America First Energy Podcast

Skyler Zunk is joined by Energy Right Co-founder, Blake Cox to discuss the 2025 election results across VA and what energy issues seemed to be top of mind for voters. They also take some of their 2025 Annual Poll while giving a preview of the next installment.  Check out all the past episode of the America First Energy Podcast by visiting: https://energyrightus.org/afep/

In honor of Veterans Day, the America First Energy Project brings you a conversation with Kevin Doffing, CEO and founder of Project Vanguard. Ben chats with Kevin about his important work connecting veterans with job opportunities in the energy sector. Later on, Skyler joins Ben to discuss the election results and how they could affect the ongoing data center energy debate. To learn more about Pro...

In this episode of the America First Energy Podcast, Skyler Zunk sits down with Dwayne Yancey, co-founder and editor of the Cardinal News to talk about Virginia’s energy landscape. Dwayne shares his perspective on local issues, challenges and opportunities for rural localities and the impact data centers have on the whole state. Later on, Skyler is joined by Ben Wilson to talk about the upcoming g...

In today’s episode, Skyler Zunk is joined by Solar Energy Industry Association President, Abby Hopper to talk about energy at both the local and federal level. Abby shares how SEIA is working with the Trump administration on permitting reform and the opportunities for the solar and the clean energy industry. Later on, Skyler is joined by Ben Wilson to discuss the recent $1.6B approval of a federal...

In this episode, Ben Wilson is joined by Martina Arel, Dir ector of Economic Development and Energy Research at Mangum Economics . They discuss the role of economic analysis in renewable energy projects, the benefits these projects bring to local communities, and Mangum’s individualized approach to each project. Later on, Ben is joined by Skyler to discuss the energy prices across the nation and g...

Ben Wilson is joined by Dr. Zhenshan Chen, an assistant professor in the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech. Ben will chat with Dr. Chen about his latest study “Impact of large-scale solar on property values in the United States: Diverse effects and causal mechanisms” including the methodology used, a note on previous studies and what makes this research unique. Late...

Ben Wilson is joined by Energy Right Director of Policy and Engagement, Dylan Taylor to cover the 2025 Solar Farm Summit hosted in Chicago, IL. While there, they interviewed an array of experts including: Iain Ward - Solar Agricultural Services Inc. Ethan Winter - American Farm Trust Austin Kinzer - American Farm Trust Camren Maierle - American Lamb Board James McKinon - Helical Solar Stacie Peter...

In this episode, Skyler Zunk sits down with Susan and Rob from the Chambers for Innovation and Clean Energy to explore how their work directly impacts Chambers and communities across the nation. They take time to discuss permitting reform, supporting good projects, and Rob and Susan provide advice for local Chamber leaders. Later, Ben Wilson joins Skyler for an in the news discussion centered arou...

Ben Wilson is joined by Energy Right Director of Policy and Engagement, Dylan Taylor to bring you coverage of the 2025 Resilient Virginia Conference. We’ll highlight conversations with Austin Counts and Kara Dotten from Appalachian Voices, catch up with Harrisonburg City Council Member, Laura Dent and wrap up our conversation with Energy Right Board Member, Corin Jackson. Later on, Ben and Dylan w...

Skyler and Ben spend time breaking down the latest PJM update and the letter that 9 Governors signed onto a letter expressing their concerns with rising prices.

Join the America First Energy Podcast, on the farm! Starting off with Ben, who is joined by Allison Wickham, where she walks us through the agrivoltaics practices she employs with bees at the Siller Pollinator Company, sharing solutions and what she’s learned from her time beekeeping. Next up, Skyler is with a longtime friend of Energy Right, Matt English, a solar grazer who invited us back to his...

Skyler sits down with Pete Sepp, President of the National Tax Payers Union. Skyler and Pete discuss Virginia energy challenges and solutions, ways communities are using renewable investments to diversify local revenue and look at Federal tax policies and permitting reform. In the news, Ben sits down with Skyler to go over a new property values study out of Virginia Tech. https://news.vt.edu/artic...

Skyler and Ben are back with another power update from PJM ahead of warm summer weather. They also discuss news out of Pennsylvania and break down the power producers inside of the PJM interconnect. The America First Energy Podcast is brought to you by Energy Right, learn more by visiting www.energyrightus.org

Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson break down the latest warning issued by PJM as the region braces for increased summer power usage. They also revisit the Memorial Day brownout in Louisiana, discussing contributing factors and public response. Featured audio includes remarks from Louisiana Public Service Commissioner Davante Lewis (District 3), as reported by WWL-TV , May 26, 2025: "PSC: Nuclear shu...

Skyler sits down with VA Department of Energy Solar Program Manager, Aaron Berryhill who shares his research of utility scale solar, his research and role at helping educate communities about the solar opportunities of the present and future. Afterward, Ben will join Skyler to discuss the Memorial Day Weekend brownout in Louisiana in our in the news section.  The America First Energy Podcast is br...

Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson take you along to the Virginia Solar Summit where they had the opportunity to speak to leaders in the solar industry from all across the commonwealth, today’s episode features interviews with Jess Gray, CEO of Gray’s Lambscaping, Dan French, Executive Producer Solar Farm Summit, Carlos Class, CEO of Solarix and Charles Skelly, Business Manager at IBEW Local 666. To learn...

In this episode, co-host Ben Wilson sits down with Chris Maness from the Scott County Board of Supervisors to explore how local energy development fuels more than just the grid—it sparks jobs, growth, and long-term opportunity. Chris shares what led him to public service and how his background as a software engineer helps him see innovative solutions for Scott County's future. Later, co-host S...

In today's episode, Skyler Zunk sits down with newly appointed America First Energy Project, Louisiana executive director Jeff Arnold in New Orleans where they discuss the all-of-the-above energy approach that even the oil and gas industries use along with diversifying our energy portfolio to make it strong and bring costs down for ratepayers. Jeff shares his experience as a public official wh...

In today’s episode of the America First Energy Podcast , Skyler Zunk interviews fellow co-host Ben Wilson so he can share his background as well as some insights on energy in SWVA - past and present! Join us for a discussion on strengthening communities, utilizing diverse forms of energy generation, and the opportunity for more 'bright fields' across the SW. Learn more about the Data Cente...

In today’s episode of the America First Energy Podcast , co-hosts Skyler Zunk and Ben Wilson are joined by Virginia Department of Energy Director, Glenn Davis . Join us as we cover the energy landscape across the commonwealth, discuss barriers to growth, and look at the current energy imports across VA.  Big thank you to Virginia Department of Energy Director, Glenn Davis! America First Energy Pod...

The way we power our nation is changing, and the need to power our growing economy with American Energy is greater than ever before. The America First Energy Podcast dives into the future of energy in the U.S., advocating for responsible, all-of-the-above energy development to secure America’s energy dominance.