The Chris Voss Show

Science Nonfiction: Behind the Scenes in University Research by Prof Darren Lipomi

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GYGPWWPF

Every year, the United States spends roughly $60 billion—about 1 percent of the federal budget—on university research. Though this research has far-reaching effects and benefits the public at large, most people are unaware of the inner workings of academic research. Who bears the risk for new discoveries? What role do graduate students play in innovation? What are the shortcomings of academic research, and can the system be fixed?

In Science Nonfiction: Behind the Scenes in University Research, Darren J. Lipomi, PhD, a scientist and educator, offers readers an insider’s perspective of scientific discovery in academia. Drawing on two decades of experience in elite labs and universities, he reveals a system few outsiders ever see. By examining his own career trajectory—from humble beginnings to prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford to academic leadership—Lipomi illustrates the impact that incentives, power, and politics have on knowledge production.

Science Nonfiction captures both the ingenuity and absurdities of life in the lab. With this book, Lipomi hopes to shed light on the often-overlooked human side of scientific research, purporting that while the system is certainly imperfect, there is hope for a better future. Indeed, even with its immense flaws, academic research represents a significant societal investment in the future. As this investment faces greater scrutiny, limitations, and political interference, understanding the utility of academic research becomes more important than ever before.

About the author

Darren J. Lipomi, PhD, is chair and professor of chemical and sustainability engineering at University of Rochester. Lipomi earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry with a minor in physics as a Beckman Scholar at Boston University in 2005, and in 2010, he attained his PhD in chemistry at Harvard University, working alongside Professor George M. Whitesides. His research interests include molecular engineering of electronic and electroactive polymers, particularly the mechanical properties of semiconducting polymers for flexible solar cells, biomechanical sensors, and phenomena that occur at the intersection of materials chemistry with human perception and cognition. He is the recipient of the AFOSR Young Investigator award, the NIH Director’s New Innovator Award, the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), and the NSF BRITE-Pivot award. He hosts a podcast, Molecular Podcasting with Darren Lipomi, which has an associated YouTube channel, Darren_Lipomi. These platforms serve as valuable resources to students, postdocs, and other early-career researchers.

Nutrition and THE BRAIN What school and parents must know by Robert Maker

Robertmakerofficial.com

The first book by Robert Maker is his masterpiece, Nutrition and The Brain: What Schools and Parents Must Know, published in 2026 by Expert Book Publishing. Based on over half a century of personal study of children in the classroom, gym, clinic, and school throughout the United States, the book combines both lived observation and scientific studies to show how nutrition can significantly influence brain health, learning and behavior. The book has a very intimate sense of dedication to his late wife Sandy whose affection, support and unrelenting encouragement kept him going in his life and also in his writing.

Sandy is still in the strength of her marriage of close to thirty years, and Robert Maker is still with her, and her partnership can be seen in every page. Her memory is respected together with families and children with the affected life that came out of avoidable health issues and false information. This is not just a scientific work to Robert, but a mission, a mission of love and responsibility, and the hope of leaving a good legacy to the future generations

The book is also dedicated to the families, teachers, and children, who have been affected by the lack of nutritious food and the presence of food additives in their systems. It emphasizes their bravery and stamina, and delivers an easy to understand and comprehend explanation of the complicated neurological mechanisms to the reader.

RUBY WARRIORS: Saving Arth by Jeya Carmichael

Jeyacarmichaelauthor.com

https://www.amazon.com/RUBY-WARRIORS-Saving-Jeya-Carmichael/dp/B0CNF6XYPX

In their quiet suburban neighborhood, three friends stumble upon an antique ruby amulet and are transported to a parallel Earth teetering on the brink of destruction.

Arth, a world steeped in myth and legend, holds a desperate secret—the return of merciless Marauders, threatening to plunge the realm into darkness. But Arth has a glimmer of hope in its most unlikely heroes: Aurora, Lizzy, and Lance. Prophesied in the sacred Book as the royal children destined to save Arth, they discover that they are the royal grandchildren of the legendary Sophia, a magical guardian who once protected the realm.

As the Ruby Warriors, the children embark upon a perilous quest to fulfill the prophecy and thwart the Marauders’ sinister plans. Their journey takes them through a fantastical world filled with enchanted forests, towering giants, and mythical creatures. Along the way, they must face their deepest fears, including a treacherous forest infested with giant spiders and the foreboding Serpent Mountain.

With bravery, wit, and the newfound magic of their amulet, the Ruby Warriors must send the Marauders hurtling back into the depths of space. But the path to victory is fraught with challenges.

Will Aurora, Lizzy, and Lance fulfill their destiny and save Arth from certain doom?

Join them on this magical journey, where the bonds of friendship are tested, the forces of darkness are confronted, and the legacy of their great ancestor Sophia lives on.

About the author

Greetings! I’m Jeya Carmichael, a retired educator with a passion for nurturing young minds and fostering a love for reading. I have a Master’s Degree in Education., and I have always enjoyed teaching and imparting some of my own cultural journey with my students. I am from Malaysia, a tropical peninsula where my family still resides and I miss them.

I’m so blessed to be a mother, grandmother and a great-grandmother. I enjoy my family and love spending time with them. My husband and I love playing board games and reading aloud to our great-grandchildren.

My husband is retired Air Force, and I am retired from Public School for over 27 years.. We now live in Lower Michigan.

In the summer, my husband loves riding his motorcycle. He’s also a whiz with putting puzzles together and doing his Sudoku.

i love to make quilts and patch different pieces together to make beautiful blocks for quilts. I find this very therapeutic, where I can quietly enjoy piecing and sewing gifts for my family without any pressure.

Christmas Poems by Suzanne W. Guinn

https://www.amazon.com/Christmas-Poems-Suzanne-W-Guinn-ebook/dp/B0GD8VNRSD

Suzannewguinn.com

A small, easy to read set of poems.

These Christmas poems go back as far as 1966, when Suzanne was a Senior in

High School and took a class in Creative Writing, with her favorite

English teacher, Mrs. Agnus Smith.

Get Fit Over 40 with Peter Iacavazzi

Afightingchanceprogram.com

40fitness.com

Iacavazzi.com

About the Guest(s):

Peter Iacavazzi is a renowned two-time Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion, elite performance coach, entrepreneur, and nationally recognized instructor. Raised in Princeton, New Jersey, Peter grew up in a family where excellence was the norm, with his father being a notable NFL athlete. He became a leading figure in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and is now dedicated to helping others build strength, resilience, and purpose. Peter is the force behind 40 Fitness and A Fighting Chance programs, which aim to inspire personal growth and self-defense awareness.

Episode Summary:

In this engaging episode of The Chris Voss Show, host Chris Voss dives deep into a conversation with Peter Iacavazzi, a distinguished Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu World Champion and elite performance coach. Specializing in helping individuals over 40 achieve their fitness goals, Peter discusses the inception and principles behind his initiatives, 40 Fitness and A Fighting Chance. This episode is filled with insights into how individuals, especially those in their middle ages, can reclaim their physical prowess and mental clarity by adopting disciplined workout regimens and strategies that combat challenges related to aging and lifestyle changes.

Throughout the discussion, the focus is placed on transformative lifestyle approaches through tailored fitness programs and the importance of mental discipline. Peter elaborates on the critical role of self-defense for women, emphasizing his highly specialized program, A Fighting Chance, designed to empower women with essential skills. The insight that sets this episode apart is Peter’s unique perspective on combining elite training philosophies used by military operators for everyday individuals, effectively bridging the gap between rigorous athleticism and practical, everyday fitness needs. Listeners can expect to gain knowledge on fitness techniques, the significance of nutrition and hormone check-ups, and motivational anecdotes from Peter’s journey in sports and coaching.

Key Takeaways:

Fitness Programs for 40+: Peter’s 40 Fitness initiative is precisely crafted for individuals over 40 who seek to look, feel, and perform better through personalized training plans.

Women’s Self-Defense: “A Fighting Chance” offers vital self-defense strategies tailored to help women protect themselves in dangerous situations.

Discipline Over Motivation: Success in fitness is less about short-term motivation and more about cultivating long-lasting discipline.

Holistic Health Approach: Emphasizing the importance of nutrition and hormone balance, Peter highlights how testosterone replacement therapy can aid those over 40.

Transformative Coaching: Unique coaching that applies high-level athletic training principles to everyday fitness challenges helps break barriers and overcome personal health plateaus.

Notable Quotes:

“The goal is not to compete against other people. It’s to compete against yourself.”

“Motivation shows up at the gym on January 1st. Discipline shows up on February 1st.”

“What if we tailored [elite military training] down for the 45-year-old soccer mom?”

“If I could spend my whole life teaching that and I can save one woman’s life, then I will have lived a life worth living.”

“We’re trying to make the world a better place by making you a better person in it.”