In this episode, our guest is Bruce Nordman, a long-time researcher from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. Bruce brings four decades of experience in energy efficiency and introduces his revolutionary vision for transforming how buildings use electricity, drawing strong parallels with the evolution of internet technology.

We explore the concept of "nanogrids," price-responsive appliances, and how a decentralized approach to energy, using price signals instead of commands, can reshape both on- and off-grid systems. Bruce highlights the untapped potential of DC power, the role of embedded intelligence in devices, and how smart automation can lead to a more resilient, efficient, and affordable energy future for everyone from California to remote villages in Asia and Africa.

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In this episode, our guest is Cheree Bonnici, a startup founder based in South Australia, and the driving force behind Topicks, a global content platform focused on community, education, and sustainability. Cheree shares the story behind creating a curated digital space where users choose what they learn—free from algorithms and noise. From solving content quality challenges with AI moderation to building safe spaces for user-generated insights on climate change, nutrition, and EVs, she dives deep into what makes Topicks unique. She also reflects on the entrepreneurial journey, balancing personal passion with persistence, and her aspirations for growing an inclusive, expert-led platform that fosters real connection.

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In this episode, our guest is Amie Vuyong. She works on AI-powered identity verification, AML, and fraud prevention, areas she frames as “compliance AI agents.” She also shares how she used modern AI coding companions to turn a manual spreadsheet into a sleek personal finance web app, with expense tracking, budgets, and net‑worth views, built through iterative MVPs using Cursor/Windsor and GPT. Beyond tools, Amie and Sohail compare real‑world AI workflows (from content editing to prioritization systems), swap notes on NotebookLM for multi‑PDF research and auto‑generated explainers, and discuss autonomy, from AGI timelines to everyday safety moments in driver‑assist and robotaxis.

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In this episode, our guest is Clinton O’Neil, a distributed energy veteran whose journey began in Hawaii’s rooftop solar boom and evolved into driving innovation in grid modernisation and virtual power plants (VPPs). Clinton shares deep insights into the transition from net metering to non-export solar, the pivotal role of energy storage, and how DERs are transforming utility-scale grid operations.

He discusses the emergence of electric vehicles as mobile batteries, the potential of bi-directional charging, and the exciting future of AI-driven grid orchestration. With real-world examples from Hawaii, Colorado, and global markets, Clinton paints a compelling vision for how homes, cars, and the grid are converging into a smarter, more resilient energy ecosystem. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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In this episode, our guest is Ned Funnell, a test engineer at Lincoln Electric and long-time electric vehicle (EV) enthusiast. Ned shares a decade of personal and professional insights from the EV world—discussing high-power chargers, grid resiliency, home batteries, and the evolving role of electrification in achieving net-zero goals. From transit buses and ferries in the Nordics to solar-powered homes in Australia, Ned offers a global view on the electric transition. He talks candidly about his early scepticism regarding home batteries, how autonomy is changing driving experiences, and why he now believes the EV ecosystem, encompassing charging infrastructure, solar, batteries, and software, can truly transform lives. This engaging conversation is a must-listen for anyone navigating the fast-changing energy landscape.

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In this episode, our guest is Gregory McGarvie, founder of Ace Electric Vehicles—Australia’s pioneering homegrown EV startup. Gregory shares his eight-year journey building locally assembled EVs, from trolley collectors for Woolworths to advanced, grid-integrated vans.

We explore the challenges of local manufacturing, the innovation behind Ace’s energy management system, and the growing role of microgrids in energy resilience. Gregory also reflects on Australia’s lost auto industry and how EVs could spark a new era of smart, sustainable manufacturing.

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In this episode, our guest is Marc Sheldon, CEO of Red Earth Energy Storage. Marc shares his journey from solar thermal to leading innovations in lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery systems. He explains how Red Earth’s Australian-made, plug-and-play solutions are transforming energy access — from rural off-grid sheds to large-scale commercial installations — and enabling grid stability through storage. Marc also reveals their “microgrid in a box” concept, which integrates generation, storage, and key household systems on a DC backbone, offering huge potential for remote communities, island nations, and disaster recovery. We discuss the shift toward a distributed grid, the role of vehicle-to-grid technology, and how regulatory changes, market design, and community-driven adoption will shape the energy landscape toward 2030.

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In this episode, our guest is Alma Roxas-Aguila, a seasoned renewable energy expert with over two decades of experience in the Philippine wind sector. Alma shares her journey from early project development at Alternergy, including involvement in Southeast Asia's first onshore wind farm, to her current focus on scaling up offshore wind. She provides deep insights into the evolution of renewable energy policy in the Philippines, the complexities of the Green Energy Auction Program, and infrastructure gaps in ports and grid that still need resolution. Alma also discusses the environmental considerations, permitting challenges, and emerging workforce needs to support the country's 92 awarded offshore wind service contracts.

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In this episode, our guest is Cameron Quin, a serial energy entrepreneur who reconnects with Sohail after years of impactful work across the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia. Cameron shares his journey from launching off-grid solar ventures to exploring the deeper aspects of human energy and spiritual well-being.

He offers unique insights into the economics of solar and battery deployment in remote islands, where short payback periods are making energy independence a reality. The discussion expands to the future of decentralised grids, virtual power plants, and how the cost of electricity is shifting towards near-zero.

Cameron also opens up about his parallel exploration into mental health, energy psychology, and shadow work—connecting the material energy transition to a spiritual one. He challenges us to rethink energy, not just as electricity, but as how we spend our life force.

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In this episode, our guest is Xiaochen Zhang, a global innovation leader and the driving force behind AI 2030 and FinTech for Good. Xiaochen shares his journey from the World Bank to founding organisations that champion responsible technology. He dives into the six-pillar framework of responsible AI—transparency, accountability, fairness, safety, security, sustainability, and privacy—and discusses the risks of digital divide, ethical AI design, and the future of collaborative intelligence. He also highlights the transformative potential of AI across climate, financial inclusion, and renewable energy, underscoring the urgency of responsible leadership and inclusive innovation. A fascinating conversation bridging technology, ethics, and global impact. Connect with Sohail Hasnie:

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