All Episodes

Robots, Ice Cream and Instagram: The Viral Mechatronics Lab Turning Engagement Into Employment – Danny Murphy, Mechatronics Professor at Central Virginia Community College

How did a mechatronics class go viral—and start landing students jobs? Discover Danny Murphy’s creative teaching methods that are engaging students, impressing employers, and redefining technical education.

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Rebuilding Higher Education Around Solving Real-World Problems – Dr. Kristin Wobbe, Director of the Center for Project-Based Learning at Worcester Polytechnic Institute

WPI redesigned its entire curriculum around project-based learning. In this episode, Dr. Kris Wobbe shares how students solve real-world problems—and how any educator can apply this transformative approach in their own classroom.

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How to Build & Grow an Industry-Aligned CTE Program – Maroun Nehme, Director of Advanced Robotics and Mechatronics at BPHS

Discover how Buena Park High School built a hands-on, industry-aligned CTE program with industrial certifications—and used social media to grow enrollment, community support, and employer engagement.

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Inside the Bipartisan Push for America’s Skilled Workforce – U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin

Senator Tammy Baldwin joins The TechEd Podcast to discuss bipartisan support for career and technical education, the future of apprenticeship laws, and funding for short-term training programs.

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From the Shop Floor to the Fast Lane: How Racing, Technical Skills and Workforce Strategy Collide – Justin Mondeik, Owner & Driver at Mondeik Racing

Super Late Model driver Justin Mondeik shares how technical education gave him an edge in racing—and how manufacturers are using motorsports to recruit skilled talent.

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Changing Tariffs Will Impact Technical Education—Here’s What to Do About It – Matt Kirchner, Host of The TechEd Podcast

Tariff policy is shifting by the day—and technical education won’t be immune.
From rising equipment costs to major changes in funding, curriculum, and workforce demand, this episode breaks down five critical outcomes that educators need to prepare for now. It’s not about predicting the future—it’s about scenario planning for what’s coming next.

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AI Regulation Can Wait—But Education Reform Can’t – State Senator Julian Bradley

AI, education, energy—these are key issues for states in 2025. In this episode, one state senator shares his perspective on how leaders should approach investment, policy, and regulation in tech and the workforce.

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The 50/50 University Model that Leaves Grads with 2.5 Years of Work Experience and $75k – Dr. Robert McMahan, President of Kettering University

What if every university graduate had 2.5 years of paid, full-time work experience before their first job? At Kettering University, they do. In this episode, President Dr. Robert McMahan explains how their 50/50 model flips the script on student debt, career readiness, and the role of higher ed in the workforce.

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Microsoft, the Packers, and the Venture Firm Betting on Midwest Innovation – Jill Enos, Managing Partner of TitletownTech

Move over, Silicon Valley. The next big tech breakthroughs are getting their start in Green Bay, Wisconsin with support from Microsoft & the Packers.

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The Lifelong Impact of Mentorship for STEM Students – Joe Tanner and Curtis Althaus, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

Join Joe Tanner, former astronaut, and Curtis Althaus, ASF Scholar, as they discuss the powerful impact of mentorship in shaping the future of STEM leaders and the lifelong value of community and growth.

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