Listen to this episode to gain a better understanding of what drives global political tensions. In this episode we bring Dr. Mike Yao back on the show to discuss the cultural differences that are making a difference in the "ban TikTok" debate, what governments at the highest strategic level could be considering and how this filters down to all of us. Don't miss out! --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

In this episode, we speak with Professor Wade Fagen-Ulmschneider. For those that are unfamiliar, he has built some of the most used websites on U of I's campus and several data visualizations that have ended up in various governors presentations. He is an incredibly engaging and creative individual and someone that everyone can learn something from. Tune in to hear about his thought process on creating, his early interest in computers, and advice on how to create. Continue to cultivate your curiosity at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

In this episode, we interview Ron Watkins, the Managing Director of SHIELD Illinois, to gain insights into his experience leading a vertically integrated COVID testing company. We discuss the genesis of SHIELD at UIUC, explore the company's future plans, and learn about Ron's latest mission to provide more equitable access to classes for public high schools. Continue to cultivate your curiosity at https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

In this episode, we explore the power of structured thinking, which involves breaking down complex problems into smaller, more manageable components, and then analyzing each component systematically. We draw a parallel between structured thinking and the case interview process, which consulting firms use to assess candidates' problem-solving abilities. We provide practical examples of how structured thinking can be applied to your personal life. Whether you're facing a difficult decision or trying to learn new information, we offer tips and tools to help you break down the problem and analyze each component systematically. Join us as we discuss the benefits of using structured thinking, share personal experiences of how we've applied it to our own lives, and provide practical advice to help you become a more effective problem-solver and decision-maker. --> https://linktr.ee/surfacetension.pod <-- --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

In this episode, we interview Professor Gilbert Holder, a theoretical astrophysicist at UIUC. We dive into the realities of life as a physicist, what dark matter and dark energy are and why you should care. Tune in to expand your universe-view! (1:30) - Realities of Being in Physics (15:07) - Dark Matter (27:26) - Dark Energy Home -> https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

In this episode, we interview Professor Rich Excell, a seasoned financial veteran and knowledgable resource on macroeconomics, to break down the most recent Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) news in a way that everyone can understand. We begin by discussing something that most people taken for granted - how a bank works and use that foundation to break down the SVB news into what it means for people and small business owners alike. https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod https://twitter.com/ExcellRichard https://stayvigilant.substack.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/richexcellcfa/ --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

In this episode, we interview Madhav Aggarwal, a skilled debater, to discuss the purpose of arguing, how to argue effectively in everyday life, and how to see disagreements as opportunities for growth. Madhav shares insights from his background in debate and provides practical tips on how to improve your argumentation skills. Timestamps (0:49) - Madhav's background in debate (3:07) - Applying the discipline of debate to everyday life (4:44) - How to think about listening (5:28) - Knowing when to give up ground to win the war (8:30) - Understanding the logos vs. pathos framework to better understand your opponent's perspective (11:36) - Finding common ground with a useful visualization (17:00) - Arguing when you don't have all the evidence (18:04) - What happens when you're wrong? (19:00) - Quick recap of episode so far (21:18) - Arguing from both perspectives (23:47) - Confirmation bias during research (25:43) - Closing thoughts Join us for an insightful conversation on how to become a more effective arguer and turn disagreements into constructive discussions. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

This episode was recorded in two parts and documents an ongoing experiment, with the first half focusing on advice from Grant to Sharad on how to build reading into a habit, and the second half picking up a month later with what Sharad found most useful. To everyone that doesn't consistently read right now, it is oh so doable, check out the episode to learn how! Part 1 (0:00) - Sharing our reading experiences (7:37) - Unpacking the experiment (8:30) - Why read? (11:05) - What to read? (15:00) - How to read? Part 2 (23:33) - Sharad's month of reading (24:55) - Takeaway 1 - Best place to read (25:28) - Takeaway 2 - Best time to read (27:31) - Takeaway 3 - Actionable books are easier to get into (32:03) - What's the plan moving forward? --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

Rohan Hirani (@rohanhirani_) from Recess and Grant Hale (@grant__hale) from Surface Tension share their experience starting a podcast and give a sneak peak into what goes on behind the scenes. https://linktr.ee/surfacetension.pod https://beacons.ai/recess --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support

Join us in exploring how to travel with friends who have different cultural backgrounds and travel experiences. Our guests include a college-aged international student and another friend who has studied abroad in Vienna. We'll share practical tips on how to plan a trip that suits everyone's interests, and how to go about making the most of your trip once on the ground. Don't miss this episode! Timestamps (3:03) - DJing across borders to fund travels. (6:41) - Tips on choosing the perfect travel destination. (9:10) - Aryaman's epic solo trip to Vietnam and a hidden gem he discovered. (12:30) - Solo travel vs. group travel. (16:43) - Jaylen's four-day trip method for balancing structure and freedom. (20:15) - Aryaman's perspective on leaving room for spontaneity while traveling. (21:50) - How travel transforms our worldview: inspiring stories from our guests. (25:50) - Bucket list destinations: our guests' dream trips. (28:54) - Expert advice for first-time travelers. https://linktr.ee/surfacetension.pod --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support