The Big REthink

Electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft have the potential to alleviate traffic congestion, facilitate disaster-relief efforts and improve the cargo delivery process—all while leaving an exponentially smaller environmental footprint than traditional fixed-wing planes and helicopters. So, how soon might we see them in the skies? On this episode of The Big REthink, host Brian Rowley...

In the military and civilian worlds, how much is too much when it comes to artificial intelligence and autonomy? On this episode of The Big REthink, Oliver Hedgepeth—a professor of logistics at the American Military University online and the founding director of the United States Army's AI Center for Logistics—joins host Barry Ross to discuss the benefits and drawbacks of autonomous A.I. systems....

To some, the arts and sciences seem an unlikely pairing. On this episode of The Big REthink, Dr. Merritt Moore—the quantum physicist and professional ballet dancer who has gained recognition for dancing alongside a robot partner she designed—joins host Barry Ross to dispel the notion that the two should be mutually exclusive, and to explain how marrying the two worlds can lead to exciting advancem...

Accounting for roughly one-fifth of carbon emissions produced each year, deforestation in places like Africa, Asia and South America is one of the main contributors to climate change. On this episode of The Big REthink, Topher White, conservation technologist and founder of Rainforest Connection, joins host Brian Rowley to explain how his organization is using technology to stop illegal logging an...

In higher ed, traditional classroom study alone does little to prepare many students for real-world work scenarios. On today’s episode of The Big REthink, Jacob Kinsey, senior associate director of Illinois Business Consulting at the University of Illinois’s Gies College of Business, joins host Susan Campbell to explain how programs like his are better preparing students—and fast-tracking their su...

The education landscape is ever-changing, with factors such as public health concerns, socioeconomics and accessibility influencing how instructors connect with students. On this episode of The Big REthink, speaker, author, futurist and Georgetown University scholar Bryan Alexander joins host Brian Rowley to explain how technology can serve as a bridge—and a divider—during tumultuous times, and wh...

As the CEO of Ruh Global Impact, the founder of Billion Strong and the mother of a daughter with Down Syndrome, Debra Ruh is on a mission to help businesses and multinational corporations assure access for persons with disabilities worldwide. On this episode of The Big REthink, Ruh joins host Barry Ross to explain how companies can be more inclusive, and how technology can help their efforts.

As conductor and director of the Sioux City Symphony Orchestra, Ryan Haskins is tasked with bringing classical music to members of his community—and finding ways to adapt the 200-year-old genre for modern times. On this episode of The Big REthink, he joins host Susan Campbell to explain how he uses technology to make classical music accessible to new audiences, and to change the live listening exp...

Studies show that, no matter how sophisticated technology gets, its efficacy as a learning tool remains low. On this episode of The Big REthink, Dr. Sonny Magana, CEO of Magana Education, joins host Susan Campbell to explain why. He also shares how changing today’s dominant pedagogical model could mean more success for students.

Digital art emerged as early as the 1960s, but only in recent years have advances in technology propelled the medium to the forefront of public awareness. On today’s episode of The Big REthink, Carmen Zella, founder of NOW Art, joins host Susan Campbell to discuss how technology is making digital art more accessible, and the medium’s powerful ability to not only bridge the physical and emotional w...

Batteries are useful and ubiquitous. Though, they pose a significant burden on the environment. On this episode of The Big REthink, David Su, CEO of Atmosic Technologies, joins host Barry Ross to share his vision for a battery-free future. They also discuss sustainable measures that might help reduce our reliance on batteries in the meantime.

From entertainment to agriculture, artificial intelligence, or AI, is all around us. But is it safe? And what does it mean for the future of humans’ jobs? On today’s episode of The Big REthink, host Brian Rowley and his guest, PJC’s Rob May, discuss this hot-button topic—and debunk a common myth or two.

Welcome to the 50th episode of The Big REthink! On this special—and extra-fun—episode, theme park historian Jim Hill joins host Barry Ross to discuss how technology has changed the theme park experiences. They also look back at some of the hiccups parks have faced along the way and consider how modern devices, such as smartphones, are asking parks to create new revenue streams.

By 2025, the U.S. manufacturing industry could be down 2 million workers, with older employees leaving the industry and younger generations looking to step in, though often without sufficient training. On this episode of The Big REthink, Conrad Mercurius, coordinator of Raritan Valley Community College’s Advanced Manufacturing program, joins host Susan Campbell to explain how institutions like his...

Contrary to their stereotype, Millennials are savvy, especially when it comes to the ways they use technology and consume media. Companies are catching on, and developing new strategies to capture this crucial market’s attention. On this episode of The Big REthink, Kate Ward, co-founder of Bustle and founder and CEO of The Dipp, joins host Brian Rowley to explain how. They also discuss niche fando...

Around the world and across sectors, a rapidly growing number of workers are dependent on mobile devices to do their jobs. Yet research shows that, on a weekly basis, 50 percent of workers experience technological issues that get in the way of their work. Why is that number so high, and what challenges do IT professionals face when it comes to troubleshooting and preventing problems? On this episo...

For civilians and outsiders, it might be easy to assume that, when it comes to national security, the U.S. government has an endless array of cutting-edge technologies to choose from. But a set of unique challenges, from logistical limitations to fiscal responsibility, make technological innovation more difficult than some might imagine. On this episode of The Big REthink, Schuyler Moore, senior d...

At work, we’re often expected to present our best selves, checking our emotional needs and insecurities at the door. Where did that expectation originate, and what benefits might there be in creating a workplace that embraces authenticity? On this episode of The Big REthink, researcher, author and speaker Jez Rose joins host Brian Rowley to answer these questions and more.

For many churchgoers, personal connection is a key component of the live worship experience. As congregations grow and demand for remote streaming increases, how can technology help foster human bonds? On this episode of The Big REthink, Donnie Haulk, CEO of AE Global Media, Inc., joins host Barry Ross to answer this question and more.

Faster data transmission, lower latency, higher resolution and increased usage capacity are a few features of 5G wireless technology. How will it impact businesses, and what differences can consumers expect in their everyday lives? On this episode of The Big REthink, Vijay Paulrajan, Executive Director - Devices, Verizon Business Group, having responsibility for business products and marketing, jo...

Now more than ever, grocery store customers want – and need – safe, quick and convenient ways to shop for food. On this episode of The Big REthink, Matt Judkins, director of corporate marketing communication for Hussmann Corporation, joins host Susan Campbell to share his take on the technologies that are helping grocers provide just such an experience, from online ordering to contactless pickup....

Digital transformation. Industry 4.0. Internet of Things. A wave of digital technologies has benefitted the manufacturing industry in recent years, increasing efficiency, streamlining operations and cutting costs. While some in the industry have embraced this change faster than others, more manufacturers are getting on board before they’re left behind. On this episode of The Big REthink, Shawn Rob...

In recent years, online ordering, mobile apps and other technologies have made dining faster and more convenient than ever for restaurant customers. And with that convenience comes increased demand – especially amid ongoing safety protocols and social-distancing guidelines. On this episode of The Big REthink, Michael Lavigne, president and CEO of CLEARVIEW - A Panasonic Company, and Che Baird, cus...

For businesses, data regarding diversity, equity, and inclusion is integral to understanding everything from the way we learn in the workplace to the development of new products. On this episode of The Big REthink, Kurt Merriweather, Vice President of Products and Innovation at The Diversity Movement, joins host Susan Campbell to discuss how companies can use this critical information to create va...

Once a relatively rare form of technology, sensors are poised to become a $240 billion global market by 2022, thanks to falling costs and their increasingly sophisticated capabilities. On this episode of The Big REthink, Eric Johnsrud, a product engineer at Panasonic Industrial Devices Sales Company of America, joins host Barry Ross to discuss the evolution of sensors, how they’re changing industr...