Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

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 discusses why technology alone cannot solve these crises and emphasizes the need for systemic shifts in behavior, governance, and economic structures. The conversation also explores the importance of community resilience, natural carbon sinks, and rethinking success beyond economic growth.Restoring our faith in humanity this week is Patricia St. Alms, a leading voice in community resilience and post-carbon living. Drawing on her Haudenosaunee and Quebecois heritage, she empowers communities to embrace a future beyond fossil fuels through self-sufficiency, local economies, and regenerative practices.Key Points:Understanding the Polycrisis: Richard breaks down how environmental, social, and technological crises are reinforcing each other, creating unprecedented global challenges.Building Resilient Communities: Investing in local economies, land access for young farmers, and strengthening social networks can help societies weather the impacts of the polycrisis.Rethinking Economic Growth: Alternative indicators of success—such as happiness, well-being, and sustainability—are essential for creating a thriving future.Voices on The Show: Richard Heinburg, Senior Fellow at the Post Carbon InstituteLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-heinberg-78081411/ Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisaannpinkerton/ X - @LisaPinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications: https://technica.inc/ Women in Cleantech and Sustainability: https://www.womenincleantechsustainability.org/Web Resources:The Post Carbon Institute: https://www.postcarbon.org LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/post-carbon-institute/🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 EdgeAI℠—can optimize grid performance and reduce energy costs. We also dive into Rhythmos.io’s groundbreaking pilot program in Michigan, which could save utilities billions while supporting the transition to clean energy.Key Points:Electrification Strains the Grid: The surge in electric vehicles and building electrification requires utilities to rethink infrastructure and manage new load demands.Managed Charging Saves Costs: Rhythmos.io’s AI-driven managed charging platform helps utilities optimize EV charging, reducing the need for costly grid upgrades.Michigan Pilot Demonstrates Potential: A $170,000 pilot with Consumers Energy and Optiwatt in Grand Rapids showcases how optimized charging could save utilities $7-9 billion by 2035.Voices on The Show: Ken Munson, CEO and Founder of Rhythmos.ioLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:RhythmosLinkedInE3 report🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 mining. He highlights Cipher Neutron’s PFAS-free anion exchange membrane (AEM) electrolyzers, which eliminate the need for precious metals like iridium and platinum, reducing environmental harm and supply chain vulnerabilities. The conversation also explores how locally manufactured electrolyzers can strengthen energy independence and why shifting away from gray hydrogen is essential to achieving a clean energy future.Key Points:Innovating Electrolyzers: Cipher Neutron’s AEM electrolyzers are PFAS-free and eliminate the need for precious metals like platinum and iridium, unlike conventional PEM systems.Decarbonizing Heavy Industry: Green hydrogen’s greatest potential lies in hard-to-abate sectors like ammonia production, steelmaking, oil & gas, and mining—not just transportation.Making Green Hydrogen Accessible: Cipher Neutron’s scalable, affordable technology helps accelerate global green hydrogen adoption without long supply chain delays.Voices on The Show: Gurjant Randhawa, President and CEO of Cipher NeutronLinkedInLuis de Leon, Senior Account Executive at Technica CommunicationsLinkedInWeb Resources:Cipher NeutronLinkedIn#44: Ending the Timeline for PFAS Forever Chemicals - Earthlings Podcast🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 guest of honor, host and founder of the podcast, Lisa Ann Pinkerton. Beyond the show, Lisa Ann is also the founder and CEO of Technica Communications and founder and Vice Chairwoman of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability. To mark this occasion, we interview Lisa Ann about her journey, the evolution of Earthlings 2.0, and what’s next for the show.Key Points:The Evolution of Earthlings 2.0: Lisa Ann discusses why she rebranded the show from The Earthlings Podcast to Earthlings 2.0—expanding its scope beyond just a podcast into a full-fledged media platform.Lessons from 100 Episodes: After interviewing countless innovators and thought leaders, Lisa Ann reveals key themes that have emerged, the trends she’s most excited about, and how the show has shaped her own worldview.Bridging Media and PR: Lisa Ann reflects on how her journalism background shaped her approach to storytelling in PR and podcasting, emphasizing the power of knowledge-sharing and making information actionable for audiences.Voices on The Show: Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityLuis de Leon, Senior Account Executive at Technica CommunicationsLinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 intermittency, the potential to replace fossil-fuel-driven peaker plants, and the increasing policy support for long-duration energy storage as the grid transitions away from fossil fuels.Key Points:Long-Duration Storage for a Reliable Grid: Jon explains that as fossil fuel plants retire, scalable energy storage like A-CAES is crucial for balancing renewable energy and ensuring grid stability.A-CAES as a Clean Alternative to Peaker Plants: By using compressed air, water, and underground rock formations, Hydrostor’s technology provides a sustainable and efficient way to store energy and reduce reliance on fossil fuels.Growing Policy & Market Support: Governments worldwide are recognizing the need for long-duration storage, driving investments and policy mandates to accelerate clean energy adoption.Voices on The Show: Jon Norman, President of HydrostorLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:HydrostorLinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 farming from organic practices and shares real-world examples that showcase how regenerative methods can transform degraded lands into thriving ecosystems. The conversation also touches on the challenges farmers face, including debt, resistance from big agribusiness, and barriers to widespread adoption.Key Points:Regenerative Agriculture and Conventional Farming: Allen explains how regenerative agriculture counters the fallacies of conventional farming and emphasizes the critical role of soil health in agricultural success.Building Resilient Farming Systems: Practices like animal integration and frequent livestock movement are vital for restoring degraded lands and creating resilient, productive farming systems.Economic Benefits: Regenerative methods can increase crop yields without synthetic inputs and create higher nutrient density, leading to better pricing for farmers and increased profits through direct marketing.Voices on The Show: Dr. Allen Williams, Founding Partner of Understanding AgLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:Understanding AgLinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 logistics and transportation industries. Key Points:Revolutionizing the Trucking Industry: Daimler Truck is driving innovation in autonomous trucking, focusing on delivering safer, more efficient, and scalable solutions for long-haul transportation.Building Trust with Early Adopters: By collaborating with early adopter fleets, Daimler is fine-tuning its autonomous truck systems with the goal of achieving full-scale commercial deployment by 2027.Scalable Technology for Global Markets: Daimler’s autonomous trucks are designed with a common platform, making them adaptable for both U.S. and international markets, ensuring the technology can be scaled and customized for different regions.Voices on The Show: Joanna Buttler, Head of the Global Autonomous Technology Group for Daimler Truck North AmericaLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:Daimler Truck North AmericaLinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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. The conversation covers the technology behind autonomous charging, advancements in battery chemistry, and the future of EV charging—highlighting the push to make EV ownership more accessible and convenient for consumers.Key Points:Autonomous Charging as a Game-Changer: Inductive Robotics is pioneering autonomous charging solutions to simplify EV charging, ease burdens on parking lot operators, and improve accessibility for drivers.Overcoming Infrastructure Barriers: Battery-backed docking stations and mobile charging solutions help optimize efficiency, cut installation costs, and maximize charger utilization.The Future of EV Charging: With a shift toward passive, user-friendly charging, Inductive Robotics is shaping the next generation of EV infrastructure—prioritizing convenience to drive widespread adoption.Voices on The Show: David Alspaugh, CTO and co-founder of Inductive RoboticsLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:Inductive RoboticsLinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 superior financial performance.Restoring Our Faith in Humanity this week is Everlyne Siololo–a trailblazing Maasai woman reshaping conservation efforts in the Masai Mara. As a leader in the Ripoi Conservancy, Everlyne’s work is forging new paths for women in community leadership and conservation, proving that when women lead, society at large benefits.Key Points:Disparities in Venture Capital: An overview of the gender gap in venture funding and executive leadership roles, emphasizing the necessity for more equitable opportunities.Impact of Women-Led Ventures: A look at how ventures with female leadership tend to outperform their male counterparts financially, demonstrating the value of diverse leadership.Cultural and Systemic Shifts in Venture Capital: Insights into the evolving landscape of venture capital, influenced by changing demographics and investor behavior favoring ethical and inclusive practices.The Future Role of Women in Investments: Dr. Brand discusses how the anticipated significant wealth transfer to women could drastically alter investment strategies, focusing more on social and environmental returns.Voices on The Show: Dr. Sara T. Brand, founding general partner of True Wealth VenturesLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:True Wealth VenturesLinkedinRestoring Our Faith in Humanity: Everlyne Siololo🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

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 unique advantages, and the future of bidirectional EV charging.Key Points:Grid-Friendly EV Charging: ElectricFish's ultra-fast charging solution uses a 400-kilowatt-hour battery that charges slowly from existing grid power and rapidly delivers energy to EVs. This avoids placing stress on local electrical grids, making it easier to deploy chargers in areas with grid constraints.Bidirectional Power Capability: The system isn’t just for EV charging. It offers grid support during times of stress and can feed power back into the grid or local buildings. ElectricFish’s chargers even support vehicle-to-grid (V2G) applications for large batteries like those in school buses.Nature-Inspired Innovation: ElectricFish draws inspiration from the electric eel, mimicking its ability to store and rapidly discharge energy. This philosophy extends to the company’s design of modular, containerized energy storage systems that are easy to deploy and maintain.Voices on The Show: Anurag Kamal, CEO and co-founder of ElectricFishLinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability LinkedIn: Lisa Ann PinkertonX - Lisa Ann Pinkerton Instagram - @LisiAnniTechnica Communications Women in Cleantech and SustainabilityWeb Resources:ElectricFishLinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!