In this powerful episode of Broadband Heroes, host Nick and co-host Jade welcome Dr. Christopher Ali, the renowned telecommunications scholar and author of Farm Fresh Broadband, to explore why broadband policy continues to fall short—especially for rural and underserved communities.

Dr. Ali shares the deeply human side of the digital divide, from road-tripping across America with his dog Tuna to collect stories, to his upcoming book If These Maps Could Talk, which challenges how policymakers define evidence and impact. Together, they dissect systemic issues in broadband funding, the failure to prioritize equity, and how storytelling—not just data—should guide the future of connectivity.

Whether you're a policymaker, advocate, or just curious about the real-world impact of broadband access, this conversation delivers a rich, engaging look into the past, present, and future of digital equity in America.