The TechEd Podcast

What does the Tour de France have to do with STEM education? More than you might think.

This week, host Matt Kirchner is joined by Wall Street Journal columnist and cycling expert Jason Gay to unpack the world’s most demanding sporting event: the Tour de France. They break down everything from team tactics to jersey competitions to the breathtaking drama expected in this year’s race—highlighting the fierce rivalry between defending champion Tadej Pogačar and two-time winner Jonas Vingegaard.

Along the way, they explore the surprising connections between elite cycling and STEM education, from aerodynamics and power output to mechanical systems, race strategy, and nutrition science.

Listen to learn:

• What makes the Tour de France’s 21-stage race one of the most captivating competitions in global sport
• A preview of this year’s high-stakes showdown between two of cycling’s most dominant riders
• How the science of cycling connects directly to STEM—physics, engineering, and human performance
• The advanced tech behind the race: radio comms, carbon fiber frames, power meters, and more
• The complex strategy and systems thinking behind every individual win

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. The Tour de France offers a powerful model for teaching systems thinking. Success on the course depends on how well teams work together—each rider has a role, and strategy unfolds in real time. Educators can use the race to illustrate collaboration, logistics, and decision-making under pressure.

2. Cycling gives students a real-world application of STEM principles. Every stage involves physics, data analysis, mechanical systems, and energy management. From gearing ratios to wattage tracking to aerodynamics, the race mirrors the technical concepts taught in STEM and CTE classrooms.

3. This year’s race highlights how different approaches can lead to success. Pogačar races on instinct and momentum; Vingegaard relies on structure and consistency. Their contrast gives educators a chance to explore how mindset, preparation, and style impact outcomes—even in high-tech, high-performance environments.

Resources in this Episode:

• Official website of the Tour de France

Connect with Jason Gay

Follow Jason on X  |  Read Jason's articles in The Wall Street Journal

Full show notes

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Networking can be the best way to land your first (or next) big job, but are you going about it the wrong way?

Too often, networking conversations end the same way: the other person says, “I’ll keep an eye out and let you know if I hear of anything that fits.”

You nod, thank them… and never hear from them again.

So what went wrong—and more importantly, what can you do better?

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, Matt Kirchner breaks down why most job seekers leave networking meetings empty-handed—and how to change that. The difference? It’s not about who you know. It’s about how you approach the conversation in the first place.

Matt shares the exact mindset, questions, and preparation that turn a vague “I’m open to anything” into a powerful, productive dialogue that gets results. From clarifying your goals to building a smart list of target companies, this episode is packed with actionable strategies that help job seekers stand out and move forward.

Whether you’re entering the workforce or making a career pivot, these insights will help you land the right opportunity—and if you’re someone who supports job seekers, it’s just as valuable for you.

Listen to learn:

• Why being “open to anything” can actually limit your opportunities
• The 3 questions to answer before every networking meeting
• How to create a list of target companies—and why it works like magic
• A smarter way to ask for help that gets real follow-up
• Encouragement for staying persistent through rejection and uncertainty

Full show notes

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A new era is emerging where engineering drives AI—and AI transforms engineering

This week Matt Kirchner is joined by Dr. Pramod Khargonekar—Vice Chancellor for Research at UC Irvine and lead author of the ERVA report AI Engineering: A Strategic Research Framework to Benefit Society. Dr. Khargonekar unpacks the emerging discipline of AI Engineering, where engineering principles make AI better, and AI makes engineered systems better.

From robotics and energy systems to engineering education and data sharing, this episode dives into the flywheel effect of AI and engineering co-evolving. Pramod explains the real-world impact, the challenges ahead, and why this moment represents a generational opportunity for U.S. leadership in both innovation and education.

Listen to learn:

• How AI is changing every branch of engineering—from mechanical to civil to industrial and beyond.
• Why manufacturing, energy, and transportation are ground zero for “physical AI”
• What the 14 Grand Challenges of AI Engineering reveal about the future of innovation
• Why systems thinking is the key to building AI products that actually work
• How colleges must rethink engineering education—and what industry can do to help

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. AI is transforming every branch of engineering—from design and simulation to manufacturing and operations. Pramod explains how fields like robotics, fluid mechanics, and materials science are being reshaped by tools such as reinforcement learning and foundation models. This shift isn’t just about efficiency—it’s enabling engineers to solve problems they couldn’t approach before.

2. Engineering will play a critical role in advancing the next generation of AI. Pramod highlights how engineering disciplines contribute essential elements like safety, reliability, power systems, and chip design to AI development. These contributions are vital to scaling AI into real-world, physical systems—what he calls “physical AI.”

3. To lead in AI Engineering, higher education must integrate AI into every engineering discipline. Dr. Khargonekar outlines how universities can start with shared foundational courses, then build field-specific AI applications into majors like mechanical or electrical engineering. He also emphasizes the importance of short courses, professional development, and industry partnerships to support lifelong learning.

Resources in this Episode:

• Read the ERVA report: AI Engineering | A Strategic Research Framework to Benefit Society
• Learn more about the work of the NSF Engineering Research Visioning Alliance (ERVA)

Connect with ERVA on Social Media:

X  |  LinkedIn  |  Facebook

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What do all high-impact, disruptive—and sustainable—K-12 programs have in common?

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Dr. Annalies Corbin, founder and CEO of the PAST Foundation and author of Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life. With more than 25 years of experience transforming how students learn, Dr. Corbin offers a bold, research-backed framework for schools to break away from obsolete models and embrace learning that’s applied, relevant, and enduring.

From student agency to transdisciplinary teaching, she unpacks five core strategies that successful, long-lasting innovative programs share. Along the way, she shares lessons from 275 episodes of her own podcast, Learning Unboxed, and reflects on what too many students—and educators—are missing.

If you’ve ever asked, “How do we fix education?” this episode answers: by rebuilding it for the real world.

Listen to learn:

• Why our education system isn’t broken—it’s just built for a world that no longer exists
• What employers say young professionals are missing (and why it’s not technical skills)
• How education research and funding models are holding back real innovation
• The five core strategies every long-lasting, high-impact program has in common
• What 275+ conversations with education disruptors reveal about the future of learning

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. The education system isn’t broken—it’s outdated: It still functions exactly as it was designed 100 years ago, prioritizing compliance over relevance. Dr. Corbin argues that instead of adding “federal band-aids,” we need a complete redesign from the ground up.

2. Young professionals are graduating without real-world readiness: Employers report that new hires can pass exams but struggle to collaborate, ask questions, or admit what they don’t know. These missing skills are costing companies time, productivity, and mentorship bandwidth.

3. The best programs that last 10+ years all share five traits: Dr. Corbin identified five essentials: student agency, culturally relevant education, mastery learning, transdisciplinary teaching, and problem-based learning. When schools commit to all five, students experience learning that connects directly to real life and future careers.

Resources in this Episode:

• Get the book Hacking School: Five Strategies to Link Learning to Life
• Learn more about the PAST Foundation
• Listen to Learning Unboxed

Connect with Annalies on Social Media:

Instagram  |  LinkedIn

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After 20 years in automation and controls engineering, Danny Murphy received a call from a local community college that would bring his journey full circle—back to the kind of impact his own high school electronics teacher once had on him. Today, he’s a nationally recognized educator, named A3’s 2024 Educator of the Year, and he’s redefining what hands-on learning can look like in a modern mechatronics lab.

In this episode, Danny shares how early challenges in the classroom led him to move beyond textbook instruction and introduce student-designed projects with real-world relevance. From programming robots to serve cereal and slice cake to engineering capstone challenges with custom tooling, his students are learning by doing—and developing the kind of technical and creative skills that employers notice.

What began as a simple effort to share classroom activity on LinkedIn and Instagram has evolved into a powerful tool for student opportunity. With over 30,000 followers on Instagram and 11,000 on LinkedIn, Danny’s short, engaging videos have led to direct job offers for students, new partnerships with engineers and PhDs, and a growing network of industry engagement. The results are tangible: students getting hired, programs gaining visibility, and technical education reaching far beyond the classroom.

Listen to learn:

• How to transition from lecture-based teaching to hands-on, student-driven projects that boost engagement
• Why adding creative freedom to technical labs leads to better retention and real-world problem-solving
• A simple video strategy on LinkedIn or Instagram that can directly lead to student job offers
• What educators should consider before posting student work online
• How showcasing student work publicly can attract industry partners and grow your program’s reputation

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Student-designed projects increase both engagement and retention. Danny’s students learn core concepts like user frames and loops by designing their own robotics challenges—whether it’s scooping cereal or slicing cake. This creative freedom forces them to problem-solve, adapt, and truly understand the material, rather than just following instructions.

2. Social media is a powerful tool for connecting students to real opportunities. By consistently posting short, authentic videos on LinkedIn and Instagram, Danny has helped at least six students get hired directly from what industry partners saw online. These platforms have become an extension of the classroom—offering visibility, credibility, and direct links to the workforce.

3. Giving students real-world skills—and a teacher who believes in them—can change their lives. From project-based labs to job-ready training, Danny’s classroom gives students more than technical knowledge; it gives them confidence, purpose, and a path forward. For many, it’s the first time they’ve been truly seen for what they can do—and that recognition can be life-changing.

Connect with Danny on Social Media:

Instagram  |  LinkedIn

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What happens when a university rethinks the whole higher ed model rebuilds it around hands-on, project-based learning?

Matt Kirchner dives into the bold model pioneered by Worcester Polytechnic Institute with Dr. Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning. A biochemist turned curriculum innovator, Kris has spent nearly two decades helping WPI embed real-world projects into every stage of a student’s education.

From first-year seminars on global challenges to immersive junior-year team projects with community partners around the world, WPI’s model turns students into creators, collaborators, and critical thinkers from day one.

Whether you're a university leader or an instructor in search of a better way to teach, this episode offers a masterclass in how to make learning stick.

Listen to learn:

• Why students don’t need to “know everything” before they dive into hands-on learning
• How WPI redesigned its calendar and credits to prioritize deep project work
• What first-year students can accomplish when they take on global problems
• How project-based learning transforms both faculty culture and student confidence
• Why WPI students are more prepared for the workforce than their peers

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Project-based learning works best when it starts early and is embedded across the entire student journey.
At WPI, students can opt into the Great Problems Seminar in their first year—a two-course sequence that explores global issues like food security, energy, and AI through interdisciplinary teamwork. By senior year, every student must complete a Major Qualifying Project worth three full courses, often in partnership with faculty or industry, making project-based learning a requirement, not an add-on.

2. The humanities directly enhance technical learning and student outcomes.
WPI’s alumni data shows students who complete their humanities and arts curriculum earlier perform better in technical coursework later on. These experiences sharpen communication, interdisciplinary research, and critical thinking skills—essential for identifying problems worth solving and communicating solutions effectively in STEM fields.

3. Project-based learning is scalable far beyond polytechnic institutions.
Through WPI’s Center for Project-Based Learning, Kris and her team have supported schools ranging from the Air Force Academy to community colleges and liberal arts institutions like the New England Conservatory of Music. With 85% of WPI faculty incorporating projects into their courses—and over half of student work now project-based—the model proves adaptable across disciplines, schedules, and resource levels.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about the Center for Project-Based Learning at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, visit: https://wp.wpi.edu/projectbasedlearning/

Other resources:

• Read Kris's book Project-Based Learning in the First YearBeyond All Expectations

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Host Matt Kirchner sits down with Maroun Nehme, Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics teacher at Buena Park High School in California. Maroun has built one of the most impressive high school mechatronics & robotics programs in the country—complete with a structured 3-year pathway, hands-on labs, and SACA and FANUC certifications that prepare students directly for today’s workforce.

But the learning doesn’t stay inside the classroom. Maroun leverages the power of social media, videos and events to turn his students’ achievements into powerful stories that resonate with parents, employers, and the broader community—growing support and enrollment year after year.

Listen to learn:

• How a high school built an industry-aligned, 3-year pathway in advanced robotics and mechatronics
• Why third-party certifications—especially hands-on—are a must for real career readiness
• How offering honors-level CTE courses attracts both college-bound and career-focused students
• Why social media became the program’s most powerful tool for enrollment, engagement, and advocacy
• Educators: Get tips for how to start a CTE program like Buena Park's, AND how to harness the power of social media for your program!

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Industry certifications should be foundational—not optional—in high school CTE programs. At Buena Park High School, students earn SACA, FANUC, and Amatrol certifications across a 3-year advanced robotics and mechatronics pathway. These credentials aren’t just test scores—they’re tied directly to hands-on skills that industry demands, giving students tangible proof they’re workforce-ready.

2. Offering honors-level credit in CTE courses attracts a wider range of students and elevates program credibility. Maroun intentionally made the second and third years of his program include honors-level courses to appeal to college-bound students who care about GPA and academic rigor. It sends a clear message: hands-on technical education is for all students.

3. Strategic storytelling is one of the most effective tools for growing CTE programs. By showcasing student certifications, projects, and success stories on Instagram, LinkedIn, and at community events, Maroun built recognition from city leaders, employers, parents and school administrators. One student-led video even helped redefine how people perceive technical education in his district.

Connect with the Maroun and BPHS ARM Program on Social Media:

Instagram  |  X  |  LinkedIn

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about the Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics (ARM) program, visit their site!

Other resources: Visit the official show notes page to access more resources!

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How do we build bipartisan momentum to support the future of CTE?

In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin, a national leader and co-chair of the bipartisan Congressional Career and Technical Education Caucus. Drawing from her personal upbringing in a STEM-focused household and her decades of public service, Senator Baldwin shares why CTE is essential to our economic future.

Senator Baldwin offers a candid look at how federal policy is influencing the future of technical education. She discusses the uncertain outlook for funding, efforts to align apprenticeship laws with modern tech careers, and why short-term training is becoming a national priority. With clear ties to workforce needs and economic strategy, it’s a conversation grounded in both practicality and urgency.

Listen to learn:

• Why short-term training needs to be federally funded like degree programs
• What Congress is doing to modernize U.S. apprenticeship laws
• How Buy America provisions are creating new manufacturing jobs
• Why the technical college system is a key asset in attracting new industry

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. CTE is one of the rare policy areas with true bipartisan alignment: From Buy America provisions to workforce training, Baldwin sees common ground among lawmakers focused on economic development. She credits this unity to the shared recognition that technical education is vital to America’s industrial strength.

2. Short-term training needs to be recognized in federal financial aid policy: Senator Baldwin emphasized the importance of allowing Pell Grants and other aid to support short, job-focused programs—not just two- or four-year degrees. Without this flexibility, learners may be forced to take on unnecessary debt or misrepresent their intentions just to access support.

3. Apprenticeship programs must be updated to reflect today’s workforce: The National Apprenticeship Act hasn’t been reauthorized since 1937, leaving many modern industries and small businesses without a clear path to participate. Baldwin is pushing for a bipartisan update that would make it easier for employers of all sizes to offer earn-and-learn opportunities.

Resources in this Episode:

To learn more about Senator Tammy Baldwin, visit: www.baldwin.senate.gov

Connect with the Senator on Social Media:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  X  |  YouTube

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By day, Justin Mondeik applies his technical skills in engineering; by night and weekend, he races Super Late Model cars.

From racing snowmobiles at age four to competing just one level below NASCAR, Justin has built a career on technical skill, hands-on passion, and relentless drive. In this episode, he shares how a technical education prepared him for success on and off the track—and how motorsports can help manufacturers reach the next generation of talent.

In this conversation, Justin takes us inside the highly technical world of racing—from chassis dynamics and car setups to the conditioning and precision it takes to win.

We explore how manufacturers are using racing sponsorships not just for brand exposure, but as a creative workforce strategy to recruit skilled, hands-on talent. It's a conversation that'll get you thinking about how education & industry can leverage ultra-creative ways to engage the next generation of workforce talent.

Listen to learn:

• Hear what it's like to be behind the wheel of a race car, and all the unseen work that goes into winning
• Why hands-on experience and technical training give racers an edge
• The science—and occasional mystery—behind setting up a winning car
• How educators can leverage students' hobbies to engage them in hands-on learning
• How companies can tap into motorsports to recruit the next generation of talent

3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Technical education can give students an edge—on and off the track. Justin’s background in mechanical design from Northcentral Technical College and Michigan Tech gives him a competitive advantage in racing—from car setup to real-time problem-solving. That same hands-on, systems-based thinking is exactly what manufacturers need in their workforce today.

2. Motorsports audiences are filled with future skilled workers. Fans who show up at the track tend to be mechanically inclined, hands-on, and deeply interested in how things work—traits that align closely with careers in manufacturing, machining, and engineering. These are often the same students who thrive in tech ed programs.

3. Industrial employers can benefit by getting creative with their workforce outreach strategies. One of Justin’s manufacturing sponsors used his car and race-day presence to launch a targeted hiring campaign—and successfully recruited new employees. Since there's so much overlap in racing fans and technical talent, it's a creative place for manufacturers to immerse themselves and engage with a potential workforce.

Resources in this Episode:

Connect with Justin Mondeik Racing: https://www.justinmondeikracing.com/

Connect with Justin on Social Media:

Facebook  |  Instagram  |  X  |  TikTok

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What do tariffs have to do with technical education? A lot more than you might think.

As U.S. trade policy shifts, it’s not just manufacturers who will feel the effects—STEM and technical education programs will too. From rising equipment costs to a surge in demand for skilled talent, today’s tariff decisions could reshape how we train tomorrow’s workforce.

In this episode, Matt Kirchner explores five critical ways that educators should be preparing for the ripple effects of tariffs. It’s a wake-up call to start thinking strategically, update your curriculum, and make sure your students are ready for a world where automation, AI, and global trade all converge in the classroom.

Listen to learn:

• Why technical training programs should expect price hikes—and how to budget for them
• How trade policy is accelerating the need for AI and automation education
• What states will soon be looking for when they invest in workforce development
• Why traditional “shop class” thinking won’t cut it in a high-tech economy
• How to scenario-plan your way through policy uncertainty

5 Big Takeaways from this Episode:

1. Tariffs will accelerate the return of manufacturing—and increase demand for skilled talent. As reshoring continues, manufacturers will need more trained workers than ever before. Technical education programs must be ready to scale up and supply that talent.
2. The jobs aren’t coming back the way they left—they’re far more automated. Modern manufacturing is built on robotics, sensors, and smart systems. Educators must pivot from legacy skills to training in advanced automation technologies.
3. Artificial intelligence is becoming central to every technical career. AI is transforming how work gets done across industries, including manufacturing. Students need exposure to data systems, machine learning, and the edge-to-cloud continuum now.
4. Expect rising equipment costs—and budget accordingly. Tariffs will drive up prices on imported training tools and components. Programs should prepare for 10–15% increases and act early to avoid disruption.
5. State funding is likely to grow—but only for programs that can prove results. As federal education policy shifts to the states, workforce funding will follow. Educators who can demonstrate strong pipelines to high-skill jobs will be the ones who get funded.

Resources in this Episode:

• Book: Genesis: Artificial Intelligence, Hope, and the Human Spirit
• Deloitte study on manufacturing workforce gaps
• Jamie Dimon, JPMorgan Chairman & CEO, "As always, we hope for the best but prepare the Firm for a wide range of scenarios.”

Other episodes mentioned:

• What Rising Tariffs Mean for Companies, Workers, and the Future of Trade,
  John Murphy - Vice President and Head of International, U.S. Chamber of Commerce

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