Shows
The TechEd PodcastAI Can Close the Learning Gap in Underserved Classrooms. But We Have to Guide, Not Just Give - Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetchIn schools with limited resources, large class sizes, and wide differences in student ability, individualized learning has become a necessity. Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to help meet those needs, especially in underserved communities. But the way we introduce those tools matters.This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetch, about how AI can support literacy, comprehension, and real learning outcomes when used with purpose. Sam shares his experience bringing AI education to a rural school in Uganda, where nearly every student had already used AI without formal guidance. The results...2025-07-2948 minThe TechEd PodcastThe Rules for Earning College Credit Are Changing, and Competency (Not Time in Seats) Matters Most - Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore CollegeWith technical education under pressure to deliver skilled talent faster, Lakeshore College is flipping the model—measuring learning by competency, meeting students where they are (even in high school), and using grants + national advocacy to scale the impact.This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College, about the different methods to rapidly upskill a technical workforce. Like Lakeshore's competency-based education (CBE) approach, which has now been adopted by half the college's programs and earned national attention and a White House conversation on scaling CBE.In addition to CBE, we discuss Ro...2025-07-2248 min
Digical EducationLeaders, TechEd, AI, and Future of Learning: Conversation with Matt Kirchner"Leadership is about caring" is the starting point of this conversation with Matt Kirchner, as we discuss TechEd, Innovation in Education, and how AI might impact our work. Matt is the President of ATS, Lab Midwest, and Mission Learning Systems. He is also the host of the TechEd podcast.
2025-07-2229 minThe TechEd PodcastRethinking Risk: How Strategic Guardrails Can Actually Empower Innovation - Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern MutualWhat if audit wasn’t just a watchdog—but a catalyst for innovation, trust, and long-term growth? And what can education learn from it?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual, to explore how risk management, when done right, becomes a strategic advantage. Abim shares his remarkable journey—from growing up in Nigeria and watching Wall Street as a kid, to becoming a lawyer at the SEC, to now leading audit at one of America’s most respected financial institutions.But this...2025-07-1549 minThe TechEd PodcastInside the Tour de France: Strategy, Technology, and the Science of the World’s Toughest Race - Jason Gay, Sports Columnist at The Wall Street JournalWhat does the Tour de France have to do with STEM education? More than you might think.This week, host Matt Kirchner is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist and cycling expert Jason Gay to unpack the world’s most demanding sporting event: the Tour de France. They break down everything from team tactics to jersey competitions to the breathtaking drama expected in this year’s race—highlighting the fierce rivalry between defending champion Tadej Pogačar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard.Along the way, they explore the surprising connections between elite cycling and STE...2025-06-2446 minThe TechEd Podcast"Open to Anything" = Hired for Nothing: Accelerate Your Career Search with Smarter NetworkingSubmit your question for Ask Us Anything!Networking can be the best way to land your first (or next) big job, but are you going about it the wrong way?Too often, networking conversations end the same way: the other person says, “I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I hear of anything that fits.”You nod, thank them… and never hear from them again.So what went wrong—and more importantly, what can you do better?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, M...2025-06-1724 minThe TechEd PodcastAI Engineering: The Emerging Field Poised to Secure America’s AI Advantage - Pramod Khargonekar, ERVA Co-Principal Investigator and Vice Chancellor for Research at UC IrvineA new era is emerging where engineering drives AI—and AI transforms engineeringThis week Matt Kirchner is joined by Dr. Pramod Khargonekar—Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Irvine and lead author of the ERVA report AI Engineering: A Strategic Research Framework to Benefit Society. Dr. Khargonekar unpacks the emerging discipline of AI Engineering, where engineering principles make AI better, and AI makes engineered systems better.From robotics and energy systems to engineering education and data sharing, this episode dives into the flywheel effect of AI and engineering co-evolving. Pramod explains the real-world impact, the...2025-06-1055 minThe TechEd PodcastThe 5 Strategies Driving Transformative K-12 Education - Dr. Annalies Corbin, Founder of the PAST FoundationWhat do all high-impact, disruptive—and sustainable—K-12 programs have in common?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Annalies Corbin, founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation and author of Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life. With more than 25 years of experience transforming how students learn, Dr. Corbin offers a bold, research-backed framework for schools to break away from obsolete models and embrace learning that’s applied, relevant, and enduring.From student agency to transdisciplinary teaching, she unpacks five core strategies that successful, long-lasting innova...2025-06-0354 minThe TechEd PodcastRebuilding Higher Education Around Solving Real-World Problems - Dr. Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning at Worcester Polytechnic InstituteWhat happens when a university rethinks the whole higher ed model rebuilds it around hands-on, project-based learning?Matt Kirchner dives into the bold model pioneered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute with Dr. Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning. A biochemist turned curriculum innovator, Kris has spent nearly two decades helping WPI embed real-world projects into every stage of a student’s education.From first-year seminars on global challenges to immersive junior-year team projects with community partners around the world, WPI’s model turns students into creators, collaborators, and critical thinkers from day...2025-05-2040 minThe TechEd PodcastHow to Build & Grow an Industry-Aligned CTE Program - Maroun Nehme, Director of Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics at BPHSHost Matt Kirchner sits down with Maroun Nehme, Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics teacher at Buena Park High School in California. Maroun has built one of the most impressive high school mechatronics & robotics programs in the country—complete with a structured 3-year pathway, hands-on labs, and SACA and FANUC certifications that prepare students directly for today’s workforce.But the learning doesn’t stay inside the classroom. Maroun leverages the power of social media, videos and events to turn his students’ achievements into powerful stories that resonate with parents, employers, and the broader community—growing support and enrollment year after...2025-05-1345 minThe TechEd PodcastInside the Bipartisan Push for America’s Skilled Workforce - U.S. Senator Tammy BaldwinHow do we build bipartisan momentum to support the future of CTE?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a national leader and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. Drawing from her personal upbringing in a STEM-focused household and her decades of public service, Senator Baldwin shares why CTE is essential to our economic future.Senator Baldwin offers a candid look at how federal policy is influencing the future of technical education. She discusses the uncertain outlook for...2025-05-0624 minThe TechEd PodcastChanging Tariffs Will Impact Technical Education—Here’s What to Do About ItWhat do tariffs have to do with technical education? A lot more than you might think.As U.S. trade policy shifts, it’s not just manufacturers who will feel the effects—STEM and technical education programs will too. From rising equipment costs to a surge in demand for skilled talent, today’s tariff decisions could reshape how we train tomorrow’s workforce.In this episode, Matt Kirchner explores five critical ways that educators should be preparing for the ripple effects of tariffs. It’s a wake-up call to start thinking strategically, update your curri...2025-04-2238 minThe TechEd PodcastAI Regulation Can Wait—But Education Reform Can’t - State Senator Julian BradleyState Senator Julian Bradley joins Matt Kirchner for a wide-ranging conversation on how policymakers should be thinking about AI, energy, and education. Bradley explains why his committee chose not to recommend regulation of AI, how this move differs from other states, and how artificial intelligence could help solve workforce shortages in critical sectors like healthcare, public safety, and manufacturing.The conversation also explores the future of nuclear energy as a clean, scalable power source—especially as data centers and advanced industries drive up demand. Bradley shares his push for small modular reactors and the bipartisan momentum behind nu...2025-04-1552 minThe TechEd PodcastMicrosoft, the Packers, and the Venture Firm Betting on Midwest Innovation - Jill Enos, Managing Partner of TitletownTechWhat happens when a legendary NFL team partners with a tech giant to fuel regional innovation?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Jill Enos, Managing Partner at TitletownTech — the one-of-a-kind venture firm backed by the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. Jill unpacks how TitletownTech is redefining early-stage investing by embedding startups directly into industry, education, and community. From AI labs and autonomous robotics to sustainable agtech and nuclear fusion, Jill reveals how the Midwest is quietly leading a new era of tech-driven economic development.Listen to learn:...2025-04-0148 minThe TechEd PodcastWhat Rising Tariffs Mean for Companies, Workers, and the Future of Trade - John Murphy, SVP & Head of International at the U.S. Chamber of CommerceWith tariffs back in the spotlight, what’s their real impact on trade, business, and jobs? Are they a necessary tool for protecting American industry, or do they do more harm than good?This week, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Murphy, Senior Vice President, Head of International for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to break down the complex world of tariffs and trade policy. With decades of experience in global trade, John sheds light on the history, purpose, and unintended consequences of tariffs.From manufacturing to agriculture, tariffs have ripple effects across in...2025-03-1843 minThe TechEd PodcastThe Athlete’s Mindset in the Classroom: The Power of Confidence, Goal-Setting and Positivity in STEM - Kathy Meyers, Teacher at Corner Canyon High SchoolWhy do so many students (and adults) believe they “just aren’t good at math”? How can educators shift that mindset and build confidence in STEM learning?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Kathy Meyers, a veteran high school teacher who blends sports psychology with math instruction to help students overcome self-doubt, develop resilience, and master problem-solving—critical skills for both the classroom and the workforce.Kathy shares how techniques used by elite athletes—positive self-talk, goal-setting, and focus strategies—can transform student outcomes in STEM education. F...2025-03-1141 minThe TechEd PodcastBaseball’s Infamous Scandal Inspired Its Biggest Tech Breakthrough...And Changed the Game Forever - John Hankins, Co-Inventor & Owner of PitchComWith sign-stealing scandals shaking Major League Baseball, the game needed a solution. Enter PitchCom, the cutting-edge communication technology that’s changing the way baseball is played.In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Hankins, co-inventor and owner of PitchCom, to unpack the surprising origins of the technology (it was inspired by John's stage mentalism experience!), the innovative and unhackable tech that comprises the PitchCom system, and why it has completely changed the game of baseball. Beyond baseball, PitchCom is a case study in applied technology—how engin...2025-03-0444 minThe TechEd PodcastThe Right Idea, The Right Founder: How Undercapitalized Entrepreneurs are Getting Their Shot - Jennifer Abele & Raquel Filmanowicz, Managing Partners at VC 414Venture capital is the engine behind many of the world’s most innovative startups—but only 2% of VC funding goes to women-led businesses. Why does this gap exist, and how do we fix it?This week Matt sits down with Jennifer Abele and Raquel Filmanowicz, Founders and Managing Partners of VC 414, a firm dedicated to funding women, minority, veteran, and LGBTQ entrepreneurs. They break down how venture capital really works, what makes a startup investable, and how educators can help the next generation of founders succeed.If you’re teaching entrepreneurship, mentoring young innova...2025-02-2544 minThe TechEd PodcastHow Your Morning Coffee Could Kickstart a Student’s Career - Mike Franz, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at ShopFloor CoffeeWith coffee fueling the shop floor, can it also fuel the future of manufacturing?This week, Matt Kirchner is joined by ShopFloor Coffee Co-Founder Mike Franz as they explore the intersection of coffee, manufacturing, and workforce development. What started as a side project quickly became a nationwide movement to support technical education and career awareness in manufacturing—all through a product that shop workers already know and love.From the early morning rituals of manufacturing professionals to the power of branding that truly speaks to the industry, Mike shares how ShopFloor Coffee is br...2025-02-0445 minThe TechEd PodcastThe AI Cure for Healthcare’s Cost Crisis - Rick Anderson, Chairman and CEO of The Hive HealthThis marks a milestone 200th episode of The TechEd Podcast! Matt Kirchner is joined by Rick Anderson, CEO of The Hive Health, to explore how transparency and technology are reshaping healthcare. Rick shares how The Hive Health uses AI and data-driven insights to negotiate fair pricing for medical devices, save providers millions of dollars, and help health systems remain viable—even in underserved communities. It’s a game-changing model that’s keeping hospitals open, providers supported, and patients cared for.This conversation highlights lessons from healthcare innovation that educators and employers can apply across industries. Learn how emergi...2025-01-2150 minThe TechEd PodcastDemystifying Nuclear Power: Recommissioning, SMRs, and a Clean Energy Future - Patrick O'Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications at Holtec InternationalWith energy consumption skyrocketing and sustainability challenges becoming more pressing, nuclear energy is once again in the spotlight.But while its potential is undeniable, there's still a lot of public misperception of nuclear. For many, the words "nuclear energy" conjure outdated fears that overlook decades of innovation, safety advancements, and the vast opportunities in nuclear power today. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Patrick O’Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications at Holtec International, to demystify nuclear energy and explore its transformative potential as a cornerstone of cl...2025-01-1543 minThe TechEd PodcastForget “That’s How We’ve Always Made It” and Teach the Design Freedom of 3D Printing - Shon Anderson, CEO of B9CreationsWhen used to its full potential, additive manufacturing can revolutionize the way we design and make things. But too often, educators and manufacturers are stuck in old ways of thinking.In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner welcomes Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations, to discuss how 3D printing is advancing both industry and education. From manufacturing precise components for medical devices and aerospace to equipping students with in-demand skills, Shon explains how reliable 3D printing technology can transform outcomes in any setting.Together, Matt and Shon explore the real...2025-01-0746 minThe TechEd Podcast13 Predictions for Technical Education in 2025As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time for our annual predictions episode! What trends will shape technical education, industry, and workforce development in the year to come?This week, Matt dives into the most pressing topics for 2025: from AI in education, to economic and workforce trends, to new technologies to keep an eye on. With 13 predictions grounded in data, this episode will get you ready for the year to come.Listen to learn:Why applied AI is set to dominate STEM education in 2025The surprising ways EV training and inf...2024-12-3149 minThe TechEd PodcastWhen Science Fiction Becomes Reality: AI, XR and the Path to the Singularity - Toshi Hoo, Director of the Emerging Media Lab at Institute for the FutureAre we ready for a world where AI and technology shape every corner of our lives?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Toshi Hoo, Director of the Emerging Media Lab at the Institute for the Future, to explore how technology is transforming the way we communicate, collaborate, and connect. From the breakthroughs of generative AI to the concept of the singularity, Toshi shares cutting-edge insights into what’s next for humanity—and why curiosity might be the most important skill of all.With decades of e...2024-12-1743 minThe TechEd PodcastAdvanced Manufacturing Breakthroughs to "Solve the Big Problems" - Bill Peter, Director for Advanced Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National LaboratoryReady to hear some of the most cutting-edge advancements in 3D printing, bio-materials and smart systems? Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Bill Peter, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). From large-scale 3D printing to the use of bio-based materials, Dr. Peter is leading initiatives that are redefining the possibilities of manufacturing. He shares how ORNL is not just solving technical challenges but also reshaping the skills pipeline to meet the demands of tomorrow’s manufacturing jobs.With a mission statement "solving the big problems," ORNL is exploring the con...2024-12-1050 minThe TechEd PodcastMade in America: The Economic and Workforce Benefits of Reshoring Manufacturing - Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring InitiativeWith U.S. manufacturing facing a potential shortfall of 7.5 million skilled workers, how can we bring jobs back and build the workforce to sustain them?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Harry Moser, founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative, to explore the critical intersection of reshoring manufacturing, workforce development, and technological advancement. With decades of experience in manufacturing and workforce advocacy, Harry shares actionable insights for educators, policymakers, and business leaders aiming to strengthen America’s industrial future.From addressing workforce shortages to overcoming supply ch...2024-12-0346 minThe TechEd PodcastWhere Art Meets Engineering: How Creativity Fuels Precision in Swiss Machining - George Media, VP of Operations at Tsugami AmericaIs creativity the most underrated skill in machining?This week, Matt dives deep into the world of Swiss machining with George Media, Vice President of Operations for Tsugami America. They explore how this innovative machining method, originally designed for crafting intricate watch parts, has evolved into a versatile tool for manufacturing precision components in medical, aerospace, and beyond. George shares insights on the role of creativity, the growing demand for Swiss machining expertise, and how technical education programs can adapt to meet industry needs.Listen to learn:The surprising role...2024-11-2634 minThe TechEd PodcastBeyond the Buzz: The Real State of Artificial Intelligence, and 9 Insights To Move Us ForwardFrom boardrooms to classrooms, AI is making waves—but what do organizational leaders really think of artificial intelligence?In this episode, host Matt Kirchner goes beyond the buzzwords to share real data and insights from a groundbreaking research report on artificial intelligence. From industry leaders to educators, discover what people at the forefront of AI are saying about its impact—and learn what it takes to turn potential into progress. Packed with trends, challenges, and actionable takeaways, this episode is your playbook for navigating AI’s transformative era.Listen to learn:Why 62% of lea...2024-11-1944 minThe TechEd PodcastHow to Attract and Support Diverse Talent in Manufacturing - Mariana Cogan, Chief Marketing Officer of Hexagon Manufacturing IntelligenceWith 600,000 job openings in manufacturing, could women be the solution to closing the talent gap?Host Matt Kirchner dives into this question with Mariana Cogan, Chief Marketing Officer at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Mariana brings a unique global perspective to workforce development and shares her strategies for making manufacturing a more inclusive, appealing career path.From brand transformation to mentorship and flexible work policies, Mariana explains how manufacturers can position themselves to attract and retain diverse talent—and why this mission matters now more than ever.Listen to learn:Why manufacturing's wo...2024-11-1238 minThe TechEd PodcastHuman Skills Amplified by Automation and AI - J. Craig McAtee, CEO & Executive Director of NCATCWhat if the future of work isn’t about replacing people, but amplifying their potential? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with J. Craig McAtee, CEO and Executive Director of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC).Craig, a national thought leader in technical education, discusses why amplifying human skills is the future of workforce development and why industry-education partnerships are more critical than ever. Broadcasting from NCATC's annual conference, they explore how today's tech leaders are investing in the skills of tomorrow’s workforce.Will...2024-10-2934 min