It may seem like something out of Jimmy Neutron or some sci-fi movie, but the cell-based protein market is starting to plant some serious roots….or should I say propagate cells. The podcast team sits down with Aryé Elfenbein, who is the Co-founder of Wildtype, which is one of the emerging cell-based protein alternative manufacturers. Tune in to learn:Who is Wildtype and what type of protein alternatives do they make?What exactly is cell-based protein and what does the cultivation process look like?How can cell-based protein contribute to a more sustainable food chain?What excites you about this vertical and what are some of the hurdles in its way?All this and more, on Generation STEM!Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.comThis podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Have you ever wondered how infrastructure tunnels are constructed or if they are being constructed underneath you as we speak? Us co-hosts have. Listen in as we sit down with Black & Veatch’s, Clint Wilson. Tune in to hear: How are large tunnels constructed and how much do they cost? What do you have to consider when excavating a tunnel in an urban area? What markets rely on tunneling? What does the future of tunneling look like? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Cryptocurrency, NFTs…..digital assets have become a huge trend in the financial world the past couple of years and the GenSTEM squad has been wondering….how do they work? What’s the science behind it? How are these encrypted assets made? Enter BLOCKCHAIN. On this episode, Ryan and Kevin chat with a leading entrepreneur in the blockchain space, Shekhar Gupta. Tune in to learn: What is blockchain? How does it work? How does this apply to Crypto and NFTs? What problems does it solve? How is blockchain the key to solving problems of the future? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The new administration has made it clear that offshore wind energy is going to be a focus for their renewable growth and goal to decarbonize our power supply. Class is in session as we sit down with Black & Veatch’s Vice President of Power, Jim Juras. Tune in to hear: How does offshore wind differ from onshore wind? What are the technological differences? What are some permitting & construction considerations to offshore wind? What is the current state of offshore wind in the United States? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Our world has become more and more digital, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, it has kicked the world's transition to a completely digital world into hyperdrive. It got the squad thinking, how is the infrastructure changing to support our data driven and digitized lifestyles? Here's a clue: DATA CENTERS. Enter our guest for this week, Drew Thompson, AVP of Data Centers and Critical Infrastructure at Black & Veatch. Tune in to hear: what are data centers? how to they relate to the cloud? how do we rely on data centers in our everyday life? how have data centers enabled our virtual world since the onset of the pandemic? why is data so important? how are data centers going to enable continued technological advancement globally? how do data centers affect our current goal of combating carbon emissions? what's the future of data centers and infrastructure look like to support human advancement? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

On this episode, Ryan takes us into a solo interview with our special guest in light of the recent Suez Canal blockage incident, where a cargo ship ended up sideways blocking the canal and disrupting global supply chain. He sits down with Joseph Schwarzstein - Maritime Consultant, First Class Pilot and Commander in the US Navy Reserve to discuss the Suez Canal event, and the world of piloting cargo ships. Tune in to hear: The basics of piloting cargo ships How canals work and how cargo ships are able to pilot through His insights on what happened in the Suez Canal All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Becca, Kevin and Ryan are ringing in their 5+6 year anniversaries of having adult STEM jobs. On this week's episode of GenSTEM, the squad gets together to talk about their career experiences so far. Tune in to hear: What Becca, Kevin, and Ryan's career path has been like thus far in the STEM industry How their upbringing and college experiences affected their career path What they expected being an engineer would be like versus reality How has their career path expectations changed over time? What's the best career advice they'd give their younger self? What's the biggest career miss or mistake they have made? Are there such things as career mistakes? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

One of the biggest cold weather events in history hit Texas in February, that caused 4.5 million Texans without power for days. On this week's episode, Becca and Kevin interview one of their fellow Black & Veatcher and Managing Director of our Global Distributed Energy business, Rob Wilhite where he breaks down what really happened in Texas that caused massive (electrical) black outs. Tune in to learn: Basics on how the power grid works Who the heck ERCOT is and why is their name tied to the Texas outages? How the freezing temperatures in Texas caused massive power outages We know that it made the power plants not work but.....what does that really mean? Who is to blame? Renewables? Fossil fuels? Is the grid really that fragile? Will this happen more in the future? How can we at home contribute to the prevention of power outages? All this and more, on Generation STEM!   Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com   This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Bring the beat back! On this week's episode, Ryan and Kevin chat with producer, writer, rapper, and sustainable energy advocate AY Young! Tune in to hear: AY's music career His views on electricity access and sustainability How he uses music and dance as a way to bring people together with is mission for energy sustainability AY's Battery Tour and how it's providing electricity to those in need All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

We're back this week with another episode of GenSTEM and we're delivering to your ear holes one of our BIGGEST. INTERVIEWS. YET. We got together with (the now) CEO of Virgin Hyperloop, Josh Giegel. Yeah, you read that right. CEO of Virgin Hyperloop is on the pod. Tune in to hear: What is Virgin Hyperloop? How did Josh get involved with the company? Was he one of the first human riders on a hyperloop test track? How will this technology transform the future of transportation? What massive global affects could hyperloop have? Could this help us become more connected with one another? What is Richard Branson like??? When will the first hyperloop be track and open to the public? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

If you've tuned in to our recent episodes, you've heard the GenSTEM squad buzz about something big coming to the utility sector: HYDROGEN. Kevin, Becca, and Ryan had the opportunity to sit down with fellow Black & Veatch'er and Hydrogen subject matter specialist Jonathan Cristiani to talk about how hydrogen could change the future. Tune in to hear: -What even is hydrogen (besides something on the periodic table) and what is it used for?-How is hydrogen produced-How it's used for electricity generation, fuel cell cars, and storage-If it's so great, why isn't hydrogen widely used in our infrastructure now?-Is this the answer to our major global concerns like resource limitations and global warming?And most importantly:-Will Jonathan join Becca and Kevin at a post COVID music festival????? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

New year, new episode!!! On this episode, the clairvoyant GenSTEM squad looks into their crystal balls to make the their predictions on the biggest STEM trends in 2021. Tune in to hear Kevin, Ryan, and Becca: -announce the winners based on YOUR votes for the semi-STEMy awards (followed but a lot of trash talking by Becca) -dive in to their biggest predictions for transportation, space, AI, health, energy, and consumer products for 2021 Do you agree with their predictions?? Tune in to find out. -All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

We are back with a new episode with some BIG 2021 energy. On this episode, Kevin, Becca & Ryan interview Steph Stoppenhagen of Black & Veatch's Connected Communities + Telecom business to learn all about a new luxury entertainment smart city development in Las Vegas called Bleutech Park. Tune in to hear: -What the heck is Bleutech Park?-How Bleutech Park integrates Smart City technology-Is this the prototype for the world's future of metropolitan cities?-What makes it the next luxury resort in Vegas-How you can gamble with the parks own cryptocurrency-Giant solar trees? Energy generating pavement?? Smart solar roads??? *mind blown emoji* -All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

It's the GenSTEM squad back at it again!!!! We're excited to bring back an annual tradition REVAMPED.....The SEMI STEMy AWARDS: a year in review of the biggest and most innovative news in STEM in 2020. Tune in to hear Kevin, Ryan and Becca each give their SEMI STEMy nominees for ___ STEM award categories: Transportation Space Energy Health Consumer Products Listen in to give us your choice for the SEMI STEMy award winner for each category! All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

We're back with another stellar episode of Generation STEM Podcast! On this episode, Becca, Ryan and Kevin, had the opportunity to interview Jagmeet Khangura and Jason Haney of Black & Veatch's Growth Accelerator to talk about a wild new trend in real estate and infrastructure: FLOATING HOUSING. Tune in to learn: -what even is floating infrastucture?-how is it built?-where is it being built now? Where will it be built in the future?-what problems will floating house and infrastructure solve?-how does this work with maritime law? Could you create your own city of floating buildings?-when will floating infrastructure start to appear in the US? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The GenSTEM is here with a new ~~~~fire flame~~~ episode this week! On this episode, Becca, Ryan and Becca, in the wake of wild land fires burning across the western half of the US, sit down with down with pyrogeographer, SDSU PhD candidate, and self proclaimed "Fire Nerd" to discuss everything wild fire and how she's leveraging technology to prevent them. Let us tell you, THIS GIRL IS ON FIRE!!!! Tune in to learn: -what causes wild fires-how do wild fires spread-are wildfires really more common now than they used to be, or are they just more in the forefront of media attention?-is there a connection between global warming and wild fires?-how can wildfires be prevented?-what is remote sensing technology, and how does it help us mitigate wild fires?-how does infrared technology work?-can you really tell the difference between a Juniper tree and an Aspen tree with infrared technology??? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

The GenSTEM team is on fire with back to back weeks of episodes! On this episode, Kevin and Ryan had the opportunity to chat with the Executive Director of the National Society of Black Engineers, Karl Reid. Tune in to hear: -Karl's personal experience as a black man in the STEM world-his personal experiences that drove him to become involved with NSBE-The mission of the National Society of Black Engineers-how NSBE champions minorities in engineering-how the BLM movement has affected and emboldened their mission-why it's important for all people in engineering to support NSBE All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

After a ~~~little~~~ break, the GenSTEM team is back and ready to discuss the season.....the Career Fair Season!! We're revisiting one of the first topics we ever discussed on the OG podcasts: navigating the career fair and job hunt process. Tune in to hear: -Becca, Kevin, and Ryan's most embarrassing career fair and job hunt moments-How to create the perfect resume-Tips and tricks for making a splash at the career fair to land that next interview-How to crush your interview and what to expect-The importance of networking and how to be a networking rockstar All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Sports are back and the GenSTEM squad is here for it!!!!!!! Don't know about you guys, but both sports and social media are an integral part of our lives. So on this week's episode, our interview focuses on how the two worlds collide! Ryan, Kevin, and Becca have a stellar interview with Karen Ramming, Senior Social Media Manager for the Golden State Warriors (WE BELIEVE!!). Tune in to this episode to hear: -what is it like running the social media account for one of the biggest professional sports franchises in the country?-how Karen got a job with GSW-is she star struck by the team or are they just another group of guys to her?-what happens behind the scenes when developing social media posts for the team's accounts?-is there a science to social media in general? -how is the fan experience changing, both due to COVID and with the integration of technology and social media?-what's coming next for social media and technology i the world of spectator sports? All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Guys.....get ready for one of our favorite episodes we've EVER recorded. This week, Kevin, Ryan, and Becca interview REAL LIFE ASTRONAUT, TEDx Talk Alum, and STEM Boss Lady, Joan Higginbotham. Tune in to hear us discuss with the third female African American in space: -how she got the nickname ~~Space Beyonce~~~~-her career journey to becoming an astronaut (spoiler, she actually didn't want to be one at first??!!)-what she was thinking and feeling right before her space shuttle launch launch -the first thing she did when she got up to the International Space Station-why was unable to eat a space meal prepared for her by Rachel Ray-her mission on the Space Shuttle Discovery-what she misses most about space-the biggest lessons she learned-why she feels like prioritizing the human connection and preaching that we are all one human race is her biggest contribution in her career All this and more, on Generation STEM! WE CANNOT EMPHASIZE HOW DOPE THIS INTERVIEW WAS! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com  

Hello again listeners, we're here with another episode of the GenSTEM podcast. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca had the opportunity to chat with Jimmy Kim, the Business Operations Lead of the construction tech start up, Built Robotics. Tune in to this episode to hear: -the concept, mission, and technology behind Built Robotics -how will this technology change the construction industry? -can automation and AI really replace the human touch? -how Built Robotics got involved with Black & Veatch -Jimmy's story on how he took the dive into entrepreneurship -his advice for young professionals looking to pivot their career into the world of start ups and tech All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

  We are back with another *fire flame emoji* episode of the GenSTEM podcast. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca bring you a HUGE interview with none other than KCMO Mayor himself, Quinton Lucas. The squad sat down with Mayor Q in ~~~the mayor's office~~~ (pre-COVID) to discuss: -how KC is implementing cutting edge Smart City technology -the hurdles and benefits of integrating 5G  -how KC is leading the USA city pack in the innovative and leading edge public transportation -how local citizens can support emerging technology policy -what's next for KC? -how Mayor Q ranks his athletic skills versus the other mayors of the KC metro area -what it was like for him leading the city during the Chief's superbowl LIV celebrations All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com  

It's that time again! Time for you to tune in to the newest episode of GenSTEM podcast. Ryan, Kevin, and Becca hopped on a call with David Tze, CEO of a cleantech start up company called NovoNutrients. Tune in to the episode to hear: -The squad describe what NovoNutrients is, and how they have created a process that takes CO2 from greenhouse gas emitting facilities, and turns it into fish food -How the CO2 to fish food process works -How NovoNutrients is solving 2 major global issues through one product -the future of the food landscape All this and more, on Generation STEM! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Guess who's back back back.....back againWelcome to another episode of the GenSTEM podcast. The squad is back together to discuss something that's gathered a ton of buzz in the world of STEM the past couple of weeks: the Demo-2 SpaceX Launch. Tune in to hear Becca, Kevin, and Ryan discuss: -the details of the most recent SpaceX launch -who the astronauts are -what is the mission of Demo-2? -what technology was involved in the launch? -why is it a big deal???? -future missions of space and details on how and why SpaceX is planning to build a new space station The crew wraps up the episode with a podium of their favorite inventions from famous space movies.   Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

Hello GenSTEM listeners hey hi how ya do'ern *Lil Wayne voice* Welcome to another episode of the GenSTEM podcast. We're back this week on our regular bi-weekly scheduled programming. There's been a lot of talk about the COVID-19 vaccine, so it got Becca thinking, what does it actually take to make a vaccine? Join Ryan and Kevin in Becca's classroom to learn: -What is a vaccine? -What is the typical vaccine development process? -How long do clinical trials typically take? What happens during clinical trials? -How does it compare to what we're hearing in the news about when the COVID-19 vaccine will be ready? But first, Kevin fills in Becca and Ryan on the news that scientists found potential evidence of a parallel universe. Tune in to this week's episode to hear the GenSTEM squad's hot takes on all this and more! Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com This podcast is powered by Black & Veatch - www.bv.com

ANOTHA ONE!!!!!! The GenSTEM squad is back this week with another stellar episode. With everything going on in light of COVID-19, it got us thinking, how has the world of healthcare evolved? What does the future of healthcare look like? Enter our guest for this week's episode. Kevin and Becca run the show this week with an interview featuring Morgan Waller, Director of Telemedicine from Children's Mercy Hospital based in Kansas City. In the interview, Becca and Kevin learn from Morgan: -What is telemedicine? How does it work? -Is it just Facetime-ing a doctor from your phone? -What technologies are involved? -What is wrong with the current healthcare system, and how does telemedicine solve it? -When did Children's Mercy start their telehealth program? -How has COVID impacted the telemedicine industry? -How will COVID impact the future of healthcare? -What technologies does Morgan think will be the biggest disruptors in the future for healthcare? Want to see more from the Generation STEM team? Check us out on social media @genstempodcast, or visit us at our website at www.genstempodcast.com

We're back again this week home-dwellers *air horn*! Not sure about you guys, but the Generation STEM squad has been seeing a lot of stuff on the internet talking about tips and tricks of working from home due to the current social climate. Being the engineers we are, Kevin, Becca and Ryan decided to investigate....what is the scientific backing behind some of the tips for being productive in a home workspace? Tune in to this episode to hear: -Recent news and our Can't Lose/Must wins of the week -A discussion from Becca and Ryan on the scientific backing behind productivity and working from home tips -Kevin's pulse on up and coming technology that will change the future of how and where we work Does the GenSTEM crew think that the future of the work will be done from home? Listen in to find out! Questions, comments, or just want to be our friends? Hit us up on our social media handle @genstempodcast, or visit us at our brand spanking new website www.genstempodcast.com

We're starting a new chapter here on the podcast.......welcome to Generation STEM! On this episode of the Generation STEM podcast, it's a new brand but the same old squad. As we currently are in a time of humanitarian and economic difficulty in the wake of COVID-19, it got us thinking....what companies have been created and thrived during previous times of economic downturn? How do times of difficulty drive innovation? How will COVID-19 impact future businesses and what innovations will come from it? Becca, Kevin, and Ryan get together (via virtual meeting of course) to discuss: -our new brand -quarantine updates: how the hell are ya??? -how recessions have historically created some of the strongest businesses and why it's a great time to get your start up going -A discussion of STEM companies and innovations created in three historic times of difficulty: The Great Depression/WWII, 9/11, and the Great Recession -What start ups have been developed so far because of COVID-19/how have businesses evolved in response? -How will COVID-19 impact the STEM industry -A podium of our best COVID-19 driven start up ideas

Social distancing and stay-at-home orders won't stop us from recording!!! On this episode of Close of Business Podcast, the COB squad discusses: The shortage on hand sanitizer, how businesses are changing their operations to support the COVID-19 effort, and big news on a mobile carrier merger Our Can't Wins and Must Loses of the affects of Coronavirus Weird quirks of working from home Is the squad staying productive with the jobs working from home? How are handling isolation? Tune in to the episode to find out!

Ever wonder where your water comes from? Hint, it's not from Fiji!!! On this episode, Becca and Kevin sit down with Jim Schlaman, B&V's Director of Planning from water to learn once and for all how we get clean water in our showers and taps at home. Tune in to hear: - where our water comes from- how old our water is- how we get it to our homes- what happens after we use it- how we clean itWhat burning questions do you have about water? Hit us up with your best ideas on the 'gram (@cobpodcast), twitter (@cobpodcast), or via email ([email protected]). We will feature the best ideas on an upcoming COB episode

Tune in to check out the Close of Business’s new episode on Smart Cities featuring Fred Ellermeier, VP of Connected Communities at Black & Veatch Co-hosts walk you through “a day in a smart city”…improv style · Interview with Fred Ellermeier, VP of Connected Communities at Black & Veatch What is a smart city? Why are cities embracing the smart city movement? What are some real life smart city technologies currently being developed? What technology is needed to make smart cities a reality What is Connected Communities at Black & Veatch What smart city idea do you have that can shape your city? Hit us up with your best ideas on the 'gram (@cobpodcast), twitter (@cobpodcast), or via email ([email protected]). We will feature the best ideas on an upcoming COB episode

Hey Closers! The Close of Business Squad is here with a special science + tech Decade in Review Episode! Tune in to hear: Our podium of the biggest failed science + tech predictions of the 2010s A decade in review of transportation, consumer tech, and medicine The biggest winners and losers of the decade Our predictions for the 2020s What do you predict will happen in the STEM industry by 2030? Hit us up with your best guesses on the 'gram (@cobpodcast), twitter (@cobpodcast), or via email ([email protected]). We will feature the best predictions on an upcoming COB episode!

Happy holidays Closers! We’re here with a present that hits everything on your holiday wish list. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down for an interview with the co-founders of a start-up called ecoSPEARS, who uses sustainable and cost-effective technology to remediate ground contaminants. What the heck are ground contaminants??? And why do they matter to us??? Don’t worry Closers, we didn’t know either, and Sergie Albino and Ian Doromal broke it all down for us. They explain how their innovative technology has the power to make sure we are consuming clean and healthy food and water, minimize the usage of landfills, solve transportation and traffic issues, and even save the polar bears. The COB squad left the interview feeling inspired by ecoSPEARS’ mission, and we bet all you Closers will too. Also, listen how Ian and Sergie met (you’ll never guess where), and their journey towards making their entrepreneurial dreams a reality. Interested in taking a leap into the world of entrepreneurship? Sergie and Ian give their best advice that they learned through their journey at the end of the episode. ____________________________________________________________________ Want to learn more about ecoSPEARS? Visit their website at www.ecospears.com Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected]

Hey Closers, we’re here with some entertainment for your Turkey Day weekend! On this episode, Kevin and Becca sit down and chat with the Executive Vice President of Uncommon Partners Lab and co-founder of Uncommon Partners, in an uber charismatic conversation about experiential learning and behavioral sciences. Kyle talks to us about his background as a behavioral scientist, and how he applied his knowledge to develop adaptive and virtual training utilizing technology to create transformational change in learning. Dope right? Haven’t heard of experiential learning before? Becca breaks down this concept for you all before the interview. But first, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit together to discuss some recent news in the science and tech industry, including…you guessed it…the reveal of Tesla’s Cybertruck. What did the COB crew think of the Cybertruck reveal? Tune in to find out! ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected] Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/

Hey Closers, us again! This episode features an interview with Bruce Betts, the Chief Scientist at the Planetary Society; a nonprofit space research and technology foundation led by CEO Bill Nye (the science guy). Kevin and Becca sat down with Bruce at the Singularity University Global Summit to discuss the Planetary Society’s recent successful mission on the LightSail project, what the Planetary Society aims to accomplish, solar sailing technology, and planetary defense. But first, we ask Bruce our most urgent questions about space; are aliens real? Can a cow REALLY jump over the moon??? Tune in to hear answers to these and other VERY important questions from a space expert. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected] Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/

  Hey Closers, we’re back! This episode features a HUGE interview, with none other than Erik Anderson, Executive Chairman of Topgolf, CEO of WestRiver Group, and Executive Chairman of Singularity University (20:45). We sat down to chat with Erik about how he founded WestRiver Group, how he ended up being involved with Topgolf, the lessons he’s learned in his career thus far, and even threw in some of your listener questions! Kevin wraps up the interview by daring Erik to text the most famous person in his phone about the podcast…….listen in to see if Erik steps up to the challenge! But before the interview begins, Becca and Kevin give you guys some feedback and updates on the podcast (2:00), Ryan returns from Spain (the gang is back together!!!) and we give a podium of our three favorite Topgolf Rip-Off ideas (7:40). Finally, after the interview, Ryan, Kevin and Becca sit down to have an in-depth discussion about the technology behind Topgolf (40:50), and new advancements and trends we’re seeing in sports technology. Are the next generation of athletes going to be cyborgs??? Tune in to this episode and decide for yourself. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected]   Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/    

  Hey Closers, did you miss us? We’ve been busy producing content for you guys in San Francisco at the Singularity University Global Summit (check out a video preview of what we experienced here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=okOZLgbB3Cg). While Ryan was away on vacation in Spain (we missed you!), Kevin and Becca tag-teamed at the Silicon Valley conference and recorded interviews with major entrepreneurs in the tech and innovation space. This episode features Prukalpa Sankar, a major authority in the world of data. She has co-founded two data platform startups (SocialCops & Atlan), given a TED talk, and landed her name on many prestigious lists like Forbes 30 under 30 Asia, all by the age of……27. Tune in to learn about: how Prukalpa plans to solve the world’s greatest issues through the use of data her argument as to why data is a good thing, in a world where we fear data and compromising internet privacy why she believes that age doesn’t matter what we need to do to get more women working in the STEM industry which house Prukalpa thinks she would be in at Hogwarts ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected] Interested in innovation, entrepreneurship and exponential technologies? Then visit Singularity University’s website at https://su.org/  

Hey Closers, it's us again. On this episode, Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down to for an interview with Dave Hallowell, Senior VP of Telecom at B&V, to discuss the ins and outs of 5G technology (22:00). Have no idea how data is transmitted over your carrier’s network, or how a cell phone even works? No worries, Dave fills us in on the basics. Tune in to learn about what 5G is, what needs to happen for the technology to be implemented, and how the development of the technology will affect our day to day lives. But first, Kevin and Becca are in the studio giving their hot takes on some current events in the science and tech space. Becca gives a shout out to the 50th anniversary of the Apollo 11 moon landing (1:28), followed by Becca and Kevin doing a podium of top things they would do if they were the first astronaut to step foot on the moon (4:50). Kevin swoops in and fills us in on Elon Musk’s presentation of the new AI technology called Neuralink, a neurotechnology that utilizes implantable brain-machine interfaces to help connect humans and computers (11:09). Is Neuralink the first step to the planet being taken over by cyborgs? Listen to this episode to hear Kevin and Becca’s thoughts. ____________________________________________________________________ Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected]

Whaddup Closers, it’s us again, and we’ve got an awesome interview lined up for your listening pleasure. Kevin, Ryan and Becca sit down to chat with Brad Hardin, the President of Diode Ventures, a start-up company that operates as an asset developer for their clients in the commercial, industrial and technology space. Are you a commercial company with sustainability goals and want to build a solar farm, but don’t know how? Diode can help with that. Are you a major tech company that needs to increase their cloud capacity to keep up your growing business? Diode has got your back. Tune in to listen about Diode’s bright future, learn about what it’s like to be involved with a start-up company, and get Brad’s insight on how a positive attitude can help you and your company be successful. “Grit alone doesn’t do it. It’s that and the persistence of your attitude, […] the consistency in which you maintain a positive frame of mind.” Hit us up with your thoughts or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected]

  Hey it's us again Closers, with our final interview from PowerGen International 2018! After Ryan and Becca give life-long Blues fan Kevin a moment to reflect on St. Louis’ history-making Stanley Cup win, the gang introduces the discussion with Tom Friend; Business Agility Consultant and founder of Ash Elements LLC, a company that utilizes the concept of block chain to capture the value of rare earth elements in coal ash as an asset. Tom dives deep into explaining block chain, and will help clarify all those burning questions that you have about cryptocurrency; what is it? How does it work? How does digital currency have value? After several riveting topics of discussion, the interview wraps up with some of Tom’s best nuggets of advice about LIFE. Listen in for some great topics of discussion for you and your friends at the next Happy Hour. Slide into our DMs on Twitter or the ‘gram (@cobpodcast) with any comments, questions, topic suggestions, feedback, or maybe if you just want to send us photos of your dog. Prefer email? You can contact us there too at [email protected].  

Time for another episode, Closers, where the gang introduces an interview from PowerGen International 2018 focusing on the subject of Machine Learning and Digital Twin. Ryan and Kevin sat down with Patrick Bangert, founder and CEO of Algorithmica Technologies, a company that uses mathematics to model power plants to help prevent equipment failures, so utilities can keep your lights on and keep site employees safe. The CEO discusses his career experiences before founding the company, and how the integration of mathematics and data into the utility space is revolutionizing the industry. The guys wrap up the interview with a conversation about the future of artificial intelligence and its role in society. Does Patrick believe that the development of AI will help robots take over the world? Tune in to this episode to find out! Hit us up on Twitter or the ‘gram (@cobpodcast) with any comments, questions, topic suggestions, feedback, or if you just want to let us know how your day was. Prefer email? You can contact us there too at [email protected].

It’s our first episode recitation here on Close of Business Podcast, and Ryan, Kevin, and Becca kick it together to have a review on Episode 26’s topic of drones. Kevin starts it off by giving us detailed intel on drone technology. In the market for your own drone? Ryan gives us the low down of what commercial and industrial drones are out there, and how much of your tax refund it’ll cost you. Next the squad discusses what real life applications of drones that has gotten the internet buzzing. Finally, Ryan, Kevin, and Becca face off in a podium of their own funny drones usage ideas, and the winner with the best concept is crowned by our awesome producer James. Who will take home the gold? Tune in to find out! Have your own original ideas on what future use drones could have? Have any comments about the episode? Have cool drone drinking game ideas? Do you just want to tell us that you love us? Hit us up through social media on Twitter or the ‘gram @cobpodcast. Prefer email? That works for us too. Send us one at [email protected].

Hey Closers, we’re coming back at you after a bit of a break to give you an episode all about DRONES. This episode features another stellar interview by Ryan and Kevin from the 2018 PowerGen International conference with Duke Energy’s Manager of Unmanned Aerial Systems, Jacob Velky. Jacob talks about his role, the advantages of utilizing drones in the utility industry, and answers some of the guys’ burning questions about what’s next in the world of drones. The Close of Business squad also has some exciting news about what big and new things we’ve got in store for the podcast, so tune in! Slide into our DM’s with your candid feedback or any questions on Twitter (@cobpodcast) or Instagram (@cobpodcast). You can also shoot us an email about anything your heart desires at [email protected]

We’re back Closers, with Episode 25 of CoB Podcast for another awesome interview by Ryan and Kevin from the 2018 PowerGen International Conference. This episode’s interview features special guest Bethany Schunn, the first female plant manager at Cardinal Power Plant in Brilliant, Ohio. The guys had the opportunity to candidly talk to Bethany about her rising through the power plant’s ranks, the day to day dealings of being a power plant manager, her experiences and perspectives on being a woman in the STEM industry, and her views on the industry’s stigmas towards Coal Fired electricity generation. Following the interview, the women of CoB unite to discuss their thoughts on the interview, and discuss their experiences on being females in a male dominated industry. Comments or questions? DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].      

  Episode 24 of the CoB podcast debuts our first interview from the 2018 PowerGen International Conference. We sat down with special guest Bob Yeager, President of Power & Water Solutions at Emerson, to discuss the future work force and how companies like Emerson are tackling the challenges of  talent acquisition and retention as well as knowledge transfer from an ever aging industry onto younger employees.

On today’s episode of the CoB podcast, we recap 2018 with a Podium of our favorite 2018 trends as well as discuss what we believe to be the best technology developments and trends of the year. We finish the episode with some predictions for 2019. Credit: ‘Backbay Lounge’ by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com), Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License, http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/

Hey Closers! Welcome to Episode 21, a follow up on our series breaking down the basics about our electrical grid in the US. In the past episodes we looked at the past/present of our electrical grid, now we're looking to future and we knew from the beginning we'd need to seek expert help. From the dynamic duo that brought you the world-famous kumquat analogy in Episode 19, the COB team is joined again by Jason Abiecunas (AVP and Director of Distributed Energy Resources) to discuss the future of our electrical grid and the period of unprecedented change we are experiencing with respect to energy. If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

  As a follow-up to our first installment of the Engineering in the Developing World series, we bring you Part 2 of that series focused on engineering on the global scale, and how that often radically differs from a Westerner’s perspective.   In the studio for Epi 20 we have Doug Mackenzie, Electrical Engineer and avid engineering globalist. Doug takes us through his trip with the IEEE-sponsored trip into the remote Himalayan plateaus to install an electric microgrid for the village residents. Doug takes us through the journey to the plateau, interesting obstacles that arose throughout the project and a fascinating use for the heavy-duty lightbulbs that the village kids thought of.   Doug also lends critical insight/advice to any young professionals who may be considering investing time/energy into an engineering role abroad.   If our Closers have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

Happy Halloween Closers! Welcome to Episode 19, first in a (non-consecutive) series addressing the past, present, and future of our electrical grid in the US. In Episode 19 we focus on a quick look back at the history of our grid and a macro-snapshot of where it is now. Right in time for Halloween, we start off with another installment of our segment, The Podium, focused on the #scaries that make your COB co-hosts pulses quicken. This episode's discussion is focused on the snapshot of our grid as it stands today. Your COB co-hosts are joined by Jason Abiecunas (AVP and Director of Distributed Energy Resources) and Bill Roush (Sr. RE Consultant) to discuss what components make up our grid and some of the lesser known aspects of our grid that a lot of people are too afraid to ask. The biggest surprise of our discussion: Who would've thought the entire macro-economic picture of the electrical grid supply/demand could be summed up with kumquats?!? Jason and Bill break it down for us and give our Closers real take-away knowledge to level up your understanding of the dynamic electrical grid. And as a special Halloween goody for our Closers, our very own COB co-host James McDaniel has included a special cover of an immortal rock anthem specifically curtailed for this episode. Take a listen at the end of the episode! If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

Episode 18 kicks off a multi-part (but never sequential) series, because c'mon, we're engineers. This series covers engineering in the developing world and people with firsthand experience in that arena. We start with a quick feedback and updates (F/U) for some loyal Closers, then followed up with a new segment: Resume Busters. The four co-hosts bring in our college resumes and pull no punches when it comes to candid feedback and tips to our Closers who are grinding through the hiring/interview season. To kick off our engineering in the developing world, we sit down with Charles Moseley, Program Director at Black & Veatch. Charles has spent his entire life managing and executing large engineering projects in some of the most challenging countries. Charles shares his harrowing stories from his international experiences and advice for young professionals who want to broaden their horizons/experience base towards the international stage. If our Closers have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].          

We’re off to a fast start in Episode 17, not quite as fast as the Chiefs in Weeks 1-3, but we’re close! Episode 17 is chock full with a huge interview that we are excited to bring to our Closers! We start with a quick feedback/updates and a fall-installment of Can’t Lose/Must Wins. Then into our marquee for Episode 17, with the COB co-hosts sitting down with Steve Edwards, CEO of Black & Veatch. We have a very engaging discussion with Steve about his background, the day-to-day of a CEO, his day-to-day advice for young professionals and of course wrapping up with a friendly competition. Steve serves as judge and jury as the co-hosts pitch our best ideas to retain Millennials in the workplace! Take a listen to see who gets crowned champ in this gold-plated House Cup competition! If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

It’s Episode 16, and we’re excited to bring in Part 2 of our 21st Century Agriculture series. But before we get there, even more clutch than the Chiefs pummeling the Steelers in Week 2, the results of our COB Twitter poll are in! Listen to see who was crowned the winner of drafting the best fantasy roster of famous scientists/pioneers! This episode brings our follow-up discussion to our previous ‘agricultural innovation in academia’ discussion with a real-world ‘ag startup’ that is breaking ground in providing infrastructure solutions to rapidly expanding indoor agricultural applications. We sit down with Kim Lovan and Zack Olson, co-founders of NextGen Ag, to discuss what they are seeing in this emerging market and some hot takes on the changes happening now that are going to facilitate tectonic shifts in the food industry’s future. Wrapping up today’s episode, instead of discussing the next chapter in Elon’s biography as per our MO for Book Club, we instead provide an overview of the epic interview between Elon and Joe Rogan that has been setting the social-sphere on fire in the previous weeks. Take a listen and get the download to stay in the know! If you have any comments or questions you want us to answer, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

Welcome to Episode 15, which is the first of a two episode series where we discuss the future of agriculture in the 21st Century. But first, with the most wonderful time of the year beginning (football season), we kick off the episode with our own version of a fantasy football draft where each co-host drafts a 5 person team of the greatest scientists, inventors, and pioneers. We will send out a twitter poll (@cobpodcast) this week where you can vote on which co-host drafted the greatest team of science pioneers! Joseph Sandt, who is currently pursuing his PhD from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) but more importantly the cousin of co-host Ryan Karlin, joins us to discuss his current research topic which involves improving the efficiency of algae farming and the possibility that algae could replace corn as a livestock feed. He also sheds light on other agricultural research topics that are currently in progress at the highest level of academia. Lastly, we discuss what it is like to be a PhD student at MIT and the lifecycle of a research and development project when you are a graduate student. If you have any comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

It’s Episode 14 where we breakdown innovation into actual tangible techniques you can use, while skipping the self-referential, pompous jargon that plagues the ‘self-help’ aisle of your favorite bookstore. First we provide some quick Feedback/Updates (F/U) about the controversial Episode 13 debate, including a quick shout out to our new favorite Closer. Hyleme George from the Growth Accelerator sits down with us to discuss what we see as four key components of innovation and how to take your ideas through to creating something tangible. Hyleme gives us insight into his extensive experience with cultivating ideas/teams to create value. At the end of our discussion with Hyleme, we never miss an opportunity to compete with each other, and this week the challenge is a tech startup pitch challenge with Hyleme serving as judge and jury! And as always, we close out the episode with  our Elon Musk Book Club, where we discuss Chapter 8 titled “Pain, Suffering and Survival” (written by Ashlee Vance), which goes over the chaotic 2008 year for Elon and Tesla/SpaceX. If you have any comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected].

Welcome to Episode 13 where we discuss 3D printing and the future impacts it can make on our daily lives. But before we get into that, we give some shootouts to a couple of our new listeners as well have another segment of “Can’t Lose / Must Win”. Luis Rodriguez from the 3D printer manufacturer company Ultimaker is in the studio with us as we dive into 3D printing. We discuss Ultimaker, the technology behind 3D printing,  overview of the 3D printing industry as well as the cost breakdown for different classes of printers. Each of us co-hosts pitch our 3D printing idea to Luis and he in turn ranks our ideas. We wrap up the meat of the episode with a hot debate on whether 3D printing will be a bigger disruptor than the internet as well as! Lastly, we go close out the episode with  our Elon Musk Book Club, where we discuss Chapter 7 titled “All Electric” (written by Ashlee Vance), which goes over the inception and development of Tesla Motors. If you have any comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]

It's Episode 12 and it's also mid-ish summer which means that it's a perfect time to catch up with our Black & Veatch summer interns. But before we get there we start off with Feedback/Updates (F/U) and a summer edition of one of our favorite segments: "Can't Lose / Must Win." In the studio for Episode 12 we have Kristen Jones and Sam Fruth, two Black & Veatch summer interns who talk about their experiences, things that have surprised them and what has been keeping them busy this summer. They're working on a lot of excellent philanthropic ventures this summer as part of the intern program, check them out on LinkedIn and feel free to DM! We close out Episode 12 with Chapter 6 of Elon's Book Club, where we discuss/debate Chapter 6 of the Elon Musk biography (written by Ashlee Vance); it's a monster chapter, but don't worry, we bring you a safe space to get the important takeaways about Elon's trek into making mankind an 'interplanetary species'! If you have any questions or comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]! P.S. - Ryan mentioned it and we've included it below, the link below is for the Virgin Hyperloop One cargo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQIihCOrvZY&feature=youtu.be

Welcome to Episode 11 where we start off with Feedback/Updates (F/U) about a certain Twitter poll that puts the cherry on top of Ryan's recent win in the Episode 10 debates and some quick Shower Thoughts surrounding our AR/VR ideas. The focus of Episode 11 is the dissection of Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality with our guest co-host, Mr. Daniel Gibson. Dan one of the resident AR/VR specialists within Black & Veatch and we have him on the show for policing the AR/VR fact from fiction and bringing us up to date on how the engineering/construction industry is already rolling out AR/VR for large projects. Dan also introduces us to two new terms: 'MR' and 'XR' and how they're changing the virtual reality discussion/paradigm--take a listen and learn more about these new terms the industry is using! We close out Episode 11 with Chapter 5 of Elon's Book Club, where we discuss/debate Chapter 5 of the Elon Musk biography (written by Ashlee Vance); Elon is hot off selling his first startup and we take you through the coups and chaos that characterized what is referred to as the "PayPal Years". If you have any questions or comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

It's Episode 10 and we're feeling good! We've made it to double digits when it comes to episode count and with that comes Feedback/Updates (F/U) and a very regal State of the Union address where we give our listeners a quick glimpse of our journey to the Episode 10 milestone. Our episode today is all about battle (aka debates) in the coliseum (aka our recording studio) that we're calling May Madness. Engineers love to be right and to debate, and we jump right into both in Episode 10.  May Madness puts the co-hosts head-to-head in micro-debates competing to prove why their chosen technology is the most transformative/disruptive and vying to be crowned champion … we may not survive this one ... We wrap up Episode 10 with Chapter 4 of Elon's Book Club, four episodes and running (#grind #humblebrag), where we discuss our takes on Chapter 4 of the Elon Musk biography (written by Ashlee Vance); we discuss Elon's first foray into the startup world, and the importance of things like 24-hour Jack-In-The-Box and finding the comfiest corner of the office to sleep in after those long nights of coding! If you have any questions or comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

It's Episode 9! We kick it off with Feedback/Updates (F/U) where we bring our listeners' feedback front and center—and all the listeners agree that Aaron has the best radio voice and Kim still can't talk loud enough. Today's episode is focused on autonomous vehicles (AV)—the technology that makes it work, major players, and current versus future capabilities. And as we love to do, this takes us into 'Takes and Debates' (aka T's & D's) about the impacts/disruptions that AV technology represents, everything from the Bill of Rights to organ donors .... we cover it all! We are #blessed to have Frank White III from the KCATA in studio to discuss his (non-transit) background prior to joining the KCATA, why he is passionate about public transport, and what the AV proliferation will mean to the transit sector. Be sure to check out what Frank is up to on his social feeds (Twitter: @FrankWhiteIII or LinkedIn: 'Frank White, III'). Not to brag, but Frank gives all our CoB listeners a 10 second way to save $$ on your next public transit ride during the interview—take a listen! We close out Episode 9 with Chapter 3 of Elon's Book Club, our longest running segment yet (humble brag), where we discuss our takes on Chapter 3 of the Elon Musk biography. Apologies to Elon, but he's got some work to do on his pick-up lines/dating strategies! If you have any questions or comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

At the top of Episode 8, we start with a new segment 'Chef's Kitchen' from Ryan (aka The Chef) as well as a tribute to a science idol/galaxy-brain that we said goodbye to in March.  Our topic of discussion for Episode 8 is on the Office versus Field roles for young professionals. We have two interviews from other young professionals for some insight on how they handled that decision and what benefits/challenges they saw. Our first interview is with Stephanie Wunning and Sam Kaiser who are currently in the rotational (office/field) assignment program at Black & Veatch, also known as the EDGE Program. Next, we invite back one of the founding co-hosts of this podcast, Ms. Becca Schmidt, and get caught up on her current role in the field, the office-to-field transition process and her thoughts on what field skills are going to be invaluable to the next generation of engineers. We finish out the episode with another segment of Elon's Book Club, giving our synopsis/takes on Chapter 2, and teaching you why the third Sunday in June is not a recognized holiday in the Musk family. Lastly, we have a Shower Thought from Kim that will serve as your Stay-Woke-Moment for a day or two. If you have any questions or comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

We kick off Episode 7 with another installment of The Podium (0:47) recounting our favorite Olympic moments from Pyeongchang. Next, we give our breakdown of what the Hyperloop is and the history of Virgin Hyperloop One (7:35). Confused as to what the difference is? Don’t be; take a listen and level up. It's not like you didn't already know, but Black & Veatch is a member of a coalition to study a Missouri Hyperloop from Kansas City to St. Louis. Wanting to get the inside scoop on the Missouri Hyperloop Feasibility Study, we sat down with Drew Thompson, B&V Project Manager for the MO Hyperloop Feasibility Study to discuss how the effort was started, key drivers behind the process and path forward (41:59). We finish out the episode with our first installment of a new segment: Book Club (1:06:29). This week we've read Chapter 1 of Elon Musk's biography and we critique everything from Elon's entrée choices to how he introduces himself to new people. If you have any questions or comments, you can DM us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

We start off Episode 6 with a new segment: Reality Check (01:40) along with another installment of The Podium where we rank our favorite beverages for those hot summer days (10:20). Then we make our way to Brew Lab in Overland Park (KS), we sit down with Kevin Combs (COO) on his home turf and talk about his entrepreneurial journey (15:10), how Brew Lab was started (20:25), and finishing it out with a quiz on the obscure job titles within the micro-brew industry (1:01:30).   Follow us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

Our first episode of 2018: New Hire Survival Guide! We kick off with Holiday Highs (0:54) and New Year's Resolutions (4:30). Then we get into the good stuff: #realworldproblems (10:04), myth-busters (12:56), professional etiquette (17:43), bathroom etiquette lessons learned (25:44), 'just the tip(s)' (30:23), social outlets/etiquette for YPs (42:46) and closing out with The Podium covering our top annoying office quirks (43:53). Equip yourself with these quick tips and keep your early career on the trajectory you want! Follow us on Twitter/Instagram (@cobpodcast) or email us at [email protected]!

'Tis the season for holiday talk (2:33), Kevin’s rules for holiday parties (3:00) and a holiday-themed installment of The Podium (6:40)! We also get deep into the critical things you should weigh when selecting your next internship (13:15), the unequivocal ‘must haves’ when you complete your internship (23:50) and our 'what not to do’s” applicable to your internship journey (33:30)! Then Kim brings it home with the holiday tech discussion that will prime you for your own holiday parties and impress your boss/nerd friends (38:40). We give you the tech talk ammunition to survive the small-talk gauntlet of the holiday party season!

It is truly an "embarrassment of riches" scenario: We have way too much insider information for those of you on the job hunt to fit into just one episode. So we've got a bonus episode featuring Black & Veatch’s very own John McLaughlin, Recruitment Manager for our Power/Oil & Gas business lines. John gives us some key tips on navigating and preparing for career fairs and interviews, mostly aimed at our internship-seeking audience. But no worries, my older and wiser friends, we are here to entertain you nonetheless with our Overland Park-famous ‘Podium’ segment—airing our career fair and job application process grievances, with a truly cringe-worthy gold medal from Becca! Enjoy! Still love you.

The CoB gang welcomes Brittany McClanahan, recruitment manager for Black & Veatch’s Power and Oil & Gas business lines, as she discusses and gives our listeners straightforward answers and life hacks when it comes to the recruiting and interview process. Brittany also offers some hot tips on what your resume should look like, the type of information to include, what mistakes to avoid, and answers our networking and interview preparation questions. But don’t worry – we aren’t all business of course (hence our name)…so we decided to go head on and have a heated debate over our favorite candy in the newest installment of ‘The Podium’. Love your bones, fam!

Episode 1 of the Close of Business (CoB) Podcast is part one of a three-part series focused on our college listeners. We discuss what “category” we would have won an Oscar in our senior year of college, and what our go to song was when we were handed the aux cord at a party (4:06-7:58). We then answer questions submitted by college listeners and give advice on how to successfully navigate through engineering school (8:08-29:58). We wrap things up with a little quiz for "Old Man" Aaron in our segment Let’s Have Words (29:58-35:22).

Want to know what the Close of Business (CoB) Podcast is all about? Listen to our official trailer.