The Chain Podcast

The Chain Podcast

More than just a link in the chain, The Chain podcast shines a light on powerful, complex systems of technology, business and people that make up what we call the supply chain. Created and produced by ASCM (Association for Supply Chain Management), The Chain is a riveting podcast that discusses the toughest supply chain challenges and the people who get the job done no matter the disruptions. Join host Abe Eshkenazi as he invites supply chain innovators and influencers to share their stories about that invisible link that binds our worlds together. If you enjoyed ASCM’s The reBound podcast, you’ll want to tune in to every episode and listen to the untold stories from the people who run our supply chains.

Episodes

January 15, 2026 35 mins
In this episode of The Chain, Guy Yehiav, CEO of SmartSense by Digi, joins us to explore how IoT, AI and real‑time sensing are reshaping the cold chain.   From preventing foodborne illness and reducing waste to improving healthcare safety and unlocking full supply chain visibility, Guy shares how data-driven monitoring and predictive analytics are helping organizations build resilience, consistency, and customer trust across every ...

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We revisit the past year of tariff policy and its ripple effects across global supply chains.   Our guest, supply chain expert Alastair Charatan, returns to discuss what predictions held up and what surprises emerged from the predictions we made back in January.   We unpack why large‑scale reshoring hasn’t materialized, how shortened planning horizons complicate capital investment and why a “carrots over sticks” industrial strategy...
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    Join Abe Eshkenazi as he welcomes Scott Luton, founder and CEO of Supply Chain Now, for a dynamic conversation on the future of supply chain management.

    Fresh from the annual conference in Columbus, they give a sneak peek into the top trends shaping 2026, including the rise of artificial intelligence, workforce transformation, and the growing impact of climate and circularity.

    Scott shares insights on the human-machine dynamic, the...

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    In this episode of The Chain, we sit down with Ronald Kleijwegt, CEO of Vinturas, to explore the future of supply chain visibility, traceability and collaboration.

    Ronald shares insights on how blockchain and AI are transforming global supply chains, the importance of connecting every tier of suppliers, and how technology can help organizations respond to disruptions — from tariffs to cyber threats.

    Discover how leading companies a...

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    September 11, 2025 34 mins

    In this episode of The Chain Podcast, we dive into the future of returns and the creation of a more sustainable and socially conscious supply chain. Our host, Abe Eshkenazi, is joined by Disney Petit, the CEO and founder of LiquiDonate. Disney shares her extensive experience working with tech companies to implement social impact programs and discusses how LiquiDonate is revolutionizing the returns process.

    Discover how LiquiDonate ...

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    August 14, 2025 36 mins

    Join host Abe Eshkenazi and Dr. Zal Phiroz, professor of supply chain management at Harvard University.

    Dr. Phiroz shares his unique journey from computer science to supply chain. We explore the evolving role of the Chief Supply Chain Officer, the balance between technology and critical thinking and the preparedness of the next generation of supply chain leaders.

    Whether you're a seasoned professional or a student entering the fiel...

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    The global supply chain is walking a tariff tightrope, and the impact is reaching far and wide.

    Join us as we unravel the complexities of current trade negotiations and their direct effects on everything from consumer prices to long-term business strategies.

    David Stephen Jacoby, a leading supply chain expert, cuts through the noise, revealing how tariffs are reshaping industrial manufacturing, sparking inflationary cycles and forc...

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    June 12, 2025 28 mins

    ASCM CEO Abe Eskenazi sits down with Heather Lane, VP of Supply Chain Strategy and Systems at Ulta Beauty.

    Learn how Ulta Beauty navigated a massive supply chain transformation, accelerated by the pandemic's e-commerce boom. Heather shares insights into their innovative three-tier distribution model, featuring regional distribution centers, fast fulfillment centers and their groundbreaking market fulfillment centers.

    You'll also le...

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    Retail reality check: Are we solving problems or creating new ones? 

    Dropit President and COO, Stuart Ford, reveals the shocking truth about the retail supply chain industry. 

    • Over half of retailers are in some form of distress 
    • Roughly 20% of fashion is never worn 
    • About 40% return rates 
    • Landfills so large that they are visible from space 

    Listen to how we can transform these challenges into opportunities and enhance s...

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    April 3, 2025 32 mins

    How do you orchestrate logistics aid in a disaster zone? Well, it's a bit like juggling "greasy cats"

    Host and ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi sits down with Kathy Fulton, Executive Director of the American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN), to discuss the vital role of logistics and supply chain management in disaster relief.

    Kathy shares her experiences and insights on how ALAN collaborates with nonprofit organizations and private industry to ...

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    Mitigating the increase of global food waste is a constant challenge for supply chains and consumers alike. That’s why we invited Professor Linda Dunn to share her strategies and excitement about cutting-edge supply chain technology that can help with perishable goods’ inventory and distribution.

    If you want to prepare yourself and your company to face the challenges ahead, download ASCM's Top 10 Supply Chain Trends of 2025. 

    Want...

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    February 27, 2025 26 mins

    Consumers play a significant role in shaping our global supply chains.

    Whenever you make a purchase, you cast a vote and signal to companies what needs to be manufactured, restocked, shipped, and sold. Imagine if consumers had increased visibility into supply chains and knew exactly where all their products were made and sourced. Would that change their buying habits?

    In this episode, Abe Eshkenzai, CEO of ASCM, is joined by Profes...

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    Our conversation continues on the subject of tariffs. Global trade evolves as the current U.S. administration launches then postpones tariffs on U.S. trading partners, China, Mexico and Canada.

     

    ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi is joined again by supply chain expert Alastair Charatan and Douglas Kent, ASCM's executive vice president of corporate and strategic alliances.

    Listen as they discuss what's new in the global trade landscape and how...

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    January 23, 2025 44 mins

    Ready to unbox the world of packaging? Abe Eshkenazi and Professor Doug Thomas dive into the intricate world of packaging and delivery.

    Discover the fascinating process behind assembling, storing and shipping your orders. Tune in now to learn more about the secrets of your package and the power of visibility and traceability.  

     

     

    Did you know visibility and traceability is the #6 need-to-know supply chain trend of 2025? Leading...

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    January 9, 2025 30 mins

    Kicking off 2025, we are talking tariffs. Join ASCM CEO, Abe Eshkenazi, and special guest, Alastair Charatan, as they give their tariff predictions. 

    We examine the proposed tariffs and their potential effects on supply chains and consumers. Our discussion sheds light on the broader implications for global trade and the economy. 

    Did you know global trade is the #2 need-to-know supply chain trend of 2025? Global trade dynamics and...

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    The supply chain touches everything, even the clothes on your back!

    Join us as we explore the complex world of retail supply chains in this episode of ASCM's The Chain podcast. Dive into the conversation with our guest, Frankie Mossman, CCO of Dropit. She reveals the challenges retailers face on a day-to-day basis to bring you the latest goods and threads for your wardrobe. 

    “From the shirt on your back to the shoes on your feet, t...

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    Welcome (back) to part two of our series on supply chain futurecasting.

    We continue our conversation with our guest, Brian David Johnson. This time, we discuss:

    • What are the future stressors for the supply chain?
    • How will the next generation of professionals shape supply chains?
    • How can organizations implement futurecasting in their businesses today?

     

    Want more supply chain knowledge? Visit ASCM.org.

    For more details on...

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    “You know when you’re watching sci-fi movies, and the heroes enter a grocery store and see empty shelves, you know the zombies are coming.” -Brian David Johnson

    What does sci-fi have to do with the supply chain? Well, supply chains' inner workings were non-existent for the average consumer. But, as soon as there’s a toilet paper shortage, suddenly this invisible link comes into full view. There is always going to be disruptions.  S...

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    Sustainability, supply chains, and Antarctica?  

    Listen to episode two of The Chain Podcast, recorded live from ASCM Connect: North America Conference 2024.

    Abe Eshkenazi invited eco-tourism expert and executive producer, Richard Crawford, to share how one of the world's coldest, driest, most remote places is helping lead the charge in creating sustainable supply chains. 

    To get the full picture of how to operate supply chains in A...

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    August 14, 2024 54 mins

    How do you tell a story about global supply chains? It's easier said than done. For The Chain's inaugural episode, host and ASCM's CEO, Abe Eshkenazi, is joined by the creative minds at WAG Entertainment to discuss how they created the soon to be released documentary, The Chain.

    The documentary is a six part series that breaks down how some of the most critical industries create the products and services we use every day. 

    Hear how...

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