The Debugged Podcast

Season 5 kicks off with a special guest: Debugged founder Medha Gupta! Hear how she turned her Congressional App Challenge win into positions in tech and government, inspired others to break out of the current norms in software engineering, and used her passions for further opportunities.

In the Season 4 finale of Debugged, host Medha Gupta flips the script and interviews the team behind the podcast itself. Meet William Chen, Tushar Mehta, Suri Le, Teddy Lampert, and Aadithyaa Vishegu—high school and college students (and CAC Alumni!) who’ve shaped the show across social media, design, content, and production. From lessons in outreach and storytelling to building impactful apps and websites, this episode highlights how each team member has brought their unique voice to Debugged—and where they’re headed next. Whether you're an aspiring technologist, passionate creator, or an App Challenge alum, tune in for a celebration of community, creativity, leadership, and the power of tech beyond the code. Discover how teamwork, curiosity, and bold ideas helped shape the show—and how you can start building your own impact.

In this episode of Debugged, guest host Suhaani Sodhi sits down with Angie Orejuela and Jeremy Bernick to explore the critical intersection of technology and public policy. From biometric data in airport security to the ethics of training AI on artists’ work, they unpack real-world challenges that demand cross-disciplinary thinking. Both guests stress the need for technologists to consider the societal impact of their creations—and for policymakers to better understand the tools shaping our future. Angie and Jeremy also share their unexpected paths into the field, showing how curiosity and passion can guide meaningful careers. Their advice? Don’t wait for a perfect blueprint—just start where you are and stay open to learning. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to bridge code and conscience.

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta speaks with Roger Einstoss, CEO and co-founder of Braintly, a company connecting U.S. tech companies with top-tier software engineers from Latin America. Roger shares his journey from freelance developer to startup founder, reflecting on the challenges and skills needed for success in the tech world. He discusses how Braintly addresses obstacles like cultural alignment, communication skills, and the cost-effectiveness of outsourcing to Latin America. Roger also emphasizes the importance of understanding the problems you're passionate about solving, using tools like AI and no-code platforms to quickly prototype ideas. Tune in for insightful advice on entrepreneurship, the future of tech talent, and the importance of founder wellness in maintaining productivity and passion.

In this episode of the Debugged Podcast, we sit down with Michaela De Guzman, a Senior Curriculum Developer at Girls Who Code and a CSTA Equity Fellow Alumni (2023-24). Michaela shares her journey from teaching coding in Title I schools to designing Cybersecurity and Data Science courses with a focus on social justice. Passionate about empowering students—especially those from historically underrepresented groups—she discusses how coding can be a tool for self-expression, problem-solving, and building a more inclusive tech industry. Tune in to hear how we can inspire the next generation of change makers through computer science!

What if education weren’t confined to a classroom but spanned the entire world? Jenny Buccos, award-winning producer and founder of EXPLR, has spent decades using digital storytelling to connect students with global cultures, STEM, and innovation. From working with legends like Desmond Tutu and Anthony Bourdain to pioneering multimedia learning before YouTube, she shares with guest host, Tushar Mehta, how technology can transform education. We explore the impact of initiatives like the Congressional App Challenge and the National STEM Festival in shaping the next generation of problem solvers. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on curiosity, creativity, and the future of learning.

In this episode ofDebugged, host Medha Gupta sits down with Juliana Spofford, Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel at Aidentified, to explore the evolving landscape of data privacy. With over 30 years of legal experience in data services, Juliana shares how she stumbled into the world of privacy law, the growing importance of data security across industries, and the global impact of regulations like the EU's GDPR. She also discusses why the U.S. still lacks a federal privacy law and how students—whether aspiring lawyers or engineers—can build careers in data privacy. Tune in for expert insights on one of tech’s most pressing issues!

In this episode, Emily Reid, CEO of AI 4 ALL and former Director of Education at Girls Who Code, discusses her journey and mission to democratize AI education. She dives into the importance of integrating ethics in AI development, ensuring that diverse, responsible voices are at the forefront. Emily shares insights on how AI 4 ALL is shaping the future of AI careers for historically excluded communities and highlights how policymakers can influence AI education. Listen to discover what’s next for AI 4 ALL, the impact of AI in education, and how the next generation of changemakers can help steer AI in the right direction.

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta and guest host Tushar Mehta sit down with Anais Lawson, a software engineer at Microsoft on the Xbox team. Anais reflects on her journey, from feeling out of place in AP Computer Science to discovering her passion for tech through programs like JADE and Rewriting The Code. She talks about the importance of mentorship, community, and networking, which helped her shape her career and ultimately led her to frontend development. Anais also shares her experiences in tech classes, how she made her career decisions, and practical advice for students looking to land internships at top tech companies. Tune in for an inspiring and insightful conversation about navigating the tech industry, overcoming challenges, and building a successful career in computer science.

In this special episode of Debugged, a member of our Debugged team, Suhaani Sodhi dives into the world of robotics with three extraordinary Congressional App Challenge alumni and fellow Debugged team members—Suri Le, Aarav Kansupada, and Tushar Mehta. Together, they explore how they got started in robotics, the creativity and collaboration involved in programs like FIRST Robotics, and the essential business skills behind running a successful team.

From LEGO inspirations to lessons in gracious professionalism, hear how these young innovators are shaping the future of technology and what advice they have for anyone looking to join the robotics community. Tune in to uncover the limitless possibilities of robotics and discover how you, too, can get involved!

Stream the episode now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or Anchor.fm, and follow @cacdebugged for updates and behind-the-scenes content.