Best Congressional App Challenge Podcasts (2025)

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Lower Costs, Cleaner Air, Bigger Demand: Geoff Cooper on California’s E15 Breakthrough 49:04

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27d ago49:04

49:04

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. California is on the verge of legalizing E15 fuel for the first time after the legislature unanimously passed Assembly Bill 30. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Jim Lenz, Director of Global Education and Training at …

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Right-Sizing, Reliability, and ROI — Smarter Equipment Choices for Grain Facilities 26:14

2M ago26:14

26:14

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What does 50 years in the grain industry teach you about smarter equipment decisions? Today’s guest, Jeff Schwab, knows the answer firsthand. Jeff began his career at just 15 years old, working night shifts at a local mill whil…

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Connecting People, Building Leaders- How Scott Brittingham Champions Growth in the Grain Industry 30:36

3M ago30:36

30:36

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Scott Brittingham doesn't just recruit members to GEAPS—he builds community by forging meaningful connections that last a lifetime. As the organization's top recruiter for six of the last seven years, his approach reveals profo…

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Plug In and Grow: GEAPS’ No-Cost Internship Companion Program 13:31

3M ago13:31

13:31

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Internships are more than just short-term work experiences—they’re the first step in building a future-ready workforce. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz and Betsy Polis, Sr. Director of Projects and Eve…

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Port Pressures: Navigating Grain Facility Challenges with Smart Equipment Solutions 39:39

4M ago39:39

39:39

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Port Pressures: Navigating Grain Facility Challenges with Smart Equipment Solutions Sponsored by AGI – Ag Growth International In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz, Director of Global Training and Education…

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Grain for the Glass: What Bourbon Distillers Expect from Grain Handlers 36:36

5M ago36:36

36:36

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this episode of the Whole Grain podcast, we’re heading deep into bourbon country—to the rolling hills of Loretto, Kentucky — where time meets tradition, and grain quality isn’t just important... it’s everything. Today, we’re…

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E15, Ethanol, and the Future of Agriculture: What’s Next, Why It Matters, and How Congress Can Help 28:04

6M ago28:04

28:04

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, joins Jim Lenz, Director of Education and Training at GEAPS, to share a powerful vision for expanding ethanol markets through permanent E15 access — and the tremendous impact it would have on t…

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Sukup Manufacturing and the Future of Grain Storage: A Conversation with Brent Hansen 38:29

6M ago38:29

38:29

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Episode Summary: In this episode of The Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz welcomes Brent Hansen, Commercial Accounts Manager for Sukup Manufacturing Co., for a fascinating discussion on the evolution and future of grain storag…

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Behind the Mic with the Debugged Podcast Team 21:06

6M ago21:06

21:06

In the Season 4 finale of Debugged, host Medha Gupta flips the script and interviews the team behind the podcast itself. Meet William Chen, Tushar Mehta, Suri Le, Teddy Lampert, and Aadithyaa Vishegu—high school and college students (and CAC Alumni!) who’ve shaped the show across social media, design, content, and production. From lessons in outrea…

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Tech Meets Policy with CAC Alumni 25:02

7M ago25:02

25:02

In this episode of Debugged, guest host Suhaani Sodhi sits down with Angie Orejuela and Jeremy Bernick to explore the critical intersection of technology and public policy. From biometric data in airport security to the ethics of training AI on artists’ work, they unpack real-world challenges that demand cross-disciplinary thinking. Both guests str…

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The Role of Cooperatives in Global Food and Fuel Systems 35:59

7M ago35:59

35:59

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. How do cooperatives enhance stability, resilience, and profitability in the grain industry? In this insightful episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz sits down with Dr. Keri L. Jacobs, Associate Professor of Agricult…

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Making Tech Global with Roger Einstoss 20:17

7M ago20:17

20:17

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta speaks with Roger Einstoss, CEO and co-founder of Braintly, a company connecting U.S. tech companies with top-tier software engineers from Latin America. Roger shares his journey from freelance developer to startup founder, reflecting on the challenges and skills needed for success in the tech world. He…

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Empowering the Next Generation with Michaela De Guzman 22:34

8M ago22:34

22:34

In this episode of the Debugged Podcast, we sit down with Michaela De Guzman, a Senior Curriculum Developer at Girls Who Code and a CSTA Equity Fellow Alumni (2023-24). Michaela shares her journey from teaching coding in Title I schools to designing Cybersecurity and Data Science courses with a focus on social justice. Passionate about empowering s…

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GEAPS: Transformational Shifts in Agriculture, Brings New Opportunities for GEAPS Members 25:55

8M ago25:55

25:55

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz welcomes John Caupert, Executive Director of GEAPS, to discuss the transformational shifts happening in agriculture and what they mean for GEAPS members. Fresh off the s…

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Revolutionizing Learning Through Storytelling with Jenny Buccos 13:53

8M ago13:53

13:53

What if education weren’t confined to a classroom but spanned the entire world? Jenny Buccos, award-winning producer and founder of EXPLR, has spent decades using digital storytelling to connect students with global cultures, STEM, and innovation. From working with legends like Desmond Tutu and Anthony Bourdain to pioneering multimedia learning bef…

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Navigating Data Privacy and Law with Juliana Spofford 25:10

9M ago25:10

25:10

In this episode ofDebugged, host Medha Gupta sits down with Juliana Spofford, Chief Privacy Officer and General Counsel at Aidentified, to explore the evolving landscape of data privacy. With over 30 years of legal experience in data services, Juliana shares how she stumbled into the world of privacy law, the growing importance of data security acr…

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Driving Change: The 45Z Tax Credit's Impact on Biofuels and Beyond with Eric McAfee 55:19

9M ago55:19

55:19

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What if the future of renewable energy could lie in the hands of agriculture? In this captivating conversation, host Jim Lenz, sits down with Eric McAfee, the visionary CEO of Aemetis. McAfee shares groundbreaking insights into…

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Shaping the Future of AI Ethics with Emily Reid 27:04

9M ago27:04

27:04

In this episode, Emily Reid, CEO of AI 4 ALL and former Director of Education at Girls Who Code, discusses her journey and mission to democratize AI education. She dives into the importance of integrating ethics in AI development, ensuring that diverse, responsible voices are at the forefront. Emily shares insights on how AI 4 ALL is shaping the fu…

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Keeping Grain Moving: Preventative Maintenance and Supplier Tips 23:47

9M ago23:47

23:47

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Discover the keys to mastering conveyor system maintenance in grain operations with our special guest, Jake Crockford from IBT Industrial Solutions. Jake shares with the Whole Grain podcast host and GEAPS’ Director of Education…

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Rewriting Computer Science Experiences with Anaïs Lawson 23:59

9M ago23:59

23:59

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta and guest host Tushar Mehta sit down with Anais Lawson, a software engineer at Microsoft on the Xbox team. Anais reflects on her journey, from feeling out of place in AP Computer Science to discovering her passion for tech through programs like JADE and Rewriting The Code. She talks about the importance…

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Building Bots and Shaping the Future 18:20

10M ago18:20

18:20

In this special episode of Debugged, a member of our Debugged team, Suhaani Sodhi dives into the world of robotics with three extraordinary Congressional App Challenge alumni and fellow Debugged team members—Suri Le, Aarav Kansupada, and Tushar Mehta. Together, they explore how they got started in robotics, the creativity and collaboration involved…

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Fueling the Future: The Role of Renewable Fuels in the Grain Industry 26:44

10M ago26:44

26:44

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this insightful episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, host Jim Lenz sits down with Robert White, Vice President of Industry Relations and Market Development at the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA). With decades of experience …

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Redefining STEM Internships with Jay Ahn 24:45

11M ago24:45

24:45

In this episode of Debugged, our first ever REPEAT guest, Jay Ahn, VP of Operations at Akima, LLC, joins us to discuss her groundbreaking approach to creating impactful STEM internships. Drawing from her own experiences, she designed a program where students take full ownership of real-world projects, like building “Kakau,” an E911 health monitorin…

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All About GEAPS Exchange 2025! 34:48

11M ago34:48

34:48

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Unlock the secrets to staying ahead in the grain industry as we gear up for the GEAPS Exchange 2025, the ultimate event for grain professionals. With GEAPS Executive Director John Caupert joining us, learn how this year’s confe…

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Engineering Solutions in Science with CAC Alumni 19:26

11M ago19:26

19:26

In this special episode of Debugged, guest host Suhaani Sodhi chats with Congressional App Challenge alumni Antonia Kolb and Hamza Wadiwala about their journeys in the hard sciences and technology. Antonia, a Harvard freshman, shares her passion for environmental science and her experience creating the app Detickt It for the Congressional App Chall…

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Product by Day, Cosplay by Night with Aya Philemon 25:18

12M ago25:18

25:18

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta speaks with Aya Philemon, a product manager at Adobe, about her dynamic career path and how she empowers others to unlock their creative potential. Aya shares her journey from industrial design to tech, discussing how she overcame imposter syndrome and transitioned from product design to product managem…

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Fusing Finance & Tech with CAC Alumni 16:50

12M ago16:50

16:50

This week’s episode is hosted by one of our Debugged Podcast team members, Suhaani, who leads a thought-provoking discussion with Austin and Sudharshan, two passionate CAC Alumni who are merging finance and technology in unique ways. They share personal experiences and projects that sparked their journey into this interdisciplinary space, highlight…

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Innovating Products at Adobe with Shalini Ahuja 21:06

1y ago21:06

21:06

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta interviews Shalini Ahuja, a seasoned product manager at Adobe with 16 years of experience. Shalini discusses her career evolution from software engineer to product leader, where she now focuses on AI-based innovation in Adobe’s flagship products. She shares insights into the role of a product manager, t…

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Empowering Creators at Twitch with Karin Zhang 23:32

1y ago23:32

23:32

In our season opener, host Medha Gupta sits down with Karin Zhang, Vice President of Engineering for Twitch’s Money team. With over twenty years of experience in a field often lacking diversity, Karin leads the charge in developing payment, onboarding, and payout solutions that empower creators to thrive. In this episode, she reflects on her career…

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Continuous Improvement with April-Hope Wareham 40:15

1y ago40:15

40:15

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In her job at Cargill, GEAPS Member April-Hope Wareham serves as continuous improvement lead for more than 30 grain terminals along and east of the Mississippi River. In the latest episode of Whole Grain Podcast, GEAPS’s Direct…

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Tech Meets Healthcare: CAC Alumni on HealthTech 20:00

1y ago20:00

20:00

In this special episode of Debugged, host Suhaani Sodhi welcomes Medha Gupta and Maddison Chau, two inspiring Congressional App Challenge alumni who are reshaping the intersection of technology and healthcare. Medha, a Digital Strategy Analyst at Adobe, shares her experience with projects like an automated pill dispensation system and her job in he…

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Optimizing Grain Inventory Management 52:45

1y ago52:45

52:45

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Have you ever wondered how to transform your grain inventory management for peak efficiency and profitability? In this episode of Whole Grain, we're joined by Jim Voigt, a long-time veteran of the grain industry with extensive …

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Redefining Creative Experiences: Emily Kellman’s on Product Management 21:22

1y ago21:22

21:22

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta sits down with Emily Kellman, a Senior Product Manager at Adobe, to discuss her unique career journey. Emily reveals how she transitioned from an IT background to leading digital media personalization on Adobe.com, driven by a passion for blending creativity with technology. She reflects on the importan…

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Cyber Crossroads: Navigating Policy and Threats with Daniel Kroese 24:44

1y ago24:44

24:44

Join us as we delve into the intersection of cybersecurity policy and real-world threats with Daniel Kroese, a seasoned cyber policy expert and the Senior Director of Public Policy and Government Affairs at Palo Alto Networks. In this episode, Daniel shares insights from his extensive experience in both the Legislative and Executive branches, discu…

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Unpacking the Boom: What’s Driving Growth in the Soy Crush Industry 26:19

1y ago26:19

26:19

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Have you ever wondered what it takes to turn soybeans into the versatile products we use daily? You might know Danny Lein as one of the newest additions to GEAPS International Board of Directors. He's also a skilled plant manag…

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Empowering Education with Anjali Bhatia 22:59

1y ago22:59

22:59

Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast connecting youth with technology. In this episode, host Medha Gupta sits down with Anjali Bhatia, the visionary CEO of CollegeWise, to discuss her inspiring journey from high school nonprofit founder to leading the nation’s top college counseling organization. Bhatia sha…

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Revolutionizing Civic Tech with Cori Zarek 26:30

1+ y ago26:30

26:30

In this episode of Debugged, host Medha Gupta interviews Cori Zarek, Deputy Administrator for the U.S. Digital Service. Zarek shares her transition from a lawyer specializing in first amendment and freedom of information issues to becoming a leader in civic technology. She discusses her impactful work at the National Archives and her role in shapin…

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Why Internships Matter: Planting the Seeds 48:46

1+ y ago48:46

48:46

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. What if the key to building a successful agricultural career lies in a well-structured internship? Join us as we discuss the transformative potential of internships in the agriculture industry. Our guest, Dustin Toberman, presi…

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Cosmic Conversations Unveiled with Sirisha Bandla 17:52

1+ y ago17:52

17:52

Join us on a celestial voyage as we unravel the extraordinary career of Sirisha Bandla, Vice President of Government Affairs and Research Operations at Virgin Galactic. From aerospace engineering at L-3 Communications to shaping legislative priorities for Virgin Galactic, Sirisha's journey is a testament to human ingenuity. Discover her pivotal rol…

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Tech-Business Insights from Congressional App Challenge Alumni 33:01

1+ y ago33:01

33:01

In this special episode of Debugged, guest host Suhaani Sodhi sits down with Medha Gupta, a 2017 winner of the Congressional App Challenge and current Adobe employee, and Jinghao Li, a 2023 third-place winner. The discussion delves into their journeys at the intersection of business and technology, sharing how their early interests evolved into suc…

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The 3D Revolution: Thinking Outside the Box with Alon Grinshpoon 21:37

1+ y ago21:37

21:37

Welcome to the 3D Unleashed edition of the Debugged Podcast, where we decode the world of 3D technology with CEO Alon Grinshpoon, founder of echo3D. In this episode, host Medha Gupta delves into Grinshpoon's journey from computer science scholar to industry disruptor, exploring his pivotal role in reshaping 3D asset management. With $1.9 million in…

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From Code to Canvas: Samah El Hage on AI, Art, and Sustainability 24:24

1+ y ago24:24

24:24

Join us as we sit down with Samah El Hage, a leading influencer in technology and AI, known for her innovative and forward-thinking ideas. Author of "Redefine the Lead" and "Next Generation Motherhood," Samah explores the role of technology in leadership and motherhood. With a strong foundation in computer science engineering, she has led groundbre…

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Unveiling the Present: Autonomous Tech Transforms Agricultural Rail Loadouts with RAYHAWK Technologies 1:04:00

1+ y ago1:04:00

1:04:00

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Learn about autonomous railcar loading solutions in this special promotional episode of Whole Grain podcast brought to us by RAYHAWK Technologies. The RAYHAWK autonomous railcar loading solutions bring the latest in technology …

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Becoming You with Suzy Welch 20:42

1+ y ago20:42

20:42

In the fourth episode of Season Three of Debugged, host Medha Gupta sits down with business journalist and NYT best-selling author Suzy Welch to discuss her unique approach to creating an authentic and fulfilling life. Suzy introduces her method of identifying your purpose through the intersection of your values, aptitudes, and opportunities. Refle…

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From PM to CEO: Jason Toff Goes 3D 30:33

1+ y ago30:33

30:33

Join us for an enlightening conversation on the latest Debugged Podcast episode, where our host, Medha Gupta, sits down with Jason Toff, the Founder & CEO of Things, Inc. With a rich background in Product Management roles at tech giants like Google, Vine, and Meta, Jason brings a wealth of insight into tech products of the future. In this interview…

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Fueling Progress: The Evolution of the Ethanol Industry with Dr. Kurt Rosentrater 39:22

1+ y ago39:22

39:22

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Dr. Kurt Rosentrater, an expert in grain handling and processing from Iowa State University, sits down with Jim Lenz for "Fueling Progress: The Evolution of the Ethanol Industry. " This episode of Whole Grain Podcast discusses …

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The Inside Scoop of Tech Reporting with Kelcee Griffis 22:14

1+ y ago22:14

22:14

Welcome back to Debugged, the Congressional App Challenge’s alumni-led podcast that delves into the world of computer science! In this episode, host Medha Gupta sits down with Kelcee Griffis, a journalist at The Morning Brew, to uncover her fascinating career path from covering intellectual property and the judiciary to becoming a tech reporter. Jo…

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Optimizing Spring Grain Drying and Storage: Insights from Ken Hellevang 33:22

1+ y ago33:22

33:22

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. In this episode of the Whole Grain Podcast, Ken Hellevang, an expert in grain drying and storage from North Dakota State University Extension, sits down with Jim Lenz for "Optimizing Spring Grain Drying and Storage: Insights fr…

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Creating Empowering Tech Communities with Dr. Natalie Lao 23:50

1+ y ago23:50

23:50

Kicking off Season 3 of the Debugged Podcast, host Medha Gupta interviews Dr. Natalie Lao, Executive Director of the App Inventor Foundation. Dr. Lao shares her journey from MIT undergrad to her current role, emphasizing her passion for education and mentorship. She discusses her involvement in the MIT App Inventor project and her work with UNESCO …

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Canola Chronicles: Unveiling the Remarkable Evolution with Dr. Michael Eskin 27:48

1+ y ago27:48

27:48

Have questions, feedback, or thoughts on the show? We want to hear from you! Click on this link to send us a text message. Join us on the Whole Grain Podcast episode as we explore the remarkable evolution of canola as a commodity with insights from Dr. Michael Eskin, a Distinguished Professor at the University of Manitoba, renowned for his expertis…