Imagine choosing which memories to keep and which to forget. This week, Chauntée and Jake dive deep into the science (and sci-fi) of memory erasure. Inspired by Artemis Fowl’s fairies and classics like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind and Memento, they explore a fascinating question: Could we really delete memories?
From trauma treatment to ethical dilemmas, mind-wiping is more than just a plot twist. Jake’s curiosity leads to optogenetics: real tech that uses light to disrupt or ease the impact of fear-based memories in mice. But it’s not as simple as flipping a switch. The brain’s memory network is like a path of glowing neurons. Can we remove a section without triggering a chain reaction?
Chauntée worries about unintended consequences: if we erase painful experiences, do we also lose the lessons that shape who we are? The conversation gets hilariously personal when Chauntée confesses a deep fear of frogs (Jake immediately starts plotting prank ideas).
Would you erase memories on demand if you could? Jake says no. He’d overthink every choice. For both hosts, the idea of curating your mind like a photo album raises serious questions about identity, control, and what it means to grow.
What memory would you erase if given the chance? Or would you leave your mind untouched, warts and all?
Tune in now and let us know: Is forgetting the next frontier or a step too far?
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In this episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée and Jake dive into one of science’s biggest mysteries: the possibility of alien life … and whether it’s ever reached us here on Earth.
Jake, who holds a PhD in astrophysics, loves exploring big questions like this, even if they don’t have neat answers. He explains why the sheer size of the universe makes it likely that intelligent alien life does exist somewhere. But as for them visiting Earth? That’s a whole different challenge.
The distances between stars are unimaginably vast. For an alien species to reach us, they’d have to emerge not only close to our solar system in space, but also close to us in time.
Our planet’s billions of years old, and intelligent life has only existed here for a tiny sliver of that.
Jake shares why abduction stories and UFO sightings don’t convince him, but he’s still fascinated by the idea of connecting with another civilization. Chauntée offers a healthy reminder that science always leaves room for discovery. Just because we can’t do something now doesn’t mean we’ll never be able to. After all, time travel and warp drive sound wild … until an innovator invents one.
What do you think? Have aliens visited before? Will they visit in the future?
Listen in for a conversation about science, space, and the limits (or not!) of what’s possible.
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Cue the robot dance because this episode dives into the fascinating (and slightly unsettling) world of cybernetics. Inspired by Inspector Gadget’s spring-loaded arms and helicopter hats, Chauntée and Jake explore how far we've come in merging human biology with advanced technology. From glasses and hearing aids to mind-controlled prosthetics that can feel, science is pushing boundaries.
But with each leap forward, like bionic eyes or prosthetic limbs with full articulation, comes a deeper question: how far are we willing to go? Would you replace a perfectly good body part just to gain an enhancement? If you swapped out everything, would you still be human.. .or a robot?
The duo weighs the promise and the perils: accessibility, cost, potential hacks, and philosophical dilemmas. Is it more Iron Man or Darth Vader? Rocket from Guardians of the Galaxy or the reverse-engineered robot in Bicentennial Man?
As the line between machine and human blurs, this episode dares listeners to ask: Would you go full cyborg? And where do we draw the line between helpful tech and a loss of humanity?
Listen in for a thought-provoking conversation about our possible cybernetic future.
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Introducing Robotics to the Classroom
Robotics as a Catalyst in the Computer Science Classroom
Can Tiny Robots Heal You from the Inside Out?
Merging Biology and Technology
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If you could steal one animal ability for yourself, what would it be? In this episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée surprises Jake with that exact question, and his answer is brilliant.
Jake skips the obvious choices like flying or super hearing and goes straight for ... octopus skin. Why? Because octopuses are masters of disguise. Their skin contains chromatophores and papillae, specialized cells that let them change color and texture to blend into their surroundings. It’s camouflage, communication, and creativity all in one. And yes, they talk with their skin.
Chauntée’s first instinct was to say chameleon, but now? She’s fully Team Octopus.
The conversation doesn’t stop at cephalopods. They explore real-world examples of human echolocation, the science behind animal adaptations, and why evolution might be the original engineer of superpowers.
What if you could wear your feelings, blend into your environment, or shapeshift your way through social situations? That’s the kind of wild “what if” we’re diving into.
So, what would you pick? Tune in, imagine your mutation, and get inspired by the wonders of biology.
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City shark attack?! Could a predator survive the pavement?
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What if your doctor could send an army of microscopic robots into your body to destroy cancer cells, repair damaged tissue, or even prevent illness before it starts? In this episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée and Jake dive into the fascinating world of nanobots: tiny engineered machines measured in billionths of a meter.
Inspired by sci-fi favorites like Big Hero 6 and Black Panther, we explore how close scientists are to making these medical marvels a reality. Could nanobots patrol your bloodstream like microscopic medics? And if so, should they stay inside to provide constant care, or leave once their job is done?
But innovation comes with big questions. What if your body rejects them? Could self-replicating nanobots spiral out of control? How do we balance medical breakthroughs with cost, safety, and ethics? Drawing on real research and a healthy dose of curiosity, Chauntée and Jake unpack both the promise and the potential pitfalls of this technology.
From Jurassic Park–style warnings to future-ready possibilities, this conversation blends science fact with a spark of imagination.
Listen in, then join the debate: Would you trust nanobots with your health?
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What does it really mean to be smart?
In this episode of STEM to Stern, Jake and Chauntée dig into a big question: Is being smart all about having the right answers, or is there more to it?
From emotional intelligence and empathy to curiosity and teamwork, they explore why “smart” looks different for everyone. Can you be book-smart and still miss the mark? How do great communicators use emotional intelligence to reach others? And what role does lifelong learning play in true intelligence?
As Jake and Chauntée share stories from classrooms, gifted programs, and even dreaded group projects, they uncover surprising ways intelligence shows up in everyday life.
What talents make your intelligence shine? What does being smart mean to you?
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Could sharks survive in the city?
What if the sharks from the old Street Sharks cartoon were real? Big muscles, legs, walking around New York like total jawsome bros. Could we actually make a shark that lives on land? Or is that a science fiction dream that should stay in the 90s?
In this episode, Jake and Chauntée dive into some seriously wild ideas about bioengineering and evolution. How do scientists make jellyfish glow? Could genetic engineering ever turn a shark into a pet that walks next to you like a golden retriever? And why have sharks barely changed in millions of years while city raccoons figured out how to open trash cans in a few decades?
We also get into how fast (or slow) evolution happens, why birds sing louder in noisy cities, and what biomimicry can teach us about solving human problems without messing up nature.
If you could modify any animal, what would you change? And would a city full of street sharks be chaos or kind of cool?
Keep being jawsome!
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Could synthetic food and lab-grown meat end world hunger?
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STEM to Stern: The Physics of Everyday Stuff!
Ever wondered why doorknobs aren’t right next to the hinges? Or how a straw magically brings water to your mouth? In this episode, Jake (our resident physics whiz) breaks down the surprising science behind everyday objects, and it’s not as simple as “because it just works.”
We’re talking torque, atmospheric pressure, density, light vs. sound waves, touchscreen conductivity, and yes … why fish don’t get squashed by ice when lakes freeze over.
Questions we’re asking:
Would a straw work on the moon?
Why can you hear someone around a corner, but not see them?
Could your phone screen protector be sabotaging your swipes?
This one’s full of “wait, what?!” moments, and we want to hear from YOU. Do you have some physics knowledge you’d like to share? What everyday object makes you wonder how it works? Drop your questions in the comments.
Tap play and learn more! #STEMtoStern #PhysicsInRealLife #STEMEducation
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You’re Eating Plastic (Seriously) — Let’s Talk Microplastics
Did you know that you eat, on average, a credit card’s worth of plastic each week? Yummy. The truth is, tiny plastic is hiding everywhere: in your water, your food, even the air you breathe.
In this episode of STEM to Stern, Jake and Chauntée break down (pun intended) the messy truth about microplastics. Why are they so impossible to avoid? What’s happening in our oceans and on our plates? And could mushrooms be the answer to the world’s plastic problem?
Chauntée shares her obsession (she studied this at the Virginia Institute of Marine Science), while Jake asks the big questions, like how much plastic is the ocean eating if we’re this exposed?
From plastic that lasts centuries to tech that might help us clean it up, we dive deep into the science and solutions. Plus, some dancing, a few puns, and one powerful reminder: one-use plastics don’t just hurt wildlife ... they hurt you too.
Tell us in the comments: What’s one thing you’re doing to cut back on plastic? Or drop a plastic fact that blew your mind!
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In this episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée challenges Jake to name the most overhyped STEM trend, and of course, he picks AI. But is today’s “AI” really artificial intelligence, or just clever pattern-matching? Tune in as we unpack:
AI vs. Real Intelligence: Why current tools like ChatGPT are powerful, and why they still fall short of authentic human-style learning.
One-Trick Algorithms: How each AI model excels at a single task, like image generation, coding help, language, but can’t generalize across domains.
Ethical and Practical Questions: Should we push for general AI? What are the risks (hello, sci-fi nightmares), and how do we stay in control?
Future Outlook: From specialized machine learning to potential breakthroughs – what’s next on the path to genuine artificial intelligence?
Whether you’re an AI enthusiast or a cautious skeptic, this conversation dives deep into what today’s tools really do and why solving their limitations could spark tomorrow’s innovations.
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What happens when science fiction meets real science?
In this episode, Jake and Chauntée jump headfirst into the chaotic possibilities of time travel. Could you actually break time like Loki? Or cause an incursion like in Doctor Strange?
From wormholes and the multiverse to Einstein's theory of relativity and the twin paradox, they explore how time dilation, gravity, and quantum mechanics shape what’s scientifically possible, and where imagination takes over.
Plus, what happens if you hand Beethoven his own music ... before he writes it?
What’s real, what’s theory, and what’s just Marvel magic?
Who really composed the music in a time-loop paradox?
And if you could time travel, where would you go? Past or future?
Let us know in the comments: What moment in history would you visit, and why?
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What if you met ... you? In this episode of STEM to Stern, Dr. Jake unpacks the fascinating world of quantum mechanics and explains how quantum computers just might open the door to the multiverse. (Yes, Marvel fans, this one's for you.) Chauntée is learning right alongside the rest of us, asking the questions we’re all wondering.
From quantum bits to alternate realities, this episode explores how science fiction edges closer to science fact – and how the choices you make could ripple across dimensions.
If there really are parallel universes, what version of you might be out there?
Tune in, get curious, and let’s imagine the impossible together.
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Ever had to write an application in a foreign language just to be taken seriously?
That’s just one of the wild facts you’ll hear about Queen Bessie in this week’s episode of STEM to Stern. From literal sky-high stunts to shattering figurative glass ceilings, Bessie Coleman’s legacy is everything STEM should be: bold, brilliant, and barrier-breaking.
Why do you think she isn’t as well known as Amelia Earhart?
What STEM skills go into flying a plane?
What other historic STEM pioneers can you list?
Hit play, drop your favorite Bessie fact in the comments, and tag someone who needs to hear this story.
#STEMtoStern #WomenInSTEM #STEMHistory #BessieColeman #AviationPioneer #STEMEducationWorks
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Soaring through Obstacles: The Journey of Bessie Coleman
Discover more stories featuring inspiring women who are breaking barriers and achieving remarkable accomplishments in STEM.
Think Like an Engineer: Celebrating International Women in Engineering Day
STEM as the Foundation of Construction: Interview with Daphene Koch
Putting the T in STEM: Interview with Naomi MeredithTeaching STEM with the Power of Games – Interview with Rosie HamedCoding Without Barriers – An Interview with Shireen Hafeez, Founder of Deaf Kids Code
Leading Innovation: Interview with Marla RosenthalTeen Leaders: Interview with STEM Without Boundaries COO Aliyah HirjiWomen In Engineering: An Interview with Bunmi Babajide
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Is the future of mining not underground … but off-planet?
In this interstellar episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée and Dr. Jake dig into the possibilities of asteroid mining (cue the seven dwarves’ song). From platinum and gold floating in the asteroid belt to the very real science of towing space rocks into Earth’s orbit, they explore how space might solve one of Earth’s oldest resource problems.
You’ll hear:
Why it's so hard (and risky) to mine deep underground on Earth
How asteroid mining could crash the price of precious metals
Whether a space elevator is sci-fi or just really smart engineering
Jake's qualifications as a future space miner (hint: totally qualified through Minecraft)
And Chauntée’s dream of mining... as long as she’s not first
Would you trust humanity to tug an asteroid into orbit? And would you ever become a space miner?
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What do designing a smartphone interface and solving an algebra equation have in common? More than you think.
In this episode, Jake and Chauntée dive into the powerful intersection of STEM and the arts, where analytical thinking meets expressive creativity. As a self-proclaimed musical and theatre kid, Chauntée reflects on how storytelling, performance, and even Broadway can shape our understanding of science and technology. (Let’s be honest. More people learned about Alexander Hamilton from a musical than from a textbook.)
They unpack how innovation doesn’t just come from engineers and coders but from the creatives who imagine what tech could feel like. From intuitive smartphone layouts to beautifully designed user experiences, today’s best ideas balance structure with soul.
Curious minds and creative thinkers, this one’s for you. Tune in and discover how STEM becomes something extraordinary when we let art into the equation.
Listen now on your favorite podcast platform.
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What’s the difference between colonizing a planet and terraforming one? In this episode of STEM to Stern, Jake and Chauntée go interplanetary discussing what it would take to make Mars habitable for humans.
From thickening atmospheres to shielding from radiation, they explore the science (and science fiction) behind turning the Red Planet blue. They also ask big questions about climate change, generational adaptation, and the ethics of altering entire worlds.
Whether you're a space enthusiast or just curious how STEM reaches beyond Earth, this episode will expand your orbit.
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If you think STEM is just coding robots or solving equations, think again. In this myth-busting episode, Jake and Chauntée break down the biggest STEM misconceptions that might be holding learners (or even you!) back.
Chauntée flips the script on what counts as “technology” (spoiler: your pencil qualifies), and the duo digs into why STEM isn’t just about science or math. It’s about mindset. They discuss the magic of solving real-world problems and why crafting a birdhouse isn’t always the same as engineering a solution.
If you’ve ever wondered where STEM ends and creativity begins, this episode is your permission slip to rethink, reimagine, and rediscover what STEM really means.
Hit play and get inspired to see STEM everywhere. Then, reach out with your take!
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Lonnie Johnson and the Super Soaker
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What if your brain could talk directly to a computer? In this episode of STEM to Stern, Jake and Chauntée dive into the fascinating (and slightly unsettling) world of brain-computer interfaces, with a focus on emerging tech like Neuralink.
Together, they explore the potential benefits of these innovations, such as restoring mobility or communication for people with disabilities. But they also dig into the serious downsides: questions of control, hacking, autonomy, constant connectivity, and the ethical minefield that comes with linking our minds to machines.
With curiosity, critical thinking, and a dash of humor, this episode invites listeners to consider where the line between enhancement and overreach lies – and what this type of technology could mean for the future.
Tune in, and let us know: Would you connect your brain to a computer?
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Is cold weather proof that climate change isn’t real? In this episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée and Jake tackle one of the most persistent misconceptions in science: confusing weather with climate.
Join us as we unpack why extreme events like snowstorms or heatwaves don’t disprove climate change – and how rising sea levels, shifting agricultural yields, and increased storm intensity are the real indicators we should be watching. With clarity, humor, and science-backed discussion, we connect the dots between human behavior, global impact, and how educators can empower the next generation to take informed action.
Whether you're a STEM educator, student, or curious listener, this episode will help sharpen your climate literacy and spark new conversations in your classroom or community.
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Air Pressure & Tornadoes Lesson
Predicting Natural Disasters Lesson
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In this episode of STEM to Stern, Chauntée and Jake put their big brain energy to the test with a superhero-sized thought experiment: how does quantum physics explain Ant-Man’s powers?
Turns out, it involves some fictional Pym Particles, the very real Pauli Exclusion Principle, and a tiny bit of movie magic.
This week, they break down:
Why shrinking doesn’t make Ant-Man any less punchy
How superhero movies sneak real quantum mechanics into the plot
What the Pauli Exclusion Principle has to do with it all (thanks to Jake’s homemade “Pauli Board,” designed in Tinkercad and 3D printed!)
Whether they'd rather shrink or supersize themselves — and why
If you could change your size at will, would you go big or small?
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AI for Educators: Top Websites to Save Time and Enhance Learning
Leveraging Technology to Enhance Education feat. Dr. Liz Lubeski
Exploring the World of AI with the Dobot Magician Lite | Webinar
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