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

May 14, 2019 BehaVR: Virtual Mindfulness

(Royalty-free image courtesy of Pixabay.)

This post is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or other healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns.

BehaVR takes a new approach to mindfulness--with virtual reality at its core.

And the idea behind its virtual-reality experiences: how to put mind-body medicine into effect.

With BehaVR, patients strap on a headset, and go through an experience that illustrates the ways they can choose their thoughts. Those thoughts, in turn, help them to choose healthier responses to events in their lives.

Dr. Peter Buecker is the Chief Medical Officer of BehaVR, in Louisville, Kentucky. "Dr. Pete", as his patients call him, is an orthopedic surgeon with a passion for mind-body medicine. In addition to his work with BehaVR, he is the founder and CEO of Metamynd, a personal and organizational training organization. He is also the owner of Mindpointe, LLC, which offers "health solutions for mind, body and life".

Dr. Pete talked about his introduction to VR, how he came on board with BehaVR and how their experiences work.

On this edition of Over Coffee®,, you will hear:

How Dr. Pete first experienced virtual reality;

How he came on board with BehaVR;

Some of the challenges of "gamifying" mindfulness through VR:

How BehaVR's first mindfulness platform works;

The ways their newest platform, "Firefly", works. to combat addiction;

How the platforms, customized to individual users, feed back information in real time;

A new development with the FDA in the area of digital medicine;

How BehaVR is currently being used across the country;

What the BehaVR staff is currently working on, for an individualized program.

Some of the lessons involved in learning to create VR (including a creative mistake that highlighted what needs to happen in production!).
28 min
May 14, 2019 BehaVR: Virtual Mindfulness

(Royalty-free image courtesy of Pixabay.)

This post is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your doctor or other healthcare professional with any medical questions or concerns.

BehaVR takes a new approach to mindfulness--with virtual reality at its core.

And the idea behind its virtual-reality experiences: how to put mind-body medicine into effect.

With BehaVR, patients strap on a headset, and go through an experience that illustrates the ways they can choose their thoughts. Those thoughts, in turn, help them to choose healthier responses to events in their lives.

Dr. Peter Buecker is the Chief Medical Officer of BehaVR, in Louisville, Kentucky. "Dr. Pete", as his patients call him, is an orthopedic surgeon with a passion for mind-body medicine. In addition to his work with BehaVR, he is the founder and CEO of Metamynd, a personal and organizational training organization. He is also the owner of Mindpointe, LLC, which offers "health solutions for mind, body and life".

Dr. Pete talked about his introduction to VR, how he came on board with BehaVR and how their experiences work.

On this edition of Over Coffee®,, you will hear:

How Dr. Pete first experienced virtual reality;

How he came on board with BehaVR;

Some of the challenges of "gamifying" mindfulness through VR:

How BehaVR's first mindfulness platform works;

The ways their newest platform, "Firefly", works. to combat addiction;

How the platforms, customized to individual users, feed back information in real time;

A new development with the FDA in the area of digital medicine;

How BehaVR is currently being used across the country;

What the BehaVR staff is currently working on, for an individualized program.

Some of the lessons involved in learning to create VR (including a creative mistake that highlighted what needs to happen in production!).
28 min
May 06, 2019 Caliban Below: A VR Spine-Tingler
(Free-for-commercial-use image courtesy of Pixabay, at pixabaycom.)

Do you love Gothic fiction? Where you can almost see the mist-shrouded worlds of Edgar Allan Poe or H.P. Lovecraft?

Then, VR visionary and Blackthorn Media Founder/Creative Director Michael Conelly is going to give you chills. But in a good way: through his short interactive VR experience, Caliban Below.

Michael is the author of the 1989 novel The Abbot's Book: A Gothic Tale. He's also a multiple Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor. His past work has included visual effects for Snow White and the Huntsman and Charlotte's Web.

Drawing on his background in filmmaking, Michael is bringing his novel to life as a series of short stories in virtual reality.

His latest chapter, Caliban Below, has just become available for iPhone and iPad.

When you strap on the headset, you have a role to play. There's a mystery to uncover--and no two experiences will be alike.

Caliban Below is part of an eight-part series, according to the STEAM® website. If you want more--and you probably will!--Chapter One, The Abbot's Book Demo, is also available as a free download.

Michael talked about the inspiration for his novel, The Abbot's Book, the process of creating the world he envisioned in VR, and what's next!
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:

*
How The Abbot's Book first came about, during Michael's college days;

*
Some of the challenges Michael experienced, in translating the story to virtual reality;

*
What we'll experience, after entering the world of Caliban Below;

*
How the game is unique to each player, due to XR;

*
Michael's favorite experience, from creating his XR experiences;

*
Where to access Caliban Below (it's a free download!);

*
The "surprise" element Michael's encountering, with his larger creative project, The Abbot's Book;

*
What needs to happen next!;

*
The circumstances that enabled Michael to bring his story from book to XR;

*
His recommendations for resources to fellow creatives;

*
One of the best professional lessons Michael learned, in the process of re-creating The Abbot's Book in XR format.

26 min
May 06, 2019 Caliban Below: A VR Spine-Tingler
(Free-for-commercial-use image courtesy of Pixabay, at pixabaycom.)

Do you love Gothic fiction? Where you can almost see the mist-shrouded worlds of Edgar Allan Poe or H.P. Lovecraft?

Then, VR visionary and Blackthorn Media Founder/Creative Director Michael Conelly is going to give you chills. But in a good way: through his short interactive VR experience, Caliban Below.

Michael is the author of the 1989 novel The Abbot's Book: A Gothic Tale. He's also a multiple Oscar-nominated visual effects supervisor. His past work has included visual effects for Snow White and the Huntsman and Charlotte's Web.

Drawing on his background in filmmaking, Michael is bringing his novel to life as a series of short stories in virtual reality.

His latest chapter, Caliban Below, has just become available for iPhone and iPad.

When you strap on the headset, you have a role to play. There's a mystery to uncover--and no two experiences will be alike.

Caliban Below is part of an eight-part series, according to the STEAM® website. If you want more--and you probably will!--Chapter One, The Abbot's Book Demo, is also available as a free download.

Michael talked about the inspiration for his novel, The Abbot's Book, the process of creating the world he envisioned in VR, and what's next!
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you'll hear:

*
How The Abbot's Book first came about, during Michael's college days;

*
Some of the challenges Michael experienced, in translating the story to virtual reality;

*
What we'll experience, after entering the world of Caliban Below;

*
How the game is unique to each player, due to XR;

*
Michael's favorite experience, from creating his XR experiences;

*
Where to access Caliban Below (it's a free download!);

*
The "surprise" element Michael's encountering, with his larger creative project, The Abbot's Book;

*
What needs to happen next!;

*
The circumstances that enabled Michael to bring his story from book to XR;

*
His recommendations for resources to fellow creatives;

*
One of the best professional lessons Michael learned, in the process of re-creating The Abbot's Book in XR format.

26 min
April 29, 2019 New Worlds of Immersion

(Photo courtesy of Chris Madsen, and used with permission.)

Immersive VR Education is a game-changer. But that statement applies to much more than just playing games.

Think, "documentaries where you experience events". Or "learning while exploring an environment".

Or even, "actively participating in interactive social activities, with others in different locations."

And--if you have no coding experience, you can also use their virtual training and education platform, ENGAGE, to create your first virtual-reality content! (They have both a free and a paid version.)

Dublin-based Immersive VR Education is a multiple award-winning virtual and augmented reality software firm. Their mission: to change the ways education is provided and experienced, globally. Their arenas: both the academic and corporate worlds.

Chris Madsen, who was an early adopter when the Oculus developer kit first became available, has no less than four major roles in the virtual-reality community, according to his LinkedIn profile. One of those is in Business Development for Immersive VR Education.

Chris shared the story of Immersive VR Education, offered a look at the three historical VR documentaries they've created so far (there's another one in the works!), and explored the ways we, as creators, can use the ENGAGE platform to create, teach and socialize.
On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

*
How Chris first became involved with virtual reality;

*
What happened when he first strapped on the headset (and how it changed his future!);

*
The story of Immersive VR Education;

*
How the ENGAGE platform works (there's a free version!);

*
One of the "coolest" capabilities the ENGAGE platform currently allows creators;

*
One of Chris's favorite experiences creating a VR experience with the ENGAGE platform (hint: he worked with people in different geographic areas!)

*
Additional uses of the platform, beyond conventional learning situations;

*
How the platform is evolving;

*
What Immersive VR Education has planned for creators (there's an exciting opportunity coming!).

23 min
April 29, 2019 New Worlds of Immersion

(Photo courtesy of Chris Madsen, and used with permission.)

Immersive VR Education is a game-changer. But that statement applies to much more than just playing games.

Think, "documentaries where you experience events". Or "learning while exploring an environment".

Or even, "actively participating in interactive social activities, with others in different locations."

And--if you have no coding experience, you can also use their virtual training and education platform, ENGAGE, to create your first virtual-reality content! (They have both a free and a paid version.)

Dublin-based Immersive VR Education is a multiple award-winning virtual and augmented reality software firm. Their mission: to change the ways education is provided and experienced, globally. Their arenas: both the academic and corporate worlds.

Chris Madsen, who was an early adopter when the Oculus developer kit first became available, has no less than four major roles in the virtual-reality community, according to his LinkedIn profile. One of those is in Business Development for Immersive VR Education.

Chris shared the story of Immersive VR Education, offered a look at the three historical VR documentaries they've created so far (there's another one in the works!), and explored the ways we, as creators, can use the ENGAGE platform to create, teach and socialize.
On this edition of Over Coffee® you will hear:

*
How Chris first became involved with virtual reality;

*
What happened when he first strapped on the headset (and how it changed his future!);

*
The story of Immersive VR Education;

*
How the ENGAGE platform works (there's a free version!);

*
One of the "coolest" capabilities the ENGAGE platform currently allows creators;

*
One of Chris's favorite experiences creating a VR experience with the ENGAGE platform (hint: he worked with people in different geographic areas!)

*
Additional uses of the platform, beyond conventional learning situations;

*
How the platform is evolving;

*
What Immersive VR Education has planned for creators (there's an exciting opportunity coming!).

23 min
April 23, 2019 Empowering Against Pain
Due to unforeseen technical issues, we've had to postpone today's originally-scheduled podcast episode. Here is a rebroadcast of one of our top podcasts of 2019, in case you missed it! The following podcast is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your health-care professional with any health-related questions.

At CES® 2019, in Las Vegas, earlier this year, we met a physician who'd made an exciting discovery. [powerpoint]

Dr. Amy Baxter, CEO of PainCareLabs, had discovered that vibration--plus heat, or cold--was an effective pain reliever.

And she'd used that finding in her invention of several portable devices to empower patients to manage pain--without drugs.

Dr. Baxter, who is both a pediatric emergency physician and a pain researcher, is currently continuing her research studies. We talked onsite at CES® 2019's startup area, Eureka Park®, about the story of her devices, Buzzy®, VibraCool® and new device DuoTherm®, and how they work to alleviate chronic pain.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Dr. Baxter’s devices work to block pain;

*
How she first came up with the concept behind her VibraCool® and Buzzy® products (and the newest device, DuoTherm®);

*
What her innovator’s journey was like, from that “aha!” moment in 2004 to today;

*
Dr. Baxter’s background, as a medical professional, and her previous research work;

*
Why vibration works as a potent recovery tool;

*
How we react differently to chronic pain in the United States, as opposed to other countries (and how men and women react differently);

*
Why mental focus can be instrumental in blocking chronic pain;

*
The mindset, behind both art and science, that leads to innovation;

*
Dr. Baxter’s vision for the future, with Buzzy, Vibracool, and future research and development.

24 min
April 23, 2019 Empowering Against Pain
Due to unforeseen technical issues, we've had to postpone today's originally-scheduled podcast episode. Here is a rebroadcast of one of our top podcasts of 2019, in case you missed it! The following podcast is for informational purposes only, and is not intended as medical advice. Please contact your health-care professional with any health-related questions.

At CES® 2019, in Las Vegas, earlier this year, we met a physician who'd made an exciting discovery. [powerpoint]

Dr. Amy Baxter, CEO of PainCareLabs, had discovered that vibration--plus heat, or cold--was an effective pain reliever.

And she'd used that finding in her invention of several portable devices to empower patients to manage pain--without drugs.

Dr. Baxter, who is both a pediatric emergency physician and a pain researcher, is currently continuing her research studies. We talked onsite at CES® 2019's startup area, Eureka Park®, about the story of her devices, Buzzy®, VibraCool® and new device DuoTherm®, and how they work to alleviate chronic pain.
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Dr. Baxter’s devices work to block pain;

*
How she first came up with the concept behind her VibraCool® and Buzzy® products (and the newest device, DuoTherm®);

*
What her innovator’s journey was like, from that “aha!” moment in 2004 to today;

*
Dr. Baxter’s background, as a medical professional, and her previous research work;

*
Why vibration works as a potent recovery tool;

*
How we react differently to chronic pain in the United States, as opposed to other countries (and how men and women react differently);

*
Why mental focus can be instrumental in blocking chronic pain;

*
The mindset, behind both art and science, that leads to innovation;

*
Dr. Baxter’s vision for the future, with Buzzy, Vibracool, and future research and development.

24 min
April 15, 2019 Engineering a Better World
(Photo courtesy of Becky Neely, Engineers Without Borders USA Communications Director, and used with permission.)

When we think of communities without clean water, or other basic needs, many of us don't envision them in the U.S.

Nonprofit Engineers Without Borders knows differently. They provide volunteer engineering services to underserved communities in 44 countries.

And that includes the United States. A relatively new branch of the organization, Engineers Without Borders USA, is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Currently, Engineers Without Borders USA volunteers are at work on projects in 33 states. They have a three-pronged program: the global International Community Program; the Engineering Service Corps, comprised of their most seasoned volunteers; and the Community Engineering Corps. The latter is an alliance of technical professionals and students, working together to solve problems and empower communities.

Clare Haas Claveau is Community Engineering Corps Director at Engineers Without Borders, USA. We talked about Engineers Without Borders USA's current projects, what volunteers can expect, and how you or your business or employer can get involved, if you'd like (whether or not you're an engineer!).
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Clare first became involved in Engineers Without Borders USA;

*
Current projects in progress, in the U.S.;

*
Several projects which may not be the first thing you think of, when you think of engineering (Including one very cool one that needs more engineer volunteers right now!);

*
How engineers can get involved;

*
What volunteers can expect, once they commit;

*
One of the best creative challenges Clare has encountered;

*
How the outreach campaign, What's in My Backyard, works;

*
Where other professionals (non-engineers) can get in touch and work with Engineers Without Borders USA;

*
The obstacles around which Clare and her teams are working;

*
What Engineers Without Borders USA needs most, at this point;

*
One of Clare's most rewarding experiences, among the projects she's facilitated;

*
A closer look at an agricultural project in New Orleans, and a clean-water system in California.

*
Community Engineering Corps' vision for the future.

Like to know more about what Engineers Without Borders is doing internationally? Check out our earlier interview with Re:3D co-founder Samantha Snabes!
27 min
April 15, 2019 Engineering a Better World
(Photo courtesy of Becky Neely, Engineers Without Borders USA Communications Director, and used with permission.)

When we think of communities without clean water, or other basic needs, many of us don't envision them in the U.S.

Nonprofit Engineers Without Borders knows differently. They provide volunteer engineering services to underserved communities in 44 countries.

And that includes the United States. A relatively new branch of the organization, Engineers Without Borders USA, is currently celebrating its fifth anniversary.

Currently, Engineers Without Borders USA volunteers are at work on projects in 33 states. They have a three-pronged program: the global International Community Program; the Engineering Service Corps, comprised of their most seasoned volunteers; and the Community Engineering Corps. The latter is an alliance of technical professionals and students, working together to solve problems and empower communities.

Clare Haas Claveau is Community Engineering Corps Director at Engineers Without Borders, USA. We talked about Engineers Without Borders USA's current projects, what volunteers can expect, and how you or your business or employer can get involved, if you'd like (whether or not you're an engineer!).
On this edition of Over Coffee®, you will hear:

*
How Clare first became involved in Engineers Without Borders USA;

*
Current projects in progress, in the U.S.;

*
Several projects which may not be the first thing you think of, when you think of engineering (Including one very cool one that needs more engineer volunteers right now!);

*
How engineers can get involved;

*
What volunteers can expect, once they commit;

*
One of the best creative challenges Clare has encountered;

*
How the outreach campaign, What's in My Backyard, works;

*
Where other professionals (non-engineers) can get in touch and work with Engineers Without Borders USA;

*
The obstacles around which Clare and her teams are working;

*
What Engineers Without Borders USA needs most, at this point;

*
One of Clare's most rewarding experiences, among the projects she's facilitated;

*
A closer look at an agricultural project in New Orleans, and a clean-water system in California.

*
Community Engineering Corps' vision for the future.

Like to know more about what Engineers Without Borders is doing internationally? Check out our earlier interview with Re:3D co-founder Samantha Snabes!
27 min

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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