Best Matt Kirchner Podcasts (2025)

1
Applied AI in K-12, Higher Ed and Industry - Live Panel from TitletownTech 37:34

4d ago37:34

37:34

What happens when K-12, higher education, manufacturing, and a startup tech company sit around the same table to talk about AI? This episode brings that rare collaboration to life. Recorded live at TitletownTech—the venture studio founded by Microsoft and the Green Bay Packers—this panel features four leaders from distinctly different sectors, all …

1
A Finance Pioneer’s Take on Education, Inclusion and Opportunity - Mary Ellen Stanek, Founder and Chief Investment Officer Emeritus of Baird Asset Management 56:58

14d ago56:58

56:58

Building tomorrow’s workforce starts with more than just technical skills—it requires access, mentorship, and leaders willing to invest in students long before they enter the job market. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Mary Ellen Stanek, Co-Founder and CIO Emeritus of Baird Asset Management, shares how one of the nation’s most respected inve…

1
Could We Really Make Anything, Anywhere, Anytime? - Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey, ERVA Co-Principal Investigator 56:49

21d ago56:49

56:49

Distributed manufacturing allows goods to be produced closer to where they’re needed — but enabling that future requires a complete rethink of infrastructure, systems, and workforce development. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Dr. Charles Johnson-Bey joins host Matt Kirchner for a deep dive into Engineering the Future of Distributed Manufact…

1
The $10 Million Workforce Experiment That Could Redefine Apprenticeships in America - Lindsay Blumer, CEO of WRTP | BIG STEP 48:49

28d ago48:49

48:49

Workforce systems are often fragmented—built around short-term funding, disconnected programs, and a lack of coordination between industry, education, and community. But a different model is taking shape - one that’s not only working in practice, but has the potential to scale across states and regions. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host M…

1
Love It or Hate It: A Surprisingly Human (And Very Fun) Conversation About Math - Dr. Jordan Ellenberg, Mathematics Professor at the University of Wisconsin 1:04:53

1M ago1:04:53

1:04:53

What happens when a world-class mathematician meets ’80s college radio, Bill Gates’ top-10 favorite books, and a host with an algebra redemption arc? A surprisingly funny, fast-moving conversation. Dr. Jordan Ellenberg—John D. MacArthur Professor of Mathematics at UW–Madison and author of How Not to Be Wrong—swaps stories about The Housemartins, co…

1
The Smart Farm Era Is Here—and It’s Changing How America Grows Food - Dick Pavelski and Andy Diercks, Food + Farm Exploration Center 40:03

1M ago40:03

40:03

If you still picture farming as dusty tractors and endless manual labor, think again. Today’s agriculture runs on GPS-guided equipment, drones, real-time soil sensors, and data systems that look more like Wall Street trading floors than old barns. In this episode, lifelong farmer and innovator Dick Pavelski and Andy Diercks of the Food + Farm Explo…

1
AI Can Close the Learning Gap in Underserved Classrooms. But We Have to Guide, Not Just Give - Sam Whitaker, Director of Social Impact at StudyFetch 48:52

2M ago48:52

48:52

In schools with limited resources, large class sizes, and wide differences in student ability, individualized learning has become a necessity. Artificial intelligence offers powerful tools to help meet those needs, especially in underserved communities. But the way we introduce those tools matters. This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Sam Whitaker, …

1
The Rules for Earning College Credit Are Changing, and Competency (Not Time in Seats) Matters Most - Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College 48:47

2M ago48:47

48:47

With technical education under pressure to deliver skilled talent faster, Lakeshore College is flipping the model—measuring learning by competency, meeting students where they are (even in high school), and using grants + national advocacy to scale the impact. This week, Matt Kirchner talks with Dr. Paul Carlsen, President of Lakeshore College, abo…

1
Rethinking Risk: How Strategic Guardrails Can Actually Empower Innovation - Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual 49:34

2M ago49:34

49:34

What if audit wasn’t just a watchdog—but a catalyst for innovation, trust, and long-term growth? And what can education learn from it? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with Abim Kolawole, Chief Audit Executive at Northwestern Mutual, to explore how risk management, when done right, becomes a strategic advantage. Abim s…

1
They Haven't Graduated Yet, but They're Already Tackling the Big Problems of 2045 - Duncan Kane, SVP at Toshiba 48:49

2M ago48:49

48:49

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Duncan Kane, Senior Vice President at Toshiba America, shares insights from nearly two decades of working at the intersection of industry and education. Drawing from his leadership in STEM outreach, Duncan explains why Toshiba sees early STEM engagement not just as a good cause—but as a strategic investment in…

1
Teaching in the Age of Distraction: Why Students Can’t Focus – And What Educators Should Do About It - Dr. Gloria Mark, Author of Attention Span 50:13

3M ago50:13

50:13

In a world of digital overload, short-form media, and AI-powered personalization, staying focused has never been harder. Today, the average attention span on any screen is just 47 seconds. What's causing this decline in focus, and what should educators do about it? Those are some of the questions we discuss with Dr. Gloria Mark, UC Irvine informati…

1
Inside the Tour de France: Strategy, Technology, and the Science of the World’s Toughest Race - Jason Gay, Sports Columnist at The Wall Street Journal 46:17

3M ago46:17

46:17

What does the Tour de France have to do with STEM education? More than you might think. This week, host Matt Kirchner is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist and cycling expert Jason Gay to unpack the world’s most demanding sporting event: the Tour de France. They break down everything from team tactics to jersey competitions to the breathtaking…

1
"Open to Anything" = Hired for Nothing: Accelerate Your Career Search with Smarter Networking 24:11

3M ago24:11

24:11

Submit your question for Ask Us Anything! Networking can be the best way to land your first (or next) big job, but are you going about it the wrong way? Too often, networking conversations end the same way: the other person says, “I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I hear of anything that fits.” You nod, thank them… and never hear from them a…

1
AI Engineering: The Emerging Field Poised to Secure America’s AI Advantage - Pramod Khargonekar, ERVA Co-Principal Investigator and Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Irvine 55:52

3M ago55:52

55:52

A new era is emerging where engineering drives AI—and AI transforms engineering This week Matt Kirchner is joined by Dr. Pramod Khargonekar—Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Irvine and lead author of the ERVA report AI Engineering: A Strategic Research Framework to Benefit Society. Dr. Khargonekar unpacks the emerging discipline of AI Engineering,…

1
The 5 Strategies Driving Transformative K-12 Education - Dr. Annalies Corbin, Founder of the PAST Foundation 54:50

3M ago54:50

54:50

What do all high-impact, disruptive—and sustainable—K-12 programs have in common? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Annalies Corbin, founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation and author of Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life. With more than 25 years of experience transforming how students…

1
Robots, Ice Cream and Instagram: The Viral Mechatronics Lab Turning Engagement Into Employment - Danny Murphy, Mechatronics Professor at CVCC 48:41

4M ago48:41

48:41

After 20 years in automation and controls engineering, Danny Murphy received a call from a local community college that would bring his journey full circle—back to the kind of impact his own high school electronics teacher once had on him. Today, he’s a nationally recognized educator, named A3’s 2024 Educator of the Year, and he’s redefining what h…

1
Rebuilding Higher Education Around Solving Real-World Problems - Dr. Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning at Worcester Polytechnic Institute 40:02

4M ago40:02

40:02

What happens when a university rethinks the whole higher ed model rebuilds it around hands-on, project-based learning? Matt Kirchner dives into the bold model pioneered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute with Dr. Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning. A biochemist turned curriculum innovator, Kris has spent nearly two dec…

1
How to Build & Grow an Industry-Aligned CTE Program - Maroun Nehme, Director of Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics at BPHS 45:54

4M ago45:54

45:54

Host Matt Kirchner sits down with Maroun Nehme, Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics teacher at Buena Park High School in California. Maroun has built one of the most impressive high school mechatronics & robotics programs in the country—complete with a structured 3-year pathway, hands-on labs, and SACA and FANUC certifications that prepare students …

1
Inside the Bipartisan Push for America’s Skilled Workforce - U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin 24:36

4M ago24:36

24:36

How do we build bipartisan momentum to support the future of CTE? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a national leader and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. Drawing from her personal upbringing in a STEM-focused household and her decades …

1
From the Shop Floor to the Fast Lane: How Racing, Technical Skills and Workforce Strategy Collide - Justin Mondeik, Owner & Driver at Mondeik Racing 36:45

5M ago36:45

36:45

By day, Justin Mondeik applies his technical skills in engineering; by night and weekend, he races Super Late Model cars. From racing snowmobiles at age four to competing just one level below NASCAR, Justin has built a career on technical skill, hands-on passion, and relentless drive. In this episode, he shares how a technical education prepared hi…

1
Changing Tariffs Will Impact Technical Education—Here’s What to Do About It 38:21

5M ago38:21

38:21

What do tariffs have to do with technical education? A lot more than you might think. As U.S. trade policy shifts, it’s not just manufacturers who will feel the effects—STEM and technical education programs will too. From rising equipment costs to a surge in demand for skilled talent, today’s tariff decisions could reshape how we train tomorrow’s w…

1
AI Regulation Can Wait—But Education Reform Can’t - State Senator Julian Bradley 52:50

5M ago52:50

52:50

State Senator Julian Bradley joins Matt Kirchner for a wide-ranging conversation on how policymakers should be thinking about AI, energy, and education. Bradley explains why his committee chose not to recommend regulation of AI, how this move differs from other states, and how artificial intelligence could help solve workforce shortages in critical…

1
The 50/50 University Model that Leaves Grads with 2.5 Years of Work Experience and $75k - Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University 41:53

5M ago41:53

41:53

Is the traditional university model failing today’s students—and the industries that depend on them? Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University, shares a bold, workforce-driven vision for higher education. From co-op rotations that give students 2.5 years of paid, professional experience before graduation, to integrating trends like arti…

1
Microsoft, the Packers, and the Venture Firm Betting on Midwest Innovation - Jill Enos, Managing Partner of TitletownTech 48:59

6M ago48:59

48:59

What happens when a legendary NFL team partners with a tech giant to fuel regional innovation? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Jill Enos, Managing Partner at TitletownTech — the one-of-a-kind venture firm backed by the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. Jill unpacks how TitletownTech is redefining early-stage …

1
The Lifelong Impact of Mentorship for STEM Students - Joe Tanner and Curtis Althaus, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation 35:29

6M ago35:29

35:29

The right mentor can totally change the college and career trajectory of a student. Today, we're exploring the power of mentorships through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation. Join former NASA astronaut Joe Tanner and current Astronaut Scholar Curtis Althaus as they dive into the powerful, and often overlooked, role mentorship plays in building t…

1
What Rising Tariffs Mean for Companies, Workers, and the Future of Trade - John Murphy, SVP & Head of International at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce 43:28

6M ago43:28

43:28

With tariffs back in the spotlight, what’s their real impact on trade, business, and jobs? Are they a necessary tool for protecting American industry, or do they do more harm than good? This week, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Murphy, Senior Vice President, Head of International for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to break down the complex w…

1
The Athlete’s Mindset in the Classroom: The Power of Confidence, Goal-Setting and Positivity in STEM - Kathy Meyers, Teacher at Corner Canyon High School 41:50

6M ago41:50

41:50

Why do so many students (and adults) believe they “just aren’t good at math”? How can educators shift that mindset and build confidence in STEM learning? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Kathy Meyers, a veteran high school teacher who blends sports psychology with math instruction to help students overcome se…

1
Baseball’s Infamous Scandal Inspired Its Biggest Tech Breakthrough...And Changed the Game Forever - John Hankins, Co-Inventor & Owner of PitchCom 44:53

7M ago44:53

44:53

With sign-stealing scandals shaking Major League Baseball, the game needed a solution. Enter PitchCom, the cutting-edge communication technology that’s changing the way baseball is played. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Hankins, co-inventor and owner of PitchCom, to unpack the surprising origins of the…

1
The Right Idea, The Right Founder: How Undercapitalized Entrepreneurs are Getting Their Shot - Jennifer Abele & Raquel Filmanowicz, Managing Partners at VC 414 44:34

7M ago44:34

44:34

Venture capital is the engine behind many of the world’s most innovative startups—but only 2% of VC funding goes to women-led businesses. Why does this gap exist, and how do we fix it? This week Matt sits down with Jennifer Abele and Raquel Filmanowicz, Founders and Managing Partners of VC 414, a firm dedicated to funding women, minority, veteran, …

1
Can U.S. Manufacturing Keep Its Edge? What it Will Take to Compete Globally in 2025 - Congresswoman Haley Stevens 38:20

7M ago38:20

38:20

How does the U.S. stay competitive in manufacturing, EVs, and AI while protecting innovation and growing the workforce? Manufacturing has always been the backbone of Michigan’s economy, and few people understand this better than Congresswoman Haley Stevens. Representing Michigan’s 11th District, she has spent her career championing industrial polic…

1
The AI Degree Built to Solve Real-World Problems - Dr. John Walz, President of MSOE 45:22

7M ago45:22

45:22

What does it take to be a true pioneer in artificial intelligence education? The Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) didn’t just see AI coming—they got out in front of it. Dr. John Walz, President of MSOE, joins The TechEd Podcast to discuss how his institution became one of the first in the nation to offer a baccalaureate degree in AI and how i…

1
How Your Morning Coffee Could Kickstart a Student’s Career - Mike Franz, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at ShopFloor Coffee 45:22

7M ago45:22

45:22

With coffee fueling the shop floor, can it also fuel the future of manufacturing? This week, Matt Kirchner is joined by ShopFloor Coffee Co-Founder Mike Franz as they explore the intersection of coffee, manufacturing, and workforce development. What started as a side project quickly became a nationwide movement to support technical education and ca…

1
Robots, Leadership, and the Next Generation of Automation Talent - Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America 28:20

8M ago28:20

28:20

What does it take to lead the world’s largest robotics and CNC company? Mike Cicco, President and CEO of FANUC America, pulls back the curtain on his journey from programming robots to driving global innovation. Recorded live at IMTS 2024, this episode is packed with insights on mentorship, leadership, and how FANUC is reshaping the future of manuf…

1
The AI Cure for Healthcare’s Cost Crisis - Rick Anderson, Chairman and CEO of The Hive Health 50:29

8M ago50:29

50:29

This marks a milestone 200th episode of The TechEd Podcast! Matt Kirchner is joined by Rick Anderson, CEO of The Hive Health, to explore how transparency and technology are reshaping healthcare. Rick shares how The Hive Health uses AI and data-driven insights to negotiate fair pricing for medical devices, save providers millions of dollars, and hel…

1
Demystifying Nuclear Power: Recommissioning, SMRs, and a Clean Energy Future - Patrick O'Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications at Holtec International 43:40

8M ago43:40

43:40

With energy consumption skyrocketing and sustainability challenges becoming more pressing, nuclear energy is once again in the spotlight. But while its potential is undeniable, there's still a lot of public misperception of nuclear. For many, the words "nuclear energy" conjure outdated fears that overlook decades of innovation, safety advancements,…

1
Forget “That’s How We’ve Always Made It” and Teach the Design Freedom of 3D Printing - Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations 46:27

8M ago46:27

46:27

When used to its full potential, additive manufacturing can revolutionize the way we design and make things. But too often, educators and manufacturers are stuck in old ways of thinking. In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner welcomes Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations, to discuss how 3D printing is advancing both industry and edu…

1
13 Predictions for Technical Education in 2025 49:05

9M ago49:05

49:05

As 2024 comes to a close, it’s time for our annual predictions episode! What trends will shape technical education, industry, and workforce development in the year to come? This week, Matt dives into the most pressing topics for 2025: from AI in education, to economic and workforce trends, to new technologies to keep an eye on. With 13 predictions …

1
'Twas the Night Before TechEd Christmas 5:09

9M ago5:09

5:09

'Twas the night before Christmas, And STEM and TechEd Had closed up their classrooms, a long break ahead. The students all home not shedding a tear That school was on hold till the start of next year. Quiet the trainers pneumatics, hydraulics No action on systems to learn mechatronics. The robots all homed, depowered and sleeping Routers and mills …

1
When Science Fiction Becomes Reality: AI, XR and the Path to the Singularity - Toshi Hoo, Director of the Emerging Media Lab at Institute for the Future 43:14

9M ago43:14

43:14

Are we ready for a world where AI and technology shape every corner of our lives? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Toshi Hoo, Director of the Emerging Media Lab at the Institute for the Future, to explore how technology is transforming the way we communicate, collaborate, and connect. From the breakthroughs o…

1
Dodge Brand CEO Matt McAlear on Tariffs, Hornets, Haters, and the Charger Daytona 25:50

9M ago25:50

25:50

On our first episode, we talk with Dodge Brand CEO Matt McAlear about potential tariffs from the Trump Administration, launch hiccups with the Dodge Hornet, the Dodge Charger Daytona, and haters. Newsletter / Website: https://www.kirchnerreport.com Podcast Site: https://podcast.kirchnerreport.com Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/kirchnerreport.com…

1
Advanced Manufacturing Breakthroughs to "Solve the Big Problems" - Bill Peter, Director for Advanced Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory 50:58

9M ago50:58

50:58

Ready to hear some of the most cutting-edge advancements in 3D printing, bio-materials and smart systems? Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Bill Peter, Director of Advanced Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). From large-scale 3D printing to the use of bio-based materials, Dr. Peter is leading initiatives that are redefining the po…

1
Made in America: The Economic and Workforce Benefits of Reshoring Manufacturing - Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative 46:56

10M ago46:56

46:56

With U.S. manufacturing facing a potential shortfall of 7.5 million skilled workers, how can we bring jobs back and build the workforce to sustain them? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Harry Moser, founder and president of the Reshoring Initiative, to explore the critical intersection of reshoring manufactur…

1
Where Art Meets Engineering: How Creativity Fuels Precision in Swiss Machining - George Media, VP of Operations at Tsugami America 34:35

10M ago34:35

34:35

Is creativity the most underrated skill in machining? This week, Matt dives deep into the world of Swiss machining with George Media, Vice President of Operations for Tsugami America. They explore how this innovative machining method, originally designed for crafting intricate watch parts, has evolved into a versatile tool for manufacturing precisi…

1
Beyond the Buzz: The Real State of Artificial Intelligence, and 9 Insights To Move Us Forward 44:41

10M ago44:41

44:41

From boardrooms to classrooms, AI is making waves—but what do organizational leaders really think of artificial intelligence? In this episode, host Matt Kirchner goes beyond the buzzwords to share real data and insights from a groundbreaking research report on artificial intelligence. From industry leaders to educators, discover what people at the …

1
How to Attract and Support Diverse Talent in Manufacturing - Mariana Cogan, Chief Marketing Officer of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence 38:32

10M ago38:32

38:32

With 600,000 job openings in manufacturing, could women be the solution to closing the talent gap? Host Matt Kirchner dives into this question with Mariana Cogan, Chief Marketing Officer at Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence. Mariana brings a unique global perspective to workforce development and shares her strategies for making manufacturing a mor…

1
The State of Additive Manufacturing: Trends, Markets and Tech - Dayton Horvath, Director of Emerging Technology at AMT 37:02

10M ago37:02

37:02

Additive manufacturing (AM) is reshaping industries from aerospace to consumer goods with unprecedented speed. Dayton Horvath, Director of Emerging Technology at AMT, joins us to break down the key trends, market shifts, and cutting-edge technologies that are defining AM today. What’s fueling the industry’s rapid evolution, and where are the bigges…

1
Human Skills Amplified by Automation and AI - J. Craig McAtee, CEO & Executive Director of NCATC 34:51

11M ago34:51

34:51

What if the future of work isn’t about replacing people, but amplifying their potential? In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner sits down with J. Craig McAtee, CEO and Executive Director of the National Coalition of Advanced Technology Centers (NCATC). Craig, a national thought leader in technical education, discusses why amplifying h…

1
AI in Action: Use Cases, Data and Workforce Trends - Featuring a Live Panel Discussion with AI Leaders 44:52

11M ago44:52

44:52

What’s driving AI transformation in industries like healthcare, finance, and marketing? In this live panel, top AI leaders reveal the use cases that are making the biggest impact, the data challenges they’re overcoming, and the workforce shifts we can’t ignore. Recorded live at an AI and the Workforce event, this panel discussion brings together AI…

1
AI, 'Glocal' Manufacturing, and the Infinite Industrial Revolution - Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA 50:48

11M ago50:48

50:48

What does the future of manufacturing look like? Just ask the U.S. CEO of the #1 automation provider in the world. In this high-profile episode, Barbara Humpton, CEO of Siemens USA, joins us to discuss the latest innovations shaping global manufacturing. Siemens, a leader in automation and digital technologies, is driving advancements through digit…

1
Your Playbook for Engaging Manufacturing’s Next Generation of Creators - Drew "The MFG" Crowe 46:23

11M ago46:23

46:23

In this episode, we're talking to you—educators and employers—about how to engage and inspire the next generation of manufacturing talent. Manufacturing doesn’t just need workers; it needs what Drew Crowe calls “blue collar ballers”—young people who see the industry as more than a job, but a mission worth pursuing. Drew "The MFG" Crowe is making wa…

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