The TechEd Podcast
Bridging the gap between technical education & the workforce 🎙 Hosted by Matt Kirchner, each episode features conversations with leaders who are shaping, innovating and disrupting the future of the skilled workforce and how we inspire and train individuals toward those jobs.
STEM, Career and Technical Education, and Engineering educators - this podcast is for you!
Manufacturing and industrial employers - this podcast is for you, too!
Episodes
214 episodes
Changing Tariffs Will Impact Technical Education—Here’s What to Do About It
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 eq...
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Episode 213
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38:21
AI Regulation Can Wait—But Education Reform Can’t - State Senator Julian Bradley
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 th...
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Episode 212
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52:50
The 50/50 University Model that Leaves Grads with 2.5 Years of Work Experience and $75k - Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University
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-...
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Episode 211
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41:53
Microsoft, the Packers, and the Venture Firm Betting on Midwest Innovation - Jill Enos, Managing Partner of TitletownTech
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-k...
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Episode 210
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48:59
The Lifelong Impact of Mentorship for STEM Students - Joe Tanner and Curtis Althaus, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation
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 ...
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Episode 209
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35:29
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
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 Mu...
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Episode 208
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43:28
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
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 ...
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Episode 207
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41:50
Baseball’s Infamous Scandal Inspired Its Biggest Tech Breakthrough...And Changed the Game Forever - John Hankins, Co-Inventor & Owner of PitchCom
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, h...
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Episode 206
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44:53
The Right Idea, The Right Founder: How Undercapitalized Entrepreneurs are Getting Their Shot - Jennifer Abele & Raquel Filmanowicz, Managing Partners at VC 414
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 a...
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Episode 205
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44:34
Can U.S. Manufacturing Keep Its Edge? What it Will Take to Compete Globally in 2025 - Congresswoman Haley Stevens
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...
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Episode 204
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38:20
The AI Degree Built to Solve Real-World Problems - Dr. John Walz, President of MSOE
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 P...
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Episode 203
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45:22
How Your Morning Coffee Could Kickstart a Student’s Career - Mike Franz, Co-Founder & Chief Innovation Officer at ShopFloor Coffee
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...
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Episode 202
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45:22
Robots, Leadership, and the Next Generation of Automation Talent - Mike Cicco, President & CEO of FANUC America
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 IM...
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Episode 201
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28:20
The AI Cure for Healthcare’s Cost Crisis - Rick Anderson, Chairman and CEO of The Hive Health
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 ...
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Episode 200
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50:29
Demystifying Nuclear Power: Recommissioning, SMRs, and a Clean Energy Future - Patrick O'Brien, Director of Government Affairs and Communications at Holtec International
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...
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Episode 199
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43:40
Forget “That’s How We’ve Always Made It” and Teach the Design Freedom of 3D Printing - Shon Anderson, CEO of B9Creations
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
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Episode 198
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46:27
13 Predictions for Technical Education in 2025
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 t...
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Episode 197
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49:05
'Twas the Night Before TechEd Christmas
'Twas the night before Christmas, And STEM and TechEdHad closed up their classrooms, a long break ahead.The students all home not shedding a tearThat school was on hold till the start of next year.Quiet the trainers pneumatic...
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Episode 196
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5:09
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
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 ...
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Episode 195
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43:14
Advanced Manufacturing Breakthroughs to "Solve the Big Problems" - Bill Peter, Director for Advanced Manufacturing at Oak Ridge National Laboratory
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)...
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Episode 194
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50:58
Made in America: The Economic and Workforce Benefits of Reshoring Manufacturing - Harry Moser, Founder of the Reshoring Initiative
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 w...
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Episode 193
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46:56
Where Art Meets Engineering: How Creativity Fuels Precision in Swiss Machining - George Media, VP of Operations at Tsugami America
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 meth...
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Episode 192
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34:35
Beyond the Buzz: The Real State of Artificial Intelligence, and 9 Insights To Move Us Forward
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 groundbreak...
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Episode 191
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44:41
How to Attract and Support Diverse Talent in Manufacturing - Mariana Cogan, Chief Marketing Officer of Hexagon Manufacturing Intelligence
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 brin...
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Episode 190
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38:32
The State of Additive Manufacturing: Trends, Markets and Tech - Dayton Horvath, Director of Emerging Technology at AMT
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 techno...
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Episode 189
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37:02