Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

Lisa Ann Pinkerton

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more.

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20 episodes
Updated Tuesday

Episodes20

Newest first

Tuesday · 37 min
#171: Turning Ports Into Power Stations for Clean Shipping with Climate Edge
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Hendrik Tiesinga, founder and CEO of Climate Edge. Maritime shipping is one of the world's biggest decarbonization challenges and is responsible for moving roughly 80% of global trade. The shipping industry is under increasing pressure to reduce emissions while continuing to power the global economy. Hendrik explains why scaling clean shipping requires more than new fuels; it also depends on financing, improved energy efficiency, and faster deployment of proven technologies. The conversation explores maritime decarbonization, alternative marine fuels, electric ships, battery technology, port electrification, and how innovation can help move the industry beyond pilot projects toward large-scale adoption. Check out a few of our previous maritime episodes, including: #46 – Sailing the Silent, Solar-Powered Seas #52 – Zeroing in on Hydrogen for Marine Transportation Key Points: Decarbonizing shipping requires more than replacing fossil fuels – Clean fuels such as green methanol, ammonia, and biofuels all have tradeoffs, making energy efficiency, electrification, and new financing models critical alongside fuel innovation. Many of today's clean shipping technologies are ready to deploy – Hull-cleaning robots, wind-assisted propulsion, AI route optimization, battery-electric vessels, and port electrification can reduce fuel consumption and emissions today while the industry prepares for longer-term fuel transitions. Getting beyond pilot projects will require new investment models – Maritime decarbonization depends on connecting climate technology startups, infrastructure investors, ports, and shipping companies so proven technologies can scale across the global shipping industry. Hendrik Tiesinga, founder and CEO of Climate Edge, LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, CEO and Founder of PRVIEW, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
July 21 · 24 min
#170: Turning Grid Transformers into Intelligent Infrastructure with Ionate Energy
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Matthew Williams, Founder and CEO of Ionate Energy, about why electric grid modernization is becoming just as important as building more renewable energy. As AI data centers, electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, and electrification place unprecedented demands on aging electricity infrastructure, utilities are facing a growing need for greater visibility, flexibility, and control across the electric grid. Matthew explains how Ionate's Hybrid Intelligent Transformers (HIT) combine advanced hardware and software to improve power quality, optimize grid capacity, integrate more renewable energy and EV charging, and help utilities modernize existing distribution networks. The conversation explores intelligent transformers, smart grid technology, distributed energy, AI-driven electricity demand, and the future of electricity infrastructure. Key Points: Electric grid modernization is essential for AI, EVs, and renewable energy – Today's electric grid was built for centralized power generation, not AI data centers, electric vehicle charging, rooftop solar, battery storage, and distributed energy resources. Supporting the next generation of electricity demand requires a smarter, more flexible, and more resilient power grid. Hybrid Intelligent Transformers help utilities optimize grid capacity – By combining advanced transformer hardware with real-time software and monitoring, these transformers can improve voltage regulation, reduce energy losses, enhance power quality, and enable utilities to connect more renewable and distributed energy resources using existing grid infrastructure. The future of the electric grid will be built through incremental modernization – Rather than replacing the power grid, utilities can deploy intelligent infrastructure that improves resilience, interoperability, energy efficiency, and reliability while preparing the electricity network for continued electrification and future energy demands. Matthew Williams, Founder and CEO of Ionate Energy, LinkedIn Sarah Malpeli, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President of Client Services and Growth at Technica Communications, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
July 14 · 48 min
#169: How NASA is Growing Food in Space with Gioia Massa
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Gioia Massa, Senior Project Scientist for Space Crop Production at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, about how NASA is preparing to grow food on the Moon, Mars, and future deep-space missions. As human space exploration moves beyond short-duration missions, reliable food production will become a critical component of life support systems. Gioia explains the science behind space agriculture, including how researchers are overcoming challenges such as microgravity, radiation, water management, and limited resources while testing crops aboard the International Space Station and developing future lunar and Martian growing systems. The conversation explores how plants can provide food, oxygen, and psychological benefits for astronauts, as well as how technologies developed for space farming are already influencing vertical farming and sustainable food production on Earth. Check out NASA’s show: Houston, We Have a Podcast More episodes from Earthlings 2.0 on space exploration: #55 – Hyperspectral Satellite Data Putting Many Eyes on the Earth #18 – The Recycler for Spaceship Earth with Brittany Zimmerman #15 – Space Inc. Key Points: NASA is developing agricultural systems for future Moon and Mars missions – Researchers are testing how crops grow in microgravity and preparing experiments to support long-duration human exploration beyond Earth. Plants serve as more than just food in space habitats – Crops can help absorb carbon dioxide, produce oxygen, and support astronaut well-being, making them an important part of future life support systems. Space agriculture is shaping the future of farming on Earth – Research conducted for space missions has contributed to advances in LED grow lights, hydroponics, vertical farming, controlled environment agriculture, and resource-efficient food production. Gioia Massa, Senior Project Scientist for Space Crop Production at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, CEO and Founder of PRVIEW, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn
July 7 · 34 min
#168: Cracking the Code on Building Energy Costs With Edgecom Energy
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Behdad Bahrami, CEO of Edgecom Energy, about how artificial intelligence is changing the way industrial facilities manage electricity. As energy prices become more volatile, AI data centers drive unprecedented demand on the electric grid, and utilities introduce increasingly complex pricing structures, manufacturers and other large energy users need better visibility into how and when they consume electricity. Behdad explains how Edgecom's AI-powered energy management platform combines utility billing, real-time energy monitoring, grid signals, and predictive analytics to help industrial facilities reduce costs, improve operational efficiency, and make smarter energy decisions. The conversation explores industrial energy management, demand response, grid modernization, AI-powered energy optimization, and why energy should be treated as a controllable business cost rather than a fixed expense. Key Points: AI is making industrial energy management more proactive – By combining real-time facility data with utility pricing, demand response programs, and predictive AI models, industrial facilities can identify inefficiencies, automate energy decisions, and reduce electricity costs. Industrial facilities have significant untapped opportunities to improve energy efficiency – Many manufacturers still rely on fragmented utility bills and limited energy monitoring, making it difficult to understand where electricity is being used or where savings can be achieved. Greater visibility enables better operational and financial decisions. The growth of AI data centers is accelerating the need for a smarter electric grid – As electricity demand rises, utilities, manufacturers, and large commercial facilities will need better energy orchestration, flexible demand, and intelligent software to optimize existing grid infrastructure before building new capacity. Behdad Bahrami, CEO of Edgecom Energy, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host
June 30 · 32 min
#167: How Quantum Hydrogen Can Clean Up Industrial Heat Production With Clean Planet Inc.
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Masami Hayashi, Global Strategy Director at Clean Planet Inc., about the company's work developing solid-state fusion technology for industrial heat. While electricity often dominates clean energy discussions, industrial heat remains one of the largest sources of global energy consumption and emissions. Hayashi explains that Clean Planet's Quantum Hydrogen Energy (QHE) technology uses hydrogen and proprietary metal catalysts to generate heat via solid-state fusion, potentially producing significant thermal energy from minimal fuel inputs. The conversation explores industrial heat decarbonization, hydrogen energy, fusion commercialization, and the potential role of this technology in factories, commercial buildings, and other heat-intensive industries. Check out a few of our episodes on the built environment: #159 – Combining Robotics and Mass Timber For Modular Urban Buildings with Intelligent City #131 – Why AI + Robotics Could Be The Future of Reclaimed Lumber with Urban Machine #108 – Autonomous Robots Driving Down Costs for Sustainable Infrastructure with Civ Robotics #29 – Living, Breathing, Beautiful Buildings with Lindsay Baker Key Points: Industrial heat is a major climate challenge that receives less attention than electricity generation – Manufacturing, commercial buildings, refrigeration systems, logistics facilities, and data centers all require large amounts of thermal energy, much of which is still produced using fossil fuels. Solid-state fusion could provide a new pathway for clean industrial heat – Clean Planet's Quantum Hydrogen Energy technology uses hydrogen and engineered metal catalysts to generate excess heat through a low-temperature fusion process, potentially delivering significantly more energy from hydrogen than combustion-based approaches. Commercial deployment is focused on real-world industrial applications – Clean Planet is working with industrial boiler manufacturer Miura to develop heat modules for factories, supermarkets, commercial buildings, and logistics facilities as it moves from laboratory research toward commercialization. Masami Hayashi, Global Strategy Director at Clean Planet Inc., LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, CEO and Founder of PRVIEW, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn
June 23 · 37 min
#166: How Ocean Alkalinity Enhancement Removes Carbon from our Oceans with Planetary Technologies
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Michael Kelland, CEO and Co-Founder of Planetary Technologies, about whether the ocean could play a much larger role in helping remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. For decades, the ocean has served as one of Earth's largest carbon sinks, absorbing roughly a quarter of human-generated CO2 emissions. But that service comes at a cost: ocean acidification, which threatens coral reefs, shellfish, and marine ecosystems worldwide. Michael explains how Planetary Technologies is using a climate solution known as coastal seawater restoration, also called ocean alkalinity enhancement, to restore ocean chemistry, increase the ocean's natural ability to absorb carbon dioxide, and provide long-term carbon removal. The conversation explores how ocean carbon removal works, the science behind ocean alkalinity enhancement, the challenges of measuring and verifying carbon removal, and what it will take to scale climate technologies that can help the world reach net-zero emissions. Key Points: The ocean is already one of the world's largest carbon removal systems – The ocean naturally absorbs vast amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, but growing CO2 levels are increasing ocean acidification and putting stress on marine ecosystems. Ocean alkalinity enhancement helps restore seawater chemistry – By adding alkaline minerals to seawater, Planetary Technologies aims to increase the ocean's capacity to absorb atmospheric carbon dioxide while helping counter the effects of acidification. Ocean carbon removal could help address hard-to-decarbonize sectors – Industries such as aviation may continue producing some emissions even in a net-zero future, creating a need for durable carbon removal solutions that can offset emissions that are difficult or expensive to eliminate. Mike Kelland, CEO and co-founder of Planetary Technologies, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
June 16 · 44 min
#165: Bonus Episode: Looking Back on 15 Years of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability with Lisa Ann Pinkerton
In this special bonus episode of Earthlings 2.0, we feature WCS Talks Unplugged, the podcast from Women in Cleantech & Sustainability (WCS). Host Sara Fuentes sits down with our very own Lisa Ann Pinkerton to discuss the origins of one of the largest global networks supporting women in cleantech, renewable energy, sustainability, and climate technology. Lisa Ann reflects on how a simple decision to stop waiting for change and start building community grew into an organization that has connected more than 20,000 women worldwide. The conversation explores climate leadership, professional networking, sustainability careers, entrepreneurship, and the role of community in advancing women across the energy transition and climate innovation sectors. Lisa Ann also shares lessons learned from building a mission-driven organization over the past 15 years and why hope, authenticity, and persistence remain essential for anyone working to create a more sustainable future. Previous Earthlings episodes mentioned in the show include Carbon Price, Power, and Politics with Neal Dikeman (Part 1 & Part 2). Key Points: Women in Cleantech & Sustainability began with a simple decision to take action – Lisa Ann shares how identifying a gap in the industry led to the creation of a global network supporting women across climate, energy, and sustainability sectors. Strong communities are built through consistency and shared purpose – The conversation explores lessons learned from growing a mission-driven organization over 15 years and the importance of creating spaces where people can connect, collaborate, and advance their careers. Hope and persistence remain critical climate leadership skills – Lisa Ann discusses why long-term progress in climate and sustainability requires resilience, authenticity, and a willingness to keep showing up. Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn Sara Fuentes, Chair of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, CEO and Founder of SmartWaste, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
June 9 · 29 min
#164: How the Grid Could Survive the AI Boom with Solid State Transformers With DG Matrix
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Michael Wood III, Director of Commercial Development at DG Matrix, about one of the biggest challenges behind the AI boom: aging electrical infrastructure. As AI, data centers, manufacturing and electrification drive unprecedented demand for electricity, utilities and developers are increasingly constrained by a grid architecture built around technologies that have changed little in more than a century. Michael explains how DG Matrix is developing the world's first commercially available multi-port solid-state transformer, a power electronics platform designed to simplify energy systems, accelerate access to power, integrate multiple energy sources, and support the growing energy needs of AI data centers and electrified industries. The conversation explores grid modernization, data center energy demand, power system flexibility, and why the future of electricity infrastructure may require a fundamental rethinking of how energy moves through the grid. Key Points: AI data centers are creating unprecedented demand for electricity – The rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is placing new pressure on an electrical grid originally designed for predictable demand patterns. Solid-state transformers could modernize power delivery – DG Matrix's multi-port solid-state transformer replaces complex power conversion chains with a flexible platform that integrates AC, DC, batteries, renewables, generators, and data center loads. Grid flexibility is becoming as important as grid capacity – As electrification accelerates across transportation, manufacturing, buildings, and computing, future energy systems will need to be smarter, faster, and more adaptable to changing power requirements. Michael Wood III, Director of Commercial Development at DG Matrix, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
June 2 · 34 min
#163: Can Renewable Energy Replace Combustion? This Company Thinks It Can With FeX Energy
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Hayden Smith, CEO of FeX Energy, about the growing challenge of decarbonizing industrial heat and why long-duration energy storage may become essential to the future of clean manufacturing and grid reliability. While renewable electricity adoption continues to grow, many industrial sectors still rely on fossil fuel combustion to generate the high-temperature heat needed for cement, steel, chemicals, plastics, mining, and food processing. Hayden explains how FeX Energy is developing an iron-based thermal energy storage system capable of storing renewable electricity for long durations and releasing it later as high-temperature industrial heat approaching 900°C. The conversation explores how thermal energy storage could help stabilize renewable-heavy grids, reduce dependence on natural gas, support industrial electrification, and help industries decarbonize without requiring massive transmission infrastructure upgrades. Key Points: Industrial heat remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize – Heavy industry still depends heavily on fossil fuel combustion for high-temperature manufacturing processes. FeX Energy uses iron as a long-duration thermal battery – The company’s Iron Arc Reactor stores renewable electricity and releases it later as high-temperature industrial heat. Long-duration energy storage could improve grid flexibility and industrial electrification – Thermal storage systems may help manage renewable intermittency, reduce grid strain, and lower infrastructure upgrade costs. Hayden Smith, CEO of FeX Energy, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
May 26 · 50 min
#162: Whales, Wolves, and Wild Comebacks: The Power of Rewilding with Alister Scott
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Alister Scott, Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, about the growing global rewilding movement and how ecosystem restoration could play a major role in addressing biodiversity loss, climate resilience, flooding, wildfire risk, and human well-being. The conversation explores what rewilding actually means: restoring ecosystems by reducing destructive human activity, reconnecting habitats through wildlife corridors, and reintroducing keystone species like wolves, beavers, bison, jaguars, and whales that help ecosystems regulate themselves naturally. Links to other topics discussed in the interview: The list of the Global Rewilding Alliance’s partner projects on every continent can be found here Ben Goldfarb’s book, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, by Ben Goldfarb Vanuatu’s Protected Area Status with the Protected Planet Initiative's protected area Videos that showcase the rewilding spirit Principles of rewilding Imagining a rewilded Earth A rewilded language Wild heroes: Hippos Otters Beavers Key Points: Rewilding focuses on restoring ecosystem function – Rather than tightly controlling landscapes, rewilding creates the conditions for nature to recover and self-regulate over time. Nature recovery creates economic opportunities – Protected ecosystems can support local economies through tourism, sustainable land management, and long-term climate resilience. Rewilding can happen anywhere – From marine protected areas to urban gardens and backyard pollinator habitats, biodiversity recovery can begin at every scale. Alister Scott, Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, and CEO of PRVIEW, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
May 19 · 32 min
#161: Dry, Pulverize, Sanitize: Turning Industrial Waste Into New Resources with ADAR Technologies
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Dan Kelly, CEO of ADAR Technologies, about how the company is rethinking industrial waste management through acoustic dehydration technology. By removing moisture from high-volume waste streams, like agricultural byproducts, sludge, and food waste, ADAR reduces disposal costs, eliminates contaminants, and preserves nutrient value for reuse. The conversation centers on a simple but powerful shift: when sustainability improves the bottom line, adoption follows. Instead of relying on policy or incentives, this approach turns waste into a profitability lever, unlocking new opportunities in resource recovery, circular economy systems, and industrial efficiency. Key Points: Waste streams can become revenue streams – ADAR focuses on high-moisture industrial waste, reducing disposal costs while creating new value from materials that were previously discarded. Acoustic dehydration replaces thermal drying – Using shock waves instead of heat, the system removes water at a molecular level while preserving nutrients and reducing energy use. Economics are driving adoption – Companies are engaging not for compliance, but to improve margins by turning waste management into a profit center. Dan Kelly, CEO of ADAR Technologies, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
May 12 · 35 min
#160: Throwing Shade at the Heat Crisis with Passive Cooling With ThermoShade
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Emily Dinino, Founder and CEO of ThermoShade, about how extreme heat is reshaping cities, infrastructure, and daily life, and what it will take to adapt. As the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., rising temperatures are exposing gaps in how we design public spaces, especially in underserved communities. Emily shares how ThermoShade is developing passive-cooling panels that reduce surface temperatures without relying on energy-intensive systems, and how the technology is being piloted in urban transit, agriculture, and temporary off-grid shelters. The conversation explores the science behind radiative cooling, the realities of deploying climate tech in public infrastructure, and why resilience, not just mitigation, needs to be a bigger part of the climate conversation. Key Points: Extreme heat is a design problem as much as a climate problem – Urban heat islands, driven by materials like concrete and metal, disproportionately impact underserved communities and require rethinking how public spaces are built and shaded. Passive cooling can reduce heat without adding strain to the grid – ThermoShade’s panels use radiative cooling and phase change materials to maintain lower surface temperatures, creating environments that can feel significantly cooler without relying on fans, misters, or air conditioning. Deploying climate tech depends on working within existing systems – Rather than replacing infrastructure, ThermoShade is integrating into existing contracts and designs, such as retrofitting bus shelters through established partners. Emily Dinino, CEO and Founder of ThermoShade, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications
May 5 · 39 min
#159: Combining Robotics and Mass Timber For Modular Urban Buildings with Intelligent City
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Oliver David (OD) Krieg, president of Intelligent City, about how prefabrication, automation, and mass timber are reshaping the future of housing. He explains how a “product platform” approach, standardizing manufacturing while allowing for design flexibility, can make construction faster, more efficient, and scalable. The conversation explores the role of robotics and data-driven processes in increasing output without eliminating labor, the benefits and challenges of mass timber as a building material, and why the housing crisis is as much about systems, financing, and policy as it is about construction methods. We also discussed this topic in different capacities in a few previous episodes. You can watch or listen here: #29: Living, Breathing, Beautiful Buildings with Lindsay Baker #72 - Using AI to Make Smarter, Greener, and More Efficient Buildings Key Points: Prefabrication as a platform model – Standardized manufacturing processes paired with flexible design enable faster, more scalable housing delivery while maintaining architectural variation. Automation increases output, not replaces labor – Robotics and software improve efficiency and productivity, helping address labor shortages rather than eliminating jobs. The future points toward industrialized construction – Over the next 10-20 years, prefab systems and factory-based building could become a dominant model, supported by larger-scale manufacturers and standardized processes. Oliver David (OD) Krieg, President of Intelligent City, LinkedIn Sarah Malpeli, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President, Client Services & Growth at Technica Communications, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
April 28 · 28 min
#158: Community as Infrastructure: Rethinking How We Live Together with Alan Willett
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Alan Willett, one of the original residents of Ecovillage at Ithaca, about what it means to intentionally design for community. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience living in what is known as “intentional communities,” Alan explains how physical layout, like shared spaces, pedestrian pathways, and common infrastructure, shapes daily interactions and fosters connection. The conversation also explores the realities of consensus-based decision-making, including the challenges of conflict, the importance of communication and governance structures, and how communities navigate complex decisions like shared investments. Alan also reflects on resilience, emphasizing that strong social bonds are as critical as sustainability initiatives like local food systems and renewable energy. Key Points: Design drives interaction – Features like shared laundry, common meals, and pedestrian pathways create consistent opportunities for connection and make community engagement part of daily life. Conflict is unavoidable, but structured – Consensus decision-making requires clear communication, shared values, and defined processes, with tools such as conflict-resolution teams and community training to help manage tensions. Community builds resilience – Beyond sustainability practices like composting and solar, strong relationships and mutual support are seen as the foundation for long-term resilience. Alan Willett, Co-founder of Exceptional Difference, Author of Leading the Unleadable: How to Manage Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People, and Lead With Speed, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
April 21 · 37 min
#157: Rethinking Home Climate Control with Quilt
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Paul Lambert, CEO and co-founder of Quilt, about rethinking one of the most overlooked systems in the home: heating and cooling. What starts as a conversation about heat pumps quickly expands into a broader look at how comfort, efficiency, and design can work together. Paul shares why the future of home energy isn’t about sacrifice, but about better living, where smarter systems deliver both improved quality of life and meaningful energy savings. Check out our foundational heat pump episode with Jetson: #148 - The Future of All-Electric Heat Pumps with Jetson Key Points: Efficiency improves when systems become intelligent, not just mechanical – Beyond strong baseline performance, Quilt layers in software-driven optimizations like occupancy detection and predictive heating to reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort. Consumer adoption depends on better experiences, not just sustainability – People are more likely to upgrade when products feel like a lifestyle improvement, similar to how EVs gained traction through performance and convenience rather than environmental messaging alone. Heat pumps are becoming a default, not an alternative – As costs improve and performance increases, the shift toward all-electric heating and cooling is becoming economically driven and increasingly inevitable. Paul Lambert, CEO of Quilt, LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, and CEO of PRVIEW, LinkedIn
April 14 · 37 min
#156: Ammonia: The Compound That Could Power a Cleaner Planet with Ammobia
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Karen Baert, CEO and co-founder of Ammobia, to unpack the role ammonia plays in modern society and how it could evolve into a cleaner fuel and energy carrier. As one of the most produced chemicals in the world and a key input to global agriculture, ammonia underpins food systems while also contributing significantly to global emissions due to its energy-intensive production process. The conversation explores ammonia’s potential as a maritime shipping fuel, its role as an energy carrier, and the technical breakthroughs enabling more efficient production. Karen explains how Ammobia is reengineering ammonia production to reduce cost, energy use, and emissions — a solution that also won them the top prize at Women in Cleantech & Sustainability’s Pitch Competition in 2025. We also discussed this topic in different capacities in a few previous episodes. You can watch or listen here: #98 - Beyond Organic: Understanding Regenerative Agriculture with UnderstandingAg #140 - The Circular Economy of Chemicals and Carbon Emissions with CERT Systems Key Points: Ammonia sits at the center of both food and energy systems – More than half of global food production depends on ammonia-based fertilizers, and new use cases in shipping and energy could significantly expand its role in the global economy. Lower pressure production could unlock decentralization – Ammobia’s approach reduces pressure requirements by up to 10x, improving efficiency and enabling smaller, modular plants that can be deployed closer to end users. Energy trade could shift toward molecules rather than electrons – Countries with abundant renewable resources could export energy globally as ammonia, reshaping how energy is produced, transported, and consumed. Karen Baert, CEO and co-founder of Ammobia, LinkedIn Ammobia's job openings Ammobia's LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
April 7 · 31 min
#155: How Sustainable Aviation Fuel is Taking Off with Universal Fuel Technologies
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Alexei Beltyukov, CEO and co-founder of Universal Fuel Technologies (Unifuel), to unpack why sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as the most practical near-term pathway for reducing aviation emissions. Alexei explains the structural challenges facing SAF adoption, from the logistics of transporting alternative feedstocks to the cost of replicating in hours what nature took millions of years to produce. He also discusses Unifuel’s Flexiforming technology, a chemical process that converts a wide range of feedstocks into drop-in fuels compatible with today’s aircraft. The conversation explores why feedstock flexibility matters, what it takes to qualify new aviation fuels under rigorous industry standards, and how emerging technologies could significantly lower SAF costs. Key Points: Aviation’s legacy infrastructure limits rapid change – Aircraft and fuel systems are built for decades of safe operation, meaning new fuels must closely mimic conventional jet fuel rather than requiring entirely new engines or infrastructure. Flexibility in feedstocks can lower costs – Unifuel’s Flexiforming process can convert multiple feedstocks, including alcohols and chemical byproducts, allowing producers to shift toward whichever inputs are most affordable and available. Decarbonization must work for existing industry players – Technologies that allow refineries to adapt existing equipment and remain profitable may accelerate the transition faster than approaches requiring a complete overhaul of infrastructure. Alexei Beltyukov, CEO and co-founder of Universal Fuel Technologies, LinkedIn Sarah Malpeli, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Account Director at Technica Communications, LinkedIn
March 31 · 1 hr 4 min
#154: The Hidden Life of Wearable Technology with James Gilmore
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with James Gilmore, Associate Professor of Media and Technology Studies in the Department of Communication at Clemson University, and author of The Bringers of Order: Wearable Technologies and the Manufacturing of Everyday Life, about the promises and pitfalls of wearable technology. From Fitbits and Apple Watches to smart glasses, implantables, and Disney’s MagicBand ecosystem, James explores how wearables shape behavior, collect data, and blur the line between convenience and surveillance. The conversation looks at what these devices actually measure, why their outputs can be misleading, how shame and self-optimization can become built into the user experience, and why stronger public literacy, informed consent, and policy conversations are urgently needed as wearables become more embedded in daily life. Key Points: Wearables don’t measure reality, they interpret it – Devices like Fitbits and Apple Watches generate data through sensors and algorithms, meaning what users see as “steps” or “activity” is a constructed output, not a direct reflection of the body. Convenience often masks surveillance – From fitness trackers to Disney’s MagicBand, wearable systems streamline experiences while simultaneously collecting detailed behavioral data that can be analyzed, modeled, and monetized. Technical literacy is becoming essential for everyday life – Understanding even the basics of how wearables work helps users better interpret their data, question outputs, and make more informed decisions about consent and usage. James Gilmore, Associate Professor of Media and Technology Studies in the Department of Communication at Clemson University, Author of Bringers of Order: Wearable Technologies and the Manufacturing of Everyday Life, LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
March 24 · 30 min
#153: The Portable Solar Revolution with Gismo Power
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, CEO of Gismo Power, to explore a deceptively simple idea that could reshape access to clean energy: portable solar infrastructure. Antonia explains how her company’s MEGA (Mobile Electricity Generating Appliance) turns a standard parking space into a solar-powered EV charging station using a foldable, mobile solar carport. Originally inspired by her own experience charging an EV in a sunny Florida parking lot, the system is designed to remove the biggest barrier many people face in the energy transition—the need to own a home or rooftop. Key Points: Portable solar could close the clean energy access gap – Gismo Power’s mobile solar carport allows renters and EV drivers without rooftop access to generate their own electricity wherever they park. Distributed solar may strengthen, not weaken, the grid – Research from national labs suggests systems like these can help balance demand by generating power directly where it is consumed. Portable solar has resilience benefits – During outages and disasters, systems like the MEGA can operate off-grid with batteries, providing essential electricity for homes, vehicles, and emergency response. Antonia Ginsberg-Klemmt, CEO of Gismo Power, LinkedIn Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!
March 17 · 31 min
#152: The Future of Drone Delivery with Flytrex
In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Yariv Bash, CEO and co-founder of Flytrex, about how autonomous drone delivery is becoming a scaled commercial reality. With more than 200,000 completed deliveries in U.S. suburbs and major partnerships with DoorDash and Uber Eats, Flytrex is helping redefine last-mile logistics. The conversation explores FAA certification beyond visual line-of-sight approval, unit economics, safety protocols, restaurant integration, and what it takes to build a fully autonomous delivery stack from drone manufacturing to cloud-based air traffic coordination. Key Points: Autonomy scales labor efficiency, not just aircraft – By allowing one operator to oversee dozens of drones simultaneously, Flytrex transforms last-mile delivery from a one-driver-per-vehicle model into a centralized, air-traffic-control system. Owning the full stack enables optimization – By designing, manufacturing, certifying, and operating its own drones and software platform, Flytrex reduces third-party dependencies and tightens operational control. Suburbs are the proving ground – Private backyards, lower airspace congestion, and predictable delivery radii make U.S. suburban markets the most viable near-term environment for scaling drone logistics. Yariv Bash, CEO and co-founder of Flytrex, LinkedIn Luis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications 🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes! Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be! Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our website Thanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page. Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook Page Follow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!