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Brent Bushnell is an entrepreneur and engineer focused on experiences for entertainment and learning. He's the founder of Two Bit Circus, a live entertainment company that builds and exhibits all-ages, social attractions. He’s chairman of the non-profit Two Bit Foundation which uses games and play to inspire students about invention. Brent is a Sir Edmund Hillary Fellow, a supporter of Clowns Without Borders and publishes on social media @brentbushnell.
💡 5 Things You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How Brent’s journey from arcade builder to education innovator unfolded.
- The origin and impact of the STEAM Carnival and how it helped reframe STEM learning through art and play.
- Why clean waste is a powerful, untapped resource for hands-on learning in schools.
- How DIY arcade cabinets are empowering students to learn CAD, electronics, business—and earn income.
- The exciting future of immersive learning with escape rooms, virtual reality, and AI-guided experiences.
✨ Episode Highlights:
[00:03:33] How a viral OK Go music video accidentally sparked an education movement
[00:04:49] “STEAM not STEM”: Why art is essential to innovation
[00:08:45] Inside the Two Bit Foundation’s clean waste model and its success in LAUSD
[00:13:10] The Open Source Arcade Project: A full-spectrum STEAM learning experience
[00:21:26] The evolution of the maker and open-source movements
[00:27:58] How AI can bridge the gap for students lacking tech or coding skills
[00:34:25] New venue in Santa Monica: Turning entertainment spaces into learning spaces
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