Shows
Voices of 2 BlocksEquity, Ethics, Engagement in AIOur 4th Design Redefined seminar, a collaboration between Innovators for Purpose, the MIT Museum, and MIT MAD, featured a dynamic panel discussion led by Raechel Walker and Daniella DiPaola, both Ph.D. students at the MIT Media Lab, along with Wendell Joseph, a visionary thinker, dreamer, educator, designer, and strategic advisor. iFp's Emerging Innovator, Ramzey, expertly moderated the session. Together, they initiated a dialogue that set the stage for a transformative approach to AI development.The conversation covered a range of critical topics, including:Inclusion as a catalyst for innovation in AI.Strategies for overcoming barriers...2024-03-2147 minVoices of 2 BlocksNavigating the Intersection of AI and EducationCo-Hosts: iFp Emerging Innovators Jeanette and HermelaGuest: Daniella DiPaola, PhD candidate, MIT Media LabOverviewIn this episode, Daniella shares her journey and research at the intersection of AI, education, and ethics. With a background in Biomedical Engineering and Engineering Psychology as well as experience in robotics, Daniella emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in AI development and its application in educational settings.Key Points Discussed:AI's Role in Education: Insights into how AI technologies like chatbots and predictive systems are being integrated into educational systems...2024-02-1550 minVoices of 2 BlocksBeyond Algorithms: Marlyse Reeves on Building Equitable AIWelcome back to "Voices of Two Blocks," this season, our co-hosts are taking us on a journey into the fascinating world of AI and community. In this episode, we're thrilled to have Marlyse Reeves, a PhD candidate at MIT, sharing her inspiring journey from a science fiction enthusiast to a trailblazer in AI and technology.Our conversation spans a variety of compelling topics, including: Marlyse's Story: From Aerospace to AI - Discover how Marlyse's early love for science fiction and proximity to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory shaped her initial dreams and led her to the world...2024-01-251h 01Voices of 2 BlocksNew Beginnings, Bold Ideas: The Voices of 2 Blocks Sets the Stage for Season 3The Voices of 2 Blocks is back! Tune in as our amazing co-hosts share what they have been up to and unveil an exciting new theme for Season 3. Get ready for a season packed with captivating discussions and novel insights.2024-01-1813 min
THINK Business with Jon DwoskinArtificial intelligence Gabriel Cowan is the CEO of Audio Design Desk, which won 2022 NAB Product of the Year, CES Innovator and Fast Company’s “Next Big Thing In Tech” with its AI-assisted software suite that reinvents the process of creating audio for video. It comes with over 50,000 royalty-free sounds, loops, and music cues and is integrated into most audio and video editing systems. Used on Netflix, HBOMax, Amazon Prime, and others, ADD gives creatives the ability to perform sound design, sound effects, and music in real-time, turning hours of tedious work into minutes of immersive fun. Gabriel is also a Sund...2023-11-0323 minVoices of 2 BlocksVoices of 2 Blocks Season 2 Finale: Turning Ideas to Actions - Advocating for Educational EquitySeason 2 of ‘Voices of 2 Blocks’ is now a wrap, and it truly has been an amazing journey! Our talented co-hosts have facilitated enlightening conversations with some of the most influential folks in Cambridge. They’ve shed insight into their guest’s thinking on educational equity and discussed ways of moving past ideas to action. In the season finale, our co-host reflects on the journey of the season and shares experiences that have shaped their perspectives. They reintroduce “Pathways to Potential,” a strategic framework aimed at exposing students, starting at Kindergarten, to a variety of educational and career opportunities...2023-06-2840 minVoices of 2 BlocksYouth Matters: Empowering Future Generations in Cambridge with City Manager Yi-An HuangJoin us for an engaging and insightful episode of the Voices 2 Blocks podcast, where our co-hosts have the privilege of sitting down with Yi-An Huang, the City Manager of Cambridge. With extensive experience in healthcare, education, and consulting, Yi-An brings a fresh new perspective to the City government. Throughout the podcast, we explore various topics, including our esteemed guest’s journey to becoming the City Manager. We shed light on the unique role of the City Manager in Cambridge's government and delve into the city's annual budget process, examining the allocation of funds to the school system and...2023-05-3143 minVoices of 2 BlocksTwo Tales, One Goal: Creating Equitable Communities in Cambridge and Boston with Chimel IdiokitasCambridge has been known as the “tale of two cities for decades.” On the one hand, it is home to world-renowned universities, cutting-edge science and tech companies, and an affluent population. On the other hand, it struggles with social and economic disparities, including educational inequality and a lack of affordable housing. This challenge is shared with our neighbor across the river, Boston, which has its own version of a “tale of two cities.” To gain further insight, we had the opportunity to speak with Chimel Idiokitas, the Assistant Vice President for City & Community Engagement at Northeastern University (NEU). Ch...2023-05-0358 minVoices of 2 BlocksThe Role of Listening in Community Engagement: Insights from Andrea WindhausenAndrea Windhausen, Senior Community Manager at BioMed Realty shares fascinating insights and lessons learned from her years of working with the community in various capacities. She truly embodies the first step in our design process - listening. What sets 2 Blocks apart from other initiatives that have attempted to address Cambridge’s tale of two Cities story is our focus on amplifying the voice of those most impacted - the youth. That’s why we named our podcast, "Voices of 2 Blocks." In each episode, our co-hosts boldly speak truth to power with conviction and wisdom beyond their years. Appa...2023-04-1239 minVoices of 2 BlocksInsights from a Multi-Faceted Education Expert: A Conversation with Caroline Hunter, Cambridge School Committee Member, Retired Teacher/Administrator and CPS ParentSchool Committee Member Caroline Hunter sheds so many insights in this episode that one must listen to it multiple times. She recounts the genesis of the first Student Data Report, which she and her colleagues produced in 1986/87. The report highlighted major educational inequalities within the Cambridge School District, and dubbed the District as "a tale of two cities."She takes us to the present day, where educational disparities still persist, and are made more complex by the layers of bureaucracy that have been added. The interview leaves little doubt that Member Hunter is primed and...2023-03-0852 minVoices of 2 BlocksRowing in the Same Direction, but We're Not a Good Crew Team with Tom EvansTom Evans, Executive Director of the Cambridge Redevelopment Authority, sheds interesting insights into a number of areas including Cambridge's coordination problem. He says, we are rowing in the same direction but we're like a bunch of kyaks in the Charles River. Better coordination of efforts like a good crew team could move us closer to our goal. 2023-02-2247 minVoices of 2 Blocks2 Blocks: Lessons Learned Over the Past Year and MoreOur co-hosts reflect on the past year and discuss lessons learned. Hang on until the end for their BIG announcement.2023-02-0821 minVoices of 2 BlocksI Want to See the Future Happen Now, with Ryan McQuadeIn our latest episode, Ryan McQuade Designer, Illustrator, and Educator at RLMG talks to our co-hosts about his involvement in iFp's early days and 2 Blocks since its inception. Ryan speaks about+ differences between Creating Shared Value (CSV) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) as mindset versus compliance. + his unique perspective in shaping college curriculums. + challenges of internship programs. + and much more.Ryan marvels at the team's dedication and commitment to the work and concludes with a beautiful quote, "I want to see the future happen now." 2022-12-1451 minVoices of 2 BlocksDisparities between Kendall / The Port and more, With Mayor Sumbul Siddiqui, City of CambridgeMayor Siddiqui covers a wide range of issues from Universal Pre-K, Achievement Gaps, Disparities between Kendall / The Port, and more. 2022-12-0734 minVoices of 2 BlocksBreaking Outside of Our Silos and Being Open Minded, With Tarikh Campbell, Sr. Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, MicrosoftTarikh Campbell, Sr. Diversity and Inclusion Program Manager, Microsoft talks to the Voices of 2 Blocks team about Insights about the 2 Blocks Project from its beginnings Breaking Outside of Our SilosCorporate Social Responsibility vs Creating Shared ValueBeing Open Minded and more.2022-11-3052 minVoices of 2 BlocksHow Might We Get More Business Engagement in Our Learning? With Jess Pina, Tank Design HR Talent ManagerOur co-host starts Season 2 with Jess Pina, HR Talent Manager at Tank Design. Jess and Tank have been involved in 2 Blocks for over a year. What keeps them coming back? How might Tank be more involved in our learning? In spite of the momentum, what's holding us back from moving forward?2022-11-2348 min
IT TECH TALKGabriel Cowan CEO at Audio Design DeskGabriel Cowan is the CEO of Audio Design Desk, which won 2022 NAB Product of the Year, CES Innovator, and Fast Company’s “Next Big Thing In Tech” with its AI-assisted software suite that reinvents the process of creating audio for video. It comes with over 50,000 royalty-free sounds, loops, and music cues and is integrated into most audio and video editing systems. Used on Netflix, HBOMax, Amazon Prime, and others ADD gives creatives the ability to perform sound design, sound effects, and music in real time, turning hours of tedious work into minutes of immersive fun.
Gabr...2022-11-0231 minVoices of 2 Blocks2 Blocks Summit: Bringing Key Stakeholders To The Table, Part IIAfter the Summit, iFp Teens Jennat and Hermela had an opportunity to speak with several of our guests. In 2 Blocks Summit Part II, our co-host share reflections from discussions withDr. Victoria Greer, Superintendent CPSDr. Nicole Gittens Assistant Superintendent CPS Ayesha Wilson, School Committee Member Jess Pina, HR Talent Manager Tank DesignRyan McQuade, Designer / Illustrator, RLMG Geoff Donegan, Executive Creative Director, Tank Design. Sadly, this episode also marks the end of Season 1. We have had so much fun telling the story of 2 Blocks and connecting with you. In Season 2, we will continue telling the story and...2022-06-0830 minVoices of 2 Blocks2 Blocks Summit: Bringing Key Stakeholders To The Table, Part IIt finally happened. We had Cambridge Public Schools Administrators, City of Cambridge, Cambridge Public Library, Policy Makers and business community in one room. Our guest came expecting to lean back and listen, however quickly they realized it was time to lean forward and talk.iFp Teens Jennat and Hermela break down the Summit which was composed of three discussion blocks. 1) Disconnects between school and relevant learning, community and business, money invested in school, results and more.2) Creating Shared Value a business strategy that enhances the competitive position of the company while at the s...2022-05-2519 minVoices of 2 BlocksCan Creating Shared Value Change the 2 Blocks Narrative? Part 2, With Gretchen Cook-Anderson, Executive Director Lab Central IgniteiFp Teens Jennat and Hermela continue talking to leaders from Kendall Square to raise awareness of the 2 Blocks narrative and gain insights into KSQ companies social impact strategies. Our hosts explore the differences between corporate social responsibility and a relatively new business philosophy called creating shared value. They ask can shifting to a creating shared value model increase participation in the innovation economy?In episode 3, we welcome Gretchen Cook-Anderson, Executive Director Lab Central Ignite in Cambridge, MA.2022-04-1547 minVoices of 2 BlocksCan Creating Shared Value Change the 2 Blocks Narrative? Part 1, With Wendy Richard, Director, CSR & Community Relations @SanofiHow much of a difference can 2 Blocks from the most innovative square mile on the planet make? From our research, a lot!Cambridge, MA is known as home to MIT, Harvard and Kendall Square aka the most innovative square mile on the planet. Not as widely known is its tale of two cities story. Disparities in education credentials translate to a striking gap in access to the innovation economy. Less than 5% of Cambridge Black adults work in the innovation economy.Over the next several episodes iFp Teens Jennat and Hermela will be talking to leaders...2022-03-3157 minVoices of 2 BlocksWho's Impacted the Most?Whose Impacted the Most?1) Equity vs. Equality2) Students Stuck in a Bubble3) New Schools Same Learning4) Racial Achievement Gaps within School District2022-03-0723 minVoices of 2 BlocksVoices of 2 Blocks TeaseriFp Teens Jennat and Eliana teases what's to come.2022-02-1413 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaWhat To Wear?! It’s Opening Night!It’s a star-studded extravaganza on the red (no wait…yellow) carpet. Time Square is completely transformed into Zoey’s version of Pandora. But all that glamour is barely masking the rampant tension backstage. The pressure is crushing as the recently voiceless diva, Emma-Olivia, prepares to take the stage on Opening Night. But where is she? And just how many push-ups with Stavros do before it’s curtain up? Will Kay even acknowledge Bobby’s existence? And is that really Charles, reappearing after his many months away after the botched dimpleplasty surgery?For the full cast & creat...2021-05-0642 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaI’m In TechWhat happens when you’re only days away from first performance and your diva star loses her voice from non-stop hysterical behavior? Will Stavros’s star continue to rise and rise…while Emma Olivia becomes more and more unhinged?? Will Bobby order Calamari? Banshee wrangler Bill Berloni has no time to contemplate these important thoughts, as he’s completely consumed with Banshee flying and underwater training. For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.As The Cu...2021-04-2227 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaPress Day Has ArrivedIt’s Press Day which means that Opening Night is fast approaching. Exciting for sure….however unhinged, behind-the-scenes drama is at an all-time high. Who’s pushing Bobby’s buttons? What’s going on between Zoey and Andrew Barth Feldman? Is Emma-Olivia really 4 years older than Stavros? And is agent Maxwell Fernsby stepping into his boss’s slick shoes or is he stepping into something far less savory? For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.2021-04-1539 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaMoney, Money, MoneyBig Broadway Musicals don’t simply happen. Aside from all else, it’s an all-consuming monster challenge – to say the least – to raise the money to put on the show. But Producer Steve Jones has a few tricks up his sleeve to score the needed cash. Good thing the producers have a secret weapon who may solve their fundraising problems (and, undoubtedly, create many others!). Enter Stavros. For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.A...2021-04-0822 min
Moonfire: A Creative Podcast For All Of HumanityInés VogelfangInés Vogelfang is a Brooklyn-based filmmaker and film editor originally from Argentina. Some of the short documentaries she directed and edited were screened at various international film festivals. She was also part of the editing team in feature documentaries that went onto IFP labs and various International Film Festivals. With “You Play Here”, her interactive documentary about immigration and the public space, she was part of DCTV’s Documentary WIP Lab with Yance Ford. She was also a 2019-2020 mentee at the Karen Schmeer Diversity in the Edit Room Fellowship. inesvogelfang.com.Moonfire: A Creative...2021-04-0725 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaBONUS - BPN Live Event with the ATCR CastOriginally streamed live on Jan 14th, 2021, cast members Alex Brightman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Lesli Margherita, Michael Urie, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ramin Karimloo and a few surprise guests joined us for a fun chat about episodes 1 through 8. Watch the original video here: https://youtu.be/hbnguUYIHnMFor the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.As The Curtain Rises proudly supports The Actor's Fund, the Broadway Podcast Network Frontline Initiative, and is a...2021-01-2859 min
Deep Dive BroadwayAs The Curtain Rises: Alex Brightman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Lesli Margherita, Sarah Stiles, Michael Urie, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ramin Karimloo and surprise guestsOriginally streamed live on Jan 14th, 2021, cast members Alex Brightman, Andrew Barth Feldman, Lesli Margherita, Michael Urie, Lillias White, James Monroe Iglehart, Ramin Karimloo and a few surprise guests joined us for a fun chat about episodes 1 through 8. Watch the original video here: https://youtu.be/hbnguUYIHnMThe Broadway Podcast Network is reuniting the cast of Broadway's First-Ever Digital Soap Opera, AS THE CURTAIN RISES, for a delightful live event with the star-studded cast worthy only of the fabulously dishy and utterly delectable binge worthy shenanigans it represents. AS THE CURTAIN RISES episodes are available every Thursday...2021-01-2859 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaRed, White, and No BlueStavros has completely enthralled the Avvatar team and Emma Olivia couldn’t be more thrilled! Well, no, not exactly….but she’s an actress and she can pretend! Speaking of pretending, Bobby and Kay are busy pretending that Thomas isn’t a problem. Steve and Cheryl are pretending they were never worried. And ambitious Maxwell Fernsby comes up against a brick wall. For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.As The Curtain Rises...2021-01-1519 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaGod, I Hope I Get ItAuditions for Avvatar are finally here—how many blue-themed songs can one creative team hear? Just as hope seems lost for a dreamy leading man, a miracle of muscle and ability sweeps into Ripley-Grier and blows everyone away. And diva Emma-Olivia may be the most surprised of all.For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.As The Curtain Rises proudly supports The Actor's Fund, the Broadway Podcast Network Frontline Initiative, and is a s...2020-12-1822 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaYou Gotta Get a GimmickThe most important aspect of Avvatar is finally being discussed: No, not the new script from Thomas (which Kay is still fuming over privately). The marketing campaign! As producers Cheryl and Steve—and science consultant Andrew Barth Feldman—take meetings, Kay and Bobby try to make it work with new bookwriter Thomas, and Emma Olivia is enticed by Maxwell Fernsby, who might have more going on than these Broadway types realize.For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Bro...2020-12-1127 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaHands on a HardbodyThe team takes drives of shame home after the Staten Island debacle. Emma Olivia and Cheryl find themselves too close for comfort; Kay gives Bobby the silent treatment; Maxwell Fernsby has an interesting proposition for director-choreographer-cheerleader Zoey—and Steve may already have his next musical project lined up with Andrew Barth Feldman. No spoilers, but two words: Fantasy Island.For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/AsTheCurtainRises.This is an original radio play produced by the Broadway Podcast Network.As The Curtain Rises proudly supports...2020-12-0319 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaOnce On This Staten IslandThe workshop is here—well, actually, it’s on Staten Island. Did you know cars can go there? The whole team makes the trek to see what they’ve got, but there are a few surprises waiting… not least of which is the score. Could Kay and Bobby have a hit song on their hands? Or will Steve and Cheryl’s behind-the-scenes plotting derail what’s starting to work? At least Emma Olivia’s beloved barista is on hand for plenty of cappuccinos and scones!For the full cast & creatives list, check the show notes visit BPN.fm/A...2020-11-1917 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaWriters on the Verge of a Nervous BreakdownThe pressure is starting to get to Kay and Bobby—or maybe it’s just the caffeine—as they write the book, lyrics, and score for the first act of a musical that everyone thinks is based on the highest grossing movie of all time, but secretly… isn’t. Luckily, they have a brand-new science consultant joining the team to lead the way in the form of… “Dear Evan Hansen” star Andrew Barth Feldman? Producer’s Cheryl and Steve love this new addition to the team. Kay and Bobby do not. And Emma Olivia has a few demands that must be met before sig...2020-11-1220 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaPutting It TogetherShortly after an epic meeting debacle at Sardi’s—where, true to form, the pigs in a blanket are an off-menu secret treat —Bobby and Kay tried to regroup as the new, contractually obligated writers of a not-Avatar musical. Producers Cheryl and Steve try to salvage their reputations before anyone knows what’s happened by bringing onboard acclaimed director-choreographer Zoey Taylor, who’s never met a dazzle she didn’t want to razzle. And Emma Olivia will do whatever it takes to star in whatever musical this ends up being. Tune in for the thrilling second installment of As the Curtain Rises...2020-10-2919 min
As The Curtain Rises - Broadway’s First Digital Soap OperaLet the Games BeginBroadway Composer/Lyricist/Book Writers Bobby and Kaye are writing a top secret new musical. But nothing is secret on Broadway…not with the Broadway Disher around. After news about the new, in-the-works musical leaks, the Broadway community goes into full-tilt crazy chasing opportunities to get involved. This includes mega producers Steve Jones and Cheryl Philips, arch enemies. Jr. Agent Maxwell Fersby feebly attempts to help with negotiations, as Diva Emma-Oliva pursues the starring role and Theatre Owners look to plant their flag. But not all is as ‘chim chim cheree’ as it seems!For the full...2020-10-2222 min
yondr academy podcastsKiira Benzing: A Multidimensional Director on a Volumetric JourneyKiira Benzing is a director crossing the mediums of theater, hybrid cinema and virtual reality. “Cardboard City” her first venture in Virtual Reality won the Samsung Gear Indie Milk VR contest (2016). Following this VR film her interactive installation for “Cardboard City” combining VR and AR premiered at the 54th annual New York Film Festival at Lincoln Center. Her short film “Hilda” had its World Premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival in April 2017 and was distributed to Amazon and her recent film Diptych had its world premiere at Lincoln Center’s Dance on Camera (2018). She has been selected twice for the Oculus Lau...2019-11-1828 min