a vivid picture of analog life and discuss what elements from those decades they'd like to see make a comeback. The conversation offers both humorous reminiscences and thoughtful commentary on how technology and culture have transformed daily life. Key Points: • Cultural Unity Through Limited Media Options: With only 12-20 TV channels and scheduled programming, entire generations shared common cultural experiences like "Must-See TV" Thursday nights, creating unified touchstones that don't exist in today's fragmented media landscape. • Authentic Childhood Independence and Risk-Taking: Children experienced genuine independence, playing outside unsupervised for hours, using "dangerous" playground equipment, and developing real-world problem-solving skills without constant parental oversight or digital distractions. • The Lost Art of Analog Communication: Letter writing, phone calls with busy signals, and face-to-face interactions created more meaningful, memorable connections than today's instant but forgettable digital communications. • Physical Navigation and Geographic Awareness: Using paper maps, Thomas Guides, and asking strangers for directions developed spatial intelligence and human interaction skills that GPS navigation has largely eliminated. ✨Highlights✨ 00:00 Introduction to nostalgia topic: Things we miss from the '80s and '90s in the AI age 04:00 Fashion feels and faux pas: Leg warmers, slap bracelets, Gap everything, and the iconic lipstick-liner combo 10:00 Pop culture powerhouse: Must-See TV nights when everyone watched the same shows, creating shared cultural experiences 16:40 MTV's cultural impact: "Video Killed the Radio Star" and when music videos actually played on MTV 25:30 Hair metal and music evolution: The spectacle of massive concerts before TMZ and internet exposure 32:00 Retail therapy nostalgia: Mall culture, food courts, and stores like Mervyn's and Hot Dog on a Stick 38:00 Before smartphones ruled: Call waiting, pagers, 50-foot phone cords, and the drama of busy signals 50:00 Playing outside and playground culture: Metal slides, dangerous merry-go-rounds, and true childhood independence 56:00 Feral Halloween: Unsupervised trick-or-treating with pillowcases, whole candy bars, and neighborhood-wide freedom 01:02:40 Analog comeback wishlist: Paper maps, handwritten letters, and the lost art of meaningful correspondence Please make sure to subscribe so you don’t miss an episode and, as always, submit questions and topics suggestions for future podcasts ⁠⁠here: https://shorturl.at/PbNi6 Follow us on YouTube for episode video recordings: https://rb.gy/t5hbw8 Hosts: Sarah Scudder and Dr. Elouise Epstein Producer: Sabrina Mougin

    1h 11m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Procurement doesn’t have to be boring! Join hosts Dr. Elouise Epstein and Sarah Scudder on Dual Source Discourse, the podcast where they unpack the complexities of supply chain and procurement with a twist of humor and intellect. In each episode, Sarah brings a burning topic to the table, armed with opinions and insights, while Dr. Elouise plays devil's advocate, challenging assumptions and shedding light on alternative perspectives. From the boardroom to the warehouse floor, Dual Source Discourse dives into the big-picture issues shaping the world of supply chain management and procurement. Whether it's discussing the impacts of global trade policies, dissecting the latest technology trends, or exploring strategies for sustainable sourcing, they're here to break it down and make it accessible and entertaining. So, grab your headphones and join them as they navigate the wacky world of supply chain.

Information

  • Creator
    Dr. Elouise Epstein + Sarah Scudder
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2025
  • Episodes
    68

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