All Episodes

The Rise of State-Backed VC: Michigan’s Bet on Emerging Entrepreneurs

States are stepping directly into venture capital — and Michigan is leading the way. In this episode, Matt Kirchner talks with Alison Todak of the MEDC and Pete Martin of the MSU Research Foundation about why state-backed VC is rising, how PitchMI fuels early-stage innovation, and what this shift means for founders, investors, and the future of tech and talent in the Midwest.

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13 Predictions for Technical Education in 2026

Predictions for Technical Education in 2026 Matt Kirchner, Host of The TechEd Podcast Love the episode? Leave a review on your favorite podcast […]

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Ask Us Anything: Workforce ROI, AI Hallucinations, and the 5 Pillars of World-Class CTE

Ask Us Anything: Workforce ROI, AI Hallucinations, and World-Class CTE Matt Kirchner – Host & Melissa Martin – Producer of The TechEd Podcast […]

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At the Reagan Ranch: The Life & Legacy of One of America’s Greatest Presidents – Scott Walker, President of Young America’s Foundation

Recorded live at The Reagan Center, Matt and Governor Scott Walker discuss the character, ranch life, and legacy of President Ronald Reagan

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Using Values and Customer Experience to Guide an AI and Data-Driven Strategy – Irv and Ryan Blumkin, Chairman and EVP of Nebraska Furniture Mart

How do you build an AI- and data-driven strategy without losing sight of values or customer experience? Irv and Ryan Blumkin of Nebraska Furniture Mart share the playbook.

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Six Days in China: The Speed, Scale and Strategy Outpacing U.S. Innovation – Todd Wanek, CEO of Ashley Furniture

China is moving at a speed and scale the U.S. has never seen—and we saw it firsthand. In this episode, Matt Kirchner and Ashley Furniture CEO Todd Wanek break down what they witnessed inside China’s most advanced tech companies, robotics labs, logistics hubs, and manufacturing clusters, revealing insights few Americans ever get access to.

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Applied AI on the Edge Proves There’s More to AI Than ChatGPT – Brian Cavanaugh, CEO of VigilanteX

Artificial intelligence isn’t just ChatGPT anymore. LtGen Brian Cavanaugh, CEO of VigilanteX, joins Matt Kirchner to talk AI agents on the edge, safety and security, national defense, and why students must understand the full edge-to-cloud continuum.

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What’s Your Region’s Economic DNA? Lessons for CTE from an Aviation High School – Adam Snoddy, Principal of Butler Tech Aviation Center

Southwest Ohio built a high school aviation campus shaped by its regional economic DNA. Learn what CTE leaders everywhere can take from Butler Tech’s flight, maintenance, and engineering model.

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Technical Colleges: Breaking Generational Poverty and Building Economic Mobility – Dr. Anthony Cruz, President of MATC

MATC President Dr. Anthony Cruz breaks down how technical colleges can end generational poverty, build economic mobility, and prepare students for an AI-driven workforce—all while serving one of the nation’s most diverse student populations.

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Moving from “Just-in-Case” Education to a Demand-Driven, Industry-Led Model — Paul Lavoie, VP of the University of New Haven

Moving from “Just-in-Case” Education to a Demand-Driven, Industry-Led Model Paul Lavoie, Vice President of Innovation and Applied Technology at the University of New […]

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