June 5, 2018, 17:31

Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss the importance of accurately estimating time and budget as a practicing engineer. Brian frequently makes estimates as

December 18, 2017, 12:10

We catch up with Sam Feller (who previously joined us in Episode 70), discussing his interests, projects, and latest entrepreneurial ventures. Having left

December 4, 2017, 00:07

In an episode that was recorded in early October, Adam, Carmen, and Jeff reflect on their summer activities, and on plans for the remaining months of 2017.

September 27, 2017, 14:07

Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff consider the boundaries of one's own competence in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Competencies seem to be driven by

August 14, 2017, 00:18

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, the gang discusses tailoring a presentation to meet the needs and interests of your intended audience. Adam's fa

July 25, 2017, 20:42

Adam, Carmen and Jeff discuss how engineering might change by the year 2040 in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Adam hopes to move a little higher i

June 27, 2017, 00:07

This episode finds the gang discussing engineering projects that went awry, but did not result in the loss of human life. While map makers include trap stre

June 5, 2017, 13:34

We discuss the case of an Oregon man fined for "practicing engineering without a license" in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Both Jeff and Adam hav

May 22, 2017, 00:10

Chris Gammell returns to The Engineering Commons to discuss how his views on engineering education (and the engineering profession) have evolved over the past f

May 8, 2017, 00:13

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss an electromechanical component commonly used to achieve physical motion; the ubiquitous direct-current (D

April 10, 2017, 11:57

We are joined once more by Dave Goldberg, author of A Whole New Engineer, to discuss the critical engineering skills of noticing, listening, and questioning.

March 20, 2017, 00:07

Dr. Dave Vandenbout offers up his insights on choosing between academic and industrial careers in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Carmen wastes n

March 6, 2017, 01:15

We talk with iFixit CEO Kyle Wiens about documenting and sharing technical procedures, especially those related to the repair of consumer devices. We start

February 20, 2017, 00:15

Aeronautical engineer Clay Coons joins us to discuss the many applications of diesel engines. Adam's Kubota BX tractor is powered by a 23 HP diesel engine.

February 6, 2017, 00:54

We discuss how the workplace environment influences our productivity in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Jeff is currently sharing an office, so alt

January 23, 2017, 00:07

The gang discusses how one acquires the skills most frequently used by engineering professionals. Brian knows that parliamentary procedures are described in

January 9, 2017, 00:07

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss transitions experienced by Adam, Carmen and Jeff during the past year. Brian participates in our round-ro

December 26, 2016, 16:03

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we answer questions from listener Jared about coping as an engineering student. Carmen informs us that making ac

November 28, 2016, 00:07

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, our intrepid crew discusses planning, leading and attending the dreaded corporate meeting. It seems that Brian e

November 14, 2016, 08:58

This episode of The Engineering Commons finds Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff predicting how virtual and augmented realities might soon be incorporated into daily

October 31, 2016, 09:01

Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss mechanical gears in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Although a mechanical engineer, Jeff isn't much for working on c

October 17, 2016, 00:07

In this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast, we talk with civil engineer Grady Hillhouse, producer of YouTube's Practical Engineering channel. Carmen

September 30, 2016, 01:26

This episode of The Engineering Commons dives into the importance of "soft skills" to engineering professionals. A fictional giant from the 1984 Ghostbuster

September 8, 2016, 03:13

Adam, Brian and Jeff discuss the electrical grid in this episode of The Engineering Commons. The difference engine, conceived of by J. H. Müller in 1786, a

August 21, 2016, 19:57

Carmen and Jeff discuss mechanical bearings in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Carmen has a pretty good sense of his navigational bearing,

August 4, 2016, 11:02

Brian leads our discussion of electric vehicles in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Carmen notes that a single resting electron has a mass o

July 23, 2016, 08:54

Chris Welch joins Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff to talk about the field of chemical engineering. Jeff believes in unicorns, even though he's never seen one!

July 7, 2016, 18:03

The gang discusses opportunities and challenges of dealing with Baby Boomers as they depart the engineering field. Adam is aware of the "retirement cliff,"

June 23, 2016, 06:38

Bronwyn Bell joins Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff to discuss the challenges and responsibilities of an environmental engineer working in the mining sector. C

June 9, 2016, 01:09

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss the activities they enjoy when escaping the workplace for a few days. Brian enjoyed reading Michael Lewis' book "The Bi

May 26, 2016, 00:07

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss theoretical and practical aspects of the design process, as well as the emotional states they experience when engaged in de

May 12, 2016, 00:56

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss an engineer's sense of right and wrong, and why that worldview may conflict with organizational priorities. A recent ar

April 28, 2016, 00:44

This episode of The Engineering Commons finds Adam, Brian and Jeff talking about steel, the most common of engineering metals. Jeff and Brian consider wheth

April 14, 2016, 00:31

Aerospace engineer Eric Becker explains the duties of a flight test engineer, and offers a few insights on dealing with operational risk, in this episode of The

March 31, 2016, 00:07

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff answer questions from Reddit, and discuss a few queries of their own making. Jeff is patiently waiting to be asked to consult f

March 17, 2016, 01:12

Civil engineer Mike O'Connor shares stories of continuously revamping his professional skills to stay afloat during turbulent economic times. Adam sees econ

March 3, 2016, 00:56

Electrical engineer Dave Vandenbout guides us through a survey of programmable logic devices, and offers advice for young engineers wanting to succeed in the wo

February 18, 2016, 00:07

Metallurgical engineer Paul Cantonwine shares insights into the life and career of Admiral H. G. Rickover in this biographical episode of The Engineering Common

February 4, 2016, 00:07

Electrical engineer Bob Schmidt joins Adam, Carmen, Brian and Jeff to talk about the importance of making a good impression, and delivering the intended message

January 21, 2016, 00:07

Founding co-host Chris Gammell returns to The Engineering Commons to talk about the importance of interdisciplinary skills with Adam, Carmen and Jeff. Knowl

January 7, 2016, 01:29

Adam, Brian and Jeff discuss highlights and back stories from episodes of The Engineering Commons podcast released in 2015. Brian started work the Monday af

December 24, 2015, 01:21

Mechanical engineer Jim Heilman returns to The Engineering Commons to cover questions engineers should ask before relocating to advance their careers. Adam

December 10, 2015, 01:59

Adam, Brian, and Jeff discuss where the podcast should venture during its second hundred episodes. Adam claims to be better at long term than short-term p

November 26, 2015, 00:05

This episode of The Engineering Commons finds the gang discussing how engineers are perceived by those outside the engineering field. Jeff accidentally re

November 12, 2015, 00:09

Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss the role of details in engineering projects, and how one goes about evaluating, managing, sharing, and documenting critical minut

October 29, 2015, 00:07

This epiosde of The Engineering Commons finds Adam, Brian, and Jeff discussing what it means to be relevant, and how engineers can increase their relevance on t

October 15, 2015, 00:24

Electrical engineer James Lewis stops by to share his insights on the surprisingly complex world of capacitors. Carmen introduces the show as covering "pa

October 1, 2015, 00:44

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss tools they use for utility and enjoyment at home, where the cost-to-quality evaluation is slightly different than in the wo

September 17, 2015, 01:34

This episode of The Engineering Commons finds the guys discussing the technologies, toys, and tribulations associated with wiring one's home to the internet.

September 3, 2015, 00:39

Adam leads us through some key concepts related to traffic engineering in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Brian has some practical reason

August 20, 2015, 17:27

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss the lessons we learned during our first two or three years of working as engineering professionals.

August 6, 2015, 10:20

With Brian away on vacation, Adam, Carmen, and Jeff address issues and questions found on the "Engineering," "Ask Engineers," and "Ask Electronics" sub-Reddits.

July 23, 2015, 00:07

Mechanical engineer Jack Reid joins Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff to discuss the philosophical aspects of engineering, and to review Samuel Florman's book, "The

July 9, 2015, 00:07

Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss movies and TV shows they find inspiring or entertaining (or maybe just awful) from an engineer's perspective in this episode of

June 25, 2015, 00:35

Adam, Brian, Carmen, and Jeff discuss the values and ideals that often guide engineering decision making, even if these policies are rarely written down or ment

June 11, 2015, 00:16

Chemical engineer Aaron Spearin chats with Jeff and Adam, sharing insights on workflow balance, value stream mapping, and the importance of interdepartmental co

May 28, 2015, 01:12

We talk with aeronautical engineer Patrick Riordan about the challenges of developing and navigating a career road map, Archimedes' lever, and the Star Trek met

May 14, 2015, 00:07

We talk with mechanical engineer Tim Quinn about advances being made in the world of photonics, wave–particle duality, and optical computing in this episode o

April 30, 2015, 01:40

Our conversation with mechanical engineer Jim Heilman delves into exciting advances being made with plastic materials, the types of molding equipment used to ma

April 16, 2015, 02:02

During this episode, we chat with researcher Jonathan Wai about the strong spatial skills exhibited by many engineers. We also discuss why standardized tests do

April 2, 2015, 00:07

This episode centers on tools that we enjoy using, whether engineering-related or not. Jeff is of the opinion that many engineering professors dislike teach

March 19, 2015, 00:01

We discuss the pros and cons of returning to school for an advanced engineering degree in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. After knocking ov

March 5, 2015, 00:19

We chat with software engineer Elecia White about embedded programming, self-driving cars, and why internet appliances must connect to the web more quickly and

February 19, 2015, 00:18

What is your creative style, and when might it be most effective? We talk about creative diversity with electrical engineer Kathryn Jablokow in this episode of

February 5, 2015, 00:09

Mechanical engineer Herb Roberts shares his stories of developing an advanced jet engine for the US military in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast.

January 22, 2015, 00:04

Electrical engineer Bob Schmidt joins the discussion of how engineers convey important concepts without using words. Beyond writing down a few words to remi

January 8, 2015, 02:26

Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff discuss highlights and back stories from episodes of The Engineering Commons podcast that were released in 2014. Carmen and Ada

December 25, 2014, 00:11

Carmen, Adam, and Jeff address a few methods by which engineers can track, organize, and prioritize the tasks for which they are responsible. Jeff admits th

December 11, 2014, 00:38

We talk with electrical engineer Chris Gammell in this episode, discussing design tradeoffs, parametric part searches, and the manner in which design work is be

November 26, 2014, 23:08

In this episode we chat with mechanical engineer Sam Feller about product design, power optimization, and drawing skills. Oh, and we talk about dunking cookies

November 13, 2014, 00:55

We talk with Gary Bertoline about graphics communication, computer-aided design, credentials, and competency-based degree programs in this episode of The Engine

October 30, 2014, 02:10

James Trevelyan speaks with us about the skills and talents of expert engineers, and how those of us who have not yet achieved "expert" status can improve our a

October 23, 2014, 23:26

Electrical engineer John Chidgey joins us in this episode of The Engineering Commons to talk about ladder logic, podcasting, and an engineer's role in making th

October 16, 2014, 00:16

We discuss some of the considerations that go into choosing a threaded fastener in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. It can be more complicated t

October 2, 2014, 01:49

In a lively discussion of how to best prepare today's engineering students for tomorrow's engineering challenges, we talk with Dave Goldberg and Catherine Whitn

September 18, 2014, 16:03

We answer nine questions about the engineering profession, gathered from a quaint little website called Reddit, in this episode of The Engineering Commons. You

September 4, 2014, 15:57

Michael Lachman, who started his career as an aerospace engineer, leads us through the pros and cons of following up an engineering degree with an MBA. Adam

August 21, 2014, 14:53

Electrical engineer Meagan Pollock explains how engineers can be more effective role models. We also learn about promoting equity in the workplace, discover how

August 7, 2014, 14:14

Our conversation with Dr. Janusz Kozinski, Founding Dean of the Lassonde School of Engineering, covers the trials and tribulations of starting a new engineering

July 24, 2014, 13:33

Geological engineer Pamela Rogalski shares her insights about using social license to enact change in organizations and communities during this episode of The E

July 10, 2014, 14:34

We talk with aeronautical engineer Mark French about degrees and careers in Engineering Technology, as well as delving into wind tunnels, guitars, and how to la

June 26, 2014, 14:21

In a completely off-the-cuff discussion, Adam, Brian, Carmen and Jeff wander through subjects including finite state machines, power circuit wiring, and the eco

June 12, 2014, 14:39

In this episode of The Engineering Commons, we discuss engineering skills and duties learned in the workplace, rather than from a textbook. Brian tells youn

May 29, 2014, 14:18

We discuss the legendary engineers of analog electronics with Linear Technology's Todd Nelson. Jeff and Brian discuss how analog computers have been replace

May 15, 2014, 10:29

Aeronautical engineer Clay Coons explains the most common types of engines, and why each type is optimal in certain applications. Antidisestablishmentariani

May 1, 2014, 10:07

Biochemical engineer Kai Zhuang walks us through the evolving relationships between technology and humanity, especially as it relates to engineering education,

April 17, 2014, 10:48

We talk with mechanical engineer, product designer, educator, and executive consultant Craig Sampson about the importance of storytelling in this episode of The

April 1, 2014, 02:08

In this episode we talk about engineering pranks through the years. We seem to have a new focus for this podcast; as we will apparently be talking about "Ta

March 20, 2014, 20:37

In this episode we talk about product development with electrical engineer Dave Young, who is an author, educator, and small business owner. Brian has been

March 6, 2014, 21:41

We talk with systems engineer Mike Parks about the intersection of art and engineering in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Adam finds that h

February 20, 2014, 18:48

In a conversation with electrical engineer Cherish Bauer-Reich, we consider factors that encourage or dissuade women from entering the engineering profession.

February 6, 2014, 09:45

We talk with electrical engineer Bob Schmidt about troubleshooting in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Please help us improve the podcas

January 23, 2014, 00:22

Adam leads the group on a discussion of project management in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Please help us improve the podcast by filling out our

January 9, 2014, 22:35

Jeff, Adam, and Carmen discuss the highlights and back stories from last year's episodes of The Engineering Commons podcast. Please help us improve the podc

January 9, 2014, 21:08

After nearly two years of turning out bi-weekly podcasts, we'd really like to know more about our listening audience. Please take a few minutes to fill out the

December 26, 2013, 09:38

We talk with civil engineer, author, and coach Anthony Fasano about steps one can take to ensure a successful engineering career. Although Jeff's engineerin

December 12, 2013, 14:24

In this episode, we consider how engineers deal with ambiguity, uncertainty, and risk. Carmen would be willing to take a 50/50 shot at 01 tomorrow over a

November 28, 2013, 10:39

We talk about context and learning with Chris Gammell, founder of the Contextual Electronics series of instructional videos. Adam's favorite lab course in s

November 13, 2013, 19:54

Guest Erica Lee Garcia explains the role of process improvement tools such as Six Sigma, Lean Manufacturing, and Statistical Process Control in this episode of

October 31, 2013, 08:38

Guest Sophi Kravitz helps us understand some of the issues involved with starting a one-person consulting firm. Jeff started out on his own in 1994, but had

October 17, 2013, 00:41

Guest Stefan Jaeger joins us to discuss the portrayal of engineers in literature and mass media. If his work life were a procedural crime drama, Brian's not

October 3, 2013, 00:48

We enjoy a wide-ranging conversation about nuclear power with guest Akira Tokuhiro in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Out at the road const

September 19, 2013, 22:24

We talk with engineer Bill Porter about his work with underwater robots, electronics, and science education. Our guest, Bill Porter, works for the Naval Sur

September 5, 2013, 18:41

Guest David E. Goldberg talks with us about shifting expectations for engineers, and reveals the crucial skills needed by tomorrow's engineering professionals.

August 22, 2013, 22:18

We talk about amateur radio with Alan Wolke, W2AEW, in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Jeff got interested in amateur radio around the age

August 8, 2013, 10:28

We consider engineering as a knowledge network in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Adam relies on his colleagues to help him coordinate his

July 25, 2013, 17:07

This episode discusses similarities between engineers and accountants, and provides a brief overview of accounting terminology. Like most engineers, Brian h

July 11, 2013, 18:49

We consider engineering education from a European perspective in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Our guest for this episode is Sebastian Ahlström,

June 27, 2013, 13:17

In this episode, we discuss working with those from other technical disciplines, and also touch upon the software skills that engineers should possess. Our

June 13, 2013, 22:52

We discuss how crowdfunding might influence the future of scientific research in this episode of The Engineering Commons. Adam is willing to fork over a few

May 30, 2013, 16:53

In this episode we discuss some lessons that our guest, aeronautical engineer Clay Coons, has learned while traveling abroad. Our guest is Clay Coons, an ae

May 16, 2013, 23:23

We discuss how engineers use and develop their intuitive senses. “The intuitive mind is a sacred gift and the rational mind is a faithful servant. We have

May 2, 2013, 10:42

We discuss how to stay sane while dealing with the day-to-day stresses of being an engineer. Besides whatever form of music happens to pass through his head

April 18, 2013, 21:32

In this episode, Adam, Carmen and Jeff talk about engineering skills, and where they are obtained. Adam has used "soft" skills more than "hard" skills thus

April 5, 2013, 10:28

Brian and Jeff talk with Ann McMahon about sharing one's passion for engineering with pre-college students. Brian has experienced the glassy-eyed look of ot

March 21, 2013, 07:58

Jeff talks with his three new co-hosts about what sparked their interests in engineering. Co-host #1 is Adam, a civil engineer who works for a Departm

March 8, 2013, 00:23

Chris and Jeff discuss leadership issues with Jim Stroup, author and management consultant, in this episode of The Engineering Commons podcast. Jeff a

February 14, 2013, 23:25

Chris and Jeff discuss priorities and burnout, and we learn a thing or two about Chris' future plans. Chris isn't sure what he'll be doing in a month,

January 31, 2013, 22:19

Chris and Jeff discuss why engineers are sometimes seen as cold, heartless bastards who refuse to be team players. Oh yeah, and how that might be linked to

January 18, 2013, 16:21

This episode covers a few of the various ways in which time influences the work of engineers. Chris has been busy refactoring electronic schematics; Jef

January 3, 2013, 23:00

Chris and Jeff review the episodes of 2012, and share some of the background stories that didn't make it to the original podcasts. Chris enjoys the lack

December 13, 2012, 21:12

Engineers bring economic benefit to their employers. In this episode, we talk with Professor James Trevelyan about the value of engineers in the workplace.

November 29, 2012, 11:54

In this episode, Chris and Jeff discuss the role of failure in advancing engineering knowledge. All things fail at some point. Engineers advance their

November 15, 2012, 08:03

How are the DIY and engineering communities meshing as prototyping and anlysis tools become more widely available? Chris and Jeff discuss the issue with a w

November 1, 2012, 12:09

Is it possible to accurately perceive the world around us? Are engineers any more or less rational than the general public? Chris and Jeff discuss these iss

October 18, 2012, 10:18

Are engineers born or made? In this episode, Chris and Jeff discuss how engineers acquire their talents. A top-notch engineer is skilled in both the t

October 14, 2012, 21:43

Last week we had our first eChat, where we discussed engineering with some of our viewers. It was a casual discussion, all held on the Google Hangout platform,

October 4, 2012, 11:55

Chris and Jeff talk about how one might go about becoming an engineering "superstar." Neither Jeff or Chris have been particularly successful at figur

October 3, 2012, 00:49

We'll be doing a live Hangout on Google Plus this Thursday evening (10/5/12) at 9:30 pm. Got a question about engineering? Want to ask us about previous episode

September 20, 2012, 08:16

In this episode, Chris and Jeff discuss engineers who find employment on a project-to-project basis, rather than signing on for a full time job. Our g

September 6, 2012, 08:00

What obligations do engineers have to others? Where do the lines of legality, morality, and ethics intersect? Chris and Jeff discuss engineering ethics in t

August 23, 2012, 22:51

It sometimes makes sense to protect one's creative ideas. Chris and Jeff discuss the pros and cons of getting a patent with engineer Dave Gevers. We

August 9, 2012, 16:00

Software is an important component in the toolkit of nearly every engineer. Chris and Jeff talk with Greg Wilson about how engineers and scientists can impr

August 8, 2012, 22:04

We're now 10 episodes in The Engineering Commons. We've talked to many great guests and had some really interesting discussions from a high level. Our hope is t

July 26, 2012, 21:32

In this episode, Chris and Jeff discuss STEM education with two educators/engineers in the field who are working to help kids learn more about engineering a

July 12, 2012, 21:53

In this episode, Chris and Jeff discuss the manner in which social influence affects engineers, how engineers can detect those who seek to exert influence,

June 28, 2012, 21:02

What is it like for an engineer to be "in the zone?" Are there any good techniques for finding such a "flow" in your engineering work? We discuss these issu

June 14, 2012, 22:56

This week we talk to Ian Dees, software engineer at Tektronix focused on mid level software and ways to improve the longevity of electronics that use softwa

May 31, 2012, 20:44

In a discussion with Jim Heilman of Discovery Personnel, a mechanical engineer who left industry after two decades to recruit technical talent in the plasti

May 18, 2012, 23:46

In this episode, we discuss "design thinking," a problem-solving approach that is now applied in business and education, as well as in the creation of new p

May 2, 2012, 23:29

This week on the show, we had some unfortunate audio issues, as Jeff says in the introduction. If you can get past the sound this week, the content is

April 19, 2012, 03:59

This episode we talk about the feedback that engineers receive about their work. How do you deal with feedback and how should it be interpreted? Steve W

April 5, 2012, 02:12

In this episode we discuss jumping off into a new design effort. What do you do when you don't know where to start? We discuss the need for engineers