# 136: Let's Try Out Some Broccoli

- Show: [Embedded.fm](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm)
- Published: 2016-01-28
- Length: 59m
- Page: https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli
- Listen: https://makingembeddedsystems.libsyn.com/embedded-ep136mp3

## Summary

Simone Giertz, an inventor and YouTuber known for building 'shitty robots,' discusses her process of creating humorous, often dangerous devices like a vegetable chopping machine and a wake-up alarm that hits her with a rubber arm. She explains that her non-engineering background allows her to learn through enthusiastic, idea-driven prototyping using Arduino, embracing failure as a key part of the process. Giertz also touches on her experience working at Punch Through, the challenges of filming and editing solo content, and how she uses comedy to make electronics accessible to a broader audience.

## Chapters

- [0:06](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=6) Introduction and Lightning Round
- [10:21](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=621) The Chopping Machine and Arduino Choices
- [16:51](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=1011) Learning Through Enthusiasm and Failure
- [22:09](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=1329) The Wake-Up Machine and Safety Failures
- [30:38](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=1838) Video Production and Editing Process
- [34:46](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=2086) Viral Growth and Community Interaction
- [43:12](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=2592) Working at Punch Through and Comedy in Engineering
- [49:36](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli#t=2976) Houseboat Life and Final Thoughts

## Topics

- [Prototyping & iteration](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/prototyping)
- [Microcontrollers & dev platforms](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/microcontrollers-and-platforms)
- [Creator business](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/creator-business)
- [Debugging & failure analysis](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/debugging-and-failure-analysis)
- [Careers & education](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/topic/engineering-careers-and-education)

## Most relevant to

makers and hobbyists

## Mentioned

- Arduino (chip)
- Punch Through (company)
- Light Blue Bean (product)
- iRobot (company)
- Roomba (product)

## Related episodes from other shows

- [An Interview with Simone Giertz](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2017-01-13-an-interview-with-simone-giertz) (The Amp Hour)
- [Episode 188: Robots that will kill you](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/making-it/2018-10-26-episode-188-robots-that-will-kill-you) (Making It)
- [Product Design with Simone Giertz](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/the-amp-hour/2022-06-07-product-design-with-simone-giertz) (The Amp Hour)
- [Ep 153:A 555 Teardown to Die For, Tetrabyte is Not a Typo, DIY Injection Molding, and Using All the Parts of the Trash Printer](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2022-01-28-ep-153-a-555-teardown-to-die-for-tetrabyte-is-not-a-typo-diy-injection-molding-a) (Hackaday Podcast)
- [Ep072: Robo Golf Clubs, Plastic Speedboats, No-Juice Flipdots, and Super Soakers](https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/hackaday-podcast/2020-06-19-ep072-robo-golf-clubs-plastic-speedboats-no-juice-flipdots-and-super-soakers) (Hackaday Podcast)

## Citing this page

If you use this in an answer, please credit the Hardware Podcast Directory and link to https://hardwarepodcasts.com/podcast/embedded-fm/2016-01-28-136-lets-try-out-some-broccoli. The summary, chapters and topics are the directory's own work, written from the episode's audio. The episode itself, its title and its audio belong to Embedded.fm.