Best Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts (2025)

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

5d 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

6d 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

7d 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

11d 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

12d 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

19d 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

20d 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

26d 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

27d 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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

1M 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…

1
Broadband at a Crossroads: Evan Feinman on Getting BEAD Right - Episode 645 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 52:22

1M ago52:22

52:22

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down again with Evan Feinman to share what it took to launch the biggest broadband investment in U.S. history. He reflects on what went right, what still worries him, and why local leadership is key to getting it right. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
The Diner Building Community In Times of Crisis: Ladybird’s Meg Heriford

2M ago

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Saturday, March 14, 2020, was even busier than the typical bustling Saturday at Ladybird Diner in Lawrence, Kansas. Bottles of handmade hand sanitizer were perched on each table. It was Pi Day, a special occasion for the homey diner famous for its pie. But Ladybird owner Meg Heriford was scared and unsure. The crowds were enough to convince her not…

1
Stringtown, MO Gets Connected: How Local Partnerships Are Closing the Rural Broadband Gap - Episode 644 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:37

2M ago37:37

37:37

In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Patty Boyers and Robbie Myers on how local collaboration and smart public investment connected Stringtown, MO—and why it’s a game changer for public safety, healthcare, and opportunity. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

2M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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 ★…

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
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

1
Broadband at a Crossroads: Evan Feinman on Getting BEAD Right - Episode 645 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 52:22

1
The Diner Building Community In Times of Crisis: Ladybird’s Meg Heriford

1
Stringtown, MO Gets Connected: How Local Partnerships Are Closing the Rural Broadband Gap - Episode 644 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:37

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

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