Best Urban Threads Podcasts (2024)

1
How the Biden investments are changing America

1h ago

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In this episode, we explore the Biden administration's ambitious industrial investment strategy with Heather Boushey, a member of the President's Council of Economic Advisors and chief economist for his Invest in America Cabinet. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts All right, then. Hello, everyone. This is Volts for …

1
A tool that enables solar-first home electrification

3d ago

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California homeowners face a complex puzzle in decarbonizing their homes: electrification without rooftop solar could increase bills due to expensive electricity, while installing solar first risks oversizing or underutilizing the system. Balto Energy, a startup founded by James Quazi, uses AI to analyze utility bills and recommend the most cost-ef…

1
Making Money in the New Music Economy | Ami Oprenova | Clever Hybrids S7E9 20:53

21h ago20:53

20:53

Ami Oprenova’s journey from classically trained violinist to bold jazz vocalist and composer is one of creativity and reinvention. Discover how she’s breaking boundaries in the music industry, leveraging platforms like TikTok and Bandcamp to grow her audience, all while juggling the demands of motherhood. Tune in for a captivating look at how Ami t…

1
This new organization wants to remake PUCs for the energy transition

1d ago

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Public utility commissions (PUCs) wield enormous influence in the US energy transition — they regulate the monopolistic utilities at the heart of America's electricity system but face little public scrutiny. Now, energy analyst Charles Hua is launching PowerLines, a nonprofit that aims to pull PUCs into the spotlight. In this episode, we discuss th…

1
Developing a supply chain for American-made batteries

7d ago

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There has been an epic battle over the past 20 years between two types of lithium-ion batteries: nickel manganese cobalt (NMC) and lithium iron phosphate (LFP). While NMC still boasts better energy density, LFP is making a major comeback thanks to its safer, more accessible materials and improving performance. However, China still dominates the LFP…

1
How to activate climate voters

9d ago

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The Environmental Voter Project has a unique approach: rather than convincing people to care about climate change, it identifies people who already do, but don't consistently vote, and works to get them to the polls. In this episode, EVP founder Nathaniel Stinnett discusses how to find these voters, keep them engaged, and measure their impact. (PDF…

1
EV charging for urban neighborhoods

17d ago

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Access to charging is a barrier to EV adoption for folks without a driveway or a garage, but what if charging your car in an urban area was as easy as charging your phone? Enter startup Itselectric, which has developed curbside level-2 chargers that connect to building electric panels, making installation quick and efficient. In this episode, co-fo…

1
How is new clean-energy manufacturing affecting red & purple states?

1M ago

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Through the passage of IRA and CHIPS, the Biden administration has invested billions of dollars and created more than 100,000 manufacturing jobs in purple and red districts that have been hard-hit by globalization and disinvestment. In this episode, Julian Spector of Canary Media, reporting from these communities, shares about local reactions to th…

1
Volts Community Thread #09

1M ago

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This is your monthly opportunity to share! Use the comments section in this community thread to: CLIMATE JOBS & OPPORTUNITIES: Share climate jobs/opportunities SHARE WORK, ASK FOR HELP, FIND COLLABORATORS: Share your climate-related work, ask for help, or find collaborators CLIMATE EVENTS & MEETUPS: Share climate-related events and meetups EVERYTHI…

1
The prospects for offshore wind in California

1M ago

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After decades of talk about offshore wind, California seems closer than ever to actually supporting an industry. But to meet the state’s goal of five gigawatts of offshore wind power by 2030, a lot of as-yet-nascent pieces need to fall into place. In this episode, Adam Stern of Offshore Wind California and Jocelyn Brown-Saracino of the US Departmen…

1
Your invite to a live pod recording @ Mountain Towns 2030

1M ago

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Hey Volties, I’m recording a live podcast at MT2030’s annual Climate Solutions Summit in Jackson, Wyoming on Oct 15-16, and I have 4 free summit tickets to give to the Volts family! Looks like there will be lots of interesting conversations, keynotes and breakout sessions focusing on “accelerating climate action in mountain, resort, and rural commu…

1
Free the smart-meter data!

2M ago

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Most electricity ratepayers in the US have a smart meter generating real-time data about their power usage, which could theoretically be used to reduce consumption and save money, but in most cases, utilities have locked up the information in inaccessible formats. In this episode, Michael Murray, leader of business coalition Mission:data, describes…

1
Cultural Context in Urban Planning | Sara Amare Gebremeskel | Clever Hybrids S7E8 9:18

1M ago9:18

9:18

African cities can't, and shouldn't, be built exactly like European cities! Drawing from the Tigray concept of Mereba, Sara discusses how traditional courtyard spaces can inspire modern, inclusive, and sustainable street designs. She shares insights on adapting these cultural elements to create pedestrian-friendly environments and resilient urban i…

1
Colorado governor Jared Polis on recent climate, energy, & housing wins

2M ago

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Over the past five years, Colorado’s Democratic trifecta has produced a cascade of legislation on climate, energy, housing, and land use (among other things). In this episode, we dive into some of these achievements and the politics behind them with Gov. Jared Polis and his top climate policy advisor (and previous Volts guest) Will Toor. (PDF trans…

1
How to cram EV fast chargers into tight urban spaces

2M ago

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NYC’s Revel is trying to build urban EV fast chargers and demand for those chargers (in the form of its own EV rideshare network) simultaneously. In this episode, Revel’s Tobias Lescht discusses the challenges of urban fast charging and the company’s plans to expand beyond NYC. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: David Roberts The…

1
What's the deal with perovskite solar?

2M ago

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For years, perovskite solar cells have been the Next Big Thing in solar. In this episode, Joel Jean, co-founder and CEO of Swift Solar, explains what exactly perovskites are, the performance and weight advantages they promise, the challenges they face, and when they might actually reach market. (PDF transcript) (Active transcript) Text transcript: …

1
Somethin' Outta Nothin' | SOK Visal | Clever Hybrids S7E7 16:30

2M ago16:30

16:30

A Cambodian visionary, Visal helped rebuild his war-torn homeland’s film and music industries. Escaping the horrors of genocide and growing up in France, he found his true calling in Hip Hop, leading to the creation of Cambodia’s first Hip Hop label, Klap Ya Handz. His journey of resilience, creativity, and cultural rebirth will leave you inspired.…

1
Tortuga Triumph | Karen Avila | Clever Hybrids S7E6 18:42

3M ago18:42

18:42

Smart and steady is underrated. Karen Avila, a Mexican baker in Budapest, Hungary, built a bakery made to last. How did her business, Tortuga es Pohanka, endure the small and slow beginnings? How did she win Hungarians' hearts with her sweet bread made from sourdough? How does she, to this day, avoid feelings of FOMO and unhealthy comparisons? List…

1
Laughs, Not Likes | Yogesh Gawas | Clever Hybrids S7E5 21:35

5M ago21:35

21:35

Comedy is thriving... in Germany!? Get ready to hear how Yogesh, an Indian comedian in Germany, uses his engineering background to turn tweaking his sets into an ongoing experiment. __________ Follow Yogesh on TikTok and Instagram Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Cross Gen _____________________ Follow Clever Hybrids on LinkedI…

1
Core Human Skills | Mel Liu | Clever Hybrids S7E4 19:04

6M ago19:04

19:04

A life that looks better than it feels isn't your only option! Mel Liu shares invaluable insights on core human skills and fostering cultural sensitivity in coaching. But insights are nothing without practical tips. Mel also shares how to process emotions, navigate career changes, and build healthier relationships in a VUCA world. ______________ Fo…

1
A Creator and His Audience | Khalid Birdsong | Clever Hybrids S7E3 29:15

6M ago29:15

29:15

Imagine moving to a small town in Japan before Skype or WhatsApp...as a tall African American man! Khalid Birdsong shared the good, the bad, and the ugly of his experience living in Japan in his comic strip 'Fried Chicken and Sushi' for 4 straight years! As a content creator who's been around since before social was big business, he'll also share s…

1
Threads of Identity | Christian Manley | Clever Hybrids S7E2 24:11

7M ago24:11

24:11

Christian Manley, a British American sinophile, unveils the mysteries of his unique Chinese name and the cultural intricacies that shaped his life. From the amusing tales of mispronounced words to the profound impact of Sima Qian's legacy, Christian's narrative weaves a rich tapestry of language, respect, and the unexpected twists of his gaming ind…

1
Wings on Wheels | Myles Delfin | Clever Hybrids S7E1 30:30

8M ago30:30

30:30

Discover the inspiring story of Bike Scouts in Manila as GabyV interviews founder Myles Delfin. Witness the organization's growth over the last decade and its impactful use of bicycles for communication and aid delivery in disaster-affected areas. _____________________ Follow Bike Scouts on Facebook Follow Myles Delfin on LinkedIn Hosted by Gaby Va…

1
Chaos to Comfort | Ramy Ibrahim | Clever Hybrids S6E12 18:28

9M ago18:28

18:28

From experiencing deportation during the Ethiopia-Eritrea war to adapting to life in a new country, Ramy shares his multilingual background, cultural shocks, and determination. His experience has led him to become a pivotal figure in aiding unaccompanied minors as they navigate the complexities of a new society. Discover the power of resilience, cu…

1
Reclaim Your Roots | Ana Rosa de Lima | Clever Hybrids S6E11 17:18

10M ago17:18

17:18

Ana Rosa de Lima shares her journey of nurturing indigenous resilience, from her roots in the diverse biomes of Brazil to her work with Meli Bees in Germany. Ana and her team are empowering indigenous communities through sustainable beekeeping initiatives and food sovereignty programs. These often marginalized groups are rediscovering their rich he…

1
S6E10: Cooking Green, Shopping Smart | Geetha Jayaraman | Clever Hybrids 24:09

11M ago24:09

24:09

Eating healthy filling meals doesn't have to be expensive! Geetha Jayaraman, the founder of CPG business, Spoon and Sprout based in Houston, Texas, shares insights on sustainability, budget-friendly nutrition, and the challenges of running a business in the food industry. ______________________ Follow Geetha on LinkedIn Follow Spoon & Sprout on Lin…

1
S6E9: Shattering the Mold | Yovana Rosales | Clever Hybrids 25:05

12M ago25:05

25:05

Explore the rich tapestry of Latino identity in this episode of Clever Hybrids, where GabyV engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Yovana Rosales. Uncover the complexities of being American and Latino, from code-switching in the workplace to the importance of unity within the Latino community. Yovana also shares insights into her podcast,…

1
S6E8: Laughing Between Languages | Brad Klein CODA Comedian | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Podcast 31:45

1y ago31:45

31:45

Join CODA comedian Brad Klein as he navigates the hilarious and heartwarming intersection of Deaf culture, comedy, and his own unique experiences as a Child of Deaf Adults. Discover the diverse world of sign languages, the importance of captioning, and the joys of blending two languages in this engaging episode. Tune in for laughter, insights, and …

1
S6E7: Embracing AI as an Ally | Sarah Hopkinson | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 22:38

1y ago22:38

22:38

Explore Sarah's incredible journey, from studying French and linguistics to navigating the challenges of Brexit, and discover how she has harnessed the power of AI as an invaluable ally in her work. Follow Sarah on LinkedIn or Instagram Her website: https://copyhop.co/ _____________________ Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Cro…

1
S6E6: Expat to Expert | James Culver | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 26:58

1+ y ago26:58

26:58

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating story of James Culver Jr., an African American ex-pat who has spent over 20 years in Germany! Join us as James discusses the challenges and rewards of being bilingual and bicultural, and how he transitioned from an English trainer to a skilled corporate trainer, while still making time for life as a mus…

1
S6E5: Language Learning: Tough Love Edition | Debbie Mertiris | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 18:13

1+ y ago18:13

18:13

Debbie Mertiris is a bilingual and bicultural English coach who's also a first-gen Australian Greek. Learn how she navigated the cultural shock of moving back to Greece and ditched the ex-pat bubble to immerse herself in the local culture. This episode is also a "Tough Love Edition" as Debbie dishes out some real talk on the importance of patience …

1
S6E4: The Cultural Education of Kyota Ko | Kyota Ko | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 31:51

1+ y ago31:51

31:51

- Paranoia about making mistakes can traumatize a person and create mental blocks. - Following the preset blueprints of others or being led by inflexible directions can take away inner satisfaction. - There is a great advantage to be gained from diversity in modern society. - Treat the content that you release into the world as a separate entity so…

1
S6E3: The Art of Being an Immigrant | Senait Mesfin Piccigallo | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 18:26

1+ y ago18:26

18:26

Being an immigrant or ex-pat is one of the hardest and weirdest things a human can do. You leave behind your entire life, work, and support system to have a better life. It's complex, expensive, and emotionally challenging. So, there's a big question remaining: Are you ever able to fully integrate into the new country? Senait Mesfin Piccigallo give…

1
S6E2: The Survival Step | Martha Niño | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 27:20

1+ y ago27:20

27:20

Today, Martha Niño tells us all about the messy middle of life between chaos and the actions and decisions she had to make to level up and rise above difficult circumstances. Grab your coffee and prepare for an inspiring and enlightening conversation where we discuss: -How Martha embraced and transformed challenges into opportunities. -How she inte…

1
S6E1: Real Inclusion | Miriam Schömer | Clever Hybrids Bilingual Life 19:01

1+ y ago19:01

19:01

We talk with Miriam (Mimi) Schömer, a German polyglot, to discuss the intricate process of learning a new language when you're an adult. We also discuss: - why language learning is a matter of cultural learning - delve into weird things that native speakers do when talking with learners And try to answer one of the most challenging questions right …

1
Season 6 Teaser: The Messy Middle 0:16

1+ y ago0:16

0:16

Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Copywriter: Geraldine Moncada Produced and Edited by @CrossingTheRiverStudio https://crossingtheriverstudio.com ___________ Follow @CleverHybrids on Social Media! LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/cleverhybrids TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@cleverhybrids _______________ business or collab inquiries: gabyv@cl…

1
S5E5: Rethinking the Education System | Claudia Adler | Clever Hybrids All-Stars 21:17

2y ago21:17

21:17

Spend 25 minutes with Latina intellectual Claudia Milena Zapata Adler and we explore... - neocolonialism - the fall of the education system - self-identity in the current world - is "empowerment" a thing or a feeling? _____________________ Executive Producer and Host Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Associate Producer Liebe Bylos Produced and Edited by Crossi…

1
S5E4: Choose Where to Park Your Boat | Ana Maria Quintanilla Duhne | Clever Hybrids All-Stars 42:53

2y ago42:53

42:53

With so much drama worldwide, you have to choose where to park your boat. Ana Maria Quintanilla Duhne, a psychologist in Monterrey, Mexico, explains how family businesses can still thrive. _______________ Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Crossing the River Studio ________ Follow Ana on LinkedIn, Instagram, and TikTok Or check …

1
S5E3: Value Integrity Over Perception | Joseph Gonzalez | Clever Hybrids All-Stars 41:16

2y ago41:16

41:16

With some time away from toxic relationships, many of us have realized we don't know how real friendship should work. Joseph Gonzalez, a neuroscience expert, explains what you need to look for. ________ Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Crossing the River Studio ________ Follow Joseph on LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube Or chec…

1
S5E2: Moments When Surviving is Enough | Barbara S. dos Santos PhD | Clever Hybrids All-Stars 38:34

2y ago38:34

38:34

The last few years have changed many people's priorities. Here's why you shouldn't feel bad if you don't know what's next. Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Crossing the River Studio ________ Contact Barbara on LinkedIn and Instagram Or email her: barbaraslsantos@gmail.com Listen to our first Interview with Barbara in August 20…

1
S5E1: Redefining Work-Life Balance | Stefana Sopco | Clever Hybrids All-Stars 41:33

2+ y ago41:33

41:33

The definition of "success" has changed! Vocal #millennials like Stefana Sopco are helping management redefine #worklifebalance for #genz Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Crossing the River Studio ________ Contact Stefana on LinkedIn and Instagram Listen to our first Interview with Stefana in March 2021 ________ Get Tips from …

1
Learn How to Be Resilient From Real People NOT Gurus: S5 Teaser 1:04

2+ y ago1:04

1:04

Season 5 starts on Thursday, June 2nd, 2022! Follow Clever Hybrids with GabyV on LinkedIn, YouTube, or Tiktok for episode sneak peeks! Hosted by Gaby Van Horn (GabyV) Produced and Edited by Cross Gen _____________________ Follow Clever Hybrids on LinkedIn and TikTok _____________________ business or collab inquiries: gabyv@cleverhybrids.com…

1
Also, Satan 53:11

2+ y ago53:11

53:11

In this episode, Christopher Kelty explores the rather surprising background to the No Kill Movement in LA. Part of the UCLA Labyrinth Research Project, more at https://labyrinth.garden/By The Labyrinth Project at UCLA

1
How to See Coyotes 25:04

2+ y ago25:04

25:04

Everybody in Los Angeles has a coyote story, but nobody can quite agree on what seeing a coyote in the city means. What do coyotes mean by the things they do? In this episode Chase Niesner explores how what we see in coyotes is a matter of what they see in us.By Christopher Kelty

1
The Responsibility of Feral Cats 27:55

2+ y ago27:55

27:55

The maze has brought you to a cat's cradle story of responsibility and moral failure. Listen as Niaz Sassounian takes us on a whirlwind tour of the feral cat controversy in Los Angeles. Part of the UCLA Labyrinth Research Project, more at https://labyrinth.garden/By The Labyrinth Project at UCLA

1
Coyotes in the Cloud 37:54

2+ y ago37:54

37:54

You just saw a coyote on the street in front of your apartment. What should you think? In this episode, Coyotes in the Cloud, Spencer Robins asks whether you actually saw that coyote or whether maybe you’ve followed a ghost into another political storm in Los Angeles. Part of the UCLA Labyrinth Research Project, more at https://labyrinth.garden/…

1
Unsustainable 20:31

2+ y ago20:31

20:31

Are you doing your part to save the planet today? Surely you’ve thought about it. All around you there are signs urging you to recycle, to save water, to use less energy. In this episode, Emma Horton asks why we feel so bad for not doing our part, and whether it’s healthy to keep trying. Part of the UCLA Labyrinth Research Project, more at https://…

1
The Lion and the Rat 27:50

2+ y ago27:50

27:50

In this episode, produced by Christopher Kelty, we ask, “what can you live with” in Los Angeles? It’s a simple question without any good answers. It’s a deeply cultural question, about why we love some animals and hate others, and how that never works out well. Part of the UCLA Labyrinth Research Project, more at https://labyrinth.garden/…

1
S4E12: A Refugee's Story | Sium Mogos | Eritrean Refugee in Germany and GabyV's Husband 12:11

3y ago12:11

12:11

Sium Mogos, GabyV's husband, explains how speaking multiple languages kept him safe on his dangerous journey and is helping him rebuild his life in Germany. ____________ Hearing other people's stories is the best way to learn the principles you need to navigate an international world that is multilingual and multicultural. Learn from Clever Hybrids…

1
S4E7: Being Different is an Advantage | Manuel Garcia Venezuelan Marketing Director in Mexico City 21:47

3y ago21:47

21:47

As a Venezuelan expat, Manuel has used what makes him different as an advantage. Hear his clear definitions of commonly misused marketing terms and learn what it takes to stand out in a global market. ______ Follow Manuel on LinkedIn __________ Hearing other people's stories is the best way to learn the principles you need to navigate an internatio…

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