A Random Walk with Ben Kohlmann

Energy is the lifeblood of our economy and culture.  As legacy sources come under pressure from new technologies, how should we think about powering our society?  What emerging trends will impact our future?

Globally, hundreds of thousands of children need good homes.  Matching them with suitable parents is a significant challenge.  

In today's episode, I sit down with "Robert" to discuss his family's journey in adopting two children from China - one of whom had an unexpected special need.  We explore the Texas foster system, domestic and international adoption routes, and how parents think about integrating a child from a different culture into their own home - while also being mindful of preserving the child's home culture. 

In two months, along with 3 other astronauts, Navy Commander Victor Glover will pilot the first operational Crew Dragon to the International Space Station. When he arrives, he will become the first African-American to live on the ISS.

In February 2020, the newly revamped XFL kicked off its inaugural season. Fan enthusiasm was high across the country.

With the return of Americans to space aboard an American-built platform, enthusiasm for the space program is rebuilding.   

We will engage Ezinne Uzo-Okoro on a wide ranging conversation about the role of NASA in our modern society, what the next frontiers of space travel might reveal, and discuss how the growth of private-sector entities will impact global space travel.   

Ezinne is a seasoned NASA engineer, who has contributed to over six large spacecraft missions and last served as the Chief of the Small Spacecraft Mission Design Division. When she is not working on food systems for use in space, she explores the robotic assembly of small satellites in Low Earth Orbit. She is currently an MIT Media Lab graduate student.

Colleges fear reduced enrollment - and the cascading budget implications.  Some high schools have thrived under a Zoom classroom, while other students are left behind.

What happens when the government mandates social distancing, but you're homeless?  What would you do if you lost your job in the midst of a pandemic and could no longer feed your kids?  

John Siburt is the CEO of Dallas-based CitySquare, a non-profit dedicated to alleviating four persistent challenges of poverty: hunger, health, housing, and hope.  While they normally touch 50,000 folks a year, the current crisis has caused significant challenges. John will help us understand what's happening among populations that are often overlooked.

The physical distancing required to prevent community spread of COVID-19 has devastated small businesses across the country. 

Whether the current crisis has you involuntarily looking for your next job you're happy where you are, knowing what employers look for and how to market yourself is an evergreen skill.   

Tina Tran joins us to talk about strategies for making your profile stick out among the crowd. Her techniques have gained wide praise and are making the rounds in Silicon Valley circles.   More importantly, she has a remarkable story of her own that we will explore.   

Before running part of Facebook's Oculus team and her current role as a Director with Microsoft, Tina came to the United States as a child, fleeing Southeast Asian strife in the mid-1970s.

With our economies opening up, and folks potentially headed back into the office, what should employers and employees be thinking about?  What safety and legal protocols must be followed?  How should organizations think about different requirements across different state and local jurisdictions?