Brain It Out Podcast

Ever wonder how top content creators and small businesses scale without burning out? The secret isn’t just great content—it’s the invisible systems running behind the scenes. In this episode, I sit down with Taylor C. Lee , a premier Systems & Marketing Ops Specialist, to deconstruct the backend of the creator economy. Taylor breaks down how to turn raw creativity into a structured, profitable...

What’s the difference between a student who gets hired at Adobe and one who doesn't? According to Shelly Ruff, it’s all about the "So What?" factor. Shelly joins the show to share her insider perspective on how Adobe is shaping the future of work through digital literacy. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn your class projects into a high-value portfolio, this episode is your masterc...

Why do so many brilliant scientists struggle to land high-paying corporate roles? The truth is, academia and industry speak two different languages. Today, I’m joined by Victoria Vicari, founder of The Career Scientist, to learn the exact "translation" required to move from the lab to a six-figure industry career. In this episode, we discuss:- The Resume Overhaul: Why your academic CV is...

How do you land a role at a tech giant when you aren't attending a "target" Ivy League school? Catori Griffin joins the show to discuss the "messy middle" between having big ambitions and having limited access. As a former Google intern and LinkedIn creator, Catori has mastered the art of building a brand that demands attention from recruiters. In this episode, we discuss:...

Breaking into Big Tech as a student can feel like a black box. Today, I’m joined by Skyler Basco, the founder of Student to Big Tech, to deconstruct the exact path from the classroom to the world’s most influential tech companies. In this episode, we discuss: - Focus on building quality projects that demonstrate impact - How to build a professional network as a student - Navigating the ins and out...

What does it take to build a space association while studying astrophysics at one of the world's top universities? Nouran Alyousif joins the show to discuss her journey from Berkeley to founding the Saudi Youth Space Association. In this episode, we discuss: - The intersection of astrophysics and global leadership - Building a non-profit association through high school - Cold outreach and netw...

What happens after the degree? Salma Ahmed takes us inside her world as an Earth and Planetary Science PhD researcher at Berkeley, shedding light on the "messy middle" of high-level academia. In this episode, we discuss: - The reality of PhD research in the planetary sciences - Pivoting into a new field - Advice for undergraduates interested in the research track - Salma's personal r...

Engineering is a grueling major, but it doesn't mean you have to stop creating. Jouri Rayan Hindi, a Bioengineering student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, joins the show to discuss the intersection of technical studies and digital content creation. In this episode, we discuss: - The reality of the college application process - How Jouri navigated her journey to UIUC and what s...

Can ballet be the key to solving the literacy gap? Bridget Bendezu and Natalie Clyburn, undergrads at UNC, share how they founded a local chapter of Ballet & Books to combine the arts with academic support. In this episode, we discuss: - Advice for students looking to make a local impact - How Natalie and Bridget began the local Ballet & Books chapter - Collaborating with the Chapel Hill P...

Can you contribute to high-level scientific research before you even set foot on a college campus? In this episode, I’m joined by Caroline Wang, a biochem researcher at the North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM). Caroline is proof that age isn't a barrier to scientific contribution if you have the right strategy for getting into the lab. In this episode, we discuss: - STEM educat...

Advocacy isn't just something you do; it’s something you live. Vianna Fornville is a junior at Chapel Hill High School, an award-winning poet, and a dedicated civil rights activist. In this powerful conversation, we discuss her journey from participating in Black Lives Matter protests to being selected for the prestigious Disney Dreamers Academy '25. In this episode, we discuss: - The power of men...