TechMobility Topics

This episode begins with a look at Volvo’s new ES 90, a sleek, full-electric luxury car aimed at drivers who are tired of SUVs but still want space, comfort, and ground clearance. Combining sedan elegance, fastback versatility, and SUV practicality, the ES 90 targets professionals who prefer understated, confident design over flashy excess. The challenge? Because it’s made in China, current U.S. tariffs make it unprofitable to sell here—so American buyers may never see it, even as European customers start taking delivery.

During this episode, I critically examine a secretive U.S. Border Patrol surveillance program that monitors millions of American drivers well beyond traditional border areas. Ken explains how “suspicious” travel patterns—undefined and unregulated—are leading to detentions, “whisper stops,” and invasive questioning of law-abiding citizens. I raise urgent concerns about civil liberties, Fourth Amendment protections, and the expanding reach of domestic surveillance in everyday life.

For this episode, I explore the next stage of precision agriculture: controlled drainage and subsurface irrigation. Using a high-value Indiana farm sale as a case study, Ken explains how farmers are employing underground water management systems to reduce runoff, conserve nutrients, recapture irrigation water, and increase crop yields by 10–20%. In an era of rising input costs and growing water-quality concerns, the technology provides both environmental and financial advantages.

Ken explores the emerging world of electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft (eVTOLs)—and whether the long-imagined “flying car” is finally real. He breaks down the Pivotal BlackFly ultralight aircraft, its intuitive joystick controls, its safety-first automation, and why federal regulations—not technology—may be the biggest barrier to widespread adoption. With models like the new Pivotal Helix entering the market, Ken argues the conversation is no longer science fiction, but regulatory timing.

During this episode, I explore Amtrak’s resurgence, emphasizing the railroad’s record-high ridership, increasing revenues, and long-overdue investments in equipment and facilities. After decades of neglect, Amtrak is finally experiencing renewed public interest—driven by high airfares, highway congestion, and the popularity of rail as a calmer, more convenient alternative. Clean trains, upgraded routes, and on-time performance are helping Amtrak move toward operational profitability by 2028, a milestone never before reached.

In this episode, I discuss the future of batteries that every EV enthusiast cares about. Solid-state EV batteries provide higher energy density, faster charging, and improved safety. Toyota targets a 620-mile range and under-10-minute charges; Stellantis moves toward deployments with Factorial; GM's three-chemistry strategy of LFP, lithium-enriched, and NMC aims to manage costs and scale. Different timelines, approaches, and a market that will favor those who connect technology readiness with real-world value.

It's a cyber battlefield!  Careers and code intersect as I explore AI in hiring. Recruiters rely on AI to sift through large volumes of resumes; job seekers use hidden prompts to influence the screeners. I explain how this works, why platforms are adapting, and the ethics of countering automation with automation. The main idea is straightforward: optimization outperforms manipulation because interviews still value clarity, evidence, and results.  Question:  Should job applicants embed code to modify the job-evaluation AI's behavior?

During this episode, I get behind the wheel of the 2025 Audi A3. It’s more compact, smarter, and more digital, with a refined interior, standard quattro all-wheel drive, and a smooth, capable ride that feels more premium than its price suggests. We highlight the wins—balanced handling, useful MMI upgrades, ambient lighting—and discuss the issues that matter: a dated cruise stalk, an awkward armrest for shorter drivers, and stock all-season tires that limit the car’s potential. The solution is simple and effective: install proper all-weather tires and let the chassis perform at its best.

The Arctic isn’t just ice and maps—it’s a test of national power and supply chains. In this episode, I offer a clear look at the global icebreaker gap: Russia’s eight nuclear heavy ships, China’s growing fleet, and a U.S. plan focused on medium icebreakers that may struggle through four-foot ice. We examine what mediums handle well, why heavy icebreakers still define access and deterrence, and how timing, cost, and reliability will shape leadership in the North.

In this episode, I explore how technology on the farm is solving real problems. AI-powered collars monitor cow health in real time, alerting farmers days before illness reduces milk production. Paired with precision agriculture—GPS mapping, auto-steer, drones, and sensors—these tools reduce waste, labor demands, and input costs. When seventy percent of large farms use precision systems, it’s clear that data has become a vital part of modern farming.