What's Your Problem?

Mitch Lee, co-founder and CEO of ARC Boats, dives into the challenges of building competitively priced electric boats. He reveals how water density complicates electrification and discusses the complexities of large marine battery packs. Insights into partnering with automotive suppliers for cost efficiency shed light on production hurdles. Mitch also emphasizes safety innovations in electric boats compared to gasoline, and highlights the exciting shift to hybrid tugs. His vision for expanding ARC's offerings includes electrifying ferries and various consumer boats.

Join Tim Harford, a journalist and economist known for his engaging storytelling, as he shares his lost-passport tale highlighting unexpected kindness in Cameroon. Army veteran J.R. Martinez reveals how a donated puppy transformed his post-injury life. Psychologist Dr. Maya Shanker reflects on childhood experiences of kindness, explaining their far-reaching effects on moral character. The discussion emphasizes the uplifting power of giving and how even small acts can lead to greater happiness and community bonds.

Nina Mohanty, founder and CEO of Bloom Money, shares insights on building a fintech app to support immigrants in managing finances. She discusses the importance of rotating savings groups and how cultural traditions can influence modern practices. Nina explains the technology behind Bloom, highlighting its unique structure that connects users for saving and lending. She also addresses the challenges of navigating regulations and venture capital, and reveals plans to expand into new markets to empower diaspora communities.

Explore the transformative impact of Thomas Edison, who didn't just invent gadgets but reshaped how we invent itself. Discover his scrappy childhood, early hustles, and how his telegraphy skills opened the door to a groundbreaking career. Learn about his first patent, the lessons from its failure, and how Edison's innovations led to the phonograph. The podcast dives into the intricacies of modern invention and Edison's relentless ambition, setting the stage for a deep exploration of his legacy.

Mike Blue, CEO of HistoSonics, shares his fascinating journey from a garage-built ultrasound prototype to an FDA-approved cancer treatment device. He discusses how converging sound waves create bubble clouds that destroy tumors non-invasively. After a setback with a failed clinical trial, he rebranded the technology and attracted funding. Blue also reveals insights from the pivotal HOPE for Liver trial, showcasing impressive results and patient outcomes, while addressing challenges in scaling their innovative treatment for various cancers.

Chris Urmson, co-founder and CEO of Aurora, has nearly two decades of experience in autonomous vehicles, including pioneering work at Google. He shares thrilling tales from the DARPA Challenge, including lessons from building a Humvee robot. The discussion dives into the future of autonomous trucking, focusing on the benefits of Class 8 long-haul vehicles, real-world testing milestones, and the intricate technology like new FMCW LiDAR. Urmson also reflects on his journey from Google to founding Aurora, highlighting the societal benefits of autonomy.

Michael Porter, Chief Technology Officer of OceanWell, pioneers submerged desalination systems. He shares how he created a prototype right in his kitchen and the technical challenges of providing fresh water from the ocean floor. The discussion reveals how innovations from the oil and gas industry are making this ambitious project feasible. Michael also highlights environmentally friendly practices to protect marine life and outlines the economic viability of undersea desalination, aiming for significant water self-reliance and benefits by 2028.

Justin Lopas, co-founder and COO of Base Power, tackles the critical challenge of delivering more energy without extensive grid expansion. He shares insights on how home batteries can alleviate peak demand and reduce costly upgrades. Justin elaborates on Base Power’s innovative model of selling electricity alongside batteries, offering savings and reliability. He discusses the rapid demand for installations in Texas and the company's mission to lower electricity costs, all while navigating the complexities of scaling and manufacturing.

Fletcher Wilson, co-founder and CEO of Throne Labs, tackles the challenge of making public bathrooms cleaner, safer, and more accessible. He discusses the historic decline of public toilets and how his team designs innovative, movable bathroom units equipped with smart features to prevent vandalism. Fletcher shares interesting insights about community advocacy and how local users often take pride in these facilities. He also recounts lessons learned from early tests, emphasizing accessibility and user feedback as keys to improving the public restroom experience.

Boris Sofman, co-founder and CEO of Bedrock Robotics and former Waymo engineer, dives into the future of construction with autonomous diggers. He shares insights on how machine learning from autonomous vehicles is revolutionizing heavy machinery. Boris discusses the labor shortage in the construction industry, explaining how autonomy could boost building capacity. He highlights the unique challenges of teaching machines to dig while addressing safety concerns at construction sites, and also reflects on his journey from the Soviet Union to leading innovation in robotics.