Season five wraps up with hosts Brian Johnson and Kim Swanson reflecting on the season and the ever-evolving podcast itself. This shorter season marked a shift from weekly to biweekly episodes, prompting honest conversations about the sustainability and future direction of AASHTO re:source Q&A podcast.

The hosts highlight memorable conversations with industry experts, including beloved guest Bryce Hanlon from Oklahoma DOT and Matt Lineman from North Dakota DOT, who shared valuable insights on committee participation and building positive professional relationships. Kim particularly enjoyed discussing the "four eyes of the corrective action process," diving into quality theory while maintaining their trademark touch of humor that makes complex concepts accessible.

Throughout the episode, Brian and Kim make a heartfelt plea for listener feedback—a resource more valuable than download metrics. They're particularly curious about their international audience, wondering about listeners from Ukraine and Kenya who've reached out in previous seasons. The mystery of who's listening and what content resonates most strongly echoes a common challenge in quality management: determining whether efforts truly address stakeholder needs. This transparency about their own continuous improvement journey mirrors the very processes they discuss with laboratories.

Looking ahead, Brian announces his participation in the upcoming Technical Exchange in Bellevue, Washington (March 17-20, 2025), where he'll lead panel discussions and possibly record content for future episodes. With season six on the horizon after this hiatus, the hosts invite you to explore their extensive back catalog of over 40 episodes per season from their first four seasons. Email podcast@aashtoresource.org with your thoughts, questions, or to simply let them know the juice is indeed worth the squeeze.

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Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org.

Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.

Dive into our latest episode as we explore the critical need for laboratories to evolve from mere compliance to a thriving culture of continual improvement. Brian Johnson shares valuable insights from the recent Mid-Atlantic Quality Assurance Workshop, highlighting a new strategic roadmap aimed at enhancing operational practices within laboratories.

Throughout the episode, we address the pivotal role that AASHTO plays in guiding laboratories towards adherence to rigorous standards, emphasizing that compliance is just the beginning. We underscore the importance of understanding the root causes of nonconformities and foster a proactive mentality that seeks systemic solutions over temporary fixes.

Listeners will appreciate the actionable examples provided, including how to utilize proficiency sample data for setting realistic quality objectives. With a focus on collaboration, Brian stresses the necessity for communication among all stakeholders involved, paving the way for a unified approach to quality management.

This episode speaks directly to laboratory managers and quality assurance professionals seeking to enhance their practices. Are you ready to elevate your lab’s standards? Tune in to learn how to integrate continuous improvement into your quality framework effectively. Don’t forget to subscribe and share; let’s foster a community committed to excellence in laboratory quality!

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Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org.

Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.

We dive into the 2025 AASHTO re:source Technical Exchange with insights from key planners Bob Lutz and Tracy Barnhart. This episode focuses on the event's unique structure, networking opportunities, and targeted sessions for various professional roles. Attendees can expect valuable insights, interactive experiences, and assurance of fresh content during the event on March 17-20, 2025 in Bellevue, WA. Learn more on our website: https://aashtoresource.org/events

Send us a text

Have questions, comments, or want to be a guest on an upcoming episode? Email podcast@aashtoresource.org.

Related information on this and other episodes can be found at aashtoresource.org.