Shows
Hands-On Techie TalksThe Case Of The Mysterious SeedsWhere did those mysterious seed packets come from that were appearing on people's doorsteps last year? Why did one brand's plantable seed packaging disappear from stores altogether, leaving a giant space where it used to be? In this episode, we solve these mysteries together and uncover a larger theme of invasive species and why what we plant and where matters. Co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar also discuss what it is like to be a sustainable designer and uncover how where your products go can mean the difference between a design being helpful or harmful. 2021-06-0814 minHands-On Techie TalksWhat Is Sustainable Packaging?Have you ever wondered what sustainable packaging is and why it matters? In this episode of Hands-On Techie Talks, learn all about how plants have aided in the development of innovative packaging that is meant to support our Earth. Hear co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar discuss sustainable buying and all about the choices that they have to make as designers and innovators. 2021-06-0114 minHands-On Techie TalksMeet Auto Oscar (Part 2)In this two-part episode, our co-hosts record together for the very first time at The STEAM Connection headquarters. Co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar record this episode with their masks on and surrounded by lots of robots. During this episode, we get to learn more about Auto Oscar and its "crazy fun wacky" design elements, like wheel leaves featuring Sticky Notes! We also get to meet a toilet paper tube robot by Danielle that has "binocular vibes" and sports a top hat. Hear our co-hosts chat about all things Shrek (?!!), feeling good about yourself, and a new invention in...2021-05-1815 minHands-On Techie TalksMeet Auto Oscar (Part 1)In this two-part episode, our co-hosts record together for the very first time at The STEAM Connection headquarters. Despite living in the same city, Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar have never recorded a podcast episode together because of the pandemic. During a photo shoot for a new podcast cover, though, that changed as the girls record an episode with their masks on and surrounded by lots of robots. During this episode, we get to meet an exciting new robot named Auto Oscar, designed by Vinaya, that cleans up recyclables off of school floors and talks to you. Learn more...2021-05-1111 minHands-On Techie TalksAfter Earth Day: Let's Focus on Kindness (Part 2)Last week, we released our first post-Earth Day reflection with our co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar. This week, we are back with our second and final part! This episode is all about kindness, health, treating others and yourself with love, and self-care by doing what you enjoy! Our hosts talk about their love for designing and making, all about eating candy in moderation and how to treat your body kindly, and how their parents have crazy juicing habits!2021-05-0414 minHands-On Techie TalksAfter Earth Day: Keep Creating (Part 1)Our last two episodes focused on Earth Day and how to celebrate it and on different types of environmental activism. This week, we look at the first part in a two part episode on post-Earth Day reflections with our co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar and discover how they celebrated Earth Day. We also get to hear about their inventions, what they are currently creating to help others, sustainable design tips, and so much more. Next week, we will hear part two. It is all about kindness and health! 2021-04-2814 minHands-On Techie TalksIt's Almost Earth Day: How Can I Help Others?Earth Day is fast approaching and our co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar decide to celebrate by chatting about all things environmental activism. They discuss different types of activism, environmental issues to care about, and actionable steps to take to help others no matter how young you may be. Also, for the very first time, our episode has an "after the episode" feature that shows behind-the-scenes footage of Danielle and Vinaya talking about everything from singing badly to bubblegum currency. We hope you laugh as much as we did. Happy Earth Day, everyone!2021-04-2115 minHands-On Techie TalksWhat Is Hydroponics?Learn about hydroponics in our continuation of our growth mini-series that focuses on all things plants with our young co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar. Listen to them delve into different types of hydroponics, how NASA grows plants in space, and why caring for our Earth, those around us, and ourselves matters. 2021-04-0714 minHands-On Techie TalksGrowing a Great WorldWelcome to season two of the podcast where we will be delving into a new mini-series on growth, focused around plants, gardening, and farming. This is a topic that our co-hosts see integrated heavily into their cultures and have seen throughout their childhood especially but have not spent much time discovering, especially in their pursuit of engineering. Join them on their journey of education, featuring special guests, as they learn about the world around them and how that relates to their cultures. In this episode, Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar introduce the new season and series and test their...2021-03-3117 minHands-On Techie TalksWhat Does An Engineers Day Look Like?To celebrate our 20th episode, we created special bonus content that discovers what an engineer's day and life really looks like. In this episode, we hear from our co-hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar chat with engineers Robert Maldonado (@virtualflatcad) and Michelle Chuang about all things engineering, student life, mental health, and what it is like being a minority. This is an episode that you don't want to miss!2021-03-2431 minHands-On Techie TalksWhat is Plastic Technology?We are continuing a month-long plastic series to talk about things like single-use plastics and what they are, what recycling really means, and more. This episode focuses on plastic technology, the history of plastic, and different types of plastic. This is an episode that you do not want to miss as we hear from our hosts Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar on why they are passionate about environmental activism and using their skills for good.2021-03-1019 minHands-On Techie TalksWhat is Single-Use Plastic?We are starting a month-long plastic series to talk about things like single-use plastics and what they are, what recycling really means, and more. This is really important information to know as more and more plastic pollutes our air, our water, and our land. Being aware and advocating for change will help us make a big difference! Today we are going to be focusing on single-use plastics and what they are. Many environmental activists you see in the media and on platforms like Instagram and TikTok want to ban single plastic, but why is this such a popular issue...2021-02-2316 minHands-On Techie TalksUsing Technology to Save Animals from ExtinctionHear from our two young co-hosts Vinaya Gunasekar and Danielle Boyer as they explore biodiversity, habitat loss, and saving our animals. Our animals are going extinct quickly, and technology such as drones can offer the answers to help us keep an eye on at-risk animals like the orangutan. They go over simple steps that you can take to conserve land by watching what you eat and wear. Follow along with this episode with our fun worksheet.This podcast is sponsored by The STEAM Connection where we create diverse, accessible, and affordable Science, Technology, Engineering Art...2021-02-1013 minHands-On Techie TalksFull STEAM AheadWe know you're interested in STEAM learning and you've come to the right place for that, but what do you do from there? What kind of resources should you use for your continued learning? Hear Danielle Boyer and Vinaya Gunasekar talk about their favorite educational resources in every area of STEAM and how you can get involved too. Some of the resources are free, some are not, but either way, this is the perfect episode for you to learn about where to get your robots, which books to read, and so much more. Learn more.T...2020-11-2512 min