Rogue Chemist

Heather Smith is a data scientist and AI engineer who has led AI and machine learning initiatives at major companies including T-Mobile, Porsche, and Moody’s. This episode dives deeper into AI ethics and using AI to build a better future. If you missed part 1 of the conversation, listen here. Thanks for reading Rogue Chemist! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennaflogeras.substack.com

Heather Smith is a data scientist and strategist with diverse industry experience in engineering artificial intelligence (AI). She’s spearheaded and scaled data science and AI/machine learning (ML) teams for T-Mobile, Porsche Cars North America, Moody’s Ratings, and several Fortune 500 companies, and currently advises on AI adoption and AI/ML product management at the portfolio level. She helps organizations make tactical investments in AI, data, and engineering talent. We talk about AI ethics and using AI to build a better future. Thanks for listening! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennaflogeras.substack.com

Erika Nesvold is a PhD astrophysicist, science communicator, and game developer. Her limited podcast series, Making New Worlds, and two books, Ethical Questions and Quandaries for Living in Outer Space and Reclaiming Space: Progressive and Multicultural Visions of Space Exploration, explore the ethics of human settlement in space. She’s also a co-founder of the nonprofit organization The JustSpace Alliance. You can read/subscribe to her free newsletter here. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jennaflogeras.substack.com

Based in Sweden, Fredrik is an engineer and co-founder of Drupps, Direct Carbon, Sally-R, and Airwatergreen. These sustainable tech companies are focused on improving indoor air quality and harvesting carbon dioxide and water from the air to mitigate climate change and water scarcity. Find out more: https://drupps.com, https://direct-carbon.com, https://sally-r.com, and https://airwatergreen.com

Thép is a retired colonel who served for 42 years in the People’s Army of Vietnam. Personally affected by Agent Orange, a potent herbicide sprayed during the Vietnam War, he now helps victims in his community in Hanoi. The interview is conducted in a mixture of Vietnamese and English. English transcript available here: https://www.roguechemistblog.com/post/rogue-chemist-podcast-season-2-episode-1-nguyễn-ánh-thép

Jess is a health coach, astrologer, and former chemist based in Fredericton, New Brunswick, Canada. We talk about her transition from hard science into the more esoteric realm and her holistic approach to health and wellness. To get in touch with Jess, visit https://jessmcconaghy.com

Don is an investigative journalist based in Cape Town, South Africa. We talk about travel, Apartheid, and his efforts to help steer youth away from gang life. Read his latest articles for the Daily Maverick: https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/author/donpinnock/

Olimjon is a Tajik English teacher based in Dushanbe. We talk about some of the geographical, historical, and cultural aspects of Tajikistan, one of the more mysterious countries in Central Asia. Instagram: _jseng

Matthew is a former United States Marine who’s been voluntarily helping to defend Ukraine since 2022, near the beginning of Russia’s invasion. He talks candidly about the harsh reality on the front lines and emphasizes the urgent need for American aid. To donate: https://givebutter.com/E2qGPX. Watch Matthew’s recent interview with The Gaze: https://youtu.be/X9t34G_WiXs?si=xP8S_GYHiAYcVede

Leticia is an investigative journalist and photographer based in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. To read her compelling stories and view her captivating photos, visit https://lenstravellermagazine.com and lens.traveller (Instagram).

Zhaina is a program coordinator for the conservation organization Fauna & Flora in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. She talks about the country’s wildlife and efforts to conserve it, Kyrgyz culture, and tourism. Connect with Zhaina on Instagram: zhaina_bekenova. To learn more about the NGO or donate: https://www.fauna-flora.org/countries/kyrgyzstan/

Samra is a tour guide based in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina. She talks about this fascinating city and its recent history, including the Siege of Sarajevo, a reality of her childhood. To contact Samra, visit https://sarajevobylocals.com

Milton Schorr is a South African actor and award-winning novelist. We chat about acting, storytelling, South Africa, hitchhiking, martial arts, and life lessons. Find him on Instagram @milton.schorr and www.miltonschorr.com.

Tanner is a Canadian mixed martial artist based in Edmonton, Alberta. We talked about fighting in the UFC and abroad, hypothetical animal battles, and Sasquatch.

Mustafa is an architect, photographer, backpacker, and guide based in Erbil, Iraqi Kurdistan. We discuss Kurdish culture, common misconceptions about Iraq, and how to break these stereotypes. Follow him on Instagram: @mustafa_khursheed_

Chien is a wildlife photographer, conservationist, and ecologist based in Kuching in the Malaysian state of Sarawak (Borneo). To view his incredible portfolio, check out www.chienclee.com or his Instagram page (chienleephotography). Conservation organizations mentioned in the interview: https://borneoproject.org, https://saverivers.org, and https://www.planetindonesia.org

Lucian is the co-owner of A Chef’s Tour, a top-rated Bangkok street-food tour. We discuss his travel style, the importance of street-food vendors, and how food defines a place’s identity.

Teresa, an accomplished Swedish fighter, has been on the Muay Thai scene in Thailand since 2008. She’s also the co-owner of Sedthee Fight Club in Chiang Mai.

Fast-forwarding to the present, I share my thoughts on my recent Muay Thai fight in Thailand and my training experience leading up to it.

Serendipity and an unlikely friendship paved the very long way from Lahore to the Karakoram in northern Pakistan.