In this episode of Womanufacturing, Alicia and Justine sit down with Dr. Zöe Steine-Hanson, PhD, a research scientist at OpenBCI. Zöe’s work bridges neuroscience, computer science, and ethics, exploring how brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) are being developed today — from invasive neural arrays used in epilepsy research to open-source EEG systems that make neurotechnology accessible outside the lab.

We dive into her path from PhD research at the University of Washington to her current role in industry, and what she’s learned about the differences between academia’s power dynamics and the realities of building technology people actually use. Along the way, Zöe shares insights on gender bias, problem-solving styles, inclusivity in tech design, and why it’s so important to consider who gets left out when new technology goes mainstream.

If you’ve ever wondered how close we really are to “mind-reading” machines, what the future of neurotech might look like, or why diversity and ethics matter just as much as hardware and code, you won’t want to miss this conversation.

Alicia and Justine dive into the intoxicating pull — and hidden costs — of startup life. From the thrill of building something from scratch to the subtle ways boundaries erode, they unpack how a sense of mission can morph into relentless grind. Was it just dedication… or were they caught up in a full-blown “CULTure”?

If you’ve ever wondered why smart, capable people give everything to a company — and what it takes to break free — this episode pulls back the curtain on the playbook nobody talks about.

Guest Spotlight: Abe Coir, Manufacturing Engineer at Leatherman 🔧

In this episode, we sit down with Abe Coir to talk about what it really takes to scale manufacturing processes for millions of tools a year—and why collaboration between design and operations is everything.

Abe shares stories from across the manufacturing spectrum: from union shops to startups in garages, from being the only woman in toxic environments to finally landing at a company that gets it right. We cover:

• What it’s like to work at Leatherman and why cross-functional respect matters

• The ups and downs of job-hopping in search of better fit and better culture

• Safety horror stories (hello, hydrofluoric acid in a beaker 😱)

• Why standing up for safety is worth it—even if it means walking away

• The importance of internships, meaty engineering roles, and practical jokes

This one’s equal parts hilarious, honest, and deeply validating for anyone who's been underestimated on the floor or in the lab.

🎙 Powered by lived experience, sharp commentary, and a literal soapbox.

#womanufacturing #leatherman #manufacturingengineer #processsafety #careerpath #engineeringculture

This episode dives into the messy, hilarious, and sometimes dangerous transition from school to the manufacturing floor. We unpack early-career mistakes, cowboy engineering, the Dunning-Kruger effect, and why safety rules exist for a reason — especially when hydrogen’s involved.

We also talk about the disconnect between theoretical design and real-world execution (hello, carpet dwellers) and how to build an internal compass when you're still learning the ropes.

Whether you're new to the field or managing the next generation of engineers, this one’s got stories, lessons, and a few hot takes.

In this episode, Alicia and Justine dig into the messy, unfiltered reality of what it actually takes to be an engineer once you leave the classroom. From mentoring interns to managing million-dollar projects, they share hard-won lessons that don’t come from a textbook — like how to size a valve, why your “perfect” design might be unusable, and what happens when you’re told to “just figure it out” on live equipment.

They talk startup chaos, lack of mentorship, hubris in the workplace, and the silent pressure young engineers face to already know everything. This is the episode for anyone who’s ever wondered if they were crazy for asking questions — and why speaking up is the smartest thing you can do.

🔥 Topics include:
– Why theory fails at scale
– Trial by fire vs. structured mentorship
– The danger of "fake it till you make it" in engineering
– What it means to build your instincts — and your confidence
– Why talking to operators and fabricators will level up your career

Whether you’re a new grad, a startup warrior, or a seasoned pro, this episode is a must-listen reminder that real-world engineering takes more than equations — it takes experience, humility, and a damn good team

Not every uncomfortable moment at work comes from bad intentions—but that doesn’t mean it didn’t land wrong. In this episode, Alicia and Justine dive into those “in between” situations—awkward comments, pet names, and moments where you walk away feeling dismissed or disrespected, even if no harm was meant.

We share:

• Tools for handling these situations without setting the building on fire

• Why the impact matters more than the intent

• How to build your confidence so you can speak up, even when it’s hard

• The fine art of giving feedback without triggering defensiveness

• Stories about standing up for others, even when it’s risky

Whether you’re trying to take up space for the first time or figuring out how to help others do the same, this one’s packed with real talk and practical insight.

In this episode, Alicia and Justine reflect on what it really takes to find your voice—and use it—in male-dominated workplaces. From learning how to navigate awkward interactions to calling out dismissive behavior with grace (or grit), they unpack the messy, human side of growing your confidence.

They talk through:

• The difference between intent and impact—and why both matter

• How to advocate for yourself (and others) when something feels off

• The power of listening to quieter voices—and amplifying them

• Why escalation isn’t always the first move—but sometimes it’s necessary

• And, of course, how some VPs just need to be your friend, whether they like it or not

Whether you’re early in your career or finding new footing as a leader, this one’s for anyone learning how to speak up without backing down.

This week on Womanufacturing, we're joined by the brilliant and fearless Lola Vars — mechanical engineer, materials scientist, ceramist, and all-around multi-hyphenate badass. We dive deep into the emotional cost of working in male-dominated spaces, the internal contortions women make just to be heard, and how it feels to finally stop filtering ourselves.

Alicia opens up about how she’s been fired three times since deciding to speak up more confidently — and how Lola’s refusal to soften her truth is both inspiring and (let’s be honest) a little uncomfortable in all the right ways.

We also unpack Lola’s powerful lens:
The Zero Principle — Are we even solving the right problem?

This one’s raw, real, and full of truth bombs.

In this episode of Womanufacturing, we compare the chaos of a manufacturing plant to a casino—both are action-packed, flashing 24/7, and somehow always a little bit broken. We talk about what it’s really like to work shifts, swap war stories from the plant floor, and dig into the big questions nobody else asks:

• Are stack lights actually helpful, or just leadership’s favorite toy?

• Is “flashy flashy” a technical term? (Spoiler: it is now.)

• Why am I updating leadership all night when they're asleep and add zero value?

• What hills are actually worth dying on when you work around the clock?

Get to know us a little better—and maybe feel a little less alone if you’ve ever wondered why 3AM decisions in a plant feel like they deserve their own reality show.

In our very first episode, we’re kicking things off with how we met, why we started this podcast, and what you can expect from Womanufacturing. We’re talking real, raw stories from startups and 24/7 factory life—the kind of things that don’t make it into panel discussions or glossy brochures.

This isn’t just about surviving in manufacturing—it’s about thriving, showing up fully, and bringing more women (and allies) into the conversation. If you’ve ever felt like the only one in the room, or like no one’s saying what really needs to be said, this one’s for you.