Careers Over Beers Podcast

In this episode of Careers Over Beers, I sit down with environmental health and safety experts Kristen Meghan Kelly and Tammy K. Clark to discuss the rapid expansion of AI and hyperscale data centers into small communities across America.

We examine who is driving these projects, the enormous financial interests involved, how land acquisition and permitting processes often unfold outside of public view, and why many local residents feel they are learning about projects only after critical decisions have already been made.

Kristen and Tammy bring decades of experience in occupational, environmental, and industrial health and safety. Kristen is an Air Force veteran, a whistleblower, senior industrial hygienist, and environmental specialist with more than two decades of experience evaluating environmental and public health risks. Tammy is an OSHA environmental health and safety professional, expert witness, and industrial safety specialist with more than 20 years of experience in occupational and environmental health.

In this special episode we discuss:

• AI and hyperscale data center expansion

• Water consumption and impacts on local resources

• Noise, light pollution, and quality-of-life concerns

• Potential impacts on agriculture and livestock

• Power demands and infrastructure challenges

• Community organizing and citizen opposition efforts

• Cases where residents successfully influenced project outcomes

• Alternative technologies and approaches that could reduce environmental impacts

• Western Sedgwick County

Whether you're hearing rumors of a proposed data center in your town or simply want to understand the infrastructure powering the AI revolution, this conversation offers a perspective rarely covered in mainstream discussions.

Ben Valencia and Kiana Lucero both work for Tanganika Wildlife Park in Goddard, KS. During this episode, Ben gets into his start in the animal world and what it's like being the Carnivore Specialist for the big cats. Kiana also discusses her origins in Marine Biology, and what her daily life entails as the Animal Experience Specialist. Both keepers also get into their favorite animals, some of their funnier experiences, and why Tanganika Wildlife Park is more than just a Zoo.

Troy Brooks is the Founder & CEO of Greatness Vodka. During this episode, Troy gives insight into his early years of being homeless, quitting basketball, and grinding to earn money for creating his own vodka brand. Also, Troy gives advice on striving for Greatness, the pros & cons of starting a business, and how you can achieve anything that you set your mind to.

Steve Hewitt is the CEO of the Kansas Turnpike Authority. During this episode, Steve discusses his pathway to CEO and how he maintains 236 miles of user-fee supported roadway from the Oklahoma border to Kansas City. Also, Steve goes into detail about the KTA going 100% Cashless Tolls in the summer of 2024 and what that means for customers using the highway.

Cody Howell is a rising Country Musician that served 7 years in the Navy before moving to Nashville, TN to pursue his love for music. During this episode, Cody talks about being a Kansas native, how he started recording music, working with Dolly Parton, and much more!

Jeff Kraus is the third-generation owner of Kraus Foods, a beloved grocery store in the Colwich, KS community. Four years ago, Jeff expanded the business by opening Kraus Liquor, a venture that has seen remarkable success. During this episode, Jeff gives insight into running a small business, what it’s like competing with big corporations, how the COVID pandemic had major impacts on his stores, and much more!

Chase Kear is a pole vaulter, public speaker, artist, & survivor of a horrible pole vaulting accident that he should not have survived. During this episode, Chase talks about the day of the accident, how doctors did not think he was going to make it, and how he miraculously recovered after a Catholic community came together in prayer to Father Emil Kapaun.

Krista Torres is a Content Creator, TikTok Star, Writer, & Social Media expert that works for BuzzFeed. During this episode, Krista gives insight into the stress of creating new content, what makes a video go viral, her journey to becoming a social media personality for her employer and herself, & so much more!

Dr. Heather Greenberg is a Clinical Psychologist and Therapist. During this episode, Dr. Heather discusses her passion for helping people through therapy, why it's important for people to seek help, & what it's like to listen & diagnose people's mental health problems all across the board.

Oscar Pineda is an award winning coffee roaster & cafe owner that runs and operates Esperanza Coffee Roasters & Las Adelitas Cafe in Wichita, KS. During this episode, Oscar talks about bringing Mexican coffee to the USA, how he roasts coffee to bring out flavors, & his passion for igniting nostalgia and relationships with coffee.