Conversations with industrial and systems engineers about their work, ideas and solutions. This podcast will feature both IISE members and non-members who come from diverse backgrounds in both academia and industry to discuss a wide range of topics as it relates to their work as well as some off-beat topics that we think you, our audience, will find fascinating.
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August 18, 202635 min
From the Archives | To boldly go: NASA's new frontiers in space
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum Revisit a special behind-the-scenes journey to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where IISE's Keith Albertson and David Brandt explore the industrial and systems engineering behind human spaceflight. From growing food and preparing cargo for astronauts to maintaining massive launch equipment and planning the systems that support missions to the moon and beyond, this 2022 episode reveals the extraordinary engineering, logistics and problem-solving happening behind every launch. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Original episode produced and edited by David Brandt Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
August 14, 20261 min
Season 7 Premiere Trailer | Guy Primus: Doing What's Never Been Done Before
Season 7 of Problem Solved kicks off with Guy Primus, an industrial engineer whose career has taken him from technology and business to Hollywood, virtual reality, entrepreneurship and AI. Primus joins Problem Solved to talk about the systems-thinking mindset that has connected his unconventional career and why defining the right problem may be more important than solving it. He shares how an early lesson from Georgia Tech professor Don Ratliff helped him understand the possibilities of industrial engineering, and how those same skills later influenced his work at companies including Microsoft, Starbucks and in the entertainment industry. The conversation explores the intersection of creativity and engineering, using AI to accelerate innovation, understanding the human side of technology, and finding opportunities to apply analytical thinking in unexpected places. Primus also reflects on entrepreneurship, leadership and the importance of combining what you're good at with what genuinely interests you. Don't miss the Season 7 Premiere of Problem Solved, September 1. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org
August 4, 20261 hr 1 min
From the Archives | The Election Process: Fast, Accurate, or Cheap - Pick Two
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum In this special From the Archives edition of Problem Solved - What does industrial and systems engineering have to do with elections? More than you might think. In this October 2024 conversation, Dr. Gretchen Macht of the University of Rhode Island's Engineering for Democracy Institute reveals the complex systems behind the voting process, from managing voter flow and mail-in ballots to simulation, facility planning, staffing and optimization. Revisit a fascinating look at how engineers help election officials navigate limited resources, complex constraints and one nonnegotiable priority: accuracy. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Original episode produced and edited by David Brandt Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
July 21, 202637 min
From the Archives | Professor Shaul Ladany Reflects on a Life of Problem Solving
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum In this special From the Archives edition of Problem Solved , IISE's Keith Albertson revisits one of the most unforgettable conversations in the podcast's history with Professor Shaul Ladany. An industrial engineer, professor emeritus at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, world-record race walker, and two-time Olympian, Professor Ladany has lived a life unlike any other. As a child, he survived the Holocaust and Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. Decades later, he escaped the terrorist attack at the 1972 Munich Olympic Games. Throughout it all, he built a distinguished career in industrial engineering while inspiring generations of students through his resilience, discipline, and unwavering determination. Before the episode begins, Keith shares why this conversation has remained one of his personal favorites and why he believes it's still worth hearing today. Discover this remarkable conversation for the the first time, or enjoy revisiting it with us! Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Original episode produced and edited by David Brandt Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
July 7, 202642 min
From the Archives | Industrial Engineering and Essentialism with Kevin McManus
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum In this special "From the Archives" episode of Problem Solved, IISE's David Brandt revisits one of his favorite conversations with IISE Fellow and ISE magazine columnist Kevin McManus. In this episode from 2019, they explore the parallels between industrial engineering principles and everyday life, discussing topics such as continuous improvement, essentialism, leadership, workplace culture, and lifelong learning. Their thoughtful conversation offers a unique perspective on how industrial and systems engineering can help individuals and organizations focus on what matters most while eliminating waste and creating meaning. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Original episode produced and edited by David Brandt Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
June 16, 2026Episode 2344 min
The Real Frank & Lillian Gilbreth
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum Within the profession of industrial and systems engineering, the names Frank and Lillian Gilbreth are everywhere - appearing on awards, scholarships, professorships, and libraries. But who were the people behind those names, and how did their work help shape the profession we know today? In this episode of Problem Solved, historian Mike Farrelly of the Montclair History Center and Township Historian takes us on a journey through the lives of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth, the pioneering husband-and-wife team whose innovations laid the foundation for modern industrial and systems engineering. Hear how Frank began his career by revolutionized bricklaying, how the Gilbreths pioneered motion studies using photography and film, and how their work influenced fields ranging from construction and manufacturing to surgery and workplace design. The episode also explores Lillian's groundbreaking contributions as a psychologist, educator, inventor, and one of the most influential women in engineering history. Along the way, Mike shares fascinating stories about the real-life family behind Cheaper by the Dozen , including how the Gilbreths applied their principles at home while raising 12 children. Whether you're an industrial engineer, a student of history, or simply curious about the people whose ideas continue to shape the way we work and live, this episode offers a fascinating look at two remarkable innovators whose legacy can still be felt more than a century later. A huge thank you to our guest, Mike Farrelly, for sharing this thorough look at this remarkable family. • Learn more about the Montclair History Center • Watch Mike Farrelly's presentation featuring historical photographs of the Gilbreth family and their work: https://youtu.be/5N6RR0XD5Tk?si=LW9ixkOys1MqGZTL • Read Cheaper by the Dozen by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey • Read Belles on Their Toes by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
June 9, 2026Episode 2218 min
2026 Gilbreth Award Winner Dr. Michael Carter: "I wanted to solve real problems"
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum Dr. Michael Carter didn’t originally plan to become a professor or even an industrial engineer. But after discovering operations research and eventually finding his way into industrial engineering, his career became focused on one of the most complex systems imaginable: healthcare. In this episode of Problem Solved, we speak with the recipient of the 2026 Frank and Lillian Gilbreth Award, IISE’s highest honor. Dr. Carter reflects on his decades-long career in healthcare systems engineering, how inefficiencies he observed inside hospitals sparked a lifelong passion for improvement, and why he dedicated his career to building what he calls “an army of engineers” working in healthcare. We also discuss the future of healthcare systems, the growing role of AI and data in medicine, mentorship, and the ripple effect of influencing generations of students and practitioners. Dr. Carter is Professor of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at the University of Toronto and Founding Director of the Centre for Healthcare Engineering. Over the course of his career, he has helped shape healthcare engineering in Canada and beyond through research, education, and real-world implementation. And at the end of this episode, stay tuned for a preview of our upcoming special episode exploring the real lives and legacy of Frank and Lillian Gilbreth. Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
June 2, 2026Episode 2129 min
Annual 2026: The Future of ISE is Bright
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum In this special episode of Problem Solved LIVE from the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026, students, researchers, and industry professionals share their perspectives on the evolving future of industrial and systems engineering. Conversations explore artificial intelligence, healthcare systems, sustainability, automation, and the growing role of human-centered problem solving across industries. The episode also features highlights from the IISE Innovation Cup competition, where teams showcased innovative solutions with measurable real-world impact. From first-time conference attendees to experienced professionals leading organizational change, the episode captures the energy, optimism, and innovation shaping the next generation of ISE. Thanks to all our guests who contributed in this episode! Thank you to our sponsor, Cullen College of Engineering Lean Six Sigma program . Learn more at IE.UH.EDU IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026 May 16–19 | Arlington, Texas Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
May 19, 2026Episode 207 min
Live From Annual: From First Steps to Legacy Careers
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum At the IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026, the future of industrial and systems engineering is on full display, from students attending their very first conference to longtime leaders who have spent decades shaping the profession. In this special episode of Problem Solved LIVE from Annual, we hear from two recent graduates and student volunteers from Arizona State University as they reflect on networking, personal growth, and discovering the broader impact of industrial engineering beyond the classroom. We also speak with IISE Medallion Award winner Jaime Rogers, whose nearly 50-year journey with IISE offers perspective on leadership, opportunity, and why the future of ISE has never been brighter. From first steps to legacy careers, this episode highlights the people, connections, and shared purpose that continue to drive the industrial and systems engineering profession forward. Follow Problem Solved for more conversations from the people shaping the future of industrial and systems engineering. IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026 May 16–19 | Arlington, Texas Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
May 5, 2026Episode 1924 min
Your 2026 IISE Annual Conference Preview: 3 Voices to Know Before You Go
Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum Your 2026 IISE Annual Conference Preview: 3 Voices to Know Before You Go What makes this year’s IISE Annual Conference and Expo a must-attend event? In this special preview episode of Problem Solved , we bring you insights from three featured voices who are shaping conversations across industrial and systems engineering: Laura Albert (University of Wisconsin–Madison) on why this is a consequential moment for ISE and why it’s time to stop being a “well-kept secret” Jennifer Van Buskirk (AT&T) on leading transformation inside one of the world’s most complex systems and how ISEs are uniquely built for it Doug Melton (Pre-Conference Workshop, Engineering Unleashed) on developing an entrepreneurial mindset and creating value in any context From the future of the field, to industry impact, to putting the mindset into action, get your first look at the ideas waiting for you in Arlington. IISE Annual Conference & Expo 2026 May 16–19 | Arlington, Texas Learn more about The Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE) Problem Solved on LinkedIn Problem Solved on YouTube Problem Solved on Instagram Problem Solved on TikTok Problem Solved Executive Producer: Elizabeth Grimes Interested in contributing to the podcast or sponsoring an episode? Email egrimes@iise.org Learn more about IISE's Emerging Technologies Forum
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