ChatNAPT with A.I. Chatterbots Chuck & Howie

In this episode, Chuck and Howie sit down with Stephen Doty to reflect on a career that spans Navy calibration work, pressure and vacuum metrology, accreditation program leadership, and quality management at NASA. Stephen shares what brought him out of retirement and into the metrology lab at Marshall Space Flight Center, and how that environment encourages collaboration, shared best practices, and true partnership with internal customers. The conversation explores the evolution from legacy standards to ISO/IEC 17025, why ongoing education (for both labs and customers) matters, and how contract review and process consistency help prevent “quality blind spots.” They also discuss how accreditation has changed over time, what labs should consider when choosing an accreditation body, and why proficiency testing and interlaboratory comparisons remain essential tools for validating competence and improving measurement performance. The episode wraps with Stephen’s personal path into metrology and practical advice for those entering the field: stay curious, ask questions, and be a sponge for learning.


What is ChatNAPT with A.I. Chatterbots Chuck & Howie?

In our podcast, we dive deep into metrology, calibration, and proficiency testing bringing you real stories, expert insights, and candid conversations from our 85+ years of combined experience. This isn’t just another technical podcast; we’re here to challenge the status quo, discuss industry changes, and tackle big questions like whether calibration labs are failing to train the next generation or if automation has gone too far. Expect lively discussions, industry leaders as guests, and a little fun along the way. As Howard puts it, “Proficiency testing is checking that transition from theory to application. But what happens when techs are just pushing buttons?” And Chuck adds, “We’re not teaching technicians how to measure anymore—we’re teaching them how to press ‘go.’” Whether we’re reflecting on our journeys—like Howard’s path from Air Force electronics to writing calibration procedures for the NFL—or debating metrology’s future, we promise to keep it engaging, informative, and unfiltered.