Surface Tension

Most things gets denser as they get colder. Why doesn’t ice? Let us know what you think, and follow us on Substack and Instagram . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit surfacetensionpod.substack.com

Listen in to learn about investing fundamentals! This episode is a primer and an introduction to the concepts that you should know moving forward. Thanks to our guest Jacob Swiney for helping us navigate the complicated terrain! Let us know what you think, and follow us on Substack and Instagram . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to b...

Listen now (4 mins) | The internet can be likened to a massive game of note passing. Let us know what you think, and follow us on Substack and Instagram . --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/surfacetensionpod/support . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit surfacetensionpod.substack.co...

In this episode, we explore Absurdism and its advocate Albert Camus, challenging the notion of life's meaning and embracing the inherent absurdity. We discuss how movies offer experiences beyond reality and analyze "Everything Everywhere All at Once" as an absurdist cinematic example. Additionally, we encounter the myth of Sisyphus, reflecting the human struggle for purpose amidst futility. Join u...

Listen in to hear the cofounders of Hatch discuss the AI-powered resume screening platform that they've been building. We talked benefits of starting something in college, Hatch-specifics, our ability to change the world, advertising and generative AI. Hatch is now opening its doors to all college RSOs. If your organization is inundated with applications, don't hesitate to explore their platform....

This week's episode features Jeff Erickson, a renowned mathematician and computer scientist that regularly teaches @ UIUC. Listen in to hear about his unorthodox upbringing, lessons learned from having a low GPA in undergrad, different ways to think about algorithms, his teaching philosophy (which shines through in the materials he prepares), and his approach to discovering research topics. This e...

In this episode, we interview the director of the pound-for-pound most creative place on the University of Illinois' campus, the Siebel Center for Design (SCD). The director behind it's success is Rachel Switzky, whose deep past of design consulting, including 11 years at IDEO, the design consultancy that helped to create the original Apple mouse, has helped her to shape the SCD. Listen in to fina...

In this episode, Nigel Bosch, an educational AI researcher from the University of Illinois, dives into interactive artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to enhance students' metacognitive skills. Metacognition, the process of understanding and regulating one's own thinking, is one of the most important aspects of learning and something that many student's struggle with. Bosch's research a...

This week’s episode welcomes Luke Clancy, a community builder and founder of Illini Blockchain, as we delve into the intriguing topic of passion, or rather, the lack thereof, among college students. We also explore our current reality and the unique juncture in which we find ourselves. Together, we'll examine the pulse of the present moment, uncovering its challenges, triumphs, and untapped opport...

In this week’s episode, we interview Chandra Chekuri about algorithms, one of the most fundamental ideas that underpin our lives. And not just the ones that drive social media content but also the ones that solve all the meaningful problems around us. Tune in to hear about what it means to solve hard problems and work at one of the most influential research labs of all time. Check out Chandra’s we...

Tune in to hear our reflections on four years of college: what we did right, what we did wrong, and how we would do it again if we had the chance. Steve Jobs once said, “You can't connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards," and we're taking that to heart with this episode. If you're curious about where we’re headed and the things that are currently important to...

This week's episode breaks down the cutting edge technology that will power our farms in the future. From autonomous robots to ground sensors to localized 5G networks, the farm of the future is an exciting place. Check out the Center for Digital Agriculture here! Let us know what you think, and follow us on Substack and Instagram . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with o...

In this episode, Bart Wielgos and Ian Brown discuss a variety of subjects pertaining to space travel and the Liquid Rocket Initiative (LRI) organization. They discuss the distinctions between liquid fuel and solid fuel rockets before explaining how the LRI was established with the initial purpose of cultivating gifted aerospace engineers. We discuss the concrete progress that the LRI made with ini...

In this episode, we talk to Sam Schapiro, a passionate student founder and a former personality researcher at the University of Illinois, about personality, the Big 5 Framework, making better decisions, Steve Jobs, and a possible application to our current educational system. If you've ever wondered how you can better comprehend the people in your life or how to better construct a mental map for u...

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! Let us know what you think, a...

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 everyone can learn something from him. Tune in to hear about his thought process on creating, h...

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. Let us know what you think, and follow...

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 structur...

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 Let us know what you think, and follow us on Substack and Instagram . This...

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 s...

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. (0:49): Madhav's background in debate (3:07): Applying the discipline of...

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...

Rohan Hirani from Recess and Grant share their experience starting a podcast and give a sneak peak into what goes on behind the scenes. Let us know what you think, and follow us on Substack and Instagram . This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit surfacetensionpod.substack.com

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! (3:...

Join us for an engaging conversation with Jesse Grubs, the independent record store owner of See You CD & Vinyl. Hear about his journey from early vinyl experiences to owning his own store. We talk about the challenges of running an independent business, the importance of customer experience, and the role of music in everyday life. We also dive into the dynamic between indie and big-box retailers...