Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

About Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

Kev Talks- Real World Global Logistics is your premier source for expert insights and innovative strategies in global logistics and supply chain management. Hosted by two seasoned industry veterans, each with over 30 years of experience, our mission is to educate, inspire, and connect professionals across the logistics landscape. We delve into the latest trends, share actionable advice, and bring forward the voices of industry leaders to help our listeners navigate the complexities of the global supply chain with confidence and foresight."

Publisher

Kevin Higgins and Kevin Parkerson

Category

business

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

12 Sept 2024

Latest episode

18 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

91 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   18 Sept 2026

   Back Behind the Mic: Peak Season, Big Changes & Manifest 2027

   We’re back! After more than 100 days without a new episode, Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics returns with Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins catching up on what changed over the summer, both personally and across global logistics. Kevin shares his move into a new role as Vice President of International at Watco Logistics and his focus on growing Watco’s international ocean and air business. The Kevins also talk peak season, global trade and geopolitical pressure, and what they are seeing across today’s supply chain. And there is plenty ahead for Kev Talks. New guests. New topics. More Northwest Arkansas stories. Plus, Kev Talks is headed to Manifest 2027 in Las Vegas, where Kevin and Kevin will be recording interviews and covering the logistics industry from the show floor. The Summer Rerun Series is over. The Kevins are back behind the microphones. Let’s get at it.

2. 

   5 Jun 2026

   WISE in Action: Building the Future of Supply Chain Leadership

   In this special episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, the focus turns to the future of supply chain leadership, the next generation of talent entering the industry, and the unique ecosystem helping shape them in Northwest Arkansas. The conversation opens with Dr. Stephanie P. Thomas, Associate Professor of Practice in the J.B. Hunt Transport Department of Supply Chain Management at the University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business. Dr. Thomas brings a rare blend of academic depth and real-world industry experience, built on her early career roles with IBM and Lowe's, and strengthened through her Ph.D. in Logistics/Supply Chain Management from Georgia Southern University, along with an MBA and BA from University of Tennessee. Her work centers on behavioral and relational dynamics in supply chain management, with a strong focus on buyer-supplier negotiations, relationship management, and workforce challenges in transportation and logistics. Her research has been widely published in leading academic journals, including the Journal of Supply Chain Management and the International Journal of Physical Distribution & Logistics Management, while also contributing to practitioner-focused outlets such as Harvard Business Review and Supply Chain Management Review. A major theme throughout the episode is the powerful role the Northwest Arkansas business and supply chain community plays in supporting student development. With the region continuing to grow as a major supply chain and logistics hub, students at the University of Arkansas benefit from direct exposure to leading retailers, suppliers, carriers, technology companies, and logistics providers operating in one of the most dynamic supply chain ecosystems in the country. Dr. Thomas discusses how that close connection between industry and education creates opportunities that extend far beyond the classroom. Through programs like WISE, students gain access to mentorship, internships, networking, leadership experiences, and direct engagement with supply chain professionals who are actively shaping the future of the industry. In the discussion, she shares her perspective on what truly prepares students for success today: critical thinking, adaptability, curiosity, leadership, negotiation skills, and the ability to build meaningful professional relationships. She also highlights how AI and automation are reshaping expectations across the industry, making human-centered skills, communication, and strong networks more important than ever. The episode then shifts into a dynamic roundtable featuring five University of Arkansas supply chain students and WISE members: Rodney Thomas, Taryn Pittman, Hannah Yong, Ellie Palumbo, and William Lovell. Together, they offer a candid and energetic look at the next generation of supply chain professionals. They discuss internships, leadership development, career aspirations, and the growing influence of AI, while also sharing how WISE has helped them build confidence, community, and real-world readiness. Their experiences span retail merchandising, transportation, aerospace, manufacturing, and leadership rotational programs, underscoring the breadth of opportunity available within today’s supply chain profession. Throughout the conversation, a clear message emerges: the future of global logistics depends on strong mentorship, intentional relationship-building, hands-on experience, and early investment in talent. Dr. Thomas and the students demonstrate how programs like WISE, supported by the broader Northwest Arkansas supply chain community, are not only shaping individual careers, but also strengthening the future workforce pipeline for the industry as a whole. This episode delivers a grounded and forward-looking perspective for students, educators, and industry leaders alike, offering practical insight into leadership, workforce development, mentorship, and the evolving future of global supply chain management.

3. 

   29 May 2026

   Chasing Storms and Supply Chains: Process, Discipline, and Scaling

   In this episode of Kev Talks: Real World Global Logistics, Kevin Parkerson and Kevin Higgins sit down with Casey Jenkins, founder of Eight Twenty-Eight Consulting, for a wide-ranging conversation that blends supply chain expertise, process improvement, education, and a unique personal journey into the industry. Casey shares how she didn’t intentionally choose supply chain, like many in the field, she “fell into it” while originally pursuing meteorology. With two degrees in weather and experience as a trained storm spotter, she draws a compelling parallel between forecasting storms and managing supply chains: both require anticipating disruptions, adapting quickly, and operating in environments where control is limited. That mindset ultimately shaped her career and keeps her engaged in the fast-paced world of logistics. As the owner of Eight Twenty- Eight Consulting, Casey works primarily with startups and small to mid-sized businesses, helping them build scalable operations. A key theme throughout the conversation is the lack of structure and visibility in many organizations. She highlights common challenges such as siloed functions, limited process documentation, and leadership teams that lack insight into day-to-day execution. Her approach focuses on end-to-end visibility, tailoring solutions to each organization rather than applying a one-size-fits-all playbook. A major point of emphasis is the importance of process discipline. Casey explains that many companies resist structure, believing it limits flexibility, when in reality, well-defined processes enable better decision-making and controlled adaptability. She often takes an educational approach to drive buy-in, especially with leadership teams, bridging the gap between strategic vision and operational execution. The conversation also explores her experience across domestic and international supply chains. While core principles translate globally, Casey highlights the importance of cultural awareness, communication nuances, and the increased complexity of international logistics—from supplier vetting to transportation modes and compliance considerations. These experiences now inform how she advises smaller companies entering global markets. Beyond consulting, Casey is deeply involved in education, teaching supply chain and business courses at the university level while pursuing her doctorate. She is passionate about closing the gap between academic theory and real-world application, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and upskilling within organizations. Her advice to CEOs is clear: invest in education and empower teams with knowledge to drive proactive problem-solving and long-term success. Looking ahead, Casey shares her perspective on emerging trends like AI and automation. While she sees strong potential, she cautions against chasing “new and shiny” technologies without first understanding core processes. For her, successful adoption starts with operational clarity and intentional integration, not hype. The episode wraps with a lighter look at Casey’s disciplined daily routine, starting at 3:30 AM, her love for storm tracking, and her passion for continuous learning. Throughout the conversation, she reinforces a central message: whether in supply chain or business, success comes from structure, adaptability, and a commitment to understanding how everything connects.

Who has been a guest on Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Max Moore
• Graham Gibbs
• David Keefauver
• Steve Kochan
• Janine Mansour

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

8 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

2 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 47 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

81

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Kev Talks - REAL World Global Logistics

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

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