Podcasting today is the journalistic version of spitting into a hurricane. It goes into a maelstrom of all kinds of information, everywhere, all at once, with no indication of impact, much less local impact. So what else can fill the void left by traditional media consolidation?

When People Lead takes a look at podcasting from the point of view of former journalists who have felt the loss of local news and trust. Can AI solve the problem or is it part of the problem?

Elise Michaels and Barney Lerten are two journalists from Central Oregon. They are part of a contingent of thousands of reporters who no longer cover beats, no longer provide local perspective on national stories and no longer hold governments accountable. Those reporters provided the news our communities, economy, and way of life cannot afford to lose.

This episode is a prime motivator of When People Lead as we explore the question, "Why do a podcast?" and "Why do this podcast?" Existential questions like this rarely get a clear answer of course. But we try to have some fun in the process. We hope you enjoy it too.

What do the stars, the ocean, every living thing and your gas tank have in common? Hydrogen. The first element on the periodic table is in nearly everything. It is clean, abundant, and powerful enough to fuel the next rocket to the moon, as well as all the other rockets. If Hydrogen manifests all these qualities, why aren't we using it to solve our energy and fuel needs?

Our leaders today are developing ways to do just that. David Edlund of Element 1 is applying hydrogen to power everything from EVs to Supertankers. Shannon Souza of Sol Coast Consulting is pioneering new ways to incorporate hydrogen into our clean energy future.

Whether you believe that Climate Change is caused by human activity, natural cycles or God's will, the information provided by our leaders today brings value to all of us for living safer, healthier, and happier lives. Ralph Keeling and Art Miller of the Scripps Institute of Oceanography, UC San Diego work every day to measure and interpret the messages that the earth is sending through changes in our weather, oceans, and environment.

The information they and thousands of other climate scientists provide helps us grow better more plentiful food, build better places to live and work and find pathways to avoid, minimize and rapidly respond to catastrophic weather events as a result of climate change.

The messages these scientists glean from the earth are most welcome when the information is used to improve our lives. An even greater value is provided when the message can help us avoid destruction. But only if we heed its warning.

What is the value of the war that doesn't start? The allies that don't become adversaries? American exceptionalism is often measured by economic power and military might developed through a democratic system of government that promotes individual freedom. But for many people around the world. American greatness is measured by our ability and generosity in helping others.

Tom Rogers and Renee Alexander left the security and comforts of home to serve our country by delivering economic assistance and disaster aid to people around the world. In many ways they solve problems far away so they don't become problems here at home. Quiet leaders practicing Soft Power.

When People Lead opens with the basics. Without food, there is no life. We are fortunate to live in the richest country on earth, yet nearly one in every four children in this country is not getting enough of the right kinds of food for healthy living and growth.

Today we celebrate two leaders who deliver food to anyone in need. One from a rural are and one from a major metropolitan area. Carley Auten of Neighbor Impact and Meredith Knopp of the St. Louis Metro Food Bank share their successes and challenges as part of a national network of food banks and pantries that feed the need every day.

It's easy to assume that the hunger doesn't exist and the basic need for food in the United States is unnecessary. Many assume that people getting free food don't really deserve it. These myths allow us to ignore the growing problem of food insecurity in America. These leaders shatter those myths by working every day to bring the abundance of US agriculture to feed our neighbors in need.