Best Rural Electric Cooperative Podcasts (2024)

1
Harnessing Your Personal Experiences to Improve Broadband Programs, With Naylor Gray 25:48

2d ago25:48

25:48

Speed is so 2020. To connect with today’s broadband subscribers you need data-driven storytelling, persona-based service tiers and the know-how to read digital body language. Calix's Naylor Gray shares insights from the 2024 update of Calix’s e-book, “The Definitive Guide to Subscriber Experience.” Link to the e-book: www.calix.com/forms/marketer/d…

1
The 'Rural Mural' Program, With Marian McLemore 21:52

9d ago21:52

21:52

Flint Energies has started a matching grant program with artists and community groups to paint murals in towns around its service territory. In addition to adding beauty to the community, they’re seeing positive economic impacts.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Cram the Van — A Community Fundraiser Becomes a Storytelling Powerhouse, With Alli Conine 19:05

16d ago19:05

19:05

Hear how a Kansas utility delivered 159 TONS of food with a branded van, school competitions and coordinated, consistent messaging over the last 10 years.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
All Eyes on the 2024 Hurricane Season 26:00

17d ago26:00

26:00

The 2024 hurricane season could be especially challenging for electric co-ops and their members. NOAA is predicting above-normal Atlantic hurricane activity with up to 25 named storms—a record high for its May forecast. Learn more from Matt Rosencrans, lead hurricane outlook forecaster with NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center, and hear from Jeff Davis…

1
Line Life – Giving Students a 40-foot View of Utility Careers, With Jessica Parr 22:24

23d ago22:24

22:24

Want more people to apply for lineworker jobs? Show your story to high school seniors! Learn how Community Electric Co-op’s “Day in the Life of a Lineworker” student experience raises awareness of utility career paths and lineworker scholarships every spring.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Boosting Member Engagement with Youth Programs, With Tory Tedder-Loffland 15:17

30d ago15:17

15:17

Starting in kindergarten, the team at Oklahoma Electric Co-op offers educational programs to students throughout their school experience. Hear how the programs developed and why engaging children became a strategic focus for the utility over the last decade.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
S2E4: Gearing Up for Our Annual Meeting with Mike Whitaker 17:48

1M ago17:48

17:48

Our Drive-Through Annual Meeting is quickly approaching! We sat down with Assistant Manager of Operations Mike Whitaker to reflect on our cooperative's Annual Meeting tradition and discuss the ins and outs of this year's event.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Telling Timeless Stories in Engaging Ways, With David Latona 29:13

1M ago29:13

29:13

Energy efficiency is a story that can feel stale. Hear how Louisiana Utility Pioneers rebranded existing resources with an owl mascot and cohesive storytelling to help both staff and members be Power Smart.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Immediate, Irreparable Harm: The Impacts of EPA's Power Plant Rule 26:53

1M ago26:53

26:53

The EPA recently finalized its new rule to aggressively cut carbon dioxide emissions from power plants—a sweeping move that NRECA CEO Jim Matheson called “unlawful, unrealistic and unachievable." Critics across the industry have decried the regulation as a threat to reliability at a time when an already-stressed grid faces soaring demand. Hear from…

1
2024 Rural Broadband Streaming and Social Media Study, With Scott Meyer 11:39

1M ago11:39

11:39

For the second year in a row, price was not the No. 1 concern for respondents in Innovative Systems’ annual broadband survey. What is it that matters most? This episode also includes notes on bundling, social media platform usage, streaming options and communication preferences. Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!…

1
Unlocking Staff Strengths to Harness Your Internal Storytelling Potential, With Katie Haby 21:16

2M ago21:16

21:16

Internal communications is a critical part of storytelling, but one we often forget. At Medina Electric, Katie Haby's using the CliftonStrengths training program to help staff focus on strengths to build cross-department teams and happier, more engaged employees. Hear how the program’s helping the co-op strengthen its internal storytelling approach…

1
The Power Eastern Oregon Podcast Inaugural Episode 9:36

2M ago9:36

9:36

In this inaugural episode of “The Power Eastern Oregon Podcast,” hosts Shane Stequist and Paige Witham sit down with Lea Hoover to discuss the cooperative model, safety trivia and expectations for the podcast’s future episodes. “The Power Easter Oregon Podcast” is produced by Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative in Baker City, Oregon. If you have any …

1
Using an Internal Newsletter and Intranet to Engage Employees, With Allison Young 8:41

2M ago8:41

8:41

Allison Young and the Kauai team just won an NRECA Spotlight award for their internal newsletter and intranet. What's their secret for engaging internal communications? Special: Recorded LIVE at StoryConnect 2024!By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
How Can Empowered Youth Build Your Brand Story?, With Chinelle Christensen 20:38

2M ago20:38

20:38

Icebreakers, scholarships and character building — meet EmPOWER, a youth leadership program for high school juniors in South Dakota and Minnesota. Learn about Sioux Valley Energy’s long-term investment to build future leaders in its community.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
In the Blink of an Eye—Devastating Incident Becomes Teaching Tool 27:51

2M ago27:51

27:51

In 2021, Branden Bauer was working at United Electric in Pennsylvania as a journeyman lineman with nearly 10 years of experience. During a system improvement project, he made contact with a live conductor that he'd mistakenly thought was a neutral and suffered devastating injuries. Hear from Branden and his wife, Caitlin, about how he's made a miss…

1
S2E3: Linemen Appreciation, Lunch & Learn, and More 12:16

2M ago12:16

12:16

On this episode of Live Wire, we talk with Sarah Marsh from the member services team about an upcoming Lunch & Learn event, celebrate our fearless linemen, discuss the Spotlight on Excellence awards, and preview the Annual Drive-Through Meeting.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Weaving the Co-op Difference into Economic Development and Staff Storytelling, With Marty Walsh 24:28

2M ago24:28

24:28

Do you have a local network of cooperative storytellers? From his dual roles as an economic development manager at People's Energy and board member for Cooperative Development Services, Marty Walsh’s has a unique take on co-op education and how Utility Pioneers can turn the cooperative difference into shared storytelling opportunities to foster mem…

1
Managing a New Brand, With Larry Mattox 11:42

3M ago11:42

11:42

In under three years, Central Rural Electric Co-op moved from breaking ground to 85% buildout of their broadband service, CentraNet, in Oklahoma. During a break from the Calix event, Larry Mattox shares how the small team managed this growth, a new brand and evolving member expectations.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Persona Based Marketing, With Chris Lovell 12:59

3M ago12:59

12:59

In an effort to move beyond features like speed, CL Tel has begun discussing its broadband based on what their service can do for specific customer profiles of personas like gamers, remote workers and families. Special: Recorded LIVE at NTCABy Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Broadband Labels Rules and Regulations, With Dereck DeVries 23:12

3M ago23:12

23:12

Now that the rules have been finalized, Dereck DeVries, of Vantage Point, shares the latest on what marketers, communicators and executives need to know about the where, what and when of broadband labels.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Lower Snake River Dams Deal Threatens Reliability in Northwest 28:32

3M ago28:32

28:32

A long-simmering dispute over the Lower Snake River dams burst onto the headlines in November with news of a backroom deal between the Biden administration and plaintiffs in a lawsuit against the Bonneville Power Administration and other agencies that manage the dams. The deal has raised fears about the possibility of breaching the dams and comprom…

1
Staff Leadership Programs to Grow Future Leaders, With Chinelle Christensen 21:13

3M ago21:13

21:13

Sioux Valley Energy's staff LEAD program builds a culture of cooperation across the utility, creating a competitive edge when recruiting talent. Learn how projects from the leadership program improved volunteerism programs, removed silos and strengthened the co-op's internal communications.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
S2E2: Power Up Your Energy Savings 14:11

3M ago14:11

14:11

No one likes to receive an unusually high electric bill. What causes a higher bill and what steps can you take to cut costs? Supervisor of Member Services Nichole Fifer joins us to discuss how to troubleshoot high bills and power up your energy savings.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Working with Different Kinds of Co-ops to Build Our Shared Story, With Cathy Statz 18:46

4M ago18:46

18:46

Food co-ops, credit unions, utilities and other types of co-ops may serve different needs, but we share many of the same stories. Cooperative educator Cathy Statz talks about the power of sharing the cross-sector co-op story with young people, then offers advice for building your local cooperative community.…

1
Photo Tips to Tell Better Stories, With Chris Pietsch 14:45

4M ago14:45

14:45

Chris Pietsch, director of photography for Gannett Newspapers in Oregon, shares tips on "making — not taking" better photos while previewing the sessions he will lead at StoryConnect in April.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
How Self-Editing Can Make You A Better Writer, With Teddy Feinberg 18:26

4M ago18:26

18:26

Teddy Feinberg, managing editor at the Idaho Press, gives us a preview of his sessions at StoryConnect 2024, where he will be the writing instructor. In this episode, Teddy focuses on the value of concise writing and gives tips on how to improve your writing by self-editing.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Questions to Ask Before You Start Market Research, With John Marling 25:23

4M ago25:23

25:23

John Marling has been conducting market research for almost four decades. In this episode, he shares insights on what marketers and communicators need to think about in order to get meaningful, actionable data from their research. Learn more at pioneer.coop/surveys.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Recruitications: Using Communications to Recruit Staff, With Weston Putman 24:20

4M ago24:20

24:20

Today's jobseekers are watching your utility's communications to see what kind of organization you are. And while your primary audience will almost always be your members or customers, Weston Putman says it's crucial to signal to potential new hires that your organization is a place they would want to work.…

1
Lessons in Succession Planning From a Small Co-op 28:34

5M ago28:34

28:34

The electric utility industry is in the midst of a “skills and people shortage,” brought on by a steady stream of senior leaders reaching retirement age, a marked increase in non-retirement turnover and an evolution toward more advanced technologies that’s making it more difficult to find qualified employees. Electric co-ops are responding with cre…

1
Storytelling Tactics From Different Types of Cooperatives, With Mary Miller 30:04

5M ago30:04

30:04

With a story-packed career spanning three different types of co-ops, WCTEL’s Mary Miller shares ideas for co-op culture-building, effective campaigns and co-opportunities for growth.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
S2 E1: Boomerang Backpacks 17:30

5M ago17:30

17:30

Boomerang Backpacks was a recent recipient of an Operation Round Up grant. Mallika Klingaman and Stavrani Christos join us on the podcast to talk about the organization and it's tremendous impact in our community.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Preparing Your Co-op to Launch Fiber in a Competitive Area, With Lindsay Brinker 13:13

5M ago13:13

13:13

Communicating in a competitive community? Prepare yourself by learning who you're up against — and know your differences — focus on your community, get peer support and strengthen your story.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Finding Staff Who Champion Your Story, With Gregg Hunter and Peter Davies 19:15

5M ago19:15

19:15

How can you get an engineer excited about telling your utility story? Gregg Hunter, one of Nemont’s storytellers, sits down to talk culture and the value of story with network engineer Peter Davies.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Transforming Communication Skills into Broadband Marketing Tactics, With Bonnie Baty 22:01

5M ago22:01

22:01

Like many broadband storytellers, Bonnie Baty began working on the electric utility side. She offers advice for communicators making the switch and shares her take on how broadband communications will evolve over the next 5 years.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
What the AI Revolution Means for Electric Co-ops 24:46

5M ago24:46

24:46

Artificial intelligence is poised to have a rapidly expanding impact on many facets of our lives—and the power industry is at the tip of the spear. How are electric co-ops already using AI, and how will it shape and change the way we approach operations, member services and our workplace culture in the years to come? Hear from Mike Walsh, a futuris…

1
Connecting With Your Community Through a New Brand, With Elizabeth Kuhns 22:11

6M ago22:11

22:11

Launching or refreshing a brand? Get storytelling tips and tactics from Elizabeth Kuhns, who partnered with Pioneer to create the Ignite Broadband brand.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
What Do You Need to Know Before Starting a Podcast?, With Michael Rovito 25:17

6M ago25:17

25:17

Thinking about creating a podcast? Michael Rovito, host of “Alaska Powerline,” explains how he prepared to launch the podcast, built a content strategy and measures success.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
How Can Culture Get Your Team Through The 'Great Transition’, With Ed Wolff 11:47

6M ago11:47

11:47

Ed Wolff says trust, urgency, empowerment and other elements of strong organizational culture can be the keys for telcos and utilities having to reinvent themselves due to changing demands. Special: Recorded Live at the KYRBA/TNBA Fall ConferenceBy Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Achieving a 4.8 out of 5 on Online Review, With Anne Tetamore and Michael Wynschenk 22:01

6M ago22:01

22:01

How can your utility achieve a 4.8 out of 5 stars on Google reviews? Hunter Communication’s Anne Tetamore, VP of marketing, and CEO Michael Wynschenk tell us how valuing both customers and employees plays a key role into achieving success.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
ACCESS Project Delivers Benefits of Solar to Co-ops’ Lower-Income Members 26:28

6M ago26:28

26:28

The Achieving Cooperative Community Equitable Solar Sources (ACCESS) project, a three-year, Department of Energy-funded effort in which electric co-ops have worked on innovative ways to bring the benefits of solar power to their low- and moderate-income members, is winding down at the end of the year. Learn more about ACCESS from Lisa Slaughter, NR…

1
Making Your Marketing Campaigns Work, With Lynn Hall 20:39

7M ago20:39

20:39

Calix Marketing Giant Award winner Lynn Hall shares her utility's Go to Market campaign strategy, with tips to prepare staff for action when marketing is successful.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Building Your Story Into the Communities You Serve, With James Ratterree 19:12

7M ago19:12

19:12

From community coffee chats to branded coolers for football teams, the WAVE Rural Connect shares fresh ways they build the broadband story into their Arkansas community.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Making Boring Stories Interesting, With Geni Whitehouse 16:23

7M ago16:23

16:23

Geni Whitehouse left a career in an accounting firm to help people tell their stories in a more interesting way. She says one key to making your stories more interesting is to understand the four types of personalities in your audience. Recorded live: at the NWPPA's NICBy Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Activating Your Members for Advocacy, With Garrett Hylton 28:08

7M ago28:08

28:08

Wells Rural Electric Cooperative is taking a multichannel approach to motivate members to take action on hydropower regulatory issues. Special: Recorded live at the NWPPA NICBy Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Middle-Mile Muddle 23:51

7M ago23:51

23:51

A key piece of the broadband puzzle is the “middle mile,” which connects local networks to the broader web—a particularly critical facet for rural areas. Many electric co-ops in the broadband space are finding it difficult to access reliable, affordable third-party middle-mile networks, and some are starting to take matters into their own hands. Le…

1
How Do You Know What People Think About You?, With Kelly Burns 15:04

8M ago15:04

15:04

Want to track consumer sentiment but not sure where to start? CTC's Kelly Burns shares her telco's experience with the net promoter score and how the utility lets the voice of the consumer guide its marketing strategy.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
S1 E7: Giving Back with KREMC 13:49

8M ago13:49

13:49

This time of year is special and our members are known to come to KREMC with generous hearts. Several KREMC employees share their memories of members giving back.By Kosciusko REMC

1
Everything Coming Together to Give You a Competitive Advantage, With Tom Williams 16:35

8M ago16:35

16:35

From harnessing net promoter scores to refining your strategic marketing plan, Schurz CEO Tom Williams shares highlights from his speech at Calix ConneXions 2023.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Delivering an Excellent Customer Experience, With Josh Wehe and Jordan Wehe 21:17

8M ago21:17

21:17

Wi-Fi wizards and tour guides are part of how the Jade Communications team powers up the customer experience. Get takaways from the team's session at Calix ConneXions 2023.By Pioneer Utility Resources

1
Proactive Safety: Commitment to Zero Contacts and Virtual Reality Training 23:09

8M ago23:09

23:09

The Commitment to Zero Contacts program, a joint effort of NRECA, Federated Rural Electric Insurance Exchange and statewide co-op associations to eliminate injuries and deaths caused by accidental electrical contacts, hit its five-year mark earlier this year. Phase 2 of the program includes a VR training kit that’s being rolled out to statewide ass…

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