Best Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts (2025)

1
A ‘North Star’ For California Utility Reform — Episode 234 of Local Energy Rules 55:50

5d ago55:50

55:50

California’s Senate Bill 332 aims to address the immediate harms of the investor-owned utilities while also investing in a resilient future.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/CA-utility-reform-ler234/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget…

1
BEAD Under Threat: Fiber, Satellites, and the Fight for the Future of Rural Internet Access - Episode 643 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 46:48

6d ago46:48

46:48

In this episode of the podcast, former BEAD Director Evan Feinman joins us to unpack the sudden shift in federal broadband policy—and how it could derail state-led fiber projects in favor of satellites. With billions at stake, the conversation cuts to the heart of what’s really happening behind the scenes. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Where Things Are Happening: Ron Knox on the State(s) of Antitrust 27:46

11d ago27:46

27:46

Ron Knox was a successful reporter covering antitrust and antimonopoly issues until he couldn't take it any more. His growing passion for the fight against corporate power didn't match a reporter's need for neutrality and objectivity. Shedding the mantle of neutrality, Knox joined ILSR to fight for what he believed in: building local power and resi…

1
Broadband Bottlenecks and Bureaucracy: What’s Holding the Internet Back? - Episode 642 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 41:59

12d ago41:59

41:59

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sascha Meinrath dig into what's gone wrong with federal programs like BEAD and digital equity grants, and what it means for the future of Internet access. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
How Utilities Evade Grid Regulation — Episode 233 of Local Energy Rules 38:40

19d ago38:40

38:40

Instead of prioritizing more useful regional transmission infrastructure, utilities are pushing through smaller, local transmission projects to minimize oversight and maximize profit.By Local Energy Rules

1
Civil Unrest, Group Chats, and Representation: Rachel Hernandez on Governing as a First-Gen Mayor 22:35

25d ago22:35

22:35

In late 2024, Rachel Hernandez ran a successful campaign to become mayor of Riverbank, California. A small town at the top of the state's central valley, Riverbank may not fit into what you imagine as California. There are no beaches or Hollywood signs here. The town follows the rhythm of the harvest with workers passing through following the crops…

1
Tribal Broadband Bootcamps in Action - Episode 641 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:11

27d ago37:11

37:11

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Matt Rantanen shares how Tribal Broadband Bootcamps are equipping Indigenous leaders with the technical skills and policy know-how to build and sustain their own networks. Tune in to learn how these hands-on trainings are closing the digital divide in Indian Country. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Connecticut Utility Regulator Under Fire for Doing Her Job — Episode 232 of Local Energy Rules 1:03:32

1M ago1:03:32

1:03:32

In this rebroadcast from Volts, Chairman Marissa Gillett of Connecticut’s Public Utilities Regulatory Authority talks about the challenges of reforming utility regulation given investor-owned utilities’ incredible influence.By Local Energy Rules

1
“A Little Odd, but A Little Amazing”: Adriana Valdez Young and the Secret Mall Apartment 27:15

1M ago27:15

27:15

In the early 2000s, a behemoth rose above Providence, Rhode Island. The massive Providence Place Mall was heralded as the solution to Providence's 1990s economic woes and cited as a catalyst for urban renewal. However, not all residents of Providence welcomed the mall. For one thing, the wave of corporate development inspired by the mall leveled wo…

1
Rethinking the Internet with Bob Frankston - Episode 640 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 47:41

1M ago47:41

47:41

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Bob Frankston to challenge the traditional telecom model and explore why Internet access should be treated like a public utility. He explains how shifting to a community-owned model could unlock innovation and make connectivity more resilient. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Community Solar 2.0 is Coming to Boston — Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules 38:18

2M ago38:18

38:18

In Boston, a creative cooperatively-run solar developer is combining the best of Massachusetts’ equity-focused climate opportunities to distribute the benefits of the climate transition.By Local Energy Rules

1
Future-Proofing Texas Schools with Better Internet Infrastructure- Episode 639 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 25:36

2M ago25:36

25:36

In this episode of the podcast, Michael Keough from Region 16 Education Service Center shares how they’re upgrading Internet infrastructure for 60 Texas school districts. He explains how a new 10 Gig ring network and edge data centers will improve reliability, drive competition, and support future technologies. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Taking a Risk for Rural Economic Growth with Dante Pittman 23:16

2M ago23:16

23:16

The third episode in the Building Local Power, The New Class series finds us talking to North Carolina State Rep Dante Pittman, recently elected to represent his hometown of Wilson, NC and the surrounding Wilson County. From municipal fiber broadband to monumental folk art, Wilson has never shied away from innovative ideas. Those ideas, and the dyn…

1
BEAD’s Next Steps: Unpacking State Progress and Challenges - Episode 638 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:50

2M ago33:50

33:50

States are moving forward with BEAD funding, but uncertainty looms over potential changes to the program. In this episode of the podcast, Heather Mills joins to break down what’s happening, what’s at stake, and what communities need to know. Tune in for key insights on the future of broadband expansion. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
On Molokai, A Community Cooperative for Energy Sovereignty — Episode 230 of Local Energy Rules 49:47

2M ago49:47

49:47

On Molokai, a Hawaiian island with the highest utility rates in the country, the resident-led Hoʻāhu Energy Cooperative is using its local knowledge to drive clean energy projects that speak to community needs and priorities.By Local Energy Rules

1
Independent Agencies Under Threat: Gigi Sohn on FCC’s Future - Episode 637 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 26:11

2M ago26:11

26:11

Is the independence of agencies like the FCC under threat? What does that mean for broadband policy and the future of communications? In this episode, Gigi Sohn joins Chris to break down the latest power struggles, what’s at stake, and why it matters for everyone. Tune in for a critical conversation on the intersection of policy, politics, and broa…

1
From Neighborhood Streets to City Hall with Zac Blanchard 28:39

2M ago28:39

28:39

The second episode in the Building Local Power, The New Class series finds us talking to Baltimore City Councilman Zac Blanchard, who recently won a tight race to unseat his District 11's incumbent. Blanchard, a Marine vet and father of two young children, got his political start joining and eventually leading neighborhood associations. That experi…

1
The Potential of Fiber: Smart Cities, BEAD, and Municipal Broadband Financing - Episode 636 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean explore the unexpected potential of fiber optic sensing, the latest on BEAD funding, and details on an upcoming webinar with Gigi Sohn on financing municipal broadband projects! ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Voting (Again) on Municipal Power in Decorah, Iowa — Episode 229 of Local Energy Rules 30:02

2M ago30:02

30:02

Do residents of Decorah, Iowa, have the seven year public power itch? Actually, they’re probably just steamed about two double-digit increases in their electric bills since 2018, when they last considered creating a city-owned electric utility. While that initiative fell short by just three votes, today, the advocates promoting a “yes” vote on the …

1
Consider Affordable Broadband State-By-State - Episode 635 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 35:46

3M ago35:46

35:46

In this special episode of the podcast, we revisit our live forum called "Consider Affordable Broadband State by State" to explore how New York’s Affordable Broadband Act is setting a precedent, what other states are doing, and why this fight matters for digital equity nationwide. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Staying Local at the Statehouse with Tristan Rader 23:23

3M ago23:23

23:23

This episode is the first in our new season of Building Local Power, The New Class, where we are talking to interesting changemakers among the state and local politicians newly elected in November 2024. Our first guest is Tristan Rader, representing District 13 in Ohio's House of Representatives. District 13, which is host Danny Caine's district, c…

1
No Shareholders, Just Service: Sherwood, Oregon’s Community Broadband Success - Episode 634 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 22:21

3M ago22:21

22:21

In this episode of the podcast, Mayor Tim Rosener and IT Director Brad Crawford share how Sherwood, Oregon built its own fiber network, expanded into rural areas, and kept prices low—all while ensuring top-notch service. Tune in to hear how local leadership is making fast, reliable Internet a reality! ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Wisconsin’s SolarShare: A Co-op Model for Local Clean Power — Episode 228 of Local Energy Rules 49:56

3M ago49:56

49:56

SolarShare Wisconsin Cooperative’s model allows anyone in the state to invest in local solar projects.By Local Energy Rules

1
Championing Community Broadband in Montana with Representative Kelly Kortum - Episode 633 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 16:44

3M ago16:44

16:44

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down with Representative Kelly Kortum of Montana to discuss his fight to repeal laws blocking municipal broadband and expand access to rural communities. Drawing on his personal journey with limited Internet, Kortum highlights the challenges posed by outdated legislation and the critical role of cooperativ…

1
How Structural Racism Fuels American Monopolies 27:52

3M ago27:52

27:52

The inspiration for this season of Building Local Power is ILSR's Power Play report, written by ILSR senior editor and researcher Susan Holmberg. Sue joins us today for a wide-ranging and candid conversation about the report and its main finding: that monopolies leverage systemic racism to build and retain their power. Our conversation ties togethe…

1
Predictions for 2025: CBN Edition - Episode 632 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 42:43

3M ago42:43

42:43

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and the CBN team dive into bold predictions about BEAD funding, affordability programs, and the growing role of satellite providers. Hear how state policies, federal actions, and industry shifts could shape the future of Internet access and digital opportunity. ★ Support this podcast ★…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Building Local Power

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Community Broadband Bits

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules

1
Building for Digital Equity Podcast

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
A ‘North Star’ For California Utility Reform — Episode 234 of Local Energy Rules 55:50

1
BEAD Under Threat: Fiber, Satellites, and the Fight for the Future of Rural Internet Access - Episode 643 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 46:48

1
Where Things Are Happening: Ron Knox on the State(s) of Antitrust 27:46

1
Broadband Bottlenecks and Bureaucracy: What’s Holding the Internet Back? - Episode 642 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 41:59

1
How Utilities Evade Grid Regulation — Episode 233 of Local Energy Rules 38:40

1
Civil Unrest, Group Chats, and Representation: Rachel Hernandez on Governing as a First-Gen Mayor 22:35

1
Tribal Broadband Bootcamps in Action - Episode 641 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:11

1
Connecticut Utility Regulator Under Fire for Doing Her Job — Episode 232 of Local Energy Rules 1:03:32

1
“A Little Odd, but A Little Amazing”: Adriana Valdez Young and the Secret Mall Apartment 27:15

1
Rethinking the Internet with Bob Frankston - Episode 640 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 47:41

1
Community Solar 2.0 is Coming to Boston — Episode 231 of Local Energy Rules 38:18

1
Future-Proofing Texas Schools with Better Internet Infrastructure- Episode 639 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 25:36

1
Taking a Risk for Rural Economic Growth with Dante Pittman 23:16

1
BEAD’s Next Steps: Unpacking State Progress and Challenges - Episode 638 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:50

1
On Molokai, A Community Cooperative for Energy Sovereignty — Episode 230 of Local Energy Rules 49:47

1
Independent Agencies Under Threat: Gigi Sohn on FCC’s Future - Episode 637 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 26:11

1
From Neighborhood Streets to City Hall with Zac Blanchard 28:39

1
The Potential of Fiber: Smart Cities, BEAD, and Municipal Broadband Financing - Episode 636 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 27:44

1
Voting (Again) on Municipal Power in Decorah, Iowa — Episode 229 of Local Energy Rules 30:02

1
Consider Affordable Broadband State-By-State - Episode 635 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 35:46

1
Staying Local at the Statehouse with Tristan Rader 23:23

1
No Shareholders, Just Service: Sherwood, Oregon’s Community Broadband Success - Episode 634 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 22:21

1
Wisconsin’s SolarShare: A Co-op Model for Local Clean Power — Episode 228 of Local Energy Rules 49:56

1
Championing Community Broadband in Montana with Representative Kelly Kortum - Episode 633 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 16:44

1
How Structural Racism Fuels American Monopolies 27:52

1
Predictions for 2025: CBN Edition - Episode 632 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 42:43

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