Best Blue Collar University Podcast Podcasts (2025)

1
Bird Man: A spring birding adventure with Bryan Pfeiffer 15:24

3h ago15:24

15:24

A spring birding expedition with Bryan Pfeiffer in central Vermont, where we talk about birds and somehow also manage to talk about death.By Erica Heilman

1
Scientists knew about global warming in the 1950s 1:31

1h ago1:31

1:31

The climate change consensus dates back decades. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Snowshoe hares have a camouflage problem. These scientists want to help 4:23

3h ago4:23

4:23

As New England warms, snowshoe hares are increasingly finding themselves the wrong color for camouflaging with their environment. New England scientists are looking at some promising ways to help.By Abagael Giles

1
The Spring Football is Upon Us Edition 39:34

2h ago39:34

39:34

The Spring Game is finally upon us and even though it’s not televised it’s a chance to see live football! Seth and Steeg discuss what they are looking out for in the last spring practice of the season. Then, it’s portal combat time discussing the revamped men’s and women’s basketball rosters via the portal. The fellas wrap up with the bat and ball …

1
As wildfires intensify, residents of fire country must act fast 1:31

4h ago1:31

1:31

Fires are getting more extreme and growing faster than they did in the past. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Free training program prepares Native women for solar jobs 1:31

1h ago1:31

1:31

It’s run by Red Cloud Renewable, a Native-led nonprofit based in South Dakota. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
How New Jersey self-storage facilities generate solar energy for the community 1:31

1d ago1:31

1:31

The rooftops are covered in solar panels. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Polar bear population in western Hudson Bay has been reduced by about half 1:31

2d ago1:31

1:31

Scientists say climate change and melting sea ice are to blame. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Isaac McDonald reflects on class dynamics and his full scholarship to Columbia University 6:25

6d ago6:25

6:25

Isaac McDonald is from Newport, and this year he’s a freshman at Columbia University in New York City on a full scholarship. In the latest episode of "What Class Are You," Erica Heilman caught up with Isaac on his first trip home from college, and they talked about class dynamics at Columbia, and what it feels like to be on a full scholarship there…

1
Before his ICE arrest, Mohsen Mahdawi built a broad network of friendships in Vermont's Upper Valley 6:25

5d ago6:25

6:25

Mahdawi’s friends in the Upper Valley say he’s an extrovert who connected with people at Dirt Cowboy Cafe in Hanover and Dan & Whit’s in Norwich, at bonfires at his cabin, at seders and church services, and on hikes.By Sabine Poux

1
How a blue-collar Mississippi county went solar 1:31

9d ago1:31

1:31

New installations in Panola County are generating enough energy to power 3,000 homes. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Sheriff Ryan Palmer talks about the increasing challenge of affording life in Vermont 4:01

6d ago4:01

4:01

Ryan Palmer is the sheriff of Windsor County. In this episode of What class are you?, reporter Erica Heilman drives around the county with Sheriff Palmer and they talk about the challenges of being middle class in an increasingly expensive part of the state.By Erica Heilman

1
‘Coding for Climate’ organizes students to develop climate solutions 1:31

6d ago1:31

1:31

Last year, participants in the free three-week program used Minecraft to design a city that runs on clean energy. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Radiologist Tom Burdick on raising children in a different class than he grew up in 6:55

7d ago6:55

6:55

Tom Burdick grew up on a ranch in a town of about 1,500 people in northeastern Utah. After high school, Tom worked to put himself through college and then medical school, and now he works as an interventional radiologist at Dartmouth Health. In this installment of our occasional series, What class are you?, Tom talks about the challenges of breakin…

1
More open water in the Arctic doesn’t guarantee smooth sailing 1:31

7d ago1:31

1:31

The perils of a melting ice highway. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
EP 4: Todd Vachon of Rutgers University 49:27

8d ago49:27

49:27

In this episode, Anthony and Cyndie sit down with Todd Vachon, a union carpenter, faculty member in the Department of Labor Studies and Employment Relations at Rutgers University, and Director of the Labor Education Action Research Network (LEARN). As the Director of LEARN, Todd oversees the University’s labor education programs, including classes,…

1
Kathy Quimby Johnson on blue collar roots and straddling two Vermont cultures 6:45

8d ago6:45

6:45

Kathy Quimby Johnson grew up in East Peacham before attending college out of state. In the latest installment of "What class are you?," Kathy talks with Erica Heilman about growing up blue collar and straddling two Vermont cultures.By Erica Heilman

1
Can your pension withstand climate change? 1:31

8d ago1:31

1:31

Climate disasters can harm the economy, posing risks to retirement savings. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
First-generation college grad Joe Wills on class, privilege and the higher ed experience 6:57

9d ago6:57

6:57

Joe Wills is a filmmaker and software engineer from Richford, Vermont, currently living in Burlington. He put himself through the University of Vermont, working three part-time jobs, and still graduated with more debt than any of his friends. In the latest installment of our series "What class are you?," Joe talks with producer Erica Heilman about …

1
The drafters of the Clean Air Act saw CO2 as a pollutant 1:31

9d ago1:31

1:31

Climate change and carbon dioxide came up regularly in ‘60s-era Congressional hearings, a team of Harvard historians has found. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Nonprofit ‘Out in Climate’ connects queer people working in climate and sustainability 1:31

12d ago1:31

1:31

‘Radical imagination and creativity and reinvention is something that queer people have to bring to the climate movement.’ Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
The Spring Hirings, Wins, and Speculation Edition 47:10

13d ago47:10

47:10

On this week’s episode of Pod By The BAE, Robert Steeg and Seth Varnadore discuss a jam-packed week in USF athletics. Basketball is quiet on the recruiting front, but Bryan Hodgson has started to round out his initial staff. The fellas discuss the newest additions to USF basketball. Spring football is full swing and the Bulls have turned up the hea…

1
'Urinetown', the comedic musical about basic needs, comes to Rutland's Paramount this weekend 4:28

13d ago4:28

4:28

Urinetown, the Tony Award-winning musical, will be on stage this weekend at Rutland’s Paramount Theater. The dark comedy is set in a dystopian future where water is so scarce, corrupt companies control where people relieve themselves — and charge for it. Those who don’t follow the rules are sent to Urinetown, until rebels fight back.…

1
Computer models have been accurately predicting climate change for 50 years 1:31

13d ago1:31

1:31

A research scientist found that many 1970s-era models were ‘pretty much spot-on.’ Today’s models are far more advanced. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
‘We feel called to care for that environment’: Pennsylvania church goes solar 1:31

14d ago1:31

1:31

The panels will cut pollution and save the church tens of thousands of dollars. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Enduring craftsmanship: Building a tiny house with Yestermorrow 4:23

15d ago4:23

4:23

At Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield, students spend a month constructing a tiny house on wheels. While tiny houses are not the sole solution to the complex housing crisis, they can offer more housing choice and flexibility.By Myla van Lynde, Community News Service

1
Texans can save hundreds of dollars each year by switching to heat pumps 1:31

15d ago1:31

1:31

The home heating and cooling devices can help homeowners save more than $300 annually, an expert says. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Bennington hospital will build adolescent psych unit despite opposition from Brattleboro Retreat 8:15

16d ago8:15

8:15

Southwestern Vermont Medical Center in Bennington is set to build a new 12-bed psychiatric unit for adolescents. This comes as state health officials say they're seeing an increase of youth with symptoms of mental illness that require inpatient care.By Howard Weiss-Tisman

1
Recycled water helps a California community adapt to worsening droughts 1:31

17d ago1:31

1:31

Orange County purifies wastewater to replenish its critical aquifer. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Student wins Bernie Sanders' essay contest for writing on harms of social media 4:23

20d ago4:23

4:23

Out of 475 submissions, Burr and Burton Academy junior Justason Lahue's essay won the 2025 State of the Union Essay Contest for Vermont students. The annual contest, run by U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders office, is now in its 15th year.By Jenn Jarecki, Kevin Trevellyan

1
Birds of Vermont Museum thinks global, counts local 4:05

19d ago4:05

4:05

Vermont has the most birders per capita in the U.S., according to data from a popular birding app. The Birds of Vermont Museum recently hosted birders for the Great Backyard Bird Count.By Lucia McCallum, Community News Service

1
A faster, greener way to build homes 1:31

21d ago1:31

1:31

Automated modular construction can create better-sealed, more efficient apartment buildings. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
The overlooked power of public utility commissions 1:31

21d ago1:31

1:31

Few people know about them, but their impact is huge. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
The Bat Sports Bash Edition 53:11

21d ago53:11

53:11

Just as the calendar turns the April, so does the spring season swing into high gear for USF Athletics and Seth, Steeg, and Vito are here to talk through all of it. Bat sports are on fire going into big weekend road trips, lacrosse is having a historic opening season, and the basketball transfer window is heating up. Steeg provides updates on Sprin…

1
Power outages put diabetes patients at risk 1:31

23d ago1:31

1:31

Insulin pumps and glucose monitors often rely on having a source of electricity, making planning essential. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
These 2 companies create on-demand TV for people living with dementia 5:22

21d ago5:22

5:22

Nearly nine of out 10 Americans subscribe to video streaming services like Netflix, YouTube or Hulu. Two companies are creating similar on-demand programming for people living with dementia and their caregivers.By Nina Keck

1
Trump pulls New York Rep. Elise Stefanik's nomination for UN ambassador 6:56

22d ago6:56

6:56

North Country Public Radio's Emily Russell breaks down President Trump's decision to pull Rep. Stefanik as his nominee for the U.N. ambassadorship because of the slim GOP majority in the House. Stefanik's confirmation hearing would have been this week.By Mary Williams Engisch, Adiah Gholston

1
A play that confronts climate change with humor 1:31

22d ago1:31

1:31

‘Come Along for the Ride,’ with upcoming performances in Washington, D.C., and Chicago, blends grief and comedy on stage. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Declining enrollment? Not at Vermont’s tech centers, where waitlists are a mile long 5:56

23d ago5:56

5:56

The story of Vermont’s schools these days is largely defined by a declining number of school-aged kids. But the state’s 17 career and technical education centers are beating the odds — and seeing an increase in applicants.By Lola Duffort

1
Wasted energy could be costing you thousands 1:31

25d ago1:31

1:31

An HVAC expert says an energy audit can show homeowners which upgrades will help the most. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
What now sounds like 15:30

26d ago15:30

15:30

From Erica Heilman: "What Now Sounds Like" is a periodic series I make about the sound of right now, and it's made up of recordings that listeners send to me from all over the world. My hope is that when you listen to all these recordings together, they start to make something that sounds familiar to you, something that is more than the sum of thei…

1
The Blue Collar Basketball Edition 33:01

26d ago33:01

33:01

Vito was live at the press conference and him and Steeg discuss their initial thoughts as Coach Bryan Hodgson is introduced to the USF media and community at the Muma Basketball Center. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

1
Sights and sounds of spring sugaring at Maple Open House Weekend 5:39

28d ago5:39

5:39

Vermont produces more than half of the country’s maple syrup. And on Maple Open House Weekend, dozens of sugarhouses across the state invite visitors in to see how it’s done.By Kate Lewton, Community News Service, Kelsey Tolchin-Kupferer

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Countering anxiety and disconnection, one goat snuggle at a time 5:39

1M ago5:39

5:39

A 2023 U.S. Census Bureau report found that nearly 1 in 4 Vermonters said they'd experienced symptoms of anxiety. Studies show that even just petting an animal can reduce stress, lower blood pressure and abate loneliness. Shelburne's New Village Farm invites guests to pet, scratch, hold and snuggle their dog-like herd of Nigerian dwarf, Oberhasli, …

1
Goodbye gas, hello sustainability 1:31

28d ago1:31

1:31

A California couple ditched gas, converting their home to run entirely on clean electricity. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Hurricane Katrina survivors offer emotional support to Helene survivors 1:31

29d ago1:31

1:31

A New Orleans native set up a buddy system that pairs people across state lines. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
Clean energy is powering local economies in Texas 1:31

1M ago1:31

1:31

Wind, solar, and battery storage projects are generating billions in tax revenue for communities, a University of Texas study finds. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

1
The 🚨 BREAKING NEWS: USF Hires Bryan Hodgson As New Men's Basketball Coach🚨 Edition 34:25

29d ago34:25

34:25

The wait is finally over! Robert Steeg and Seth Varnadore discuss the USF Bulls hire of Arkansas State head coach Bryan Hodgson as their new men's basketball coach. What appeared to be a UNLV lock turned into a flip at the eleventh hour for the Bulls on Monday evening. The fellas discuss his career as a coach, his Arkansas State teams, and how Mich…

1
A Colorado couple invested in wildfire protection for their home. It paid off 1:31

1M ago1:31

1:31

Months before a wildfire, they’d taken steps to prevent fires from reaching their house. Learn more at https://www.yaleclimateconnections.org/

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