The Debugged Podcast

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta interviews Cori Zarek, Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Digital Service. Zarek shares her transition from a lawyer specializing in first amendment and freedom of information issues to becoming a leader in civic technology. She discusses her impactful work at the National Archives and her role in shaping government policies on open data and information access. Highlighting the importance of technological innovation and collaboration, Zarek reflects on her time at the White House and the founding of the U.S. Digital Service. She also talks about co-founding the nonprofit U.S. Digital Response and Technologists for the Public Good. Tune in for insights into the evolving field of civic tech and advice for young professionals looking to make a difference.

Join us on a celestial voyage as we unravel the extraordinary career of Sirisha Bandla, Vice President of Government Affairs and Research Operations at Virgin Galactic. From aerospace engineering at L-3 Communications to shaping legislative priorities for Virgin Galactic, Sirisha's journey is a testament to human ingenuity. Discover her pivotal role in promoting the commercial space industry through policy advocacy and groundbreaking research initiatives. With a background in aeronautical engineering and business administration, Sirisha's expertise illuminates the path to the stars. Tune in to explore the cosmos and the future of space exploration with Sirisha Bandla as our guide.

In this special episode of Debugged, guest host Suhaani Sodhi sits down with Medha Gupta, a 2017 winner of the Congressional App Challenge and current Adobe employee, and Jinghao Li, a 2023 third-place winner. The discussion delves into their journeys at the intersection of business and technology, sharing how their early interests evolved into successful careers. They offer valuable insights on viewing apps as potential businesses, the impact of technological breakthroughs, and the importance of making your projects visible. Tune in to hear practical advice for young innovators, the significance of networking, and real-world examples of solving problems through computer science.

Welcome to the 3D Unleashed edition of the Debugged Podcast, where we decode the world of 3D technology with CEO Alon Grinshpoon, founder of echo3D. In this episode, host Medha Gupta delves into Grinshpoon's journey from computer science scholar to industry disruptor, exploring his pivotal role in reshaping 3D asset management. With $1.9 million in funding and a wealth of experience from Techstars, Grinshpoon shares invaluable advice on networking, team dynamics, and crafting compelling pitches. Join us as we step into the future of 3D, AR, and VR technologies, uncovering the transformative potential that awaits in this exhilarating episode about 3D, AR, VR, XR, and beyond!

Join us as we sit down with Samah El Hage, a leading influencer in technology and AI, known for her innovative and forward-thinking ideas. Author of "Redefine the Lead" and "Next Generation Motherhood," Samah explores the role of technology in leadership and motherhood. With a strong foundation in computer science engineering, she has led groundbreaking technological solutions in the automotive and telecom industries. Samah is also a key voice in sustainability discussions, adept at simplifying complex tech concepts and highlighting their broader implications. Beyond tech, she expresses her creativity through photography and painting, with her work showcased at renowned galleries and festivals like Art Basel. All this and more on Debugged!

In the fourth episode of Season Three of Debugged, host Medha Gupta sits down with business journalist and NYT best-selling author Suzy Welch to discuss her unique approach to creating an authentic and fulfilling life. Suzy introduces her method of identifying your purpose through the intersection of your values, aptitudes, and opportunities. Reflecting on her unconventional career path—from crime reporting to business journalism—Suzy shares invaluable advice on becoming the author of your own life and not the editor. She emphasizes the importance of emotional intelligence alongside technical skills, particularly for young listeners. Tune in to hear insights from Suzy's popular NYU courses on curating your most intentional self, and gain practical tips for navigating your personal and professional journey.

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the latest Debugged Podcast episode, where our host, Medha Gupta, sits down with Jason Toff, the Founder & CEO of Things, Inc. With a rich background in Product Management roles at tech giants like Google, Vine, and Meta, Jason brings a wealth of insight into tech products of the future. In this interview, Jason shares what inspired him to take the leap to starting his own company, outlines many of the key differences between the big tech and startup cultures, and his insights on the AR/VR innovations of today. Find out more about his journey in founding his own venture-backed startup focused on creating revolutionary interactive 3D technology and how the Apple Vision Pro is a window into the future—but not the end-all be-all. All this and more in today’s Debugged Podcast!

Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that delves into the world of computer science! In this episode, host Medha Gupta sits down with Kelcee Griffis, a journalist at The Morning Brew, to uncover her fascinating career path from covering intellectual property and the judiciary to becoming a tech reporter. Join us as Griffis discusses emerging trends in consumer technology, including AI/VR, generative AI, and new Wi-Fi technologies, and how she navigates the rapidly changing tech landscape. Discover her research process, which keeps her informed about the latest innovations and industry developments.

Whether you're an aspiring journalist or technologist, don't miss Griffis' invaluable advice for young listeners and the lessons she wishes she had known earlier in her career. Tune in to the second episode of Debugged Season 3 for an insightful conversation about journalism and technology!

Kicking off Season 3 of the Debugged Podcast, host Medha Gupta interviews Dr. Natalie Lao, Executive Director of the App Inventor Foundation. Dr. Lao shares her journey from MIT undergrad to her current role, emphasizing her passion for education and mentorship. She discusses her involvement in the MIT App Inventor project and her work with UNESCO to promote computational thinking worldwide, playing a pivotal role in crafting AI frameworks. She expanded computer science education internationally, with notable efforts in Mumbai, India, and Hong Kong. Tune in to hear Dr. Lao's inspiring story and her mission to empower individuals, creating an inclusive environment in technology!

In this episode of the Debugged Podcast, Medha sits down with Dora Palfi,  the co-founder and CEO of imagi, an edtech company helping build the tech workforce of the future through an inclusive and creative approach to learning to code.  As one of three girls in her class and one of very few female developers during her internship, Palfi developed a passion for solving the lack of diversity in tech.  After conducting a research project that invited girls to co-create ideas on ways to make coding fun, she initially conceptualized imagi and kickstarted the company with co-founder of imagi, Beatrice Ionascu.  The duo discuss Palfi’s journey from her initial conceptualization to a functional gender-inclusive product catering to young children who want to get into coding.  Imagi edu serves as the main education service in which children can code in Python to customize a special charm accessory.  Palfi discusses how she turned her fear of failure into passion, joy, and ambition.  Be sure to tune into this episode to learn more about Palfi’s AMAZING journey!