Episodes

  • S5.E5. The Leadership Leap: Letting Go of the Individual Contributor Identity
    May 15 2025

    In this special collaboration between WISEcast and the ⁠American Chemical Society Greater Houston Section (ACS-GHS)⁠, Dr. Richa Chandra has a long-anticipated conversation with Dr. Beth Lorsbach, Global Head of Innovation and Development at Nufarm and National ACS Leader.

    Beth joins us ahead of her upcoming seminar, “The Chemistry of Bourbon,” taking place on National Bourbon Day, Saturday, June 14, as part of the ACS-GHS Summer Social at LIV Bar in Downtown Houston.


    🔗 ⁠Purchase Tickets Here⁠ (Early Bird Registration Deadline is Tomorrow!)


    With more than 20 years at Dow AgroSciences and Corteva, Beth has helped shape the future of crop protection R&D and now leads global innovation strategy at Nufarm. She brings deep insights into both science and leadership, and in this episode, she opens up about:

    🧪 Transitioning from an individual contributor to a strategic leader

    🌿 Redefining value when you're no longer “hands-on”

    🗣 Finding a leadership voice through pivotal and often difficult moments

    ⚖️ Managing expectations and letting go of the “doer” identity

    🥃 A sneak peek into her scientific curiosity behind the chemistry of bourbon

    🎧 Tune in for practical wisdom, candid stories, and a preview of one of the most anticipated event of the summer!

    📬 Have questions for Beth before the seminar? Email us at ⁠acs-ghs@acs-ghs.org⁠


    💡 Support WISEcast with a donation via ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠⁠⁠
    🎓 Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and see how our young scientist protégés are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids!
    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ You can connect with us on: Instagram, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by email at ⁠thewisestwomen@gmail.com⁠.

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    35 mins
  • S5.E4. Finding Confidence as a Woman in STEM
    Mar 13 2025

    In this episode of WISEcast, host Dr. Richa Chandra is flying solo while Dr. Amber Miller is off on an exciting journey—welcoming her second baby! But the show must go on, and in this episode, WISEcast is thrilled to collaborate with the American Chemical Society Greater Houston Section (ACS-GHS) to bring you a special conversation with Dr. Yegin, a Research Engineer and Sustainability Expert.

    Dr. Yegin offers a preview of her upcoming seminar on Food Waste and Sustainability (register to attend In Person or Virtually) while also diving into something just as crucial: building confidence as a woman in STEM. From navigating imposter syndrome to advocating for herself in an industrial research career, Dr. Yegin shares pivotal moments that shaped her journey.

    Listen in as we discuss:
    🔬 What confidence means in STEM and how to cultivate it
    🌍 The challenges and rewards of working in industrial research
    💡 Key insights for students and early-career scientists
    ♻️ Why food waste is a critical issue—and how research is shaping solutions
    👩‍🔬 Advice for women battling self-doubt and imposter syndrome

    Confidence doesn’t happen overnight, but it can be built—and Dr. Yegin’s story is proof of that. Email ACS-GHS with questions you have for Dr. Yegin that she can answer at her upcoming seminar!

    📢 Support WISEcast with a donation → ⁠⁠⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠⁠⁠

    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠⁠⁠ Checkout ⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ and see how our young scientist protégés are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: Instagram, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by email at thewisestwomen@gmail.com.

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    30 mins
  • S5.E3: From the Courtroom to the Lab: Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s Legacy
    Nov 21 2024

    In this thought-provoking episode, we take a deep dive into the 2018 film On the Basis of Sex, exploring Ruth Bader Ginsburg's early career and her fight against gender-based discrimination. We reflect on how RBG’s persistence and strategic legal battles resonate with the challenges women face in STEM fields. Spoiler Alert! We discuss pivotal scenes, such as the groundbreaking Moritz case, and RBG's unwavering resolve to change the world, drawing parallels to our own efforts to break barriers in science and education. This episode also highlights the importance of allies, both personal and professional, and examines how Ginsburg’s legacy inspires systemic change across industries. Tune in for a compelling discussion about persistence, advocacy, and the ongoing journey toward equality in STEM and beyond!

    Support WISEcast with some monthly ⁠⁠⁠listener support⁠⁠⁠ or make a one-time donation → ⁠⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠⁠

    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠⁠⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠⁠ Checkout ⁠⁠⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ and see how our young scientist protégés are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: Instagram, ⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠, Twitter, ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠ or by email at thewisestwomen@gmail.com.


    Resources & Notes:

    • https://www.equalrightsamendment.org/

    • https://nypost.com/2024/03/06/lifestyle/women-do-6-4k-more-of-unpaid-housework-than-men-per-year-study/



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    57 mins
  • S5. E2: Ask, and I Shall Prioritize: Counteracting External Demands with Personal Success
    Oct 24 2024

    In this episode, we explore the universal challenge of balancing external demands with personal needs. We discuss the pressures of perfectionism, the emotional weight of saying "no," and strategies for prioritization, including the Eisenhower Matrix. With insights on setting boundaries and the importance of delegation, we offer practical tips for managing time and energy, ultimately encouraging listeners to redefine productivity and focus on what truly matters. Tune in for a thought-provoking conversation that will help you embrace the art of prioritizing yourself!


    Support WISEcast with some monthly ⁠⁠listener support⁠⁠ or make a one-time donation → ⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠


    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠ Checkout ⁠⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠⁠ and see how our young scientist protégés are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: Instagram, ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠, Twitter, ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠,⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠ or by email at thewisestwomen@gmail.com.

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    1 hr
  • S5.E1: Rizz and Results: Why Charisma Still Counts
    Oct 3 2024

    Welcome back to Season 5 of WISEcast! In this exciting premiere, we explore the cultural phenomenon of "rizz," a term derived from charisma, and its significance in the workplace. We discuss how rizz and genuine likeability can unlock career opportunities and enhance collaboration. We also highlight practical tips for boosting these traits, including authenticity, active listening, and positive energy. Join us as we dive into how cultivating "rizz" can elevate your professional presence and contribute to long-term job security!

    Support WISEcast with some monthly ⁠listener support⁠ or make a one-time donation → ⁠Paypal⁠

    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠ Checkout ⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠ and see how our young scientist protégés are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: Instagram, ⁠Facebook⁠, Twitter, ⁠YouTube⁠,⁠ LinkedIn⁠ or by email at thewisestwomen@gmail.com.

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    41 mins
  • S4.E15. Leaning In and Letting Go
    Jun 6 2024

    In our last episode for Season 4, we explore the balancing act between "leaning in" and "letting go." Are they allies or adversaries? We dissect the importance of whether visibility and recognition should guide what we lean into and let go of, and confront attachment issues that may hinder our progress. Plus, we weigh the viability of walking out of your job, as a Forbes article suggests. Join us and our special guest, Manali Yavatkar, for this discussion on navigating career and life choices.


    Manali Yavatkar is the founder & CEO of Palm Bin which is committed to delivering a solution to reduce the 93 billion pounds of food waste that are sent to landfills from our homes each year, where it produces 20 billion pounds of methane. Armed with a passion for sustainability and a technical background, Manali has set her sights on solving the unpleasant side effects of home composting. Manali is a graduate of Columbia University with a B.S. in Biomedical Engineering, but has been a green advocate since youth when she was inspired by the film “An Inconvenient Truth.” Prior to inventing the Palm Bin, Manali served in data scientist and machine learning engineering roles at a Bay Area healthcare startup. She switched her focus, however, when she began to upcycle food waste during the pandemic. Manali bought a countertop bin, but when that began to smell within a day, attracted fruit flies, and required constant cleaning, Manali realized there had to be a better way. Through her research, she found many people keep food scraps in the refrigerator. The lightbulb went off and the end result is Palm Bin, a smart mini-fridge for compost collection.


    Support WISEcast with some monthly listener support or make a one-time donation → Paypal

    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the 60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot! Checkout The Wisest Children on YouTube and see how our young scientist protégés are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn or by email at thewisestwomen@gmail.com.

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    27 mins
  • S4.E14. High Key, Are You Asking for Too Much?
    May 9 2024

    Are we, high key, asking for too much in today's work environment? We tackle the hot-button issue of work-life balance and its impact on hiring trends. We explore the rise of remote work and the need for flexibility – on both sides of the desk. Join us as we unpack how a multigenerational workforce and a shifting job market for women are shaking up hiring decisions. Are Gen Z's expectations unrealistic, or is it time for a workplace revolution? Get ready for a thought-provoking conversation that will challenge your perspective on asking for what you deserve in today's work landscape.

    Support WISEcast with some monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠listener support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or make a one-time donation →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠

    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and see how our young scientist proteges are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by email at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ thewisestwomen@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.


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    37 mins
  • S4.E13. Feeling out of place? Defying 'you Don't Belong' Messaging
    Apr 25 2024

    Ever felt like science wasn't meant for you? Or wondered if your style could affect your credibility in STEM? In this episode we explore how our sense of belonging in science has evolved over time. We discuss battling societal expectations and confronting stereotypes like being 'too pretty' for the lab. Tune in to be empowered and equipped to push back against the 'you don't belong' narrative.

    Support WISEcast with some monthly ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠listener support⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or make a one-time donation →⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paypal⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.⁠

    WISEcast is featured as one of the top podcasts from the ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠60 Best Women in STEM Podcasts by Feedspot!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠The Wisest Children on YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and see how our young scientist proteges are making science accessible and fun through some STEM activities for kids! You can connect with us on: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠,⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ or by email at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ thewisestwomen@gmail.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

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    35 mins