Outside The Mainstream

In this episode, I interview Bob Choat, a transformational master with a diverse career spanning the LAPD, Marines, and various business roles. Bob shares his life story, the influence of his multicultural background, and the critical role of curiosity and experimentation in his career. We discuss the importance of breaking down complex ideas into foundational elements, the value of self-knowledge, and the potential benefits and challenges of utilizing the military for educational advancement. Bob emphasizes the role of courage and curiosity in achieving personal growth and innovation. Tune in to explore how curiosity can lead to lifelong learning and impactful change.

00:00 Introduction 

00:52 Bob's Diverse Background

02:29 Early Influences and Curiosity

05:06 Career Shifts and Lifelong Learning

12:49 The Importance of Curiosity and Courage

21:48 Military Experience and Education

29:27 Final Thoughts and Advice

30:06 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Follow Eddie Blass and Bob Choat:

Connect with Eddie:

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Bob:

Website: https://bobchoat.com/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bobchoat/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bobchoat/?hl=en 

In this episode of Outside the Mainstream, I'm excited to have Patrick Williams, a leading creativity expert, join me as we explore his journey from a young artist to a multifaceted creativity advocate. Patrick delves into the concept of 'creative colonization' and how education systems often stifle our natural creativity. We discuss how discipline plays a crucial role in fostering creativity and share practical advice on how anyone can reconnect with their creative roots. Whether you're an educator, student, parent, or business professional, this episode will offer valuable insights into nurturing and rediscovering your innate creativity. Tune in and join us on this fascinating journey towards transforming education and unlocking creativity.

00:00 Introduction

01:06 Meet Patrick Williams: A Journey in Creativity

08:12 The Concept of Creative Colonization

12:13 Creativity Beyond Artistic Expression

23:55 The Role of Discipline in Creativity

36:02 Restoring Your Creativity

37:22 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow Eddie Blass and Patrick Williams:

Connect with Eddie:

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Patrick:

Website: http://patrickwilliams.com/ 

Email: [email protected] 

In this episode of Outside the Mainstream, I sit down with AI entrepreneur Jordy Torres to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in education. We discuss Jordy's pioneering journey in AI from the 1980s to the present, emphasizing how businesses and education systems can leverage AI for innovative learning and engagement strategies. Jordy shares invaluable insights on the evolution of AI technologies, their practical applications, and the future role of AI in teaching. We dive into how AI can serve as a powerful tool for both educators and students, enhancing learning experiences and preparing them for a rapidly changing world. Join us as we challenge educational norms and envision a future where AI plays a central role.

00:00 Introduction

01:05 Meet Jordy Torres: AI Entrepreneur

01:28 Jordy's Journey in AI

03:10 Building and Selling AI Businesses

06:10 AI in Business and Education

10:16 The Future of AI and Its Implications

18:31 Teaching with AI: Challenges and Opportunities

22:08 The Role of Teachers in an AI-Driven World

26:45 Assessing AI Learning in Students

29:30 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow Eddie Blass and Jordi Torras:

Connect with Eddie:

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Jordi:

Website: https://www.torras.ai/en

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jtorras/ 

This week I’m joined by Katherine Geramita to talk about something we both care a lot about: how we teach science, and who we imagine it’s for. Katherine has been working with CreositySpace, a startup focused on making STEM education more inclusive, more engaging, and more connected to real life. In her own words: “We wanted to build something where kids could see themselves in science—not just as future scientists, but as people who already have ideas worth exploring.”

We also talk about the real challenges of working within school systems, the tension between innovation and standardization, and why STEM learning has to be about more than just content.

Follow Eddie Blass and Katherine Geramita:

Connect with Eddie:

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Katherine:

CreositySpace: https://creosityspace.com/about/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katharine-geramita-7939a549/ 

I had the absolute pleasure of speaking with Brian Bratt—a longtime English teacher turned passionate career advisor and communications lead at his school.

Students don’t need to have it all figured out—but they do need exposure to real options. Many young people end up “letting life happen to them” instead of taking charge of their path. That’s why Brian's made it his mission to help students do things differently.

00:00 Introduction: 

00:57 Meet Brian Brat: A Journey in Education

05:02 The Importance of Career Guidance

08:00 Alternative Education Paths

11:25 The Role of Employers in Education

15:59 Advice for Students and Parents

24:37 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow Eddie Blass and Brian Bratt:

Connect with Eddie:

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Brian:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-bratt/ 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@joustaboutcareers-brianbratt 

"Confidence is built through consistency, not perfection." In this episode of Outside the Mainstream, I chat with Michelle Cullen Tang, a special education teacher who has employed theater, drama, and various educational methods across her diverse career. She dives into practical strategies for navigating transitions, the power of self-awareness, and how to stay aligned with your values when making decisions.

01:07 Meet Michelle Cullen Tang

01:35 Michelle's Early Life and Education

03:04 Challenges and Turning Points in School

07:37 College and Career Beginnings

10:06 Exploring New Opportunities

13:41 Adapting to New Roles and Environments

23:59 Reflections and Advice

29:27 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow Eddie and Michelle:

Eddie:

Web: https://inventorium.com.au/ 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass/ 

Michelle: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michellecullentang/ 

In this episode of Outside the Mainstream, I sat down with Dean Mesick. Dean is the Executive Director of the Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization (CEO), where he helps young entrepreneurs worldwide bring their ideas to life. With a background in humanities and cultural studies, and experience in film and the arts, Dean’s path to entrepreneurship has been anything but traditional. But as we discuss, sometimes the best journeys are the unexpected ones.

00:00 Introduction

01:45 Dean's Journey: From Cultural Studies to Entrepreneurship

07:47 The Impact of Mentorship

11:38 The Core of Entrepreneurship: Problem Solving

20:57 The Role of Failure in Entrepreneurship

25:57 Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs

27:56 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow Eddie and Dean:

Connect with Eddie 

Web: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass/ 

Connect with Dean

Collegiate Entrepreneurs Organization: https://www.c-e-o.org/

In this episode of Outside the Mainstream, I sit down with award-winning creative arts teacher and advocate for amplifying Black voices, Chay Ross. Chay shares her powerful journey from growing up in Los Angeles, navigating the challenges of being a teen mom, and almost getting caught up in gang life to becoming a passionate educator dedicated to serving her community.

Through candid reflections, Chay discusses the systemic barriers in education, the importance of equity over equality, and how the recent cuts to DEI programs are impacting students and communities in need. She also explores how art can be a powerful tool for healing in the wake of personal and collective traumas, such as the devastating fires in Los Angeles.

This is an episode filled with resilience, inspiration, and a call to action to fight for accessible resources and fair opportunities for all students, no matter their background.

00:00 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet Chay Ross: A Journey from Teen Mom to Teacher

01:56 Overcoming Adversity: Chay's Story

05:33 The Reality of Teaching

07:03 Navigating Bureaucracy in Education

11:17 Returning to the Community

15:59 Impact of Government Cuts on Education

21:16 The Devastating Fires in Los Angeles

26:39 The Healing Power of Art

28:31 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Follow Eddie and Chay:

Connect with Eddie: 

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Chay: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chalon-l-ross-5442415b/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chayarts_edu/

Most in education recognize the importance of preparing students not just for today’s jobs, but to be the creators of entirely new fields. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of education innovation with the incredible Laura McBain. Laura is the Managing Director and Co-Director of the K12 Lab at the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford, and she’s had a fascinating journey through education, design, and innovation.

Laura never set out to be an educator, but through a series of pivots and leaps of faith, she found herself shaping the future of learning. In our conversation, she shares how being a divergent thinker and resisting norms can lead to real innovation in education.

00:00 Introduction 

01:00 Introducing Laura McBean

02:09 Laura's Journey into Education

05:15 The Role of Design in Education

07:16 Embracing Ambiguity and Innovation

15:42 The Future of Education and Predictability

21:52 The Importance of Deeper Learning

26:17 Advice for Lifelong Learners

29:05 Closing Remarks and Contact Information

Follow Eddie Blass and Laura McBain:

Connect with Eddie:

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Laura:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/laura-mcbain-056b026/

In EdTech, it’s hard to measure success and make it sustainable. The market often undervalues its impact. Conflicting funding models, cultural differences, and the roles of government, nonprofits, and families all play a part in supporting access to education for all people. In this episode, I get into the fascinating world of education technology with Ji Kim, an innovator and self-described “big hairy audacious problem solver.”

Ji shares his journey from being the first in his family to attend college, to leaving behind lucrative tech jobs to tackle the challenges of education inequality. Together, we explore how EdTech can level the playing field, provide access to opportunities, and make a tangible impact for students around the world. 

00:15 Welcome to Outside the Mainstream

01:04 Meet Ji Kim: The Big Hairy Audacious Problem Solver

01:32 Ji Kim's Journey: From Immigrant to Innovator

04:04 Challenges and Rewards in Education Technology

08:01 The Financial Realities of EdTech

16:57 The Cultural Impact on Education Investment

20:24 The Value of Real-World Experience

25:20 Embracing Disruption in Education

26:14 Conclusion and Contact Information

Follow Eddie Blass and Ji Kim:

Connect with Eddie:

US: [email protected]

AU: [email protected]

Website: https://inventorium.com.au/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eddie-blass

Connect with Ji:

Website: https://follettsoftware.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ji-kim-2520221/