Close of Business

In 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?·         How does the algae purify the air and what other benefits does the Aerium provide?·         Is the use of algae as an air purifier scalable beyond a residential applications?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 website at www.genstempodcast.comThis podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Although 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 utilizing the 40+ acres of farmland south of Fargo, North Dakota, to be a ground zero for innovation in the outdoor farming space. Tune in to learn: What is Grand Farm and what is its mission? How does farming need to evolve to meet the growing food demand? What type of innovative technologies are being implemented in outdoor farming? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The 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 @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Have 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 chain? How do grocers balance the constant supply and demand fluctuations? How long do products sit in warehouses or grocers before being consumed?What are the online grocery trends and how has COVID affected FreshDirect?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 website at www.genstempodcast.comThis podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

It 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?What excites you about this vertical and what are some of the hurdles in its way?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 website at www.genstempodcast.comThis podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

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.?How is a plant-based alternative protein made?Is plant-based alternative production more sustainable than traditional meat production?What excites you about this vertical and what are some of the hurdles in its way?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 website at www.genstempodcast.comThis podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Technology 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? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Have 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 us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Cryptocurrency, 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? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The 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 see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Our 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 our virtual world since the onset of the pandemic? why is data so important? how are data centers going to enable continued technological advancement globally? how do data centers affect our current goal of combating carbon emissions? what's the future of data centers and infrastructure look like to support human advancement? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

On 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 the Suez Canal 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Becca, 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 or mistake they have made? Are there such things as career mistakes? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

One 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 know that it made the power plants not work but.....what does that really mean? Who is to blame? Renewables? Fossil fuels? Is the grid really that fragile? Will this happen more in the future? How can we at home contribute to the prevention of power outages? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com   This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Bring 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

We'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 connected with one another? What is Richard Branson like??? When will the first hyperloop be track and open to the public? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

If 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 hydrogen widely used in our infrastructure now?-Is this the answer to our major global concerns like resource limitations and global warming?And most importantly:-Will Jonathan join Becca and Kevin at a post COVID music festival????? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

New 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! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

We 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 trees? Energy generating pavement?? Smart solar roads??? *mind blown emoji* -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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

It'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 out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

We'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 city of floating buildings?-when will floating infrastructure start to appear in the US? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The 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 are they just more in the forefront of media attention?-is there a connection between global warming and wild fires?-how can wildfires be prevented?-what is remote sensing technology, and how does it help us mitigate wild fires?-how does infrared technology work?-can you really tell the difference between a Juniper tree and an Aspen tree with infrared technology??? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The 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 all people in engineering to support NSBE 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

After 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 how to be a networking rockstar 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Sports 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 job with GSW-is she star struck by the team or are they just another group of guys to her?-what happens behind the scenes when developing social media posts for the team's accounts?-is there a science to social media in general? -how is the fan experience changing, both due to COVID and with the integration of technology and social media?-what's coming next for social media and technology i the world of spectator sports? 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Guys.....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 Space Station-why was unable to eat a space meal prepared for her by Rachel Ray-her mission on the Space Shuttle Discovery-what she misses most about space-the biggest lessons she learned-why she feels like prioritizing the human connection and preaching that we are all one human race is her biggest contribution in her career All this and more, on Generation STEM! WE CANNOT EMPHASIZE HOW DOPE THIS INTERVIEW WAS! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com  

Hello 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 -his advice for young professionals looking to pivot their career into the world of start ups and tech 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

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? -how Mayor Q ranks his athletic skills versus the other mayors of the KC metro area -what it was like for him leading the city during the Chief's superbowl LIV celebrations 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

It'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 of the food landscape 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 website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Guess 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 of space and details on how and why SpaceX is planning to build a new space station The crew wraps up the episode with a podium of their favorite inventions from famous space movies.   Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

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 to what we're hearing in the news about when the COVID-19 vaccine will be ready? But first, Kevin fills in Becca and Ryan on the news that scientists found potential evidence of a parallel universe. Tune in to this week's episode to hear the GenSTEM squad's hot takes on all this and more! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

ANOTHA 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 doctor from your phone? -What technologies are involved? -What is wrong with the current healthcare system, and how does telemedicine solve it? -When did Children's Mercy start their telehealth program? -How has COVID impacted the telemedicine industry? -How will COVID impact the future of healthcare? -What technologies does Morgan think will be the biggest disruptors in the future for healthcare? Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com

We'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 Becca and Ryan on the scientific backing behind productivity and working from home tips -Kevin's pulse on up and coming technology that will change the future of how and where we work Does the GenSTEM crew think that the future of the work will be done from home? Listen in to find out! Questions, comments, or just want to be our friends? Hit us up on our social media handle @genstempodcast, or visit us at our brand spanking new website www.genstempodcast.com

We'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) to discuss: -our new brand -quarantine updates: how the hell are ya??? -how recessions have historically created some of the strongest businesses and why it's a great time to get your start up going -A discussion of STEM companies and innovations created in three historic times of difficulty: The Great Depression/WWII, 9/11, and the Great Recession -What start ups have been developed so far because of COVID-19/how have businesses evolved in response? -How will COVID-19 impact the STEM industry -A podium of our best COVID-19 driven start up ideas

Social 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!

Ever 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 water? Hit us up with your best ideas on the 'gram (@cobpodcast), twitter (@cobpodcast), or via email (cobpodcast@gmail.com). We will feature the best ideas on an upcoming COB episode

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 that can shape your city? Hit us up with your best ideas on the 'gram (@cobpodcast), twitter (@cobpodcast), or via email (cobpodcast@gmail.com). We will feature the best ideas on an upcoming COB episode

Hey 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 upcoming COB episode!

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 healthy food and water, minimize the usage of landfills, solve transportation and traffic issues, and even save the polar bears. The COB squad left the interview feeling inspired by ecoSPEARS’ mission, and we bet all you Closers will too. Also, listen how Ian and Sergie met (you’ll never guess where), and their journey towards making their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Interested in taking a leap into the world of entrepreneurship? Sergie and Ian give their best advice that they learned through their journey at the end of the episode. ____________________________________________________________________ Want to learn more about ecoSPEARS? Visit their website at www.ecospears.com Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com

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 before the interview. But first, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit together to discuss some recent news in the science and tech industry, including…you guessed it…the reveal of Tesla’s Cybertruck. What did the COB crew think of the Cybertruck reveal? Tune in to find out! ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/

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 the moon??? Tune in to hear answers to these and other VERY important questions from a space expert. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/

  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 Erik steps up to the challenge! But before the interview begins, Becca and Kevin give you guys some feedback and updates on the podcast (2:00), Ryan returns from Spain (the gang is back together!!!) and we give a podium of our three favorite Topgolf Rip-Off ideas (7:40). Finally, after the interview, Ryan, Kevin and Becca sit down to have an in-depth discussion about the technology behind Topgolf (40:50), and new advancements and trends we’re seeing in sports technology. Are the next generation of athletes going to be cyborgs??? Tune in to this episode and decide for yourself. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com   Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/    

  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), given a TED talk, and landed her name on many prestigious lists like Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, all by the age of……27. Tune in to learn about: how Prukalpa plans to solve the world’s greatest issues through the use of data her argument as to why data is a good thing, in a world where we fear data and compromising internet privacy why she believes that age doesn’t matter what we need to do to get more women working in the STEM industry which house Prukalpa thinks she would be in at Hogwarts ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/  

Hey 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. But first, Kevin and Becca are in the studio giving their hot takes on some current events in the science and tech space. Becca gives a shout out to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (1:28), followed by Becca and Kevin doing a podium of top things they would do if they were the first astronaut to step foot on the moon (4:50). Kevin swoops in and fills us in on Elon Musk’s presentation of the new AI technology called Neuralink, a neurotechnology that utilizes implantable brain-machine interfaces to help connect humans and computers (11:09). Is Neuralink the first step to the planet being taken over by cyborgs? Listen to this episode to hear Kevin and Becca’s thoughts. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com

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 has got your back. Tune in to listen about Diode’s bright future, learn about what it’s like to be involved with a start-up company, and get Brad’s insight on how a positive attitude can help you and your company be successful. “Grit alone doesn’t do it. It’s that and the persistence of your attitude, […] the consistency in which you maintain a positive frame of mind.” Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com

  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 work? How does digital currency have value? After several riveting topics of discussion, the interview wraps up with some of Tom’s best nuggets of advice about LIFE. Listen in for some great topics of discussion for you and your friends at the next Happy Hour. Slide into our DMs on Twitter or the ‘gram (@cobpodcast) with any comments, questions, topic suggestions, feedback, or maybe if you just want to send us photos of your dog. Prefer email? You can contact us there too at cobpodcast@gmail.com.  

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 about the future of artificial intelligence and its role in society. Does Patrick believe that the development of AI will help robots take over the world? Tune in to this episode to find out! Hit us up on Twitter or the ‘gram (@cobpodcast) with any comments, questions, topic suggestions, feedback, or if you just want to let us know how your day was. Prefer email? You can contact us there too at cobpodcast@gmail.com.

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 podium of their own funny drones usage ideas, and the winner with the best concept is crowned by our awesome producer James. Who will take home the gold? Tune in to find out! Have your own original ideas on what future use drones could have? Have any comments about the episode? Have cool drone drinking game ideas? Do you just want to tell us that you love us? Hit us up through social media on Twitter or the ‘gram @cobpodcast. Prefer email? That works for us too. Send us one at cobpodcast@gmail.com.

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 the podcast, so tune in! Slide into our DM’s with your candid feedback or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at cobpodcast@gmail.com

We’re back Closers, with Episode 25 of CoB Podcast for another awesome interview by Ryan and Kevin from the 2018 PowerGen International Conference. This episode’s interview features special guest Bethany Schunn, the first female plant manager at Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. The guys had the opportunity to candidly talk to Bethany about her rising through the power plant’s ranks, the day to day dealings of being a power plant manager, her experiences and perspectives on being a woman in the STEM industry, and her views on the industry’s stigmas towards Coal Fired electricity generation. Following the interview, the women of CoB unite to discuss their thoughts on the interview, and discuss their experiences on being females in a male dominated industry. Comments or questions? DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at cobpodcast@gmail.com.      

  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.