Michael Colligan – Host of Restoring Darkness

Michael Colligan

Host, Restoring Darkness Podcast

Michael Colligan is a seasoned lighting industry expert, podcast producer, and advocate, best known as the outspoken host of the Get a Grip on Lighting podcast. With over 800 podcast episodes across various platforms, Colligan has earned a reputation for creating thought-provoking content and engaging conversations with leading experts, innovators, and advocates. His work sheds light on the critical issues surrounding light, darkness, and public health, challenging conventional perspectives on how lighting impacts both human life and the environment.

Background in Lighting

Michael Colligan’s passion for lighting began early, growing up helping his father sell light bulbs out of their garage. In 1999, he joined his father’s company, Atlas Lighting & Sales Ltd., working full-time to build on its legacy of solving lighting problems for customers.

In 2001, Michael founded Lighting Solutions, an electrical contracting business focused on designing, installing, and maintaining energy-efficient lighting systems. Driven by a commitment to sustainability, he later launched Waste Diversion, a company dedicated to keeping mercury-containing lamps out of landfills. Among his innovative contributions to the industry is U.S. Patent 9,061,820 for a container designed to hold waste linear fluorescent lamps—a commercially successful invention that has sold thousands of units.

Michael also served on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Innovative Lighting Distributors (NAILD) from 2009 to 2011.

His diverse experience across distribution, contracting, and waste management has shaped his deep understanding of the lighting industry, which he brings to his work as a podcast host and thought leader.