& Ryan Karlin - Powered By Black & Veatch

Shows

Generation STEMThe Future of Indoor Air Quality with AlgenAirIn our last episode of Season 1 on the Future of Food & Beverage, the podcast team sits down with Dan Fucich & Kelsey Abernathy, co-founders of AlgenAir. As the 21st Century food and beverage disruption are underway, we look at how there are other use cases for plants and microbes outside of food consumption. With the use of algae, AlgenAir’s Aerium product removes carbon dioxide and produces oxygen as effectively as 25 house plants for a fraction of the cost, time, and space!! Tune in to learn:· What is AlgenAir and what is its mission?2022-03-1039 min

Generation STEMOutdoor Farming Innovation w/ Grand FarmAlthough not commonly thought of, technological advancements in farming have led to the most dramatic socio-economic shifts. From the plow to the combine, efficiency in farming has increased productivity and produced greater yields. These seemingly minor technological inventions led to mass urban migrations and population booms as people searched for new occupations and fed more mouths. Now we have entered the 21st Century….but how is technology continuing to be implemented in outdoor farming? The podcast team sits down with Dr. William Aderholdt, Director of Program Management, and Brian Carroll, Director of Grand Farm, to discuss how they are uti...2022-02-1757 min

Generation STEMS1 EP5 - Controlled Environment Agriculture with Iron OXThe agriculture industry has come a long way from manned equipment fertilizing and harvesting fields of crops to robots analyzing the needs and delivering precise amounts of nutrients in a controlled environment. On today’s episode, we sit down with Andrew Blume, Strategic Sales Manager at Iron Ox, to discuss controlled environment agriculture and the innovative technologies Iron Ox implements to reduce waste and grow produce more sustainably, using “vastly less energy and less water on smaller amounts of land”. Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstem...2022-01-2755 min

Generation STEMS1 E4 Farm to Table with Fresh DirectHave you ever wondered how your food gets from the farm to table…..we have! To better understand the supply chain and logistics process, the podcast team sits down with Mike Beveridge, who is a Senior Associate Merchant of Meat & Poultry at FreshDirect. Located in the Bronx, New York, FreshDirect has been perfecting their online grocery delivery business for over 20 years and delivers over 100,000 orders a week!! Tune in to learn:What is the business model of FreshDirect and how do you source your products?What are the steps in the supply ch...2022-01-0653 min

Generation STEMS1 E3 Cell Based Protein with WildtypeIt may seem like something out of Jimmy Neutron or some sci-fi movie, but the cell-based protein market is starting to plant some serious roots….or should I say propagate cells. The podcast team sits down with Aryé Elfenbein, who is the Co-founder of Wildtype, which is one of the emerging cell-based protein alternative manufacturers. Tune in to learn:Who is Wildtype and what type of protein alternatives do they make?What exactly is cell-based protein and what does the cultivation process look like?How can cell-based protein contribute to a more sustainable food chain?Wha...2021-12-1645 min

Generation STEMPlant Based Protein with Better Meat Co.5 years ago, most vegetarians wouldn’t touch a plant-based alternative if they saw it on the menu or in the store. Now, the proliferation of high-quality plant-based alternatives can be seen in almost 50% of households. What changed and why is the plant-based alternative space here to stay?? The podcast team sits down with Paul Shapiro, who is the CEO and Co-founder of Better Meat Co. as well as Ted Talk alum and author of “Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World”. Tune in to learn:Who is Better Meat Co.?Ho...2021-12-0248 min

Generation STEMNextGen AG Enabling Food TechTechnology and innovation is rapidly being adopted in all facets our lives….but how is it being adopted in the food and beverage space? How is STEM enabling us to feed the ever growing world population? As we kick off the podcast’s new season, Ryan sits down with NextGen Ag’s Managing Director Kim Lovan & Process Engineer Bailey Stults to learn more. Who else is hungry?? Tune in to learn:· Who is NextGen Ag?· How is Black & Veatch’s NextGen Ag enabling food & beverage tech?· What is the future of food & beverage?2021-11-1847 min

Generation STEMEpisode 27 - Tunneling 101Have you ever wondered how infrastructure tunnels are constructed or if they are being constructed underneath you as we speak? Us co-hosts have. Listen in as we sit down with Black & Veatch’s, Clint Wilson. Tune in to hear: How are large tunnels constructed and how much do they cost? What do you have to consider when excavating a tunnel in an urban area? What markets rely on tunneling? What does the future of tunneling look like? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check u...2021-07-0953 min

Generation STEMEpisode 26 Blockchain - The Backbone Of Our Digital WalletCryptocurrency, NFTs…..digital assets have become a huge trend in the financial world the past couple of years and the GenSTEM squad has been wondering….how do they work? What’s the science behind it? How are these encrypted assets made? Enter BLOCKCHAIN. On this episode, Ryan and Kevin chat with a leading entrepreneur in the blockchain space, Shekhar Gupta. Tune in to learn: What is blockchain? How does it work? How does this apply to Crypto and NFTs? What problems does it solve? How is blockchain the key to solving problems of the future? 2021-06-2451 min

Generation STEMEpisode 25 - Offshore Wind Energy – The Next Renewable PushThe new administration has made it clear that offshore wind energy is going to be a focus for their renewable growth and goal to decarbonize our power supply. Class is in session as we sit down with Black & Veatch’s Vice President of Power, Jim Juras. Tune in to hear: How does offshore wind differ from onshore wind? What are the technological differences? What are some permitting & construction considerations to offshore wind? What is the current state of offshore wind in the United States? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to se...2021-06-1051 min

Generation STEMEpisode 24 - Data Centers - The Key to our Digital FutureOur world has become more and more digital, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has kicked the world's transition to a completely digital world into hyperdrive. It got the squad thinking, how is the infrastructure changing to support our data driven and digitized lifestyles? Here's a clue: DATA CENTERS. Enter our guest for this week, Drew Thompson, AVP of Data Centers and Critical Infrastructure at Black & Veatch. Tune in to hear: what are data centers? how to they relate to the cloud? how do we rely on data centers in our everyday life? how have data centers enabled...2021-05-1343 min

Generation STEMEpisode 23 - The Suez Canal Blockage + Piloting Cargo ShipsOn this episode, Ryan takes us into a solo interview with our special guest in light of the recent Suez Canal blockage incident, where a cargo ship ended up sideways blocking the canal and disrupting global supply chain. He sits down with Joseph Schwarzstein - Maritime Consultant, First Class Pilot and Commander in the US Navy Reserve to discuss the Suez Canal event, and the world of piloting cargo ships. Tune in to hear: The basics of piloting cargo ships How canals work and how cargo ships are able to pilot through His insights on what happened in...2021-05-041h 00

Generation STEMEpisode 22 - Career Recap - Then vs. NowBecca, Kevin and Ryan are ringing in their 5+6 year anniversaries of having adult STEM jobs. On this week's episode of GenSTEM, the squad gets together to talk about their career experiences so far. Tune in to hear: What Becca, Kevin, and Ryan's career path has been like thus far in the STEM industry How their upbringing and college experiences affected their career path What they expected being an engineer would be like versus reality How has their career path expectations changed over time? What's the best career advice they'd give their younger self? What's the biggest career miss...2021-04-1554 min

Generation STEMEpisode 21 - Texas Power Crisis Explained + Future of the GridOne of the biggest cold weather events in history hit Texas in February, that caused 4.5 million Texans without power for days. On this week's episode, Becca and Kevin interview one of their fellow Black & Veatcher and Managing Director of our Global Distributed Energy business, Rob Wilhite where he breaks down what really happened in Texas that caused massive (electrical) black outs. Tune in to learn: Basics on how the power grid works Who the heck ERCOT is and why is their name tied to the Texas outages? How the freezing temperatures in Texas caused massive power outages We...2021-03-2549 min

Generation STEMEpisode 20 - Music Artist AY Young + Sustainable Energy FutureBring the beat back! On this week's episode, Ryan and Kevin chat with producer, writer, rapper, and sustainable energy advocate AY Young! Tune in to hear: AY's music career His views on electricity access and sustainability How he uses music and dance as a way to bring people together with is mission for energy sustainability AY's Battery Tour and how it's providing electricity to those in need All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our...2021-03-1137 min

Generation STEMEpisode 19 - CEO of Virgin Hyperloop + the Future of TransportationWe're back this week with another episode of GenSTEM and we're delivering to your ear holes one of our BIGGEST. INTERVIEWS. YET. We got together with (the now) CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, Josh Giegel. Yeah, you read that right. CEO of Virgin Hyperloop is on the pod. Tune in to hear: What is Virgin Hyperloop? How did Josh get involved with the company? Was he one of the first human riders on a hyperloop test track? How will this technology transform the future of transportation? What massive global affects could hyperloop have? Could this help us become more...2021-02-2654 min

Generation STEMEpisode 18 - Hydrogen + a Path to a Greener FutureIf you've tuned in to our recent episodes, you've heard the GenSTEM squad buzz about something big coming to the utility sector: HYDROGEN. Kevin, Becca, and Ryan had the opportunity to sit down with fellow Black & Veatch'er and Hydrogen subject matter specialist Jonathan Cristiani to talk about how hydrogen could change the future. Tune in to hear: -What even is hydrogen (besides something on the periodic table) and what is it used for?-How is hydrogen produced-How it's used for electricity generation, fuel cell cars, and storage-If it's so great, why isn't...2021-02-1152 min

Generation STEMEpisode 17 - The 2021 STEM Predictions EpisodeNew year, new episode!!! On this episode, the clairvoyant GenSTEM squad looks into their crystal balls to make the their predictions on the biggest STEM trends in 2021. Tune in to hear Kevin, Ryan, and Becca: -announce the winners based on YOUR votes for the semi-STEMy awards (followed but a lot of trash talking by Becca) -dive in to their biggest predictions for transportation, space, AI, health, energy, and consumer products for 2021 Do you agree with their predictions?? Tune in to find out. -All this and more, on Generation STEM! ...2021-01-2855 min

Generation STEMEpisode 16 - Bleutech Park Las VegasWe are back with a new episode with some BIG 2021 energy. On this episode, Kevin, Becca & Ryan interview Steph Stoppenhagen of Black & Veatch's Connected Communities + Telecom business to learn all about a new luxury entertainment smart city development in Las Vegas called Bleutech Park. Tune in to hear: -What the heck is Bleutech Park?-How Bleutech Park integrates Smart City technology-Is this the prototype for the world's future of metropolitan cities?-What makes it the next luxury resort in Vegas-How you can gamble with the parks own cryptocurrency-Giant solar...2021-01-0839 min

Generation STEMEpisode 15 - The 1st Annual SEMI STEMy AWARDS: A 2020 STEM Year in ReviewIt's the GenSTEM squad back at it again!!!! We're excited to bring back an annual tradition REVAMPED.....The SEMI STEMy AWARDS: a year in review of the biggest and most innovative news in STEM in 2020. Tune in to hear Kevin, Ryan and Becca each give their SEMI STEMy nominees for ___ STEM award categories: Transportation Space Energy Health Consumer Products Listen in to give us your choice for the SEMI STEMy award winner for each category! All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us...2020-12-1758 min

Generation STEMEpisode 14 - Floating Housing + InfrastructureWe're back with another stellar episode of Generation STEM Podcast! On this episode, Becca, Ryan and Kevin, had the opportunity to interview Jagmeet Khangura and Jason Haney of Black & Veatch's Growth Accelerator to talk about a wild new trend in real estate and infrastructure: FLOATING HOUSING. Tune in to learn: -what even is floating infrastucture?-how is it built?-where is it being built now? Where will it be built in the future?-what problems will floating house and infrastructure solve?-how does this work with maritime law? Could you create your own...2020-11-1956 min

Generation STEMEpisode 13 - Wildfires 101 + Remote Sensing Technologies with Krista WestThe GenSTEM is here with a new ~~~~fire flame~~~ episode this week! On this episode, Becca, Ryan and Becca, in the wake of wild land fires burning across the western half of the US, sit down with down with pyrogeographer, SDSU PhD candidate, and self proclaimed "Fire Nerd" to discuss everything wild fire and how she's leveraging technology to prevent them. Let us tell you, THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!!!! Tune in to learn: -what causes wild fires-how do wild fires spread-are wildfires really more common now than they used to be, or...2020-10-2958 min

Generation STEMEpisode 12 - National Society of Black Engineers + Exec Director Karl ReidThe GenSTEM team is on fire with back to back weeks of episodes! On this episode, Kevin and Ryan had the opportunity to chat with the Executive Director of the National Society of Black Engineers, Karl Reid. Tune in to hear: -Karl's personal experience as a black man in the STEM world-his personal experiences that drove him to become involved with NSBE-The mission of the National Society of Black Engineers-how NSBE champions minorities in engineering-how the BLM movement has affected and emboldened their mission-why it's important for...2020-10-1547 min

Generation STEMEpisode 11 - Crushing the Career Fair + The Job HuntAfter a ~~~little~~~ break, the GenSTEM team is back and ready to discuss the season.....the Career Fair Season!! We're revisiting one of the first topics we ever discussed on the OG podcasts: navigating the career fair and job hunt process. Tune in to hear: -Becca, Kevin, and Ryan's most embarrassing career fair and job hunt moments-How to create the perfect resume-Tips and tricks for making a splash at the career fair to land that next interview-How to crush your interview and what to expect-The importance of networking and...2020-10-0855 min

Generation STEMEpisode 10 - Golden State Warriors + Social Media and the New Fan ExperienceSports are back and the GenSTEM squad is here for it!!!!!!! Don't know about you guys, but both sports and social media are an integral part of our lives. So on this week's episode, our interview focuses on how the two worlds collide! Ryan, Kevin, and Becca have a stellar interview with Karen Ramming, Senior Social Media Manager for the Golden State Warriors (WE BELIEVE!!). Tune in to this episode to hear: -what is it like running the social media account for one of the biggest professional sports franchises in the country?-how Karen got a...2020-08-2740 min

Generation STEMEpisode 9 - Astronaut Joan Higginbotham + STEM CareersGuys.....get ready for one of our favorite episodes we've EVER recorded. This week, Kevin, Ryan, and Becca interview REAL LIFE ASTRONAUT, TEDx Talk Alum, and STEM Boss Lady, Joan Higginbotham. Tune in to hear us discuss with the third female African American in space: -how she got the nickname ~~Space Beyonce~~~~-her career journey to becoming an astronaut (spoiler, she actually didn't want to be one at first??!!)-what she was thinking and feeling right before her space shuttle launch launch -the first thing she did when she got up to the International S...2020-08-131h 21

Generation STEMEpisode 8 - Built Robotics + Start Up CareersHello again listeners, we're here with another episode of the GenSTEM podcast. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca had the opportunity to chat with Jimmy Kim, the Business Operations Lead of the construction tech start up, Built Robotics. Tune in to this episode to hear: -the concept, mission, and technology behind Built Robotics -how will this technology change the construction industry? -can automation and AI really replace the human touch? -how Built Robotics got involved with Black & Veatch -Jimmy's story on how he took the dive into entrepreneurship 2020-07-2450 min

Generation STEMEpisode 7 - Mayor Quinton Lucas + KC Smart City Technology We are back with another *fire flame emoji* episode of the GenSTEM podcast. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca bring you a HUGE interview with none other than KCMO Mayor himself, Quinton Lucas. The squad sat down with Mayor Q in ~~~the mayor's office~~~ (pre-COVID) to discuss: -how KC is implementing cutting edge Smart City technology -the hurdles and benefits of integrating 5G -how KC is leading the USA city pack in the innovative and leading edge public transportation -how local citizens can support emerging technology policy -what's next for KC...2020-07-0900 min

Generation STEMEpisode 6 - NovoNutrients + the Future of FoodIt's that time again! Time for you to tune in to the newest episode of GenSTEM podcast. Ryan, Kevin, and Becca hopped on a call with David Tze, CEO of a cleantech start up company called NovoNutrients. Tune in to the episode to hear: -The squad describe what NovoNutrients is, and how they have created a process that takes CO2 from greenhouse gas emitting facilities, and turns it into fish food -How the CO2 to fish food process works -How NovoNutrients is solving 2 major global issues through one product -the future...2020-06-2547 min

Generation STEMEpisode 5 - SpaceX Launch + Future Space MissionsGuess who's back back back.....back againWelcome to another episode of the GenSTEM podcast. The squad is back together to discuss something that's gathered a ton of buzz in the world of STEM the past couple of weeks: the Demo-2 SpaceX Launch. Tune in to hear Becca, Kevin, and Ryan discuss: -the details of the most recent SpaceX launch -who the astronauts are -what is the mission of Demo-2? -what technology was involved in the launch? -why is it a big deal???? -future missions...2020-06-1241 min

Generation STEMEpisode 4 - The Vaccine Development Process + A Parallel Universe???Hello GenSTEM listeners hey hi how ya do'ern *Lil Wayne voice* Welcome to another episode of the GenSTEM podcast. We're back this week on our regular bi-weekly scheduled programming. There's been a lot of talk about the COVID-19 vaccine, so it got Becca thinking, what does it actually take to make a vaccine? Join Ryan and Kevin in Becca's classroom to learn: -What is a vaccine? -What is the typical vaccine development process? -How long do clinical trials typically take? What happens during clinical trials? -How does it compare...2020-05-2900 min

Generation STEMEpisode 3 - Telemedicine + the Future of HealthcareANOTHA ONE!!!!!! The GenSTEM squad is back this week with another stellar episode. With everything going on in light of COVID-19, it got us thinking, how has the world of healthcare evolved? What does the future of healthcare look like? Enter our guest for this week's episode. Kevin and Becca run the show this week with an interview featuring Morgan Waller, Director of Telemedicine from Children's Mercy Hospital based in Kansas City. In the interview, Becca and Kevin learn from Morgan: -What is telemedicine? How does it work? -Is it just Facetime-ing a...2020-05-1400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 2 - The Science of Working from Home + Future Work TechnologyWe're back again this week home-dwellers *air horn*! Not sure about you guys, but the Generation STEM squad has been seeing a lot of stuff on the internet talking about tips and tricks of working from home due to the current social climate. Being the engineers we are, Kevin, Becca and Ryan decided to investigate....what is the scientific backing behind some of the tips for being productive in a home workspace? Tune in to this episode to hear: -Recent news and our Can't Lose/Must wins of the week -A discussion from...2020-05-0700 min

Generation STEMEpisode 1 (kind of??) - Entrepreneurship during COVID-19 + Innovation in Economic DownturnsWe're starting a new chapter here on the podcast.......welcome to Generation STEM! On this episode of the Generation STEM podcast, it's a new brand but the same old squad. As we currently are in a time of humanitarian and economic difficulty in the wake of COVID-19, it got us thinking....what companies have been created and thrived during previous times of economic downturn? How do times of difficulty drive innovation? How will COVID-19 impact future businesses and what innovations will come from it? Becca, Kevin, and Ryan get together (via virtual meeting of course...2020-04-3000 min

Generation STEMEpisode 39 - In the News and Working from HomeSocial distancing and stay-at-home orders won't stop us from recording!!! On this episode of Close of Business Podcast, the COB squad discusses: The shortage on hand sanitizer, how businesses are changing their operations to support the COVID-19 effort, and big news on a mobile carrier merger Our Can't Wins and Must Loses of the affects of Coronavirus Weird quirks of working from home Is the squad staying productive with the jobs working from home? How are handling isolation? Tune in to the episode to find out!2020-04-1400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 38 - Water 101Ever wonder where your water comes from? Hint, it's not from Fiji!!! On this episode, Becca and Kevin sit down with Jim Schlaman, B&V's Director of Planning from water to learn once and for all how we get clean water in our showers and taps at home. Tune in to hear: - where our water comes from- how old our water is- how we get it to our homes- what happens after we use it- how we clean itWhat burning questions do you have about...2020-02-1400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 37 - Smart Cities Tune in to check out the Close of Business’s new episode on Smart Cities featuring Fred Ellermeier, VP of Connected Communities at Black & Veatch Co-hosts walk you through “a day in a smart city”…improv style · Interview with Fred Ellermeier, VP of Connected Communities at Black & Veatch What is a smart city? Why are cities embracing the smart city movement? What are some real life smart city technologies currently being developed? What technology is needed to make smart cities a reality What is Connected Communities at Black & Veatch What smart city idea do you have...2020-01-3100 min

Generation STEMEpisode 36 - STEM Decade In ReviewHey Closers! The Close of Business Squad is here with a special science + tech Decade in Review Episode! Tune in to hear: Our podium of the biggest failed science + tech predictions of the 2010s A decade in review of transportation, consumer tech, and medicine The biggest winners and losers of the decade Our predictions for the 2020s What do you predict will happen in the STEM industry by 2030? Hit us up with your best guesses on the 'gram (@cobpodcast), twitter (@cobpodcast), or via email (cobpodcast@gmail.com). We will feature the best predictions on an...2020-01-2100 min

Generation STEMEpisode 35 - Clean Tech + ecoSPEARS co-founders Happy holidays Closers! We’re here with a present that hits everything on your holiday wish list. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down for an interview with the co-founders of a start-up called ecoSPEARS, who uses sustainable and cost-effective technology to remediate ground contaminants. What the heck are ground contaminants??? And why do they matter to us??? Don’t worry Closers, we didn’t know either, and Sergie Albino and Ian Doromal broke it all down for us. They explain how their innovative technology has the power to make sure we are consuming clean and health...2019-12-2000 min

Generation STEMEpisode 34 - Experiential Learning + Kyle Nel + Cybertruck Hey Closers, we’re here with some entertainment for your Turkey Day weekend! On this episode, Kevin and Becca sit down and chat with the Executive Vice President of Uncommon Partners Lab and co-founder of Uncommon Partners, in an uber charismatic conversation about experiential learning and behavioral sciences. Kyle talks to us about his background as a behavioral scientist, and how he applied his knowledge to develop adaptive and virtual training utilizing technology to create transformational change in learning. Dope right? Haven’t heard of experiential learning before? Becca breaks down this concept for you all befo...2019-11-2700 min

Generation STEMEpisode 33 - Space + LightSail + Bruce Betts Hey Closers, us again! This episode features an interview with Bruce Betts, the Chief Scientist at the Planetary Society; a nonprofit space research and technology foundation led by CEO Bill Nye (the science guy). Kevin and Becca sat down with Bruce at the Singularity University Global Summit to discuss the Planetary Society’s recent successful mission on the LightSail project, what the Planetary Society aims to accomplish, solar sailing technology, and planetary defense. But first, we ask Bruce our most urgent questions about space; are aliens real? Can a cow REALLY jump over th...2019-11-1200 min

Generation STEMEpisode 32 - Erik Anderson + Topgolf + Tech in Sports Hey Closers, we’re back! This episode features a HUGE interview, with none other than Erik Anderson, Executive Chairman of Topgolf, CEO of WestRiver Group, and Executive Chairman of Singularity University (20:45). We sat down to chat with Erik about how he founded WestRiver Group, how he ended up being involved with Topgolf, the lessons he’s learned in his career thus far, and even threw in some of your listener questions! Kevin wraps up the interview by daring Erik to text the most famous person in his phone about the podcast…….listen in to see if...2019-10-0100 min

Generation STEMEpisode 31 - Prukalpa Sankar + Big Data Hey Closers, did you miss us? We’ve been busy producing content for you guys in San Francisco at the Singularity University Global Summit (check out a video preview of what we experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okOZLgbB3Cg). While Ryan was away on vacation in Spain (we missed you!), Kevin and Becca tag-teamed at the Silicon Valley conference and recorded interviews with major entrepreneurs in the tech and innovation space. This episode features Prukalpa Sankar, a major authority in the world of data. She has co-founded two data platform startups (SocialCops & Atlan...2019-09-0500 min

Generation STEMEpisode 30 - 5G + Neuralink + Moon LandingHey Closers, it's us again. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down to for an interview with Dave Hallowell, Senior VP of Telecom at B&V, to discuss the ins and outs of 5G technology (22:00). Have no idea how data is transmitted over your carrier’s network, or how a cell phone even works? No worries, Dave fills us in on the basics. Tune in to learn about what 5G is, what needs to happen for the technology to be implemented, and how the development of the technology will affect our day to day lives. Bu...2019-07-2300 min

Generation STEMEpisode 29 - Diode Ventures + the Start-Up World + Brad Hardin Whaddup Closers, it’s us again, and we’ve got an awesome interview lined up for your listening pleasure. Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down to chat with Brad Hardin, the President of Diode Ventures, a start-up company that operates as an asset developer for their clients in the commercial, industrial and technology space. Are you a commercial company with sustainability goals and want to build a solar farm, but don’t know how? Diode can help with that. Are you a major tech company that needs to increase their cloud capacity to keep up your growing business? Diode...2019-07-0900 min

Generation STEMEpisode 28 - Live from PowerGen 2018 with Tom Friend (Business Agility Consultant and Founder of Ash Elements LLC) Hey it's us again Closers, with our final interview from PowerGen International 2018! After Ryan and Becca give life-long Blues fan Kevin a moment to reflect on St. Louis’ history-making Stanley Cup win, the gang introduces the discussion with Tom Friend; Business Agility Consultant and founder of Ash Elements LLC, a company that utilizes the concept of block chain to capture the value of rare earth elements in coal ash as an asset. Tom dives deep into explaining block chain, and will help clarify all those burning questions that you have about cryptocurrency; what is it? How does it...2019-06-2500 min

Generation STEMEpisode 27 - Live from PowerGen 2018 with Patrick Bangert (CEO of Algorithmica Technologies) Time for another episode, Closers, where the gang introduces an interview from PowerGen International 2018 focusing on the subject of Machine Learning and Digital Twin. Ryan and Kevin sat down with Patrick Bangert, founder and CEO of Algorithmica Technologies, a company that uses mathematics to model power plants to help prevent equipment failures, so utilities can keep your lights on and keep site employees safe. The CEO discusses his career experiences before founding the company, and how the integration of mathematics and data into the utility space is revolutionizing the industry. The guys wrap up the interview with a conversation a...2019-06-0400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 26 Recitation - Drones It’s our first episode recitation here on Close of Business Podcast, and Ryan, Kevin, and Becca kick it together to have a review on Episode 26’s topic of drones. Kevin starts it off by giving us detailed intel on drone technology. In the market for your own drone? Ryan gives us the low down of what commercial and industrial drones are out there, and how much of your tax refund it’ll cost you. Next the squad discusses what real life applications of drones that has gotten the internet buzzing. Finally, Ryan, Kevin, and Becca face off in a podi...2019-04-1900 min

Generation STEMEpisode 26 - Drones - Live from PowerGen 2018 with Jacob Velky Hey Closers, we’re coming back at you after a bit of a break to give you an episode all about DRONES. This episode features another stellar interview by Ryan and Kevin from the 2018 PowerGen International conference with Duke Energy’s Manager of Unmanned Aerial Systems, Jacob Velky. Jacob talks about his role, the advantages of utilizing drones in the utility industry, and answers some of the guys’ burning questions about what’s next in the world of drones. The Close of Business squad also has some exciting news about what big and new things we’ve got in store for...2019-04-1600 min

Generation STEMEpisode 25 - Live at PowerGen 2018 with Bethany Schunn (Plant Manager at Cardinal Power Plant) We’re back Closers, with Episode 25 of 2019-02-2500 min

Generation STEMEpisode 24 - Live at PowerGen 2018 with Bob Yeager (President of Power & Water Solutions | Emerson) Episode 24 of the CoB podcast debuts our first interview from the 2018 PowerGen International Conference. We sat down with special guest Bob Yeager, President of Power & Water Solutions at Emerson, to discuss the future work force and how companies like Emerson are tackling the challenges of talent acquisition and retention as well as knowledge transfer from an ever aging industry onto younger employees. 2019-02-0400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 23 - 2018 Recap & HighlightsOn today’s episode of the CoB podcast, we recap 2018 with a Podium of our favorite 2018 trends as well as discuss what we believe to be the best technology developments and trends of the year. We finish the episode with some predictions for 2019. Credit: ‘Backbay Lounge’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ 2019-01-1600 min

Generation STEMEpisode 21 - Future of the Grid + Jason AbiecunasHey Closers! Welcome to Episode 21, a follow up on our series breaking down the basics about our electrical grid in the US. In the past episodes we looked at the past/present of our electrical grid, now we're looking to future and we knew from the beginning we'd need to seek expert help. From the dynamic duo that brought you the world-famous kumquat analogy in Episode 19, the COB team is joined again by Jason Abiecunas (AVP and Director of Distributed Energy Resources) to discuss the future of our electrical grid and the period of unprecedented...2018-12-0400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 20 - Engineering in the Developing World (Pt. 2) + Doug Mackenzie As a follow-up to our first installment of the Engineering in the Developing World series, we bring you Part 2 of that series focused on engineering on the global scale, and how that often radically differs from a Westerner’s perspective. In the studio for Epi 20 we have Doug Mackenzie, Electrical Engineer and avid engineering globalist. Doug takes us through his trip with the IEEE-sponsored trip into the remote Himalayan plateaus to install an electric microgrid for the village residents. Doug takes us through the journey to the plateau, interesting obstacles that arose throughout the...2018-11-1300 min

Generation STEMEpisode 19 - Grid Demystified + Jason Abiecunas + Bill RoushHappy Halloween Closers! Welcome to Episode 19, first in a (non-consecutive) series addressing the past, present, and future of our electrical grid in the US. In Episode 19 we focus on a quick look back at the history of our grid and a macro-snapshot of where it is now. Right in time for Halloween, we start off with another installment of our segment, The Podium, focused on the #scaries that make your COB co-hosts pulses quicken. This episode's discussion is focused on the snapshot of our grid as it stands today. Your COB co-hosts are...2018-10-2900 min

Generation STEMEpisode 18 - Engineering in the Developing World (Pt. 1) + Charles MoseleyEpisode 18 kicks off a multi-part (but never sequential) series, because c'mon, we're engineers. This series covers engineering in the developing world and people with firsthand experience in that arena. We start with a quick feedback and updates (F/U) for some loyal Closers, then followed up with a new segment: Resume Busters. The four co-hosts bring in our college resumes and pull no punches when it comes to candid feedback and tips to our Closers who are grinding through the hiring/interview season. To kick off our engineering in the developing world, we sit down...2018-10-1600 min

Generation STEMEpisode 17 - Steve Edwards, CEO of Black & Veatch We’re off to a fast start in Episode 17, not quite as fast as the Chiefs in Weeks 1-3, but we’re close! Episode 17 is chock full with a huge interview that we are excited to bring to our Closers! We start with a quick feedback/updates and a fall-installment of Can’t Lose/Must Wins. Then into our marquee for Episode 17, with the COB co-hosts sitting down with Steve Edwards, CEO of Black & Veatch. We have a very engaging discussion with Steve about his ba...2018-10-0100 min

Generation STEMEpisode 16 - 21st Century Agriculture Part 2 + NextGen Ag + Kim Lovan + Zack Olson It’s Episode 16, and we’re excited to bring in Part 2 of our 21st Century Agriculture series. But before we get there, even more clutch than the Chiefs pummeling the Steelers in Week 2, the results of our COB Twitter poll are in! Listen to see who was crowned the winner of drafting the best fantasy roster of famous scientists/pioneers! This episode brings our follow-up discussion to our previous ‘agricultural innovation in academia’ discussion with a real-world ‘ag startup’ that is breaking ground in providing infrastructure solutions to rapidly expanding indoor agricultural applications. We sit down with Kim Lovan an...2018-09-1700 min

Generation STEMEpisode 15 - 21st Century Agriculture Part 1 + Joseph SandtWelcome to Episode 15, which is the first of a two episode series where we discuss the future of agriculture in the 21st Century. But first, with the most wonderful time of the year beginning (football season), we kick off the episode with our own version of a fantasy football draft where each co-host drafts a 5 person team of the greatest scientists, inventors, and pioneers. We will send out a twitter poll (@cobpodcast) this week where you can vote on which co-host drafted the greatest team of science pioneers! Joseph Sandt, who...2018-09-0500 min

Generation STEMEpisode 14 - Innovation Tools + Hyleme GeorgeIt’s Episode 14 where we breakdown innovation into actual tangible techniques you can use, while skipping the self-referential, pompous jargon that plagues the ‘self-help’ aisle of your favorite bookstore. First we provide some quick Feedback/Updates (F/U) about the controversial Episode 13 debate, including a quick shout out to our new favorite Closer. Hyleme George from the Growth Accelerator sits down with us to discuss what we see as four key components of innovation and how to take your ideas through to creating something tangible. Hyleme gives us insight into his extensive experience with cultivating ideas/teams to cre...2018-08-2000 min

Generation STEMEpisode 13 - 3D Printing + Luis Rodriguez (Ultimaker)Welcome to Episode 13 where we discuss 3D printing and the future impacts it can make on our daily lives. But before we get into that, we give some shootouts to a couple of our new listeners as well have another segment of “Can’t Lose / Must Win”. Luis Rodriguez from the 3D printer manufacturer company Ultimaker is in the studio with us as we dive into 3D printing. We discuss Ultimaker, the technology behind 3D printing, overview of the 3D printing industry as well as the cost breakdown for different classes of printers. Each of us co-hosts pitch o...2018-08-0700 min

Generation STEMEpisode 12 - Black & Veatch Interns + Hyperloop Update It's Episode 12 and it's also mid-ish summer which means that it's a perfect time to catch up with our Black & Veatch summer interns. But before we get there we start off with Feedback/Updates (F/U) and a summer edition of one of our favorite segments: "Can't Lose / Must Win." In the studio for Episode 12 we have Kristen Jones and Sam Fruth, two Black & Veatch summer interns who talk about their experiences, things that have surprised them and what has been keeping them busy this summer. They're working on a lot of excellent philanthropic ventures this summer...2018-07-2400 min

Generation STEMEpisode 11 - Extended Reality + Daniel Gibson Welcome to Episode 11 where we start off with Feedback/Updates (F/U) about a certain Twitter poll that puts the cherry on top of Ryan's recent win in the Episode 10 debates and some quick Shower Thoughts surrounding our AR/VR ideas. The focus of Episode 11 is the dissection of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality with our guest co-host, Mr. Daniel Gibson. Dan one of the resident AR/VR specialists within Black & Veatch and we have him on the show for policing the AR/VR fact from fiction and bringing us up to date on how the engineering/construction...2018-06-2600 min

Generation STEMEpisode 10 - May Madness It's Episode 10 and we're feeling good! We've made it to double digits when it comes to episode count and with that comes Feedback/Updates (F/U) and a very regal State of the Union address where we give our listeners a quick glimpse of our journey to the Episode 10 milestone. Our episode today is all about battle (aka debates) in the coliseum (aka our recording studio) that we're calling May Madness. Engineers love to be right and to debate, and we jump right into both in Episode 10. May Madness puts the co-hosts head-to-head in micro-debates competing to p...2018-06-0100 min

Generation STEMEpisode 9 - Autonomous Vehicles + Frank White III It's Episode 9! We kick it off with Feedback/Updates (F/U) where we bring our listeners' feedback front and center—and all the listeners agree that Aaron has the best radio voice and Kim still can't talk loud enough. Today's episode is focused on autonomous vehicles (AV)—the technology that makes it work, major players, and current versus future capabilities. And as we love to do, this takes us into 'Takes and Debates' (aka T's & D's) about the impacts/disruptions that AV technology represents, everything from the Bill of Rights to organ donors .... we cover it all! ...2018-05-1800 min

Generation STEMEpisode 8 – Office vs Field + Stephanie Wunning + Sam Kaiser + Becca Schmidt At the top of Episode 8, we start with a new segment 'Chef's Kitchen' from Ryan (aka The Chef) as well as a tribute to a science idol/galaxy-brain that we said goodbye to in March. Our topic of discussion for Episode 8 is on the Office versus Field roles for young professionals. We have two interviews from other young professionals for some insight on how they handled that decision and what benefits/challenges they saw. Our first interview is with Stephanie Wunning and Sam Kaiser who are currently in the rotational (office/field) assignment program at Black & Veatch, a...2018-04-2500 min

Generation STEMEpisode 7 - Hyperloop + Drew Thompson We kick off Episode 7 with another installment of The Podium (0:47) recounting our favorite Olympic moments from Pyeongchang. Next, we give our breakdown of what the Hyperloop is and the history of Virgin Hyperloop One (7:35). Confused as to what the difference is? Don’t be; take a listen and level up. It's not like you didn't already know, but Black & Veatch is a member of a coalition to study a Missouri Hyperloop from Kansas City to St. Louis. Wanting to get the inside scoop on the Missouri Hyperloop Feasibility Study, we sat down with Drew Thompson, B&V Pr...2018-03-3000 min

Generation STEMEpisode 6 - @Brew Lab KC with Kevin CombsWe start off Episode 6 with a new segment: Reality Check (01:40) along with another installment of The Podium where we rank our favorite beverages for those hot summer days (10:20). Then we make our way to Brew Lab in Overland Park (KS), we sit down with Kevin Combs (COO) on his home turf and talk about his entrepreneurial journey (15:10), how Brew Lab was started (20:25), and finishing it out with a quiz on the obscure job titles within the micro-brew industry (1:01:30). Follow us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com!2018-03-081h 07

Generation STEMEpisode 5 - New Hire Survival GuideOur first episode of 2018: New Hire Survival Guide! We kick off with Holiday Highs (0:54) and New Year's Resolutions (4:30). Then we get into the good stuff: #realworldproblems (10:04), myth-busters (12:56), professional etiquette (17:43), bathroom etiquette lessons learned (25:44), 'just the tip(s)' (30:23), social outlets/etiquette for YPs (42:46) and closing out with The Podium covering our top annoying office quirks (43:53). Equip yourself with these quick tips and keep your early career on the trajectory you want! Follow us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com!2018-03-0850 min

Generation STEMEpisode 4 - Internship Selection'Tis the season for holiday talk (2:33), Kevin’s rules for holiday parties (3:00) and a holiday-themed installment of The Podium (6:40)! We also get deep into the critical things you should weigh when selecting your next internship (13:15), the unequivocal ‘must haves’ when you complete your internship (23:50) and our 'what not to do’s” applicable to your internship journey (33:30)! Then Kim brings it home with the holiday tech discussion that will prime you for your own holiday parties and impress your boss/nerd friends (38:40). We give you the tech talk ammunition to survive the small-talk gauntlet of the holiday party season!2018-03-0844 min

Generation STEMEpisode 3 - The Job Hunt: Pt. 2It is truly an "embarrassment of riches" scenario: We have way too much insider information for those of you on the job hunt to fit into just one episode. So we've got a bonus episode featuring Black & Veatch’s very own John McLaughlin, Recruitment Manager for our Power/Oil & Gas business lines. John gives us some key tips on navigating and preparing for career fairs and interviews, mostly aimed at our internship-seeking audience. But no worries, my older and wiser friends, we are here to entertain you nonetheless with our Overland Park-famous ‘Podium’ segment—airing our career fair and job appl...2018-03-0827 min

Generation STEMEpisode 2 - The Job Hunt: Pt. 1The CoB gang welcomes Brittany McClanahan, recruitment manager for Black & Veatch’s Power and Oil & Gas business lines, as she discusses and gives our listeners straightforward answers and life hacks when it comes to the recruiting and interview process. Brittany also offers some hot tips on what your resume should look like, the type of information to include, what mistakes to avoid, and answers our networking and interview preparation questions. But don’t worry – we aren’t all business of course (hence our name)…so we decided to go head on and have a heated debate over our favorite candy in t...2018-03-0857 min

Generation STEMEpisode 1 - The College ExperienceEpisode 1 of the Close of Business (CoB) Podcast is part one of a three-part series focused on our college listeners. We discuss what “category” we would have won an Oscar in our senior year of college, and what our go to song was when we were handed the aux cord at a party (4:06-7:58). We then answer questions submitted by college listeners and give advice on how to successfully navigate through engineering school (8:08-29:58). We wrap things up with a little quiz for "Old Man" Aaron in our segment Let’s Have Words (29:58-35:22).2018-03-0836 min

Generation STEMClose of Business Official TrailerWant to know what the Close of Business (CoB) Podcast is all about? Listen to our official trailer.2018-03-0801 min