In this special episode of The UIUC Talkshow, Aaryaman gets a chance to sit down and have a conversation with a prominent businessman, philanthropist, and environmentalist, Mr. Firdos Cambatta, from India.

From leading a pioneering role in the textile industry for the last five decades, Mr. Cambatta's journey is one of profound impact. Since retiring from his company, he has redirected his efforts to reforesting the city he grew up in, planting 50,000 trees every year since 2017.

SOCIAL:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow⁠

TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow⁠

Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/3ezoc4xJa4DrGq7N4lhqQn⁠

Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075⁠

Full episodes playlist: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC⁠

Clips Channel: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips⁠

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.

Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:

Aaryaman

Website: ⁠https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryamanpatel/⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/aaryamanpatel⁠

Juan David

Website: ⁠https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/⁠

Twitter: ⁠https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo⁠

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo⁠

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Robert J. Jones is the Chancellor of the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

OUTLINE:

0:58 - What Drives Chancellor Jones?

2:28 - Becoming The Chancellor

5:04 - Mentors

8:30 - Student Hardships

13:11 - How UIUC Raised $2.7 Billion

19:29 - Is College Worth it?

26:45 - Should Colleges be Accountable for Student Debt?

29:10 - Is College about Getting a Job?

35:13 - Interdisciplinarity

40:41 - Milk on Cereal or Cereal on Milk? 🥛🥣

42:10 - Memories

45:16 - Dreams

46:49 - Singing & Grammy Awards

48:49 - Advice for young people

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

50:21 - 🐢 Galápagos Islands

50:45 - 🎨 Modern Art

51:47 - 🎬Acting

53:32 - Closing Words

SOCIAL:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ezoc4xJa4DrGq7N4lhqQn

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075

Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC

Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.

Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:

Aaryaman

Website: https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryamanpatel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaryamanpatel

Juan David

Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Karrie Karahalios is a Computer Science Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she conducts research on the impact of computer science on society, including areas like algorithmic auditing, community-centered computing, social media, and human-computer interaction.

In a world often driven by haste and the urge to build for the sake of building, Dr. Karahalios stands out in her field, much like an oasis in a desert. She offers a refreshing perspective, advocating for more thoughtful approaches to technology and social tools.

Her philosophy entails not rushing to construct colossal empires at the expense of societal well-being but, instead, taking measured steps to avoid the perils of recklessness.

Dr. Karahalios explores the interaction between humans and technology from a viewpoint that transcends mere functionality and deeply considers the impact on individuals and communities. Her academic journey, from earning a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering at MIT to her time in the MIT Media Lab, has uniquely equipped her to appreciate diverse perspectives and tackle complex problems.

Her research stands as a testament to her dedication to deciphering the intricate dynamics of networked electronic spaces. Yet, she also takes on the role of a champion and a relentless fighter against the tyranny of algorithms that increasingly govern our lives. In this era, where social media platforms wield the power to control who can access and broadcast to the public, where medical devices operate on proprietary algorithms that render their outcomes unquestionable, and where algorithms can even make legal decisions within courtrooms, Dr. Karahalios's work takes on paramount significance.

One of the significant and bold steps Dr. Karahalios has taken is suing the government to ensure that researchers can continue to investigate discrimination on the internet. Supported by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), their journey underscores the importance of pushing against self-helplessness and pursuing justice, even when the odds seem daunting.

After the interview, we found ourselves in Dr. Karahalios's classes, not just for learning but for the inspiring post-class discussions.

Dr. Karahalios, a fusion of brilliance and kindness, sets a remarkable example we hope others will follow. Her influence extends beyond academia, sparking our imaginations and guiding us to innovative projects. She embodies the future we aspire to create in technology and society.

EPISODE LINKS:

Karrie Karahalios's Website: http://www.karriekarahalios.com/

Karrie Karahalios's UIUC Website: https://cs.illinois.edu/about/people/faculty/kkarahal

Books Mentioned:

The Age of Surveillance Capitalism: https://amzn.to/48Xrdv5

The Dream Machine: https://amzn.to/48UokLd

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

2:08 - The Ideal Social Media App

11:44 - Social Media: Unity or Division?

17:23 - The Tyranny of Algorithms

20:13 - Unexpectedness of Social Tools

22:19 - Profits over Ethics?

28:18 - The Social Dilemma

35:17 - Face-to-face social media

36:39 - Building What People Want?

44:13 - Move fast and break things

46:20 - How to know what people want?

50:45 - Personalization

53:22 - Network effects

59:45 - Scale

1:06:05 - Community & Power

1:13:03 - Starting a non-profit

1:16:25 - AI

1:24:00 - Algorithm Transparency

1:28:07 - Writing in the Age of AI

1:34:09 - Tech Inequality

1:37:41 - Greece

1:42:55 - Don't be scared of the future

1:44:27 - Future of Education

1:48:13 - Programming Jobs

1:50:58 - The Ideal College Major

1:54:53 - Innovation @ Illinois

2:00:25 - Are young people more complacent?

2:05:18 - Canvas & Coursera

2:11:27 - Advice for young people

2:20:05 - Healthcare

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

2:23:58 - 👨‍⚖️ Suing the Government?

2:25:15 - 💬 Twitter/X

2:30:04 - 🇬🇷 Greek Yogurt

2:31:25 - 🚘 Self-driving cars

2:33:26 - 🐭 Engelbart

2:37:30 - ⌨️ PLATO

2:44:00 - 🧮 Mathematica

2:50:27 - Closing Words

Timothy L. Killeen is the 20th president of the University of Illinois System, which includes universities in Urbana-Champaign, Chicago, and Springfield.

EPISODE LINKS:

https://ece.illinois.edu/about/directory/faculty/tkilleen

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

0:34 - Daily Schedule

2:28 - Physics

4:43 - From Soccer Player to President

6:37 - Surprises

10:50 - Affordability & College Debt

21:21 - Salary

31:06 - Assume Good Faith

37:30 - The Potential of the U of I

40:05 - Context

47:01 - Vision for the U of I

54:41 - Classic Guitar & Soccer

58:20 - The University as a Platform for Change

1:01:46 - Closing Words

SOCIAL:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow

Spotify:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075

Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC

Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:

Aaryaman

Website: https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryamanpatel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaryamanpatel

Juan David

Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Mark Wolters is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and the creator of Wolters World, a popular travel YouTube channel with almost one million subscribers.

EPISODE LINKS:

Wolters World: ⁠ @woltersworld ⁠

Wolters World's Website: https://woltersworld.com/

Mark Wolters' Education YouTube: ⁠ @ProfessorWolters ⁠

Mark Wolters' UIUC Website: https://giesbusiness.illinois.edu/profile/mark-wolters

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

0:58 - Everyone is the same

4:34 - Uno Cards

7:44 - Making friends

13:03 - Tips to connect with anyone

16:32 - Cultural norms

20:37 - Wolters World Travel Bucket List

21:37 - Going to the Moon?

22:45 - Movies as a way to travel

27:45 - Planned or Spontaneous Travel?

30:08 - South America & Africa

32:43 - Getting married in Rwanda

34:37 - Travel rituals

36:10 - Don't travel in the summer

43:15 - YouTube marketing hacks

46:17 - Death threats

50:39 - Wolters World's most popular video

51:34 - How Wolters World got started

54:15 - Professor or YouTuber?

58:58 - Becoming a better creator

1:00:12 - Will Mark Wolters stop teaching to go YouTube full-time?

1:00:55 - The Don'ts of Urbana-Champaign

1:02:35 - Wolters World's writing and filming

1:05:23 - Born with two heart holes

1:07:20 - Advice for young people

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

1:13:18 - 🌎 Travelscope

1:14:38 - 📺 Wolters World TV Show

1:16:31 - 🍭 Liam Wolters (⁠ @LiamWolters ⁠ )

1:19:21 - 📉 College

1:22:15 - 🇸🇮 Slovenia

1:23:23 - 🛩️ Concorde/Supersonic Flight

1:24:48 - 🇮🇳 India and Asia

1:28:06 - 🌬️ Chicago

1:29:11 - Closing Words

SOCIAL:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow

Spotify:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075

Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC

Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:

Aaryaman

Website: https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/aaryamanpatel

Juan David

Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Jenny Johnson is a Map Librarian at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

The story of this episode begins with Juan David stumbling upon the hidden treasure of the Main Library 4th Floor: The Map Library. From the moment our cohost met Jenny, he knew he had found someone truly remarkable.

Jenny's love for maps transcends mere occupation; she is a maestro of storytelling, wielding maps as her harmonious instrument. With millions of maps at her fingertips, she effortlessly guides us through a myriad of topics, turning each map into a gateway of knowledge and wonder.

During this interview, Jenny unveils not only her profound connection with maps but also her extraordinary career path filled with awe-inspiring tales. Prepare to be transported through time and space as she recounts stories ranging from her intriguing and audacious encounter with her husband to the arduous struggles she faced while conquering the challenges of computer science in the depths of the language building basement.

Every twist and turn in Jenny's journey led her to embrace her true calling—the job she yearned for as a senior in college, the job that transcends mere aspiration and becomes a lifelong passion.

This conversation holds an extra special allure, as it invites us to explore more than 10 captivating maps, each with its own tale to tell. From the celestial landscapes of Star Trek to the tumultuous battlefields of the World Wars, from the captivating realms of The Black Panther to the intricate details of the world's tiniest atlas, and even the sprawling landscapes of Middle-earth from Lord of the Rings—we will traverse dimensions and unravel the mysteries embedded within these cartographic treasures.

Welcome to The UIUC Talkshow, where we invite you to join us on an extraordinary adventure, guided by the incredible Jenny Johnson. Together, let's discover the power of maps and unveil the hidden stories that shape our world.

EPISODE LINKS:

Visit the Map Library! https://www.library.illinois.edu/max/

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

1:06 - The Cello Pin

2:00 - From Pre-med to Geography

16:51 - Homecoming: The Return to the Midwest

21:13 - Intuition

27:08 - Long-distance relationships

29:59 - Seattle

36:13 - Having twins

37:22 - How UIUC has changed

44:50 - How the library uses Carjacks to keep the floor up

46:40 - The Map Library's Mysterious Location

50:00 - Floor Rebound

51:44 - The History of the Map Library

1:06:44 - Maps and its hidden gems

🗺️THE START OF MAPS! Get Ready to Unroll the Mysteries!🗺️

1:11:04 - The 1893 Columbian Exhibition

1:13:41 - Black Panther's Wakanda

1:16:10 - World War I Postcards

1:18:33 - Nuclear Fallout in Illinois

1:21:09 - Braille Atlas

1:24:38 - The 2020 Elections

1:27:23 - Star Trek

1:30:32 - The World's Smallest Atlas

1:37:25 - Lord of the Rings: Middle-earth

1:40:10 - Bootlegger's Map of The United States

1:42:28 - 1930s Map of Lynchings

1:44:41 - 1917 Battlefront Map: The British Empire vs. Germany.

1:51:48 - Imagining a World without the Printing Press

1:56:54 - Time Travel to 1911 Suburbs of Chicago

2:02:01 - Maps & the Beauty of Dimension

2:04:59 - A Closer Look at the Suburbs of Chicago

2:10:33 - Aerial Maps

2:21:00 - Maps are stories

2:28:02 - Jenny's Legacy

2:43:13 - Future of Libraries

2:46:14 - Priorities

2:54:14 - Living with Maps

2:59:32 - Advice for young people

3:07:35 - Regrets

3:10:05 - COVID-19 in Miami

3:15:30 - Urbana-Champaign or Champaign-Urbana?

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

3:16:53 - 💁🏻‍♀️Alma Mater

3:19:53 - ☢️Cold War

3:24:15 - 💸 Louisiana and Alaska Purchase

3:30:32 - Writing a Book

3:40:48 - Closing Words

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.

Axel Hoffmann is a Professor of Material Science and Engineering at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In this conversation, Dr. Hoffmann shares his upbringing in South Germany and his fascination with flying, providing a glimpse into his formative years. He reflects on his undergraduate life and his journey to the United States, emphasizing the role of luck in shaping his academic path.

Dr. Hoffmann's expertise in magnetism-related subjects becomes evident as he discusses antiferromagnets, memory devices, and the exciting advancements in the field. Along the way, he provides invaluable advice for young students embarking on their academic journeys.

This is The UIUC Talkshow.

Tony Leggett is a Nobel Prize-winning physicist at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

EPISODE LINKS:

Tony Leggett's UIUC Website: https://physics.illinois.edu/people/directory/profile/aleggett

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

0:44 - The Daily Life of a Nobel Laureate

3:58 - What Would Tony Leggett Study in College Today?

7:18 - Consciousness

8:45 - Value People

10:50 - Superfluidity

16:07 - How To Pick Problems

21:26 - Paradigm Shifts

23:45 - Quantum Mechanics

28:38 - Persuasion

29:10 - Computational Universe

30:38 - Persuasion Part 2

34:42 - "The Future Can Affect The Present"

39:03 - Time

39:58 - Entropy

42:48 - Thought Experiments

45:25 - Brain-to-Brain Communication

48:27 - 3 Questions to Decide What to Research

52:38 - Leggett's Career

55:28 - Curiosity

59:59 - Universities

1:03:39 - Physics in Different Countries

1:05:07 - Free time to think

1:09:06 - Overcoming Barriers to Doing Physics

1:19:16 - Luck

1:22:28 - Advice for young people

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

1:29:23 - 🎖️ Nobel Prize

1:32:23 - 🧵 String Theory

1:33:43 - 🏫 University of Illinois

1:35:32 - 👸🏼 Knighthood

1:38:59 - Africa

👥Audience Q&A👥

1:45:10 - Public Outreach

1:46:30 - How to Study Science

1:47:39 - Textbooks/Standard Curriculum

1:48:38 - How to pick what articles/papers to read

1:49:48 - Closing Words

SOCIAL:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow

Twitter: https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3ezoc4xJa4DrGq7N4lhqQn

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075

Full episodes playlist:

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC

Clips Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.

Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:

Aaryaman

https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/

Juan David

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Martin Gruebele is a professor of Chemistry, Physics, and Computational Biology at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Outside of academia, he is known as the "Honey Badger," a force to be reckoned with in the world of endurance sports, having completed and often won Iron Mans, Ultratriathlon World Championships, the World’s Toughest Bicycle Race, and the World’s Toughest Foot Race.

In this adventure, we delve deep into Dr. Gruebele's life and discover the story behind his incredible success where he shares insights on how to find your strengths, learn from mistakes, and choose what to study.

What sets Dr. Gruebele apart is his ability to retain his childlike curiosity, making failure an opportunity for learning and growth. His tenacity and passion for chemistry led him to fight with his parents during his undergraduate studies, refusing to become a dentist and instead pursuing his love of chemistry. Eventually, his success and achievements proved to them that chemists can indeed survive and thrive.

Dr. Gruebele's infectious curiosity doesn't stop at sports and chemistry. He learns just about anything he thinks is interesting and has published over 300 articles, books, and patents ranging from quantum computing to RNA and protein folding to zebrafish behavioral studies. He is always seeking new fields to explore and new knowledge to gain.

In addition to Dr. Gruebele's impressive athletic feats and academic accomplishments, he has also become a master of Iron Mans, completing over 20 of these grueling races. Dr. Gruebele now finds them too easy, which is why he competed in the 1406-mile DECA 2022 World Championship ultratriathlon.

But Dr. Gruebele's pursuit of excellence extends beyond endurance sports and academia. He has also written two books on ultra-distance cycling and ultra-triathlons.

Dr. Gruebele's hunger for knowledge and adventure is palpable, and his approach to life is both inspiring and transformative. He immerses himself fully in everything he touches, emerging stronger, wiser, and transformed. Join us as we explore his simulation hypothesis, his thoughts on free will and religion, and how he generates ideas.

Get ready to be captivated by Dr. Gruebele's awe-striking story to learn how to live life fully lived.

Martin Gruebele is a man of exceptional talent and passion, whose pursuit of endurance sports and scientific exploration has taken him to the highest levels of achievement. His remarkable story is one of persistence, curiosity, and a relentless drive to succeed in everything he sets his mind to.

This is The UIUC Talkshow.

EPISODE LINKS:

Martin Gruebele's UIUC Website: https://chemistry.illinois.edu/mgruebel

Martin Gruebele's Research Group Website: https://gruebele-group.chemistry.illinois.edu/

Martin Gruebele's Ultra-distance Cycling Book: https://amzn.to/40cSHYO

Martin Gruebele's Ultratriathlon Book: https://amzn.to/3K0ZT4y

OUTLINE:

0:00 - Introduction

1:17 - Growing up in Germany, Austria, Spain, and the US

4:31 - Coding on the Apple II

8:27 - Turtle Neck

9:44 - Early Age Curiosity

14:09 - From Computer Science to Chemistry

16:35 - Great Teachers

21:29 - How to find what you're good at

28:54 - How to pick what to study

37:02 - Regrets

42:45 - How Martin Gruebele Learns

48:26 - Quantum Measurement and Zebrafish

55:29 - Quantum Biology

1:00:31 - Simulation

1:03:25 - Free Will

1:09:22 - Time perception

1:17:07 - Ideas
1:22:10 - Favorite mistake

1:36:54 - Ultraracing Lifestyle & 6000 calories

1:43:14 - Advice for young people

1:44:09 - Religion and the Meaning of Life

🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥

1:52:26 - 🖲️ Stephen Wolfram

1:53:30 - 👩🏻‍🔬 Nancy Makri

1:56:20 - 🚵🏻‍♂️ The Iron Man

2:00:57 - Closing Words

SOCIAL:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075

What is the UIUC Talkshow?

Learn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:

Aaryaman

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel/

Website: https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/the_impact19

Juan David

Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Gene Robinson is the Director of the Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology and Entomology professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. His research uses bees to understand the mechanisms governing social behavior.  

In this episode, we dive into the exciting world of genomics and discuss the Earth BioGenome Project, which aims to sequence and catalog every genome on the planet. We also talk about the potential privacy implications of personal genome sequencing.  

EPISODE LINKS: 

Gene Robinson's UIUC Website: https://mcb.illinois.edu/directory/profile/generobi

SOCIAL:

Full episodes playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC

What is the UIUC Talkshow? Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas from the UIUC campus.  

Juan David