Podcasts
Insightful and engaging conversation on leadership, innovation, and careers, focused on energy, the green economy and social impact.
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Solar Jobs Help Homeowners – Nicole Steele, Grid Alternatives
Everybody talks about jobs, and the clean energy economy is growing jobs at a faster pace than virtually any other industry. So, where do you go to get trained? A national non-profit is training the solar workforce of the future while also giving solar power to...
Sustainable Fashion? – Annie Gullingsrud, Cradle to Cradle Innovation Institute
"85% of disposable apparel ends up in a landfill," Annie Gullingsrud, Cradle to Cradle Innovation Institute Think of all the stuff the people in areas devastated by hurricanes and fires have to replace.... What if they replaced even 10 percent of it with sustainable...
Energy Storage – Kate McGinnis, AES Energy Storage
Without the ability to store clean energy, it will only go so far. AES Energy Storage is on the cutting edge of reinventing energy storage, especially with their new joint venture with Siemens, called Fluence. Listen to AES's Kate McGinnis tell Green Connections Radio...
Enviro-Social Investing – Christopher Cordaro, RegentAtlantic
“Change occurs when we vote with our wallets…We are in a revolution right now when we can use our portfolios to express our values and actually impact the policies that corporations are making.”
Christopher Cordaro on Green Connections Radio. One of the sure-bet investments over time has been energy stocks, mostly oil and gas, with companies like Exxon Mobil soaring. Yet, Hurricane Harvey and the reality of climate change have upset that long-held belief too. The hurricane brought Houston’s oil and gas hub to a halt for days or weeks. So, today we’re looking anew at how we can match our investment dollars with our values. Grab an iPad or pen and paper, because you’ll want to take notes on this one. Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s tips-packed conversation with investing master, Christopher Cordaro, Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of RegentAtlantic about how to do it.
Eco-Friendly Clothing – Christopher Chappell, Ramblers Way
We feel for the people of Houston, Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands who had their lives devastated by Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.....they have to replace everything. So, what if....what if they replaced their clothing with sustainably-produced clothing? Imagine the...
Congress & Clean Energy – Lynn Abramson, Clean Energy Business Network
Due to COVID-19's economic crisis, the energy sector has experienced the worst downturn since WWII, according to the head of the International Energy Agency. And, we need to mitigate the impact of climate change. Yet, at a time when our lives literally depend upon...
Climate Journalism – Hannah Fairfield, NY Times Climate Editor
Why do news organizations choose certain climate stories? Are they promoting a position? What strategies do they use to make sure the facts are accurate? To combat bias? This episode will answer these questions and more, with a behind the scenes look at where those stories come from and how they come to be with a master: Listen to this fascinating, insightful conversation between Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson and Hannah Fairfield, the Climate Editor of the venerable New York Times. This is the story behind the stories.
New Portable Energy – Rita Hansen, OnBoard Dynamics
What if we had a way to get power to devastated areas quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster like a hurricane? Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson's fascinating conversation with Rita Hansen, CEO of OnBoard Dynamics about their new...
Water Science Lessons? Rita Colwell, Gulf Water Expert, fmr NSF Administrator
Stories abound about the potential contaminants in the water flooding Houston and its environs from Hurricane Harvey. But what might we learn from all that water? Perhaps we can learn something about it from the team that studied the Gulf of Mexico after the...
Teaching Kids Climate – Lynne Cherry, Children’s Book Author on the Environment
“Kids have power.. and once kids know how much power they have to make change, they start acting.”Lynne Cherry on Green Connections Radio Kids are experiencing the impact of the climate firsthand through extreme weather events and probably don’t understand exactly what’s happening. Listen to Lynne Cherry, author of over thirty children’s books pertaining to climate change tell Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson.
Earth Science & Climate – Katharine Hayhoe, Climate Scientist, Univ. of Texas
One or the most prominent voices on climate change is one of our amazing scientist guests, Dr. Katharine Hayhoe, who was chosen as one of Time magazine’s “Top 100 Pioneers” and is great fun too. Dr. Hayhoe is an Atmospheric Scientist and the Director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University – and teaches in the Political Science Department. An interesting combination…Listen to her easy way of helping us understand the science..
Eclipse Physics Meets Climate Change – Lawrence Krauss, Renowned Physicist, Best-selling Author
Total eclipse reminds us of how cool physics is, so we thought it was a good time to hear from renowned physicist and best-selling author Dr. Lawrence Krauss on how exactly the climate changes and why again. Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s...
Summer Heat & Water – Dow Water’s Snehal Desai
As you head for the beach or lake for your summer vacation, soothed by nature, remember that there are 1.2 billion people who live in water scarcity – and that drought truly threatens our food supply. Our very survival depends upon sufficient water. After all, our...
Entrepreneur Tips & Funding – Julie Lenzer Kirk, Serial Entrepreneur & Former Head, Economic Development, Commerce Dept.
“It’s Easier to Change the World If You Have Money,” Julie Lenzer Kirk Julie Lenzer Kirk is an award-winning serial entrepreneur and former head of the Economic Development Administration’s Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) at the U.S. Commerce...
Socially Responsible Investing – Barbara Krumsiek, Calvert Investments
Do you want to invest with principle — and earn great financial returns too?
As the stock market hits all-time highs, and the Trump administration reduces regulations on financial institutions, automakers, water polluters and fossil fuel companies, among a long list, we have to take a more active role in managing our portfolios if we want them to reflect our environmental and clean energy values AND make a great return.
So, what to do?
Listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s previous interview with a leader in socially-responsible investing, Barbara Krumsiek who was the CEO of Calvert Investments for a long time (and is now retired). Barbara candidly discusses the pros and cons of socially-responsible investing (SRI), which is now mainstream, thanks in part to Calvert and Krumsiek. But what if you’re new to it like most of us are?
Tackling CO2 with ARPA-E – Laura Nereng of 3M
When you hear “3M” you think of Post-it notes, right? Not so fast. 3M is innovating in cleantech and breaking new ground, especially in reducing carbon emissions. With the U.S. Department of Energy's Advanced Projects Research Agency-Energy - aka ARPA-E - on the...
At Risk in the Nat’l Labs – Dr. Karina Edmonds, Tech Transfer, Dept of Energy
With the Department of Energy innovation budgets under attack by the Trump administration, including the National Laboratories that invented most of the stuff we take for granted, we think it's a good time to re-air our episode on what the National Labs actually do...
Gov’t Does Climate – Rebecca Rubin, Marstel Day
Guess who’s taking serious steps to reduce their carbon footprint and partner with the local community? As the new administration seeks to cut all climate and clean energy, we thought it was a good time to re-air our interview with Rebecca R. Rubin, Founder/CEO of...
State Energy Trend? – Betsy McCorkle, North Carolina Sustainable Energy Association
With new legislation being voted on that could be a sign of what’s to come in state energy policy – aside from the mayors who are joining the climate agreement – we thought it was a good time to re-air our interview with Betsy McCorkle, head of governmental affairs at...
Gov’t Energy Innovations – Dr. Ellen Williams, ARPA-E, Dept of Energy
With government funding for energy innovations under threat, we thought it was a good idea to re-air this fascinating interview Dr. Ellen Williams, then-head of the Advanced Energy Research Agency, aka, ARPA-E, of the Department of Energy. ARPA-E is one of the...
Summer Eco-Travel – Geoff Bolan, Sustainable Travel Inc.
Before you set off on your next summer vacation, you'll want to hear Geodd Bolan's tips for reducing the environmental impact of your journey. So, listen to this enlightening conversation between Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson and Geoff Bolan, CEO of...
Speaking 4 Your Career – Bobbie Carlton, Innovation Women Public Speakers
Does your event have an equal number of female and male speakers? When was the last time you spoke at an event, as either a panelist, host, moderator or keynote speaker? Gave a presentation?
Public speaking is a very powerful tool to advance your career, as you’ll hear in this inspiring interview of Bobbie Carlton, Founder/CEO of Innovation Women and Carlton PR & Marketing by Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson.
Local Resilience – Nicole Ferrini, Chief Resilience Officer, El Paso, Texas
“Listen for the unexpected,” Nicole Ferrini, El Paso, Texas As the new administration seeks to cut climate change budgets nationwide, Mother Nature doesn’t wait, so local communities are left having to take action regardless of what the federal government does. So,...
Whole Foods Energy Use – Kathy Loftus, Global Head of Energy Efficiency, Whole Foods Market
With the recent acquisition of Whole Foods Market by Amazon, it’s a good time to listen to Green Connections Radio host’s fascinating conversation with Whole Foods Markets’ Global Head of Sustainable Facilities, Kathy Loftus. Kathy initiated some innovative strategies...
States Innovating Energy – Catherine Williams, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
With the Trump administration cutting energy innovation and climate change initiatives, and saying that the states can pick up the slack, it’s a good time to re-air our enlightening episode with a woman on the front lines of a state leading the way: Catherine Williams...
Funding Eco-Start-ups – April Richards, EPA SBIR Program
With Congress poised to review President Trump's proposal to cut the budget of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) by 31%, it's important to look at what the EPA does. One of the coolest EPA programs is the Small Business Innovation Grant (SBIR) program that...
Nature Walks 4 Kids – Alisha Camacho, Anacostia Unplugged
We all seek to venture out to nature But, imagine all you’ve know is streets. Imagine that as a result, you’re afraid of nature….as an unknown. Imagine a mentor takes you to the river for the first time, and hikes along the river, and your eyes open…. That’s what Alisha Camacho is doing with her students in Anacostia and she’s producing a documentary about it, called “Anacostia Unplugged,” in this great interview from our archives.
Paris Climate Accord Front Lines – with Rachel Kyte, CEO of the U.N’s Sustainable Energy for All Programme
With the Trump administration having pulled out of the historic Paris Climate Accord, we thought it a good time to re-air our fascinating episode with the woman on the front lines of implementing that accord: Rachel Kyte, CEO of the United Nation’s Sustainable Energy for All Programme.
Kyte articulates the impetus for the Paris Climate Accord in the first place – and how it can be implemented. It’s a fine dance of diplomacy, technology, science, negotiation, creative business and financial modeling, and entrenched positions – with human survival in the balance.
Resilient Communities – Katharine Burgess, Director of Urban Resilience, Urban Land Institute
With our communities on the front lines of climate change risk – homes, businesses, schools and local economies – we are relieved that there are courageous, innovative leaders who are taking action and creating added value (with low budgets). They are using natural solutions and conservation methods that we can all learn. Meet Katharine Burgess, Director of Urban Resilience at the Urban Land Institute, as she shares her insights from working with communities on Green Connections Radio in this conversation with host Joan Michelson. You may want to forward this podcast to your mayor, Congressperson or City Manager – and take notes for your own community!
Abu Dhabi Renewable Energy – Dr. Nawal Al-Hosany, Director, Masdar Sustainability
With the president heading to the Middle East this week and spending time in oil-rich Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi, we thought it a fitting time to introduce you to a remarkable woman playing a leading role in the clean energy revolution in the heart of oil country. Dr....
Career, Workplace Tips from Top CEOs – Joann Lublin, Wall Street Journal, Author of Earning It: Hard-Won Lessons from Trailblazing Women at the Top of the Business World
If you think CEOs didn’t have to endure frustrating career obstacles like yours, the anecdotes from top women CEOs shared here will surprise you, and maybe comfort you. They also illustrate how to navigate them and various daily workplace dynamics and hazards that are...
Easy Greenhouse, Campus – Donielle “Doni” Nolan, George Mason University
If you’ve ever been interested in growing food, or in advancing it on a campus or in your community, listen to Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson’s interview with a master: George Mason University Greenhouse Manager Donielle “Doni” Nolan. Take notes! Whether...
Tech Entrepreneur Funding – Anna Brady-Estevez, NSF, SBIR Grant Program Director, National Science Foundation
Maybe you have a great idea or new app you developed that you’re itching to bring to life. Maybe you have a friend who does… Or, maybe you’re an entrepreneur who is running out of funds and fears not being able to continue. If this rings a bell, listen up. This podcast provides vital information about a federal grant program you can apply for. There’s no guarantee you’ll be approved, but you certainly won’t get it if you do not apply. It’s called the Small Business Innovation Research – or SBIR – grants (or STTRs). About half a dozen federal agencies offer them, all with different criteria. The SBIR program we’re talking about today is from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and has an open agenda, focused on the potential of the technology to make a big positive societal impact if it succeeds.
Finding & Promoting Your NIche – Katie Krimitsos, Biz Women Rock
Every business in every industry needs to find its niche to succeed and grow. Business strategy coach and Facebook marketing whiz Katie Krimitsos shares with Green Connections Radio host Joan Michelson her suggestions for doing so. Katie's a master "community builder"...
Warnings We Miss – Michele Wucker, Author of “The Gray Rhino: How to Recognize and Act on the Obvious Dangers We Ignore.”
Why do we miss potentially dangerous trends, “a series of warnings and visible evidence”? It might be climate change, water scarcity, an infrastructure that is falling apart beneath our feet, terrorist threats, or an approaching business competitor or trend we had ignored, for example. How do we train ourselves to seepotential dangers we’re missing early enough to address them? Listen to author and global business strategy leader Michele Wucker with Green Connections Radio.
Resilient Communities – Beth Gibbons, Institute for Sustainable Communities
“The (proposed Trump budget) cuts are a gut-punch to the community.” Beth Gibbons Every community has to cope with climate change as a reality regardless of politicians’ political ideologies. Federal funds support many of these efforts, directly or indirectly – such...
21st Century Infrastructure – Kelly Carnes, TechVision21
The U.S. infrastructure is literally crumbling beneath our feet and wheels. The American Society of Civil Engineers gave it a D+ in 2017. Cars are falling into sink holes from roads that literally sink, or falling into the water when a bridge collapses. Water pipes...
The “Un-Utility” – Mary Powell, Green Mountain Power
With so much innovation in the energy sector, the rapid expansion of renewable energy, development of a “smart grid” and the Internet of Things technologies, the utilities have to evolve too. And, without dropping any service to anyone, ever.
So, what’s a utility to do to survive – and to thrive? Enter Mary Powell, CEO of Green Mountain Power in Vermont, who was chosen as one of Fast Company’s most innovative people. She’s turning the business model of a utility on its head, and retains the support of her board because she’s succeeding in every way – customer service ratings in the 90%s and generating sold financial results. How? Listen up.
Opportunities in Government Chaos – Kelly Carnes, TechVision21
Every new presidential administration brings a transition to new priorities - this time, it's a radical shift into uncertainty. Clean energy and climate-related spending is being cut across the board in the new president's budget. But Congress has yet to finalize it...
Physics of Climate Change – Lawrence Krauss, Renowned Physicist, Best-selling Author
We hear about the ravages of climate change, but how exactly does the climate change and why? It’s good to go back to the basics, especially for those of us who don’t remember our first physics class…..so we went to a master of physics… Listen to Green Connections...
– David, CEO EdgeStudio.com
About Joan Bryna Michelson
Joan Bryna Michelson, MBA is an award-winning business and communications leader, public speaker and host of the acclaimed podcast series, Green Connections Radio™... Read More