“Gears of Progress”: Why We Need More Science-Focused Podcasts

I start every episode with the same words: Welcome to “Gears of Progress,” a perfect place to learn about research in rehab engineering and assistive tech. When I was starting this endeavor of mine, I wanted it to be just that – a useful resource for anyone interested in learning more about the exciting things that go on in the fields of rehabilitation engineering and assistive technology (RE/AT). And I truly hope it fulfills its purpose.

Podcasts have been filling my life since I became a mother. All of a sudden, I had all of this time on my hands when I wasn’t necessarily busy, yet not truly free. Being an academic researcher, I felt uneasy during the long walks during baby’s naptimes, when I felt like I wasn’t doing anything productive, yet had nothing else to do except keep those two feet walking and the four wheels rolling. Listening to podcasts became a solution to appease my workaholic self – I felt like I was able to learn while still performing the silent duty of motherhood.

Like many other BOOM listeners, I laughed, I learned, I geeked out. After years of COVID- and maternity-related isolation, listening to their episodes felt like being back in the lab – the research home I’d missed for many years. The joy of listening to others talk about something that has excited me for years, the familiar names guest speakers would mention here and there – it all brought me back to the reasons I’ve loved academic research. It was right around the time when I was hitting rock bottom with my PhD journey, like so many of us, so it gave me a new breath of life, a spark to ignite the long-dormant passion.

And I remembered how much I missed talking about science. Looking back to the first years of being in a research lab, I realize now what hooked me onto this academic path – the thing that got me all the way through my PhD and now postdoc. It’s those mid-lunch discussions on the latest workaround for someone’s project, the yearly conferences to catch up on everyone’s work, the break-room debates – all the wonderful ways of, what I learned to be, science communication.

Science communication is thrilling, horizon-broadening, and, as I learned later in life, essential not only for the research community but humanity as a whole. Science communication can help address urgent public issues, educate policy makers, inspire the next generation and local communities, and be the driver of change.

Having enjoyed the work done by Drs. O’Day and Boswell with the BOOM podcast, I wanted to make my own contribution to the communication of science related to the fields of my expertise and interests. My fascination with RE/AT  began long before the idea of a podcast ever crossed my mind. The most captivating part that still keeps me going through the ups-and-downs of academic research has been its potential to transform lives that have been overlooked for centuries through the power of engineering. Unfortunately, the health and wellbeing of people with disabilities has not been a focus of most of the recent innovations, but I am a strong believer that we have the power to tip the scales.

Having witnessed firsthand the profound impact that innovative technologies can have on individuals with disabilities gave me a reason to amplify their stories and share groundbreaking research with a broader audience and communicate science in a way that is both engaging and, most importantly, accessible.

Being a natural talker and questioner, hosting a podcast felt like an appropriate media for communicating the science of accessibility and assistive technology. While there are countless podcasts covering various topics, I noticed a gap in the podcasting landscape when it came to those niche fields. There was a lack of dedicated platforms specifically tailored to exploring the latest advancements, emerging trends, and real-world applications within RE/AT. Recognizing this gap presented an opportunity – a chance to fill the void and create a platform where experts, researchers, practitioners, and individuals with disabilities could engage in meaningful discussions and bring forth their experiences, knowledge, and backgrounds.

One of the primary goals of “Gears of Progress” is to empower and educate listeners. By featuring interviews with innovators, end-users, organizations, and advocates in the field, I aim to provide invaluable insights, practical knowledge, and thought-provoking discussions. Whether it's exploring the development of cutting-edge technologies, discussing the challenges and opportunities in RE/AT research, or sharing stories of individuals overcoming barriers, each episode is crafted to inform, inspire, and spark curiosity.

The podcast is open to any listener interested in learning about the latest innovations and research in the field as well as learning about the community-, organization-, and company-based efforts to improve accessibility for individuals with disabilities. For research-focused folks, episodes of “Gears of Progress” can be an educational opportunity to learn about various pathways for doing research in RE/AT, which is not limited to becoming faculty at a university. For individuals with disabilities, the podcast can be a great resource about the latest trends in accessibility and assistive technology that they can potentially incorporate in their lives to improve accessibility.

Beyond disseminating information, I envision my podcast as a catalyst for building a vibrant community of like-minded individuals passionate about driving positive change in the world of RE/AT. By fostering connections, encouraging collaboration, and amplifying diverse voices, I hope to create a supportive ecosystem where ideas can flourish, innovations can thrive, and meaningful partnerships can form—all with the ultimate goal of advancing the field and improving the quality of life for individuals with disabilities.

“Gears of Progress” can be found on most of the podcast platforms such as Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Castbox, Amazon Music, and Google Podcasts. Episodes are released bi-weekly on Fridays and feature interviews from researchers, community organizations, end-users, policy makers, and many more. Please consider following and leaving a rating to help the podcast grow. Latest updates on “Gears of Progress” can be found on its Twitter/X page.