Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

In 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 the role of investigative journalism remains esse...

In 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 robotics and AI streamline operations to make decentra...

In 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 burying waste, and how AMP’s computer vision and robo...

In 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 explains the fundamental differences between nuclear fis...

In 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 harder to rely on historical models, and discusses his...

In 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 247Solar’s modular, air-based systems are address...

In 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, and self-replicating systems. While part one focused...

In 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 communications, immersive tech, and self-replicating...

In 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 communities are not just included—but are leading a...

In 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 conversation covers everything from tracking vari...

In 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 manual layout work with precise robotic automatio...

In 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 systemic change. As political action stalls, the c...

In 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 replicated to help tackle seafood supply issues, enha...

In 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 creativity, innovation, and new ideas. We explore...

In 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 incentives driving farmer adoption. She also shares h...

In 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, making this moment in history uniquely complex. He d...

In 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 analytics platforms such as Rhythmos.io’s Cadency...

In 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 industries like steelmaking, ammonia production, and...

Greetings, 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 spotlight inward. This episode is all about our gues...

In 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 this scalable solution addresses renewable energy i...

In 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 farming systems. He distinguishes regenerative far...

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group for Daimler Truck North America, about the future of autonomous trucking and the steps Daimler is taking to bring this technology to market. Joanna discusses the company’s testing strategies, the challenges of regulatory frameworks, and the potential impact of autonomous trucks on the lo...

Greetings Earthlings! In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with David Alspaugh, CTO and co-founder of Inductive Robotics, about the challenges and solutions surrounding electric vehicle (EV) charging. David discusses the growing need for EV charging infrastructure, the challenges parking lot operators face, and the cutting-edge autonomous charging solutions emerging to meet these demands. T...

Greetings, Earthlings! In today's episode of Earthlings 2.0, we delve into the powerful world of venture capital and its significant role in shaping industries by empowering women as leaders and investors. Our guest, Dr. Sara Brand, founding general partner at True Wealth Ventures, shares her insights on investing in women-led companies and how this not only promotes greater equity but also drives...

Greetings Earthlings! In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Anurag Kamal, CEO and co-founder of ElectricFish, about their innovative approach to ultra-fast EV charging. ElectricFish’s solution is designed not only to speed up EV charging but also to enhance grid stability and provide backup power during outages. Anurag shares the inspiration behind the company's name, their technology’s...