PODCAST · business
HPAC On The Air
by hpac
Since 1929, HPAC Engineering magazine has been a leading industry indicator, in print and, for the last 20 years, online, as well. Now, through these podcasts, we aim to bring you even greater multimedia insight, market data, unique stories, and helpful tips from a variety of respected voices in our multibillion-dollar market. ln regular episodes of roughly 15 minutes or less, HPAC ’On The Air’ will offer actionable intelligence to help your business survive and thrive in these most extraordinary and historic times. This podcast is produced by HPAC Engineering magazine, part of Endeavor Business Media’s portfolio of publications. It is hosted and edited by Editor-in-Chief Rob McManamy, aided by staff. Artwork by Art Director David Eckhart. For more info on HPAC Engineering’s unique package of content for the HVACR marketplace, please visit ＜a href=”https://www.hpac.com”＞www.hpac.com＜/a＞.
Episodes
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Decarbonizing Existing Buildings, with ASHRAE's Sarah Maston
ASHRAE's new president has hit the ground running, traveling all over the world since June, promoting her Presidential theme: "Retrofitting for Resilience."
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Embracing Change, with ASPE President Bryan Hutton
As Hutton prepares to pass the torch next month at ASPE's annual conference in Oklahoma City, the visionary engineer reflects on two years of exponential change in the industry. "Codes can't keep up with the technology," he notes. But he is "really excited" to see ASPE members, both young and…
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Remembering September 11, with Rob McManamy
EDITOR'S NOTES: Our New York-born editor recalls being in Washington DC on that fateful morning 25 years ago. He will never forget what he saw or how he felt on 9/11, as history seemed to rewrite itself every hour. This short audio essay also takes a look back on the shocked engineering…
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Cybersecurity Wake-Up Call: The Sequel, with Nick Espinosa
Online 'security fanatic' Nick Espinosa returns to HPAC On The Air with a sobering and compelling update on the accelerating explosion of AI and machine learning, and what engineers and contractors can do to protect their businesses. Bottom line: Assess your firm's vulnerabilities ASAP. And don't...
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In Praise of Problem Solvers, with Rob McManamy
EDITOR'S NOTE: From wildfires and data centers to A.I. and IEQ, engineers have that rare opportunity in today's complex society to actually be part of the solution.
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Revamping Boiler Inspections, with NBBI's Joel Amato
The executive director of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspectors (NBBI) sits down to tell us how the boiler industry is handling new technologies, pushing for broader certifications and recruiting its next generation of inspectors.
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How Young Engineers View the Future, with ASHRAE's NextGen Leadership
HPAC On The Air welcomes Elise Kiland, Liz Jedrlinic, and Drew Samuels, the top three leaders of Young Engineers in ASHRAE. Join us for this lively discussion of the unprecedented challenges and opportunities now facing our industry's next generation as they navigate truly extraordinary times…
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Celebrating America's 250th as One, with Rob McManamy
As we approach this momentous 4th of July at this extraordinarily fractious time, let us rededicate ourselves to serving this industry, and each other, with "integrity, civility, and courage." And let the problem-solving collaboration that is the hallmark of our industry help ALL of our neighbors...
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Making Boiler History, with ABMA's Scott Lynch
Lots are going on this spring at the American Boiler Manufacturers Association (ABMA), and President and CEO Scott Lynch returns to 'HPAC On The Air' to update us on all of them. From BOILER Expo 2026, held earlier this spring in Nashville, to ABMA's new online Resource Center and its fascinating...
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Anxious Markets Brace for Impact, with Rob McManamy
As global conflicts and domestic political dysfunction continue to roil markets with tariffs, inflation and overall uncertainty, industry economists still see strength and resilience among the chaos. But for how long?
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Healthier Buildings Pulse Check, with IWBI's Jason Hartke
In a challenging environment, healthy buildings advocates are still riding post-pandemic momentum to push indoor air quality initiatives, especially at the state and local level, that will improve occupant health and productivity. Dr. Jason Hartke, EVP of external affairs at the International…
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Springtime For A.I., with Rob McManamy
*PODCAST* Whether you like it or not, artificial intelligence is part of this industry now and its impact is being felt more and more each day. Where is your firm on this journey? Listen to HPAC Engineering's latest take on this game-changing technology.
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ENERGY STAR Gets a New Home, by Rob McManamy
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced last spring that it was considering ending or privatizing its popular, 30-year-old program for promoting energy efficiency in buildings and products across the U.S. But industry pushed back with so much bipartisan support for maintaining...
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The A.I. Revolution is Accelerating, with Tech Pioneer Paul Doherty
Engineering technology is now at a "watershed moment," says the Smart Cities guru. Artificial intelligence is already performing more than just administrative tasks at design firms, notes Doherty. The last remaining hurdle may be convincing clients that new designs generated in hours are just as...
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BIG Show Recap, with AHR Expo's Nicole Bush
In the wake of our industry's massive turnout in Las Vegas for AHR Expo 2026, we talk to the event's director of marketing about what was new and surprising this year and what attendees and exhibitors can expect to see next fall in Mexico and next January in Chicago.
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Farewell Johnny Tundra, Hello Big Picture, with Rob McManamy
This month's editorial essay bids farewell to beloved commissioning engineer, Ron Wilkinson, creator of The Adventures of Johnny Tundra: Cold-Weather Engineer, and perhaps the only film critic who ever focused exclusively on the proper use of HVAC systems in popular movies? (Were the ducts that...
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The Winding Road Ahead, with Rob McManamy
As we enter 2026 and prepare for our industry's biggest annual tradeshow, AHR Expo, which coincides next month with ASHRAE's Winter Conference in Las Vegas, there is palpable anxiety in the air on multiple fronts. The daily assault of dizzying headlines and unprecedented news has left many of us...
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Hope Is in The Air, with Dr. Stephanie Taylor, M.D.
Expanding on her current HPAC cover story, the renowned IAQ expert, architect, and medical doctor tells us why this post-pandemic moment offers "a golden opportunity" for improving both the health of our buildings and their occupants.
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Breathing Easier, with Rob McManamy
As the year draws to a close, HPAC's editor takes stock of the progress, promise, and "golden" opportunity now fueling the potential for generational change in indoor environmental quality.
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Promoting Indoor Environmental Quality, with ASHRAE's Bill McQuade
Energy efficiency and decarbonization have dominated the HVACR stage in recent years, but ASHRAE's 2025-26 president is determined to turn the spotlight on IEQ before building owners forget the lessons of the pandemic.
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Navigating a Data Desert, with Rob McManamy
With the government shutdown now in its second month, industry economists find themselves in an unusually precarious situation. This fall, forecasters are trying to make predictions for 2026 without the benefit of their usual monthly supply of essential government statistics. Imagine trying to…
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Plumbing Engineers Growing Together, with ASPE's Bryan Hutton
HPAC On The Air welcomes back the president of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers to give us a halftime report on his two-year term in office. Much is happening regarding codes and infrastructure repairs, he says, but the key to it all will be project team-building and multi-discipline...
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Preventing Conflicts, Preserving Relationships, with Rob McManamy
This month's editorial focuses on a new push among some of the best construction lawyers to help engineers, contractors and owners to prevent project disputes BEFORE they actually happen. After that, the cost to the bottom line and to relationships is almost always just too high. Listen up for…
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Legionella and Beyond, with Engineer Microbiologist Dr. Abraham Cullom
Recent outbreaks in New York City, Ohio, and Iowa remind us that water-borne pathogens in water systems are still out there. And water conservation efforts today even require heightened scrutiny. Listen to these insights and more from Dr. Abe Cullom, Director of Water Safety and Management at the...
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10 Forecasts for 2026, with Rob McManamy
We dive into the latest update to the AIA Consensus Construction Forecast and see what 10 industry experts are now predicting for next year. Not surprisingly, many expectations hinge on the durability of the market's capacity for more and more data centers...
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Our Industry's Universal Language, with Rob McManamy
Our latest editorial looks at the impact of engineering on international relations and the cooperative example that ASHRAE and other global industry groups are still setting in these most divisive times...
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Igniting Fire Protection Urgency, with NFPA's Jim Pauley
Jim Pauley is worried. The CEO of the National Fire Protection Association was already concerned that complacency and overconfidence were raising risk levels across our buildings stock. But now the latest wave of deregulation has forced NFPA to launch its first-ever national publicity campaign.
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Inflation, Tariffs, and One Big Beautiful Pulse Check, with Rob McManamy
Just days after a massive new federal funding package was signed into law this month, new data showed inflation returning and higher than expected tariffs taking effect. Here, HPAC Engineering reviews some of the wide range of emotions our industry has been expressing so far.
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Engineering 'Lightning Poll' Results, with ACEC's Daphne Bryant
The ACEC Research Institute's executive director walks us through some encouraging recent data from the American Council of Engineering Companies. She also invites our audience to participate in additional ongoing research.
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AI's Inroads into Engineering, with Rob McManamy
The signs are everywhere. Artificial intelligence will have its biggest impact yet on our industry in 2025. This month's episode of HPAC: Editor's Notes looks at compelling new data on the growing use of AI in engineering, design and construction. Are you ready?
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Attracting Engineering Talent, with ASHRAE's Jennifer Leach and Keith Hammelman
'HPAC On The Air' welcomes veteran engineers Jennifer Leach and Keith Hammelman, who will both be presenting this June at the 2025 ASHRAE Annual Conference in Phoenix. Their topic? Next-generation engineering talent. "How to Get'em; How to Keep'em."
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On The Economy, with Rob McManamy
The economic news has been fast and furious this spring and more than a few headlines are in conflict. Here, we briefly review the latest from Fed Chair Jerome Powell and other industry voices as we try get a better picture of the road ahead.
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Navigating Uncertainty, with Economist Richard Branch
At this time of extraordinary economic disruption, 'HPAC On The Air' welcomes back longtime industry analyst Richard Branch for his take on how design and construction firms can manage best in the face of a potential recession.
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EPA Resets, Engineers Stay Focused, with Rob McManamy
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency announced plans to roll back more than 30 regulations and de-emphasize the monitoring of greenhouse gas emissions. Since our industry is already heavily invested in decarbonization, we spoke with a number of key engineering leaders to gauge their...
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Protecting Your Business, with Nick Espinosa
HPAC 'On The Air' welcomes back cybersecurity expert Nick Espinosa to discuss the latest onslaught of technology threats and how engineers and contractors can best protect themselves in this constantly changing environment.
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Economics Pulse Check, with Rob McManamy
In this extraordinarily turbulent month, especially regarding tariffs and their tangible effect on our industry, we take a look at what industry economists are seeing in the latest data...
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Breaking Barriers, Listening to Customers, with ABMA's Nancy Simoneau
The new board chair of the American Boiler Manufacturers Association is not only the first-ever woman to fill that role, she is also the first non-U.S. member to lead the 137-year-old trade group. Here, Simoneau joins us to discuss the unique perspective and infectious energy that will drive her...
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Green Building Pulse Check, with USGBC's Liz Beardsley
With the U.S. now out of the Paris Agreement once again, questions are swirling around the state of our industry's sustainability efforts. USGBC Senior Policy Counsel Elizabeth Beardsley joins us to discuss that, as well as the recent COP29 conference in Azerbaijan. Much progress is still…
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2025 Forecast Bullish, Despite Angst, by Rob McManamy
Infrastructure and data center projects will drive our industry this year. But new variables are mounting regarding potential disruptions to construction labor and the supply chain.
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Divided Nation, Focused Industry, with Rob McManamy
Our latest Editor's Notes looks back on a trying election cycle that has redoubled this industry's determination to make 2025 a resilient success.
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Finding Meaning and Purpose, with ASHRAE President Dennis Knight
HPAC On The Air this month welcomes ASHRAE's 2024-25 President, who describes how youth and new technology are enhancing the Society's global mission.
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Inspiring Women to Lead, with Rob McManamy
EDITOR'S NOTES: "Firehose of solidarity?" This fall's first-ever ASHRAE Women in Leadership Symposium was truly extraordinary. Our editor-in-chief was there and explains why this meeting was so different.
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Fitting Connections, with New ASPE President Bryan Hutton
Our guest this month is Bryan Hutton, the very new president of the American Society of Plumbing Engineers. A chemical engineer atop his own composites manufacturing firm, Hutton is also the first-ever African-American to lead ASPE. Listen to his refreshing and positive perspectives here.
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Making New History, with Rob McManamy
Our latest Editor's Notes podcast explains the vintage design of our new print issue, announces some overdue changes to our Editorial Advisory Board, and takes the pre-election pulse of a very healthy U.S. economy.
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Fall Flashback to 1929, with Rob McManamy
This month's episode of HPAC Editor's Notes looks at the three editorials from the September 1929 issue of Heating, Piping and Air Conditioning magazine. Observations note how "technical interests stimulate business"; how Chicagoans were "amazed" to see a German zeppelin (no, not that one) sail...
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HPAC History, ASHRAE 241, and Engineering Education, with Bill Bahnfleth
This month, HPAC 'On The Air' welcomes back Dr. Bill Bahnfleth, ASHRAE past president, former chair of its ASHRAE Epidemic Task Force, and longtime professor of architectural engineering at Penn State University. Bahnfleth's father Donald also served as editor of HPAC Engineering throughout the...
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Helping Each Other, with Rob McManamy
A thunderous brushback by a burst of nighttime tornadoes reminds our editor-in-chief of the importance of community and the inescapable fact that we are all in this together.
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Certifying Fans and Blowers, with AMCA's Mike Wolf
'HPAC On The Air' this month welcomes longtime Greenheck Fan Corp. exec Mike Wolf, PE, the 2023-24 president of the Air Movement and Control Association (AMCA) International, where he will also serve as the group's 2024-25 chairman. Now in his 39th year at Greenheck, Wolf today is the...
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Modern Parallels to July 1929, with Rob McManamy
This month, we again revisit HPAC's first year in service to our industry with a fascinating time capsule from 95 years ago. Listen to some of our editorial commentary then on improving air quality in cities, the engineering value of journeyman input, and the need to create piping codes across…
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How to Be a Sustainable Engineer, with Larry Clark
'HPAC On The Air' welcomes back the longtime Clark's Remarks columnist to talk about heat domes, environmental regulation, and how he "walks the talk" of his sustainability evangelism.
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Since 1929, HPAC Engineering magazine has been a leading industry indicator, in print and, for the last 20 years, online, as well. Now, through these podcasts, we aim to bring you even greater multimedia insight, market data, unique stories, and helpful tips from a variety of respected voices in our multibillion-dollar market. ln regular episodes of roughly 15 minutes or less, HPAC ’On The Air’ will offer actionable intelligence to help your business survive and thrive in these most extraordinary and historic times. This podcast is produced by HPAC Engineering magazine, part of Endeavor Business Media’s portfolio of publications. It is hosted and edited by Editor-in-Chief Rob McManamy, aided by staff. Artwork by Art Director David Eckhart. For more info on HPAC Engineering’s unique package of content for the HVACR marketplace, please visit ＜a href=”https://www.hpac.com”＞www.hpac.com＜/a＞.
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How many episodes does HPAC On The Air have?
HPAC On The Air currently has 88 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is HPAC On The Air about?
Since 1929, HPAC Engineering magazine has been a leading industry indicator, in print and, for the last 20 years, online, as well. Now, through these podcasts, we aim to bring you even greater multimedia insight, market data, unique stories, and helpful tips from a variety of respected voices in...
How often does HPAC On The Air release new episodes?
HPAC On The Air has 88 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to HPAC On The Air?
You can listen to HPAC On The Air on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts HPAC On The Air?
HPAC On The Air is created and hosted by hpac.
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