Hi, Energy!

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, we learn about energy accessibility for rural communities with Jess Blackwell,  Program Manager at High Sierra Energy Foundation, and Host Esteban Gast.

Jess Blackwell shares the real time priorities for residents in Inyo and Mono Counties, demonstrates how energy programs can be more inclusive for rural communities, and shares the ways we can better connect energy issues to real life concerns.

Additional Resources:

California Public Utilities Commission

California Energy Commission

TECH Clean California

Access Clean California

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast is joined by Dr. Aradhna Tripati, Climate Scientist, Professor, and Founder and Director of the UCLA’s Center for Developing Leadership in Science. Together, they discuss community as a climate solution, the climate impacts we face today, and how imagination can lead to big change.

Dr. Aradhna Tripati shares stories of hope right here in Los Angeles, from taking on big oil to uncovering hidden springs, showcasing how some of the most powerful climate solutions can begin at the community level.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Do you know how to read your utility bill? In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast is joined by Craig Perkins, President and Executive Director of The Energy Coalition. Together, they break down the details of your monthly electricity bill, discuss energy efficiency upgrades that can save you money, and California’s vision for a more sustainable future.

Craig shares how sustainability in cities has changed over his career, what is driving the price increases of utility rates, from system costs to wildfires, and what you won’t see on your utility bill.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and LinkedIn, and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast sits down with Mike Young, the Executive Director of California Environmental Voters to talk about political power, climate champions, and how engagement at the polls can lead to better changes at home.

Mike Young shares his insights from over 20 years of organizing for climate smart policies, promoting bold legislative leadership, and holding policymakers accountable. From doing your homework on candidates to fighting against the narrative that climate policies are too expensive or difficult to pass, Mike and Esteban break down how we can claim our political power and put our communities first.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and LinkedIn and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts. Visit socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Hi, Energy! is back for another season of expert insights with Southern California leaders, working to create solutions, workforce opportunities, and innovative partnerships, all to help communities save energy today while fostering sustainable practices for tomorrow.

We’ll meet with top Southern California leaders who are actively building practical solutions to expand access to clean, sustainable energy and empowering communities through education, direct resources, and tangible calls to action.

Tune in monthly for new episodes of Hi, Energy! coming to you where you get your podcasts. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and  be sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify  or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about Allison’s Hollywood Climate Summit, where writers, executives, fans and actors can all gather and learn about how to make Hollywood climate friendly and the role Hollywood can play in bringing climate knowledge to the public. 

Allison and Esteban discuss the power of storytelling in bringing knowledge about climate to everyday folks like you and me. They talk about how every industry —not just Hollywood— is connected to climate, and how government workers should think about storytelling in their work too. 

Additional References from the podcast:

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about climate resilience and disaster preparedness from Nina Knierim, a fire survivor and the California Area Manager for Climate Resilience and Disaster Preparedness.

Nina and Esteban discuss Nina’s personal story of surviving California wildfires, the steps she took to protect her family and neighbors and the way that community togetherness drives successful disaster responses.  

Additional References from the podcast:

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about how new climate-focused technology is shaping the way we move ourselves and our stuff around the world. To help us learn about that, Esteban is joined by Jack Symington, the Director of City Climate Innovation at LA Climate Incubator.

Jack and Esteban discuss how clean transportation will get us warmer burritos, the olympics are bringing us accessible EV charging, the origin story of the city of Los Angeles deciding that a city climate incubator was needed and so much more. 

Additional References from the podcast:

Books

The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson

Articles

LA To Launch Cleantech Incubator — LACI Origin Story

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about the power of networking through social media, and about the community of people making green jobs the norm and accessible to all. 

Kristy Drutman, aka “Browngirl Green,” and co-founder of The Green Jobs Board, joins the show to break down her trail-blazing career as a model for future climate work. 

Kristy and Esteban discuss the origins of the Green Jobs Board, how to open climate jobs to underprivileged folks and people of color, how to draw on the power of your family history when the world isn’t ready for you to wield power and so much more. 

Additional References from the podcast:

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about the grid, climate tech startup culture, and California’s special relationship to climate issues. 

Josh Rothermel of SoCal Edison and formerly of Rivian and the UCLA Anderson Energy & Cleantech Association, joins Esteban to talk about having a career in clean energy.

Josh and Esteban discuss simple but important questions like “what is the grid?” and “what is an internal combustion engine?” and so much more. Josh also shares his impressions of California’s well-above-average climate consciousness. 

Additional References from the podcast:

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.