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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, sustainable energy and empowering communities through education, direct resources, and tangible calls to action.
Tune in monthly for new episodes of Hi, Energy! coming to you where you get your podcasts. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and be sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 me. They talk about how every industry —not just Hollywood— is connected to climate, and how government workers should think about storytelling in their work too.
Additional References from the podcast:
PowerLines — Modernizing American Power
People Allison Shouted Out
Rasheda Crocket
Rollie Williams
Alexis Nikole Nelson
Leah Thomas
Kiana Kazemi
Kristy Drutman
Allison is also an occasional teacher at USC! Here’s a flyer for their class
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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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 successful disaster responses.
Additional References from the podcast:
Watch Duty Fire App
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 EV charging, the origin story of the city of Los Angeles deciding that a city climate incubator was needed and so much more.
Additional References from the podcast:
Books
The Ministry for the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson
Articles
LA To Launch Cleantech Incubator — LACI Origin Story
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 the Green Jobs Board, how to open climate jobs to underprivileged folks and people of color, how to draw on the power of your family history when the world isn’t ready for you to wield power and so much more.
Additional References from the podcast:
BIPOC Green Career Summit - Black Oak
Black Girl Environmentalist
Repack
LA Climate Week
Project Drawdown
Inco Academy
Cornell Green Jobs Institute
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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?” and “what is an internal combustion engine?” and so much more. Josh also shares his impressions of California’s well-above-average climate consciousness.
Additional References from the podcast:
After 4 Years And Billions Of Dollars, The Texas Grid Is Not Fixed
The Carbonauts
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 get involved locally and politically to support the environment, climate policy from a working class perspective, and so much more.
Additional References from the podcast:
Books
Who Is Government by Michael Lewis
Articles
California makes major changes to the state's landmark environmental law to build more housing
Environmental impact of Al Gore
Making change in the "diesel death zone" | LA Public Press
People/organizations mentioned
East Yard Communities for Environmental Justice
Cynthia Kennedy of Pasadena 100
Other
“Who are the stakeholders and what stakes are they holding?” Ken’s UCLA Syllabus
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 on climate news.
Sammy and Esteban discuss how California is a hub for many of the most important climate issues facing the entire United States, how to become a clued-in reader of climate news, how to read lots of climate news without feeling down, and so much more.
Additional References from the podcast:
Books
Silent Spring by Rachel Carson
Articles
Sammy’s weekly Boiling Point newsletter
E&E News by Politico
Canary Media
Inside Climate News
Volts by David Roberts
Everybody needs a Climate Thing | David Roberts for Grist
Podcasts
Sammy’s Boiling Point Podcast
Esteban’s appearance on Sammy’s podcast
People/organizations mentioned
Jim Lawson
John Lewis
Bill McKibben
United Farm Workers
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 much more.
Additional References from the podcast:
Books
Nobody Walks in LA by John Bwarie
Articles
LA Metro’s 2024 Ridership Soars to More Than 311 Million
Measure M - LA Metro
L.A. Metro Releases Measure M Five-Year Comprehensive Assessment, Equity Report
People/organizations mentioned
Metro Micro
LADOT LANow
DASH Overview
Commuter Express
GO Pass
Festival Trail
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 community.
Nicole and Esteban discuss community-focused efforts to make electrical vehicle charging more accessible, how a few friends can make a real impact on the climate and on their community, how building sustainable communities is an investment in groups of people historically left out of the conversation, and so much more.
Additional References from the podcast:
Books
Michael Pollan | Bookshop
Cradle to Cradle: Remaking the Way We Make Things
Articles
Mandatory Commercial and Multifamily Organics Recycling (recycLA) | SB 1383
GFO-22-614 - Reliable, Equitable, and Accessible Charging for Multi-family Housing 2.0 (REACH 2.0)
My California Dream| Ben Stapleton
Sierra Club Insider
Charge4All — Southern California EVen Access
Videos
Healing our community, one garden box at a time. | Nicole Landers | TEDxVeniceBeach
Who Killed the Electric Car? - Wikipedia
Common Ground Film and Kiss the Ground Film
Podcasts
Travel With Meaning
People mentioned
Los Angeles Clean Tech Incubator
US Green Building Council of California
The Carbonauts
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 Metro’s capital expansion program.
Heather and Esteban talk about the way design choices made by local governments impact the choices we make as we travel through southern California. They also discuss the opportunities for sustainable development leading up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, and some of Heather’s favorite LA and climate books.
Additional References from the podcast:
Books
The Day of the Locust by Nathanael West
The Disaster Tourist by Yun Ko-Eun
Ecology of Fear: Los Angeles and the Imagination of Disaster by Mike Davis
City of Quartz: Excavating the Future in Los Angeles by Mike Davis
Articles
Here is the syllabus to the climate policy course Heather teaches at USC
Podcasts
People mentioned
Walter Moseley
James Elroy
Cyclavia LA 2025
LA Compost
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.
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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 goals into real climate action.
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon. -
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 advocacy, the real-world consequences of environmental inequities, and actionable steps to drive change.
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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 improvements, and highlights the long-term benefits of sustainability. They also answer listener questions about overcoming budget constraints and supporting smaller agencies.
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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 economy, and how to get started, even if you're transitioning from a non-environmental background. Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and a roadmap to making a real impact through your work!
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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 action can help cool our cities. They discuss public health impacts, successful green projects, and ways listeners can get involved. Tune in for actionable tips to beat the heat!
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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 thinking about making the switch. Plus, they’ll answer listener questions about installation costs, energy savings, and whether heat pumps can handle extreme weather.
Tune in to find out why heat pumps might just be your new best friend—and how they’re helping keep California green. -
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 in to hit those big emission-cutting goals. From cool tech solutions to simple everyday actions, Jakub’s got practical tips for how we can all do our part to make Southern California cleaner and greener.
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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 cleaner, greener future. We’ll also uncover career opportunities in the booming green economy and tackle the urgent challenges of urban heat islands. Whether you’re looking to make smarter energy choices at home, work, or in your community, this podcast connects you to the conversations that can inspire change. Join us as we light the way to a brighter, more sustainable future.
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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.
- Visa fler
