
Teach the Geek Podcast - public speaking for technical professionals
In STEM (science, technology, engineering, math)? Struggle with public speaking? Then you're in the right place! I'm Neil Thompson, engineer and speaker. This is the place to get tips to improve your public speaking, and also hear from others with STEM backgrounds who saw the benefit of public speaking in their careers and the steps they took to get better at it. Think you or someone you know would make a great guest? Email me at hello@teachthegeek.com.
Latest episodes

Feb 6, 2020 • 33min
EP. 48 - Tony Munson
Tony Munson, is a software engineer who has spent the last 16 years developing software professionally for various companies including Agilent Technologies and Hewlett-Packard. He’s also the author of the book, People Skills for Engineers. We talked about his interest in computer science, the motivation for writing his book, and future plans for other books.
Check out peopleskillsforengineers.com for more info.
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Feb 4, 2020 • 29min
EP. 47 - Jonna Gerken
Jonna Gerken has a title I’ve never heard of before: Deputy Global Transitions Manager. I found out what that means. We also talked about her advocacy work with SWE and how public speaking factors into that.
Check her out on Twitter at https://twitter.com/JonnaGerken
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Jan 30, 2020 • 5min
EP. 46 - When it comes to public speaking, don't do this!
I read this article on public speaking, and while there were 20 tips, one really stood out. I talk about it.
Link to article: https://www.inc.com/brent-gleeson/20-tips-for-mastering-art-of-public-speaking.html
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Jan 28, 2020 • 32min
EP. 45 - Shelly Gruenig
Dr. Shelly Gruenig is the founder of Be Greater than Average, an organization that hosts workshops and camps for students that encourage STEM. She’s also the founder of R4Robotics, a robotics team for students. As if that wasn’t enough, she’s a podcaster, the host of STEM Southwest, where she looks to further her message of STEM importance and influence. We chatted about all her ventures and how public speaking fits into it all.
To learn more about Shelly: visit begreaterthanaverage.org and stemsw.com.
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Jan 23, 2020 • 24min
EP. 44 - Nicole Price
Nicole Price worked as a chemical engineer for many years, but decided that leadership training and coaching was her bag, so she started her company, Lively Paradox. I speak to Nicole about her transition away from chemical engineering, the services Lively Paradox provides, and her thoughts on public speaking. I learned something new about race, too...
To get in touch with Nicole, visit http://livelyparadox.com/.
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Jan 21, 2020 • 32min
EP. 43 - Deborah Coviello
Today my guest is Deb Coviello. Armed with a BS in Biomedical Engineering, she uses her extensive knowledge in Quality and Continuous Improvement to help companies grow. We chatted about her speaking work with American Society of Quality, her self-employment journey with her company, Illumination Partners, and her take on public speaking in general.
Learn more about Deb at dropinceo.com
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Jan 16, 2020 • 42min
EP. 42 - Maynard Okereke
Maynard Okereke is a man of many talents. A civil engineer by training, he’s also a science communicator, developing Hip Hop Science, which fuses music and science to engage the general public. In addition, he has his own line of vegan seasoning salts and even dabbles in marketing. We chatted about all his varied interests.
To learn more about Maynard, check out:
https://www.hiphopscienceshow.com/
https://chickensalt.com/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9D3bhlzAhywjSFj5iArsBA/
@hiphopscienceshow (FB and IG)
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Jan 14, 2020 • 37min
EP. 41 - Jared Arms and Nick Suell
Jared, a 2nd time guest, stopped by with his associate, Nick Suell, to talk about the exciting things Kylar.io has been up to since his last visit. Here's a hint: Korean is involved.
Visit kylar.io to learn more about Jared and the company's mission.
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Jan 9, 2020 • 26min
EP. 40 - Moiya McTier
My guest, Moiya McTier, is pursuing a PhD in Astronomy. She doesn’t just do science, though, she speaks about it, too. And adds comedy to it somehow. Who knew science could be funny? It was great to speak with her and find out what she wants to do with science communication after she graduates.
Find out more about Moiya at https://www.moiyamctier.com/
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Jan 7, 2020 • 32min
EP. 39 - Iris Wagstaff
I was keen to speak with Iris Wagstaff based on her work at American Association for the Advancement of Science. Her job is to increase participation in STEM, quite the undertaking. I was interested to find out more about the initiatives she works with to achieve that goal and how public speaking factors into that.
To get in touch with Iris: https://www.linkedin.com/in/iris-r-wagstaff-ph-d-57140717/
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