EPISODE DESCRIPTION:
This episode explores two remarkable examples of human problem-solving under impossible constraints. At the University of Alabama, Dr. Jalai Wang and the engineering team have developed a revolutionary process to transform potato skins and agricultural waste into sustainable construction materials, capturing carbon while reducing cement emissions. The $6 million National Science Foundation project involves collaboration with researchers from the University of Idaho and the University of New Mexico, combining fermentation technology with large-scale 3D printing to create metamaterials with properties not found in nature.
The second story examines the extraordinary endurance required for B-2 bomber missions lasting up to 44 hours. Captain Mike Haffner from the 13th Bomb Squadron at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri details the planning and physical demands pilots face during these extended flights. Lieutenant General Steve Basham, who flew B-2s for nine years before retiring as deputy commander of U.S. European Command, shares insights about nutrition and sleep management in cramped cockpit conditions. The episode reveals how crews adapt commercial solutions like Walmart cots and rely on flight surgeons' expertise to maintain peak performance over marathon missions.
Both stories demonstrate how professionals excel when working within seemingly impossible limitations - whether solving climate change with kitchen scraps or maintaining combat readiness during multi-day flights.
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On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!