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Smart Acids Podcast

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featuring variety of Andy Erickson's podcast themes

Smart Acids™

Smart Acids ™ podcast, presented by Univar Solutions, is the source for product insights and current market moves related to the chemical distribution industry - breaking it all down one boron at a time.

Join host Andy Erickson for straightforward and honest chat that speaks to the why behind pricing and supply, delivered in a smart, fun, and entertaining way.

Listen to Smart Acids ™ podcast episodes

Newest Podcast Episode

The Chicken-or-Egg Argument Behind Chemistry and Chemicals

In this episode of the Smart Acids Podcast, Andy Erickson and Jumoke Onibokun are joined by Sarah Scruggs Brandt of the American Chemistry Council (ACC) to explore one of the industry's most intriguing questions: Which came first, chemistry or chemicals? Through a spirited and insightful discussion, they examine the relationship between chemistry and the products it creates, unpack common misconceptions, and highlight the essential role chemistry plays in innovation and everyday life. Tune in as they challenge assumptions, share expert perspectives, and offer a fresh take on a debate that continues to shape how people think about chemistry and chemicals.

Previous Episodes

Supply Chain Resilience

In this episode of the Smart Acids Podcast, Andy Erickson is joined by Kim Jones and Brian Jurcak to break down supply chain resilience in the chemical industry. They explore the drivers behind current disruptions, including capacity reductions, global dependencies, and tightening oil supply—along with what these trends mean for pricing, availability, and planning. The discussion highlights why proactive supply chain strategies are critical as volatility and shortages are expected to increase in the months ahead.

Discover Supply Chain Resilience

The Golden Mussel Threat

Golden mussels are spreading fast—and water infrastructure is feeling the pressure. In this episode of the Smart Acids Podcast, host Andy Erickson is joined by Univar Solutions water treatment experts Mike Corcoran and Jack Kenney to unpack the growing threat of golden mussels in California and what it means for water infrastructure. Together, they explore the fundamentals of water treatment, the rapid spread and impact of this invasive species, and why early, preventative action is critical—highlighting how Univar Solutions supports municipalities and agencies in protecting critical water systems before costs and risks escalate.

Discover The Golden Mussel Threat

Courage, Kindness, and Chemistry with Jen McIntyre

As she begins her well‑earned retirement, Jen McIntyre is taking time to reflect —and to give back—by sharing her story on a podcast this week with hosts Andy Erickson & Chris Ernst. Throughout her career, Jen has been a respected voice in the chemical industry, helping shape conversations around leadership, progress, and responsibility. Her impact goes beyond projects and milestones; it lives on through the people she mentored, the standards she championed, and the example she set for the next generation.

Discover Courage, Kindness, and Chemistry with Jen McIntyre

Pourin’ Up Some Texas Tea: Crude Talk with Bill Groel

In our latest conversation, hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst sit down with Bill Groel, Sr. Director of Product Marketing Management at Univar Solutions, to break down what’s really happening across global crude and hydrocarbons — and how those trends are already influencing chemical supply, pricing, and downstream demand.

Discover Crude Talk with Bill Groel

Corporate Accounts in a Changing Market

In this episode of Smart Acids, George Knox, VP of Corporate Accounts, joins Andy and Chris to talk about how centralizing chemical distribution under one partner simplifies the full lifecycle—from bulk and blends to packaged goods and ChemCare.

Discover Corporate Accounts

Sideline Strategy: Trends in Chemical Distribution

In this episode of Smart Acids, Andy and Chris put Bob Craycraft CEO of Univar Solutions Chemical Distribution & Services division and former Vanderbilt football player through a quick quiz on famous Commodores before diving into the biggest plays in chemical distribution.

Discover Trends in Chemical Distribution

Driving Impact Across the Value Chain

Andy and Chris kicked off the episode in big hats—and even bigger conversation. In this episode, Liam McCarroll, DProf, Senior Director, Global Sustainability and Sukhjit Varaich, Director Regional Sustainability unpack how Univar Solutions is driving impact across the value chain as we close in on our 2025 ESG goals and look ahead to 2030.

Discover Driving Impact

Rooted In Family, Driven by Chemistry

In this episode, hosts Andy Erickson and Chris Ernst welcome sibling leaders Shelly Manos and Brandon Lowry from Continental Chemicals, a family-owned business with deep roots in the chemical industry.

Discover Rooted in Family

On The Road

Live from our exclusive Carrier Kickoff (CKO) event, this episode explores the future of chemical logistics, freight strategy, and supply chain resilience in 2025 and beyond. If you're in transportation, chemical manufacturing, or navigating supply chain challenges, this one's for you.

Discover On The Road

Freight Futures

In this high-octane episode of Smart Acids, we’re riding shotgun with Chris Pickett, Lead Market Analyst at Pickett Research and Chief Commercial Officer at Flock Freight—the largest Shared Truckload brokerage in the U.S.

Discover Freight Futures

From Alt Rock to Alt Fuels

In this episode, we sit down with Jacob Givens—actor, social media influencer, and Director of Promotion & Marketing at Biofriendly —to explore the intersection of Alternative Music and Alternative Fuels.

Discover From Alt Rock to Alt Fuels

Tackling Tariffs Together - Expert Insights and Strategies

Andy and Chris discuss tariffs in the chemical sector with Univar's Dwayne Roark on Smart Acids Podcast. They cover history, updates, and survival strategies.

Discover Tackling Tariffs Together

Chips: Beyond phones and video games

Joe 'Sherlock' Holmes joins Smart Acids to discuss semiconductors, industry ecosystem, and chemistry's role. Optimistic insights on the chip industry's future.

Discover Beyond phones and video games

BASF shares global production outlook + why do producers need distributors?

Andy and Chris welcome Jarrett Russell to Smart Acids, discussing global chemical production, demand, and economic recovery insights.

Discover BASF's global production outlook

Excellent adventure through science history and chemical innovation

Ernst and Cole discuss chemical perceptions, innovations, and history on Smart Acids. Dive into how past advances shape the future of chemistry.

Discover Science history and chemical innovation

Find Additional Episodes

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Previous Episodes

Tackling Tariffs Together - Expert Insights and Strategies

Join hosts Andy and Chris as they dive into the complexities of tariffs and their impact on the chemical industry in this enlightening episode of the Smart Acids Podcast. Featuring expert insights from Dwayne Roark, VP of Corporate Affairs, Communications & Marketing at Univar Solutions, this episode explores historical tariff acts, current updates, and innovative strategies to navigate these challenges. Discover the best path forward for the industry and learn how we can stick together and thrive despite obstacles. Listen in for a discussion you won't want to miss!

Discover Tackling tariffs together

Chips: Beyond phones and video games

In this episode, the Smart Acids hosts welcome Joe 'Sherlock' Holmes, Business Development Manager, Electronics. Joe gives us a glimpse into the world of semiconductors and paints a vivid picture of the industry's ecosystem. He'll also provide insights into how vital the right chemistry solutions are and why he is optimistic about what lies ahead for the chip industry.

Dsicover Chips: Beyond phones and video games

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