a7ee2c33-40e0-5d20-b5eb-1c9da7eee5d3Wed, 10 Jun 2026 16:30:00 +0000Captivate.fmDaniel Braconnierhttps://artwork.captivate.fm/9519d57a-02bb-4c48-a969-9f36072bf6c2/Why-THIS-Matters-Graphic.pngDaniel BraconnierDaniel BraconnierThis MIT Learn podcast, hosted by Dr. Daniel Braconnier, covers the intersection of science, policy, and design with the people that know where these topics affect you. Nothing is ever too big to understand, because in more ways than you might think - that something is connected to us. The “Why THIS Matters” podcast explores these somethings, with the people that work to define them. Listen in to learn and think differently about the ways in which science, policy, and design all come together with you. Do you know why this matters? Continue to learn more at: https://learn.mit.edu/https://bit.ly/MITwhythismattersfalseepisodicnopodcastThe Electrical Grid and Beyond with David HsuDr. Daniel Braconnier discusses with Dr. David Hsu about the importance of understanding the electrical grid and its role in the future of energy systems. It explores the complexity of the grid, its historical development, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. This Why THIS Matters episode highlights the inter-dependencies between different energy sources and the need for a coordinated approach to managing the grid. It also addresses common misconceptions about the grid, such as thinking it is a unitary object or separate from other systems. The episode concludes by emphasizing the significance of the grid in the context of climate change and the need for a comprehensive understanding of how the grid is built and how it can be changed to achieve future goals. Why THIS Matters is an MIT Learn Podcast, continue to learn more at: https://learn.mit.edu/

]]>Dr. Daniel Braconnier discusses with Dr. David Hsu about the importance of understanding the electrical grid and its role in the future of energy systems. It explores the complexity of the grid, its historical development, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. This Why THIS Matters episode highlights the inter-dependencies between different energy sources and the need for a coordinated approach to managing the grid. It also addresses common misconceptions about the grid, such as thinking it is a unitary object or separate from other systems. The episode concludes by emphasizing the significance of the grid in the context of climate change and the need for a comprehensive understanding of how the grid is built and how it can be changed to achieve future goals. Why THIS Matters is an MIT Learn Podcast, continue to learn more at: https://learn.mit.edu/

]]>1f23ef72-5d00-4678-a921-c220aa103560Mon, 08 Jun 2026 12:00:00 -040046:31falsefull22Automation in Manufacturing with Ben ArmstrongDr. Daniel Braconnier chats with Dr. Ben Armstrong about the importance of manufacturing in the context of innovation and competitiveness. This conversation highlights the need for a balance between precision and flexibility, emphasizing that while some manufacturing focuses on producing identical products (often referred to as "copy exactly" manufacturing), there is also a need for continuous improvement and adaptability. This discussion includes examples like Tesla's approach to innovation and flexibility in production processes. Why THIS Matters is an MIT Learn Podcast, continue to learn more at: https://learn.mit.edu/

]]>Dr. Daniel Braconnier chats with Dr. Ben Armstrong about the importance of manufacturing in the context of innovation and competitiveness. This conversation highlights the need for a balance between precision and flexibility, emphasizing that while some manufacturing focuses on producing identical products (often referred to as "copy exactly" manufacturing), there is also a need for continuous improvement and adaptability. This discussion includes examples like Tesla's approach to innovation and flexibility in production processes. Why THIS Matters is an MIT Learn Podcast, continue to learn more at: https://learn.mit.edu/

]]>880c9d89-3a53-41b2-a933-da8de968c020Mon, 11 May 2026 17:00:00 -040043:06falsefull11