Podcast Description:
In this special holiday episode of Where Great Minds Meet, host D.J. Ferguson welcomes acclaimed filmmaker DJ Caruso for an exclusive conversation about his latest Netflix epic, Mary. Known for his dynamic storytelling and cinematic brilliance, Caruso has helmed a range of iconic films, including Disturbia, I Am Number Four, and Eagle Eye. Together, they delve into the creative vision behind Mary, the challenges of bringing this biblical story to life, and its powerful themes of faith and resilience.

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this podcast represent those of the host and guest.

Welcome to Where the Great Minds Meet, the podcast that celebrates interdisciplinary innovation. In this episode, we are thrilled to host Joel Smallbone from the Grammy-winning duo behind for KING & COUNTRY.

Join us as we explore their creative process, the integration of technological advances in their music production, and how their work inspires hope and resilience through its profound messages. Discover the mathematical elegance behind rhythm, the engineering of sound, and their passion for using music as a medium for education and societal impact.

This episode is a compelling conversation about how the arts enrich the STEAM framework, making it a vital part of education and innovation. Subscribe, download, and share to join the conversation and expand your horizons with us!

---- Please note the views of this podcast, reflect those of my guests and I. Also, please consult the relevant state and board-certified professionals for advice or consultation. Once again, thanks again for listening!

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Open Source Music : Aleksey Chistilin from Pixabay

Bridging the Gap Beyond the Textbook: Integrating Flash Cards and Audio for Organic Chemistry

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We are bridging the gap between visual and auditory learning in organic chemistry. By integrating 500 reactions from open-source reaction cards from Educational Reaxy’s Flash App with deep-dive podcast audio, we have created an immersive, multi-sensory tool for mastering named reactions. This project is designed to make complex chemistry concepts more accessible and engaging.Note: This content is for educational purposes only.

Blueprint: Evidence Over "Rearrangements and Vibes" — No “SN1 Rearrangement-like Policies”

Guest: Dr. Oye Owolewa, PharmD

Guest Bio

United Sates Representative Oye Owolewa (D-D.C.) is a dedicated public servant and community advocate committed to uplifting the voices of underserved communities. Elected in 2020 as the U.S. Representative for the District of Columbia, Rep. Owolewa made history as the first Nigerian American elected to Congress. His leadership is rooted in a passion for equity, social justice, and empowering marginalized populations.

Born to Nigerian immigrant parents, Rep. Owolewa grew up in Massachusetts before moving to Washington, D.C., where he earned his Doctorate in Pharmacy from Northeastern University. His background in healthcare has fueled his advocacy for accessible and affordable healthcare, mental health resources, and economic empowerment.

Prior to his role in Congress, Rep. Owolewa actively served his community through various grassroots initiatives. He worked closely with local organizations to provide educational support, mentorship, and resources for D.C. residents. His focus on youth engagement and civic education has inspired young leaders to become active participants in their communities.

In Congress, Rep. Owolewa continues to champion policies that promote racial and economic equity, expand mental health support, and address systemic injustices. He is a strong advocate for D.C. statehood, ensuring that residents of the nation's capital have full representation in Congress. His legislative priorities include economic development, healthcare awareness, and youth empowerment, aiming to create opportunities and resources for all D.C. residents.

With a steadfast commitment to service, Rep. Owolewa remains dedicated to improving the lives of his constituents and building a more inclusive and just society for all.

Episode Summary

What happens when you apply mechanistic thinking—Woodward-level rigor and Percy Julian-level ingenuity—to public policy in Washington, D.C.? In this episode of Blueprint: Inventing the Future, we speak with Dr. Oye Owolewa, PharmD, who is running for DC City Council, exploring how clinical precision and evidence-based reasoning can translate into durable solutions for STEAM education, workforce development, digital equity, mental health, and civic empowerment.

We frame D.C. governance like an organic synthesis problem: stabilize intermediates, control reaction conditions, eliminate “side reactions,” and design for yield—so opportunity is not theoretical, but repeatable.

Music Credit

Music: Reach The Top by Shane Ivers - https://www.silvermansound.com

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In this episode, we combine a wealth of information from pioneers in pharmacology & drug design ( Dr. L. Jungheim ( Former Mentor) & Dr. L.C. Campeau (Associate Vice President, Head of Small Molecule Process R&D at Merck) , bioengineering ( Dr. Robert Langer,Sc.D. - MIT Institute Professor & Co-Founder of Moderna) and designing bioisosteres ( Dr. Kevin Brown, James F. Jackson Professor of Chemistry, IU-Bloomington) ), to present salient and key insights on careers in those areas and advice and skills needed to do well in those fields. Definitely an episode worth listening to!

The order of the interviews:

1. Dr. Robert Langer, Sc.D.

2. Dr. L.C. Campeau, Ph.D.

3. Dr. K. Brown, Ph.D.

4. Dr. L. Jungheim, Ph.D.

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Note: The views on this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I.

The Blueprint: Designing the Future of Surgery - Dr. Cray Noah, MD Returns- 2.0 (UCLA/Harvard/Georgia Tech)

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Innovation isn't accidental; it's designed. Welcome to The Blueprint, a show committed to inventing the future and closing the gap between aspiration and achievement. We deconstruct the mechanics of success in modern science to provide access to the insights that matter most.

On this episode with Dr. Cray and Chadwin Hanna (MD-PhD Student at University of Florida), we sit down again in December 2025, five years after his initial guest appearance with Dr. Cray Noah, a General Surgery Resident at UCLA and an emerging leader at the intersection of engineering and medicine. A graduate of Harvard Medical School and a summa cum laude Biomedical Engineer from Georgia Tech, Cray has a track record of moving technical ideas from concept to clinical practice.

We dive deep into his journey, and have real conversations on wellness, success and the journey of being a surgery resident.

Also, this conversation includes:

The Future of Transplants: His current feasibility study using hematopoietic stem cells to eliminate long-term immunosuppression in liver transplant recipients.

From the GT environment to the operating room, this is a masterclass in navigating—and leading—the next era of discovery.

Definitely an episode worth listening to.

Please note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest and I, and do not constitute medical advice, suggestions, or opinions. We disclaim any loss in any way.

Music is open source.

🎙️ Your Ultimate Holiday Listen: 9+ Hours of Unstoppable Inspiration! 🌟

This Thanksgiving, spice up your holiday with stories that inspire, empower, and leave you in awe. Whether you’re prepping the feast, traveling, or unwinding with loved ones, this 9-hour+ marathon episode is packed with powerful conversations from trailblazers across medicine, academia, engineering, and sports. 🦃✨

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Meet the Inspiring Leaders Featured in This 9-Hour+ Episode:

1. Chancellor Gary May – Chancellor of UC Davis, a visionary in higher education.
2. Provost Raheem Beyah – Georgia Tech, driving innovation and diversity.
3. Dr. Emery Brown, MD, PhD – Anesthesiologist-Statistician at Harvard/MIT/Mass General Hospital, a leader in neuroscience and data science.
4. Chase Griffin – Toigo Fellow, Athlete Creator, and UCLA Quarterback, redefining success on and off the field.
5. Nagela Nukuna – Product Lead at The White House, tackling complex national challenges.
6. Leselle Vincent – Senior Associate at the Center for Public Impact, making a global difference.
7. Sonola Onasanya – ESG Equity Analyst at Net Purpose, advancing ethical investments.
8. Gabriel Galarza – Professional Services Manager at Amplitude, enhancing user engagement through analytics.
9. Kyle Woumn – Engineering Manager at NerdWallet and Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, bridging tech and finance.
10. Ms. Pinder – Vice Principal at Bishop Michael Eldon School, The Bahamas, shaping young minds.
11. Mr. Bourne – Chemistry Teacher at B.M.E.S., inspiring future scientists.
12. Mr. R. Deveaux – Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, The Bahamas, fostering educational growth.
13. Former Ambassador S. Collie – Former Bahamian Ambassador to Washington, DC, a champion of diplomacy.
14. Mr. Isaiah Swann – MD-PhD Student at The University of Virginia, on the path to medical innovation.
15. Dr. Jenaye Burrows, MBBS – Medical Doctor, advancing healthcare in The Bahamas.
16. Chadwin Hanna – MD-PhD Student at The University of Florida, blending medicine and research.
17. Dr. Kuna Fortingo, MD – Medical Resident, dedicated to improving patient care.
18. Dr. Sheena Collie – Chief Medical Officer at Doctors Hospital, The Bahamas, a leader in healthcare transformation.
19. Aaron Levarity – Professional Basketball Player, The Bahamas, inspiring through athletic excellence.

Each of these individuals shares their journey, challenges, and triumphs, creating a tapestry of stories that inspire and empower. 🎧✨

Note: The views of this podcast represent those of my guest(s) and I, and do not constitute medical or professional advice, suggestions or consultation. Please see the respective board and state certified healthcare professionals.

From GaTech Students to Young Leaders in Tech: A Combined Interview with former colleagues: Omar Sharifali (Senior Software Engineer, Meta) and Malcolm Danmola (Senior Product Manager, Amazon)

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In this re-aired interview we discuss with two colleagues, Omar and Malcom their career trajectory and story to developing from a student to a young leader in Tech. This interview is definitely worth listening to and learning from.

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Please note the views of this podcast represent those of my guest and I, and do not constitute medical or professional advice. We disclaim any loss in any way.