Curious Minds

In this episode of the Curious Minds Podcast, we sit down with Jessica Flynn—a theatre major turned award-winning entrepreneur—whose work through The YOU Power Project is transforming how young people see themselves and their futures. We explore themes of youth empowerment, uncovering what truly drives you, and how to leave a lasting mark on the world. From sparking confidence and creativity to building systems that amplify human p...

In this episode of The Curious Minds Podcast, we’re joined by Luka Lamaj—founder, innovator, and community catalyst. Luka takes us through his journey from leading grassroots innovation efforts with NATO and serving on the board of NSIEA, to hosting Microsoft Reactor’s Tech Odyssey podcast and building his own stealth startup. We dive into his work at the intersection of AI, decentralized systems, and community, and explore why emp...

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jeevan Perera, a Senior Engineer at NASA’s Johnson Space Center, whose career has spanned over three decades of pioneering work in aerospace and mission management. Dr. Perera shares the personal journey that led him to NASA, the pivotal moments and challenges he faced along the way, and the groundbreaking projects he’s contributed to — from the Space Shuttle program to risk management systems ...

In this episode, we sit down with Sam Zellner, Founder/CEO of InspireIP and a Team Lead at PQAI who's passionate about helping organizations turn ideas into action. Sam shares his insights on what it takes to move an idea from concept to reality, emphasizing the importance of clear processes and strong collaboration across teams. We discuss the common challenges that organizations face in managing their intellectual property and ho...

In this episode of the Curious Minds podcast, we dive deep into the neuroscience of habit formation, procrastination, and motivation with Dr. Kyra Bobinet, MD, MPH—an award-winning health innovator, physician, and behavioral expert. With nearly three decades of experience, Dr. Bobinet shares her insights into the science behind creating lasting habits and overcoming procrastination. As the CEO and founder of Fresh Tri, she reveals ...

In this episode, we're thrilled to have Elliot Swartz, a scientist at The Good Food Institute, join us for an in-depth conversation about the future of food. Elliot's work primarily focuses on the development and commercialization of cultivated meat (a.k.a. lab-grown meat). We'll explore how cultivated meat is produced, the scientific challenges involved, and the potential impact on the environment, animal welfare, and food securit...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Ruchira Rajan Huntington, a leader in Deloitte's Innovation team, where she specializes in sustainability and financial services. Ruchira shares her expertise in driving early-stage ideation, market testing, and prototyping, with a keen focus on achieving product-market fit through creative and agile methods. With over eight years of experience in management consulting, particularly in cu...

In this episode, we sit down with Christina Nesheva, a seasoned leader at the nexus of strategy and commercialization in biotech, life sciences, and deep tech. With a proven track record of aligning R&D roadmaps with pivotal value inflection points and crafting optimal commercialization strategies, Christina has been instrumental in driving innovation across these high-impact sectors. Currently, as Chair of the Board at Officin...

In this episode, we sit down with Neil C. Hughes, a renowned tech columnist, #1 best-selling author, and award-winning podcaster. Based in the UK and working with international clients across five continents, Neil has been recognized as one of the "Top 9 Influential Tech Leaders on LinkedIn" and a "LinkedIn Top Voice." After working in IT for decades, he decided to make a bit of a career shift and turn toward more creative pursuits...

In this episode of the Curious Minds podcast we welcome Josef Scarantino, a seasoned startup and investment leader with over 20 years of experience in social innovation, entrepreneurship, and early-stage investing. Josef has worked with founders, investors, and ecosystem builders across more than 50 countries, collaborating with global brands like Techstars, Western Union, Google, Microsoft, and Tiger Global. As a 3x impact founder...

In this episode, we sit down with Wendy Zajack, a seasoned marketing professional turned educator who is passionate about transforming the marketing and communications industry through practical knowledge, creativity, and strategic thinking in the classroom. With extensive experience, including her role as Sr. Director of Portfolio & Innovations Communications & Programs at Nokia, she now oversees the curriculum development...

In this episode, we sit down with Keeisi Caballero, a dynamic leader who has made significant strides working at multiple tech startups. With a robust background in business management and a master's in physics, Keeisi has successfully led grant writing efforts, developed innovative STEM programs, and facilitated strategic partnerships. While working at companies like Techstars, Spaced Ventures, and Expanding Frontiers, Keeisi ...

In this episode, we are thrilled to interview Roger Spitz, a celebrated futurist and former Global Head of Technology M&A at an investment bank, where he advised on transactions totalling $25 billion. Now a leading authority on foresight, unpredictability, and systems innovations, Roger is a venture capitalist and expert advisor to the World Economic Forum’s Global Foresight Network. As the president of Techistential and chair ...

Join us for an insightful conversation with Steve Shwartz, the author of "Evil Robots, Killer Computers, and Other Myths: The Truth About AI and the Future of Humanity." Steve began his illustrious career as a postdoc in the AI program at Yale University's Computer Science Department. He has founded and co-founded three AI-centric companies, including Esperant, a leading business intelligence tool in the 1990s, and De...

On this episode of the Curious Minds podcast, join us for a conversation about mental health, wellness, and the startup world with Matthew Helt. Matt has had a wide range of careers from numerous creative pursuits including professional photography to even owning his own marketing agency. Eventually, he branched out into the tech startup world, becoming a Sr. Implementation Consultant within the company's ecosystem development ...

On our latest episode, follow along as we explore the world of financial wellness with Danial Khan, widely known as "The Financial Wellness Guy." With a wealth of experience managing Stanford University's Financial Wellness Program, Danial has spent over a decade empowering students, early career professionals, and entrepreneurs to achieve financial security and freedom. Key topics in this episode include: tips for fi...

Our latest episode of the Curious Minds podcast features Sid Pailla, an individual who is passionate about enabling financial well-being for ALL hardworking Americans. As the CEO of Sunnyday Fund, he works with impactful leaders to make workforce financial well-being easy, accessible, and rewarding - starting with emergency savings.

Sunnyday Fund has been featured in online newspapers like Wall Street Journal and New York Times. Pa...

In this latest episode of the Curious Minds podcast, follow us on a transformative journey towards abundance with Carl Grant. From writing and publishing his own book to decades of experience as a business leader, community advocate, and family man, Carl illuminates the path to a life brimming with purpose and fulfillment. Through his insightful guidance, we uncover the importance of a positive mindset, selfless service, discoverin...

Discover the extraordinary journey of Jennifer Stojkovic, a pioneering executive leader at the forefront of food and tech innovation. From her roots in Silicon Valley, collaborating with industry giants like Google and Facebook, to her pivotal role in advancing alternative protein and sustainability, Jennifer's story is one of relentless ambition and global impact. Join us as we explore her trailblazing career, from keynote sta...