Best Nerd Sourced Podcasts (2025)

1
#88 – Cuts to federal grants for science & engineering research in universities: Reactions of 2 professors 39:28

4d ago39:28

39:28

I don't usually make videos/podcasts specific to a time, but given the magnitude of the crisis in academic research, I made an exception. To try to add light to the heat, I took some time to chat with my colleague, Prof. Marc Porosoff, co-host of the PodCAT also at the University of Rochester, to discuss our reactions to cuts in federal funding for…

1
#87 – Federal research funding: How $10 million becomes $100 million 13:06

9d ago13:06

13:06

There is a lot of incorrect information out there on the role of research funding in the economy. Does it waste money or create it? Here, I use some data and back-of-the-envelope projections from my own lab at UC San Diego and University of Rochester to argue that a $10M investment in the form of grants & contracts will generate many hundreds of mi…

1
Mateusz Urbanowicz – Polish artist of “Your Name” anime & Tokyo Storefronts watercolor book on freelancing and animation 1:37:22

23d ago1:37:22

1:37:22

Mateusz Urbanowicz is a Polish artist living in Japan. And in this conversation, you'll learn all the details about he's wonderful journey from Poland to Japan and then to CoMix Wave Films. One of the big anime studios, renowned for “Your Name”. The anime that at a time was the second highest grossing anime ever, and Mateusz was painting the backgr…

1
Lorenzo Simonini – The Extra-national Sailing Slowmad (slow-moving nomad) 1:23:59

6M ago1:23:59

1:23:59

In this episode, we sit down with Lorenzo, a sailing slowmad who has traded the traditional corporate life for a life of adventure on the open seas. Recorded aboard his sailboat during a passage from Tenerife to Gibraltar, Lorenzo shares his fascinating journey from growing up in Verona, Italy, to becoming an electrical engineer in Silicon Valley. …

1
#86 – How professors manage their grant funding 36:31

6M ago36:31

36:31

I was given the opportunity to give my thoughts in an interview on the topic of managing finances at the lab and department level.

1
#85 – Diet and exercise for grad students, postdocs, & early career researchers--fitness for nerds ;) 26:04

9M ago26:04

26:04

As I've gotten older, more and more people make light (in a good way) about my apparent healthy habits (if only they knew the truth!). Herein, I describe the advice I would give, and which I might even follow myself (on a good day).

1
#84 – Changing your PI / advisor: How you know you may have to do it and how to find a new one 24:17

9M ago24:17

24:17

Thoughts based on my years counseling students on changing your PhD advisor or PI and where you can find resources to assist in the transition.Darren Lipomi, PhDProfessor and Chair, Department of Chemical EngineeringUniversity of RochesterFormerly UC San Diego

1
#83 – How all engineering fields converge to "nano" (2 of 2) 30:49

9M ago30:49

30:49

This is a reading of Chapter 1, second half, on the connection between Nanoengineering and all the other fields of engineering: electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, and bioengineering. Footnotes, figures, and problems for this chapter can be obtained from my book, Introduction to Nanoengineering, which I coauthored with Robert S. Ramji. …

1
#82 - Nanoengineering: At the Center of It All (1 of 2) 36:26

9M ago36:26

36:26

Part 1 of 2 of Chapter 1 of my book, an annotated fireside reading. Available in hard copy with footnotes, figures, and 150 solved problems, here https://a.co/d/4FZ73Z9

1
#81 - What is research and advice to undergraduates 42:33

9M ago42:33

42:33

My thoughts on what research is, what function it serves in society, how it is differentiated from "science," and how undergraduate students can obtain research positions at a university.

1
Dirk Delisse – Online Therapist for Ambitious Singles and Couples seeking Healthy Relationships 1:24:30

10M ago1:24:30

1:24:30

Fostering healthy relationships is Dirk Delisse's specialty. As an online therapist, he supports ambitious people who do have a partner, or have issues finding one. In this episode, Dirk addresses situationships, common in the digital nomad community, and the importance of spending quality time with aging parents. Furthermore, his entrepreneurial j…

1
#80 - Why I wrote the book Introduction to Nanoengineering and how to use it - my attempt at narration 14:32

10M ago14:32

14:32

In this video, I give an annotated reading of the introduction to my book, co-authored with Robert Ramji, Introduction to Nanoengineering.

1
#79 - What is an R1 university? Mission, revenue sources, personnel 47:14

10M ago47:14

47:14

Beyond finance, what actually IS a research university? What is its place in society? What is its mission and mandate? Where do you fit in?

1
#78 - How a University is Financed: Research, Grants, Endowment, Salary, Tuition, Overhead 50:05

10M ago50:05

50:05

This is a talk I felt compelled to give after the grad student / postdoc strike in the University of California in the fall of 2022. There was so much I didn't understand about university finance. In an effort to learn more, I decided to put together this talk and share it as a professional development seminar to PhD students, postdocs, and faculty…

1
#77 - Managing your relationship with your PI / PhD advisor in graduate school 17:51

10M ago17:51

17:51

A few uncategorized tips for working with your PI in grad school.

1
Marc Wieland – Swiss location-independent web developer in his twenties roaming the globe 1:54:48

10M ago1:54:48

1:54:48

Passion for traveling, chatting with locals, and landscape photography is what inspires Marc to be nomadic. Thanks to his determination, he found a Swiss web agency, that allows him to work four days a week and from anywhere. Listen to Marc's full story about how he started, how he uses Tinder to find local friends, not hookups, and what is the mos…

1
How Fire Suppression Systems Work | Casual Coders Podcast 59:44

10M ago59:44

59:44

In this eye-opening episode of the Casual Coders Podcast, host Chandler, along with Quentin, Ian, and special guest Seth, pull back the curtain on the often misunderstood world of fire suppression systems. Whether you're fascinated by engineering marvels, safety protocols, or just looking to gain some insider knowledge, this episode is packed with …

1
3D Printers and Fire Safety | Causal Coders Podcast 57:54

1y ago57:54

57:54

Join hosts Ian, Quentin, Seth, and Chandler as they explore the latest trends, technologies, and top models in the 3D printing sphere. Whether you're considering purchasing your first printer or looking to upgrade to a high-end multi-material machine, this episode has everything you need to make an informed decision. 🔥 What to Expect in This Episod…

1
Hardware Deep Dive | Casual Coders Podcast 1:00:46

1y ago1:00:46

1:00:46

Ever wondered what's inside your Arduino or Raspberry Pi? Join Kyle and special guest Larry as they delve into the fascinating world of hardware with our resident expert, Ian! * Microcontrollers vs. full computers: Unpacking the differences between popular boards like Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32.* Demystifying data sheets: Navigating the dense…

1
AI Now and in the Future | Casual Coders Podcast 1:01:40

1y ago1:01:40

1:01:40

We Talk About AI For An Hour.

1
Technology is Coming For You! | Casual Coders Podcast 59:38

1y ago59:38

59:38

Today we discussed where technology is taking us, the ethics of new AI tech, and what we think the future of employment. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://w…

1
Eirik Mo – Remote Full Stack Web Developer and Mighty Hiking Viking 2:17:34

1y ago2:17:34

2:17:34

One of the greatest people I met at Nine Coliving. Nature loving Norwegian, honestly sharing details of his journey. From being bullied at school and struggling with mental health to becoming a location independent software developer. Listen to how volunteering, meditation, and everyday learning help him to be a better human. We also dive into Web3…

1
3D Printing for Absolute Beginners | Casual Coders Podcast 55:29

1y ago55:29

55:29

On today's episode, we go over how anyone can get started 3D Printing! We explain the various 3D Printer types, material types, software required, and how you can get models to print!

1
Open Source Credit Card Skimmers | Casual Coders Podcast 57:08

1y ago57:08

57:08

Welcome to a riveting episode of Casual Coders Podcast! In this installment, join us as we unravel the mysteries behind credit card skimmers - learn how they work and invaluable tips on how to spot them. But that's not all! We're also diving into the exciting realm of open source software, sharing our favorite tools that can revolutionize your codi…

1
#76 - How to write proposals for fellowships and grants 1:02:05

2y ago1:02:05

1:02:05

Topics include generating ideas, finding the right funding agency, working with program managers, the grant proposal as an experiment in psychology, what goes on behind closed doors, and how to write concisely and convincingly.

1
Anne Kuppens – passionate community-driven creator of Nine Coliving in Tenerife 1:30:17

2+ y ago1:30:17

1:30:17

Healthy thriving community is the most important quality for Anne Kuppens, the owner and creator of Nine Coliving in Tenerife. I had a privilege to experience it and befriend many nomads by staying for over a year at this magical place. In our conversation we talk about Anne's passion for traveling, Latin America, salsa, and how she built the coliv…

1
Scary AI and Simping For Elon | Casual Coders Podcast 1:31:42

2+ y ago1:31:42

1:31:42

This week on the Casual Coders Podcast, we discuss ChatGPT, Twitter, and Neuralink! Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/casualcodersprojects/…

1
#75 – Hip Hop Scientist Maynard Okereke: Engineer to Science Communicator, Musician, & Video Personality 45:21

2+ y ago45:21

45:21

I spoke in this episode with Maynard Okereke. Maynard is a trained civil and environmental engineer who has developed a second career in scientific communication for young people and particularly young people of color. He arrived at this interest from previous careers in engineering and then acting and music. He is also a seasoned entrepreneur, for…

1
#74 – Applying to Grad School: How to write a winning Statement of Purpose & explain a lower GPA 33:19

2+ y ago33:19

33:19

In this video, I discuss how to write an effective and engaging statement of purpose, how to structure your essay, and how to use your writing to compensate for potentially weaker sections of your application. Thanks to the California Forum for Diversity in Graduation Education for the Invitation to give this talk. This work was supported by a gran…

1
#73 – How do you know when you have enough data to publish? Plus, how to manage conflict with co-authors 49:40

2+ y ago49:40

49:40

In this talk, I discuss strategies for research and writing, how to know how much you should put in a paper, how to manage conflicts with co-authors, and how to respond to reviewers. Darren Lipomi, PhD Professor and Associate Dean for Students Jacobs School of Engineering, UC San Diego lipomigroup.org…

1
#72 - Should humans be modified? How about plants or animals? The Environment? Q&A on bioethics 20:08

2+ y ago20:08

20:08

This is an unusual episode for me. Rather than responding to questions about graduate school, in this video, I responded to an interviewer performing an ethnographic survey about how researchers in bioengineering and bioengineering-adjacent fields view certain controversial subjects like human modification. 0:50 Would you be in favor of a prenatal …

1
#71 - Ask a professor: how to vet applicants, deal w/ criticism, strategy in academia, & research funding 15:01

2+ y ago15:01

15:01

0:00 How do you get your research published in high-impact journals? 2:05 Grad students and postdocs are busy. How do you vet undergraduate researchers so that they are productive and not breaking equipment? 3:56 I noticed that you had a mini MBA on your resume. How valuable do you think business training is in academia? 6:25 Can you describe ways …

1
#70 – What I wish I knew before becoming a professor: How to combine research, teaching, and service 46:39

2+ y ago46:39

46:39

The pillars of academia--research, teaching, and service--often seem like very separate activities. However, it can be really rewarding to find ways to make connections between these areas to get more out of parts of academic life that may seem mundane. Here are some thoughts I collected and delivered at the Asian American Association for Scientist…

1
#69 - How I run my lab: check ins, hiring students, and promoting good culture and climate 19:28

2+ y ago19:28

19:28

0:00 What does your group work on? 2:20 How is your work funded? 3:25 Is there one project or grant you’re especially excited about? 4:13 How many students are in your group? 4:25 Is that typical? 4:54 How do you communicate with your lab members? 6:01 The roundtable sounds like great idea, does that work well? 7:44 How long have you been doing the…

1
#68 - Managing Stress, Burnout, Anxiety, & Metal Health Challenges in Grad School in Academic Research 22:02

2+ y ago22:02

22:02

In this episode, I collected my responses to questions I received on a panel discussion hosted by the American Chemical Society. I redacted any names and read the questions myself. Here is the list of topics with timestamps. 0:28 What is your background and how did you become interested in mental health of academic researchers? 2:00 Is there someth…

1
3D Printers and Computer Setups | Casual Coders Podcast 1:21:48

2+ y ago1:21:48

1:21:48

A few upper middle class white nerds talk about expensive stuff they want to buy. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/casualcodersprojects/ Y…

1
Online Security and Nuclear War | Casual Coders Podcast 1:10:28

2+ y ago1:10:28

1:10:28

We thought it would be interesting not to plan anything and just let the conversations roll. It did no go well. I can't believe we were trying before. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/c…

1
Just Developer Things | Casual Coders Podcast 1:32:03

3y ago1:32:03

1:32:03

We started off talking about things like burnout and technology, but just kind of got off track. Its a mess. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.…

1
We got Steam Decks! | Casual Coders Podcast 1:05:43

3y ago1:05:43

1:05:43

We talk about Steam Decks and the future of gaming! Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/casualcodersprojects/ YouTube | https://www.youtube.c…

1
#67 – My appearance on the Teach the Geek Podcast: My Academic Path, Postdocs & Public Speaking 30:29

3y ago30:29

30:29

This episode is a crossover with the Teach the Geek Podcast, hosted by Neil Thompson, engineer, author, podcaster, and speaking coach. Here, we discuss my academic path and approaches to public speaking. You can learn more about Neil at teachthegeek.com and askuncleneilbooks.com.

1
#66 – Darren discusses Code Breaker (Jennifer Doudna, CRISPR)–What Walter Isaacson gets right/wrong on scientific research 51:34

3y ago51:34

51:34

This is a bit of an unusual book review for the book The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race. I'm going to focus on Walter Isaacson's portrayal of how scientific research happens in academic settings and provide some context for the comments he makes on scientists, the scientific method, the role of competi…

1
All About Our Viral Airsoft Turret | Casual Coders Podcast 1:35:57

3y ago1:35:57

1:35:57

We talk about our viral TikTok as well as our project video. Turret Video: https://youtu.be/1G1Z4vjy9rg TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders/video/7094334316318133550 Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch |…

1
Would You Sell Your Idea For $10 Million? | Casual Coders Podcast 1:16:35

3y ago1:16:35

1:16:35

Would you sell your best idea for $10 million? Or would you break off and turn it into a business? Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/casual…

1
Chandler Gets a Mac and Ian Becomes More Paranoid | Casual Coders Podcast 1:46:03

3y ago1:46:03

1:46:03

Chandler has already ordered a pallet of Soylent and Ian is currently trying to hide is location. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/casualc…

1
#65 – From the Caribbean to Computation: Chemistry, Engineering, & Nanoscience. Prof. Tod Pascal, UCSD 54:58

3y ago54:58

54:58

In this episode, I sat down with my colleague, Prof. Tod A. Pascal, of the Department of NanoEngineering and Chemical Engineering at UC San Diego. Tod developed an interest in computational materials science at a young age while growing up on the island of Grenada in the Caribbean. During his schooling, he spent significant time in Houston, New Yor…

1
The Right to Repair Matters | Casual Coders Podcast 1:01:28

3y ago1:01:28

1:01:28

We invited our friend Elliot to guest host a podcast with his friends and Ian about the right to repair. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/…

1
The Internet is Beautiful... And Kinda Silly | Casual Coders Podcast 1:26:26

3y ago1:26:26

1:26:26

We tell stories of the glory days of the internet and about retro tech we used to own. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta | https://www.instagram.com/casualcodersprojec…

1
Nitro Casual Alcoholics | Casual Coders Podcast 1:18:53

3y ago1:18:53

1:18:53

This week Casual Coders tries out Nitro Beverages! Nitro Pepsi, Nitro Beer, All of the Nitro! Enjoy nostalgic stories along the way. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | https://www.twitch.tv/casualcoders Insta …

1
#64 – Is Organic Chem Necessary for Engineering? Chemistry vs. Chemical Eng, Flipped Classrooms & Teaching 33:00

3y ago33:00

33:00

In this episode, I cover a range of topics having to do with the role of organic chemistry in chemical and engineering education. I also share my thoughts on flipped classrooms, active learning, peer instruction, and other teaching methodologies.

1
Hey kid. Ya like the Chiron? | Casual Coders Podcast 1:49:31

3y ago1:49:31

1:49:31

This week on the Casual Coders Podcast, Chandler discusses his time at the Cleveland Auto Show and the gang spends some time talking about computers and computer hardware. Follow Casual Coders: Twitter | https://twitter.com/CasualCoders Facebook| https://www.facebook.com/CasualCodersProjects TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@casualcoders Twitch | ht…

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