Unprofessional Engineering

Do you like buildings? Do you like engineering? Do you like spending an extra year in college to get your degree? Boy, do I have the major for you!! Architectural Engineering!!! We dove into what it looks like to get your Architectural Engineering degree, what the top universities to attend are, they type of work you will eventually end up doing, how much you'll make, and even who the big players are to give you a job. If you are thinking about getting into engineering or just hate your job and wish you did something else, you won't want to miss this episode!

Here is a dose of harsh reality for everyone. We're not all going to get into MIT. I'll let that sink in for a bit. OK... Good news!! There are a ton of great engineering universities out there that are still an option for those of us who might not make the cut for MIT or CMU, or even for those who might get accepted but don't want to pay that much tuition! We did an in-depth analysis of many affordable universities that offer well respected engineering degrees (aka, we read some lists) and have our results for you! From Wisconsin Stout to Akron, there are so many to choose from!

Is there anything better than the first bite into a delicious burger? The answer is no. OK, maybe biting into a taco. Or ice cream. Or a few other things... but mostly nothing is better! But what makes the PERFECT burger? We dove in mouth first to determine what makes the perfect burger, and not just based on opinion. Mostly based on opinion, but there is some science and engineering in our claims as well. What type of cheese is best to use? It depends on how it melts. Science! What is the proper fat ratio? Science! What is the best method of cooking? Science! Which bun is best? OK, that one is mostly opinion...

Doesn't every kid grow up dreaming of being an astronaut? OK, maybe not every kid, but a lot of them do! But what does it really take to become an astronaut? We have gathered up the various prerequisites, learned about the application process, explored what you do once you're selected, and gathered up firsthand feedback from actual NASA astronauts! If you listen to this episode, you're basically guaranteed to become an astronaut!!! (We make no guarantees that you become an astronaut ;))

I think everyone was fascinated by trains, or more specifically, locomotives at some point in their life. Maybe it is thanks to Thomas the Train, or maybe just because they have been such an iconic part of the world for so long. Either way, they are amazing! In this episode, we looked back at how the locomotive got started, how the steam engine came and went (sort of), and how we've gotten to the newest hybrid model that is used today.

Acoustics is the science of sound! But what happens when the art and design of a massive building has to accommodate flawless acoustics as well? This is where architectural acoustics come into play. The talented Architectural Engineers and Architects of the world have mastered this skill, allowing us to enjoy pristine sound when at the theater, opera, and concerts. But how do they make it so a building or structure can look great and provide a great listening experience as well? That is what we're here to tell you! Listen on to find out how architectural acoustics works, the tricks used to help carry sound, and learn about some costly mistakes that were made along the way.

We have all probably heard of it before, but do you know how high fructose corn syrup is made? Do you know that there are different types? Do you know what it is used for? Do you know how much high fructose corn syrup is in your favorite food? That is a lot of questions, and unless you are really into your health, you probably don't know these answers and might not want to! Too bad!!! Keep listening and learn everything there is to know about high fructose corn syrup, including if it is really as bad for you as some might say.

We've talked about how you could start blacksmithing at home, how medieval weapons were made, and even ranked the craziest torture devices of medieval times. But now, it is time to learn how different types of medieval armor were (or are?) made! From ring mail and chain mail to full blown plate mail armor, we discuss the differences in each, when one might use each, and the painstaking process used to handcraft each one.

When it comes to crazy and cool military technology, it is hard to think of something crazier than the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey. Is it a helicopter? Is it an airplane? NO! IT IS BOTH!!! WHAT?!? We investigated why the United States military decided that it needed something that flies like a plane yet can also act like a helicopter. The Osprey, a shared project of Bell Helicopter and Boeing, is a tiltrotor military aircraft unlike anything else, and the design process was as well. We can't share all of the details here or you won't listen, so press the listen button and enjoy.

When it comes to great companies, it is hard to think of one more impactful than IBM (or International Business Machine Corporation to us in the know). Incorporated way back in 1911, the history of IBM actually dates back to the late 1800s. Learn how IBM got started, hear about their most impactful products, why their most well known machine Watson has that name, if IBM is as relevant today as ever, and of course, lots of war connections!