Mark Rober: Feeling Stuck in a Rut? Use THIS Simple 3- Step Method Engineers Use to FINALLY Turn Your Ideas Into Reality!
On Purpose with Jay Shetty features Mark Rober, who discusses his transition from NASA engineer to YouTube creator and entrepreneur. Rober explains how he applies engineering principles to content creation through a process of prototyping, testing, and iteration, viewing setbacks as opportunities for learning rather than failures.
The conversation explores Rober's work in STEM education through his YouTube channel and Crunch Labs initiative. Through what he calls "hiding the vegetables," Rober creates engaging science content that appeals to young minds, while his educational program provides hands-on engineering experiences in classrooms. His approach focuses on fostering curiosity and a growth mindset, with particular attention to making STEM accessible to all children, including efforts to attract more girls to the field.
This is a preview of the Shortform summary of the Dec 3, 2025 episode of the On Purpose with Jay Shetty
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1-Page Summary
Rober's Career Journey and Unconventional Approach to Work
In a fascinating discussion, Jay Shetty explores Marc Rober's unconventional career path from NASA engineer to YouTube personality and entrepreneur. Rober spent a decade at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory working on the Mars Curiosity rover before transitioning through roles at a Halloween costume company and Apple, ultimately finding his way to YouTube and entrepreneurship.
Curiosity, Experimentation, and Embracing Failure
Rober emphasizes the importance of viewing failure as an essential part of the learning process. His approach to content creation mirrors the engineering design process: prototype, test, and iterate. Through projects like creating the world's largest Jello pool and developing a soccer goalie robot, Rober demonstrates how setbacks serve as valuable learning experiences rather than failures.
Rober's Mission to Inspire Youth Through STEM
Through his YouTube channel, which boasts 72 million subscribers, Rober has mastered what he calls "hiding the vegetables" - teaching science through engaging content that doesn't feel like traditional education. He describes himself as a "[restricted term]," igniting young minds' interest in science and discovery. This mission extends to his creation of Crunch Labs, which offers hands-on STEM learning experiences and is developing a comprehensive science curriculum for grades three through eight.
Rober's approach focuses on fostering curiosity and a growth mindset, offering creative kits designed to attract more girls to STEM while appealing to all children. Jay Shetty notes that these initiatives are already making a significant impact, with Crunch Labs successfully delivering hands-on engineering experiences to classrooms across the country.
1-Page Summary
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) is a leading research center that designs and manages robotic space missions. The Mars Curiosity rover is a robotic vehicle sent by NASA to explore Mars' surface and study its climate and geology. Curiosity's mission helps scientists understand if Mars could have supported microbial life. JPL engineers like Marc Rober develop and operate such advanced space exploration technologies.
- The engineering design process is a systematic method used to solve problems by creating functional products or systems. It begins with identifying a need or problem, followed by brainstorming and designing possible solutions. Prototyping involves building a preliminary model to test ideas, and testing evaluates its performance against requirements. Iteration means refining the design based on test results, repeating the cycle until the solution meets the desired goals.
- "Hiding the vegetables" is a metaphor borrowed from parenting, where healthy but unappealing food is disguised within tasty dishes. In teaching science, it means embedding educational content within entertaining and engaging activities so learning feels natural and enjoyable. This approach helps students absorb complex concepts without feeling like they are doing traditional, boring schoolwork. It makes science accessible and fun, increasing interest and retention.
- Crunch Labs is an educational company founded by Marc Rober that creates interactive STEM kits and curricula. Its purpose is to provide hands-on learning experiences that make science and engineering accessible and fun for children. The company aims to improve STEM education by encouraging creativity and problem-solving skills. It also focuses on inclusivity, designing products to engage a diverse range of students, especially girls.
- Girls have historically been underrepresented in STEM fields due to social, cultural, and educational barriers. Encouraging girls to pursue STEM helps promote gender equality and diverse perspectives in science and technology. Early exposure and inclusive programs can increase girls' confidence and interest in these areas. This leads to a more balanced workforce and innovation benefiting society as a whole.
- Jay Shetty is a former monk turned motivational speaker, author, and podcast host known for sharing wisdom on personal growth and mindfulness. He often interviews influential figures to explore their life lessons and success strategies. His relevance here is as the interviewer who highlights Marc Rober's unique career and mindset. Shetty's platform helps bring Rober's story and message to a broader audience.
- Having 72 million YouTube subscribers places Marc Rober among the platform's most popular creators, giving him a vast audience reach. This scale allows his educational content to influence millions of viewers worldwide, far beyond traditional classroom settings. Large subscriber numbers also attract sponsorships and funding, enabling higher-quality productions and expanded educational initiatives. Consequently, his impact on STEM education is amplified through widespread accessibility and engagement.
- A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through effort and learning. It encourages embracing challenges and viewing mistakes as opportunities to improve. This mindset is crucial in STEM education because it helps students persist through difficult problems and fosters resilience. Promoting a growth mindset increases motivation and engagement in learning complex subjects.
Actionables
- You can start a "Failure Journal" to document and reflect on your setbacks as learning opportunities. Each time you encounter a failure, write it down, analyze what went wrong, and brainstorm ways to improve. This practice will help you embrace failure as a part of growth, similar to how an engineer iterates on prototypes.
- Create a simple science experiment or project with household items to share with friends or family. For example, you might build a homemade volcano with baking soda and vinegar or create a basic circuit with batteries and LEDs. This hands-on approach can spark curiosity and demonstrate scientific principles in a fun, accessible way.
- Engage with children or young relatives by challenging them to solve a problem using everyday materials. For instance, ask them to build a bridge out of straws and tape that can hold a certain weight. This activity promotes a growth mindset and interest in STEM, mirroring the intention behind educational STEM kits.
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Rober's Career Journey and Unconventional Approach to Work
Rober's journey from NASA engineer to a YouTube personality and entrepreneur showcases his unique approach to career and creativity, where he prioritizes learning from failure, fostering curiosity, and valuing quality over rapid growth or wealth.
Rober's Transition From Nasa Engineer to YouTuber and Entrepreneur
Career Beginnings: Rober at Nasa and Transition to Creative Ventures
Jay Shetty speaks with Payne Lindsey about his transition from a reputable university in mechanical engineering to getting a job at NASA. Lindsey recalls intense interview sessions with engineer Don Bickler at NASA which eventually led to being hired. His career path took an unconventional turn when he left NASA, launching into the realms of YouTube and entrepreneurship.
Payne Lindsey started at NASA, where he worked on the Mars Curiosity rover for a decade, even designing hardware that is currently on Mars. The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena provided an environment akin to a college campus with a free exchange of ideas, which fostered his innovative spirit. He went from NASA to working with a Halloween costume company, and then to Apple, expanding his horizons beyond traditional engineering roles.
Rober Embraces Experimentation, Viewing Failure As Essential To Learning, Not to Be Feared
Lindsey describes starting on YouTube in 2011 before the platform’s monetization was widely recognized. His journey included creating viral content, such as a Halloween costume using iPads that made it look like there was a hole through his body. The costume not only went viral but also caught the attention of Jimmy Kimmel, who has since been a mentor. Kimmel spurred the idea of starting Crunch Labs to deeply engage more brains in learning through entertainment.
Additionally, Rober utilized his engineering skills post-NASA by creating a glitter bomb for porch pirates and an obstacle course for squirrels, projects that captured significant public attention. These projects reflect his inclination to experiment and his view of failures as a crucial part of the learning curve.
Rober's Approach Is Driven by Curiosity and Passion, Not Money or Fame
Rober Limited Youtube To one Quality-Focused Video Monthly, Prioritizing Creativity Over Rapid Growth
Lindsey decided to create one YouTube video a month for 14 years, focusing on engineering builds or ideas. He did not aim primarily for profit or notoriety from the start but instead followed his interests and ...
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Rober's Career Journey and Unconventional Approach to Work
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Actionables
- You can explore a new hobby or interest each month to foster creativity and innovation. Start by choosing something you're curious about, whether it's painting, coding, gardening, or anything else. Dedicate a set amount of time each week to learn and experiment with this new interest. Document your progress and reflect on what you've learned at the end of the month. This practice can help you develop a habit of lifelong learning and may lead to unexpected opportunities or career paths.
- Develop a personal "quality over quantity" approach to your projects or social media presence. If you enjoy creating content, writing, or any form of expression, focus on producing one well-crafted piece per month instead of multiple rushed ones. Spend time researching, drafting, and revising your work to ensure it aligns with your interests and standards. This strategy can help you build a portfolio that truly represents your passion and skill set.
- Practice saying no to opportunities that don't align with your core interests or ...
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Curiosity, Experimentation, and Embracing Failure
Curiosity and experimentation are heralded as essential components for innovation and personal growth, as underlined by various thought leaders including Rober and Lindsey.
Curiosity and Experimentation Key to Innovation and Growth
Engineering Design: Prototype, Test, Iterate to Find Solution
Rober emphasizes the importance of curiosity and experimentation in the context of the engineering design process. Prototyping, testing, and iterating are vital steps to finding a comprehensive solution. Building upon each version using what is learned from "failures" is crucial in making improvements. Designing for a Mars Rover, for instance, involves using computer-aided design (CAD), analytical testing, construction, and real-life testing to see if the design meets expectations. Pushing an item to its limits through testing is how its weaknesses are discovered.
Rober Promotes Viewing Challenges As Learning Opportunities, Not Personal Failures
Rober and Payne Lindsey discuss redefining failure, not as a setback but as an integral part of the learning process. Lindsey suggests setting a goal to fail in order to destigmatize the notion of failure, encouraging people to view it as a stepping stone to improvement. In Lindsey's process for creating content, like in engineering, one should start with a simple version and build upon it iteratively. Rober also views challenges as learning opportunities rather than personal failures, promoting a mindset that embraces struggle and continues persevering.
Rober's Experiences Highlight the Value of Experimentation
Robert Faced Challenges in His Work, Such As Creating the World's Largest Jello Pool, but Views These As Valuable Learning Experiences
Jay Shetty cites Payne Lindsey's popular video "World's Largest Jello Pool, Can You Swim in Jello," which faced many technical challenges including protection from a storm and ensuring the jello set properly. Despite such setbacks, Lindsey views this experience as valuable. Similarly, Manny Rober's project on creating a soccer goalie robot faced many setbacks over the course of a year. He did not see these setbacks as personal failures but ...
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Curiosity, Experimentation, and Embracing Failure
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Counterarguments
- While curiosity and experimentation are important, they must be balanced with focus and discipline to ensure that resources are not wasted on unproductive avenues.
- Prototyping, testing, and iterating can be resource-intensive, and not all projects have the luxury of time and materials to explore every potential solution.
- Learning from failures is valuable, but it is also important to recognize when a project is not viable and to know when to pivot or stop to avoid sunk cost fallacy.
- Testing products to their limits is crucial, but it must be done within ethical and safety boundaries to avoid unnecessary risks.
- Redefining failure as a learning opportunity is beneficial, but it is also important to acknowledge and address the emotional impact of failure to support mental health.
- Setting goals to fail might encourage risk-taking, but it could also lead to a lack of accountability if not properly managed.
- Starting with simple versions is a good approach, but sometimes a more comprehensive initial design can save time and resources in the long run.
- Viewing challenges as learning experiences is a positive mindset, but it should not lead to romanticizing struggle or overlooking systemic issues that may be the root cause of those challenges.
- Technical challenges can provide learning experiences, but they can also signal a need for better planning or expertise in the initial stages of a project.
- Persisting throug ...
Actionables
- You can embrace curiosity by starting a "What if?" journal where you jot down hypothetical questions and explore possible answers. For example, ask yourself, "What if I tried a new recipe every week?" or "What if I rearranged my living room?" and then actually do these things to see what you learn and how it changes your perspective.
- Develop a habit of creating mini-prototypes for everyday problems you encounter. If you notice your phone charger always gets tangled, try designing a simple cord organizer using household items like cardboard or Velcro strips. Test different designs over a week, note what works and what doesn't, and iterate until you find a practical solution.
- Set a "failure goal" for a new hobby or ski ...
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Rober's Mission to Inspire Youth Through STEM Creativity
Marc Rober is on a quest to ignite a passion for science and engineering among the younger generation through engaging content and interactive learning experiences.
Rober's Content Inspires Curiosity and Learning In Youth
Rober's YouTube Videos Engagingly Teach Science and Engineering Through Creative Experiments and Storytelling
Payne Lindsey highlights his mission to excite children about science and curiosity, showcasing his influential YouTube channel with 72 million subscribers and billions of views a month. He credits his mother as his inspiration, whose influence pervades through his channel's creative educational content.
Rober's Crunch Labs Project Brings Hands-On STEM to Classrooms, Inspiring Future Scientists and Innovators
Jay Shetty discusses Crunch Labs, Marc Rober’s hands-on project that promotes learning through experimentation and play without rigid goals. Crunch Labs encourages young minds to dive into science, shifting their perspective on the world and themselves. Through the Creative Kit, part of his offerings aimed at attracting more girls to STEM (while also appealing to boys), Rober seeks to engage children actively in the learning process.
Rober Is a "[restricted term]," Sparking Interest in Science and Engineering to Inspire Exploration
Impact Young Lives By Fostering Curiosity and Growth Mindset
Rober sees himself as a "[restricted term]," igniting young minds' interest and getting them addicted to discovery, aiming to start them on a lifelong journey of curiosity and learning. Jay Shetty plans to support this mission by getting Crunch Labs products for his niece and nephew, reinforcing the idea that such tools are designed to inspire and engage youth.
Through his YouTube channel, Rober has mastered the art of "hiding the vegetables," where viewers learn science without realizing they're being taught. His team is developing a full science curriculum for third to eighth graders, complete with hands-on activities and resources for teachers.
Adding to his outreach, Marc Rober has founded Crunch Labs, likened to a ...
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Rober's Mission to Inspire Youth Through STEM Creativity
Additional Materials
Clarifications
- Marc Rober is a former NASA engineer known for his popular science and engineering videos on YouTube. He uses creative experiments and storytelling to make STEM topics accessible and fun for all ages. His work has significantly influenced STEM education by inspiring millions of young people worldwide. Rober’s approach combines entertainment with education, encouraging curiosity and hands-on learning.
- Crunch Labs is a company founded by Marc Rober that creates hands-on STEM kits and educational products for children. It operates by designing interactive engineering projects that encourage experimentation and learning through play. The company also manages logistics such as product shipping from its warehouse. Crunch Labs aims to make STEM accessible and fun, fostering creativity and resilience in young learners.
- "Hiding the vegetables" is a teaching technique where educational content is embedded within entertaining activities. It means presenting science lessons in a fun, engaging way so learners absorb knowledge without feeling like they are being taught. This approach reduces resistance and increases curiosity by making learning feel natural and enjoyable. The phrase draws an analogy to sneaking vegetables into meals so children eat them without noticing.
- The "Creative Kit" typically includes hands-on materials like building components, tools, and experiment guides designed to encourage open-ended exploration. It targets girls in STEM by featuring inclusive themes, diverse role models, and activities that appeal to varied interests beyond traditional engineering stereotypes. The kit emphasizes creativity and play to make STEM approachable and fun for all children. This approach helps reduce gender barriers and fosters confidence in girls to pursue science and engineering.
- The term "[restricted term]" metaphorically describes someone who ignites enthusiasm and motivation in others. Marc Rober uses it to express his role in sparking curiosity and a passion for learning in young people. It implies initiating a process that leads to ongoing exploration and discovery. This concept emphasizes the importance of inspiring interest rather than just delivering information.
- Crunch Labs products include kits with parts and instructions that let kids assemble real engineering projects, like machines or structures. This hands-on building helps children understand concepts like mechanics, electronics, and problem-solving by doing rather than just reading. The process encourages experimentation, showing how design changes affect function, which teaches engineering thinking. Failure during building is framed as a learning step, promoting resilience and iterative improvement.
- The term "seed planters" is a metaphor for people who introduce ideas or inspiration that later grow into significant outcomes. Teachers and family members "plant seeds" by nurturing curiosity and knowledge early in life. Their influence creates a foundation for future learning and ...
Counterarguments
- While Marc Rober's YouTube channel and Crunch Labs may inspire many young people, not all students may find this style of learning effective; different learners have diverse needs and preferences.
- The focus on "hiding the vegetables" in education, though innovative, might not address the need for students to also engage with and understand the value of learning the fundamentals of science and engineering directly.
- The Creative Kit's aim to attract more girls to STEM is commendable, but it's important to ensure that such initiatives do not inadvertently reinforce gender stereotypes through their marketing or design.
- The claim that Crunch Labs encourages a shift in perspective on the world and oneself may not be universally true for all participants; individual experiences can vary widely.
- Identifying as a "[restricted term]" and aiming to spark curiosity is a strong mission, but long-term engagement in STEM also requires sustained support, mentorship, and resources beyond initial inspiration.
- The development of a full science curriculum is a significant undertaking, and it must be noted that the effectiveness of such a curriculum would need to be evaluated against established educational standards and in diverse educational settings.
- The financial success of Crunch Labs is positive, but commercial success does not necessarily equate to educational efficacy or accessibility for all socioeconomic groups.
- The ...
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Rober's Views on AI and Societal Implications
Unfortunately, there is no available content from the provided podcast transcript that outlines Rober's specific views on AI and its societal implications. Therefore, this article cannot provide details on Rober's curiosity about AI addressing global issues, his stance on the inclusion of societal impact and safeguards in tech development, his advocacy for an evidence-based approach to technology evaluation and regulation, addressing vulner ...
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Rober's Views on AI and Societal Implications
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Actionables
- You can start a conversation about AI's role in society by asking friends and family their thoughts on how technology could address issues they care about. This encourages a dialogue on the societal impact of AI and can lead to a collective brainstorming of safeguards that could be implemented in technology development.
- Volunteer to participate in local community surveys or studies that aim to gather public opinion on new technologies. This provides valuable data for an evidence-based approach to technology evaluation and regulation, ensuring that diverse voices are heard in the decision-making process.
- Educate you ...
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