Episodes

  • From Planning Weddings to Founding BobaTalks with Jeff Nguyen
    Jan 21 2026

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    In this conversation, Jeff shares his journey from struggling in college to becoming a recruiter at Amazon and founding BobaTalks, a nonprofit aimed at mentoring students. He discusses the challenges he faced, the importance of finding one's North Star, and how his experiences shaped his desire to help others. Jeff emphasizes the balance between personal and professional life, and the need for a personal code to navigate career paths. He also reflects on the impact of BobaTalks on his career and offers advice for students navigating their own paths.


    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com

    Email: nick@reroutedpod.com

    Instagram: @rerouted_pod

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rerouted-podcast/


    Jeff's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jvngyn/

    EWB-UIUC Website: ewbuiuc.org


    Keywords

    career advice, mentorship, recruiting, BobaTalks, Amazon, personal development, college struggles, public speaking, online presence, student support


    Takeaways

    Jeff's journey includes struggles in college and early career.

    He transitioned from a tech support role to recruiting at Amazon.

    Finding his North Star involved helping students and giving back.

    BobaTalks was founded to mentor students and provide career advice.

    Navigating conflicts of interest is a challenge for Jeff.

    BobaTalks has significantly impacted his career and perspective.

    Balancing personal life and professional responsibilities is difficult.

    Jeff encourages students to embrace their unique paths and timelines.

    Building a meaningful online presence requires authenticity and consistency.

    It's important to have a personal code to navigate career decisions.


    Sound bites

    "I want to help students feel less lost."

    "I want to help students the most that I can."

    "I want to make LinkedIn feel more accessible."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Jeff's Journey

    02:27 College Experience and Early Career Struggles

    07:13 Transitioning to Recruiting at Amazon

    11:37 Finding His North Star

    14:41 The Birth of BobaTalks

    20:15 Balancing Recruitment and Mentorship

    25:55 Personal Growth Through BobaTalks

    28:14 Managing Time and Energy

    32:16 Navigating Career Changes and Identity

    34:49 The Philosophy Behind Mentorship

    37:48 Future Aspirations and Career Goals

    39:38 Building Communities and Seeking Help

    42:36 Crafting a Meaningful Online Presence

    48:27 Balancing Personal and Professional Life

    59:41 Final Thoughts and Advice for Career Navigation

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    57 mins
  • From Doctor to AI for Healthcare Innovator: Fuyuto Miyake
    Jan 14 2026

    In this conversation, Nicholas Karamanian speaks with Fuyuto Miyake, a resident physician focused on integrating AI into healthcare systems. They discuss Fuyuto's journey from medical school to developing innovative AI tools, his experiences at a hackathon, and the impact of social media on his career. Fuyuto shares insights on managing multiple projects, the importance of policy in healthcare, and his vision for the future of medicine, emphasizing the need for community-centric approaches and sustainable healthcare solutions.


    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com

    Email: nick@reroutedpod.com

    Instagram: @rerouted_pod

    LinkedIn: Rerouted


    Fuyuto LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fuyuto-miyake-md/

    Fuyuto X: https://x.com/FuyutoMiyake?s=20


    Keywords

    AI in healthcare, innovative solutions, medical technology, healthcare systems, career paths, hackathon, social media impact, time management, policy in healthcare, future of medicine


    Takeaways

    Fuyuto Miyake is a resident physician focused on AI in healthcare.

    He believes technology can help fix systemic healthcare issues.

    Curiosity and problem-solving are key to learning programming.

    Participating in hackathons can showcase skills and ideas.

    Social media can significantly enhance professional visibility.

    Networking can lead to unexpected career opportunities.

    Policy is crucial for implementing effective healthcare solutions.

    AI will play a transformative role in future medicine.

    Community-level data can drive healthcare improvements.

    Sustainable healthcare systems require innovative city planning.


    Sound bites

    "AI tools to improve healthcare systems"

    "Triage is very important"

    "My posts reached around 500,000 impressions"


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Fuyuto Miyake

    01:04 Journey into Medicine and AI

    04:31 Hackathon Experience and Triage Application

    06:40 Impact of Social Media and Networking

    10:07 Current Projects and Future Aspirations

    18:28 Policy, AI, and the Future of Medicine

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    27 mins
  • How to Make and Sell a Consumer Product with Abdullah Ikram
    Jan 7 2026

    In this episode, Nicholas Karamanian interviews Abdullah Ikram, a university student and entrepreneur who transformed his personal experience with back pain into a successful business by designing an orthopedic pillow. Abdullah shares his journey from identifying a market need to navigating the complexities of product design, manufacturing, and marketing. He emphasizes the importance of trust in supplier relationships, the challenges of balancing academic responsibilities with entrepreneurial ambitions, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in business. Abdullah also discusses his future aspirations and the potential for market expansion beyond the UAE.
    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com

    Email: nick@reroutedpod.com

    Instagram: @rerouted_pod

    LinkedIn: Rerouted

    Product Link: https://www.amazon.ae/dp/B0C85PYM29?ref_=cm_sw_r_cso_cp_apin_dp_RXV1SEFTC7DEPXE5J79C


    Keywords

    entrepreneurship, orthopedic pillow, manufacturing, marketing, university student, business challenges, product design, Amazon FBA, UAE, back pain


    Takeaways

    Abdullah turned his personal struggle with back pain into a business opportunity.

    He designed an orthopedic pillow specifically for people with back pain.

    The journey of entrepreneurship involves making mistakes and learning from them.

    Finding a reliable manufacturer is crucial for product success.

    Abdullah emphasizes the importance of trust in supplier relationships.

    Marketing strategies must adapt to different cultural contexts.

    Balancing academic responsibilities with business ambitions is challenging but essential.

    Setting deadlines for business goals helps maintain focus and direction.

    Collaboration with established entities can enhance credibility and market reach.

    Continuous learning and adaptation are key to entrepreneurial success.


    Sound bites

    "Comparison is the thief of joy."

    "You need capital to start off with this."

    "You have to document the whole thing."


    Chapters

    00:00 The Birth of an Idea: From Pain to Product

    03:25 Designing the Solution: The Creation Process

    06:22 Manufacturing Insights: Collaborating with Factories

    08:49 Navigating the Market: Finding the Right Audience

    11:37 Logistics and Fulfillment: The Amazon Model

    14:44 Growth Challenges: Learning from Experience

    17:31 Building Trust: The Importance of Reputation

    20:25 Future Directions: Setting Goals and Deadlines

    26:53 Exploring Market Differences: UAE vs. US

    29:34 Navigating Logistics and Market Entry

    34:23 The Importance of Local Knowledge in Business

    37:26 Balancing Academia and Entrepreneurship

    42:11 Funding Your Business: Lessons Learned

    44:44 Starting Your Entrepreneurial Journey

    46:00 The Importance of Continuous Improvement

    47:50 Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Challenges

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    48 mins
  • Tech Sales, to Product, to All-In Startup Founder of Learvo: Aneesh Ramamoorthy
    Dec 10 2025

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    Summary

    In this conversation, Aneesh discusses his journey as a startup founder and the mission of Learvo, an education technology company aimed at making learning more engaging and personalized. He shares insights from his first startup experience, the transition from sales to product management, and the importance of customer discovery in building a successful product. Aneesh also addresses the challenges of recruitment in startups, the impact of AI on education, and offers valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.


    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com

    Email: nick@reroutedpod.com

    Instagram: @rerouted_pod

    LinkedIn: Rerouted

    Aneesh's Email: aneesh@learvo.com

    Learvo: learvo.com


    Takeaways

    Learvo aims to make learning fun and motivating for students.

    Customer discovery is essential for validating startup ideas.

    Recruitment is a continuous process in startups.

    Adaptability is crucial for navigating the startup landscape.

    AI will play a significant role in the future of education.

    Perseverance is key to overcoming challenges in startups.

    Competition can drive innovation and improvement.

    Experimentation is necessary for growth and success.

    Understanding different learning modalities can enhance education.

    Seek diverse perspectives and advice to inform your journey.


    Sound bites

    "Experimentation is vital for growth."

    "Seek advice from various perspectives."

    "Find what motivates you and follow it."


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Learvo and Its Mission

    02:45 Aneesh's Startup Journey: From College to Entrepreneurship

    06:12 Transitioning from Sales to Product Management

    09:03 The Impact of College Experiences on Startup Ideas

    12:09 Navigating the Job Market: Breaking into Product Management

    14:50 The Importance of Customer Discovery in Startups

    17:49 Recruitment Challenges in Early-Stage Startups

    21:05 The Origin Story of Learvo

    23:50 Building a Product: From Ideation to Customer Validation

    27:01 Lessons Learned in Product Management

    29:55 Adapting to Evolving Technology in Startups

    39:07 Navigating Startup Challenges

    40:43 The Startup Lifestyle: Work-Life Balance

    43:08 The Future of Education: Evolving Classrooms

    51:31 Advice for Aspiring Startup Founders

    57:51 Finding Purpose in Career Choices


    Keywords

    Learvo, education technology, startups, customer discovery, product management, entrepreneurship, AI in education, recruitment challenges, startup advice, future of learning


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    58 mins
  • Odd Jobs, to Dental Hygiene, to HR: Angie Stacey
    Nov 19 2025

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    In this conversation, Angie Stacey shares her inspiring journey from being a dental office manager to her current roles at Brunswick, highlighting her late entry into college, the challenges of balancing family and education, and her growth in the HR field. She emphasizes the importance of self-advocacy, setting boundaries, and pursuing fulfillment in both personal and professional life.

    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.comEmail: nick@reroutedpod.comInstagram: @rerouted_podLinkedIn: Rerouted

    Takeaways

    Angie transitioned from a dental office manager to HR roles at Brunswick.

    She started her college education later in life after being laid off.

    Balancing family responsibilities with education was a significant challenge.

    Angie graduated with a 3.9 GPA while raising a child and working.

    She learned the importance of self-advocacy in her career.

    Angie emphasizes that money isn't everything in choosing a career.

    She encourages others to seek fulfillment in their work and life.

    Curiosity is a key trait for successful interns.

    Setting boundaries and learning to say no is crucial for well-being.

    Angie's journey reflects the importance of support from family and mentors.

    Keywords

    career journey, HR, education, work-life balance, personal growth, internships, dental hygiene, Brunswick, self-advocacy, life lessons


    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction and Overview of Brunswick Corporation

    01:14 Angie's Early Career Journey

    04:30 Transitioning to College and Dental Hygiene

    08:26 Challenges and Triumphs in Dental Hygiene School

    11:53 Starting a Career in Dental Hygiene

    15:49 Navigating Changes in the Dental Office

    17:47 The Impact of COVID-19 on Dental Hygiene

    21:40 Transitioning to Brunswick Corporation

    23:07 Exploring New Opportunities in HR and Education

    25:27 Navigating Career Development and Education

    28:55 Reflecting on Past Challenges and Support Systems

    30:29 Transferring Skills from Dentistry to HR

    32:38 Learning to Say No and Setting Boundaries

    34:34 Validation in Career Transitions

    36:29 Advocating for Yourself in the Workplace

    39:08 Looking Back: Would You Change Your Path?

    41:42 Keys to Success for Interns

    45:49 The Competitive Landscape of Intern Recruitment

    48:40 Final Thoughts on Fulfillment and Career Satisfaction

    50:47 Empowering Your Career Journey

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    51 mins
  • Gecko Robotics x ADNOC Gas, Breaking Down the Deal and Looking Forward with Harvey Young
    Nov 12 2025

    I apologize for the inconsistent audio on the episode today. We had some issues working with some new equipment and it will never happen again.

    LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, FOLLOW, RATE

    On today's special live ADIPEC episode, Harvey Young and I break down the recent deals between Gecko Robotics and ADNOC Gas. We talk about the next steps Gecko is looking to take in the Gulf, what this means for the energy industry, and the future of infrastructure maintenance. If you have any thoughts, feedback or suggestions for future episodes, don' hesitate to reach out!

    Official Gecko Robotics Press Release: https://www.geckorobotics.com/news/ADNOC-Group-PR

    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.com

    Email: nick@reroutedpod.com

    Instagram: @rerouted_pod

    LinkedIn: Rerouted

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    20 mins
  • The "Right Kind of Engineer" with Emily Lawson-Bulten
    Oct 22 2025

    Summary

    In this episode, Nicholas Karamanian interviews Emily Lawson-Bulten, a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois, who shares her unique journey from civil engineering to pursuing a PhD. Emily discusses her early career, impactful travel experiences, and the lessons learned about water scarcity and engineering. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the value of mentorship, and the need for engineers to understand the social dynamics of their work. Emily also reflects on her aspirations for the future and the evolving definition of what it means to be an engineer.


    Takeaways

    • Emily's journey highlights the importance of mentorship in shaping career paths.
    • Travel experiences can significantly influence one's professional focus and values.
    • Understanding community needs is crucial for effective engineering solutions.
    • Engineers should consider the long-term maintenance of their designs.
    • Personal connections in the workplace enhance job satisfaction and performance.
    • Career paths are often non-linear and filled with unexpected opportunities.
    • Being open to new experiences can lead to personal and professional growth.
    • The definition of engineering is evolving to include diverse perspectives and approaches.
    • Collaboration with communities can lead to more effective and sustainable engineering solutions.
    • Self-awareness and understanding one's biases are essential for engineers.


    Emily's Email: emilyjl3@illinois.edu


    Website: https://www.reroutedpod.comEmail: nick@reroutedpod.comInstagram: @rerouted_podLinkedIn: Rerouted

    Chapters

    00:00 Introduction to Emily's Journey

    02:56 Undergraduate Experience and Early Influences

    05:39 Impactful Travel Experiences and Water Equity

    08:14 Lessons from Kenya: Water Scarcity and Engineering

    10:42 Advice for Students: Embracing Opportunities

    13:31 First Job Experience: Learning and Growth

    16:06 Transitioning to a New Role: Finding Passion

    18:49 Optimizing Job Preferences and Experiences

    21:01 The Value of Comprehensive Project Involvement

    23:48 Final Thoughts on Engineering and Personal Growth

    29:20 Passion and Career Reflection

    32:04 The Decision to Pursue a PhD

    37:47 Expanding the Definition of Engineering

    44:08 Personal Growth and Engineering Identity

    46:37 Future Aspirations and Open Possibilities

    54:13 From Civil Engineering to Academia

    54:13 Looking Ahead: The Future of Engineering


    Keywords

    engineering, career paths, PhD, water equity, community development, travel experiences, civil engineering, mentorship, professional growth, teaching

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    55 mins
  • May-Li Khoe on Design, DJing, and Growth
    Oct 1 2025

    In this episode of Rerouted, host Nicholas Karamanian interviews May-Li Khoe, VP of Design at Handshake. They discuss May-Li's journey into design, her experiences at Apple and Microsoft, and her transition to Khan Academy. The conversation covers the evolution of design, the importance of observation, and the impact of creative pursuits like DJing and writing on professional growth.






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    54 mins