Lexicon

Hosted by Interesting Engineering

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Episodes

119

Latest episode

Aug 2026

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About the show

Explore the future of innovation with 'Lexicon by Interesting Engineering' – a captivating podcast that dives into the heart of groundbreaking advancements. Join us for engaging conversations with leading experts in engineering and technology. Each episode of Lexicon unravels the stories of inspiration, the mechanics of breakthroughs, and peeks into what the future holds. Discover the fascinating journey of how today's ideas are shaping tomorrow's world. https://interestingengineering.com/newsletters

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60 recent

August 13, 202642 min

Can iron nitride magnets replace rare earth magnets?

In this episode of Lexicon by Interesting Engineering, Christopher McVadden speaks with Tom Granger of Niron Magnetics about iron nitride magnets, rare earth free permanent magnets, and the future of magnetic materials.They explore how iron nitride could transform electric vehicles, robotics, data centers, defense systems, electric motors, and global magnet supply chains, while reducing dependence on rare earth elements and China.Discover more engineering and technology stories at Interesting Engineering

August 7, 202638 min

Karen Panetta on why engineering education needs a “kick in the pants”

In this episode of Lexicon, we sit down with IEEE Fellow Dr. Karen Panetta, Dean of Graduate Education at Tufts University and co-inventor of the first digital twin. From AI ethics to the soft skills engineers are missing, she argues that engineering education is overdue for a serious overhaul. Why are we still training students to pass exams instead of solving real-world problems? And in an age of generative AI, what does it actually mean to think and design like an engineer? Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

July 29, 202643 min

AI-enhanced, human-led: the modern marketing stack

In this episode of Lexicon, we sit down with Tiffany Nwahiri, founder and CEO of 3rd + Taylor, to unpack how marketing teams can still drive growth when budgets are tight, jobs are shrinking, and AI is changing the rules.Tiffany shares why “pipeline over perfection” matters, how to make your website your best salesperson, and why the winners will be marketers who learn to leverage AI, not fear it. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

July 22, 202625 min

The Hidden Physical Side of AI: Steel, Wires, and Megawatts

In this episode, Diane Watkins, Vice President of New Initiatives & Outreach of the IEEE Power and Energy Society, joins us to unpack how AI-driven data centers are straining power grids, and what it will take to keep the lights on.Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

July 15, 202642 min

From years to weeks: how AI is rewriting materials discovery

In this episode of Lexicon, we sit down with Matlantis application scientist Josh Young to break down how researchers are using AI-powered simulations to screen millions of materials faster, why speed often matters more than perfect accuracy, and where automation still falls short.Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

July 8, 202648 min

From lithium to copper: inside the UK’s e-waste system

In this episode, we sit down with Scott Butler, Executive Director of Material Focus, to explore what really happens to our old electronics, why e-waste is becoming a critical materials and safety issue, and how small changes in design, policy, and behaviour could unlock the hidden value in the tech we throw away.Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

June 30, 202650 min

Ash Parikh: how drone swarms stay connected under jamming

In this episode, we sit down with Ashish Parikh, co-CEO and CTO of Doodle Labs, to explore the hidden physics of wireless connectivity powering drone swarms, autonomous systems, and electronic warfare. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

June 23, 202639 min

Airbus glitch: were high-energy particles from the Sun to blame?

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Lulu Zhao, a NASA-funded space-weather researcher and assistant professor at the University of Michigan, to unpack how solar energetic particles and cosmic rays can flip bits, disrupt aircraft systems, and challenge the future of aviation and spaceflight.If you’ve ever wondered how the Sun can sabotage our machines, then this podcast is for you.Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

June 16, 202623 min

The science behind menopause-related sleep loss

In this episode, we sit down with Lara Smith, founder of LUSOMÉ, to unpack how thermoregulation, menopause, and real-world sleep environments affect sleep quality, drawing on a Harvard-led clinical trial. If you’ve ever wondered why overheating can quietly sabotage your sleep, this podcast is for you. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!

June 8, 202641 min

Here's how smart drones spot danger in our power networks

In this episode, we speak with Buzz Solutions CTO Vikhyat Chaudhry about the quiet revolution happening across the power grid, where drones, sensors, and computer vision are becoming a real-time early-warning system.He walks us through the shift from manual patrols to automated, high-volume thermal inspections, how AI learns to recognise dangerous patterns, and why these tools could be critical as electrification surges and climate-driven extremes push infrastructure to its limits. Also, don’t forget to subscribe to IE+ for premium insights and exclusive content!