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Bold Names

Latest episodes

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7 snips
Sep 13, 2024 • 19min

It Cooks, It Cleans! When Will Robots Be Doing Our Chores?

In this engaging conversation, Charlie Kemp, co-founder and CTO of Hello Robot and an expert in robotics and AI, discusses the future of household robotics. He shares insights on the innovative Stretch 3, designed for real domestic tasks like laundry and cooking. Charlie explores the challenges of teaching robots to navigate unpredictable environments filled with kids and pets. He also dives into the revolutionary training techniques that enhance robot adaptability and the balance between autonomy and user control, shining a light on the potential of automated home helpers.
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4 snips
Sep 6, 2024 • 16min

The Home-Solar Boom May Have Gone Bust. What’s Next for Solar Power?

Phred Dvorak, an energy and climate reporter, and Colin Touhey, CEO of Pvilion, dive into the shifting landscape of solar energy. They discuss the impressive surge in residential solar power and the challenges that homeowners now face, like high costs and interest rates. The conversation highlights the decline in U.S. rooftop installations amid rising global demand. Additionally, they explore innovative solar fabrics that can power devices and portable solar solutions that could revolutionize energy usage in everyday life.
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Aug 30, 2024 • 14min

Meet the CEO Bringing Seaweed to Your Grocery Store

Briana Warner, CEO of Atlantic Sea Farms, discusses the exciting resurgence of seaweed cultivation in U.S. waters, emphasizing its sustainability and potential as a health food. She highlights innovative applications of kelp in products and how it can benefit local fishermen. Alex Ossola joins the conversation, exploring the environmental advantages and market viability of seaweed farming, while envisioning a future where kelp becomes a staple in grocery stores. Together, they discuss tackling challenges and maximizing the industry's growth potential.
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Aug 23, 2024 • 11min

Science of Success: A Better Way to Board a Plane

Astrophysicist Jason Steffen, known for deciphering the mysteries of the cosmos, has cracked a better way to board airplanes. He discusses his innovative Stefan Method, which minimizes boarding congestion by organizing passengers efficiently. Steffen delves into the mathematical principles behind this approach and its potential to save time and costs for airlines. The conversation also touches on the hurdles of changing human behavior and how different airlines like Southwest are adapting their boarding strategies for smoother transitions.
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Aug 16, 2024 • 16min

Pokémon Go as a Travel Guide? Meet the Fans Booking Trips to Catch 'Em All

Salvador Rodriguez, a tech journalist, explores how Pokémon Go has transformed travel planning for dedicated players. He shares fascinating stories of gamers who design trips around catching rare Pokémon. From honeymoon adventures centered on Pokémon events to the game enhancing travel experiences, players discover new locations and build community. Rodriguez also highlights the cultural impact of the game, emphasizing the importance of authentic gameplay and the thrill of connecting with fellow trainers worldwide.
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Aug 9, 2024 • 23min

Are the Skies Going Hypersonic?

Imagine flying across the globe in mere hours! The discussion explores hypersonic engines, potentially revolutionizing travel faster than the retired Concorde. Experts weigh in on complex engineering hurdles and innovations needed for this leap in aviation. Advances in hybrid engines and military competition highlight the race to develop these technologies. Discover how hypersonic flight could reshape international connectivity and the future of air travel, while navigating financial obstacles and redefining passenger experiences.
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Aug 2, 2024 • 20min

Google’s AI Can Help Plan Your Next Vacation. Should You Rely On It?

Amar Subramanya, the vice president of engineering for Gemini at Google, dives into the transformative role of AI in travel planning. He discusses how tools like Gemini can craft personalized itineraries and suggest real-time options, enhancing the travel experience. The conversation touches on the balance between convenience and the need for human specificity, addressing privacy concerns. Subramanya also explores the evolving capabilities of AI, pondering whether it will become the go-to agent for travel plans in the future.
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Jul 26, 2024 • 11min

Science of Success: What It Takes to Make a Better Berry

Discover the secrets behind creating luxury berries with Driscoll's premium line. From objective taste benchmarks to working with supertasters and sensory analysts, explore the science of producing the best possible berry. Unravel the complexities of consumer taste preferences and the specialized world of berry tasting panels. Dive into the scientific process of sensory profiling for berries to maintain consistency in taste and texture.
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4 snips
Jul 19, 2024 • 14min

Can Robots Reinvent Fast Food?

Former Chipotle CEO introduces food-making robots and a 'digital-first' approach to restaurants. Discusses consumers' shift to eating less meat. Challenges and benefits of automation in fast-food industry, aiming to solve industry challenges and innovate culinary practices.
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Jul 12, 2024 • 18min

Why You Might Be Eating More Seaweed in the Future

Explore the potential of seaweed as a solution to various problems like feeding people, restoring habitats, and providing economic benefits. Learn about the challenges of scaling up seaweed aquaculture in the U.S. and the regulatory hurdles involved. Discover how seaweed could become a bigger part of the American diet in the future.

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