- 14
- Episodes
- 1
- Ratings
- 2023
- First episode
About The B-Xcellent Podcast
The B-Xcellent Podcasts explores the academic journey of various black professionals, providing insight into their selected path to success. Join us on our as we explore the academic roads to B-Xcellent.
- Publisher
- Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith
- Category
- education · science
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 31 Mar 2023
- Latest episode
- 4 Dec 2025
Latest episodes
14 episodes in the feed.
4 Dec 2025
The New Skill Imperative: Why AI Literacy Is Non-Negotiable
The New Skill Imperative: Why AI Literacy Is Non-NegotiableDr. Brandon Harrison-Smith speaks with Dr. Kofi Nyarko, a professor at Morgan State University and the founding director of the Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS). Together, they discuss the fundamentals of artificial intelligence, what it means for our daily lives, and why equity is a critical part of its development. The conversation covers how AI is changing education and the workforce for everyone. Dr. Harrison-Smith and Dr. Nyarko explore the practical definition of artificial intelligence and its relationship to machine learning. Dr. Nyarko explains that AI systems are designed to mimic human thinking, and machine learning is one popular method used to achieve this. They also discuss the importance of using AI responsibly, highlighting the differences between predictive and generative AI. The conversation examines the risks of "hallucination" in AI models and how users can apply critical thinking to evaluate AI-generated content. Finally, they address the future of AI in education and the skills needed to adapt to a changing job market. Episode Highlights:Defining artificial intelligence and its relationship to machine learning.Understanding the key difference between AI's ability to mimic human thought and true intelligence.Breaking down the two main types of AI, predictive and generative, and the risks of "hallucination" in models.Why AI must be developed and tested responsibly to ensure fairness and minimize harm.The necessity of using critical thinking to evaluate AI outputs and avoid misinformation.How AI is transforming the classroom, presenting both challenges for faculty and new opportunities for learning.How AI will reshape industries and create a significant advantage for those who learn to use it effectively.An overview of the efforts at CEAMLS to address bias and build more equitable AI systems. Key Takeaways:"I think most people should just understand that AI at its core is just a system mimicking human thinking and human reasoning.""I like to use the term responsible AI... we like to use it responsibly. So we like to train responsibly, we like to put it in practice responsibly, and also to continue to test and evaluate.""Be a critical thinker. Don't always just take what comes out and just run with it.""I like to use AI to help me do some of the mundane things that's kind of difficult to do. For example, craft quizzes.""AI gives you such a leg up that you would be at a great disadvantage if you don't figure how to use it responsibly in what you do.""AI to me is going to be the same thing. We don't really know what's going to open up... But it's going to open up so many new opportunities that if you do not engage now, most likely you will be disadvantaged in the future.""Don't be afraid of AI taking your job... Be afraid of the person who uses AI well to come take your job." Links:B-Xcellent Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@b-xcellentpodcastDr. Kofi Nyarko: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kofinyarko/Center for Equitable Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Systems (CEAMLS): https://www.instagram.com/centerforequitableai/
13 Nov 2025
Living Your Epic Life with Dr. Luciano Castillo
Dr. Castillo returns to the podcast today, not to discuss his groundbreaking research, but to delve into his new book, Building Your Epic Life: Your Journey, Your Way, Your Masterpiece, and explore the philosophy behind it. Offering listeners a blend of personal stories and practical advice, he shares his insights on transforming values and dreams into a tangible blueprint for a fulfilling life. Throughout the episode, Dr. Castillo conducts an exploration of the profound themes of resilience, mentorship, and intentional life design. He opens up about his personal struggles and how they inspired him to write a book focused on helping others navigate their own challenges, emphasizing the importance of viewing failures as learning opportunities. Highlighting the power of having a strong support system of mentors and role models, the discussion also covers practical strategies for creating a roadmap for your life, complete with actionable exercises to help you define your purpose and stay on track. This episode is truly overflowing with wisdom for anyone ready to build their own epic life. Episode Highlights:00:00 - Introduction to Dr. Luciano Castillo and his new book02:07 - The personal struggles that inspired "Building Your Epic Life"05:15 - Developing a resilient mindset to overcome obstacles07:27 - Embracing failure as a key to resilience and success19:13 - The importance of mentors and role models for growth29:00 - Designing a "life blueprint" based on your values37:00 - Using the book's exercises for actionable steps40:14 - The five pillars of a well-rounded life42:25 - What's next for Dr. Castillo and the book's message47:47 - Who the book is for and where to find it Key Takeaways:"As big as you could see somebody is, behind that, there's a lot of failures.""I'm always asking, even in any experience... what is the lesson behind that?""When we're talking about the struggle, I mean, it is real. We all have a real struggle.""Failure, if you learn and you keep at it, could be the biggest lesson for you.""You have to adapt.""You want people that you could resonate with, that you could connect with. And you don't even have to have the same religious view or political views.""A leader is there to serve others. It’s not about glorifying themselves.""When you know where you're going, there's something different about you." Links:B-Xcellent Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@b-xcellentpodcastBuilding Your Epic Life: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/building-your-epic-life-luciano-castillo/1147940980
2 Oct 2025
B-Xcellent Is Back!
Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith broadcasts from the podcast's new home at Morgan State University with a major announcement: the "B-Xcellent" vision is expanding into "DARE to STEM," a new movement designed to empower future STEM leaders. This initiative moves beyond the podcast to foster community, discovery, and hands-on engagement, transforming the platform into a comprehensive resource for students and professionals in the STEM fields. Born from community feedback, "DARE to STEM" is built on four pillars: Discover, Achieve, Reach, and Empower. The initiative relaunches the "Step into STEM" hands-on science event and introduces a library of career resources for navigating internships, grad school, and the workforce. As you will hear, the podcast's core mission of amplifying authentic voices in STEM remains central, providing strategies and stories to inspire excellence. Episode Highlights: The podcast moves to its new home at Morgan State University. The "B-Xcellent" brand expands into the "DARE to STEM" movement. DARE stands for Discover, Achieve, Reach, and Empower. The podcast continues with a new season featuring diverse industry voices. "Step into STEM," a hands-on community science event, is relaunched. New career resources will guide students through internships and beyond. The core mission remains: helping you be excellent in STEM.
13 Dec 2024
Imposter Syndrome
Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith shares his insights on imposter syndrome, offering strategies to recognize, understand, and combat self-doubt, empowering listeners to unlock their full potential.
6 Dec 2024
Freshman Year Advice: What I Wish I Knew Before College
Dr. Brandon Harrison-Smith, Jada Andrews, and Brooke Sanders share their experiences and insights on navigating college life, from academic preparation to self-discovery and career exploration.
4 Apr 2024
Navigating New Beginnings in Academia
Embarking on a journey in higher education can be as daunting as it is exciting. To help ease this transition, I'm excited to share our latest episode from the B-Xcellent 7 Tip series: "Navigating New Beginnings in Academia." This episode is dedicated to students stepping into the world of higher education and aims to equip them with essential strategies for success. From creating a productive environment and setting SMART goals to staying organized, we've compiled seven key tips that are crucial for navigating this new chapter. Whether you're a freshman or returning to academia after a break, these insights are designed to help you build a solid foundation for your educational journey. Here’s what you can expect to learn: - Crafting Your Success Space - SMART Goal Setting: What It Is and How to Do It - Organizational Strategies for Academic Excellence …and more. We believe that success in academia is not just about hard work; it's about working smart and creating a supportive ecosystem for your studies. So, if you or someone you know is about to start their academic journey, this episode is a must-listen. 🎧 Tune in to "Navigating New Beginnings in Academia" and start your educational journey on the right foot.
14 Mar 2024
Season 1 Highlights and Horizon
Welcome back to the B-Xcellent STEM Talk series! In this special episode, 'Reflect & Advance: Season 1 Highlights & Season 2 Preview,' we journey back through the inaugural season to spotlight our top 7 sound bites. Each moment is a testament to the challenges and triumphs within the STEM community, particularly focusing on underrepresented voices. We'll reflect on the lessons learned, the stories shared, and the community we've built together. But we won't just look back – we'll also share exciting plans for Season 2, promising more in-depth discussions, innovative perspectives, and continued commitment to STEM equity. This episode is perfect for long-time fans seeking to relive the best moments and newcomers eager to discover what B-Xcellent STEM Talk is all about. Join us as we recap, reflect, and set the stage for an even more inspiring Season 2. Your journey towards understanding and impacting the STEM landscape continues here.
19 Dec 2023
Innovating for Impact - Engineering Solutions to Social Challenges
🚀 Meet the engineer who’s not just solving equations but societal equations too, on this week’s episode of The B-Xcellent Podcast! Our guest, a driven PhD student from Purdue University, is at the cutting-edge of mechanical engineering, where fluid mechanics and flow control meet future-focused aviation innovation. 🛫. From India to Purdue, her journey is a blueprint for precision, efficiency, and social consciousness in engineering. She's applying her mastery of noise reduction and energy conservation to pave the way for quieter skies and a cleaner world. In our conversation, we uncover the riveting process of turning complex design challenges into tangible, socially responsible engineering solutions. Discover how her statistical acumen and product development skills are not just advancing aviation but are also addressing pressing social challenges like migration and gender inclusion in STEM. 🌍 Her story is a powerful narrative that interweaves the robust technicalities of engineering with the delicate fabric of societal needs, exemplifying how innovative minds are crucial to engineering a better world for all. 🔊 Join us for an inspiring dialogue that captures the essence of engineering with purpose.
13 Oct 2023
Engineering Success: Dr. Brandon Pitts Secrets to Thriving in Human Factors, Automation, and Beyond
Our guest, Dr. Brandon Pitts, is a renowned expert in the fields of human factors, cognitive ergonomics, human-automation interaction, adaptive interface design, and the exciting realms of autonomous driving and aviation. Through engaging discussions and personal anecdotes, Dr. Pitts shares his incredible journey and success in these multifaceted domains. Tune in to gain unique insights from a true trailblazer in the world of technology and human-centered engineering.
2 Oct 2023
”STEM, Climate, and Excellence: A Journey Through Turbulence and Academic Curiosity”
In this episode, we take a journey down memory lane with Dr. Luciano Castillo, an Endowed Chair in the Mechanical Engineering Department at Purdue University. We discuss topics such as staying academically curious and addressing issues of Climate Change. So get fired up and let’s learn together what it takes to B-Xcellent!
9 Jun 2023
Chemistry of Community
Join us as we discuss with PhD Candidate Sopuruchukwu Ezenwa the importance of having/finding a community for academic success.
19 May 2023
A CATALYST FOR CHANGE Ep 03
Today we talk to Bereket Bekele as he discusses his experience as an international student and Ph.D. student in Chemical Engineering at Purdue University. Join us as we also discuss the catalyst for change for improving the STEM field through Diversity.
16 May 2023
Engineering our Future
Today we talk to Dr. Green as we discover how went from growing tadpoles as a kid to a professor who explores the origami of DNA for different therapeutic applications.
31 Mar 2023
ROCK[ET] STAR
In this episode, we meet at the intersection of imposter syndrome and navigating STEM. Dr. McClain discusses her journey from a young STEM scholar to an Assistant Professor in the Mechanical Engineering at Purdue University. Lets B-Xcellent.
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- 1 ratings
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