Emerging Tech Unpacked with Lucy Lin

Lucy Lin

Emerging Tech Unpacked is where technology meets storytelling.  Hosted by Lucy Lin, the podcast makes emerging technologies and innovations easier to understand by breaking down complex ideas into real, relatable conversations.  Each episode features thought-provoking discussions with women in STEM and male allies who are driving change in their industries. They share their journeys, lessons learned, and insights on how we can future-proof our careers and close the diversity gaps in science, technology, and innovation.  Mission-driven, educational, and deeply inspirational, Emerging Tech Unpacked shines a light on the people shaping our tech-powered future and invites you to be part of the movement. Our Mission: • Provide educational content about emerging tech and innovation topics • To shine a spotlight on diverse & inclusive leadership • Promote career pathways for more people to enter STEM careers  For more information: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/

  1. 5D AGO

    Decarbonisation Explained: Gen Z Scientist Turning Exhaust Pollution Into Power

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin interviews 22‑year‑old environmental scientist and founder Kirah Godsell, co‑founder of Air2Energy, a climate hardware startup turning “pollution into power” from engines and boilers. You’ll learn: 🌳 Decarbonisation explained in simple, non‑jargon language 🌳 How burning fossil fuels in cars, buildings and power plants traps heat and drives climate change 🌳 How an university assignment turned a pre‑med student into a climate tech founder 🌳 What Gen Z really thinks about climate anxiety, net zero, consumer guilt and greenwashing 🌳 Practical climate actions you can start taking today If you’re curious about climate change, net zero, clean energy, climate tech careers and how young innovators are building real hardware solutions, this episode is for you. 👉 Watch “Decarbonisation with a Young Scientist” now and subscribe for more deep dives into emerging tech and the future of our planet. Connect with us: https://bio.site/emergingtechunpacked *Subscribe to our YouTube channel:* http://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked?sub_confirmation=1 For more information, visit our website: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ *Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news:* 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked 🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/ 🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/ 🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked *Chapters* 00:00 Introducing Gen Z Founder, Kirah Godsell 02:54 Gen Z Climate Reality 04:51 Great Barrier Reef Loss And Motivation 07:03 Accidental Startup Origin 09:50 Decarbonisation Explained 15:17 What Happens If We Fail 18:55 Hard To Decarbonise Industry 30:45 Offsets Profit And Greenwashing 41:31 Carbon Capture Difference 44:08 Startup Prototyping And Scaling 48:30 Staying Motivated 53:49 Advice For Scientists 57:17 Future Skills Rapid Fire 01:00:48 Human Connection And AI 01:03:24 Studying During COVID  01:06:43 Practical Climate Steps 01:13:45 Final Earth Reminder      Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    1h 17m

  2. APR 25

    Quantum Unpacked: Careers, Cybersecurity & Next Tech Revolution with Dr Cathy Foley

    Send us Fan Mail Quantum isn’t just mind‑bending physics - it is creating new industries, reshaping cybersecurity and demanding a whole ecosystem of skills, investment and policy to bring it to life. In Part 2 of this special quantum series, Australia’s former Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley joins host Lucy Lin to explore how we move quantum from the lab to the real world, and what it means for careers, national security and Australia’s tech future. In this conversation, we unpack: ⚛️ The hard realities of taking quantum technologies from research labs into fabs, foundries and investible startups, and why Australia needs a coordinated ecosystem, not just brilliant science. ⚛️ How governments, states and industry are quietly building quantum infrastructure, from fabrication and packaging facilities to deep‑tech precincts. ⚛️ Why quantum is already here in sensing and encryption, how “harvest now, decrypt later” works, and what being truly “quantum ready” means for banks, infrastructure and cybersecurity teams. ⚛️ The new jobs emerging across quantum hardware, software, cryogenics, materials, policy, communications and storytelling, and the skills that will be in highest demand. ⚛️ How diversity, feedback and resilience have shaped Cathy’s four‑decade career, and her advice on turning setbacks into fuel for growth and leadership. If you’ve ever wondered whether quantum will actually deliver on the hype, what Q‑Day really is, or how your own skills might fit into this new wave of deep tech, this episode will give you a clear, grounded roadmap. Connect with us: https://bio.site/emergingtechunpacked  *Subscribe to our YouTube channel:* http://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked?sub_confirmation=1 For more information, visit our website: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ *Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news:* 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked 🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/ 🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/ 🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked  *Chapters* 00:00 Meet Dr Cathy Foley, Australia’s Former Chief Scientist 03:00 The Funding and Commercialisation Gap 04:40 Building Industry Support Programs 09:41 Quantum's Promise Timeline 12:00 Why Australia Backs Quantum 13:56 Encryption Risks and Readiness 18:11 Jobs and Key Skills 24:59 Why Quantum Needs To Be Cold 26:48 Women in STEM Progress 29:28 Fixing Early Career Pathways 31:08 Long Game Mindset 35:39 Career Feedback and Resilience 40:29 No Overnight Success 42:26 Quantum's Decade Vision 46:42 A Quantum Fun Fact      Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    54 min

  3. APR 3

    Quantum Explained with Australia’s Former Chief Scientist and CSIRO Board Member, Dr Cathy Foley

    Send us Fan Mail Have you ever wondered what a Chief Scientist actually does, or how quantum physics could change your everyday life? In this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin sits down with Dr Cathy Foley, physicist, board member at CSIRO, and Australia’s former Chief Scientist, to unpack how “science for humanity” drives everything from national policy to quantum innovation. Cathy shares how she went from a curious kid who loved science to becoming Australia’s Chief Scientist, what really happens behind the scenes in that role, and why Australia is now a front‑runner in the global quantum race. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a science fan, or just quantum‑curious, this conversation will change how you see physics, policy, and Australia’s role in the future of technology. *Chapters* 00:00 Meet Dr Cathy Foley 04:32 CSIRO Career Highlights 06:13 Superconductors Explained 10:33 Global Research Collaboration 13:21 Why CSIRO Matters 17:15 Becoming Australia’s Chief Scientist 20:14 Chief Scientist Responsibilities 23:16 Quantum Basics 25:44 Quantum Leap Explained 27:33 Superposition And Entanglement Explained 30:44 Explain It Like A Five Year Old 31:54 Schrödinger’s Cat Explained 35:10 Quantum In Everyday Tech 37:38 Quantum Computing  42:46 Australia & the Global Quantum Race 45:12 Building The National Quantum Strategy     Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    55 min

  4. FEB 16

    Video Games and Mental Health: Gaming for Wellbeing 🎮

    Send us Fan Mail Are video games bad for us, or could they actually help our mental health?  In this episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin sits down with Dr Michelle Chen, game developer, researcher, and founder of Mental Jam, to explore how video games can become powerful tools for emotional expression, empathy, and self‑care. Michelle shares how her lived experiences of depression and anxiety inspired her to co‑create games with young people that turn real emotions into playable stories. She explains how her mental health-focused design, rejects addictive “pay‑to‑win” game systems, in favour of compassion‑driven mechanics like spoon limits and cozy characters, including a bubble‑tea‑loving wombat baristas 🧋🐾. Whether you’re a gamer, a mental‑health advocate, or simply curious about the future of tech for good, this conversation will change the way you see your controller, your phone, and your own mental wellbeing. *Subscribe to our YouTube channel:* http://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked?sub_confirmation=1 For more information, visit our website: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ *Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news:* 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked 🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/ 🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/ 🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked *Chapters* 00:00 Meet Dr. Michelle Chen & a Filipino Fun Fact  03:42 A Third-Culture Journey: Philippines, Taiwan, UK, Australia  07:11 A PhD in Gaming + Mental Health: Surviving Through COVID  15:22 Why Asians Don’t Talk About Mental Health (and How Gaming Open Doors)  21:47 Commercial vs Empathy-Driven Game Design (Avoiding Addictive Tricks)  24:35 Ethical Monetisation + Fixing Harmful Portrayals in Gaming  27:51 Women in Games: Representation, ‘Jiggle Physics,’ and More Female Devs  36:06 Designing Feelings: Embodied Sound vs Metaphor vs Narrative Games  39:14 Not All Games Are the Same: Violence, Cozy Play, and the PTSD Example  41:47 Consent, Safety & Ownership in Mental Health Co‑Creation  43:55 Culture & Language Barriers: Making Games for Diverse/Asian Families  51:57 CSIRO ON Program Pivot: 200+ Interviews and Focusing on Access & Early Intervention  54:56 Quickfire Skills for Game Dev & Founders: Creativity, Resilience, Communication  57:22 AI & Ethics in Mental Health + Game Studios: Chatbots, Copyright, and Human Art  01:02:54 Games as a Complement to Therapy: The ‘In‑Between’ Support Role     Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    1h 17m

  5. JAN 26

    Redundancy to Reinvention: Nonlinear Career & Leadership Journey in Emerging Tech | Lucy Lin Story

    Send us Fan Mail Redundancy. Reinvention. Risk‑taking. In this special episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked, I (host Lucy Lin) flip the microphone and share my own leadership odyssey - from six‑year‑old migrant arriving in Australia from Taiwan, to teaching in Japan, global professional in London and Canada, and now innovation leader, founder and STEM podcast host. You’ll hear the honest story behind the LinkedIn headlines: navigating culture shock and language barriers, building a global career across technology, law and financial services, facing a career‑shaking redundancy, and turning it into a values‑led portfolio career in consulting, ecosystem building and emerging tech communications. We dive into nonlinear career paths, the mindset shift from “Why is this happening to me?” to “What matters to me?”, and why I believe communication is the foundation of modern leadership and a true power skill. If you’re a founder, emerging leader, woman in STEM, global citizen or someone sitting at a career crossroads, this episode will give you practical inspiration to follow your curiosity, back your adaptability and design work that aligns with your values. Subscribe to our YouTube channel:  http://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked?sub_confirmation=1 For more information, visit our website: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news: 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked  🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/  🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/  🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked Support the Podcast 💙 If you find this podcast valuable, consider keeping the podcast lights on and helping us cover some of our video and audio editing and operational costs: https://www.paypal.me/lucylin007007 ☕ Or buy me a coffee (or three! :-): https://buymeacoffee.com/lucylin Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Lucy Lin's Journey  01:41 Early Life and Migration to Australia  04:19 Settling in Australia and Cultural Adaptation  10:57 Educational Pursuits and Career Beginnings  16:02 Teaching in Japan: A Formative Experience  20:56 Professional Growth in the UK  27:57 Innovation and Corporate Roles in Australia and Canada  36:27 Facing Redundancy and Embracing Entrepreneurship  39:18 Starting the Entrepreneurial Journey  40:30 Transitioning from Corporate to Entrepreneurship  41:49 Naming the Business: Forestlyn  44:37 Challenges and Realities of Entrepreneurship  47:20 Teaching Entrepreneurship Skills to Diverse Founders  55:59 Launching a Podcast: Emerging Tech Unpacked  01:08:40 Reflections on a Portfolio Career     Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    1h 26m

  6. 12/14/2025

    Mastering Future Skills in an Age of Uncertainty - Emerging Tech Unpacked LIVE at SXSW Sydney

    Send us Fan Mail When you think about the future of work, are you energised, or quietly terrified? In an era where AI is evolving faster than job titles, the real advantage isn’t predicting what’s next, it’s learning how to adapt, reinvent and stay human in the middle of it all. In this special live episode of Emerging Tech Unpacked from the SXSW Sydney podcast stage, host Lucy Lin sits down with leaders from LinkedIn, Google Cloud and Microsoft to unpack the mindsets, skills and strategies you actually need to thrive in an age of uncertainty. From empathy, storytelling and human connection to AI fluency and lifelong learning, this conversation goes beyond the buzzwords and into practical, real-world advice. Tune in for a dynamic, insight-packed discussion filled with key takeaways you can apply immediately to future‑proof your career and navigate the evolving tech landscape with confidence. For more information, visit: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news: 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked  🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/  🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/  🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked Support the Podcast 💙 If you find this podcast valuable, consider keeping the podcast lights on and helping us cover some of our video and audio editing and operational costs: https://www.paypal.me/lucylin007007 ☕ Or buy me a coffee (or three! :-): https://buymeacoffee.com/lucylin Chapters 00:00 Emerging Tech Unpacked Live from SXSW Sydney  01:51 Meet the Panellists  04:26 Audrey's Career Journey  06:29 Natalie's Career Journey  09:28 Tim's Career Journey  13:43 Future Skills and Workforce Trends  17:19 Impact of AI on Jobs  21:18 Emerging Technologies and Skills  26:02 Essential Skills for the Future 30:40 Leadership Skills For Fast Moving Times  37:02 Strategies for Staying Updated  39:04 Diving into New Learning Methods  44:35 Gender Differences in AI Upskilling  49:37 The Role of Small Businesses in AI Adoption  51:51 Future Skills and Systems Change  56:58 The Art of Prompting and Critical Thinking  01:00:04 The Power of Storytelling and Personal Branding  01:02:13 Superpowers and Fun Facts     Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    1h 12m

  7. 11/23/2025

    Hearing Innovations Unpacked: Listening For the Future of Sound

    Send us Fan Mail Curious how artificial intelligence and wearable tech are making hearing effortless? Join Emerging Tech Unpacked host Lucy Lin and guest Nicky Chong-White, Principal Engineer at the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL), as they dive into the latest hearing innovations, AI hearing aids, live captioning apps, and game-changing wearable technologies for hearing health. Discover how advancements in artificial intelligence, real-time audio processing, and augmented reality are revolutionising hearing aids and communication for people living with hearing loss. Nicky shares her personal engineering journey, how NAL leads the world in hearing research, and how user-centred design thinking creates practical solutions that empower millions globally to hear better. Whether you’re curious about cutting-edge audiology, keen for inspiration in STEM, or want to hear better in noisy places, this episode is packed with wisdom, laughs, and expert advice. Don’t miss it: tune in, subscribe, and start hearing the possibilities! Thank you to the National Acoustic Laboratories (NAL) for sponsoring this episode! For more information, visit: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news: 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked  🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/  🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/  🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked  Support the Podcast 🤝 Join our community, please consider a small monthly donation on Patreon. Supporters will gain access to exclusive posts, news, announcements and our community chat. You will also have a direct influence on the podcast by voting on future episode topics, submitting questions for guests and suggesting speakers: www.patreon.com/EmergingTechUnpacked 💙 If you find this podcast valuable, consider keeping the podcast lights on and helping us cover some of our video and audio editing and operational costs: https://www.paypal.me/lucylin007007 ☕ Or buy me a coffee (or three! :-): https://buymeacoffee.com/lucylin     Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    1h 10m

  8. 08/19/2025

    Hacking Yeast With A Microbiologist: How Microbes Are Powering the Future of Food

    Send us Fan Mail Think yeast is just for bread and beer? Think again!  Discover how this tiny microorganism is driving the future of biofuels, cleaning up oil spills, transforming sustainable food, and creating eco-friendly materials. On Emerging Tech Unpacked, host Lucy Lin dives deep into the incredible world of “yeast hacking” with trailblazing microbiologist and biotech entrepreneur, Claudia Bruinsma. Explore how wild and engineered yeast are revolutionising climate solutions, boosting food sustainability, and even producing natural flavours, scents, and renewable packaging. Uncover the secrets of yeast fermentation, the crucial role of citizen science in new discoveries, and the behind-the-scenes challenges of working with engineered microbes, including regulations, safety, and ethics in synthetic biology. From rural farming roots to biotech breakthroughs, this podcast episode reveals how curiosity and adaptability fuel innovation. Perfect for anyone passionate about science, sustainability, brewing, food innovation, or launching a career in emerging tech. Tune in and get inspired by nature’s ultimate powerhouse! Subscribe to our channel: http://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked?sub_confirmation=1 For more information, visit: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/ Follow us on our social media channels to get the latest news: 🔔 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/emergingtechunpacked 🔔 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emergingtechunpacked/ 🔔 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Emerging-Tech-Unpacked/100090565331236/ 🔔 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@emergingtechunpacked **Support the Podcast:** 🤝 Join our community, please consider a small monthly donation on Patreon. Supporters will gain access to exclusive posts, news, announcements and our community chat. You will also have a direct influence on the podcast by voting on future episode topics, submitting questions for guests and suggesting speakers: www.patreon.com/EmergingTechUnpacked  💙 If you find this podcast valuable, consider keeping the podcast lights on and helping us cover some of our video and audio editing and operational costs: https://www.paypal.me/lucylin007007 ☕ Or buy me a coffee (or three! :-): https://buymeacoffee.com/lucylin **Chapters** 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Yeast 02:29 From Farm to Lab: Claudia's Journey 07:28 The Wonders of Microscopy 11:51 Hacking Yeast: Innovations and Applications 17:00 Citizen Science and Environmental Impact 28:11 Challenges and Future of Yeast Research 31:50 Ensuring Safety in Biotechnology 33:26 Regulatory Challenges in Australia 36:27 Understanding Biohacking and GMOs 40:28 The Journey of a Scientist and Entrepreneur 43:36 CSIRO ON Innovation Program & Communicating Science 53:00 The Future of Synthetic Biology 54:42 Fun Facts About Yeast     Support the show 🎙️ Website: https://www.EmergingTechUnpacked.com/ 🎙️ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@emergingtechunpacked 🎙️ Apple Podcast: https://apple.co/4d6Hfoi 🎙️ Spotify: https://spoti.fi/49TS1LG

    1h 6m
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About

Emerging Tech Unpacked is where technology meets storytelling.  Hosted by Lucy Lin, the podcast makes emerging technologies and innovations easier to understand by breaking down complex ideas into real, relatable conversations.  Each episode features thought-provoking discussions with women in STEM and male allies who are driving change in their industries. They share their journeys, lessons learned, and insights on how we can future-proof our careers and close the diversity gaps in science, technology, and innovation.  Mission-driven, educational, and deeply inspirational, Emerging Tech Unpacked shines a light on the people shaping our tech-powered future and invites you to be part of the movement. Our Mission: • Provide educational content about emerging tech and innovation topics • To shine a spotlight on diverse & inclusive leadership • Promote career pathways for more people to enter STEM careers  For more information: https://www.emergingtechunpacked.com/

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