Best Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts (2025)

1
Why Solving Waste Has To Be Local: Brenda Platt on Sustainability and Community 29:54

2d ago29:54

29:54

We hear it again and again on this show: neighborhoods that are presumed less likely to fight back are taken advantage of by huge corporations and monopolies. Through predatory decisions and massive market power, a chain grocery store erodes a historically black neighborhood into a food desert. Amazon locates a massive warehouse, and its associated…

1
Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules 44:44

10d ago44:44

44:44

Learn about how distributed power plants lower electric bills and stabilize the grid.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/distributed-power-plants-ler241/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a…

1
Sky High Promises: The Limits of Starlink - Episode 657 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 49:29

10d ago49:29

49:29

Sascha Meinrath returns to break down what Starlink gets right—and wrong—about solving the digital divide. He and the CBN Team take a hard look at the hype, the reality, and why magic-bullet solutions often distract from real, community-driven infrastructure. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Why Clean Energy Is Not Enough: John Farrell on Lessons from David Morris 26:36

16d ago26:36

26:36

When ILSR co-founder David Morris published his pamphlet The Dawning of Solar Cells in 1975, nearly the only people using solar power were those in the Apollo program at NASA. Yet David saw decades into the future as he laid out a vision for community control and local ownership of a solar power system that was better for the climate and kept much …

1
Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules 44:16

24d ago44:16

44:16

Minnesota Power's sale would saddle captive utility customers with higher rates, but bring millions to shareholders. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/blackrock-utility-purchase-ler240/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscrib…

1
Abundance for Whom? - Episode 656 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 39:50

24d ago39:50

39:50

Sascha Meinrath returns for a wide-ranging conversation on "Abundance" and what it gets right and wrong about broadband and public policy. He and Chris unpack the dangers of corporate-led infrastructure and why real abundance must center the public good. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
The Problems You Can Solve: Stacy Mitchell on David Morris’s Legacy 26:07

25d ago26:07

26:07

On this week's episode of Building Local Power, we continue our series honoring ILSR's co-founder David Morris, who passed away in June. One way to measure the impact of someone's work is to measure their influence on those they mentored. And if you ask Stacy Mitchell, the word "influence" isn't even sufficient for what she learned from David Morri…

1
What Cities Can Do: Remembering David Morris 33:57

1M ago33:57

33:57

Here at the Institute for Local Self-Reliance, we recently received some shocking news as we learned of the sudden passing of our beloved co-founder, David Morris. A giant in the antimonopoly field, an innovative thinker ahead of his time, and a crucial mentor to so many of us here at ILSR, David will be missed. I imagine I wasn’t alone in diving i…

1
Sludge, Lawsuits, and the Digital Divide: Unpacking the Latest Broadband Battles - Episode 655 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:59

1M ago33:59

33:59

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean unpack the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund (USF) and why it matters for millions of Americans. They also call out corporate “sludge” tactics and highlight a major lawsuit—filed by 21 states and D.C.—pushing back against the Trump administration’s attempt to cancel the Digi…

1
The Truth Behind California’s High Electric Bills — Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules 51:07

1M ago51:07

51:07

Utility overspending, not rooftop solar, is driving California’s rising rates – Richard McCann debunks the “cost shift” myth.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/truth-behind-CA-electric-bills-ler239/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget t…

1
Capital is Power: Financing Broadband for the Long Haul - Episode 654 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 30:54

1M ago30:54

30:54

In this episode of the podcast, Brian Vo and Clara Miller join the show to explore how communities can leverage mission-driven finance to build lasting broadband infrastructure. They highlight creative approaches to funding that prioritize community needs and long-term impact. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Wi-Fi Threatened: Why Congress Might Be Undermining Our Digital Future - Episode 653 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 43:24

2M ago43:24

43:24

Wi-Fi as we know it is under threat. Harold Feld and Michael Calabrese join the show to explain how a Senate proposal could auction off critical spectrum needed for Wi-Fi 7—undermining future innovation and everyday connectivity. Learn what’s at stake and how to fight back. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Australia’s Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Postcard from the Future — Episode 238 of Local Energy Rules 1:00:20

2M ago1:00:20

1:00:20

Australia leads the world in rooftop solar adoption, offering crucial lessons for regulators and grid operators in the United States. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/australias-rooftop-solar-revolution-ler238/ Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | …

1
Increasing Internet Access at the Speed of Trust: Sean Gonsalves on the Digital Equity Act

2M ago

—

The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act represented one of the largest ever investments in broadband infrastructure. Many in the digital equity space believed the bill would go a long way to solve the digital divide. Provisions like the Digital Equity Act promised to be powerful tools in ensuring fast and reliable Internet access for all, r…

1
Shared Airwaves, Public Good: Why CBRS Matters More Than Ever - Episode 652 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 31:54

2M ago31:54

31:54

In this episode of the podcast, David Zumwalt joins the show to break down why CBRS—shared spectrum that powers broadband in rural and underserved areas—is under threat. He and Chris explore how corporate lobbying could unravel a successful model that’s fueling innovation and connectivity nationwide. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Pennywise, Pound Foolish: Inside the BEAD Program’s Latest Shakeup - Episode 651 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:06

2M ago40:06

40:06

In this Monday edition of the podcast, Evan Feinman returns to break down the Trump administration’s latest changes to the BEAD program. He and Chris dig into how prioritizing short-term savings over long-term infrastructure could leave millions with slower, pricier Internet access. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
BEAD: No NOFO Fo Sho - Episode 650 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:52

2M ago37:52

37:52

In this episode of the podcast, Chris welcomes back Gigi Sohn for a rapid-fire reaction to Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s latest testimony and the ongoing BEAD program freeze. They unpack the political motivations, and what's really at stake for states ready to build broadband networks. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Boosting Consumer Control with Better Utility Governance — Episode 237 of Local Energy Rules 1:05:34

2M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

What if we changed monopoly utility governance to give consumers more control over utility decisions?By Local Energy Rules

1
The Human Side of Government Work: Paola Santana on Procurement 22:51

2M ago22:51

22:51

The United States government is one of the biggest purchasers in the world. Few people or entities spend more money on more goods and services. Add state and local governments to the mix, and you have a massive market with the potential for a lot of businesses to make a lot of money. The process of governments purchasing from businesses, called pro…

1
BEAD in Limbo: How Federal Delay Is Shaking Up Louisiana's Broadband Future - Episode 649 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

In this episode of the podcast, Josh Etheridge of EPC joins us to talk about how the BEAD delay is hitting Louisiana hard—from stalled projects to laid-off workers—and why this federal pause is putting connectivity and local businesses at risk. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Community Solar Cracks Gas Crisis in Alaska — Episode 236 of Local Energy Rules 42:51

3M ago42:51

42:51

Discover how Alaska’s electric co-ops and the Cook Inlet gas crisis laid the groundwork for the state’s community solar policy.By Local Energy Rules

1
Kansas City's Digital Equity Journey - Episode 648 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:00

3M ago40:00

40:00

Tom Esselman of DEPO-KC joins us to talk about Kansas City’s long digital equity journey—from Google Fiber to grassroots partnerships—and why local trust and nonprofit leadership are key to closing the digital divide. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
The Champion of Local Champions: Recast City’s Ilana Preuss 23:33

3M ago23:33

23:33

One way to build local power is to catalyze change directly in your community. Another, equally important method is to catalyze the catalysts. To really make change and build sustainable local economies, we need not only entrepreneurs but also people connecting entrepreneurs to each other — someone to champion the local champions. There is solid pr…

1
The Hidden Cost: The Ripple Effects of Canceling the Digital Equity Act - Episode 647 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 24:03

3M ago24:03

24:03

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks again with Jade Piros de Carvalho to explain how canceling the Digital Equity Act doesn’t just cut digital inclusion programs—it threatens entire state broadband offices and the future of BEAD. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
President Trump Targets Digital Equity Act —What It Means for Communities and the Future of Connectivity - Episode 646 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

In this urgent episode of the podcast, Angela Siefer and Amy Huffman join us to respond to President Trump’s declaration that the Digital Equity Act is “unconstitutional.” We break down what the Act actually does—and what’s at stake for millions of Americans if it disappears. ★ Support this podcast ★…

1
Community Solar Complements New Hampshire’s Resident-Owned Communities — Episode 235 of Local Energy Rules 41:11

3M ago41:11

41:11

Members of New Hampshire’s resident-owned communities are saving money through community solar.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/community-solar-in-nh-rocs-ler235/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your frie…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

1
Community Broadband Bits

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Building Local Power

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules

1
Building for Digital Equity Podcast

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Why Solving Waste Has To Be Local: Brenda Platt on Sustainability and Community 29:54

1
Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules 44:44

1
Sky High Promises: The Limits of Starlink - Episode 657 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 49:29

1
Why Clean Energy Is Not Enough: John Farrell on Lessons from David Morris 26:36

1
Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules 44:16

1
Abundance for Whom? - Episode 656 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 39:50

1
The Problems You Can Solve: Stacy Mitchell on David Morris’s Legacy 26:07

1
What Cities Can Do: Remembering David Morris 33:57

1
Sludge, Lawsuits, and the Digital Divide: Unpacking the Latest Broadband Battles - Episode 655 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:59

1
The Truth Behind California’s High Electric Bills — Episode 239 of Local Energy Rules 51:07

1
Capital is Power: Financing Broadband for the Long Haul - Episode 654 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 30:54

1
Wi-Fi Threatened: Why Congress Might Be Undermining Our Digital Future - Episode 653 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 43:24

1
Australia’s Rooftop Solar Revolution: A Postcard from the Future — Episode 238 of Local Energy Rules 1:00:20

1
Increasing Internet Access at the Speed of Trust: Sean Gonsalves on the Digital Equity Act

1
Shared Airwaves, Public Good: Why CBRS Matters More Than Ever - Episode 652 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 31:54

1
Pennywise, Pound Foolish: Inside the BEAD Program’s Latest Shakeup - Episode 651 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:06

1
BEAD: No NOFO Fo Sho - Episode 650 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:52

1
Boosting Consumer Control with Better Utility Governance — Episode 237 of Local Energy Rules 1:05:34

1
The Human Side of Government Work: Paola Santana on Procurement 22:51

1
BEAD in Limbo: How Federal Delay Is Shaking Up Louisiana's Broadband Future - Episode 649 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 36:16

1
Community Solar Cracks Gas Crisis in Alaska — Episode 236 of Local Energy Rules 42:51

1
Kansas City's Digital Equity Journey - Episode 648 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:00

1
The Champion of Local Champions: Recast City’s Ilana Preuss 23:33

1
The Hidden Cost: The Ripple Effects of Canceling the Digital Equity Act - Episode 647 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 24:03

1
President Trump Targets Digital Equity Act —What It Means for Communities and the Future of Connectivity - Episode 646 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:18

1
Community Solar Complements New Hampshire’s Resident-Owned Communities — Episode 235 of Local Energy Rules 41:11

Quick Reference Guide