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

By Dot Cannon: Public Speaker & New-Media ReporterSociety & Culture Education Arts

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

November 02, 2020 TechDay Online: Connecting to Success

Mark your calendar--TechDay Online happens November 17th! And it's going to be an unprecedented gathering of leaders from three major innovation hubs.

"I think the learning we'll be offering people is world-class," says TechDay HQ President and Continental Expositions Owner/President Walter Charnizon.

Normally, TechDay, the world's largest producer of startup events, hosts three annual shows: in London, New York and Los Angeles. The goal: providing tech startups access to the resources they need to succeed.

But as we deal with the pandemic, 2020 is far from "normal".

Innovator-fashion, TechDay is pivoting. They're bringing together all three communities in one all-virtual event.

Education sessions, three unique pitch stages and 24/7 access to digital learning opportunities will all be a part of the three-day program.   So will networking. "Ask Me Anything" live round talbe sessions will feature industry experts, answering questions from small groups.

Hundreds of startups, from all three communities, have signed up to present their innovations in the digital expo hall.   Keynote speakers from Los Angeles, New York and London will share their knowledge and perspectives. A new AI-powered matchmaking service will connect attendees with the information they're seeking.

Another innovation?   In consideration of the ways the pandemic has affected the economy, they're offering a new pricing model: a "Pay What You Wish" Expo and Networking Pass! There's a suggested admission price, but, "If what you can afford is nothing, you're welcome at TechDay," Walter says.

Walter talked about the process of taking TechDay Online, offered a preview of what attendees will see and discussed the ways TechDay Online might change the future.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

*
How the magic of bringing communities together in trade show events first captured Walter's imagination;

*
A look at the ways TechDay offers "democratized access to success" to startup entrepreneurs;

*
What the process was like, for Walter and his team, as they adapted TechDay to an all-digital event due to the pandemic;

*
How the free resource, TechDay Town Hall, resulted from this process;

*
Walter's experience with the TechDay Founders Summit, and how the video chats paved the way for TechDay Online;

*
A preview of the scheduled events for TechDay Online;

*
A projection of the ways some startups might prevail during the pandemic;

*
How future onsite TechDay shows might evolve, after the pandemic ends;

*
A closer look at some of the technology scheduled for the TechDay Online digital Expo Hall, and the ways exhibitors are pivoting their services;

*
A statistic that may surprise you, about the number of new-business applications by comparison to 2019!

*
The specifics of TechDay Online's pricing model (everyone's welcome! Please consider supporting them if you can).

1 hr 1 min
October 29, 2020 Evoking Community – Interactively
(Image courtesy of Two Bit Circus, and used with permission.)

Technology plus imagination always equals fun, with Two Bit Circus. This time, they're applying that equation to all of us self-isolating at home.

Their new creation, Two Bit Circus REMOTE, will give you a chance to add fun to your Thursday nights, free! And now, you can book Two Bit Circus REMOTE for interactive special occasions, as we work and celebrate special events remotely.

And here's the link to our new video component!

So, what is Two Bit Circus REMOTE? A platform of customizable games, which you can play from home with your family, friends and team members, presented in a live, online game-show format, Professional entertainers serve as hosts for these events, both for the weekly public show and the cu. In a recent press release,Two Bit Circus describes these experiences as "a mash-up of classic TV game shows, with a splash of bar trivia and the magic of the Internet".

And you're invited to their free public Halloween show, coming up on Thursday, October 29th!

They also have special-edition themed shows available for booking: a holiday edition, birthday edition and REMOTE for corporate groups! According to their press release, there's also a video-themed show--as well as a Remote Dating theme in the works.

As Two Bit Circus' CTO and "Mad Inventor", Eric Gradman is passionate about creating seriously cool new technology--and about entertaining. He has both a background in computer science and as a circus performer. Robotics, developing immersive story rooms and engaging audiences are three of his areas of expertise.

Eric shared the story of Two Bit Circus REMOTE, offered a look at what users will experience and discussed the creative experience of creating this new feature.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, we cover:

*
How Eric came up with the interactive online show concept, after Two Bit Circus temporarily closed their Micro Amusement Park;

*
What it's like to host a birthday party with the Two Bit Circus REMOTE show;

*
A particularly fun game which you may experience, as part of the show;

*
A word we'd never heard before, in our life!

*
How to participate in the free REMOTE show for Halloween, on Thursday, October 29th!

*
Why the game shows are co-creative, as opposed to simply competitive;

*
A look at the upcoming holiday shows;

*
How community is growing through Two Bit Circus REMOTE;

*
A look at the robot "in charge" of the new show;

*
What educators have in common with what's happening with the REMOTE platform;

*
Possible future plans for REMOTE;

*
A funny charades-game event which was part of a recent show;

*
Eric's experiences teaching his son in his workshop (and a funny "dad moment"!)

30 min
October 24, 2020 Halloween From a Distance
An Over Coffee® special-edition podcast

Halloween, 2020, is going to be largely virtual. Think virtual costume competitions, staying-in events and at-home entertainment.

Fortunately, a number of creatives, at the intersection of art and science, are up for the challenge. For this special-edition podcast, we're profiling three previous guests whose work you can enjoy from your home.

Filmmaker Douglas Nabors is the Founder/CEO of Los Angeles-based Fun Train VR. Since our 2018 conversation, Fun Train has been updating their first title, top-rated horror experience The Exorcist: Legion VR.

(Image courtesy of Fun Train, and used with permission.)

Today, Douglas emails, the game can be played on the new Oculus Quest 2 headsets! AND Fun Train has now added MR support to their five-chapter deluxe experience!

Not to be confused with XR, MR, or mixed reality, allows a player to juxtapose their VR experience with their physical environment. The results, with The Exorcist: Legion VR, which Fun Train warns is "not for the faint-hearted", will be truly scary this Halloween.

And Fun Train is currently putting finishing touches on a new and very different classic title experience: Tarzan VR! No release date has been announced as yet, but we'll update you as soon as we know!
Summoning the "inner monster"

Meanwhile, legendary scare actor/haunt producer Shar Mayer can tell you all about creating a monster--makeup, that is! And it doesn't take expensive ingredients or previous experience.

Shar, whose work includes casting and training actors for Fullerton extreme haunt The 17th Door, talked with us onsite during ScareLA 2018. She shared her story AND gave some amazing Halloween makeup tips, which we're excited to include here.

And in addition to our coverage, you can learn more about Shar's creative career in the great documentary, "HAUNTERS: The Art of the Scare" by filmmaker Jon Schnitzer. It's a fascinating look at the talent, work and sometimes controversial thought behind extreme Halloween haunts.
STEAM gets "spooky"
Last, but never least, is one of our all-time favorite makers.

We first met STEAM educator/freelance technologist Mitchell Malpartida in February, 2018, when he appeared as a special-edition panel guest. He taught everyone how to create a robotic Valentine!

And he continued creating fun stuff, both for his family and his students. Today, he's the founder of Nevada-based Masterful Creations STEAM Academy! In addition, he's teaching at this week's free International STEAM Summit, which runs from now through Friday, October 23rd.

Last Halloween, Mitchell and his family created three maker projects, including a robotic diorama. He also taught students how to create Day of the Dead sugar skulls--and the chemistry involved! This year, he has another fun-scary maker project in the works--and we can't wait to tell you about it!
On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:

*
What was involved for Douglas in creating The Exorcist: Legion VR;

*
23 min
October 12, 2020 The “RT” of Social Distancing
(Photo courtesy of Michele Frances, and used with permission.)

Austin robot enthusiast Luke Keyes hated the idea of cancelling trick-or-treat this year.

Halloween is his favorite holiday. Pre-pandemic, he and his wife shared their enthusiasm for candy and technology with small visitors through a "haunted science lab" which Luke and his fellow makers created. But this year, the pandemic prevented that kind of Halloween interaction.

Then, inspiration struck.

Luke, who has been creating robots since his college days, realized that his six-foot creation, Artie the Robot, could deliver candy to trick-or-treaters.

And now, with Artie's help, he's planning on a fun and socially-distanced Halloween celebration.

Celebrations are nothing new to Artie. Since Luke created him in 2013, he's appeared at ribbon cuttings, SXSW sessions and Maker Faires, according to his Facebook page. (Yes, Artie the Robot does have a Facebook page of his own!)

Luke likes to use Artie--and his other robotic creations--to encourage kids to create robots of their own. Meanwhile, he continues to have fun building robots of his own for Bot Party,

an improvisational theatre organization which builds improv pieces around robots.

Luke shared Artie's story, offered a preview of Artie's Halloween activities and shared some of his favorite resources for anyone who'd like to build their own robot.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How robots first captured Luke's imagination;

*
The story of Artie the Robot;

*
The resources Luke recommends, for future fellow robot creators;

*
Some background on Artie's experience as a contender for the Guinness Book of World Records;

*
How Luke's annual Halloween creative projects evolved into using Artie to deliver candy, this year;

*
The ways he modified Artie to be a "candy delivery robot";

*
Safety precautions which Luke and his wife are taking, as Artie delivers Halloween treats;

*
A mechanism Luke has designed to prevent kids from finding Artie "scary"';

*
Luke's Halloween plans for Artie the Robot;

*
How Luke is inspiring the next generation of robot creators!

*
Where to see Luke's work online (including his creations for a cool interactive group with which he works, in his spare time!);

*
What's next, for Artie the Robot, as Luke upgrades him!

*
And, another new robot which Luke currently has in the works.

20 min
October 05, 2020 Tradition, Meet Innovation

(Logo courtesy of UNICEF USA, and used with permission.)

For Trick or Treat for UNICEF, 2020 is a landmark year.

It's the seventy-year anniversary of the beloved program.    And this year, Trick or Treat for UNICEF is going virtual!

Ryan Modjeski is Managing Director of UNICEF Ventures. In response to the pandemic, he and his team created the new all-virtual program, which launched on October first.

Participants can support UNICEF's outreach to children around the world from now through November 15th. But "support" doesn't necessarily involve monetary donations.   Individuals, families and classrooms can also participate in activities which support Trick or Treat for UNICEF's mission: empowering kids to help kids.

Trick or Treat for UNICEF started in 1950 with a Philadelphia Sunday School class. According to UNICEF's website, that first Halloween, the class raised $17 by collecting coins instead of candy.

Since then, Trick or Treat for UNICEF has saved the lives of literally millions of children, around the world.   Among the ways UNICEF uses the funds are immunizations, health care and nutrition.   (Education, safe water and emergency relief are also among the uses which UNICEF lists in their FAQ's!)

And Virtual Trick or Treat is just one of the programs which UNICEF Ventures offers. Their flagship program is UNICEF Kid Power, an ed-tech intervention program which has garnered awards including Time Magazine's "Best Inventions of the Year".
An innovator's journey
(Photo courtesy of Ryan Modjeski, and used with permission.)

Ryan's background includes not only work as a game designer, but as an educational innovator. In 2011, he founded his own digital studio, Honeybee Labs, which pioneered several interactive reading and educational applications. His background also includes overseeing the creative design and development of the "RRKidz" program for the "Reading Rainbow" series!

Ryan says Virtual Trick or Treat for UNICEF is just the beginning of something new, digital and exciting. UNICEF Ventures is all about new programs and products for social innovation--and we can't wait to hear more!
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Ryan's creative journey took him into impact-driven work involving technology;

*
The story of the creation of this year's all-digital Trick or Treat for UNICEF program;

*
What this year's Trick or Treaters will experience, with Trick or Treat for UNICEF's virtual edition;

*
Some new innovations which this year's Trick or Treaters will enjoy!;

*
How one of Ryan's personal young "critics" helped in the development of virtual Trick or Treat for UNICEF;

*
What's involved, in translating a beloved product to a digital version;

*
One of the best creative experiences Ryan had, while working on this particular project;

*
Ryan's experiences, following his dreams as an innovator;

*
One factor which made all the difference in his career;

*
How to participate in virtual Trick or Treat for UNICEF in other ways than by fundraising;

*
A hint of xome cool things to come, after Halloween;

*
And,
27 min
September 28, 2020 Across Creative Boundaries
(Royalty-free image by Paolo Ghedini from Pixabay.)

What if you had the opportunity to create and implement new immersive technology?   And what if the creative process were ongoing, as you took your creations ever further?

That's exactly what's happening for VR, AR and XR subject-matter expert Geoff Bund.

Geoff serves as Head of Business Development for the Americas for Helsinki-based VR and XR computer hardware company Varjo. And Varjo is breaking new ground, by merging physical, virtual and augmented reality. In October, they'll be showcasing both their pioneering virtual astronaut training, and a virtual VR/AR "command center" (think: audiovisual studio)!

As a technical professional in the media field, Geoff has considerable experience in shooting stereoscopic movies. In 2015, his work in 3D led him to the opportunity to design the world's first professional virtual-reality camera. The result: the eight-lens "OZO", by Nokia.

Then Geoff supervised film crews in the use of the OZO.   His live 360 media projects included serving as the lead producer and engineer on the 2016 season finale of Dancing With the Stars. Another highly successful live project was the 2017 CMA Fest. According to Geoff's website, both projects went off flawlessly.

In addition, Geoff served as technical supervisor for an unprecedented project.   Working with USA Today, the OZO teams created the "Carrier 360" video, which takes viewers aboard the U.S.S. Eisenhower air carrier during preparation for combat training.
Going beyond innovation
Today, as VR, AR and XR become more widely-adopted, he continues to craft the future.

"With Varjo, I have the opportunity to push the technology further," Geoff says. Now, he says, Varjo is developing new tools to address the gaps that have existed, previously, in the use of VR and AR.

Geoff shared the story of creating the OZO camera, shared some of the ways Varjo is exploring the use of XR and offered some insights into creating successful immersive projects.
On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

*
How his cinematic work led Geoff to the opportunity to create the world's first professional virtual-reality camera;

*
What the experience of creating the "OZO" camera was like;

*
What Geoff is currently seeing, in VR and AR research;

*
A just-announced application from Varjo which lends itself well to education and collaboration;

*
Some of the challenges Geoff encountered as crews begin working professionally with the OZO camera;

*
Some good creative risks which he and his team took, early on;

*
Geoff's advice for immersive-content producers;

*
And, some very cool technology he's using right now!;

*
What Geoff's experience was like, producing the live immersive experience for Dancing With the Stars (he had ten days to coordinate it!);

*
The safeguards that helped make those live events flawless;

*
Where to hear two of Geoff's upcoming presentations for Varjo (seriously cool immersive stuff coming up in October!);

*
The ways in which he sees XR applications coming to the forefront during the pandemic

35 min
September 21, 2020 Immersive Innovation
(Royalty-free image by StockSnap from Pixabay).

For filmmaker Deepak Chetty, immersive technology is a path to storytelling.

As a cinematographer, writer, visual-effects artist and director, Deepak describes himself as an "XR explorer". And he's teaching fellow creatives to create immersive and interactive content, as well.

At the University of Texas, Austin, he created the university's first 3D graduate student thesis film, "Hard Reset". The sci-fi thriller garnered both a "Best 3D Live Action Short" award from the Advanced Imagining Society and a "Best Director" award at the 11th Independent Television and Film Festival in 2016.

Currently, Deepak is both an Assistant Professor of Practice in the Radio, Television and Film Department at UT Austin. He also works as VR and VFX Director at Austin-based film and video production company Revelator. In addition, he serves as Head of Post Production at Los Angeles specialty-application content firm Digital Quilt VR, as well as a film and virtual-production track producer for Epic Games!

Deepak talked about his creative journey, shared an exciting update about "Hard Reset" and offered some of his favorite resources for content creators looking to learn immersive-technology storytelling.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Deepak first became interested in filmmaking;

*
What first inspired him to incorporate immersive elements into storytelling;

*
Where to start, if you're new at incorporating interactive and immersive technology into content creation;

*
What Deepak himself, in his role as an educator, is learning from his students;

*
One of Deepak's favorite memories, from the set of "Hard Reset";

*
What viewers will experience differently, when viewing "Hard Reset" in 3D;

*
What's next, for "Hard Reset"! (Hint: this will be very cool!)

*
A now-democratized technology that's available for filmmaking and will save considerable production time;

*
Deepak's recommendations for a free (and user-friendly to beginners!) resource for media creation--and not just for games or entertainment!

*
A hint of some exciting upcoming content you'll be able to reference, in the near future.

34 min
September 14, 2020 Changing the Rules with XR

Innovation in education is critical to our society, says One Digital Consulting Founder and CEO Carlos J. Ochoa.

And virtual- and augmented-reality applications are central to his vision for the future.

Carlos and his team have already created a number of free digital resources, to empower educators.

Carlos, who is both the President of the VR/AR Association's Madrid Chapter and Global Co-Chair of the VRARA Education Commitee, says virtual reality and cultural heritage are his passions.

His recent work combines both.

One Digital Consulting's YouTube channel includes tours of Russian museums (in 360 video, of course!), and a full playlist of "VR in Cultural Heritage".

And a don't-miss project is "Magical and Mystery Tour Around Cultural Heritage", which Carlos and his team created for the ILRN 2020 digital conference. This is a VR recreation of the historical city of Cuenca, in the Iberian Peninsula. Carlos says the project involved recreating the city as it had been, prior to its destruction in the 14th century, and including a timeline which showcased the innovations of Muslim culture.

Carlos talked about his background and his own introduction to immersive technology, shared the story of One Digital Consulting and offered resources for fellow educators.
On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

*
How Carlos first became interested in VR;

*
The story of One Digital Consulting and their VR/AR platform, Smart Education Labs;

*
A closer look at the ways Smart Education Labs created "smart" education content and a new educational approach;

*
The obstacles Carlos sees, to effective XR education worldwide;

*
What needs to happen, to address the problems of digital divide, post-COVID 19;

*
Five major objectives for creating effective immersive-learning environments worldwide;

*
One of Carlos' favorite experiences with creating educational content through virtual reality;

*
And, how to access and interact with his work!

*
A favorite free (and easy) resource, for creating a 3D environment for education.

34 min
September 09, 2020 Opening Up the World
(Photo courtesy of VRARA, and used with permission.)

How would you like to learn about augmented, virtual and mixed reality, in applications you may never have imagined? And you get to do it virtually, over three days, courtesy of experts from all around the world?

That's exactly the opportunity the VR/AR Association would like to offer you, with their upcoming VR/AR Global Summit Online Conference and Expo. (Dates: Wednesday, September 30th through Friday, October 2nd.)

This isn't a "tech" conference--more of an exploration of where immersive technology will be showing up in daily life. Think education, sports, the workplace of the future, entertainment...

And more applications than we can list here. VRARA Los Angeles Chapter President Natascha French and VR/AR Global Summit Executive Producer Anne-Marie Enns offered a preview of the Global Summit.

(You'll recall, from our earlier interview with Anne-Marie, the VRARA pioneered their first all-virtual event in June. While Anne-Marie is an award-winning event producer, even she had a challenge. The pandemic forced her and her staff to take VRARA's Global Summit completely virtual with only six weeks' lead time!

The result? An incredible three-day event. Now, imagine what VRARA can do with lead time and experience, for their fall edition of the all-virtual show!)

Among the upcoming features Natascha and Anne-Marie mentioned: speakers from every continent; networking groups and interactive activities. (We can't wait!)
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Natascha (who is s journalist and digital-marketing specialist) first encountered the storytelling power of XR;

*
Anne-Marie's recollections of taking VRARA's June Global Summit from a traditional event in Lisbon to an all-virtual show;

*
What Anne-Marie and Natascha experienced, as immersive-technology professionals, during VRARA's first all-virtual Global Summit;

*
A "sneak preview" of some of the content and events;

*
Natascha's preparations for the Global Summit, in her new position as President of VRARA Los Angeles;

*
Some of the unexpected ways in which VR and AR can be used in daily life;

*
What works best for keeping a virtual audience engaged (knowing that, no matter how good your content is, there will be distractions!);

*
An unusual and fun AR application you may just want to check out!

*
What to keep in mind if you're creating a virtual experience;

*
How Natascha and Anne-Marie foresee events changing, post-pandemic.

The VR/AR Global Summit Online Conference and Expo begins at 8 am Eastern time (5 am Pacific) on Wednesday, September 30th, and continues through 6 pm Eastern (3 pm Pacific) on Friday, October 2nd.
Meanwhile, here is the link to September 10's VRARA virtual event, "Real-Time Virtual Production: How LA is Returning to Moviemaking," which Natascha mentioned in the course of our interview!

30 min
September 07, 2020 Reimagining STEAM–Remotely
CDE Foundation STEAM Program Manager Karyn Warner.(Photo courtesy of CDE Foundation, and used with permission.)

Fall semester 2020 looks vastly different from previous years.

For Californians Dedicated to Education Foundation STEAM Program Manager Karyn Warner, going virtual has been the key to serving teachers, students and parents.

Together with CDE Foundation STEAM Program Director Glennon Stratton, Karyn has created a new free webinar series, "Lunch Bites", which offers a different takeaway with each episode. The goal: provide something which teachers (and homeschooling parents) can use immediately in distance learning lesson plans.

And the emphasis is on customization to individual students.

Nonprofit CDE Foundation's goal, as stated on their website, is to provide a strong and equitable public-education system that serves all California students. For 2020, new content and virtual solutions are their means to achieve that goal.

In addition to the "Lunch Bites" webinar series, Karyn and Glennon now have a "Lunch Bites" podcast. Annually, the CDE Foundation co-hosts the "California STEAM Symposium", which will be an all-virtual event in December. Prior to the start of the new semester, they also offered a back-to-school virtual preconference for educators.

Meanwhile, for 2020, the CDE Foundation will be co-hosting their annual "California STEAM Symposium" virtually, in December. You'll recall, from previous posts, that this two-day conference explores imaginative and inventive ways of teaching science, technology, engineering, art and math. December 11-13, promise an exciting exchange of ideas and innovation.

Karyn shared the story of "Lunch Bites" (both the webinar series and podcast!), offered some ideas and guidance for customized remote lessons and gave an update on what's next!
On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

*
How Karyn realized education was her calling;

*
The classroom experiences which led her to revise her lesson plans to give students ownership of their own learning;

*
One vital element, in making STEAM education effective;

*
The story of the "Lunch Bites" webinar series;

*
How to make sure, when offering a virtual experience, that participants are engaged;

*
A closer look at one set of STEAM resources offered on the "Lunch Bites" webinar;

*
How the "Lunch Bites" podcast evolved from the webinar series;

*
Karyn's recommendations for engaging girls and more students of color in STEAM education;

*
What's involved in democratizing education to serve students in all communities;

*
How a teacher can customize lessons to individual students when working with a large classroom;

*
Karyn's advice to homeschooling parents (she is one!);

*
What the back-to-school preconference showed the CDE Foundation about distance learning;

*
A look forward, at what's happening with "Lunch Bites" (don't miss their latest podcast episode, from a student's perspective!);

*
And, what to expect in December, during the virtual California STEAM Symposium!

35 min

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

From the publisher's feed

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…

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

Sign up to save your podcasts

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 episodes

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