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Note: this episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 11. That's important to know given the incredibly dynamic situation in the Middle East.

We have a confluence of potential crises to analyze here, and who better to help us with it than the walking encyclopedia AND world atlas, G. Allen Brooks, publisher of the newsletter "Energy Musings?"

Allen and I discuss the energy situation around the Straits of Hormuz bottleneck and its implications for our shipbuilding crisis. Allen highlights the significant disruption caused by the Middle East conflict, affecting 20% of global oil flow and 20% of LNG shipments through the Straits. He emphasizes the critical need for energy security and a viable US shipbuilding industry. Allen discusses the Trump administration's Maritime Action Plan, the challenges of reopening the Jones Act, and the importance of international cooperation. He also stresses the role of nuclear power as a long-term energy solution and the need for champions in the administration and Congress to drive maritime policy.

Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction and Guest Background
04:14 - Current Energy Market Disruptions
10:30 - Impact on Global Supply and Demand
12:19 - Shipbuilding and National Security
17:33 - Trump Administration's Maritime Action Plan
27:20 - Challenges and Opportunities in Maritime Policy
33:30 - Energy Policy and Nuclear Power

This is one of my richest episodes ever, in the depth and rigor of the analysis and opinions Allen brought us. Check out the whole thing!

Links to Allen's articles:

Straits of Hormuz lessons - https://energymusings.substack.com/p/energy-musings-march-13-2026
The Iran situation's reshaping of energy security strategies - https://energymusings.substack.com/p/energy-musings-march-9-2026

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Prepare to be challenged in how you think about the effects of AI on manufacturing!

Radu Spineanu and Mike Carroll have done the deep thinking and exhaustive research on what AI means for the industrial world so you don't have to.

Radu and Mike from Humble Manufacturing talk all about the integration of AI in manufacturing. Radu, a third-time founder, and Michael, with extensive experience at Georgia Pacific and other industry companies, discuss the evolution of AI, emphasizing the importance of causal models over LLMs like ChatGPT. They highlight the need for AI to handle real-world manufacturing challenges, such as decision latency and friction. Radu mentions the rapid advancements in AI models since October 2022, while Michael stresses the importance of trust and permission layers in AI systems. They predict significant changes in manufacturing business models, including the elimination of friction and the creation of a capacity exchange market.

Highlights:

00:00 - Introductions
04:37 - Challenges and Misconceptions in AI for Manufacturing
07:53 - The Role of Data and Human Interaction in AI
16:03 - The Future of AI in Manufacturing
23:27 - The Impact of AI on Business Models and Organizational Change
26:20 - The Role of AI in Eliminating Friction and Improving Efficiency
32:37 - The Potential for AI to Create Winner-Take-All Markets

This is such a different and all-encompassing take on this vital topic. You owe it to yourself to check out the whole discussion!

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Yep, we're back to shipbuilding again!

Because it's vital.

This time, industry insider Lance Lemcool, an executive who has spent his whole career in the shipbuilding world, discusses the current state of American shipbuilding, highlighting its decline and the need for government support. He emphasizes the industry's volatility, the importance of a stable workforce, and the need for consistent government purchases to stabilize the market. Lance advocates for the passage of the SHIPS for America Act to provide funding for the supply chain and shipyards. He also notes the success of other countries like China and South Korea in shipbuilding due to government investment and automation. Lance sings the praises of the American worker's ability to compete globally if given a level playing field.

Highlights:
00:00 - Introduction
02:56 - Current State of American Shipbuilding
06:56 - Pride and Dedication in Shipbuilding
14:27 - Challenges and Solutions in Shipbuilding
20:58 - Government's Role and International Competition
31:38 - Learning from Other Countries
39:40 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

This was the deep dive of all deep dives! You really owe it to yourself to spend the time absorbing the whole thing. It's a masterclass in what's ailing us and what we can do to fix it.