Helical Brew

By Sura Hadi | Mike Ouren | Elizabeth Rodziewicz

Just like the DNA of Life from which the phrase, the DNA of Technology originated, the helical construct is a rollercoaster of endless learning, experimentation, and discovery. The Helical Brew Crew i... more

· Technology

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FAQs about Helical Brew:

How many episodes does Helical Brew have?

The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.

Helical Brew episodes:

March 02, 2025 #20 - Mostafa ElSayed
Title: 🤖 Connected Labs: How Automata is Scaling Scientific Automation | Mostafa ElSayed | Helical Brew
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren🚨 Lab automation is evolving—beyond isolated robots to fully connected, scalable workflows. But are we thinking big enough?
In this episode of Helical Brew, Mostafa ElSayed, CEO of Automata, shares how his company pivoted from robotics to building a cloud-first, modular lab automation platform that’s redefining scientific workflows.
🔬 Why are so many labs still struggling with fragmented automation?
⚡ How do cloud & edge computing enable true scalability?
📡 Why should automation focus on workflows, not just workcells?
From interoperability battles to software-driven breakthroughs, Mostafa breaks down the biggest hurdles in automation adoption—and what’s needed to build a truly connected lab.
📅 Next up: Julie O'Shaughnessy, COO of Vivodyne, joins us to discuss Scaling Biotech: Why Operations Matter More Than You Think. Stay tuned!
🔔 Subscribe & follow for more automation insights! 🎧 linktr.ee/helicalbrew
💡 What’s the biggest roadblock in scaling lab automation? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
🔁 Like, comment & share if you're pushing for smarter, connected lab automation!
📌 TIMESTAMPS – NAVIGATE THE EPISODE
00:00 Welcome to Helical Brew – Connected Labs & Automation at Scale
02:15 Meet Mostafa ElSayed – From Robotics to Scientific Automation
05:42 Why Lab Automation Still Feels Disconnected
09:20 Cloud vs. Edge Computing – The Real Bottleneck?
14:03 Why Workflows Matter More Than Workcells
18:55 The Automation Scalability Problem – Can Labs Keep Up?
23:17 How Automata is Rethinking Connected Lab Workflows
28:45 Interoperability Struggles – Why Labs Need Open Systems
33:12 The Role of AI & Machine Learning in Lab Automation
38:06 Scaling Scientific Workflows: What Labs Must Consider
42:30 Mostafa’s Vision for the Future of Connected Labs
47:15 Picks of the Week & Books That Shaped Us
50:42 Next Up on Helical Brew: Scaling Biotech with Julie O’Shaughnessy
52:10 Final Thoughts & Where to Follow Automata & Helical Brew
🎯 NEED QUICK HIGHLIGHTS? WATCH OUR SHORTS:▶️ https://youtube.com/shorts/H0kh21p6lMk?feature=share▶️ https://youtube.com/shorts/4reJ3gvV7B4?feature=share🔥
PICKS OF THE WEEK
Mostafa: 'The Messy Middle' by Scott Belsky (https://www.themessymiddle.com), Roche SBX Sequencing (https://www.roche.com/stories/sbx-next-generation-sequencing-technology), Deep Research (https://openai.com/index/introducing-deep-research/ ), and Potato AI (https://readysetpotato.com)
Mike: Apple Intelligence (https://www.apple.com/apple-intelligence/)
Jeff: 'The Infinite Game' by Simon Sinek (https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/)#LabAutomation #ConnectedLabs
#ScientificAutomation #AutomationChallenges #CloudComputing #EdgeComputing #ScalableAutomation #Biotech #BlueprintsToBreakthroughs #FutureOfScience #TechForScience #ViralContent #AI #DataScience #viralshorts #viralshort #viralvideos
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1h 18min
February 23, 2025 #19 - Intermission
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
No guest this week, but Jeff, Sura, and Mike talk Hockey, MacBook Dongles, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Rush and more on a relaxed intermission episode. Enjoy!
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51min
February 17, 2025 #18 - David Breslauer
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
Description: In our second episode of the Blueprints to Breakthroughs series we sit down and talk with silk biomaterial enthusiast, Co-founder, and Chief Technology Officer David Breslauer. His company, Bolt (https://boltthreads.com) has a fascinating story to tell about pivoting and adapting to both market needs and technological feasibility in its path to success. Join the Helical Brew Crew for a fascinating journey through David's founding of the company and how the company is literally changing the material foundation of popular products with biomaterials, particularly silk.
Segment 1: Intro to David
Segment 2: Founder's Story Behind Bolt Threads
Segment 3: Pivots and Products
Picks of the Week:
David: Replit, Build Sites and Apps with AI (https://replit.com)
Mike: David Clark 10S/DC Pro-Audio Headset (https://store.davidclark.com/10s-dc-stereo-headset-12416g-18)
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1h 3min
February 09, 2025 #17 - James Fieberg
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
Description: Welcome to our first episode in our Blueprints to Breakthroughs series. In this episode we talk with James Fieberg, a passionate STEM educator. James is a San Diego County Teacher of the Year winner and AP physics teacher.
Segment 1: The Future of Engineering Engineering Education
Segment 2: Essential Skills for Future Innovators
Segment 3: Encouraging Innovation in the Classroom
Picks of the Week:
Jeff: His first patent was issued! Adaptive active infrared sensor hardware and software in the detection of pests with pest detection station (https://www.patentguru.com/inventor/nagle-jeffrey-d)
James: The Lean Startup by Eric Ries (https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Lean-Startup-Audiobook/B005LXV0HI?source_code=ASSGB149080119000H&share_location=pdp)
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1h 15min
February 02, 2025 #16 - SLAS 2025 Conference Wrap-up
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
Description: Special edition alert! All four of us got together in San Diego and share our thoughts on SLAS 2025.

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48min
January 26, 2025 #15 - Ian Cooper
Guest: Ian Cooper, Founder & Lab Automation Recruitment Consultant

Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren

Description: In the third and final episode of our SLAS 2025 conference lead up series, we talked with Ian Cooper, a seasoned recruiter that specializes in Lab Automation.

In this episode, you will hear the insiders perspective about:

-What’s the right about of time to put towards a job search?

- How does recruiting work behind the scenes? What are the key benefits for both employers and prospective employees?

-What’s the current state of the Lab Automation job market? What’s next?

-How to put your next foot forward in your next job search?
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1h 9min
January 19, 2025 #14 - Eli Fine
Guest: Eli Fine, Lab Automator, Software & Informatics Engineer
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
Description: Join us for a deep dive into startups, automating lab workflows, and the role of open-source code in driving innovation.
-Open Source and the powerful community approach to solving complex problems.
-Robolint, an open source tool for automated analysis of liquid handler methods to flag programming errors and align to team practices.
-Open discussion about Start-up experiences and some of the lessons learned for the future.
-What's exciting for the future? Humanoids in the lab and open source software enabling future lab automators to have a solid foundation in software development as they enter the industry.
-A walking treadmill for working? Get your steps in with Eli's Pick of the Week!
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1h 13min
January 13, 2025 #13 - Will Serber
Guest: Will Serber, VP of Automation at Ginkgo Bioworks
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
Description: The Brew Crew kicks off our SLAS (Society of Laboratory Automation and Screening) 2025 with our special guest Will Serber.
-Standardization within Science and Technology used in the pursuit of it
-Community knowledge sharing and elimination of reinvention
-Unique approach supporting lab automation systems with fewer onsite resources
-AI as a spectrum of tools
-The emergence of closed loop operation due to AI
-Lower market value science projects achieving possibility and success due to newer more efficient technology
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1h 3min
January 02, 2025 #12 - AI and Too Much Expertise
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
As we wind down 2024 with our final episode of the year, we discuss some of the things we are looking forward to in 2025.
In this Episode:
-AI is no doubt part of our daily dialog, but what does it really mean when you peel back the message and dig deeper.
-How much is AI actually coming up in discussions about
-What are some of the areas, besides things like creating images or writing papers, that AI is being applied to the life science space.
-Some predictions about what Apple could be doing next now that their entire architecture of specialized Neural Engines, M-series CPUs, iOS, and MacOS have been unified into Apple Intelligence.
-We would love to see AI, data collection, and predictive modeling come together to improve the user experience with scientific instruments and equipment. Interruptions due to equipment failure are so costly!
-Pick of the week: The Walabot Stud Finder, the ultimate Stud Finder for OCD users. Not only can you see the stud, you see the detail needed to locate your nail or screw perfectly. Stud finding meets the iPhone!
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1h 21min
December 25, 2024 #11 - We've Created a Monster
Hosts: Elizabeth Rodziewicz, Sura Hadi, Jeff Nagle, and Mike Ouren
From all of us at the Helical Brew we wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
In this Episode:
-How did we get here and where are we going to go with the podcast. We reflect on the flood of ideas that have come from having a web domain, logo, and a growing audience.
-AirPods Pro 2 are an amazing gadget given that they are still adding features even after the product was released a while ago, including an incredible hearing test and enhancement feature.
-Who's the bigger nerd here when it comes to robots? Who can name the most?
-Should we do a competitive bracket for lab automation devices? March is coming up after all....
-Straight up, Jeff demonstrates a working Vectrex on the show. Time machine back to October 1982!
-Sura and Mike discover using Apple camera effects on the show, live. Mac vs. PC all over again.

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58min

FAQs about Helical Brew:

How many episodes does Helical Brew have?

The podcast currently has 40 episodes available.