Gear Talk

Noria Corporation

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Welcome to Gear Talk, the podcast that connects maintenance & reliability professionals with reliable information, insights, and experts, enabling them to accomplish their goals more effectively, efficiently and enthusiastically. Join Wes Cash each month as he talks shop with industry experts, thought leaders, and the folks in the trenches keeping industry moving.

12/23/2025

People First, Technology Second

AI, sensors, and digital tools are flooding the maintenance and reliability world—but are organizations adopting them the right way? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with Dave Howard, CEO of Erbessd Instruments, to challenge the “technology-first” mindset and make the case for a more sustainable approach: people first, technology second. Drawing on decades of experience—from military aviation and plant leadership to vibration analysis and executive leadership—Dave explains why technology alone can’t fix reliability problems, why AI won’t replace skilled analysts, and how cultural buy-in determines whether new tools succeed or fail. The conversation cuts through fear-based narratives and focuses on how technology can improve safety, reliability, and quality of life for maintenance professionals. You’ll learn about: Why people and culture must come before technology adoption How AI should be used as a filter and efficiency tool—not a replacement for expertise The limits of automation in vibration analysis and condition monitoring When pilot programs make sense—and when they stall progress How technology can reduce emergency call-ins and improve work-life balance Whether you’re a maintenance leader evaluating new technology or a reliability professional concerned about the future of your role, this episode provides a practical, grounded perspective on adopting technology in a way that actually works. Missed an episode of Gear Talk? Check out the playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUMZtxzM4WqOBC53dsyVBi6FQGWsMDPT4 👉 Have questions or topic ideas? Email us at podcast@noria.com 👍 Like and Subscribe to stay connected with Gear Talk

24 min
11/20/2025

Manufacturing in Oklahoma

What does the manufacturing industry look like in Oklahoma? In this episode of Gear Talk, Wes Cash sits down with Lieutenant Governor Matt Pinnell to discuss the manufacturing industries prevalent in the state of Oklahoma and identify what steps are being taken to bring more skilled professionals to the state and reduce the skills gap. From career tech schools to student outreach, Lt. Governor Pinnell sheds light on the manufacturing opportunities in Oklahoma and the incentives that are available to companies looking to get into manufacturing here. You’ll learn about: The economic importance of manufacturing facilities Prevalent manufacturing industries in Oklahoma What Oklahoma is doing to reduce the skill gap The role of education in the growth Oklahoma manufacturing Whether you are fresh out of school looking for a job in manufacturing, or a facility looking to hire quality educated employees, this episode will open your eyes to the steps Oklahoma is taking to train, educate, and attract people to the manufacturing industry. Missed an episode of Gear Talk? Check out the playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUMZtxzM4WqOBC53dsyVBi6FQGWsMDPT4 👉 Have questions or topic ideas? Email us at podcast@noria.com 👍 Like and Subscribe to stay connected with Gear Talk

22 min
10/14/2025

Staffing Your Team the Right Way

How do workforce barriers impact staffing in manufacturing? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with the Tulsa Port of Catoosa’s Sheila Shook to discuss the steps that the Port is taking to attract, hire, and educate workers in manufacturing. From transportation limitations, to a wide-spread lack of manufacturing awareness, Sheila shares her experiences with overcoming workforce barriers and providing training and education in manufacturing. You’ll learn: The common workforce barriers impacting our industry The importance of preparing the next generation of manufacturing workers How education and training programs benefit both employers and employees What the Port is doing to overcome these hurdles with unique approaches Whether you are a manufacturing facility aiming to increase employee sustainability or someone looking to get hired in the manufacturing industry, this episode will educate you on some of the most the common barriers and arm you with the solutions to overcome them. Missed an episode of Gear Talk? Check out the playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUMZtxzM4WqOBC53dsyVBi6FQGWsMDPT4 👉 Have questions or topic ideas? Email us at podcast@noria.com 👍 Like and Subscribe to stay connected with Gear Talk

26 min
09/15/2025

Finding Your Lube Champion

Who should lead your plant’s lubrication program? In this episode of Gear Talk, host Wes Cash sits down with Noria’s Travis Richardson to unpack what makes a true lube champion. From walking back down eight flights of stairs to grab the right grease, to creating a culture of reliability that lasts, Travis shares real-world stories from his work building lubrication programs on five continents. You’ll learn: The key traits of an effective lube champion Why culture and behavior matter as much as technical expertise How frontline staff and management both play vital roles Practical steps to gain buy-in and show visible success Whether you’re just starting a lube program or aiming for world-class performance, this conversation will help you recognize (or become) the person who drives lasting reliability improvements. Missed an episode of Gear Talk? Check out the playlist here. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUMZtxzM4WqOBC53dsyVBi6FQGWsMDPT4 👉 Have questions or topic ideas? Email us at podcast@noria.com 👍 Like and Subscribe to stay connected with Gear Talk

22 min
08/05/2025

Brilliant at the Basics

In this episode of Gear Talk, West Cash sits down with Trent McJunkin—an automotive maintenance pro who rose from technician to strategic leader. They dive into why being brilliant at the basics still matters, how to build trust with your team, and the real key to successful reliability initiatives. Whether you're new to the field or leading the charge, this one's packed with practical takeaways and industry wisdom. 🎧 Tune in, get inspired, and equip yourself for some quick maintenance wins.

20 min
07/15/2025

Driving a Lubrication Program

In this episode recorded at Reliable Plant 2025, Steve Breeze from Tolko shares how engaging lube techs in the improvement process can transform a lubrication program. Hear practical ways to build ownership, encourage input from the floor, and drive meaningful change.

23 min
06/03/2025

Modern Workforce Development

In this episode of Gear Talk, Wes sits down with Scott Fry, Director of Workforce Development at MidAmerica Industrial Park, to explore one of the biggest challenges facing industry today: workforce recruitment and development. Scott shares firsthand insights into the struggles employers face when attracting talent, and dives into real-world strategies that are helping close the skills gap. He also shares his perspective on the future of workforce development and how industrial parks like MidAmerica are uniquely positioned to drive change. #geartalk #workforce #industrial #recruiting

23 min
02/11/2025

Succeeding with Remote Monitoring

On this episode of Gear Talk, Wes Cash sits down with Levi (last name) from KCF Technologies to discover more about remote monitoring technologies and how to successfully apply them as part of a well-rounded, world-class facility. With a degree in Mechanical Engineering from Penn State, Levi is using his insights to bring the human touch back to sensor technologies by helping KCF's users capitalize on their technicians' talents in maintenance and reliability. Levi talks with Wes about how, with KCF's technology, users can begin to utilize data to make thoughtful and impactful decisions that increase the efficiency of work and free up technician time for more big-picture projects. He makes the case that by successfully using remote monitoring to understand how machines break down, facilities can not only prevent unnecessary downtime, but prevent lasting consequences by addressing issues quickly and properly. #geartalk #vibration #oilanalysis #conditionmonitoring #remotemonitoring

20 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

Welcome to Gear Talk, the podcast that connects maintenance & reliability professionals with reliable information, insights, and experts, enabling them to accomplish their goals more effectively, efficiently and enthusiastically. Join Wes Cash each month as he talks shop with industry experts, thought leaders, and the folks in the trenches keeping industry moving.

Creator

Noria Corporation
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

29
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Copyright 2023 Noria Corporation, All rights reserved.
Show Website

Gear Talk