The TechEd Podcast

• Microsoft, the Packers, and the Venture Firm Betting on Midwest Innovation - Jill Enos, Managing Partner of TitletownTech

  What happens when a legendary NFL team partners with a tech giant to fuel regional innovation?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Jill Enos, Managing Partner at TitletownTech — the one-of-a-kind venture firm backed by the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft. Jill unpacks how TitletownTech is redefining early-stage investing by embedding startups directly into industry, education, and community. From AI labs and autonomous robotics to sustainable agtech and nuclear fusion, Jill reveals how the Midwest is quietly leading a new era of tech-driven economic development.Listen to learn:How TitletownTech blends NFL roots with global tech leadership to drive innovationWhy Microsoft chose Wisconsin for its new $3.3B data center and AI Co-Innovation LabWhat makes the Midwest the perfect launchpad for startups solving real-world problemsHow venture-backed founders are tackling challenges in energy, logistics, and healthcareWhy exposure to problems — not solutions — is the secret to educating tomorrow’s innovators3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:Public-private partnerships can fuel real innovationTitletownTech was founded through a unique partnership between the Green Bay Packers and Microsoft, later joined by 25+ corporate investors like Schneider, Kohler, and AT&T. This model provides startups with not only capital but direct access to strategic partners, industry leaders, and market feedback that accelerates growth.The Midwest is a powerful engine for emerging technologiesTitletownTech has invested in over 30 companies, including Realta Fusion (nuclear energy), Fork Farms (agtech), GenLogs (freight intelligence), and Cobionics (healthcare robotics). Microsoft’s $3.3 billion data center in Mount Pleasant and the launch of the AI Co-Innovation Lab in partnership with UW-Milwaukee are cementing Wisconsin’s place as a tech and AI hub.Solving the right problem matters more than having the right answerJill Enos emphasizes that successful founders are “obsessed with the problem” rather than fixated on one solution — a mindset educators should instill in students. Startups like Springbok Analytics, which uses AI to create digital twins of MRIs, thrive by iterating solutions through real-time market feedback and strategic industry partnerships.Resources in this Episode:Learn more about TitletownTech: https://www.titletowntech.com/Partnerships mentioned in this episode:AI Co-Innovation Lab (UWM + Microsoft + TitletownTech)Microsoft Data Center (listen to our conversation with Microsoft VP Mary Snapp)Dive deeper into some of TitletownTech's portfolio companies that were featured in this episode:Fork Farms - Indoor hydroponicsCobionix - Heathcare robotics & autonomous ultrasoundsGenLogs - Freight intelligenceRealta FusWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

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• The Lifelong Impact of Mentorship for STEM Students - Joe Tanner and Curtis Althaus, the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation

  The right mentor can totally change the college and career trajectory of a student. Today, we're exploring the power of mentorships through the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation.Join former NASA astronaut Joe Tanner and current Astronaut Scholar Curtis Althaus as they dive into the powerful, and often overlooked, role mentorship plays in building tomorrow’s innovators.Through their personal stories, you’ll hear how mentorship goes beyond simply offering advice. It’s about offering guidance in those pivotal moments—helping mentees navigate tough decisions, inspiring them to chase big dreams, and providing the type of insight that only years of experience can offer. Whether it’s choosing between two internships or deciding which research path to pursue, mentorship gives students the clarity and confidence they need to thrive.The conversation also sheds light on why the mentorship experience is a two-way street. For Joe, it’s not just about imparting wisdom; it’s about building meaningful relationships that continue to shape both mentors and mentees long after the formal program ends. And for Curtis, being part of ASF isn’t just about the scholarship—it’s about becoming part of a dynamic community that challenges him to push boundaries and think bigger.Listen to learn:Why mentorship in STEM isn’t just about academic guidanceThe unexpected ways mentorship creates clarity, confidence, and lifelong connections for both mentors and menteesHow ASF’s mentorship program builds a community where learning, collaboration, and innovation go hand in handWhat it means to be a part of a “family” of scholars who not only receive support but give it back as they growThe actionable insights Joe and Curtis share about navigating career decisions, embracing failure, and seizing unexpected opportunities3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:Mentorship in STEM goes far beyond academics. Joe and Curtis share how their mentor/mentee relationship is far less about Joe advising Curtis on his academic journey, and far more about sharing a lifetime of wisdom to help Curtis with all aspects of life. It's a great reminder that you don't need to be an expert in the same field as a student to become their mentor.Programs like ASF offer a lifelong community which can have long-reaching impact for students. Curtis shares how his ASF experience has evolved from academic support to a true "family" environment, where the community of scholars connects, learns from each other, and shares the same passions and big ideas. Getting involved in a community of peers - those with similar ideals and those with differing viewpoints - can have a huge impact on a student's life.Brilliant people can come from anywhere. Credit to Curtis for this brilliant observation, but through his time at ASF he's met bright individuals from every background imaginable. Being open to new people and new experiences can create a much more wholistic life experience for young students.Resources in this Episode:Learn more about the Astronaut Scholarship Foundation, visit: www.astronautscholarship.orgWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

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• What Rising Tariffs Mean for Companies, Workers, and the Future of Trade - John Murphy, SVP & Head of International at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

  With tariffs back in the spotlight, what’s their real impact on trade, business, and jobs? Are they a necessary tool for protecting American industry, or do they do more harm than good?This week, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Murphy, Senior Vice President, Head of International for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, to break down the complex world of tariffs and trade policy. With decades of experience in global trade, John sheds light on the history, purpose, and unintended consequences of tariffs.From manufacturing to agriculture, tariffs have ripple effects across industries, supply chains, and even the workforce. Who really pays the price when tariffs are imposed? How do they shape innovation and investment in the U.S.? And with shifting political winds in early 2025, is the U.S. moving toward a more protectionist future?This conversation tackles these pressing questions while exploring what business leaders, policymakers, and even students should consider as they navigate the evolving trade landscape.Listen to learn:How tariffs impact American manufacturing and the six million jobs tied to exportsThe surprising truth about who actually pays tariffs—and how they drive up costsWhen tariffs become a tool for political leverage rather than economic policyWhy protectionism can stifle innovation instead of promoting domestic industriesWhat today’s trade policies mean for the next generation of skilled workersResources in this Episode:Learn more about the U.S. Chamber of Commerce: www.uschamber.comOther resources mentioned in this episode:From The Wall Street Journal: "The New Plan for Western Companies Is ABC: ‘Anything But China’"Learn more about the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA)University of Michigan Consumer Sentiment IndexWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

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• The Athlete’s Mindset in the Classroom: The Power of Confidence, Goal-Setting and Positivity in STEM - Kathy Meyers, Teacher at Corner Canyon High School

  Why do so many students (and adults) believe they “just aren’t good at math”? How can educators shift that mindset and build confidence in STEM learning?In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with Kathy Meyers, a veteran high school teacher who blends sports psychology with math instruction to help students overcome self-doubt, develop resilience, and master problem-solving—critical skills for both the classroom and the workforce.Kathy shares how techniques used by elite athletes—positive self-talk, goal-setting, and focus strategies—can transform student outcomes in STEM education. From tackling math anxiety to fostering leadership and teamwork, she provides practical strategies that educators and parents can use to support student success.Listen to learn:The role of self-talk, confidence, and mindset in learning math and technical subjectsHow Sudoku puzzles teach problem-solving and resilience from day oneWhy playing to win vs. playing not to lose matters in both sports and educationHow to help students reframe failure as growth in STEM classroomsReal-life stories of students who applied these lessons in college, careers, and beyondThe power of a positive mindset can completely change the trajectory of a student's life! Educators and leaders, these are great tools to instill in your classroom and workplace.3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Mindset Matters in Math and STEMStudents often struggle not because they lack ability, but because they believe they aren’t “math people.” Applying sports psychology techniques like positive self-talk and goal-setting helps reframe their approach to learning.2. Failure is Part of the Learning ProcessJust like in sports, students need a growth mindset to push through challenges. Teaching strategies like trying different problem-solving methods (as with Sudoku puzzles) encourages resilience and adaptability.3. Confidence and Preparation Lead to SuccessWhether it’s a test, a job interview, or a big presentation, students perform best when they train their minds like athletes—visualizing success, controlling self-doubt, and focusing on small, actionable steps.Resources in this Episode:View Kathy's YouTube channel with math tips & tricks!Other resources:The Happiness Advantage by Shawn AchorNapoleon Hill booksNorman Vincent Peale booksTony Robbins resourcesRudy - A football movie about perseverance and goal-settingWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

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• Baseball’s Infamous Scandal Inspired Its Biggest Tech Breakthrough...And Changed the Game Forever - John Hankins, Co-Inventor & Owner of PitchCom

  With sign-stealing scandals shaking Major League Baseball, the game needed a solution. Enter PitchCom, the cutting-edge communication technology that’s changing the way baseball is played.In this episode of The TechEd Podcast, host Matt Kirchner sits down with John Hankins, co-inventor and owner of PitchCom, to unpack the surprising origins of the technology (it was inspired by John's stage mentalism experience!), the innovative and unhackable tech that comprises the PitchCom system, and why it has completely changed the game of baseball. Beyond baseball, PitchCom is a case study in applied technology—how engineering, wireless communication, encryption, and even sound design can be used in unexpected ways. The lesson for educators? What your students learn in the technical education classroom—electronics, software, mechanics, and problem-solving—can lead to groundbreaking inventions in any arena.Listen to learn:How stage mentalism, sound engineering, and encryption tech came together to create PitchComHow PitchCom reduced wild pitches to the lowest levels in MLB history and sped up game play by cutting down time lost to sign-callingWhy PitchCom’s encryption is so secure that it’s mathematically impossible for teams to hack—more secure than the number of atoms in the universeHow engineering students can apply their skills in creative industries—from sports tech to entertainment and beyondWhy college baseball, the Canadian Football League, and even scuba diving are exploring this technologyWhat future inventors need to know about turning ideas into patented, market-ready productsIf you teach technical education or have students interested in technology, this episode is a must-listen. The next big innovation could come from your classroom!3 Big Takeaways from this Episode:1. Innovation thrives in times of urgency and challenge.PitchCom wasn’t just a cool idea—it was a solution to a crisis in baseball. The Houston Astros’ sign-stealing scandal created an undeniable need for secure communication, and John Hankins applied existing technology in a new way to fill that gap. Great inventions don’t start with ideas—they start with problems.2. True innovation comes from blending different disciplines.John’s background as an engineer, patent attorney, and stage mentalist gave him a unique perspective on communication and encryption. Whether it’s combining sports and tech, or magic and engineering, the biggest breakthroughs come from crossing industry boundaries and thinking outside traditional silos.3. Data is the future of every industry.PitchCom started as a tool to prevent sign-stealing, but now it’s unlocking new levels of player performance data—tracking pitch accuracy, command, and strategy in real time. From sports to manufacturing to education, those who understand and leverage real-time data insights will lead the future.Resources in this Episode:To learn more about PitchCom's technology, visit: pitchcom.comWe want to hear from you! Send us a text message.Instagram - Facebook - YouTube - TikTok - Twitter - LinkedIn

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