The UIUC Talkshow

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. In this episode, we dive into his lessons in practical engineering, his beginnings working on a shop floor in a textile factory, making good investments, learning by doing, starting a fund for education and nature, and the countless life lessons he learned along the way. EPISODE LINKS: The Serenity Trust: https://theserenitylibrary.com/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 2:25 - Lessons from a Father 6:11 - Studying in Germany 11:16 - Diversification 13:26 - Reading 13:59 - Entrepreneurship 17:14 - Making good investments 20:53 - The Serenity Trust 22:00 - Nature and Preservation 26:14 - How to Solve Your Problems 29:36 - Advice for Young People 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/

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. Prior to joining UIUC, Hoffmann spent an impressive 18 years at Argonne National Laboratory, where he made significant contributions as a Material Scientist. In 2019, he made the transition to the University of Illinois as a Founder Professor, further enriching the academic community with his wealth of knowledge and experience. This is The UIUC Talkshow. EPISODE LINKS: Axel Hoffmann's UIUC Website: https://matse.illinois.edu/people/profile/axelh Axel Hoffmann's Research Group: https://hoffmann.matse.illinois.edu/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - Growing up in South Germany 3:52 - Flying 6:32 - Life as an Undergraduate 9:24 - United States 13:12 - Luck 16:14 - Academia 19:51 - Europe 21:51 - Tennis 24:43 - Magnetism and Data Storage 30:50 - Computation and Energy Consumption 33:30 - Neuromorphic Computing 40:23 - Birds 45:45 - Magnetic Fields 48:55 - Gravity & Magnetism 51:53 - Fundamental Theory of Electricity and Magnetism (E&M) 56:02 - Transportation 1:04:01 - Electrons 1:07:56 - Antiferromagents 1:14:52 - Memory Devices 1:16:45 - Advice for Young Students 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:22:19 - ✈ Top Gun 1:23:00 - 🚀 Wernher von Braun 1:23:47 - 📳 Wireless Charging 1:24:58 - 🥼 Argonne National Labs 1:26:38 - ⚡ James Maxwell 1:27:24 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 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/

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 - Ideas1:22:10 - Favorite mistake 1:25:45 - What do you want to do before you die? 1:27:14 - Gruebele aka "The Honey Badger" 1:31:53 - Heartbeats and Longevity 1:36:54 - Ultraracing Lifestyle & 6000 calories 1:41:51 - How to maintain curiosity 1:43:14 - Advice for young people 1:44:09 - Religion and the Meaning of Life 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:49:10 - 📚 Open Source Textbooks 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 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 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.   We explore how efficiently bee colonies are organized and the insights Dr. Robinson's research group has gained over the years with regard to the division of labor and intrinsic motives. Along the way, we explore why humans see a duality in everything and touch upon the nature vs. nurture debate.   Watch this buzzing episode to learn more about social behavior, bees, and the future of biology.   EPISODE LINKS:  Gene Robinson's UIUC Website: https://mcb.illinois.edu/directory/profile/generobi Gene Robinson's Lab: https://lab.igb.illinois.edu/robinson/  OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - Aligning incentives to change the world 8:52 - Division of Labor in Civilizations 15:12 - Can chemicals affect human behavior? 17:01 - Steady State in Evolution 20:08 - Is there a Golden Number for Dysfunctional Colonies? 21:40 - Earth BioGenome Project - The Ultimate Genome Library 29:33 - Climate Change and an accelerated adaptation 31:58 - Sequencing genomes: The answer to all problems? 36:43 - The Duality of Man 40:14 - Machine Learning to understand Biology 42:19 - Personal Genome and Privacy 44:51 - "Gene" and his childhood 47:22 - Nature or Nurture? Both 52:43 - Creating a Deterministic society using Sociogenomics 58:52 - Singularity of Knowledge 1:00:54 - Advice for Young People 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:03:22 -  🧫 Monetary cost of Sequencing Genomes 1:05:53 - ⚪ Cocaine for research   1:14:23 - 🧬 23andMe   1:16:20 - 🐝 The Bee Movie   1:18:53 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel/ Website: https://www.aaryamanpatel.com/    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/

Stephen Boppart is a professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Dr. Boppart is an engineer, medical doctor, researcher, and entrepreneur.  In this episode of The UIUC Talkshow, Dr. Stephen Boppart discusses his work in photonics and biophotonics, and the potential for quantum mechanics to play a role in biology.  Dr. Boppart also talks about his experience surviving cancer, and how it has influenced his work and perspective.  The episode covers a range of topics, including the interdisciplinary nature of science and engineering, the future of medicine, and the importance of decentralization in healthcare. We discussed the importance of future educational systems being problem-based rather than discipline-based. College degrees should help people solve problems they want to solve and tailor the degree to address the problem while building the necessary skillset.  Lastly, Dr. Boppart also offers advice to young people interested in pursuing careers in science and engineering. EPISODE LINKS: Stephen Boppartt's UIUC Website: https://ece.illinois.edu/about/directory/faculty/boppart Stephen Bopparts Lab Website: https://biophotonics.illinois.edu/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 1:39 - Is Everything an Oscillation? 3:00 - Quantum Biology? 4:11 - Being Interdisciplinary 6:05 - Engineer, Doctor, Entrepreneur, and Scientist 8:20 - Med School after Engineering  12:31 - The Future of Medicine 16:00 - Decentralization 18:34 - Surviving Cancer 25:46 - Medicine that affects millions, and not just one person at a time. 27:49 - Starting Companies 33:05 - Should Professors start Startups? 34:05 - Data 36:40 - Health, Technology, and Society 38:01 - The Future of Colleges 43:21 - Advice to young people 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 46:01 - 👨‍🏫 Harvard 49:02 - ⌚️ Wearable devices 51:28 - 👦 Earl 53:10 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Botond Bognar is a professor of Architecture at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he has been teaching graduate design, lecture, and seminar courses for over 40 years. Born and educated in Budapest, Hungary, Dr. Bognar is an internationally renowned scholar of the history and theories of Japanese architecture. He is the author of over 20 books and monographs on the subject and has been a visiting professor at universities in the United States, Europe, and Japan. In his interview on the UIUC Talkshow, Dr. Bognar discusses the relationship between architecture and globalism, and the impact of the digital age on the built environment. He reflects on the importance of architecture as a reflection of our culture and values, and the responsibility of architects to create buildings that not only serve a practical function but also enrich our lives and enhance our connection to the world around us. Dr. Bognar also discusses the role of architecture in shaping our environment, and the need for architects to consider the environmental impact of their designs. He talks about the challenges of modern architecture, and the need to maintain a sense of curiosity and wonder in order to create truly inspiring buildings. Throughout the interview, Dr. Bognar emphasizes the need for architecture to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing, and the importance of maintaining a balance between the two. He also offers advice for aspiring architects and shares his thoughts on the future of the field. Dr. Bognar's interview is a thought-provoking and insightful exploration of the role of architecture in our lives and the world around us. His passion for the subject is evident, and his insights will be valuable for anyone interested in the art and science of building design. EPISODE LINKS: Botond Bognar's UIUC Website: https://arch.illinois.edu/people/profiles/botond-bognar/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Build to Live? or Live to Build? 3:18 - Globalism & Architecture 12:19 - Environmental architecture 19:35 - Are architects optimistic? 26:16 - How Botond Bognor got interested in Japanese Architecture 29:19 - Japanese Architecture 35:30 - Architecture Today 39:07 - Phenomenology 45:58 - Las Vegas 54:06 - Being a Global Citizen 1:00:49 - Modern Architecture and Meaning 1:08:37 - Hungary 1:13:25 - Learning through Conversation 1:17:21 - Advice for young people 1:19:52 - Meaning and rationality 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:21:40 - 🏯The Illini Union 1:23:20 - 🧐 Siebel Center for Design 1:23:59 - 🕺 Foellinger Auditorium 1:24:49 - 🎷 Krannert Center for the Performing Arts 1:25:45 - 🏠 Frank Lloyd Wright 1:27:00 - 🎌 Kengo Kuma 1:28:36 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 &am

Arend van der Zande is a Mechanical Engineering professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he focuses on nanomaterials research.  Dr. van der Zande is known for his work on nanomaterials research, and in this conversation, he will share his insights on the field and his unique approach to research. As a professor and human being, Arend is driven by curiosity and a desire to constantly learn and discover. He believes that true science is about feeling your way through a dark room and that the best discoveries are often made by following your nose and letting your curiosity guide you. We start by discussing the tools of nanotechnology and the mechanics of nanomaterials, and how these materials are changing the way we think about technology. Dr. van der Zande shares his thoughts on the hype cycle of new materials and the importance of creativity in research. He also shares his personal journey in the field and how he follows his curiosity to find new breakthroughs. Dr. van der Zande talks about the importance of not going straight to graduate school and the value of following your nose to find your passion. We also discuss the importance of figuring out how to push and move beyond Moore's Law through neuromorphic computing, and how these technologies are pushing the boundaries of what is possible. We end with a discussion of his favorite TV shows and books, and his thoughts on science fiction. Join us in this fascinating conversation with Dr. Arend van der Zande on the UIUC Talkshow.   EPISODE LINKS: Arend van der Zande's UIUC Website: https://ece.illinois.edu/about/directory/faculty/arendv OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Nanomaterials 4:20 - Tools of nanotechnology 6:18 - "Everything is a wave" 7:17 - The mechanics of nanomaterials 15:30 - From the lab to the consumer 17:05 - How van der Zande got started 20:50 - The hype cycle of new materials 24:10 - Creativity in research 29:37 - Following your nose and the rest will follow 34:00 - Don't go straight to Grad School 37:35 - Follow your curiosity and everything will be fine 39:30 - Are there limits to curiosity? 45:49 - Beyond Moore's Law and Neuromorphic Computing 53:11 - Favorite TV Shows 56:00 - Favorite Book 58:25 - Science fiction 1:03:35 - Mentors 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:07:44 - 🐜  Ant-Man & Marvel Movies 1:11:15 - 🏫 Cornell University 1:18:08 - Suggestion to the UIUC Talkshow 1:21:00 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/  Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

Yash Rathod is a Computer Science student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. The purpose of the UIUC Talkshow has been to meet interesting people, and we would not have met Yash if we hadn't started this project. We accomplish our mission every time we meet people like Yash and on every episode we have. Yash is a striking individual who radiates a sense of soothing ambition. He shares excitement yet a sense of calmness as he shares his story of growing up in India, wanting to become a professional cricketer, and creating a startup. We sit down with Yash to hear about his journey, with many stops to talk about religion, being underestimated, India's educational system, and the magic conversations with his uncle. Yash shares the backstory of taking a gap year and pursuing his startup dream from the beginning to the end. A moving adventure with lots of uncertainty and enthusiasm. Yash indeed lives a life of zero "What ifs," and after he worked on his startup, he was now ready to come back and live the "college experience." This conversation was remarkable in many ways, from the simple start of "Tell us about your life" to the longest conversation we've ever had. Even a past guest (https://youtu.be/8dYmTFg7-do) joined us. This is the UIUC Talkshow: the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas. EPISODE LINKS: Yash Rathod's Website: https://linktr.ee/yrraadi Yash Rathod's LinkedIn: https://in.linkedin.com/in/yrraadi Yash Rathod's Twitter: https://twitter.com/yashrathod_75 Yash Rathod's IG: https://www.instagram.com/yashrathod_75/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 2:39 - Childhood 4:50 - IIT or Startups 8:27 - Networking 11:55 - Hype and Theranos 14:34 - Public Speaking 16:38 - Being Underestimated 20:00 - Always be right or always prove something/someone wrong? 26:32 - Mom 28:18 - From Cricketers to Technologist 35:12 - IIT JEE and College Applications 38:45 - Longevity/Fasting Research 54:38 - Religion & God 1:09:58 - End of high school and Discovering Crypto 1:18:18 - Yash's Startup 1:32:55 - Dropping out and focusing on startup 1:38:10 - Bangalore and Startup Dream 1:42:05 - Yash's Daily Routine 1:51:10 - The FOMO of Crypto and Web 3 1:56:25 - Selling the company 1:59:35 - Coming back to UIUC 2:06:35 - Looking back on the UIUC experience 2:09:00 - Advice for Young People 2:13:42 - Yash's college experience 2:14:25 - Yash's Key Word: "Partnership" 2:19:00 - Yash's advice for the UIUC Talkshow 2:20:54 - Halloween Customs 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 2:22:45 - 🌚 Tattoos 2:26:08 - 🔐 Cryptocurrency 2:28:30 - 🗣 LinkedIn 2:30:03 - 🧮 Super 30 & 🧪 Biology 2:34:29 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 Website: https://www.juandavidcampolargo.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdcampolargo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jdcampolargo Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdcampolargo/

It has been 4 months since we posted our first video. In this episode, we look back at what impacted us the most, what we learned from each of those conversations, discuss our goals for the future, and play our controversial game "Underrated or Overrated". 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb  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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/  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/

Jason P. Chambers is an associate professor in the Department of Advertising at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He currently teaches courses on advertising history, classic advertising campaigns, and the foundations of advertising philosophy.   His work has been published in books and both academic and trade journals in the United States, Asia, and Europe. Dr. Chambers recently completed a biography of advertising legend Thomas J. Burrell titled, "An Advertising Revolutionary: The Life and Work of Tom Burrell", and has other published books like "Madison Avenue and the Color Line: African Americans in the Advertising Industry" and "Building the Black Metropolis: African American Entrepreneurship in Chicago". EPISODE LINKS: Jason Chambers' Website: http://jasonpchambers.com/ "The Courage to Write": https://us.macmillan.com/books/9780805074673/thecouragetowrite OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 0:40 - Chambers' history with "History" 4:70 - History of Race in Advertising 12:20 - The secret of Advertising 20:30 - Can 'Ethical Advertising' exist? 25:33 - "True Fans" 30:08 - Social responsibilities of a company 36:47 - Predicting human behavior 51:05 - The best way to learn 1:11:01 - Advice for young people 🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:15:55 - 🖥 1984 Apple Campaign 1:18:22 - 🎙 Political speeches over the years as a force of change 1:21:33 - 🦠 Advertising campaigns during the Pandemic 1:24:34 - 😵 Seemingly "crazy" people 1:29:05 - 🖼 (Bonus Question!) A billboard on Green Street 1:30:04 - Thank You? There's more!   Bonus Conversation! 1:31:00 - Curiosity 1:32:12- "Where were you lucky?" 1:34:53 - Ambitions and finding the value of your work 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb  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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/  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/

Charles Ndungu was born in Kenya and moved to Evanston, IL for his dad's doctorate. After high school, he attended UIUC briefly and what came after was a journey to self-discovery.  Recently, he spent 8 years in Kenya where he reconnected to his roots, family, and values. Last year, Charles came back to Urbana-Champaign with a revitalized self and an unmatched desire to keep living.    Charles is known for spreading positivity in all aspects of his life, especially with his job as an MTD driver where he greets everyone with kindness and a smile on his face. OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 0:34 - How we met 3:13 - Moving to Urbana-Champaign for the second time 6:28 - A quiet childhood 8:20 - Student stories on the Bus 9:40 - Studying at UIUC 12:07 - Culture shock as a Kenyan 18:38 - Favorite mistake 23:25 - Trusting/Building relationships 27:20 - How to develop self-confidence 32:38 - The love for one's mother 42:38 - Spreading Positivity 45:55 - Crime 52:10 - Charles 2024? 58:19 - Advice for young people 1:00:12 - How to stay true to yourself 🚥 Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥 1:04:40 - 🇰🇪 Kenyan Culture 1:07:22 - 🏫 UIUC 1:09:50 -  🥳 Parties 1:13:03 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb  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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/  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/

Carlos Torelli is a business professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He studied civil engineering and has become an expert in identifying cultural factors driving consumer behavior in a globalized world.  EPISODE LINKS:  Carlos Torelli's Website: http://www.carlostorelli.com/  OUTLINE:  0:00 - Introduction  0:34 - Individualism vs Collectivist Forces  9:17 - Is the Individual Genius Dead?  19:10 - Technology + Collectivism = The Big Brother  23:30 - Growing Pains of Tech  28:09 - The "Eco-Friendly" Business Model  35:28 - Hedonistic Pleasure: Authentic Food  37:04 - Malthusianiasm Self-Destruction  39:57 - Inequality  44:45 - Incentive alignment  55:13 - Advice for young people  🚥 Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥  1:00:20 - ⚙️ Engineers doing business 1:02:25 - 🌎 Globalization  1:06:10 - 🇻🇪 Venezuelan Food  1:07:00 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/ 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/

Lelys Bravo is a statistics professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Her research interests center around understanding the risks of climate change. Dr. Bravo was the lead author of the Millenium Ecosystem Assessment report, which is a major assessment of the human impact on the environment, called for by the United Nations Secretary-General. EPISODE LINKS: Lelys Bravo Personal Website: https://www.lelysbravo.com/ Lelys Bravo UIUC Website: https://stat.illinois.edu/directory/profile/lbravo OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 0:36 - Sunrise Problem 3:05 - Mathematics: The Beginning 6:26 - Statistics & Interdisciplinarity  9:42 - Uncertainty  16:57 - Natural Hazards Risks 29:52 - Climate Change & Adaptation  39:40 - 🖌 Overrated or Underrated Section 39:53 - 📊 Studying Statistics 43:52 - 🌳 The Paris Agreement & The Green New Deal 49:46 -  🇻🇪 Venezuelan Immigration 53:40 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/ 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/

Nora Swinford is a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and Parkland College. Nora's life goal is to become a video game music producer.  EPISODE LINKS: Nora's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCd9L2N7b9K3cmDKXoMhk2lw Nora's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ClrVen0N4euoOWfkhHo57?si=4KrjKZOKSW2vlPFQIWDYwA OUTLINE 0:00 - Introduction 0:31 - Video Game Music Maker 7:48 - How to Start Making Music 10:10 - YouTube/Tik Tok fyp 14:30 - Choosing a College for Music 16:50 - Going to UIUC without being Admitted 22:22 - 500 Tabs 24:24 - Rhythm & Pleasant Sounds 29:10 - Computer-Generated Music 32:30 - Music reflects our society 35:20 - The future of music 39:30 - The effect of music on behavior 47:10 - Overrated or Underrated 1:02:10 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/ 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/

Jont Allen is an Electrical Engineering professor at UIUC. His lifelong pursuit has been the theory and practice of human speech recognition. He worked at Bell Labs for 32 years and currently teaches courses on the science behind machine learning, mathematical physics, signal processing, and more. He has more than 20 US patents on hearing aids, signal processing, and others. EPISODE LINKS: Jont Allen's Website: https://auditorymodels.org/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 1:30 - Lifelong Pursuit: Human Speech Processing 7:17 - 8 Years Old: The Calling Moment 15:02 - The Weirdness of the English Language 19:40 - Grandaughter 30:10 - Important Problems 37:51 - Reductionism 39:38 - Wordle & Puzzles 45:13 - Mistakes are Unavoidable 48:08 - Favorite Book 51:45 - The Science Behind Machine Learning 1:02:00 - Bernoulli Trials 1:10:40 - Advice for Young People 1:13:35 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/ 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/

Jaden Thompson is a mechanical engineering student from many places. He grew up around the world and is committed to his obsessions from running and building cars to rock climbing and F1. EPISODE LINKS: Jaden's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaden-thompson-6618221b3  Jaden's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdtepic/ OUTLINE: 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Jaden's Weekends/Evenings Obsessions  9:30 - Challenges of Living in Jakarta, Indonesia 13:30 - Making Healthy Friendships 19:40 - Faith & Religion 26:43 - Consumerism 33:05 - History of Patagonia & The North Face 35:14 - We Want Want What Others Want 37:13 - Everyone has a void on their hearts 40:48 - Thanksgiving Dinner Cockroach 45:45 - Special: Overrated & Underrated 53:40 - Jaden's 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/ 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/

Kareem Habayeb is a mechanical engineering student who isn't afraid to say he doesn't what he wants but is willing to work hard to follow what he wants. He also shares the one thing most people he wishes they knew about him. EPISODE LINKS: Kareem's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kareem-habayeb-b58202207/ OUTLINE 0:00 - Introduction 1:50 - Misperceptions as an Engineer 15:00 - The Immigrant Mindset 19:35 - Illini Solar Car Team 23:50 - Regrets: CS 173 28:38 - 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 playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXqdyEq7fuyUz9cmpdfqN1Rb 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 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaryaman-patel-779437205/ 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/

David Carroll, president & co-founder of CU Aerospace (UIUC B.S./M.S./Ph.D.), walked away from a top university post in 1998 to build a rocket company in the Illinois cornfields. A laser scientist by training, he didn’t stay in theory—he shipped: electric CubeSat engines, plasma systems, high-energy lasers, and even a genetic-algorithm tool that jumped from lab code to a cancer operating room.This conversation is a builder’s tour of how space actually gets made—and what’s at stake now. We trace the arc from lasers to flight hardware, from test-to-failure scrappiness to NASA-level safety, and from a small Midwestern shop to engines headed for orbit. Along the way: why smallsats matter more than slogans, the case for high-power electric propulsion (magnetoplasmadynamic, or MPD, thrusters), and how China’s Moon timeline and SpaceX/Starlink’s launch cadence are quietly setting the rules of the game.If you’re choosing what to study, where to live, or which problems to bet your twenties on, this is a field guide: build outside the coasts, turn bullets into cannonballs, ship before you polish, and keep going when the first three proposals get rejected. Cornfields to orbit isn’t a metaphor. It’s a map.This is The UIUC Talkshow, and this is our conversation with David Carroll.EPISODE LINKS:CU Aerospace WebsiteKim Stanley Robinson's AuroraGood to Great by Jim CollinsAbout CU AerospaceFounded in 1998, CU Aerospace (CUA) operates a 10,000-sq-ft mixed office/lab facility in Champaign, Illinois, with cleanrooms, a rapid-prototyping shop, and dedicated propulsion and plasma labs. CUA's hardware has been supported by NASA, DoD customers, and commercial partners.OUTLINE:0:00 - Introduction0:16 - The Space Race3:33 - SpaceX8:40 - The Next Big Aerospace Company11:10 - What Would David Carroll Study in College today?13:40 - What Does It Take to Become an Astronaut?18:28 - Near-Death Experience as a Pilot20:27 - The Interplay of Politics in Science25:44 - David's Research with Missiles and Lasers32:01 - Why Venture Capitalists don't like Aerospace Companies34:29 - Importance of Social Recognition/Do Awards mean anything?35:07 - Genetic Algorithms41:38 - What Drives You?43:47 - Coming to Champaign, IL47:13 - The Story Behind "CU Aerospace"49:12 - Lessons from working at McDonald's53:26 - David's Daughters55:45 - Parenting59:37 - David's Musical Talents1:00:46 - Future of Space Propulsion1:02:57 - Interstellar Travel/Physics of the Future1:08:19 - CU Aerospace's Projects1:17:08 - Hardest Part of Running a Business1:18:26 - Building a Mountain in Champaign1:21:27 - Advice for Young People🚥Overrated or Underrated Section 🚥1:24:44 - Good to Great 📕1:26:20 - eVTOLs ✈️1:29:49 - Kelly Johnson (Designer of Black Bird) 🦨1:30:32 - Solar Sail ☀️1:33:53 - Life in the Universe 🌌1:36:55 - Closing WordsJoin The UIUC Talkshow Community!Become part of our community and unlock exclusive access to the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and special updates. Be the first to know about upcoming guests and new episodes!Join here: https://uiuctalkshow.substack.com/What is the UIUC Talkshow?Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas.Consider Supporting UsIf you enjoy our talk show and videos, your support means the world to us! Your contributions help us keep the show running and focus on creating interesting conversations with interesting people. Every dollar goes towards our basic needs, allowing us to dedicate more time and energy to this project. Support us here: https://www.patreon.com/uiuctalkshowLearn more about Juan David & Aaryaman:AaryamanWebsiteLinkedIn Twitter Juan DavidWebsite TwitterLinkedInInstagram

<p>Geoffrey Challen is a Computer Science Professor at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.</p><p>With some professors, there&#39;s a before and after in your reality as a student—you see things differently. For me, that was Challen&#39;s CS 125 (now called CS 124).</p><p>After I picked up my phone and called the head of physics, he said I couldn&#39;t take Physics 211 because my transcript didn&#39;t show calculus. Even though I knew it and had taught myself, he didn&#39;t let me take it and hung up on me. I found myself with an open spot, and it was this class I&#39;d heard so much about—CS 125 with Geoffrey Challen. I&#39;d heard it was tough, but he was unique and idiosyncratic, and that was interesting, so I took the bait.</p><p>And it changed me. Not necessarily because of anything I learned, although it helped my understanding of how technology worked, but because of how he saw the world. He spoke openly, questioned norms, and never just went through the motions. </p><p>Unlike typical professors—front-row nerds and teacher&#39;s pets—Challen is a hacker, a rebel. He fell asleep in classes, sat in the back, resisted authority, and now builds his courses around that spirit.</p><p>His iconic cap reads τέχνῃ—the ancient Greek root of the word technology—which means &quot;the art and skill of making.&quot; For Challen, teaching technology isn&#39;t just about tools or code; it&#39;s about guiding students to become creators. After all, perhaps we shouldn&#39;t be called Homo sapiens (the wise ones), but Homo technologicus—those who craft, build, and innovate through τέχνῃ.</p><p>Challen might not be considered the wisest by some of his colleagues, but the future—reflected in today’s students—seems to know better. They don’t call him “professor” as much as they call him “dope” or “based.”</p><p>That&#39;s what you get with Challen—not just a professor, but someone who shows you a different way to see the world, to resist conformity, to build things that you want. </p><p>Someone who proves that being yourself, even when it costs you, is worth it.</p><p><em>EPISODE LINKS:</em></p><ul><li>Geoffrey Challen&#39;s Website: <a href="https://www.geoffreychallen.com/">https://www.geoffreychallen.com/</a></li><li>Geoffrey Challen&#39;s Learn CS Website: <a href="https://www.learncs.online/">https://www.learncs.online/</a></li><li>Geoffrey Challen&#39;s Society and Technology Class: <a href="https://archive.is/SdNAn">https://archive.is/SdNAn</a></li><li>Geoffrey Challen&#39;s Reddit Account: <a href="https://www.reddit.com/user/geoffreychallen/comments/?sort=top">https://www.reddit.com/user/geoffreychallen/comments/?sort=top</a></li></ul><p><em>Books Mentioned</em></p><ul><li>When Things Go Missing by Kathryn Schulz: <a href="https://archive.is/J5ztk">https://archive.is/J5ztk</a></li><li>Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders: <a href="https://amzn.to/4k0FdbP">https://amzn.to/4k0FdbP</a></li><li>Being Wrong by Kathryn Schulz: <a href="https://amzn.to/43Umit4">https://amzn.to/43Umit4</a></li><li>Coders by Clive Thompson: <a href="https://amzn.to/4jJk1GS">https://amzn.to/4jJk1GS</a></li><li>The Overstory by Richard Powers: <a href="https://amzn.to/4mUCG5g">https://amzn.to/4mUCG5g</a></li><li>Bewilderment by Richard Powers: <a href="https://amzn.to/446zYSS">https://amzn.to/446zYSS</a></li><li>The Ground Beneath Her Feet by Salman Rushdie: <a href="https://amzn.to/45fxEdx">https://amzn.to/45fxEdx</a></li>

<p>Stuart E. Eizenstat, a seasoned American diplomat and former ambassador to the European Union, offers an exploration of the craft of negotiation.</p><p>Drawing on decades of experience and the insights of hundreds of interviews—including with titans like Henry Kissinger and James Baker—his latest book, <em>The Art of Diplomacy,</em> serves as a masterclass in both strategy and empathy.</p><p>Eizenstat emphasizes the power of truly listening, finding common ground, and engaging with respect, all of which are vital in both high-stakes international negotiations and everyday interactions. </p><p>This conversation not only unpacks the nuanced skills behind effective diplomacy but also tackles contemporary global challenges—from the tensions in Ukraine to the complexities in the Middle East and Venezuela—underscoring the indispensable role of diplomacy in building a peaceful future.</p><p><em>EPISODE LINKS:</em></p><ul><li>The Art of Diplomacy: How American Negotiators Reached Historic Agreements that Changed the World: <a href="https://amzn.to/41VCbhS">https://amzn.to/41VCbhS</a></li><li>President Carter: The White House Years: <a href="https://amzn.to/4228VWL">https://amzn.to/4228VWL</a></li></ul><p><em>OUTLINE:</em></p><p>0:00 - Introduction</p><p>2:08 - How to Connect with People</p><p>4:20 - Henry Kissinger</p><p>8:11 - Creativity in Negotiation</p><p>9:50 - Ukraine</p><p>10:50 - Venezuela</p><p>11:11 - Closing Words</p><p><em>Join The UIUC Talkshow Community!</em>Become part of our community and unlock exclusive access to the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and special updates. Be the first to know about upcoming guests and new episodes!</p><p>Join here: <a href="https://uiuctalkshow.substack.com/">https://uiuctalkshow.substack.com/</a></p><p><em>SOCIAL:</em></p><ul><li>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow">https://www.instagram.com/uiuctalkshow</a></li><li>X: <a href="https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow">https://twitter.com/uiuctalkshow</a></li><li>TikTok: <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow">https://www.tiktok.com/@uiuctalkshow</a></li><li>Patreon <a href="https://www.patreon.com/uiuctalkshow">https://www.patreon.com/uiuctalkshow</a></li><li>Spotify: <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/3ezoc4xJa4DrGq7N4lhqQn">https://open.spotify.com/show/3ezoc4xJa4DrGq7N4lhqQn</a></li><li>Apple Podcasts: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-uiuc-talkshow/id1611427075</a></li><li>Full episodes playlist: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC">https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1H9UJqXvJXr3qlx9c89Rv76c6IpnwGeC</a></li><li>Clips Channel: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips">https://www.youtube.com/@UIUCTalkshowClips</a></li></ul><p><em>What is the UIUC Talkshow?</em>Our goal with this show is to introduce you to the most interesting people with the most interesting ideas.</p><p><em>Consider Supporting Us</em>If you enjoy our talk show and videos, your support means the world to us! Your contributions help us keep the show running and focus on creating interesting conversations with interesting people. Every dollar goes towards our basic needs, allowing us to dedicate more time and energy to this project. </p><p>Support us here: <a href="https://www.patreon.com/uiuctalkshow">https://www.patreon.com/uiuctalkshow</a></p><p><em>Join The UIUC Talkshow Community!</em>Become part of our community and unlock exclusive access to the latest episodes, behind-the-scenes content, and special updates. Be the first to know about upcoming guests and new episodes.</p><p>Join us here: <a href="https://uiuctalkshow.substack.com/">https://uiuctalkshow.substack.com/</a></p>