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. Support us on Patr ...
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St Pete X features business and civic leaders in St. Petersburg Florida who share their insight, expertise and love of our special city. An initiative of the St. Petersburg Group, St Pete X strives to connect and elevate the city by sharing the voices of its citizens, and to bring awareness to the opportunities offered by the great St. Petersburg renaissance.
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#118: The Modern Age of Misinformation and Journalism with the Poynter Institute
1:10:47
1:10:47
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1:10:47In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Neil Brown, president of the Poynter Institute for Media Studies, for a wide-ranging conversation about the evolution of journalism and the growing challenge of misinformation. Neil explores how the 24/7 news cycle and the rise of social media have accelerated the spread of false information, and why …
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#120: Innovative Solutions for Global Water Challenges with Brian Richter
52:38
52:38
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52:38In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we’re joined by Brian Richter, president of Sustainable Waters and author of Chasing Water, for a deep and wide-ranging conversation about global water scarcity, climate-driven drought, and the politics of sharing a resource none of us can live without. From Cape Town’s infamous Day Zero to water truck deliveries …
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#119: How Utilities Can Unlock Capacity Without Building More with Switched Source
29:58
29:58
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29:58In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Charlie Murray, CEO and co-founder of Switched Source about a deceptively simple idea with massive implications for the future of electricity: unlocking hidden capacity on our existing power grid without building new wires or generation plants. Switched Source’s power flow technology helps utilities …
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#117: Eliminating The ‘Middle Mile’ In Food Distribution with Relocalize
26:46
26:46
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26:46In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we connect with Wayne McIntyre, CEO of Relocalize, about how autonomous microfactories placed at distribution centers could revolutionize food production by eliminating transport emissions and reducing costs. They explore why packaged ice was the ideal starting point for helping this idea become reality, how robot…
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#116: How Robotics and AI Are Making Recycling Economical with AMP
54:21
54:21
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54:21In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Joe Castagneri, Director of Software at AMP, about why so much recyclable material still ends up in landfills, and how the economics of waste sorting are at the heart of the problem. Joe explains why recycling in rural areas often doesn’t pencil out, how the legacy systems incentivize hauling and bury…
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#115: Fusion’s Magnetic Mirror Magic for a Low-Carbon Energy Future with Realta Fusion
34:23
34:23
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34:23In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Kieran Furlong, CEO and co-founder of Realta Fusion, about the promise and progress of nuclear fusion as a sustainable energy solution. The discussion touches on the mounting pressure of rising global energy demand and why nuclear, specifically fusion, could be a game-changing response. Kieran explain…
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#114: The New Reality of Extreme Weather with Victor Gensini
49:50
49:50
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49:50In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Victor Gensini, professor of meteorology at Northern Illinois University, who explains how climate change is altering the frequency, intensity, and geographic reach of extreme weather events like hailstorms and tornadoes. He explains how the changing statistical distributions of climate make it harde…
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Ep. 108: Rudy Webb - Paradise Advertising
30:10
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30:10In this episode of St. Pete X, Joe Hamilton talks with Rudy Webb, President of Paradise Advertising, about the evolution of destination marketing. Webb reflects on two decades in the industry, from faxes to AI, and how his agency helps cities define and promote their identity. He explains how Paradise navigates RFPs, tracks tourism impact without d…
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#113: Concentrated Solar that’s Full of Hot Air with 247Solar
47:21
47:21
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47:21In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Bruce Anderson, CEO of 247Solar, about the next generation of Concentrated Solar Power (CSP) and how it’s being reimagined to overcome the challenges that have long held the technology back. Anderson explains why traditional CSP struggled with complexity, high costs, and molten salt storage, and how …
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#112: Part 2: The Unsupervised Rise of a New Digital Civilization
44:36
44:36
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44:36In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we continue our conversation with technologist and author Daniel Doll-Steinberg, Co-Founder of EdenBase. This is part two of a two-part series exploring the societal transformations driven by six foundational technologies: AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on communications, immersive tech, an…
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#111: Part 1: The Unsupervised Rise of a New Digital Civilization
1:07:18
1:07:18
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1:07:18In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with technologist Daniel Doll-Steinberg who is also Co-Founder of the active innovation and ecosystem fund, EdenBase. This special episode is part one of a two-part series on six foundational technologies shaping a new digital civilization: AI, quantum computing, smart data (blockchain), always-on comm…
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Ep. 107: Fred Forsley - Sea Dog Brewery & more
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40:17Fred Forsley’s entrepreneurial reach is as wide as it is unexpected—real estate broker at 18, founder of Shipyard and Sea Dog Brewing, maker of alt-THC beverages, vodka, rums, and even a mushroom energy drink. In this episode of SPX, Forsley shares his journey from hustling real estate in Maine to building a beverage empire that spans coastlines an…
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#110: The Social Equity Revolution in Solar with Solar Stewards
25:46
25:46
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25:46In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Dana Clare Redden, founder of Solar Stewards, about the intersection of clean energy, equity, and community empowerment. Drawing from her Appalachian roots and years of experience in solar development, Dana shares how Solar Stewards is transforming the traditional solar model by ensuring frontline co…
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#109 - Inside Schneider Electric’s Ambitious Decarbonization Plan
41:46
41:46
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41:46In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Vanessa Miler-Fels, VP of Climate and Environment at Schneider Electric, about the complexities of decarbonizing global supply chains. Drawing on her extensive expertise in climate strategy, Vanessa discusses how Schneider Electric is helping its top one thousand suppliers work towards net zero. The …
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#108: Autonomous Robots Driving Down Costs for Sustainable Infrastructure with Civ Robotics
34:41
34:41
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34:41In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Tom Yeshurun, CEO and Founder of Civ Robotics, about how his company is transforming the construction industry with autonomous layout robots. From military service to construction tech, Tom shares his journey with building the company, how their robotic solution, the CivDot rover, replaces months of …
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Ep.106: Carl Lavender - Philanthropy Leader
1:00:12
1:00:12
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1:00:12Join Joe Hamilton in a candid conversation with community leader Carl Lavender as he reflects on his life’s journey—from his roots as a pastor’s son in Cleveland, to navigating gang violence and fundraising in Chicago, and finally becoming a transformative force in St. Pete’s nonprofit sector. Carl shares personal insights on leadership, balancing …
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#107 - The Lawsuits Demanding Accountability on Climate Change
43:24
43:24
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43:24In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, Nikki Reisch, Director of the Climate & Energy Program at CIEL, joins us to unpack the global rise of climate litigation. From landmark cases in the Global South to parallels with Big Tobacco, she explores how legal strategies are holding fossil fuel companies accountable, defending human rights, and driving syste…
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#106: Rethinking Fish Farms for Regenerative Agriculture with Pine Island Redfish
31:38
31:38
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31:38In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we explore how Pine Island Redfish is flipping the script on aquaculture. Megan Sorby, CEO of Pine Island Redfish, shares how they're raising redfish in a land-based recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) while restoring mangrove ecosystems—nature’s original coastal defense. It’s a model they believe could be repl…
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Ep. 105: Kelly McBride - Poynter Institute, NPR
55:30
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55:30In this episode, Joe Hamilton sits down with Kelly McBride—Senior VP at the Poynter Institute, NPR Public Editor, and Chair of the Craig Newmark Center for Ethics and Leadership—for a wide-ranging conversation on news diets, media trust, AI’s role in journalism and the fading sense of local connection. From dopamine-driven doomscrolling to the pote…
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#105 - Unlocking the Magic of Weird Thinking with the Octopus Movement
1:10:37
1:10:37
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1:10:37In this episode, we explore the transformative power of nonlinear thinking with Perry Knoppert, founder of The Octopus Movement. This global community connects nonlinear thinkers to address complex challenges and spark meaningful change. In the discussion, Perry shares how embracing chaos and breaking free from rigid, linear structures can unlock c…
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#104: The Role of Rocks in Carbon Sequestration with Eion
30:03
30:03
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30:03In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Anastasia Pavlovic Hans, CEO of Eion, to explore enhanced rock weathering (ERW) — an innovative carbon removal technology that leverages minerals to pull CO2 from the atmosphere. Anastasia discusses how ERW integrates seamlessly into agriculture, its long-term effectiveness, and the financial ince…
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#103: Navigating the Polycrisis with the Post Carbon Institute
56:34
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56:34In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon Institute, about the polycrisis—the convergence of environmental, social, and technological challenges shaping our world today. Richard explains how climate change, economic instability, inequality, and artificial intelligence are interconnected, maki…
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#102: Optimizing the EV Ramp-Up at the Grid’s Edge with Rhythmos.io
26:04
26:04
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26:04In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Ken Munson, CEO and Founder of Rhythmos.io, about how the rapid electrification of vehicles and buildings is reshaping the electric grid. Ken shares insights into the challenges utilities face, including major infrastructure investments, and how innovative tools—like managed charging and advanced data…
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#101: From Gray To Green: Producing Clean Hydrogen Through Electrolysis with Cipher Neutron
24:51
24:51
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24:51In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Gurjant Randhawa, CEO and President of Cipher Neutron, about the future of green hydrogen and the innovations making clean hydrogen production more sustainable and accessible. Gurjant breaks down why green hydrogen—produced through electrolysis using renewable energy—is critical for decarbonizing indu…
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#100: 100 Interviews, Infinite Futures with Lisa Ann Pinkerton
34:02
34:02
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34:02Greetings, Earthlings! Welcome to a very special episode of Earthlings 2.0. Today marks our 100th episode, a milestone in our journey exploring the biggest challenges and opportunities facing humanity in the 21st century. Typically, we cover topics like climate change, robotics, agriculture, and the energy transition—but today, we’re turning the sp…
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#99: Beyond Lithium: How Air, Water, and Rock Could Power the Grid with Hydrostor
28:29
28:29
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28:29In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Jon Norman, President of Hydrostor, about the critical role of energy storage in supporting a cleaner grid. Jon discusses Hydrostor’s Advanced Compressed Air Energy Storage (A-CAES) technology, which leverages air, water, and rock to store and release energy efficiently. The conversation covers how t…
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#98: Beyond Organic: Understanding Regenerative Agriculture
58:09
58:09
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58:09In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Dr. Allen Williams, Founding Partner of Understanding Ag, about the core principles and practices of regenerative agriculture, as well as its economic advantages. Allen highlights how regenerative agriculture plays a vital role in restoring soil health, boosting crop yields, and fostering sustainable …
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