Over Coffee® | Stories and Resources from the Intersection of Art and Science | Exploring How to Mak

As we celebrate Over Coffee®'s 500th episode, we've had a very enviable "problem".Too many great guests, and great stories, to include everyone in ONE episode!Consequently, here is our second installment of our Show 500 special.Thank you again to all the incredible interview guests who generously took the time to share their stories, and we're looking forward to spotlighting many more creative innovators at the intersection of art and science.

"What are you going to do for Show 500?"People were asking me that question, as Over Coffee® approached that number of episodes this year.The answer was pretty easy. Without our incredible guests, the Over Coffee® podcast wouldn't exist.So, here is both a retrospective, and an update on just a few of the amazing innovators who have starred in our show, over our years of production.And a quick note--this is only a sampling, highlighting just some of the amazing creative guests with whom I've had the pleasure of speaking, so far.As production continued through the summer, a fact quickly became clear: we had more audio than any one episode could comfortably cover.Unless, of course, anyone wants to sit through a one-hour-plus episode--but we don't know anyone with that much time on their hands!Accordingly, here is the first installment of Over Coffee®'s 500th episode. More to come, next week!

Over Coffees® is on hiatus as we complete production on a special-edition episode. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes from earlier this year."I wish somehow to contribute to a better world," says Abeye Co-Founder and CEO Michael Kodochian.And a number of students--and adults--would almost certainly agree that that's exactly what his Lexilens® technology is doing.Michael started by inventing patented smart glasses, to help users with dyslexia read more smoothly. These glasses, Michael explains, work as a filter, correcting the brain's visual processing.“It cleans the input (of information you're reading),” Michael says.He is quick to point out that Lexilens® doesn't increase reading speed, nor distinguish letters.What it does, though, is "clear" the input of the text the user reads, to allow them to acquire better reading capabilities. In effect, it can cancel out the "noise" of dyslexia.And earlier this year, Abeye began shipping another new visual-processing technology in the U.S.: their Lexilens® LED monitor!Expanding ease in readingAt the time of our conversation in January, Michael had just exhibited the monitor at CES® 2026. The new monitor, he explained, incorporated the Lexilens® technology. Users could comfortably and inconspicuously use the technology for work, school or at home without needing a hardware device.Michael mentioned, at the time, that Abeye intended to make the new monitor available in the U.S. by March.A quick check of their website shows that the monitor is now available for purchase!This is going to continue to change some lives--and the world--for the better.Michael shared the story of his smart-eyewear startup Abeye, explained how the technology works, and offered a closer look at some of the results he's seen, among users of his innovation.

As we wrap up production on a special-edition Over Coffee® episode, please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2023!Class is once again in session with Jim Burnham, "The STEAM Clown". Or, as he describes himself, "a mad scientist in the classroom".This semester, his students are going to be lighting things up, connecting sensors, designing a Rube Goldberg device...and, they may just create some fire-breathing robots along the way.Technically, Jim is an award-winning Mechatronics Engineering Instructor at Silicon Valley CTE High School, in San Jose. Santa Clara County School District named him "Teacher of the Year" in 2019. He is also an electronics engineer who holds two patents on his inventions and who spent more than 25 years in high-tech engineering positions, prior to his education career.But those descriptions don't capture the elements of fun and passion which he brings to his classes.Imagination, at play with engineering"The first or second day, we're just going to sit down and build paper-airplane launchers," Jim says. of his orientation for new students each semester.He also expands his students' imagination, as they get acclimated. First, he'll have the newcomers identify their "superpowers"."Since my class is very physics-based, I...make them write down. how does it actually work?"It's not just magic. What's the physics behind how your superpower works?"And then, the following day, he'll have those students come up with engineering ways, if they were superheroes saving the world from that superpower, to defeat it!Open source for learningJim shares a number of his classroom projects on his TikTok channel, and is currently planning to launch a newsletter for like-minded educators who want to expand access to STEAM lessons. The goal: a "collaboration forum" where others can work with him on some ideas he has in mind, making them available to be, as his website says, "freely used, modified and shared".He also offers a link, on his website, for class visitors, who can access the material shared in his class on the day of their visit!"I am a huge supporter of open source, Creative Commons kind of curricula," he says.And he encourages anyone who can, to support local teachers as they create STEAM curricula: monetarily, but also by donating time and equipment.Jim shared the story of his creative journey, offered a look inside his S.T.E.A.M. classroom and shared some of his favorite resources.

"I hated school until I was in about the fifth grade," says California Invention Convention Executive Director Brenda S. Payne.But then, a gifted teacher showed her some of the ways that what happened in the classroom, could be relevant to her future.That project-based learning, combined with some of her experiences visiting an older brother who worked in cutting-edge technology, led to her passion for invention education.And as fall semester, 2026, gets started, now is a great time to spread the word about the California Invention Convention.Guiding the invention processEvery school year, California Invention Convention offers a challenge to K-12 students from all across the state.That challenge: find a problem that affects you, or your family--and come up with a solution. And research, as part of the process, whether someone else has already invented something to fix the problem.If they have? Think of ways to improve on that particular solution.Then, in spring, these young inventors get to take their projects out of the classroom.Regional events in Northern and Southern California give them the opportunity to showcase their idea to a team of judges.From there, the top Award Winners go on to the National competition, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn, Michigan.Some of these young participants have wound up patenting their inventions. Some have been inspired to pursue careers in the areas they researched.And all of them are learning vital communication and research skills.An opportunity for leaders and educatorsMeanwhile, if a teacher or youth leader would like to know more about implementing an invention education curriculum, Brenda invites them to reach out.California Invention Convention offers a 10-week training program with an Open Source curriculum. Provided by the 42-year-old Connecticut Invention Convention, this program is customizable to any subject. according to California Invention Convention's website. Areas which these lessons can cover include science, history, math, art and music.As far as a time commitment goes, the program involves approximately one hour a week of in-school mentoring. Students complete additional work on their projects at home, often with parental assistance.Then, at the conclusion of the program, students present their work to the group.Brenda talked about her own educational journey, shared the story of the California Invention Convention and discussed some of the ways educators, parents and volunteers can get involved.

Over Coffee® is on hiatus during production of a special-edition episode. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2024!This post and podcast are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as healthcare advice. Please contact a medical professional with any health-related questions."I wish I was three people," says artist/worldbuilder and "Bee Queen" Sara "Tink" Mapelli."I would love that."She's referencing all the opportunities she sees to create, learn and grow as an artist, both in physical and in immersive space.Tink is the creator of Artopia, the first artist district in the Multiverse. She's also a gifted world builder in Meta Horizon Worlds, as well as an artist with her work on exhibit in her home studio in Washington.And she is a community leader: every Tuesday at 8 am Pacific, she hosts free "Women of Wonder" meetings in VRChat. Attendees explore and learn emerging technologies together.But she also has a unique creative medium.As an energy realignment specialist, Tink performs dances with live bees.The "queen" in her powerWith thousands of live bees on her body, she enters a meditative state. Then, she responds to the motion of the bees as she dances for attendees.She works with each person in the group, sometimes presenting her bees as she focuses on energy realignment."I think of bee dance as a duet among many," Tink says, on her website, of the live performances she has been doing since 2001.She also sees a real parallel between her bees, pollinating the world, and creatives in the metaverse space, collaboratively creating magic."What if that was like a hive?" she asks."...Which cell am I going to explore? And then, each one of those has subdivisions, like groups of people doing things together."...To me, that's like the hive mind."Tink talked about her creative journey, shared the story of her work as a bee dancer and offered a closer look at her worlds in the Multiverse.

Over Coffee® is on hiatus during production of a special-edition episode. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2024!Fine artist/educator Niklas Roy builds an invitation into his work.That invitation: "Come and play. Enjoy being creative."Niklas, who creates art with technology, specializes in interactive installations which center on a spirit of fun and discovery. His goal: to make art accessible to people from all walks of life.The results tend to be highly engaging.Currently, according to his YouTube channel, he's reimagining the traditional school bell. Students get to create and upload their own melodies. These get stored in an archive, and each time the bell rings, a physical instrument selects and plays one of these, randomly. In addition, Niklas writes, there's a custom "clock" on which the hands "dance" in time with the melodies.An excursion through creativityA look at his website reveals almost-innumerable installations, centered around the same sense of fun and exploration.A mini-robot, or "drawbot", equipped with a glittery parasol, draws on a whiteboard. A "Generative Art 1C" vending machine dispenses unique fine-art drawings when visitors insert one euro. A mechatronics game challenges participants to feed sushi to a popular fashion doll--which "eats" by extending an outsized tongue.LED lights, bubbles, electronic music and vehicles which visitors can ride have all been components of Niklas' installations."Openness and accessibility"And his projects are open-source, encouraging makers to use their own creative talents!"I believe in openness and accessibility, which is why I share each project's schematics, code, and documentation online—encouraging others to copy, remix, and build upon my work," Niklas writes, on his website.He also enjoys sharing his talents in workshops and conference presentations. (His "About" page includes a link to his "Cardboard Computer Workshop".)In this 2024 Over Coffee® interview, Niklas shares the story of his creative journey, takes us behind the scenes for a closer look at some of his installations and offers his advice to aspiring artists.

As production continues on our special-edition episode, please enjoy this reposting of one of our favorite interviews from 2023!"I want it to be a place for women today, where we can meet and where we can support each other..." explained author Helen Lundstrom Erwin, in this 2023 interview.We were discussing her pioneering metaverse space, The Foremothers Cafe. This is the first immersive space in the metaverse created by a historical novelist, based on a setting from her book!Helen first envisioned the cafe in her novel Sour Milk in Sheep's Wool, set in Sweden in the late nineteenth century. The story explores her great-grandmother's experience as a single mother, against the background of women who were beginning to explore their options in creating a better world.As Helen became involved in virtual reality, she realized that one of her locations--the cafe owned by main character Hanna, a women's rights activist--was perfect for an immersive world.Paralleling the past, building the futureLike Hanna's cafe, the "Frog", The Foremothers Cafe is a space where women can meet to discuss current issues which affect their lives.Unlike the Frog, though, The Foremothers Cafe, hosted on the ENGAGE platform, is a Swedish American women's museum and cultural center in VR. Attendees from all over the world, including men, as allies, are welcome.One of Helen's goals is the dissolution of borders, as new friends meet in real time to share their cultures and ideas, and explore their roles in creating positive change.Every Thursday at 11:00 am Pacific time, Helen hosts "fika" at the cafe. "Fika", she explains, is a Swedish word for "coffee break with something sweet to eat with friends".In addition, she hosts a thought-provoking Community Discussion Series, featuring a new guest speaker every month.Guests also get to learn about Swedish culture through special events such as the Lucia Festival, in December, and the Midsommar celebration.A personal favorite, however, is the annual Foremothers Day, on November 30th, where guests honor the strong women in their own histories.Honors and engagementIn the four years since its opening, The Foremothers Cafe has garnered some impressive accolades.A 2026 Auggie Awards finalist for "Best Indie Creator", the cafe's honors also include a 2023 XR Women Awards nomination in the Trailblazing category, and Auggie Awards nominations in the "Best Social Impact" category in both 2024 and 2025.However, her readers might easily nominate Helen for the "Can't-Put-It-Down" Award, if such an honor existed.Her most recent novel, The Lure of Water and Wood, is a historical fantasy which explores two characters from Swedish mythology, from those characters' point of view. Like her previous books, it is seriously addictive.Helen talked about her background as a storyteller, shared the story of her trailblazing virtual space, and explained her vision for the future.

Over Coffee® is on hiatus as we continue production on a special-edition episode! Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes from 2025."Wow" is one of the most exciting reactions any creator can hear, in response to their work.Tech pioneer, human-centric AI consultant and author/speaker/podcast host Elizabeth Bieniek knows exactly how to evoke that response.In her book, Cake on Tuesday: 25 Lessons to Unlock Corporate Innovation, Elizabeth explains the steps involved in creating something amazing.In 2021, Elizabeth built and led the team that created the groundbreaking Webex Hologram holographic collaboration system.This is a project that sounds like a cross between science fiction and magic. Webex Hologram is a real-time meeting technology which allows collaborators from all over the world to appear and interact, holographically, in the same space.(Wow.)"Cake" and creativityWhile her book explores corporate innovation, the lessons Elizabeth learned, leading her team of technological innovators, could easily be applied to your next creative project.Among those lessons: keeping the project simple, keeping a plan flexible, and persisting through the middle of a project--which no one tends to like.And most of all, having fun.The title of Elizabeth's book--and of her podcast, comes from one of the ways she incorporated the fun element into her team as they created Webex Hologram. Be sure to check out her "Cake on Tuesday" podcast, as she and her guests discuss entrepreneurship, tech leadership and innovation!In this discussion, recorded in 2025, we apply some of the principles from Elizabeth’s book to a hypothetical educator’s experience of creating a mini maker faire!

Over Coffee® is on hiatus as we continue production on a special-edition episode! Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes from 2025."It truly can go anywhere a car can go," says Think Tank Science Program Manager Christina Campbell, of her nonprofit's mobile STEAM lab.That flexibility allows for a major expansion of horizons for students all over the Los Angeles area.Think Tank Science's mobile STEAM lab, which celebrated its two-year anniversary in March, provides resources and mentorship to students in underserved communities.Their vision: maker education for everyone.Like an ice cream truck--but betterIn describing how the lab works, Christina likens it to an ice cream truck.The difference, though? Once the mobile STEAM lab arrives at a school, festival or other location, it can open out into a full classroom.Inside that classroom is equipment for all types of maker projects.Students are empowered to learn science, technology, engineering, art and math by using their creativity. Woodworking, 3D printing, robotics and advanced design are among the maker skills they can learn.Think Tank Science's services include school visits, after school programs and day camps.Christina says the program is available for free to schools in underserved areas. The biggest challenge, she adds, is connecting with administrators to arrange a time when their lab can visit the school!As a paid service, to fund their work, Think Tank Science can also provide birthday parties with arts and crafts! Here is the link to book them for a special event.Empowerment for allWhile maker classes are available for K through 12 students, there are also DIY courses for learners of all ages and skill levels.(Here's a link to Think Tank Science's YouTube video on one of their most popular projects: creating an LED lamp.)And much more is coming!Christina talked about her own educational journey, her experiences with Think Tank Science and her vision for the future.

Over Coffee® is on hiatus as we continue production on a special-edition episode! Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes from 2025."We try to be creative," says VictoryXR CEO and Co-Founder Steve Grubbs.He's explaining the ways his interactive educational platform engages students through immersive experiences.Those experiences could include learning Newton's Laws from the middle of a pool table. Or exploring the history of ancient Egypt by traveling through the Avenue of the Sphinxes. Or even by building new worlds in a creator space!In the ten years since VictoryXR's founding in 2016, educators in more than 30 countries have used its applications of virtual reality, augmented reality and artificial intelligence to spark students' imagination.Imagination in actionAmong these applications is the VXRLabs platform, which is free to download.Students can examine statuary on an interactive field trip to Egypt, experiment in a virtual biology lab, and use mathematics as a key to making their way through the "King's Labyrinth", among VictoryXR's offerings.They can also come up with their own content, and create new worlds in a "creator space".Meanwhile, the "Victory XR: Global Traveler" app will take them all over the world on virtual field trips. Steve says much more content is coming, to be added to more than 160 current experiences.And their HOLOTUTOR: an AI student tutor, is available 24/7, and can tutor students in virtually any subject. (It's also free to download.)A wide range of possibilitiesStudents, by the way, aren't just restricted to the K through 12 groups.Victory XR also has resources for homeschooling, higher education and career and technical training.Steve talked about his background, shared the story of creating VictoryXR and offered a closer look at some of the ways his company continues to transform the ways we learn--and teach.

Over Coffee® is on summer hiatus as we prepare a special-edition show! Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top conversations on robotics from 2025.Where does inspiration start?Sometimes, it begins with an experience, which makes someone see themselves--and their future--from an exciting new perspective.That's the whole idea behind True Robotics.On their website, this Worcester, Massachusetts-based startup states their mission as, "providing every student the opportunity to learn with robots, not just the top 10-20% of learners" .True Robotics President and Founder Anthony Galgano is accomplishing that mission by providing curricula and robotics kits for students, grades K through 8."There (are) so many programs out there that are amazing for...the kids who are going to MIT already," he says."But what I think is unique about us, is that we are focused on that other percentage, that 80 percent, and trying to get everyone exposure."Open doors, competitions and mini-modulesTrue Robotics has a multi-pronged approach to that goal.They offer three different classroom robotics packages--Treads, Pilot and Axle, for grades K-3, 3-5. and 6-8, respectively.For educators who don't have the budget for robotics kits, they have free or low-cost mini modules on their website. These include a playground simulation, coding and AI lessons and machine learning fundamentals.They welcome students for tours at their warehouse, as well as visiting schools in their local area, and showcasing their programs at conferences.And, they host competitions! Their third annual True Robotics Competition took place approximately a month ago, according to Anthony's LinkedIn, and was their largest one yet. Fourteen teams competed, using their problem-solving skills in events including obstacle courses, king of the hill and robot soccer."Getting the students to be empowered, and taking responsibility...it's like one of the coolest things, to actually impact the students forever," Anthony says.That impact continues to grow.Anthony emails that True Robotics served 32,000 students in 2025!While he says this figure is "just shy of our 35,000 goal", 2026 marks a major increase."This year we are already up to 38,000, on our way to 65,000," Anthony adds. (And those figures are current as of June, 2026!)Anthony talked about his background in robotics, offered a closer look at True Robotics’ robotics packages and shared his vision for the future.

Music is Futureproof Music School Founder and CEO John von Seggern's passion.So is guiding fellow musicians as they develop their skills in a constantly-changing industry.And now, AI is allowing him to provide electronic music producers with an affordable platform--and a community--for developing their gifts and completing their projects.John opened Futureproof Music School, the first AI-native music school, in 2024.Students build their music-production skills through courses designed to produce real-world results. They can also have members of the online community offer feedback on their current tracks, as well as meeting with pro mentors."...Every student gets at least one check-in with a human mentor, every month," John says.In addition, there's an AI music coach, called Kadence, who can guide them through arranging, composing and mixing, 24/7.Expertise becomes affordableJohn, a gifted bassist and electronic music producer, spent fifteen years creating educational content for top music schools.During that time, he says, he saw standardized curricula for students--at prices that could be prohibitive.With Futureproof Music School, he resolved to create something different.Accordingly, Futureproof Music School's tuition is $99 per month--with access to more than 20 courses, in all aspects of electronic music production. Community membership is included, as is mentorship. These classes are designed so that students can fit their studies around their other commitments.Additional offerings are a higher-tier live-session artist accelerator program, to which students can apply, and a blog with production tips and tutorials.And Kadence allows individual students to customize their learning! (Students can also learn with Kadence alone, for $29 per month.)John talked about his musical career, shared the story of Futureproof Music School and offered a closer look at what his students get to experience.(Would you like to hear John's band, Liminal Shade? Here's their link!)

Dr. Carolina Cruz-Neira has something exciting to show you.Actually, she has several exciting innovations to show everyone--with more coming.Dr. Cruz is an immersive technology pioneer and the creator of the original CAVE VR system: the world's first real-time environment to allow multiple people to have an immersive experience in the same space.And she's about to showcase her latest projects on the exhibit floor of Augmented World Expo 2026, in Long Beach.Those projects? A human telepresence robot, and her work with her team on AI companions! (Both of these are currently finalists for AWE's Auggie Awards!)For Dr. Cruz, who is the Executive Director of Pegasus Institute as well as the Interim Executive Director of UCF's Institute for Simulation and Training, these projects are just the latest steps in nearly four decades of innovation.An innovator's journeyDr. Cruz has founded multiple successful applied-research centers, spearheaded open-source initiatives, innovated digital tools used worldwide. Recently she received IEEE's VR Lifetime Achievement Award.Additional honors received, over the course of her career, include her induction into the National Academy of Engineering, as the first person to receive this recognition for immersive technologies and virtual reality. Dr. Cruz is an AWE XR Hall of Fame member, and in 2025, Forbes Magazine recognized her in their prestigious "50 Over 50" List.However, she says, her current work resulted from her Plan "B" when she attended college.Her original career aspiration: to become a classical ballerina.To satisfy her family, who wanted her to have a more marketable degree, she studied systems engineering and computer science."I (could do my STEM homework super fast) to get that out of the way and get to the studio," she explains.From studio to research labBut when an accident ended her dreams of a dance career, she combined her creativity and technical abilities in computer graphics work.A chance invitation led her to discover virtual reality.The rest is not only history--but still evolving."We have made tremendous progress, but...I don't think we're done yet," Dr. Cruz says, of the current state of virtual and extended reality.Dr. Cruz talked about her background, shared the story of pioneering the CAVE and offered a look at some of the emerging technologies she and her team are exploring.(Would you like to meet Dr. Cruz and her team, and get a look at their work firsthand? They'll be at Booth 337, on the Augmented World Expo exhibit floor. AWE 2026 runs June 15th through 18th in Long Beach.)

Garner Holt Education Through Imagination is inspiring everyone to play, dream and be creative.In the process, students may be discovering future careers.This imaginative Redlands-based STEAM program implements unique "AniMaker" spaces for schools and communities. Students and participants of all ages learn twenty-first century hands-on skills, while designing and creating animatronics.Recently, Garner Holt Education Through Imagination opened a new space at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Redlands - Riverside.You'll get to see this firsthand.You're invited to their virtual open house, on Tuesday, June 9th, to find out more about how they implemented this first-of-its-kind space in the area! Here's the link for more information.Multifaceted STEAMIn addition, Garner Holt Education Through Imagination offers STEAM animatronics kits, STEAM camp experiences and field trips. They also do professional training for educators.It's all about the students discovering what they love to do, and having fun being creative, says Educational Services Manager Jill Brown."I like to say that my job is getting to what I wish I'd had, as a kid," explains Jill, who draws on her background in early childhood education to create the curricula."With all of the programs and field trips and summer camps that I get to create, I always think of, 'what would I want to see from this?', or...'what's something that I think would be intriguing?'"A pioneer's creative journeyThis innovative program ultimately resulted from the general public's interest in Garner Holt Productions.The world's largest creator of animatronics, show action systems and interactive elements started with owner and company president Garner Holt, and his passion for building cool characters that give, as he says, "the illusion of life".Garner, while still in his teens, had begun by building animatronics in his parents' garage. He quickly branched out to create his own company in 1977."As I moved out of my parents' garage and into a building, people always wanted to know what I was doing...making a dinosaur or some character or something like that," he explains."So, I started giving tours."As the shop grew, in the ensuing 49 years, Garner Holt Productions wowed people all over the world.Their spectacular creations captivated visitors at locations including theme parks, museums, zoos, and a popular children's restaurant chain.And Garner never said "no" to anyone who wanted to tour the facility.Giving back to future generationsThese explorations of the creative process behind the magic ultimately led to the STEAM education program, and its goal of introducing students to possible future career paths."I started to adopt schools," Garner says."I combined forces with a couple of different educators...we decided to create some form of a STEAM/STEM learning thing (with animatronics)."...It's a modern-day shop class for schools."In addition to the Education Through Imagination program, Garner also created the nonprofit Garner Holt Foundation, which offers underserved youth opportunities for hands-on, career-focused STEAM education.Meanwhile, he says, community-based maker space Garner's Garage will soon be welcoming additional young makers into its hands-on learning environment.Garner and Jill talked about their experiences with Education Through Imagination, offered a look at the applications of STEAM in creating animatronics, and shared their vision for the future of their STEAM education programs.

"We are creating innovators who are solving problems in real time," says Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Redlands-Riverside Teen Services Program Manager Montoya Dunn.That creative process is happening in a new, exciting space.In April, 2026, the Garner Holt Teen Innovation Center opened its doors at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Redlands - Riverside.The first of its kind in the region, the Garner Holt Teen Innovation Center offers youth hands-on opportunities to build new skills as they bring their creative ideas to life.Among the areas teens can explore are 3D printing, graphic design, PC building and E-sports. Creative entrepreneurship is flourishing, and the "Club Kids" are discovering possible future opportunities which may not have occurred them before.Meanwhile, two special events are coming up!On August 29th, Boys & Girls Club will host their teens-only recruitment event, "Total Teen Takeover". Then, on September 12th, everyone's invited to "A Day for Kids", where visitors can see what teens are creating in the new space!(And if you'd like to see all the exciting activities happening at the Teen Center, be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook!)Montoya talked about her background as a Boys & Girls Club alumni, shared the story of implementing the Teen Innovation Center and offered a closer look at the ways the new equipment will be allowing teens to grow, now and in the future.

Due to an electrical issue, this week we're reposting one of our top episodes. Please enjoy our January 2026 conversation with Dr. Nick Were, of Prothea Kenya!This post and podcast are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional with any medical questions."Don't copy and paste. Copy and innovate,"says Prothea Kenya Co-Founder and Managing Director Dr. Nick Were.That's exactly what he's doing, in his career as an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences--as well as the company he co-founded in 2023."I've always been really passionate about mechanics," Dr. Were says."...I really like how things work...(surgery allows me to mix that passion with medicine)."...You're fixing bones, there's lots of biomechanic principles, and most importantly, most of the cases you see are successful. You fix someone, and he's walking in about two months."That's really the joy."Dr. Were combines his passion for making things work with cutting-edge technologies, to improve medicine--and lives--in Kenya.Prothea Kenya, the only successful 3D printing prosthetic device company In East and Central Africa, 3D prints prosthetic devices for amputees.The results can be life-changing.Innovating prostheticsAt about half the cost of creating a traditional prosthetic, Prothea Kenya produces devices that are lighter, as well as customized to the individual. In addition, the production process is much quicker than that of creating a traditional prosthetic device.And once fitted with these 3D printed prostheses and trained to use the new devices, Dr. Were's patients can lead productive lives once again--as opposed to being immobilized and unemployed.But 3D printing isn't the only cutting-edge technology he's using, to create a better future.VR and rehabilitation"The virtual reality is really amazing," Dr. Were says, explaining the ways he uses virtual reality for amputee rehabilitation.As patients adapt to their new devices,they can experience AI-generated immersive scenarios, based on their likes and interests. Meanwhile, VR is helping with pain management and allowing them to adjust to their new devices, due to its ability to "trick" the brain."In VR, when you look down, you have both legs," Dr. Were explains."And you're moving. And the legs appear normal. This has an effect on the brain...and it helps with the coping, ...the phantom pain and quite a number of things."Excellence, VR and--fashion?In addition to his work with prosthetic devices, Dr. Were, who is Chief Medical Officer at digital healthcare platform Docthus Healthtech, uses mixed reality to update fellow healthcare professionals on current trends in medicine. He also uses virtual reality to provide medical education.But perhaps the most exciting of his innovations is still evolving.In 2025, Dr. Were produced the first "Mr. and Miss Amputee Kenya Fashion Show"!And he's currently seeking sponsors, in order to produce it again in 2026.For amputees, he says, the event offers a community of comfort and validation."(We're) really going against the narrative of poverty and disability," he says.(Know a potential sponsor, or sponsors? Reach out to Dr. Were at Prothea Kenya!)Dr. Were talked about his background, shared the story of creating Prothea Kenya and offered a preview of what's next!

"We just need a full redesign on our educational system, because it's...falling short," says Unlimited Awesome Co-Founder and COO Julie Smithson.She's speaking from her own experience, even as she designs a better future through her revolutionary new entrepreneurship education platform, Unlimited Awesome.The programWith a scheduled launch this autumn, Unlimited Awesome maps students' goals and strengths through an AI Mentor. Students then master life skills through "6 Castles of Success", earn interactive badges in gamified learning experiences, and collaborate globally on a virtual campus.And they'll be guided by mentors--more than 175 of whom have volunteered to coach the students in their entrepreneurial journey.The program, Julie estimates, will take students about two years to complete."At the end of (the entire program), the result that we want is for that student to come up with a business," Julie says."We truly believe in the solopreneur."Reinventing education for a future worldJulie, who is the co-founder of both METAVRSE and nonprofit XR Women, began working on Unlimited Awesome, in tandem with her partner and husband, futurist Alan Smithson, more than twelve years ago. The catalyst: the disparity she saw between her then-nine-year-old daughter's experience with traditional education, and her daughter's talents as a budding entrepreneur.While attending inventor's camp, her young daughter came up with an imaginative and marketable product. But upon her return to traditional classes, the curriculum didn't match the skills she would need as a future innovator."My daughter is about to graduate high school, and I'm frustrated to say that she hasn't been taught how to manage money," Julie comments."Today, in (this) day and age, let's start asking, why aren't we teaching this? This is such a fundamental (skill)."Far more than a classroomBut Unlimited Awesome is about much more than, simply, "school".Julie describes it as an ecosystem, with a goal of having every student thrive. The ultimate goal: a community of inventors, creators and entrepreneurs who can flourish in a future unpredictable marketplace, as well as mentor other students following graduation.The "6 Castles of Success" in Unlimited Awesome's personalized-learning program go beyond simple business skills--to cover areas including ethics, money management, purpose and health and wellness."...We have built this curriculum that we feel will accelerate (students), in a way that they will benefit back to society," Julie says."And these are the people we want around us. They're the ones that we want to build our future."Julie shared the story of creating Unlimited Awesome, offered a closer look at what students will experience, and discussed some of the ways the life skills in the program will prepare them for the careers of the future.

John Abrams is a showman, with considerable expertise in playing to a tough audience.That's because John, a professional magician and performer, is also the creator of the multiple award-winning program "Amazing School Assemblies".John, who performs 400 school-assembly shows a year, has entertained and engaged more than 2 million schoolchildren, in 216 Southern California school districts. His website reveals rave reviews from educators, as well as listings of the honors his shows have garnered--including Discover Magic's Golden Wand of Excellence for outstanding children's programming.His Amazing School Assemblies shows include valuable life lessons, interwoven with comedy and magic.Among his offerings are "The STEAM Show", which blends real-world learning in science, technology, engineering, art and math with considerable fun and magic; "The Bully Game", a live game-show formatted anti-bullying program; and "Random Acts of Character", which teaches essential lessons in character through magic, juggling and audience participation.John is also the author of "The Handbook for School Assembly Performers", available on Amazon.And he's scheduled to give a showskills workshop presentation at the KIDabra Conference for KIDshow and family performers, on August 12th in Atlanta! (Here's the link for more information about KIDabra 2026.)John talked about his background, offered a closer look at his shows and gave some tips for managing a live performance or presentation.

"Creativity isn't a reward (for completing other work in the classroom)," says Blackwing Foundation Program Director Courtney Berolzheimer."When we treat art and creative expression as a foundation...kids show up differently, teachers show up differently."And that difference, she continues, can lead to a new classroom culture, with increased engagement for both students and teachers.Nonprofit Blackwing Foundation is helping educators build that foundation, with their free online art education programming, Pathways to Creativity!High-quality, adaptable and...freePathways to Creativity currently includes an art series and a lettering series, for first to sixth grade, with lesson plans and slide decks. Courtney, who spearheaded the Pathways to Creativity program, has drawn on her professional background as a middle-school math teacher, designing content for seamless implementation into a classroom.Accordingly, the all-in-one art lesson plans include step-by-step videos, supply lists and printable art labels. Art lessons are designed by grade: drawing for first grade, oil pastels in second, drawing for third grade, and so forth. Lettering lessons include handout templates and a supply list, as well as supplemental resources."We want to make (teachers') lives easier by offering art lessons, lettering lessons--anything that makes it easier for them," Courtney explains.One of the biggest challenges she's encountered? Convincing educators that, in accordance with Blackwing Foundation's mission of expanding access to arts education, these resources are free!"A lot of times, (people) are like, 'well, wait, do I need to buy this? Or do I need to put in my email to access things? And our answer's 'no.' We want everything to be there, just to be accessible, and...I would love educators...(to) just try one lesson. See what happens in your classroom."Excellence and evolutionWhile these lessons are listed as being for grades one through six, they're designed in such a way as to also spark the imagination of much older "kids"--high-school and beyond.They're also engaging and interdisciplinary, blending technique, art history, communication and other skills.Meanwhile, Courtney says, much more is coming. Blackwing Foundation is developing new lessons and new pathways, in areas that will include music, and architecture!To find out more about additional upcoming programs, you're invited to subscribe toBlackwing Foundation's newsletter, through their website. And be sure to subscribe to their YouTube channel, for their live studio sessions!Courtney talked about her background, shared the story of Blackwing Foundation and discussed some of the Pathways to Creativity lesson offerings.

An Over Coffee® special-edition podcast!Over Coffee®, and Two Maverix® Multimedia, are NOT, in any way, shape or form, affiliated with, nor endorsed by, NASA.What if you had the opportunity to experience something no human being had ever done before? And, what if you could experience it as part of a four-person team?That's exactly what the crew of the Artemis II mission discussed, during NASA's press conference on Thursday, April 16th.Astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Jeremy Hansen, of the Canadian Space Agency, had just returned from their historic flight, six days earlier.The Artemis II mission lasted nine days, one hour and thirty-two minutes, according to NASA's website.During that time, the crew set some historic precedents.A mission of firstsAfter their textbook launch on April 1, 2026, they set a new record for furthest human spaceflight: more than 252,000 miles from Earth. Their crewed lunar flyby was NASA's first in more than 50 years.And they orbited the far side of the Moon--capturing perspectives no one had ever seen before.The world cheered their safe return, as their Orion spacecraft, which they'd named "Integrity", splashed down off the coast of San Diego on Friday, April 10th.Artemis II is the latest chapter of an ongoing story.This unprecedented lunar flyby is another step towards NASA's future goals: lunar exploration, construction of a lunar base and, ultimately, the first crewed missions to Mars.Here are some of the insights the astronauts shared from their experiences on this historic mission, their advice to youth who will be the "Artemis generation", and NASA's preparations for Artemis III and IV in the future.

"We wanted to turn this exhibition of mummies from a cultural perspective, to a science perspective," explains Dr. Diane Perlov, Senior Vice President for Special Projects at the California Science Center in Los Angeles.That science perspective allows "Mummies of the World: The Exhibition" to share the stories of these ancient people respectfully, while providing some new insights into their lives."Mummies of the World: The Exhibition" is making a final stop at the California Science Center as the conclusion of its world tour, which started in 2010. The exhibition runs from now through September 7, 2026. Here's the link for more information.With both naturally and intentionally preserved human and animal mummies from ancient Egypt, South America, and Europe, the exhibition also offers CT scans and analysis of the full-body mummies. Authentic burial objects, interactive audiovisual experiences and mummification tools are included, as is an IMAX movie, "Secrets of the Pharoahs".Science for the past--and the futureThe result: new understanding of the lives of these ancient people."We learn through stories," Dr. Perlov says, after explaining the ways the CT scan has revealed some of the health issues facing the two ancient Egyptian priests on display.And the stories the scientific research reveals, she says, refute stereotypes of "primitive" cultures. Instead, a picture emerges of a dignified and thoughtful approach to burial of their dead.Research of these mummies also provides a window on the future. The study of centuries-old DNA enables modern medical professionals to research pathogens while seeking cures for current diseases.Dr. Perlov shared the story of the exhibition, offered a closer look at the ways the science and storytelling combine to give visitors an understanding of these ancient people, and discussed some of the cultural practices reflected in the exhibition.

"You always look at where you are right now, and then you design for that moment," explains STEMarts Lab Founder/Director Agnes Chavez."I don't do 'cooky cutter'. Every iteration...is adapting and responding to a real need."That's exactly what her pioneering SciArt production studio and STEAM youth leadership program is doing.Agnes, who is an interdisciplinary new media artist and educator, founded STEMarts Lab in 2009.Wonder, awe and STEAMBased in El Prado, New Mexico, STEMarts Lab empowers local youth to create a better future.Combining art, science and technology, students collaborate on solving real-world challenges and illustrating science in engaging and immersive ways.Each project starts with the concepts of wonder and awe in our universe--and the ways we, as human beings, have a role in it, as planetary citizens."What is our place in the universe?" Agnes asks. "What is our connection to space?"Participants, ages 14 to 25, get to answer those questions by integrating art, science and technology with their own creativity. As they work on cutting-edge projects, the lines blur between STEM, arts and humanities."STEMarts is all about breaking down those boundaries, and playing," Agnes says.Collaborating with experts in areas including astrophysics, coding and space science, students use media including augmented reality and artificial intelligence to create something exciting. The result: immersive, experiential "SciArt" productions, which travel all over the world.Engaging the general publicThese creations include the Space Messengers A.I. installation, which incorporates messages from youth and communities around the world.Meanwhile, there's also Astrotours, which uses augmented reality to explore the night skies from a new perspective.And currently, STEMarts Ambassadors are preparing for their upcoming live-coding performances at the inaugural Taos Film Festival!Expanding innovationAs STEMarts continues to grow, their reach and impact includes some exciting milestones for New Mexico youth.Between 2012 and 2025, more than 2,200 students participated in STEMarts' Classroom Design Challenge. STEMarts hosted three to seven student-led community events annually between 2012 and 2024, and student benefits included apprenticeships and paid youth internships, as well as International Travel Awards to five different countries between 2022 and 2025.Agnes shared the story of creating STEMarts Lab, offered a closer look at the Space Messengers AI and Astrotours projects and discussed her vision for the future.

Happy Anniversary to Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival!This free, nine-day celebration marks its fifteenth year in 2026. And there will be STEM and STEAM activities for everyone.Presented by the Las Vegas Science and Natural History Museum, in partnership with the Clark County School District, the Festival runs from Friday, April 24th to Saturday, May 2nd, with more than 100 activities and events presented throughout Southern Nevada.At the core of the festival, will be a sense of wonder, fun and exploration."My goal, is that everyone attending has a good time, and walks away knowing something that they didn't know before," says Los Angeles Science and Technology Festival Director Alexandra Liebman.Currently, registration is open for select events. Registration for limited-capacity events opens Wednesday, April 1. And if you're in the area, please consider booking early--these are popular and will book up quickly! Here's the link to RSVP.Learning science through STEAMIn addition to panel discussions, Night at the Museum and Science is Everywhere Weekend, the festival includes crafts, theatre presentations and highly interactive activities."I think it's important that kids and families who maybe feel like they're not 'science people" know that this event is for them too," says Alex.Arts-oriented events include a UNLV Music Lab tour; crafts activities at local libraries; and STEM Movie Saturday.An exciting aspect of the Festival, is the access it allows students, to career professionals in STEM. Alex shared the story of one student whose career path began with the opportunity to talk with a presenter in her area of interest.But with the schedule of events, packed through the nine days, it also sounds like, quite simply, an absolute blast.Alex offered a preview of what will be happening at this year's fifteenth annual Las Vegas Science and Technology Festival, shared the creative process behind making this major educational celebration a reality, and discussed her vision for the future.

An Over Coffee® special-edition episodeNational Robotics Week is coming up, April 4-12, 2026!This is a national celebration of the robotics industry, our future innovators--and, of course, the educators who make this innovation possible.On the National Robotics Week website, you'll find all kinds of robot-related activities and resources. These include upcoming robotics events by state, robotics activity sheets, and even AI experiments, provided by Google! And you are welcome to submit your own robot-related event, as well.And Over Coffee® is proud to spotlight three innovators who are inspiring students to explore how robotics fit into their interests--and their futures!The historyNational Robotics Week, according to their website, was first implemented in 2010, with 50 robot-related events around the U.S., after the 2009 passage of resolution H.Res. 1055, by the U.S. House of Representatives.This resolution designates a full week in April as National Robotics Week.As of 2017, National Robotics Week included more than 300 events across all 50 United States.While events are still being registered for 2026, a quick check of the website revealed ten pages of approximately 150 events, nationwide, so far.Meanwhile, on this special-edition show, we explore the ways robotics are really for everyone.Here are NoireSTEMinist® educator/engineer and entrepreneur (and author!) Dr. Carlotta Berry, VEX Robotics Vice-President of Global Strategy, educator and author Jason McKenna, and Unified Robotics founder and executive director Delaney Locher, to showcase three different aspects of educational robotics.

Pioneering Los Angeles-based theatre company Ferryman Collective is launching the world's first live theatre repertory season in virtual reality!And they'd like to invite you, not only to see their upcoming shows, but to celebrate with them as they host their first fundraiser as a 501c3 nonprofit company, next Sunday afternoon, March 22nd.Their "Coins for the Ferryman" fundraiser and season launch party happens from noon to 4 pm, both in Pasadena and, if you can't travel to California, in VRChat. Here's the link for information.A record of innovation--and wonderFerryman Collective's new repertory season is the latest step in a groundbreaking journey.Founded in 2020, they create live shows in virtual reality, as covered in our 2023 interview.But "shows" may not accurately describe the interactive storytelling, original immersive worlds and sometimes, life-changing messages that make up their performance experiences.Very simply, their shows are unlike anything else a theatre audience will ever have experienced before.Their work has garnered multiple honors, including top awards from the SXSW Film Festival, the Raindance Immersive Festival and the Kaohsiung Film Festival. Most recently, their latest show, Uncanny Alley: A New Day received two awards from the Indiecade Festival.A kaleidoscope of talentEach of the four co-founders brings multiple creative gifts to their work in immersive theatre."Music is my heart and my core," says Ferryman Collective Co-Founder Christopher Lane Davis, a/k/a "Color". Besides being a composer, Color is an animator, writer, performer, filmmaker, photographer and 3D designer."I'm happiest when I'm performing," says Ferryman Collective Co-Founder Whitton Frank. In addition to acting in film, theatre and VR, Whitton dances, writes, directs, and DJs."We're trying to perpetuate this idea of theatre reimagined," says Ferryman Collective Co-Founder Stephen Butchko. Steve, who is co-creator of Uncanny Alley, is an award-winning producer, writer, director, and live-theatre actor."We thought, let's just take one year and really focus on...trying to work on building the audience and getting more people to know a show ," says Ferryman Collective Co-Founder Deirdre V. Lyons, of the company's repertory season launch. An award-winning director, producer and performer in film and television as well as virtual reality, Deirdre is a speaker, teacher and coach--and she co-wrote and directed Gumball Dreams.Deirdre, Steve, Whitton and Color talked about their work, shared some of their experiences with the four shows in the new upcoming season, and offered a preview of what's next!

When June, 2026, arrives, CAMP will be in session at The Tech Interactive, in San Jose!And it's new, exciting and going to be a lot of fun.Family-friendly technology and science center The Tech is currently in the final stages of designing their first summer camp experience!Called CAMP, from the acronym "Create, Adapt, Make and Play", the program is a day camp, hosted at The Tech, for students from third to sixth grade.The programThere will be eight one-week sessions, with four themes: BioTinkering, Ultimate Upcycle, Kinetic Commotion and Planet Protectors. Each theme is offered for two weeks.Depending on which themed week they choose to attend, campers may find themselves building a Rube Goldberg machine. Or creating bioconcrete and kombucha leather. Or making a device that can become a different device--or a lot of other fun activities where they don't even realized how much they're learning."We have partnered with other organizations to have camps at our site, but we have for a very long time now wanted to do a camp ourselves and...really have ownership of it," says Summer Camps Program Manager Liz O'Hare.Fun plus rigor equals learningLiz, whose background includes eleven years as a classroom teacher, as well as designing curricula and training educators at The Tech, says designing The Tech's new program is "super fun"."I think summer camp is a really amazing time for kids to really figure out what they love and what they are interested in," she says. And that discovery is one of her passions as an educator--along with, she says, being "silly" and having fun.Liz explained some of the ways combining rigorous subjects with a "fun" approach leads to that discovery process, offered a preview of some of the CAMP programs and shared her vision for the future.

As we complete production on an Over Coffee® special-edition program, please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2025!"We've crossed a dangerous threshold," warns futurist, entrepreneur and Ubertrends CEO Michael Tchong.He's talking about the ways scammers can use AI.Michael, whose entrepreneurial background has included creating four successful startups, has based his career on reaching beyond watching trends, to educate others in what he has termed “ubertrends”.Ubertrends, Michael explains, are trends that change human values.Michael, who is the author of three books, is also an adjunct professor at the University of San Francisco.In addition, he is the founder of four successful startups, including Ubertrends,In his most recent book “Ubertrends – How Trends and Innovation Are Transforming Our Future“, he identifies eight "ubertrends"of the twenty-first century.Staying ahead of the "wave"With the motto, “I help you catch the next wave, before it catches you”, he explores the ways these "ubertrends" can affect future success--as well as pitfalls to be avoided.And artificial intelligence, he says, comes with "a lot of great benefits", but can also help scammers on an unprecedented scale.While Michael says senior citizens are a prime target of AI scammers, these scams can affect anyone."Scams can take all different forms, but the typical ones are the ones that ask for money," he says."Innovation is not about predicting the future. Innovation is preparing for it."Michael shared some of the ways to be prepared and possibly avoid getting “scammed”, talked about his background and discussed ways artists and “arts people” can stay relevant amid the AI surge.

Over Coffee®is currently in production on a special-edition show. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2025!Cosmic Girls Foundation Founder and CEO Dr. Mindy Howard is fueling some exciting dreams for the future--for girls all over the world."I know what it...takes to get to space," she says."...I think I can help other people get there faster."Mindy, who is an astronaut trainer and future astronaut, founded her Netherlands-based nonprofit in 2022.The goal: to provide girls, ages 14-19, with STEM education and skills training to become astronauts--and more.And Mindy is drawing on considerable expertise, to do so.A candidate on NASA's "Highly Qualified" astronaut list, she is Founding Director of Inner Space Training, which prepares commercial astronauts, mentally, for space travel.In addition, as an author and speaker, she teaches leadership skills, drawing on her training as an astronaut. (Check out her book, Blast Off! Train Like an Astronaut for Success on Earth, as well as her TEDx Talk!)The mission of Cosmic Girls Foundation"We empower girls globally to become pioneers in the new space economy leading humanity into the cosmos ," says Cosmic Girls Foundation's vision statement on their website.Accordingly, Cosmic Girls Foundation offers multiple programs with international partners.Girls can sign up to work with mentors and learn skills including satellite design, leadership, design thinking and much more.Several of the programs offer virtual space missions, with participants completing simulated mission tasks, while others include public speaking, creativity and career exploration.In addition, Cosmic Girls Foundation gives girls the opportunity to learn from, and connect with, science professionals, through their virtual Speaker Series.There's also a "Cosmic Forum", in which girls with similar STEM interests can connect and offer one another guidance and support."...I realized what we needed to do is to build a community,so that girls can see other like-minded girls ...and having girls ...online all over the world share their...dreams, their 'geekiness', ...and they're helping each other, so that's kind of the first...element," Mindy says.How to get involvedAnd Mindy says Cosmic Girls Foundation is seeking additional partnerships and mentors for these young women, as well as donations to their program. She welcomes potential partners to reach out through the website.Mindy talked about her journey as a space professional, shared the story of Cosmic Girls Foundation and outlined her vision for the future.

When Basa Village Foundation President, philanthropist and author Jeff Rasley first began trekking in Nepal, his perspective changed radically.While climbing the Himalayan mountains as an adventure, he fell in love with the Rai people, in Nepal's remote mountain village of Basa. Their kindness, spirituality and openness were a refreshing change from Western culture. And their way of life was exactly as it had been, for five hundred years.But then, friends in the area requested help in upgrading Basa village's school.How, Jeff wondered, could he fulfill the request without obliterating a culture that had existed for centuries?"What can we give to Basa that it really needs (without destroying the culture by Westernizing it)?" he asks, in his book Bringing Progress to Paradise: How I Changed Nepal, How Nepal Changed Me.The answer was the catalyst for the creation of nonprofit Basa Village Foundation.Listening to the villageSince that initial request, Jeff, and the Foundation, have implemented multiple projects geared towards health, education and a better standard of living in Basa village. But, Jeff explains, every project must first be requested by the villagers.Then, he continues, implementation of the project involves the whole community.Jeff, who coordinates trekking and mountaineering expeditions through award-winning Nepal travel agency Adventure Geo Treks, explains that he has returned, five times, to Basa. While there, he will inspect the projects and ask the villagers' opinions of the way these projects are affecting their lives.So far, those projects have included upgrading the school, bringing electricity to the village, and a new agricultural and animal husbandry cooperative.A full creative scheduleMeanwhile, as covered in our previous interview, when Jeff is in his home state of Indiana, he serves as President of nonprofit Scientech Foundation of Indiana, which supports STEM and STEAM education through grants.A prolific author, Jeff has written 18 books so far. His extensive travels, his experience as a legal professional and his perspectives on history and spirituality are all reflected in his books.Jeff talked about the creation of the Basa Village Foundation, offered a closer look at the projects they've implemented in the village, and discussed some of the activities of the Scientech Foundation of Indiana.

"...The growth of technology is, by definition, accessibility," says AbleGamers Executive Director Jordan Kough.And for 21 years, nonprofit AbleGamers has been working towards making video gaming accessible to all.Their objectives stretch far beyond making sure everyone has fun. Although that's a valid consideration!On their website, AbleGamers' stated mission is to "enable play in order to combat social isolation, foster inclusive communities, and improve the quality of life for people with disabilities."Their programs are achieving these objectives in some exciting ways.Multifaceted innovationAmong their initiatives is the Able Player One program, where adaptive gaming specialists meet with players with disabilities, determine their accessibility needs and deliver--free of charge--gear that allows them to start, and continue, gaming. (And the specialists will stay in contact with the gamer, to be sure the items they supply are working for that person's specific needs.)In addition, AbleGamers have, so far, trained more than 1,000 video game developers in accessibility. Their APX program offers 22 different patterns for accessible experiences."The coolest parts about this is that we see all different types of people in our space, that want to get trained on this to use it in different parts and ways," Jordan says.Also, through their Player Panel program, AbleGamers have assembled the world's largest panel of gamers with disabilities, to advise the gaming industry.They even have an in-house Engineering Research Team, which prototypes and creates new devices when current technology fails to meet an individual's accessibility needs.Looking towards the futureBut perhaps one of their most exciting recent initiatives is their first international Esports Tournament for players with disabilities!Scheduled for March 7, 2026, in Milan, this hybrid competition will welcome players to compete both in-person and remotely. (Registrations are currently open, with more information available through their socials, @ablegamers.)Jordan shared the story of AbleGamers, offered a closer look at their programs and talked about his vision for the future.

"Letters like these make my day," says Abeye Co-Founder and CEO Michael Kodochian.He's describing some of the responses he's received from users of Lexilens, the patented smart glasses he invented to help users with dyslexia read more smoothly.In one case, a grandmother wrote to him to say that her dyslexic granddaughter's difficulties had previously led her to abandon her dream of becoming a nurse. But now, Lexilens was allowing the young woman to resume her studies.And for Michael, results like this are the reason behind his work."I want somehow to contribute to a better world," he says.The workings of innovationSo, how does Lexilens work? In effect, it's a neurovisual-enhancement filter."Lexilens corrects...the visual processing in the brain," Michael explains."...It cleans the input (of information you're reading)."And the clarity it provides allows dyslexics to build their "dictionaries" of reading compehension, due to being able to process the words on the printed page--or computer monitor--more easily.Michael points out that these smart glasses do not distinguish letters, nor increase reading speed."It's not magic," he says, explaining that reading ability is built over time and that the person using it, not the device itself, will distinguish words.However, it IS revolutionary.What Lexilens does, is remove the visual "noise" of dyslexia, so that a user can develop these skills.And there's more...While Lexilens, which has garnered numerous awards including a 2020 CES® Innovation Award, is currently available for sale, Michael and his team also have a new innovation: a smart monitor screen, which should be available in the U.S. in March!Michael shared the story of his smart-eyewear startup Abeye and Lexilens, explained how the smart glasses work, and offered a closer look at some of the ways his technology is creating a better future.

This post and podcast are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional with any medical questions.For Prothea Kenya Co-Founder and Managing Director Dr. Nick Were, emerging technology equals a pathway to better medical care--and better lives for his patients.But the innovation doesn't stop there.Next, he and his colleagues add imagination, creativity and a sense of community.Dr. Were, an orthopedic surgeon at the University of Nairobi College of Health Sciences, uses 3D printing to create prosthetic devices for amputees. The result: lighter, more durable devices, with a more comfortable fit--at about half the normal cost.In Kenya, he explains, after an amputation, prosthetics can cost as much as $1,000--and national health insurance doesn't cover the cost."Many people can't (afford) that."But, he continues, lack of a prosthetic device can doom that patient to a life of poverty."If you can't move, than you really can't do much.("Our devices cost about half the cost of a traditional prosthetic.")Community, creativity and funOnce a patient receives one of Prothea Kenya's 3D printed prosthetic devices, Dr. Were and his colleagues begin gait training. As patients learn to navigate with their new prosthetic limbs, their sessions take place where new patients can see how the 3D printed devices work for their recipients.Often, a second look is necessary to even determine that anyone is using a prosthesis!That statement is especially true of the event which Dr. Were implemented in 2025: Kenya's first "Mr. and Miss Amputee Kenya Fashion Show"!Dr. Were's vision for this special event extends beyond Kenya; he'd like to make the fashion show an annual, and global, event. Plans are already in progress for a second show, in the final quarter of 2026.Extending excellence through technologyAnd Dr. Were, who is passionate about technology in medicine, continues to explore the ways technological advances can benefit his patients--and his colleagues.As Chief Medical Officer at digital healthcare platform Docthus Healthtech, he updates healthcare professionals on current trends in medicine, through the use of mixed reality. He also uses virtual reality for patient pain management, as well as medical education."Combining...the virtual reality, the 3D printing and my orthopedic surgery practice, really is my life's goal, my dream," Dr. Were says."And I'm really happy to be living my dream."Dr. Were talked about his background, shared the story of creating Prothea Kenya and offered a preview of what's next!

"When I first started teaching fifth grade in Vermont, I quickly found that my students didn't know their math facts," says MathFactLab creator and company owner Mike Kenny.That discovery would ultimately lead him to designing his online strategy-based math fact fluency application.Mike, who teaches fifth grade at Thomas Fleming Elementary School in Essex Junction, Vermont, first responded to the challenge by researching ways to help his students learn math more easily.Designing a revolutionary systemBut everything he found was based on memorization--which wasn't working.Instead, Mike began creating a system that would help students understand multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. Initially, that system was flash card-based, but eventually, Mike found a developer and evolved it into an online program.MathFactLab is highly visual: math facts are displayed through multiple models, including beads, dice, clock faces and bar graphs.For students using the program, learning math become a discovery process, that's all about reasoning and thinking with numbers, and identifying patterns."It's much easier to apply patterns, than it is to rely on memory,"," Mike says.Starting with certaintyAlso, he explains, students explore what they already know, to learn new math facts.For example, with a student who says they can't do division, Mike will ask if they can multiple a simple number, such as three times eight. Then, he has that student consider that they already understand how to divide, if they can multiply!"Division is simply 'unmultiplication',"he says.And the approach of discovering new facts, and learning visually, is highly effective, as students learn, rather than simply recite, facts."If they can get there themselves, then they own (that knowledge), and they appreciate it all the more, and remember it," Mike says.Mike shared the story of creating MathFactLab, offered a closer look at some of the principles teachers can use in their classroom, and discussed what's next with the program.

As CES® 2026 happens this week, in Las Vegas, Over Coffee® pays tribute to them with this reposting of one of our all-time top interviews from a previous Eureka Park® exhibitor!"...Sixty-five percent of kids...entering school today will end up (in) jobs that currently do not exist," explained Nanit Robotics Founder Vlad Konov, during our 2023 conversation.Since then, that statement has only become more relevant.Vlad, who introduced his Nanit ed-tech to the U.S. in the Eureka Park® startup area of CES®2023, has a long track record of innovation.An engineer, entrepreneur and educator, he is also the founder and CEO of RoboHouse, Ukraine’s international laboratory of robotics, electronics and programming.In addition, he is the creator of a first-of-its-kind robotics school in Ukraine.Our discussion, following CES®2023, explored the ways his user-friendly kit, for all ages, made robotics accessible to all.Based on experienceVlad's innovation sprang from his discoveries of the limited learning resources for adults, as he began his journey, in adulthood, as a self-taught roboticist.While STEM opportunities for children are abundant, he says, he found very few learning possibilities for beginning adult learners.However, he did see a real need for upskilling."...Now, market need is to change your professional orientation. It's OK to change your professional orientation at least three times in your lifetime," Vlad says.And as he became proficient in robotics, he began thinking of ways to fill that gap."We don't have enough STEM education for adults, and I want to solve this problem," he says."I have a lot of success right now (with robotics). Can you imagine if (I'd started) at 12 or 13?"His experience would ultimately lead him to create the Nanit Robotics kit--from which users of all ages can build, literally, 100 robots!But he didn't stop there.Growing the inspirationToday, according to Nanit Robotics' website, that innovation has grown into an online engineering course: "Nanit Master", which is getting A pluses, in feedback, from previous students!"Our mission of the project is to create engineers," explains the website."The company's products are not used as weapons, they have only an educational STEM character."Another exciting note? Since our conversation, Nanit has also begun offering smart home products on Amazon!A quick check of their listings reveals several different types of baby monitors, including a wearable which tracks breathing motion, and a wi-fi camera with sleep tracking and two-way audio."This is the future," Vlad says.Vlad shared the story of Nanit Robotics, explained some of the ways the kit can be used and offered a closer look at a future in which robotics can facilitate bringing ideas to life.

Over Coffee® is on holiday hiatus. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2025!This post and podcast are for informational purposes only, and are not intended as medical advice. Please contact a healthcare professional with any health-related questions."If you can learn the planets, you can learn the microbes--if you have the tools," says MedMicroMaps CEO and Co-Founder Dr. Jane Harrington."...I will do anything to meet the learner where they are."And that's exactly what she has done, by drawing on her background as a professor of microbiology, at multiple universities, as well as her time spent serving as Course Director in the area of medical microbiology, both in the Caribbean and, more recently, at Rocky Vista University in Billings, Montana.Dr. Jane uses technology, both to put microbiology into relatable terms, and to engage visual learners in a fun experience.Analogies through VRHer virtual-reality game, MedMicroMaps, replaces the "intimidation" factor with fun--even as it provides a highly-effective tool for visual learning.The gamer enters a world where they see actual bacteria before them--and interact with them, in the course of their experience. And these are realistic bacteria."It's based on real science," Dr. Jane explains."So (many) VR applications right now, they're very 'cartoony'.""(Our representation says,) 'This is a bacteria phage. This is actually what it looks like.'"Meanwhile, players are discovering parallels between the science behind the virtual bacteria in the game, and their own experiences.(For example, Dr. Jane says, one person mentioned that a bacteria phage looks like an octopus!)The world of bacteria in VRMedMicroMaps players are assisted by a mascot/study buddy named Phage.i. He's a bacteria phage, designed with AI to begin at a learner’s starting point, for microbiology, and help them “grow” from there.He's also there to make microbiology accessible. Phage.i is a whimsical character with a high voice: Dr. Jane says that, upon seeing him, most people comment on his “cuteness”!The game is pure fun. In addition to a "detective"-style puzzle to solve, there's a "whack-a-microbe" feature.Directions for learningIn addition, MedMicroMaps incorporates a revolutionary "map" and compass.These are a patented design which allows user to learn the effects of the different types of microbes both visually and geographically."...An upper-respiratory tract infection, that's the northern coordinate," Dr. Jane explains."Versus, if I have something in my lungs, and it's pneumonia, that's the south."2025 saw Dr. Jane and her husband and MedMicroMaps co-founder, Ian Holyoak, roll out the beta version of MedMicroMaps. Their ultimate goal: several different editions: for high-school students, medical students and institutions of higher learning.Dr. Jane talked about creating MedMicroMaps, explained how her game works and offered a closer look at the compass system!

When Pasadena's 137th Tournament of Roses® Parade happens on New Year's Day, the students of Cal Poly Universities will be upholding a long-standing New Year's Day tradition.However,they'll also be showcasing cutting-edge innovation, as their 77th Rose Parade®float, "Jungle Jumpstart', goes by.This particular float is both a whimsical story, in accordance with the 2026 parade theme, "The Magic in Teamwork", and a reflection of the various skills and talents of the students on two separate campuses.Unique to the paradeSince 1949, Cal Poly Universities students have built and entered a float in the Rose Parade®. Not only is theirs the only student-built entry--their organization is one of only six noncommercial groups, or "self-builts", participating in the parade.Cal Poly Universities' float's chassis is created by students on the Pomona and San Luis Obispo campus. Then, in October, the San Luis Obispo team drive their half down to the Pomona campus, where the two halves are joined.And from there, the two teams work as one.Because the students are learning by doing, their freedom to experiment often results in some unprecedented innovations.A 1968 hydraulic-powered animation system and a 2017 engineering system which changed colors of flowers, are among their inventions.And on New Year's Day 2026, parade viewers will again get to see some unprecedented technological use, on "Jungle Jumpstart"!Introducing: 2026Aubrey Goings is President of Cal Poly Rose Float, San Luis Obispo, and Amelia Atwell is President of Cal Poly Rose Float, Pomona. Both Aubrey and Amelia are architecture students, using their passion for design to create something magical.Aubrey and Amelia talked about their experiences with Cal Poly Rose Float, their work so far on "Jungle Jumpstart" and the lessons they've learned from their experience.(Would you like to support the Cal Poly Universities students as they craft "Jungle Jumpstart"? Here are links to their Amazon wish lists, for both decorations and operations!)

Artist and technologist Dulce Baerga empowers others in the metaverse.One of her current projects, Avatar Gods, uses artificial intelligence to generate avatars which reflect each user's individuality. These will be platform-agnostic, extending that person's presence across multiple metaverse platforms.In addition, Dulce says, her avatars will retain a user's individuality, when they're not on the platforms!As a pioneer in mixed reality, augmented reality, and immersive technologies, Dulce has created multiple . XR experiences. She is the CEO of creative technology studio Dulce Dotcom, and has more than 25 years' experience in blending creativity with technical expertise to take XR innovation beyond its current boundaries.Dulce says Avatar Gods is currently in prototype stage, and a matter of months from its first release, pending funding.The artist as mentorIn addition to Avatar Gods, Dulce is currently building, and preparing to launch, her Dulce XR Creator Lab! This is a hybrid AI/WebXR education program, which will teach creatives how to build immersive experiences using the pipelines she has developed.She also builds worlds for her clients, and consults on avatars and immersive projects.And expect her to break new ground, in the process."in 2018, I really focused in on WebXR and have been really passionate about it ever since, and pushed its boundaries as much as I can," Dulce explains.Dulce talked about her creative journey, explained how Avatar Gods will work and offered a preview of what's next!

Due to an electrical outage, we're running a backup episode of Over Coffee® this week. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2025!"We are so not ready," says anthropologist, futurist, AI ethicist, broadcaster and educator Dr. Lollie Mancey.She's discussing AI--and the challenges its high-speed adoption is presenting to society.Dr. Mancey, who is Programme Director at University College Dublin’s Innovation Academy, sees multiple problems with the way AI is infiltrating our lives. Among them: the ways artificial intelligence excludes some segments of the population; the perception that it will make humans "obsolete"; and a general blind acceptance, without questioning, of the ways it's being presented by technology companies.Since AI is inevitable in all aspects of life and future industry, she adds, we need to explore, experiment and ask questions. And most of all, see it as a supplement to our talents, as opposed to supplanting them."You can play with it as a tool, but it must never replace us," she says.The challenge--and the "why"As an award-winning storyteller and keynote speaker, Dr. Mancey likes to challenge her listeners to explore new ideas. Within the next three to five years, she says, ninety percent of us may have agentic AI involved in our lives. Consequently, she explains, all of us need to imagine the ways we can have “a place at the table” as artificial intelligence evolves.Dr. Mancey talked about her background, some of her research in AI and the directions she recommends everyone take, to stay proactive and collaborative with artificial intelligence in education and the future workplace.

Over Coffee® is on Thanksgiving week hiatus. Please enjoy this reposting of one of our top episodes of 2025!Most people don't put the words "engineering" and "fun" together in the same sentence.But for Air Rocket Works Co-Founders Rick Schertle and Keith Violette, the two always go together.With a shared passion for creating rockets and launchers, they first connected over some articles Rick wrote for Make Magazine.Keith wound up sending Rick a working prototype of his compressed-air rocket launcher, which Rick describes as "the coolest thing ever".The rest is history.The "launch" of a small businessRick and Keith, who live in California and New Hampshire, respectively, have only seen each other in-person a handful of times: at maker fairs! But their small business, Air Rocket Works, has been capturing the imagination of kids and "big kids" since its founding in 2014.And their air rockets, compressed-air launchers and free templates--including four contributed by NASA!--continue to be a hit."I've always wanted to include the fun side of engineering, and keep things interesting," Keith says.Inspiring the makersWhile their products have a sense of joy built right into them, Air Rocket Works' launchers and templates are also teaching kids--and "big kids"--a lot about science, technology, engineering, art and math.Both Rick, who teaches at Steindorf STEAM Magnet School, and Keith, a mechanical engineer by profession, have implemented maker fairs at their local schools.For Rick, a long-held dream of hosting a school maker fair ultimately led him to evolve the school's traditional open house to a mini-maker event. With music, a rocket launch and maker stations, the event was a huge success, and grew proportionately. Rick says he thinks 2025 will mark their fourth year!(Like to give a favorite maker or rocket enthusiast a gift they'll enjoy? Here’s a link to Rick’s book “Planes, Gliders and Paper Rockets: Simple Flying Things Anyone Can Make” on Amazon!)Meanwhile, while his own son and daughter were in school, Keith volunteered to teach engineering sessions. These involved building water rockets and doing rocket launches. After meeting other parents with similar engineering background, he and his wife Tanya organized a three-hour maker fair, with fifty exhibits, at the local high school, for students from first grade through high school."(We made) all kinds of just really fun hands-on things, to show that science, engineering and the arts all work well together," he explains.And both Rick and Keith want to keep right on creating cool "flying things", teaching and inspiring kids (as well as big kids!) to explore, be confident and see themselves as makers.Rick and Keith shared the story of Air Rocket Works, talked about some of their favorite experiences and discussed what they'd like to do next!