Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

By Dot Cannon: Public Speaker & New-Media ReporterSociety & CultureEducationArts
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Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak episodes

  • Innovators, Groundbreakers…and Moms
    As we troubleshoot a technical issue, please enjoy this reposting of our Over Coffee® Mother's Day special, in which three dynamic professional women discuss the ways being a mom has inspired them and underscored their professional accomplishments.
    Noramay Cadena is a mechanical engineer, systems engineer, and a Managing Partner of Los Angeles-based Supply Change Capital.
    Deshjuana Bagley is a computer scientist, a STEM entrepreneur, and the Director of IT at State College of Florida's Coding Academy, in Sarasota.
    Jill Zande is a marine biologist, Associate Director of Monterey-based Marine Advanced Technology Education (MATE) Center, and the Founder of the annual MATE ROV Underwater Robotics Competition.
    And all three of them have been inspired, challenged and engaged, while pursuing both their professional paths and their 24/7 careers as moms.
    Noramay, who has three MIT degrees, took her 1-year-old daughter along with her as she attended her first undergraduate classes. Desh created her educational technology company, TechPlayzone, after realizing that her sons' science and math classes didn't relate to their lives and interests. And Jill is seeing the ways in which working with the robotics teams have prepared her daughter for leadership in her future arts-oriented career.
    A very Happy Mother's Day to Noramay, Desh and Jill, and to all moms! Once again, we'll say it: anyone who’s a mom is certainly no stranger to “innovating, creating and making a difference”!
    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:
    * How Noramay first came to the realization that engineering could be her career path;
    * What life was like, attending MIT classes with her 1-year-old;
    * What helped to keep her going;
    * Noramay's advice to her own daughter, about building her future career;
    * How a realization about her sons' schooling led Desh to "find robots";
    * What Desh found fun about robotics and how the realization led her from "stay-at-home-mom" to tech entrepreneur/innovator;
    * Desh's first foray into hosting a robotics event in virtual reality during the pandemic;
    * Desh's advice to fellow creatives;
    * How Jill brought robotics into her daughter's classroom to inspire the students;
    * The paths Jill's daughter is currently exploring, for her future;
    * What the 2021 MATE ROV competition was like, with its VR addition;
    * Why Jill went from "reluctant messiah" to embracing virtual reality as an addition to the competition;
    * How the VR component brought visitors into the competition;
    * How working with the robotics teams has taught JIll's daughter leadership skills for her interest in the arts;
    * Jill's perspective on leadership and how she'd like her daughter to learn from what she's seen with the MATE ROV Underwater Robotics Competition.
    18 min
  • RoybiVerse: Innovation Plus
    (Photo courtesy of ROYBI, and used with permission.)
    Multiple award-winning educational companion Roybi Robot has another first!
    Roybi has become the first robot with its own intelligent edutainment platform: or "RoybiVerse"!
    RoybiVerse will allow Roybi to offer immersive learning, expanding its reach to students in grades pre-K through 12.
    Ultimately, says Roybi Founder and CEO Elnaz Sarraf, RoybiVerse's capabilities will also include professional credential training. Individual content creation is another future goal.
    The "smart" robot that started it all
    In our 2020 interview, Elnaz shared the story of her multilingual educational robot. A smart educational companion for children ages 3 and up, Roybi learns a child's interests through AI and offers more than 1,000 lessons--in the world's four most-spoken languages. Among the many honors Roybi garnered for Elnaz's Mountain View-based startup: the cover of TIME magazine!
    Now, Elnaz and her team have created an immersive world, the RoybiVerse, as they continue to reshape the future of education. The initial goal: hands-on virtual learning experiences for grades pre-K through 12.
    RoybiVerse, which debuted at CES® 2023, is currently taking signups for their beta. Elnaz expects to roll out the new platform later this year.
    Elnaz shared the story of RoybiVerse, explained how the platform works and offered a preview, both of this new edutainment immersive world and of what's coming next!
    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:
    * How RoybiVerse came into being;
    * The stages of its release and development in the near future:
    * A look inside some of the learning modules (they'll be a lot of fun!);
    * Why a flight simulator is among these!
    * A closer look at some of the animals in RoybiVerse and how the lessons built around them captivate young visitors' interest;
    * How to sign up for early access;
    * Elnaz's CES® 2023 experience;
    * How metaverse design can enhance learning;
    * One of the most interesting creative lessons which Elnaz took away from her experience creating RoybiVerse;
    * Some of the lessons in this immersive platform which aren't frequently available in a traditional school setting;
    * The ways in which Roybi is expanding its reach in the global community;
    * How Elnaz's own education in Iran led her to become a leader and entrepreneur;
    * Her favorite recollections from exhibiting Roybi and RoybiVerse in Saudi Arabia;
    * Elnaz's vision for the future, with students learning from the Roybi robot in tandem with RoybiVerse;
    * What's needed next,
    25 min
  • Magic, STEAM and Awesomeness

    (Photo courtesy of Nancy Shaner, and used with permission.)







    Magic is one of Stephen Shaner's specialties.



    As a professional magician, Stephen has performed at the Magic Castle, in Southern California. His sleight-of-hand tricks wow audiences--including his fellow performers, who are often left wondering how he did that!



    Perhaps the real "magic", though, happens when Stephen adds his message about attitude and leadership, through his work as an author, motivational speaker and podcaster.



    Stephen is "the Attitude Chiropractor". For decades, he's been studying the ways attitude can make a dramatic difference in his clients' professional and personal lives.



    Not only has he authored two books, The Art of Being Awesome and An Attitude of Service, but Stephen offers regular presentations on leadership, goal-setting and public speaking. He also offers a leadership presentation, entitled "Magic with a Message".



    In addition, Stephen is the host of the podcast, "Are You Awesome Today?", where he explores the stories of "extraordinary people, doing things in an AWESOME way".



    Stephen shared his story, explored some of the aspects of magic based on science, math and technology and explained why attitude makes the difference--in magic, public speaking and in life.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:




    * How Stephen first became interested in magic;









    * His career path from there, as a professional magician;









    * What he remembers best, from learning his craft!:









    * His experience with his first audience at Southern California's Magic Castle;









    * One trick he especially enjoyed performing;









    * The science and math (and some technology!) behind the art of magic;









    * How his background in magic complements his work as a motivational speaker;









    * How he first became interested in "attitude adjustment";









    * Where his moniker, "The Attitude Chiropractor" originated;









    * A closer look at attitude adjustment;









    * Stephen's favorite takeaway about attitude and serving an audience, as a magician AND as a public speaker.





    24 min
  • SOCIALDREAM: “Extra-Mile” Innovation

    This post and podcast are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice. Please contact a mental-health professional with any questions.



    (Photo courtesy of Thierry Gricourt, and used with permission.)











    "Tell me what you need, and I'll create it."



    That's SAS SOCIALDREAM President Thierry Gricourt's reply, when asked what virtual-reality applications he can offer, for mental health.



    For Thierry, innovation is about helping other human beings. Accordingly, his Lyon, France-based virtual-reality application, SOCIALDREAM, is listed on the company website as "aux services des plus fragiles"--at the service of those most fragile.



    SOCIALDREAM's 360-degree virtual-reality videos offer escape and well-being to patients with limited mobility. However, that's only one aspect of the service.



    In addition, SOCIALDREAM has videos for the general public, to aid in dealing with stress. These are customized to each individual user.



    There's also an immersive game for autistic children, to help them learn.



    And--definitely going the extra mile--there's another innovation: the hardware.



    Called DreamSens, Thierry created this for easier accessibility. It's a much lighter headset than standard models, and more user-friendly.



    We had the pleasure of interviewing Thierry a few weeks ago. Though he does not speak English and our French is severely limited, he surmounted that obstacle by providing an interpreter! (Warm thanks, both to Thierry for his patience with our limitations, and to filmmaker Ariane Tourneur for doing the honors!)



    Thierry shared the story of SOCIALDREAM, explained some of the applications and offered a timeline for the availability of the software and the DreamSens hardware in the United States.







    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:




    * How Thierry first became interested in virtual reality, as an area in which he wanted to use his talents;





    * The story of SOCIALDREAM;





    * One of Thierry's most memorable experiences from his early days creating SOCIALDREAM;





    * How our translator, filmmaker Ariane Tourneau, first came on board with SOCIALDREAM:





    * Thierry's experiences working with clients and observing how VR created positive emotions:





    * A closer look at the headset, DreamSens, which Thierry created to go along with his content;





    * How a healthy adult can use SOCIALDREAM;









    * A closer look at a program developed to help students with autism;









    * Thierry's creative process, as a filmmaker;





    * How the real-time customizable element of SOCIALDREAM works, for individual users;





    * How the project has helped Thierry to grow most, creatively;





    * Thierry's vision for SOCIALDREAM and DreamSens for the next five years.

    26 min
  • Hands-On Robotics





    What if you could learn to build robots by actually building them?



    That's the whole idea behind Mechlabs' hands-on training.



    Mechlabs, an Oakland-based mechatronics education program, gets students involved in a project and takes them from there. The idea: experience, not theory, is how you learn to build robots!



    And it's OK to make mistakes. But don't forget to have fun along the way--as Mechlabs Founder and Chief Operating Officer Dan O'Mara is teaching by example.



    A passionate maker and entrepreneur, Dan is also the Founder and COO of electronic hardware co-working space Circuit Launch. And not only is Circuit Launch the home of Mechlabs--it's also going to be the site of the Big Robot Block Party, happening this Saturday, April 8th in celebration of National Robotics Week and all things "robot". (It's free and you're invited! Here are the details.)



    Just in time for National Robotics Week, Dan shared the story of Circuit Launch and Mechlabs, explained how the program is evolving mechatronics education, and offered a closer look at some really cool robots!







    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:








    * How Dan's eclectic background and maker skills led him to robotics;









    * The story of one of his maker "passion projects", prior to his work in robotics;









    * How Circuit Launch came into being;





    * The story of the Mechlabs mechtronics education program;









    * How Mechlabs' program is filling a gap in the robotics industry;









    * Two of Dan's all-time favorite robots which his students created;









    * How a student working remotely was able to learn and participate in the building process on one of these!:









    * Some good "mistakes" that might encourage any beginners who might be afraid of "breaking something" (and how these errors are part of the learning process);









    * A look at Dan's own latest robotic project;









    * The different types of education courses Mechlabs offers;









    * A preview of the Big Robot Block Party;









    * One of Dan's favorite experiences from a previous Robot Block Party;









    * Dan's future vision for Circuit Launch and Mechlabs.

    40 min
  • Robotic Festivities

    (Photo courtesy of Andra Keay, and used with permission.)











    You're invited to a party! And it just may be one of the best events you'll ever attend.



    Artists, families, makers, hobbyists, startups and anyone who enjoys being wowed by seriously cool robots are welcome to attend Silicon Valley Robotics' Big Robot Block Party, coming up in April.



    "There's always something new, that I don't know about yet," says futurist and Silicon Valley Robotics Managing Director Andra Keay.



    Nonprofit Silicon Valley Robotics hosts the Big Robot Block Party annually, during National Robotics Week. The goal: to include everyone in a free, fun and engaging celebration of robots.



    The 2023 Big Robot Block Party runs from 10 am to 4 pm, that Saturday, April 8th at Circuit Launch in Oakland. Here's the link for free tickets.



    Robot races are on the program. So are art exhibits, tech talks, robot demos, great food, a jobs fair, networking...



    And you don't have to be "technical" to have a great time. But you may still wind up with a new career interest.



    "Robotics is a lot more accessible than we think," says Andra, whose credentials also include serving as Vice-President of Global Robotics at AMT, as an advisor to Circuit Launch and as the founder of Women in Robotics. And, she says, a wide variety of skills--including those in the arts--will be needed in the robotics industry in the future.



    Andra shared the story of the Big Robot Block Party, gave an intriguing look at the history of robots (who knew they went that far back?) discussed some of the unique ways the past Robot Block Party has showcased robots, and offered a preview of some of this year's exhibitors and events.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:




    * How Andra first discovered her passion for robots;





    * Where you might like to start, at the Big Robot Block Party, if you'd like to create a robot of your own!;





    * The story of the Big Robot Block Party;





    * A preview of some of this year's exhibits and activities;





    * A closer look at some of the robots that will be onsite (including a robotic VR experience!);





    * How one entrepreneur put robotics to work to create a captivating, customized pop-up experience during last year's party;





    * What one of the exhibiting artists will be creating, using robotics;





    * A tempting preview of the food!;





    * How to support Silicon Valley Robotics and the programs they support;





    * How the future job market may look, due to robotics.

    25 min
  • S.T.E.A.M. Performance Art













    Building a Rose Parade® float can be highly addictive.







    Just ask La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Vice President of Float Development Pam Wiedenbeck.



    And the creative process involves science, technology, engineering, art and math.



    Nonprofit La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses, or LCFTRA, is one of six noncommercial float builders who enter a float in Pasadena's Tournament of Roses® Parade, every New Year's Day. Participating since 1978, they work year-round on their entries. Currently, they're in the design-approval stage, from Tournament of Roses®, for their 2024 float.



    "Labor of love" barely describes LCFTRA's work.



    A passionate community











    A community of volunteers does the welding, design, foaming (adding a foam base where flowers will be attached), painting and whatever else needs to be done.



    Oh--and every inch of a Rose Parade® float must be covered in organic material. Pre-parade, LCFTRA's staff have five days to complete the decorating process.



    LCFTRA frequently win awards for their float entries--including their win this past New Year's Day. Their float, "Secondhand Shenanigans" won the Mayor's Trophy for "Most Outstanding Float from Participating City".



    "Secondhand Shenanigans" also marked a milestone for LCFTRA.



    While storytelling is at the core of float entries, Pam implemented a new creative project: a comic-style book, drawn by 13-year-old Madeline Weatherwax, which tells the story behind what's happening on "Secondhand Shenanigans"! (The book is currently for sale on Amazon and all proceeds go to nonprofit LCFTRA.)



    Pam talked about the creative process for both the float and the book, offered a look at what's happening with LCFTRA's 2024 float entry, and shared ways you can get involved, if you're in the Southern California area!



    (La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association welcomes volunteers! Find out more on their website. In addition, Pam says, Pasadena Tournament of Roses®is currently recruiting volunteers. Here's where to find out more about becoming a "White Suiter".)



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:




    * How Pam's background first got her "hooked" on float building;









    * A quick look ahead at what LCFTRA plans to create for the 2024 Rose Parade®;









    * The different S.T.E.A.M. aspects of creating a Rose Parade® float;









    * The science of welding;









    * What "cold welds" are (you don't want these!);









    * Technology, as it relates to float animation;









    46 min
  • The Wonder Component

    Due to a production computer that isn't feeling very well, Over Coffee® will be on hiatus this week. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2022!



    (Photograph courtesy of Tracey Croggon, and used with permission.)







    At the core of Dr. Matt Pritchard's work, is a sense of wonder.



    That element comes both from observing the world around him, and from practicing his craft.



    Matt, "The Science Magician", has a PhD. in experimental atomic physics, in addition to his professional-magician credentials. With the goal of boosting creativity and critical-thinking skills, he performs "science magic" shows at local schools, universities and organizations.



    He is also an author, as well as a speaker. In his TED talk, “The Quantum State of Wonder”, he demonstrates a couple of his tricks which combine, as he says, “surprise plus mystery”.



    And he has a creativity-boosting challenge he'd like to offer you.



    "Binge-watch some of my videos,” he suggests, ” And just sit there and go, ‘How would I do this?'”



    (You may not figure that out--we didn't! But they're highly entertaining and will indeed spark a sense of wonder.)



    At the time of our interview in 2022, Matt was hosting a podcast, Words on Wonder, featuring interviews with guests who use their creativity in unusual and interesting ways. Today, those interviews are transcribed. as a blog on his website.



    Matt talked about his professional career, shared some of the ways he captivates audiences and offered a closer look at the science behind the magic.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:




    * How Matt became interested in his two areas of expertise;









    * His professional journey, in both atomic physics and magic, and the catalyst for finding common ground in these two areas ;









    * A tip for engaging audiences, no matter what you’re presenting;









    * What it’s like to audition for the world’s most prestigious magicians’ society;









    * How Matt surprised those magicians!:









    * One of the demonstrations he does, that tends to wow audiences of all ages;









    * How he applies math to an often-seen “estimate” challenge;









    * How not to “burn out” when producing creative work;









    * Matt’s recommendation of two authors who inspire him;









    * A historic “curiosity” about a magician from Matt’s blog;









    * What the “magician mindset” is;









    * One of Matt’s favorite discoveries which he incorporates into his performances;









    * How magicians apply the psychology of magic to an audience;









    * An application of that psychology,
    31 min
  • Meloscene: Revolutionizing Music

    (Photo courtesy of Chad Gerber, and used with permission.)







    Meloscene Founder and Chief Visionary Officer Chad Gerber is revolutionizing the music industry.



    Chad, who has garnered multiple gold and platinum records, is also a futurist. His innovation: the world's first metaverse for musicians!



    And it's all about breaking down barriers.



    As a gifted composer, producer and performer, Chad has first-hand knowledge of the challenges that go along with being a working musician. Cost, travel, time, logistics, and venue availability all come into the equation.



    Ultimately, he says, daydreaming about ways to remove these obstacles led him to create Meloscene. This is the world's first metaverse designed for musicians,, which Chad recently introduced at CES® 2023 in Las Vegas this January.



    Currently being produced in beta, Meloscene allows musicians to, as their website explains, "create real music in a virtual world". Collaborating live with other musicians all over the world, hosting events, and teaching lessons to a wider range are just three of the capabilities this new technology allows.



    Chad talked about his background, shared the story of Meloscene and offered a look at the different ways it could facilitate artists' career paths in the future.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:








    * How Chad first became interested in music:









    * One of the considerations which has made a crucial difference for him, as a working musician;









    * The story of Meloscene;









    * How Meloscene works for musicians at different career stages, and in various aspects of the music industry;









    * Chad's own best experience so far, collaborating in a real-time session in his virtual environment;









    * His current musical projects;









    * How he's planning to use virtual reality and AI to augment his compositions;









    * Chad's creative process, as a musician;









    * Why his music appears under the moniker "Woodrow Gerber";









    * His recollections of his experience, debuting Meloscene at CES® 2023.





    35 min
  • Implementing the Magic









    "VR allows students to take a lot of ownership over their learning," says TOSA/Educational Technology Specialist Jake Ritschel.



    He's talking about an exciting pilot program he's implementing.



    Along with a committee of fellow educators at Dixon Unified School District, in Northern California, Jake is exploring new ways to teach subjects through virtual reality.



    The focus is on fitting subjects to students' interests--and then teaching them skills, through VR, that translate into the physical world.



    Jake, who will be speaking at the 2023 Educating for Careers Conference in Sacramento on February 28th, talked about his experiences, some of the new applications teachers are discovering for their classrooms, and the trends he sees as he looks towards implementing VR in the classroom.



    On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:




    * How Jake first realized the power of VR to illustrate concepts;









    * The application that got him "hooked" on virtual reality;









    * The story of Dixon Unified's multidisciplinary VR-in-the-classroom project;



    *



    * Some of the applications the educators have found to involve students in different subjects;









    * Age considerations for when it may, and may not, be safe to put students into VR headsets (note: this post and podcast are for informational purposes only. Please contact a medical professional if you have questions about student VR safety);









    * Where Jake sees educational VR going, in the future;









    * Two of Dixon Unified's current educational virtual-reality projects









    * One of Jake's favorite student reactions to one of these programs;









    * Several VR applications tailored to students with more of an arts interest;









    * Jake's advice for anyone who's intimidated by technology or the idea of implementing virtual reality in the classroom;









    * The biggest barrier, currently, to widespread use of VR in classrooms, and Jake's suggestions for circumventing it;









    * The "bigger picture" takeaways for educators, from what Jake is doing with Dixon Unified.





    27 min

About Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

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Would you like to know more about the art of twenty-first century "cool stuff" that's changing our world? Such as: robots, space exploration, new media, wearable technology and other innovations that…