ReEnergizing Communities

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast sits down with Mike Young, the Executive Director of California Environmental Voters to talk about political power, climate champions, and how engagement at the polls can lead to better changes at home. Mike Young shares his insights from over 20 years of organizing for climate smart policies, promoting bold legislative leadership, and holding poli...

Hi, Energy! is back for another season of expert insights with Southern California leaders, working to create solutions, workforce opportunities, and innovative partnerships, all to help communities save energy today while fostering sustainable practices for tomorrow. We’ll meet with top Southern California leaders who are actively building practical solutions to expand access to clean, sustainabl...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about Allison’s Hollywood Climate Summit, where writers, executives, fans and actors can all gather and learn about how to make Hollywood climate friendly and the role Hollywood can play in bringing climate knowledge to the public.  Allison and Esteban discuss the power of storytelling in bringing knowledge about climate to everyday folks like you and m...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about climate resilience and disaster preparedness from Nina Knierim, a fire survivor and the California Area Manager for Climate Resilience and Disaster Preparedness. Nina and Esteban discuss Nina’s personal story of surviving California wildfires, the steps she took to protect her family and neighbors and the way that community togetherness drives successf...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about how new climate-focused technology is shaping the way we move ourselves and our stuff around the world. To help us learn about that, Esteban is joined by Jack Symington, the Director of City Climate Innovation at LA Climate Incubator. Jack and Esteban discuss how clean transportation will get us warmer burritos, the olympics are bringing us accessible...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about the power of networking through social media, and about the community of people making green jobs the norm and accessible to all.  Kristy Drutman, aka “Browngirl Green,” and co-founder of The Green Jobs Board, joins the show to break down her trail-blazing career as a model for future climate work.  Kristy and Esteban discuss the origins of t...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about the grid, climate tech startup culture, and California’s special relationship to climate issues.  Josh Rothermel of SoCal Edison and formerly of Rivian and the UCLA Anderson Energy & Cleantech Association, joins Esteban to talk about having a career in clean energy. Josh and Esteban discuss simple but important questions like “what is the grid?” a...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about the connections between community engagement and environmental policy. Ken Chawkins, a professor at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, joins the show to share wisdom from  nearly 30 years in public affairs, serving business, labor, government, and nonprofits.  Ken and Esteban discuss coalition building towards climate solutions, how to g...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about how climate news is made. Sammy Roth, a former climate columnist for the LA Times and the host of the podcast and newsletter Boiling Point, has been writing about Southern California’s climate issues for over a decade. He now writes an independent newsletter, Climate-Colored Goggles, about climate & culture. In this episode, he comes to spill the tea o...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about all of the options we have to move around LA. Eli Lipmen, Executive Director of Move LA, shares that the future of clean transit is a future with many options. Eli and Esteban discuss the 2028 Olympics from a transit perspective, some of Move LA’s biggest policy wins, why a public transit advocate like Eli still sees value in owning his car, and so muc...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about local organizations keeping the residents in the communities they serve at the forefront of the climate conversation. Esteban is joined by Nicole Landers, Director of Communications & Partnerships @ GreenWealth Energy. Nicole is a longtime climate consultant and one of the founders of a community garden that helped nourish and support her local Venice...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about local clean energy projects and how they support a larger and greener statewide vision for California. He is joined by Heather Repenning, Vice President, Account Manager and Resilience Lead at Jacobs, and the former Executive Officer for Sustainability at LA Metro where she led efforts to support clean transportation and reduce emissions within LA Metr...

Hi, Energy! is back! This season, we’re diving deeper into real-world stories, smart energy solutions, and local community voices driving change right here in our neighborhoods. Hear from Southern California’s best and brightest leaders rolling up their sleeves to make clean and sustainable energy work for everyone. And insights from experts who work with government officials to turn big climate g...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast dives into the vital topic of environmental justice with Veronica Padilla-Campos, Executive Director of Pacoima Beautiful. Together, they explore what environmental justice means, the systemic issues behind environmental racism, and how climate change disproportionately impacts low-income and marginalized communities. Veronica shares inspiring stories of...

In this episode of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast sits down with Rachel Pennington, Assistant Director of Energy Services at The Energy Coalition, to explore how SoCalREN’s Public Agency Program is helping cities, school districts, and government agencies save money and energy through impactful projects. Rachel shares success stories, breaks down how public agencies can implement energy-efficient improv...

Esteban Gast dives into the exciting world of green career pathways with Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the US Green Building Council – California. As industries shift toward sustainability, Ben breaks down the growing opportunities in fields like green building, energy efficiency, and clean technology. They also explore how these careers are evolving, the importance of equity in the green e...

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Esteban Gast dives into the rising challenge of urban heat islands, especially here in Southern California where summer heat is only intensifying. But it’s not just about the problem—it’s about finding solutions! Esteban is joined by Amanda Begley, Senior Program Manager at TreePeople, who shares her expertise on how green spaces, reflective materials, and community...

Esteban chats with energy engineer Evan Davis, who’s on a mission to bring heat pumps to homes across SoCal. They may not sound glamorous, but these versatile gadgets are game-changers for home heating and cooling, especially here in sunny Southern California. They’ll break down how heat pumps work, why they’re a win for both your wallet and the environment, and what you need to know if you’re thi...

In the season premiere of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast tackles a big one—decarbonization. But don’t worry, this isn’t a science class! Esteban keeps it fun and breaks it down so you can casually drop "decarbonization" into conversation like a pro. Joining him is Jakub Zielkiewicz, the Director of Climate Planning at ICF, to help us get what decarbonization really means for LA and how we can all pitch...

Reducing energy use today is key to a safer, more affordable, and sustainable tomorrow. In this season of Hi, Energy!, we bring you front-row access to the innovators and leaders across Southern California who are making a real difference. From demystifying the benefits of heat pumps to guiding you through actionable steps toward decarbonization, we’re here to help you navigate the path to a clean...

For episode number 18 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, speaks with Tinuviel Carlson, Program Manager at The Energy Coalition, and Cassie Smith & Megan Kendall from the California Climate Action Corp, about their individual experiences in the energy industry to date, as fellows and ultimately as energy sector professionals in their early careers to date.

For episode number 17 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, welcomes Jenny Berg (recently retired) of BayREN and RaChelle Taccone with the LA County Public Works Department, about their experience in the energy industry, their challenges, and successes in their work to date, and what they look forward to in the years to come.

With episode 16, we interviewed Pam Bold (Executive Direction of High Sierra Energy Foundation) who joined HSEF in 2015 after a hiatus spent raising two active boys and volunteering extensively in the area she serves today. As stated in her bio, “Pam has a degree in something she never worked one day in, spent her early career in the tech field, and couldn’t be happier that she found her way to a...

For episode number 15 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, welcomes John Zhao, with the La Virgenes Municipal Water District. John discusses how his team is addressing water supply challenges and utilizing their partnership with SoCalREN to pave the path of energy savings.

For episode number 14 of SoCalREN’s ReEnergizing Communities podcast, host Julie Castro, welcomes Laurie Jacobs, Program Coordinator with South Bay Cities Council of Governments, and Dan Bonn, an educator with Towne Avenue Elementary School. Both have been involved in an innovative education program, Kits for Kits, that educates students, teachers, and families alike about the importance of energy...