# optical (podcasts) — RSS Amplifier Recent posts from the 3 feeds in the RSS Amplifier directory that cover optical. Page: Feed: --- ## [Recognizing Talent and Sharing Wisdom – Fardin Ahmed, Teddi C. Laurin Scholarship Winner](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/recognizing-talent-and-sharing-wisdom-%e2%80%93-fardin-ahmed-teddi-c-laurin-scholarship-winner/) _2026-08-18 · All Things Photonics_ For young professionals in the optics and photonics industry, it can be hard to feel seen. There are long nights in the lab and big ambitions that drive these individuals to try and leave their mark in this ever-evolving field. Fardin Ahmed is a graduate student at the National Institute of Scientific Research (INRS-EMT) in Montreal. His research focuses on developing deterministic,… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/zxa5bvwz8njjgchx/e140.mp3) ## Katie Lauver and Cathy Firman, GPN Technologies _2026-08-04 · OWA Talks Podcast_ From Optician to Industry Leader: Creating Your Own Career Path. Katie Lauver and Cathy Firman share their journeys from working in optical practices to leading teams and driving innovation on the corporate side of the industry. Tune in as they discuss career growth, leadership, mentorship, and why some of the most rewarding opportunities in optical may be the ones you never expected. About the… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/19509961-katie-lauver-and-cathy-firman-gpn-technologies.mp3) ## [The Rise of the Metalens – John Fijol, Myrias Optics](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/the-rise-of-the-metalens-%e2%80%93-john-fijol-myrias-optics/) _2026-08-04 · All Things Photonics_ One of the most exciting technologies being commercialized in the photonics space is the metalens. Metalenses are flat, lightweight optical components that manipulate light with tiny structures on their surface. They're able to replace traditional glass lenses in a lot of applications, making imaging systems lighter and more compact. In this episode, we speak with Myrias Optics’ CEO, John Fijol.… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/5evedx2dnrn7qvbh/e139.mp3) ## [Sunlight Could Reduce Plastic Waste and Create Clean Fuel – Xiao Lu, University of Adelaide](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/sunlight-could-reduce-plastic-waste-and-create-clean-fuel-%e2%80%93-xiao-lu-university-of-adelaide/) _2026-07-21 · All Things Photonics_ A light-based process could not only reduce plastic waste, but it could also create a new path towards harvesting the materials needed for clean fuel. Xiao Lu is a Ph.D. candidate in the School of Chemical Engineering at Adelaide University in Australia. Xiao and her colleagues have demonstrated that targeted sunlight can help to break down plastic waste, while also releasing hydrogen gas and… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/nnw28egxe3zbzye3/e138.mp3) ## Kelly Rosemann _2026-07-07 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Beyond the Lens: Creating Experiences That Keep Patients Coming Back. Kelly Rosemann joins OWA Talks to share insights from her 28-year career in optical—exploring how practices can move beyond transactions to create memorable, experience-driven care that keeps patients coming back. About the guest: Kelly Rosemann is a seasoned optical industry professional with more than 28 years of experience… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/19408554-kelly-rosemann.mp3) ## [Reimagining Optical and Photonic Design With Ultrafast Lasers – Jie Qiao, Rochester Institute of Technology](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/reimagining-optical-and-photonic-design-with-ultrafast-lasers-%e2%80%93-jie-qiao-rochester-institute-of-technology/) _2026-07-07 · All Things Photonics_ Ultrafast lasers are transforming how optical and photonic systems are designed, fabricated, and integrated. This evolving approach to processing offers a fundamentally different method than conventional means like diamond turning and ion-beam figuring. Jie Qiao is the director of the advanced optical fabrication, instrumentation, and metrology laboratory in the Chester F. Carlson Center for… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/ade252r4faxriaxb/e137.mp3) ## [Advanced Imaging Blasts Off with Artemis II — With Petko Dinev, Imperx](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/advanced-imaging-blasts-off-with-artemis-ii-%e2%80%94-with-petko-dinev-imperx/) _2026-06-23 · All Things Photonics_ In April, Artemis II launched on a 10-day voyage around the moon. It was humanity’s first crewed lunar flyby in more than 50 years. Along with its four astronauts, it carried a series of photonic systems with it. On the core of its space launch system rocket, Imperx charge-couple device cameras monitored engines and provided measurements vital to ensuring a safe and successful launch. Petko Dinev… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/bpua27gi4brgawgb/e136.mp3) ## [Proposed Budget Cuts Threaten America’s Place in Scientific Research – With Jennifer O'Bryan](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/proposed-budget-cuts-threaten-america-s-place-in-scientific-research-%e2%80%93-with-jennifer-obryan/) _2026-06-09 · All Things Photonics_ Leading groups among the scientific community are expressing their concerns over proposed White House budget cuts. America may sit on top of the mountain when it comes to research efforts, but other nations are catching up, and funding cuts could lead to there being a new global leader in R&D. SPIE has issued a call to action, asking Americans to contact their government officials to express their… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/c422thqcuvfynzsv/e135.mp3) ## Purti Kanodia _2026-06-02 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Purti Kanodia Talks Real-World AI Applications. On this episode of OWA Talks, Purti shares a practical, no-hype approach to building AI fluency. Join us as we get beyond the ‘theory’ and talk implementation. If you’re curious about AI but overwhelmed, this one’s for you. About the guest: Purti Kanodia is a fractional AI transformation leader and founder of Clarity Prompts, an AI consulting firm… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/19262868-purti-kanodia.mp3) ## [A High-Speed Heterogeneous Lithium Tantalate Silicon Photonics Platform — Featuring Bart Kuyken](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/a-high-speed-heterogeneous-lithium-tantalate-silicon-photonics-platform-%e2%80%94-featuring-bart-kuyken/) _2026-05-26 · All Things Photonics_ imec and Ghent University researcher, Bart Kuyken, discusses his group’s recent Nature Photonics paper. The micro-transfer printing process, material platforms utilized, and prospects to innovate upon existing silicon photonics process and workflows are discussed. "All Things Photonics"® is produced by Photonics Media and airs biweekly, on Tuesdays. Sponsored by: Hamamatsu – www.Hamamatsu.com… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/kcezd9iu6f9uvws9/e134.mp3) ## [Brisk AI News Briefings (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/TooIsPMjQPU8) _2026-05-26 · **Sponsored**_ Read AI summaries and listen to audio briefings for top stories. ## [Spotlight: Material Innovation in the Spotlight — With Xavier Lafosse](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/spotlight-material-innovation-in-the-spotlight-%e2%80%94-with-xavier-lafosse/) _2026-05-19 · All Things Photonics_ Xavier Lafosse, commercial technology director, precision glass solutions at Corning, discusses how data center dynamics are ushering in a new era for optical materials — centered as much on demand as on innovation. As leading companies optimize their partnerships, drive research breakthroughs, and unveil commercial product, meeting the moment necessitates deep understanding of the market, but at… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/6cmnk24rjpbu7i7x/e133.mp3) ## [The Photonic Ecosystem of Counter Unmanned Systems — With Ganesh Balakrishnan](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/the-photonic-ecosystem-of-counter-unmanned-systems-%e2%80%94-with-ganesh-balakrishnan/) _2026-05-12 · All Things Photonics_ Unmanned aircraft, like drones, have become a weapon of choice. They are effective and cheap to produce, but the systems to stop them are not. Laser- and microwave-based systems are slowly coming online, but there are still hurdles to overcome before they become a staple defense on the front lines. Ganesh Balakrishnan, or “Gunny" as he’s known, is a professor of electrical and computer engineering… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/vypqrrkr5qbcc3jr/e132.mp3) ## [Green Building in the Age of Wild Fires with Drew Hubbell](https://www.uctv.tv/shows/41530) _2026-05-09 · Energy Solutions (Audio)_ Architect Drew Hubbell explores the intersection of sustainable design and architectural artistry, highlighting how thoughtful, aesthetically rich structures can also embody strong environmental principles. He presents several recent projects, with particular attention to their fire-resistant strategies and materials. Against the backdrop of increasingly destructive wildfires across California,… [Listen](https://podcast.uctv.tv/mp3/41530.mp3) ## Shannon Talbo, Kering Eyewear _2026-05-05 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Change shapes us in unexpected ways. For this episode, Shannon Talbo joins OWA Talks to reflect on navigating change — whether it is leadership changes, consolidation, career evolution or even personal changes. About the guest: Shannon Talbo is the Vice President of Sales, Core Channel West at Kering Eyewear. With a career that began in event production at a young age, Shannon developed an early… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/19062333-shannon-talbo-kering-eyewear.mp3) ## [The Hidden Cost of AI — With Michael Förtsch, CEO of Q.Ant](https://photonics.podbean.com/e/the-hidden-cost-of-ai-%e2%80%94-with-michael-fortsch-ceo-of-qant/) _2026-04-28 · All Things Photonics_ Computing with light can enable high-performance compute with dramatically lower energy use and reduced heat. Q.Ant is a Stuttgart-based photonic computing scale-up, leading the way to more sustainable AI and high-performance computing. CEO Michael Förtsch joins us to share his thoughts on the hidden costs of AI, the technology and materials driving Q.Ant’s photonic solutions, and why the future… [Listen](https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/g4pmnk5yzehespbz/e131.mp3) ## Jackie Janiec, Zyloware _2026-04-07 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Join us for an honest conversation with Jackie Janiec about the seasons of life. We talk about leadership, perimenopause, motherhood, and how emotional intelligence has guided her both at home and in the optical industry. About the guest: Jackie Janiec is a marketing leader, brand strategist, and coach with a career built on turning complexity into clarity. As SVP of Marketing at Zyloware, she's… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/18909354-jackie-janiec-zyloware.mp3) ## Ashley Mills, The Vision Council _2026-03-03 · OWA Talks Podcast_ The Future of the Industry and Innovation at Vision Expo 2026. In this episode, we sit down with Ashley Mills, CEO of The Vision Council, to explore the innovations, trends, and big‑picture forces shaping the industry and how to see it all at Vision Expo 2026. About the guest: Ashley brings over 20 years of progressive trade association management, marketing and leadership experience to The Vision… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/18715002-ashley-mills-the-vision-council.mp3) ## [Water Wealth and the Ancestral Circular Economy with Kamanamaikalani Beamer](https://www.uctv.tv/shows/41295) _2026-02-04 · Energy Solutions (Audio)_ The extractive linear economy and policies focused on endless growth have produced unparalleled socioeconomic inequality and the climate crisis. Communities around the world are calling for new economic models that are regenerative towards people, place, and ecosystems. Ancestral ʻŌiwi (indigenous Hawaiian) economic systems were built around people's relationships and understandings of wai… [Listen](https://podcast.uctv.tv/mp3/41295.mp3) ## Scott Shapiro, Europa Eyewear _2026-02-03 · OWA Talks Podcast_ What does it take to transform a family business into a powerhouse for independent eyewear? And why would a former comedian be the one to do it? In this episode, Scott Shapiro shares his journey from the stage to the boardroom. About the guest: Scott Harris Shapiro is the Executive Director of Europa Eyewear, a company founded by his parents in 1977, where he grew up in the business and now leads… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/18561079-scott-shapiro-europa-eyewear.mp3) ## Megan Molony, OWA President / Europa Eyewear _2026-01-06 · OWA Talks Podcast_ New Year, New President: Ring in 2026 with ‘OWA Talks’ and Megan Molony! It’s a new Year and OWA Talks is kicking 2026 off with a bang! Listen to this episode as we sit down with new OWA President Megan Molony to hear about her vision for the future of the organization. About the guest: As CEO of Europa Eyewear, Megan Molony oversees the full Europa platform, including Europa Eyewear and eyebobs,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/18381322-megan-molony-owa-president-europa-eyewear.mp3) ## [Hire AI-Powered Freelancers Fast (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/gA2zKli1y7Eg) _2026-01-06 · **Sponsored**_ Browse and hire skilled professionals using AI tools — free to post, free to apply. ## [Economics Always Wins: Climate and Electrification in the 21st Century with Tom Steyer](https://www.uctv.tv/shows/41034) _2025-12-02 · Energy Solutions (Audio)_ Climate investor and philanthropist Tom Steyer, recipient of the 2025 Charles David Keeling Memorial Lecture, talks about the current and future state of energy. In a conversation with Scott Lewis of Voice of San Diego, Steyer argues that capitalism and policy must work together at scale, and highlights the marketplace rise of renewables like solar and EVs alongside challenges like slow… [Listen](https://podcast.uctv.tv/mp3/41034.mp3) ## Amanda Frugé, EssilorLuxottica _2025-12-02 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Amanda Frugé joins us to talk smart eyewear and leadership. From Ray-Ban Meta to coaching top-performing teams, she shares insights on innovation, growth, and empowering women in optical. About the guest: With 25 years of sales experience, Amanda Frugé joined the EssilorLuxottica team in 2014 as a Ray-Ban sales consultant. She quickly rose within the company, and was named Vice President of Sales,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/18187804-amanda-fruge-essilorluxottica.mp3) ## Francesca Pucci, Kering Eyewear _2025-11-04 · OWA Talks Podcast_ How do you lead a top-performing luxury sales district while juggling newborn diapers, elder care, and grief - all with a smile? Francesca Pucci joins us to share her refreshingly honest take on leadership, motherhood, and the power of not folding the laundry. About the guest: Francesca Pucci is a Luxury Sales District Director with an MBA in Executive and Organizational Leadership. Her career… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/17985663-francesca-pucci-kering-eyewear.mp3) ## [The Challenge of Building Better Batteries](https://www.uctv.tv/shows/41031) _2025-10-27 · Energy Solutions (Audio)_ Batteries have become an essential component of our daily life. They power our smartphones, laptops, tablets, and many of the cars around us. They are also key to the renewable energy transition. Building better batteries requires the design of materials whose chemical composition and structure evolve drastically on charge and discharge, yet those changes must be perfectly reversible for the… [Listen](https://podcast.uctv.tv/mp3/41031.mp3) ## Kas Riggs, HOYA _2025-10-07 · OWA Talks Podcast_ In this episode, Kasandra Riggs shares how her passion for service, leadership, and community engagement fuels her work at HOYA and beyond—empowering teams, mentoring future leaders, and creating lasting impact. About the guest: Kasandra ‘Kas’ Riggs is a passionate advocate for community service and volunteerism, with over 25 years of leadership experience in customer care. As Director of Customer… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/17822998-kas-riggs-hoya.mp3) ## Erin Peshoff _2025-09-02 · OWA Talks Podcast_ This month, Erin Peshoff joins OWA Talks to talk about applied positive psychology and teach us how to not just survive — but to thrive! Plus, she teases a fun event coming to Vision Expo West. About the guest: Erin Crotty Peshoff is the Director of Development at KeraLink International, where she leads all fundraising efforts with a strategic mindset and a heart for impact. With 25 years of… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/17745139-erin-peshoff.mp3) ## Wendy Hauteman, VSP Vision _2025-08-05 · OWA Talks Podcast_ As VSP Vision celebrates 70 years of helping people see, Chief Marketing Officer, Wendy Hauteman joins ‘OWA Talks’ to discuss how giving back can help you live a more meaningful and fulfilled life — both personally and professionally. About the guest: As the chief marketing officer (CMO) for VSP Vision, Wendy Hauteman leads the enterprise marketing and communications strategy to deliver products,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/17593964-wendy-hauteman-vsp-vision.mp3) ## Jim McGrann, Advancing Eyecare _2025-07-01 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Charismatic and respected eyecare industry legend, Jim McGrann, joins OWA Talks to share his passion for the industry and shed a light on the benefits of ‘spreading your wings’ in optical. About the guest: Jim McGrann is an engaging, decisive and adaptable leader with a demonstrated history of delivering results in the healthcare, insurance, technology, supply chain and consulting industries. Mr.… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/17410689-jim-mcgrann-advancing-eyecare.mp3) ## [The Moral Economy of Resource Extraction and the Future of Industrialization](https://www.uctv.tv/shows/40428) _2025-06-10 · Energy Solutions (Audio)_ The "energy transition" is actually a shift from relying on fossil fuels (like coal, oil, and gas) to using metals to generate energy. However, extracting metals has always been a significant environmental and political issue, especially for cities. This problem has been around for centuries, even ancient Roman writers wrote about it. In this program, Helen Thompson, Professor of Political Economy… [Listen](https://podcast.uctv.tv/mp3/40428.mp3) ## Ed Buffington, GPN Technologies _2025-06-03 · OWA Talks Podcast_ In this episode, longtime OWA supporter Ed Buffington, Executive Advisor and former CEO of GPN Technologies, joins OWA Talks to share about the women who have impacted his personal life and 46-year career in optical. About the guest: C. Edward (“Ed”) Buffington has been deeply engaged with the eye care industry for more than 46 years. His experience includes senior management in the contact lens… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/17178220-ed-buffington-gpn-technologies.mp3) ## [Save with community-voted codes (Sponsored)](https://crawlproof.com/a/1YmL6Kd5W213) _2025-06-03 · **Sponsored**_ Search thousands of community-verified coupon codes — 100% free, no account needed. ## Yang Yang, Bausch + Lomb _2025-05-06 · OWA Talks Podcast_ In this episode, we are joined by Yang Yang, President, Vision Care at Bausch + Lomb, who shares her experiences throughout her 11+ years in the eye care industry, wisdom she learned throughout her career, and advice for others to grow their careers and leadership opportunities. Yang Yang also provides insights on mentorship, how travel can enrich your role, and her hopes for the future of eye… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/16940409-yang-yang-bausch-lomb.mp3) ## Benitha Mintz, Zyloware _2025-04-02 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Tax season is upon us! Listen to this timely episode as we’re joined by Benitha Mintz, the CFO of Zyloware, as she offers unique insights on her approach to personal finances. About the guest: Benitha Mintz is an experienced Chief Financial Officer with a demonstrated history of working in the apparel and optical industry. Skilled in Cash Flow, Budgeting, Microsoft Excel, Cash Management, Human… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/16861066-benitha-mintz-zyloware.mp3) ## The OWA's International Expansion Committee _2025-03-04 · OWA Talks Podcast_ This episode features three women from the newly formed International Expansion Committee — we hear how their careers were shaped, major differences in corporate culture abroad, and learn about all the exciting ways the OWA is going international! About the guests: Nancy Gries grew up in a small farming community in Wisconsin, and by the age of 17, was dreaming of exploring the world. With the… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/16707371-the-owa-s-international-expansion-committee.mp3) ## Kristy Stone _2025-01-07 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Kristy Stone, Director of Member Education at PECAA and OWA Membership Committee representative, provides insight into the importance of education within the industry, what she is most proud of, and what the Membership Committee is all about. About the guest: Kristy started her optical career as an optometric technician and worked her way up to area manager, working in all facets of a multiple… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/16373785-kristy-stone.mp3) ## Colleen Arbus, Advancing Eyecare _2024-11-26 · OWA Talks Podcast_ In this episode, we learn how to “PIVOT!” Colleen Arbus teaches us the value of being able to pivot both personally and professionally. She also shares tips and tricks for how to apply sales techniques in your everyday life. About the guest: Colleen Arbus, National Sales Director, INNOVA Medical Ophthalmics, at Advancing Eyecare. Results-driven multiple award-winning leader with a strong… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/16144929-colleen-arbus-advancing-eyecare.mp3) ## [The Deadly Trade in Oil and Gas](https://www.uctv.tv/shows/40220) _2024-11-15 · Energy Solutions (Audio)_ Oil and gas are the most traded commodities on the planet; they are also the chief causes of the most grievous harm our species has yet faced, the burgeoning climate crisis. Bill McKibben is the Schumann Distinguished Scholar at Middlebury College and a founder of Third Act, which organizes people over the age of 60 to work on climate and racial justice. He examines how the export of hydrocarbons,… [Listen](https://podcast.uctv.tv/mp3/40220.mp3) ## Tiara Claxton, Thélios _2024-10-29 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Tiara Claxton, former OWA President and Regional Sales Manager at Thélios, gives us the behind-the-scenes tea on Silmo, the early days at OWA, the Past-President's Retreat and more! About the guest: Tiara Claxton is a dynamic leader in the luxury eyewear industry with over 30 years of expertise in brand and sales management. Recognized internationally, she is deeply committed to advancing the… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/15900288-tiara-claxton-thelios.mp3) ## Sophia Pray _2024-09-24 · OWA Talks Podcast_ Sophia is contagiously happy, oh so colorful and calling her an eyewear enthusiast would be an understatement. In this episode, we discuss the importance of continued learning and being your authentic self, "It is important to invest in yourself and push yourself to greatness." About the guest: Sophia Pray is the Office Manager and head Optician at Huntley Eye Care, Transitions Change Agent,… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/15789661-sophia-pray.mp3) ## Cheryl Moore, GPN Technologies _2024-08-27 · OWA Talks Podcast_ The True Value of a Healthy Workplace Culture: In this episode, OWA Talks is joined by Cheryl Moore, HR Director at GPN Technologies. Listen as we discuss the importance of a strong workplace culture with a seasoned HR expert. We’ll hear tips on how to positively impact the culture around you and what to do if you’re not happy about the current culture where you work. About the guest: Cheryl is… [Listen](https://www.buzzsprout.com/825472/episodes/15609655-cheryl-moore-gpn-technologies.mp3)