Podcast appearances and mentions of Kirsten Smith

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT: Texas Teen Wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling BeeFaizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, clinched the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, correctly spelling “éclaircissement” to claim the title and over $50,000 in cash and prizes in a dramatic final round.Zaki, last year's runner-up, triumphed over eight finalists in the centennial Scripps National Spelling Bee, hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington, D.C. The contest began with 243 spellers aged 11 to 14, narrowed to Zaki, Sarv Dharavane, 11, and Sarvadnya Kadam, 14. All three misspelled words in one round, forcing a tense additional round.“I can't remember the last time we've seen this kind of late-round drama here at the spelling bee,” Paul Loeffler, the Bee's TV analyst, said, per CBS News.In the 21st round, Zaki faced Kadam and spelled “éclaircissement,” a noun meaning a clearing up of something obscure. He pumped his fists and collapsed to the floor in excitement after finishing the word.“I'm really happy,” Zaki said afterward. Earlier, he faltered on the spelling of “commelina” but was reinstated after collective missteps by his fellow finalists.Grief tech: redefining death in the age of AIFew experiences are as profoundly impactful as losing a loved one. The void left behind can seem insurmountable, leaving us yearning for just a little bit more time with those we miss. This deeply human desire is fueling the rise of grief tech, which promises to forever change how we preserve the memory of those who are no longer alive.There is a growing number of grief tech start-ups that allow people to have virtual conversations with AI chatbots of their deceased loved ones.While some believe grief tech could help people find closure, there are also concerns that it could have a negative impact on their mental health.“There is evidence from multiple studies that proximity seeking [behaviours aimed at restoring a closeness with the person who died] is actually linked with poorer mental health outcomes,” explains Dr Kirsten Smith, clinical research fellow at the University of Oxford.“Who gets to decide what ‘helping people grieve' means?” asks psychotherapist and grief consultant Megan Devine.“People have always engaged in various kinds of rituals where things are done with the belongings of the deceased, where certain kinds of possessions are preserved,” remarks Dr Elaine Kasket, bereavement lead at the Digital Legacy Association. “This could be seen as a technological version of these analogue, physical rituals.”One thing is certain: as AI continues to evolve, so too will our approach to death and remembrance. The challenge lies in harnessing this technology thoughtfully, ensuring that we do not commit further harm in our efforts to help. By extension, we cannot lose sight of our humanity in our pursuit of digital immortality. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ÉCLAIRCISSEMENT: Texas Teen Wins 2025 Scripps National Spelling BeeFaizan Zaki, a 13-year-old from Allen, Texas, clinched the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee on Thursday, correctly spelling “éclaircissement” to claim the title and over $50,000 in cash and prizes in a dramatic final round.Zaki, last year's runner-up, triumphed over eight finalists in the centennial Scripps National Spelling Bee, hosted at the Gaylord National Resort and Convention Center near Washington, D.C. The contest began with 243 spellers aged 11 to 14, narrowed to Zaki, Sarv Dharavane, 11, and Sarvadnya Kadam, 14. All three misspelled words in one round, forcing a tense additional round.“I can't remember the last time we've seen this kind of late-round drama here at the spelling bee,” Paul Loeffler, the Bee's TV analyst, said, per CBS News.In the 21st round, Zaki faced Kadam and spelled “éclaircissement,” a noun meaning a clearing up of something obscure. He pumped his fists and collapsed to the floor in excitement after finishing the word.“I'm really happy,” Zaki said afterward. Earlier, he faltered on the spelling of “commelina” but was reinstated after collective missteps by his fellow finalists. Grief tech: redefining death in the age of AIFew experiences are as profoundly impactful as losing a loved one. The void left behind can seem insurmountable, leaving us yearning for just a little bit more time with those we miss. This deeply human desire is fueling the rise of grief tech, which promises to forever change how we preserve the memory of those who are no longer alive.There is a growing number of grief tech start-ups that allow people to have virtual conversations with AI chatbots of their deceased loved ones.While some believe grief tech could help people find closure, there are also concerns that it could have a negative impact on their mental health.“There is evidence from multiple studies that proximity seeking [behaviours aimed at restoring a closeness with the person who died] is actually linked with poorer mental health outcomes,” explains Dr Kirsten Smith, clinical research fellow at the University of Oxford.“Who gets to decide what ‘helping people grieve' means?” asks psychotherapist and grief consultant Megan Devine.“People have always engaged in various kinds of rituals where things are done with the belongings of the deceased, where certain kinds of possessions are preserved,” remarks Dr Elaine Kasket, bereavement lead at the Digital Legacy Association. “This could be seen as a technological version of these analogue, physical rituals.”One thing is certain: as AI continues to evolve, so too will our approach to death and remembrance. The challenge lies in harnessing this technology thoughtfully, ensuring that we do not commit further harm in our efforts to help. By extension, we cannot lose sight of our humanity in our pursuit of digital immortality.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We are concluding our Women's History Month series: The Films of Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith with the return of writer and co-host of Oscar Wild, Sophia Ciminello. Sophia and Morgan dive into 2008's "The House Bunny," where they discuss the female journey, the interrogation of women aging, and the power of community amongst women.You can follow SophiaBlueskyLetterboxd You can find Sophia's workAwardsWatchYou can follow Oscar WildBlueskyInstagramLinktreeYou can follow Female Gaze: The Film ClubInstagramBluesky

This quick bonus episode is a recap of our Women's History Month Series: The Films of Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith. We've covered five incredible films over the past month with a group of amazing guests. Here are some reflections we've had as we conclude this journey.

In the continuation of our Women's History Month Series: The Films of Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, Morgan is joined by returning guests, the hosts of the DRAMA. podcast, a theatre & pop culture podcast, Connor and Dylan MacDowell, to discuss the 2006 film, "She's the Man." The trio discuss the comedy of the film, Amanda Bynes in this formative role, and how the film tackles gender expectations and presentation in a subversive manner. You can follow DRAMA. with Connor & Dylan MacDowellTwitterInstagramBlueskyTikTokWebsitePatreonYou can follow Female Gaze: The Film ClubInstagramBluesky

With our third film in our Women's History Month Series: The Films of Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, Morgan is joined by writer Lindsay Lee Wallace to discuss the 2004 film, "Ella Enchanted." Lindsay and Morgan discuss how the film differs from the source material, sneaking in feminism for audience members of every age, and jukebox musicals. Follow LindsayBlueskyTwitter InstagramYou can follow Female Gaze: The Film ClubInstagramBlueSkyWebsite

For the next film in our Women's History Month Series: The Films of Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, Morgan is joined by filmmaker Jackie Mahoney to discuss the 2001 film, "Legally Blonde." Jackie and Morgan discuss the characterization of Elle Woods, the Jennifer Coolidge of it all, and how Warner can suck it. You can follow JackieInstagramYou can follow Female Gaze: The Film ClubInstagram BlueSky Website

To start off our Women's History Month Series: The Films of Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith, Morgan is joined by honorary co-host and Hidden Immunity Idol holder Chels Eichholz to talk about the 1999 film, "10 Things I Hate About You." Chels and Morgan discuss the writing of the film, Kay Hanley, and the magic of films from the late-90s.You can follow ChelsBluesky Letterboxd You can follow And a Rewatch Pod BlueSky Twitter InstagramYou can follow The Q Division PodBlueSkyInstagram Reality and Soaps Rewatch Pod Twitter You can follow Female Gaze: The Film Club Instagram BlueSky Website

Dr. Kirsten Smith joined us in June 2022 for a wonderful discussion about Kratom. In this episode, she updates us on the volatile changes that have occurred since our last discussion. Dr. Kirsten Smith is an Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University. If you haven't heard the first episode, make sure to have a listen to get caught up to speed on Kratom!

What happens when you quit your job, pack your camera, and set off to travel the globe for an entire year? This week's podcast guest, photographer Kirsten Smith, knows the answer firsthand!  In this inspiring episode, we chat with Kirsten about her journey from leaving behind a traditional career to embracing the unpredictable life of a traveling photographer. She shares how that year-long adventure changed her perspective—not just on photography, but on life itself—and how she balances the "real world" now while still fueling her wanderlust. Kirsten also dives into the nitty-gritty details: planning, budgeting, and logistics for traveling as a photographer as well as offering insights on finding creative inspiration in new places and capturing the unique energy of each destination. Whether you're dreaming of your own travel photography adventure or just curious about what it takes to make it happen, this episode is packed with valuable tips and motivation. Tune in for an honest, adventurous, and uplifting conversation with someone who proves that chasing your dreams is always worth it! Episode Promos: Buy Art From the Print Shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art Pic-Time Photo Galleries - https://nerdyphotographer.com/recommends/pic-time/ Nerdy Photographer Contract Templates - https://nerdyphotographer.com/product-category/contracts/ Support The Nerdy Photographer Want to help The Nerdy Photographer Podcast? Here are a few simple (and mostly free) ways you can do that: Subscribe to the podcast! Tell your friends about the podcast Sign up for the newsletter - https://nerdyphotographer.com/newsletter Buy a print from the print shop - https://caseyfatchettphotography.pic-time.com/art Follow on Instagram - https://instagram.com/thenerdyphoto Follow on Threads - https://threads.net/@thenerdyphoto Follow in Tiktok - https://tiktok.com/@thenerdyphoto Subscribe to our YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@CaseyFatchett Get some Nerdy Photographer merchandise - https://www.teepublic.com/stores/nerdy-photographer If you're feeling extra generous, check out our support page - https://nerdyphotographer.com/support-nerdy-photographer/ About My Guest Kirsten Smith is a writer, photographer, and world traveler based in San Francisco. Her photography can be found in Broken Lens Journal, Cosmic Daffodil, Vagabond City Lit, and more. Her stories have appeared in magazines including Sage Cigarettes and Esoterica. In 2015, Kirsten quit her corporate job to travel the world solo for 1 year — she visited 24 countries across 5 continents, and documented it all in words and photographs in her travel blog, The Wallflower Wanderer. She hasn't stopped capturing the world around her in words and images since. You can see Kirsten's work on her website - wallflowerwanderer.com or follow along with her on Threads or Instagram About The Podcast The Nerdy Photographer Podcast is written and produced by Casey Fatchett. Casey is a professional photographer in the New York City / Northern New Jersey with more than 20 years of experience. He just wants to help people and make them laugh. You can view Casey's wedding work at https://fatchett.com or his non-wedding work at https://caseyfatchettphotography.com    If you have any questions or comments about this episode or any other episodes, OR if you would like to ask a photography related question or have ideas for a topic for a future episode, please reach out to us at https://nerdyphotographer.com/contact    

"I Can Do It All!" (But Maybe Not Today): Taming the Overwhelm for Single Parent Bosses Feeling Overwhelmed as a Single Parent Entrepreneur? You're Not Alone! Remember those early days with your tiny baby? Now imagine juggling that with a full-time business - as a single parent! Kirsten Smith, a business coach and single mom veteran, knows exactly how complex (and crazy) that can be. The truth is, millions of single parents are out there hustling to make ends meet, often without a support system.  This episode is designed for YOU. Kirsten will be your guide on the path to conquering overwhelm:   Unmask the Overwhelm Monster: Learn the tell-tale signs you're juggling too much. Ditch the Guilt Trip: Discover why rest isn't a luxury, it's a necessity! Balance Without Breaking: Find practical strategies to manage your business and family life (without losing your sanity). Rise Above the Breakup: You can build a fulfilling life, even after a difficult separation. This episode is packed with down-to-earth advice and actionable tips to help you manage your day-to-day as a thriving single parent entrepreneur. Ready to ditch the overwhelm and finally get organised?  Contact us for a free consultation and explore how you can create a life that works for YOU! If you would like to learn 10 ways to beat overwhelm there is a free download for you on Kirsten's website: https://shineontribe.ck.page/964a7634f1 Retreats details for that mental rest you need so much are here: https://www.shineontribe.co.uk/retreats/ Ask Franz any questions on this topic or any emotional health topic: Facebook.com/franzsidney and https://substack.com/@franzsidney   #singleparents  #overwhelmed  #SingleMomBoss #SingleParentEntrepreneur #Mompreneur #WorkLifeBalance #ConquerOverwhelm #BusinessCoach #SingleParentLife #EntrepreneurLife #BossMom #TimeManagement #retreat

Join us today as we delve into Kirsten Smith's incredible journey of transformation through fitness and nutrition. From overcoming challenges to celebrating milestones, Kirsten shares her inspiring story, offering valuable insights and advice along the way. Tune in to discover how Kirsten's dedication and perseverance led to remarkable results, both physically and mentally. Episode Highlights: Kirsten's Background: Discover Kirsten's motivations and initial challenges. Journey and Progress: Learn about Kirsten's approach to fitness and nutrition, and the key milestones she achieved. Challenges and Motivation: Explore how Kirsten overcame obstacles and stayed motivated during setbacks. Results and Transformations: Hear about the significant physical and mental changes Kirsten experienced on her journey. Gain valuable advice and insights from Kirsten for those starting their own fitness and nutrition journey. Connect with Us: We love hearing from our listeners! Follow us on @showandgofit & @amandamonnier and share your thoughts, experiences, and feedback.

“How Do I Loathe Thee? Let Me Count Ways?” The Back To The Blockbuster team is taking on William Shakespeare with a modern day twist as we look back at 10 Things I Hate About You for its 25th anniversary! Directed by Gil Junger in his film directorial debut and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, the film stars Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, Andrew Keegan, David Krumholtz, Gabrielle Union, Susan May Pratt, Allison Janney, and Larry Miller. Loosely based on William Shakespeare's comedy The Taming of the Shrew, the film follows new student Cameron James who is smitten with Bianca Stratford and attempts to get bad boy Patrick Verona to date her antisocial sister Kat in order to get around her father's strict rules on dating. As you know, it's not a look back at a 90s classic without our frequent guest, Mark J. Parker, host of the Release Date Rewind Podcast, so he's also joining in on the fun as we look back at one of the best teen films of its time. Links For Guests: Release Date Rewind Linktree

We are talking all about the pinkest and blondest movie we've covered (in the last month) Legally Blonde! We discuss video essays, drab east coast clothes, dogs, cross-country stalking, friendships, sorority life, sexual harassment, blonde jokes, true villains, and more! Oh, and fuck brunettes, right?   I Love This You Should Too is hosted by Samantha & Indy Randhawa   Legally Blonde is a 2001 American romantic comedy film directed by Robert Luketic (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, based on Amanda Brown's 2001 novel of the same name. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, and Jennifer Coolidge. The story follows Elle Woods (Witherspoon), a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Davis) by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School, and in the process, overcomes stereotypes against blondes and triumphs as a successful lawyer.

After a bit of animal talk, Samantha recommends the novel Happy Place by Emily Henry,  we discuss some pretend relationships, Indy gives you a rundown on Michael B Jordan's 3 Creed movies,  and we preview next week's watch: Legally Blonde!   I Love This You Should Too is hosted by Samantha & Indy Randhawa Creed is a 2015 American sports drama film directed by Ryan Coogler, who co-wrote the screenplay with Aaron Covington. It is the first spin-off of and is the seventh installment in the Rocky film series. It stars Michael B. Jordan, Sylvester Stallone, Tessa Thompson, Phylicia Rashad, Tony Bellew, and Graham McTavish. In the film, amateur boxer Adonis Creed (Jordan) is trained and mentored by Rocky Balboa (Stallone), the former rival turned friend of Adonis' father, Apollo Creed. Legally Blonde is a 2001 American romantic comedy film directed by Robert Luketic (in his feature directorial debut) and written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, based on Amanda Brown's 2001 novel of the same name. It stars Reese Witherspoon, Luke Wilson, Selma Blair, Matthew Davis, Victor Garber, and Jennifer Coolidge. The story follows Elle Woods (Witherspoon), a sorority girl who attempts to win back her ex-boyfriend Warner Huntington III (Davis) by getting a Juris Doctor degree at Harvard Law School, and in the process, overcomes stereotypes against blondes and triumphs as a successful lawyer.

On today's episode, we're heading over to Padua High School and trying to get the shrew to fall in love with us, while we revisit the teen movie classic, 10 Things I Hate About You (1999). This movie was directed by Gil Junger and written by Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith.This movie stars Julia Stiles (Orphan:First Kill, Save The Last Dance), Heath Ledger (Brokeback Mountain, The Dark Knight), Joseph Gordon-Levitt (Mysterious Skin, Halloween H20: 20 Years Later), Larisa Oleynik (The Babysitter's Club, The Secret World of Alex Mack), Larry Miller (Pretty Woman, The Princess Diaries), Andrew Keegan (The Broken Hearts Club: A Romantic Comedy), David Krumholtz (Addams Family Values, Slums of Beverly Hills), and Susan May Pratt (Drive Me Crazy)This movie is such a teen classic and is an adaptation of a William Shakespeare play. It's a movie that spring-boarded a lot of young stars into lasting Hollywood careers and is a perfectly fun film for those that enjoy it!Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan BoyleShow E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New month, new theme! June's theme is "Teen Movies Adapted from Classic Literature," because I haven't come up with a better title. To kick it off, Ben, Greg, Ray, and Robbie take a look at Shakespeare through the lens of late 90's Seattle with 10 Things I Hate About You. Directed by Gil Junger, screenplay by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and starring Julia Stiles, Heath Ledger, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Larisa Oleynik, David Krumholtz, and Allison Janney.

Are you or your managers & leaders so focused on doing advanced stuff that you're not doing the basics? Our guest shows you and your team how to get back to the basics of being good leaders and managers. Kirsten Smith (www.EOSWorldwide.com/Kirsten-Smith) is a Certified EOS Implementer based in Massachusetts with over 2 decades of sales leadership experience before that. Kirsten explains and recounts stories of what takes people away from the basics of good management and leadership and explains several ways to return to those foundational tools. Listen to the show on Apple podcasts (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/win-win-an-entrepreneurial-community/id1465488607), wherever you normally get your podcasts, or listen on the web at www.FractionalLeadership.io/Podcast.

On today's episode, we're heading to our Criminal Law class at Harvard Law School, getting our nails done at the local nail salon, and then in our spare time, we're going to try solving a murder case, while we revisit the absolutely wonderful film, Legally Blonde (2001). This movie was written by Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith, and was directed by Robert Luketic.Joining me on this episode is my wonderful sister, Sarah Heidelberg (who is a huge fan of this film). We talk about the production history of this film, and just shoot the shit about growing up watching all these iconic films.This movie stars Reese Witherspoon (Election, Sweet Home Alabama), Luke Wilson (Rushmore, The Royal Tenenbaums), Selma Blair (The Sweetest Thing, Hellboy), Matthew Davis (Urban Legend: Final Cut, The Vampire Diaries), Victor Garber (Alias, Will and Grace), and Jennifer Coolidge (American Pie, Best in Show)This movie is such a feel-good time, and has a nice message of empowerment behind it. Is it accurate to the law profession as a whole? Absolutely not!! Is it iconic and beautiful to look at? You're goddamn right it is. Do yourself a favor and watch this!! :)Intro/Outro Music: "Phantom Fun" by Jonathan BoyleFollow Sarah on InstagramShow E-Mail: cultcinemacircle@gmail.comFollow Cult Cinema Circle on Instagram, Twitter, and Letterboxd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

My guests for this episode are the film-scoring duo Ryan Miller and Jay Lifton. Ryan is a founding member and the lead singer of Guster, who recently celebrated their 31st consecutive year of touring and recording. He has scored over 15 feature films and has worked with directors Colin Trevorrow, Jordan Vogt-Roberts, Lake Bell, and Zoe Lister-Jones.  Jay Lifton is a Brooklyn-based composer who has worked with Alicia Silverstone, Kirsten Smith, Sean Baker, Paul Feig, and Errol Morris. He somewhat recently scored an episode of This American Life as well as the documentary RABBLE ROUSERS, which is about the forces behind NYC gentrification and urban displacement. Both Ryan and Jay have great resumes for their work in film and commercials. The pair teamed up to score Reese Witherspoon's film "Something from Tiffany's", which premiered this past holiday season on Prime Video. The film follows the story of a woman as her life gets upended when an engagement ring that was for someone else leads her to the person she's meant to be with. I watched the trailer and was struck by how beautiful it looked. Then, of course, I noticed the music. We talk about "Something from Tiffany's," Guster, their respective journies toward film scoring, the value of attending film festivals, music in video games, and more. Please enjoy my conversation with Ryan Miller and Jay Lifton. Support the Unstarving Musician The Unstarving Musician exists solely through the generosity of its listeners, readers, and viewers. Learn how you can offer your support. This episode was powered by Music Marketing Method, a program for independent musicians looking to grow their music career. Music Marketing Method was created by my good friend Lynz Crichton. I'm in the program and I'm learning tons! I'm growing my fan base and learning about many ways that I'll be earning money in the new year. It's also helping me grow this podcast. How cool is that? To lean more and find out if Music Marketing Method can help your music career, visit UnstarvingMusician.com/MusicMarketing. This episode of the was powered by Liner Notes. Learn from the hundreds of musicians and industry pros I've spoken with for the Unstarving Musician on topics such as marketing, songwriting, touring, sync licensing and much more. Sign up for Liner Notes. Liner Notes is an email newsletter from yours truly, in which I share some of the best knowledge gems garnered from the many conversations featured on the Unstarving Musician. You'll also be privy to the latest podcast episodes and Liner Notes subscriber exclusives. Sign up at UnstarvingMusician.com. It's free and you can unsubscribe at anytime. This episode was powered by The Gigging Musician Podcast. Host Jared Judge says that playing music for live audiences is one of the most rewarding things on the planet. On his podcast, Jared dissects everything that goes into being a successful gigging musician. Hear it at www.GiggingMusicianPodcast.com or wherever you get your podcasts. Mentions and Related Episodes JayLifton.com  Stephanie Economou's soundtrack to Valhalla's Dawn of Ragnarök  Guster  @Guster on Twitter  Axis, film by Aisha Tyler Silversun Pickups  Lost And Gone Forever by Guster Teaching Music Production Online—Liz Cirelli Part 2 (Ep 151)  Where Financial Fear, Elusive Fame, and Abundance Collide – Liz Cirelli Resources The Unstarving Musician's Guide to Getting Paid Gigs, by Robonzo Music Marketing Method – The program that helps musicians find fans, grow an audience and make consistent income Bandzoogle – The all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a beautiful website for your music Dreamhost – See the latest deals from Dreamhost, save money and support the UM in the process. More Resources for musicians Pardon the Interruption (Disclosure)  Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means I make a small commission, at no extra charge to you, if you purchase using those links. Thanks for your support! Visit UnstarvingMusician.com to sign up for Liner Notes to learn what I'm learning from the best indie musicians and music industry professionals. Stay in touch! @RobonzoDrummer on Twitter  and  Instagram @UnstarvingMusician on Facebook  and  YouTube  

For the second week of our love & romance month, we're taking a nostalgic trip back to the late 90s to revisit 10 Things I Hate About You--one of the standouts among the rash of teen movies that came out around the same time. This adaptation of William Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew, which John and Georgia also have a special connection to, features a number of fantastic performances by young actors who have gone on to have strong careers, including Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Julia Stiles, and, of course, the late great Heath Ledger. We discuss 90s riot grrrl and post-riot grrrl music, father/daughter relationships, the perils of not seeking popularity, adapting Shakespeare to modern times (and how screenwriters Karen McCullah and Kirsten Smith are great at it), how Patrick and Kat could have turned dating for cash into lucrative moneymaking endeavor, and how much we love David Krumholtz as Michael and every other role he's taken on. Strike up the marching band and give us a listen!

We can never fully anticipate life events which will alter and significantly impact our lives. Kirsten Smith joins in conversation today to chat about a huge life event that was thrown her way in her forties, creating a life now which she never would have imagined possible. In 2015 Kirsten began to lose her eyesight and was diagnosed with the rare condition, IIH – Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension. The daily cocktail of medication Kirsten was prescribed to battle this illness left her skin looking and feeling extremely dull, dry and dehydrated. Frustrated at not being able to find products capable of adequately hydrating her skin, Kirsten decided to create her own. That one product - a super hydrating face oil - is now Bettyquette. A natural skin care company, launched in 2017, committed to helping women transform their skin with all natural products that actually work. Listen as Jo and Kirsten discuss: Accidentally entering into blogging, out of necessity and eventually finding out the benefits in more ways than one. Kirsten's journey starting with a standard eye check. The year of the couch. Significant moments in our life when all we can do is rest and concentrate on healing. How one small act of kindness from her husband turned into a thriving business. Kirsten's story is certainly inspirational and encourages us that eventually the fog does lift and the silver linings are all around. To find out more about Kirsten and Bettyquette please visit www.bettyquette.com.au and follow @bettyquette and @kirstenandco. To connect with Jo personally, we would love to hear from you. Head over to www.joclarkcoaching.com for more information. You can also find Jo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/joclarkcoaching/ and Private Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/womenswellnesscollective1. Look forward to connecting. Here's to redefining midlife and making our next half of life even better than the first.

Welcome Back! Thank you so much for joining us! I am thrilled to sharing my wonderful chat I had with Dr. Kirsten Smith with all of you! Dr. Smith is lead investigator of the new (2022) national NIDA-funded kratom study. She is also openly a former heroin addict and bank robber! We had such an amazing talk and it was really great to get her thoughts on all things addiction, recovery, brain development, and of course kratom! It was great to get her unique perspective due to her past life as an addict as well as being a scientist and doctor. It really solidified that if you're an addict struggling, you can completely recover and become the best version of yourself - after drug addiction. Before our segment with Dr. Smith I unknowingly had a really emotional time sharing our amazing sponsor, Your Leaf Your Life giveaway to a very well-deserved listener in need. I also briefly discuss some kratom news and current events; Rapides Parish Louisiana criminalizes the sale and use of kratom locally. Is Mississippi on track to criminalize kratom statewide? Family files wrongful death kratom lawsuit against Lubbock, Texas business. Dr. Kirsten Smith has been researching kratom since 2017, when she was a doctoral student at the University of Louisville. Her first-hand experience with drug use and addiction contributed to her early interest in kratom. After coming to NIDA's Intramural Research Program in Baltimore, Maryland in 2019 as a postdoctoral fellow, Dr. Smith spearheaded several online surveys and was also the lead associate investigator on a clinical trial examining the effectiveness of an experimental opioid for suppressing withdrawal. Now, Dr. Smith is the lead investigator on a national NIDA-funded kratom study utilizing ecological momentary assessment and kratom product assay. She has also recently launched a small in-person kratom clinical trial to observe kratom product effects in humans. With this pilot data she hopes to launch more human laboratory studies on kratom while continuing to assess real-world kratom use patterns. Dr. Smith will be joining the Behavioral Pharmacology Research Unit at Johns Hopkins University in August 2023 and plans to continue her kratom work for years to come. If you would like to be involved in the local donations, in any manner, or if you would like to be a guest or sponsor of the show please contact us at kratomguyshow@gmail.com or call/ text (617) 917-5242 Thank you so much for joining us! Enjoy the show! This episode is sponsored by: Your Leaf Your Life ‘See the difference, smell the difference and feel the difference, because it's your leaf and your life' https://yourleafyourlife.com Use the link above or coupon code kratomguyshow to save 10% off your first purchase AND help to support the show! https://bit.ly/YLYL-KratomGuy Music by: Lion Heights Track: “Dread Step” https://lionheights.com Sources: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=FzbmTRcAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=Kirsten%20Elin%20Smith&sort=date&ac=yes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36108442 https://www.kalb.com/2022/10/13/rapides-parish-police-jury-unanimously-votes-ban-kratom https://www.wtva.com/news/mississippi-may-join-alabama-as-a-state-banning-kratom/article_9e188f9e-4bb8-11ed-9d2d-d7f16e34b4bb.html https://www.carlsonattorneys.com/news-and-update/kratom-death-lawsuit --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/kratom-guy-show/message

Frogs. Bees. Finicky software. There are a lot of things that can cause an electric vehicle charging station to break. We need to replace fossil-fuel powered vehicles with EVs as soon as possible—but if the stations don't work, it will slow the adoption of EVs.   In Los Angeles, two black women have started training a small army of technicians to fix broken charging stations, and they're taking their model around the country. They couldn't have started at a better time: The U.S. is investing hundreds of billions of dollars in EV charging infrastructure.    But as they're fixing these stations, they're asking an equity question: who benefits from this rapidly growing industry? Will cleantech remain a field dominated by white men?    As part of their business model, they're training a diverse, inclusive workforce to be a part of the industry. In effect, they're solving a carbon emissions problem and an equity problem at the same time.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Daniel Woldorff and Alexandria Herr Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our managing producer is Cecily Meza-Martinez. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

We're switching things up a bit for the next few weeks. Instead of continuing our sector-by-sector decarbonization tour, we're taking you to the front lines of the energy transition – to communities where the big switch to a zero carbon future is already underway. We're starting with New York City, where there's a project underway that's tackling decarbonization and equity at the same time. Residents in New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) apartments have long lived with dangerous heating and cooling conditions — especially in the wake of disasters like Hurricane Ida. Now, NYCHA housing also has to decarbonize – and fast – in order to meet the city's climate commitments.  So New York City and state government agencies launched the Clean Heat for All competition. The challenge? Get the heat pump industry to design a technology that didn't exist yet: heat pumps that fit in an apartment window. The winning design would replace aging boilers, allow residents to control the temperature in their own units and could be a game changer for building decarbonization across the board.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our managing producer is Cecily Meza-Martinez. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

Building codes: they might sound boring, but they're actually the front lines in a nationwide battle to decarbonize our buildings. And they do a lot more than keeping your  home from falling down over your head. They regulate everything from energy efficiency, to the kind of fuel your stove runs on, to whether your building has an electric vehicle charging port – all super important facets of building decarbonization. And if designed correctly, building codes can also help address issues like public health, pollution, and even adaptation to the effects of climate change. In this episode, Melissa speaks with Michael Gerrard, an expert on environment and climate law and director of the Sabin Center for Climate Change Law at Columbia University about how to unlock this secret weapon – and what's getting in the way of greener building codes.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

To enroll in the study, see: https://enroll.drugabuse.gov/kratom-nida/ On July 20, 2022 the National Institute on Drug Abuse rolled out a massive nationwide study. NIDA is looking for regular kratom consumers to participate. It’s not just a survey: the research team including past Kratom Science Podcast guest Dr. Kirsten Smith will allow participants, via an app, … Special Announcement: NIDA Seeks Kratom Consumers for Massive Study Read More » The post Special Announcement: NIDA Seeks Kratom Consumers for Massive Study first appeared on Kratom Science.

There are 5.5 million commercial buildings in the U.S. Why are only 700 of them net-zero? We have the technology to slash carbon emissions from commercial buildings, which account for 16% of all U.S. emissions. And retrofitting commercial buildings saves money and energy for building owners. So what gives? In this episode, Melissa talks to Dr. Paul Mathew, who studies buildings as a staff scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory. He explains the reasons for this “yawning adoption gap” and offers  potential solutions. They dig in on: Simplifying the retrofitting process through new solutions like  one-stop shops and energy-as-a-service providers Finding creative ways to pay for the upfront costs, like  green banks and energy service companies  The governments that are testing out new policies like building performance standards.  Also featured in this episode is EcoWorks, a Detroit non-profit that supports energy security, sustainability and retrofits in southeast Michigan. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

Dr. Cachat and Brian look at a letter (Smith et al, 2022) authored by former Kratom Science Podcast guests Dr. Kirsten Smith, Dr. Oliver Grundmann, Dr. Chris McCurdy, Dr. Darshan Singh, and other experts in the kratom field. The letter questions a systematic review (Broyan et al, 2022) of kratom case reports that offers buprenorphine … Journal Club #33: Kratom Scientists Pen Letter Questioning Case Report Review Read More » The post Journal Club #33: Kratom Scientists Pen Letter Questioning Case Report Review first appeared on Kratom Science.

It's officially summer in North America, and that means one thing – it's getting hot. Every year, heat waves are the deadliest extreme weather event, and they're only getting more severe. Often, the people who fall victim to heatwaves are those who are left without access to air conditioning. Dr. Diana Hernández has a name for this phenomenon: energy insecurity.  Energy insecurity – inequitable access of affordable energy for basic needs like heating and cooling – is a massive environmental justice problem. It affects one in three American households, and disproportionately impacts Black and Latino households. In a heatwave, energy insecurity can have life or death consequences. This week on the show, host Melissa Lott and Diana talk about how to tackle energy insecurity and building decarbonization at the same time.    The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey. 

Happy Pride, queerdos! We are joined for this special summer episode with actor and Dot-Marie Jones. You Might Know Her From Glee, American Horror Story, Golden Arm, Lizzie McGuire, Knights and Warriors, Patch Adams, The Boondock Saints, and Billy Eicher's upcoming rom-com Bros. Dot-Marie shared her journey from athlete (she competed in the Olympic trials twice!) to the American Gladiators-like series Knights and Warriors, to her Emmy-nominated turn as Coach Beiste in Glee. We got the goods on the favor that Hilary Duff called in for Material Girls, the unaired Ryan Murphy pilot Pretty/Handsome, being part of the very gay ensemble of Bros, and her deep love of Rock of Ages and Vegas. We are just swooning for Dot-Marie and cannot imagine a better way to celebrate pride. Have a gay one, m'dears! Lithuanian Flag Raising Parties (Cherry Grove lesbian parties) Pam Anderson was great as Roxie in Chicago on Broadway Anne catching up on “old” movies: The House Bunny and The Shape of Water Karen McCullah Lutz and Kirsten Smith wrote Legally Blonde & The House Bunny New Top Gun has a terrifying opening direct address from Tom Cruise (No Kelly McGillis) Is Jennifer Connelly good? She is hot to Anne Tom Skeritt and Ed Harris are both hot to Damian Who is the oldest person you would fuck? Dick Van Dyke! Judi Dench “Do you want to fuck me Barbara?” is an insane moment from Notes on a Scandal (which is terrible and wonderful) Judi Dench arm scene Dot-Marie Jones is in Billy Eichner's gay romcom Bros (opening in September) The only clip we could find of Pretty Handsome (RJ is fucking Niecy Nash) Coach Beiste on Glee (who transitioned on season 6) Lots of tragedy with the cast of Glee Dot was Lady Battleaxe on the American Gladiators spin off, Knights and Warriors Arm wrestling champion and cameo'd in Golden Arm a comedy about arm wrestling Was a shot-put champion and went to the Olympic Trials in 1988 and 1992 Dot-Marie Jones loves Vegas and Rock of Ages. She even played Dennis DuPree Off-Broadway Appeared on Lifetime's Celebrity Ghost Stories as well as The Haunting of with the medium Kim Russo who said that she sensed you had a gift and that you might be “a little psychic.” Played a wrestler named Black Widow on an episode of Roseanne Played Liz's lesbian friend Tess on a few eps of Nip/Tuck Worked with Hilary Duff on Lizzie McGuire (Coach Kelly) and Material Girls (Butch Brenda) Was on a S2 ep of RuPaul's Drag U called “Lesbians Gone Wild”  Anne cried watching Patti LuPone performing with Company on The Tonys (no clip from that performance so here's a montage from same production)

In this episode, we're touring a home with a buildings doctor. Ian Hamilton is a professor of energy, environment and health at University College London. Together, Melissa and Ian show us the parts of our homes we need to upgrade to zero out carbon emissions—and to keep us safe in a more dangerous, changing climate. They talk about insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and more.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.  Correction: Texas experienced major power outages due to a winter storm in Februrary 2021. In the episode, Melissa mistakenly says February 2020.

Have you ever passed a sign on the road advertising for something called "Kratom"? or, perhaps, a friend or family member has mentioned trying it. What is it? An herbal supplement, or pharmacological drug? As addiction scientists, epidemiologists, and clinicians, do we have anything to be concerned about? In this episode, Dr. Kirsten Smith catches us up on what is known about Kratom, including the pharmacology, effects, and prevalence of this emerging substance. Dr. Kirsten Smith is a Post-doctoral Fellow in the Real-world Assessment, Prediction, and Treatment Unit at the National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, and an incoming Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University.

This week on the show, we meet someone on a mission: to decarbonize America's buildings. Decarbonizing buildings is is actually a huge piece of decarbonizing our economy: carbon pollution from heating, cooling, and powering our buildings accounts for 30 percent of U.S. carbon emissions – that includes our homes, schools, hospitals and office buildings.  So is it possible to decarbonize all of our buildings – and make strides in health and economic development at the same time? Our guest this week, Keith Kinch, thinks so. He's the co-founder of BlocPower, a company that's electrifying buildings across the country. He walks us through a road map of what it's going to take to get our buildings to net zero.  Guest: Keith Kinch is General Manager and co-founder of BlocPower. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

Ninety-five. That's the number of times we've mentioned hydrogen on The Big Switch over the past 18 episodes. This week, we're taking a step back to ask what IS hydrogen? And how can it help decarbonize the economy? It turns out, there's a whole rainbow of hydrogen fuel – gray hydrogen, blue hydrogen, even pink hydrogen. But the kind of hydrogen that's most important for a net zero future is green hydrogen. It's made with carbon free-electricity, and it could go a long way toward  decarbonizing sticky parts of the economy, like industry and shipping. In this episode, we talked to a very musical scientist – Dr. Julio Friedmann, chief scientist and chief carbon wrangler at Carbon Direct, about the promises and challenges of hydrogen. Prepare for lots of singing. Guests: Dr. Julio Friedmann is chief scientist and chief carbon wrangler at Carbon Direct, and non-resident fellow at the Center for Global Energy Policy at Columbia University.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey. 

Kirstin Smith coaches women nationwide to achieve their health and fitness goals and work toward creating a life they love.As a busy entrepreneur, wife, and mom to four young kids, she understands the struggles that many women face when it comes to prioritizing their own needs.Kirstin's open and honest approach allows her to target the mindset traps that keep many women stuck in cyclical weight loss/gain patterns, yo-yo dieting, and food-related anxiety. Her experience as a gym owner, nutritionist, and mother has led her to develop a holistic coaching method that emphasizes long-term, sustainable change.Kirstin lives in Houston, Texas with her husband, Jeff,and their four children.Grab your copy of Kiristen's book here: https://amzn.to/3w9Lg8dConnect with Kirstin here: https://www.facebook.com/kirstin.smith.355/

Kirstin Smith believes good health and fitness isn't just about diet and exercise; it's about becoming 1% better each day. This approach has allowed her to help busy women and moms achieve their goals and regain the self-confidence they haven't felt for years. Nowadays, you'll find her leading homeschool lessons from the kitchen table, or taking the whole family of 6 on the road for RV adventures - all while coaching, serving clients, and encouraging them to become the best version of themselves.Kirstin Smith's mission in life is to help as many women as possible reach their full potential, increase their self-confidence, and live a life they truly love. Kirstin works virtually with busy, goal-oriented women who want to maximize their time, lose fat, gain muscle, and improve their mindset. Additionally, Kirstin invests in real estate with her husband, where they own 68 rental properties. Kirstin lives in Houston, Texas and is the mother to four young children, ages 2 to 9.Book:Confessions of an Unhappy Housewife: How I Changed My Bullsh*t Stories to Create a Life I LoveAmazon #1 Best Seller and #1 New Release (x4)The story of my decade-long journey of losing my identity as a stay-at-home mom to four young kids and how investing in my health and fitness helped me rediscover my drive, purpose, and ability to write my own story.Accomplishments:Master's degree from Indiana University Master's degree from Rice UniversityTwo-time Council of American Overseas Research Center ScholarPN1 Certified NutritionistCrossFit L1 Certified TrainereXp RealtorHomeschooling mother of four young kidsBusiness Holdings:Six Smiths Fitness and ConsultingCannon Fitness and Performance41 personal rental propertiesGeneral Partner in 27 rental property syndicationContact Info:Website - kirstinsmith.comEmail - kirstin@kirstinsmith.comCell - (314) 952-9503Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kirstin.smith.355/Facebook Group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/healthymomslivewellInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/thekirstinsmith/Please follow and tag me at:https://www.instagram.com/realangelabradford/You can subscribe to my YouTube Channel herehttps://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDU9L55higX03TQgq1IT_qQFeel free to leave a review on all major platforms to help get the word out and change more lives!

Steel goes into pretty much everything around us – from buildings and bridges to the furniture in our homes. And decarbonizing the steel industry is essential because we need steel to decarbonize the world. Think about it. Solar panels, electric vehicles, even our power grid; steel goes into everything we need to fight climate change. But there's a problem. Steel manufacturing uses a lot of fossil fuels. It's responsible for 8 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions. In this episode we break down the race to green, zero-carbon steel. It's a competition among four key technologies: recycling, carbon capture and storage (CCS), electrolysis, and — everyone's current favorite — hydrogen. Or, as we call it in this episode, the Usain Bolt of technology.  Guest Julia Attwood, head of advanced materials at Bloomberg New Energy Finance, profiles each of the competitors in this race and weighs in on which ones are best equipped to clean up the steel industry. We also take a look at how these competitors might actually work together.  Guests: Julia Attwood is head of advanced materials at Bloomberg New Energy Finance. Martin Pei is chief technology officer at the Swedish steel manufacturer SSAB. Usain Bolt was not a guest but makes many cameos on this episode.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey. 

St. James Parish, Louisiana sits in the middle of an 85-mile corridor along the Mississippi river that's home to more than 150 petrochemical plants. This concentration of petrochemical facilities has taken a toll on the health of nearby communities – a toll that falls disproportionately on Black communities. Cancer risk in some parts of this corridor is more than 50 times the national average, giving it the moniker ‘cancer alley.' In 2018, a new petrochemical plant was announced – one that would double pollution in St. James Parish and emit tons of carcinogens like benzene and formaldehyde. For Sharon Lavigne, a retired special education teacher turned environmental justice organizer, it was time to fight back.   Last week, we talked about decarbonizing the petrochemicals industry. This week, we're talking about the public health and environmental justice costs of petrochemicals. What does an environmentally just future look like? And how can we get there? Guests: Sharon Lavigne is an environmental justice advocate and the founder of Rise St. James. Dr. Robert Bullard is a distinguished professor of urban planning and environmental policy and director of the Bullard Center for Environmental and Climate Justice at Texas Southern University. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey. 

Petrochemicals. You might not have heard of them, but you certainly use them every day. These chemicals, made from oil, are in almost everything – plastics, medicines, clothes, toothpaste, even the insulation in your home.  So how can we decarbonize an industry that makes such a pervasive product?  This week, we spoke with climate solutions expert Deborah Gordon about how we can cut carbon emissions from the petrochemicals industry. And producer Alexandria Herr and Melissa Lott go on a mission to become zero-waste influencers – and find the petrochemicals hidden in their everyday lives. Guest: Deborah Gordon is a senior principal in the Climate Intelligence Program at the Rocky Mountain Institute. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

This week: A love story about concrete. Melissa and Rebecca Dell, an industrial decarbonization expert, break down our relationship with concrete, and why it's so dysfunctional. The problem? Making concrete – especially its key ingredient, cement – is toxic to the climate. Only two countries in the world – the US and China – produce more greenhouse gas emissions than the concrete industry as a whole.   So what do we do about this toxic relationship? Do we cut ties? Do we try to mend it? Rebecca explains concrete – and how it's different from cement – with an amazing Rice Krispy analogy. Producer Daniel Woldorff heads to a concrete plant to see some low-carbon technology in action. And Rebecca walks us through our options for reducing carbon emissions in concrete.  Guest: Rebecca Dell directs the industry program at the ClimateWorks Foundation. She works on ways to remove carbon pollution from industries like concrete, steel and chemicals. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. Story editing by Anne Bailey. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey.

What does a toaster oven have to do with carbon emissions? This week, Melissa and producer Alexandria Herr dissect one to find out. Turns out carbon emissions are embedded in everything around us – from the clothes we wear to our kitchen appliances.  Melissa also talks to energy expert Chris Bataille about what it will take to decarbonize the heavy industries that produce these everyday objects.  Guest: Chris Bataille is an expert on climate and energy policy. He is an associate researcher at the Institute for Sustainable Development and International Relations in Paris (IDDRI) and a lead author on the Industry chapter of the upcoming Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Report.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor is Stephen Lacey. 

We have something different today: A crossover between The Big Switch and The Carbon Copy. If you like this episode, go over to The Carbon Copy and hit subscribe.  When Covid disrupted the economy and shifted energy use, it sharply brought down economy-wide carbon emissions. Many wondered: would the pandemic-related changes to our energy system help or hurt the path to a net-zero carbon economy? Two years later, we have clearer data: a new report from the Rhodium Group on how emissions from fossil fuels have shifted since the pandemic started. In some cases, they've roared back faster than expected. Today: what the latest emissions data tells us about what has shifted -- and what hasn't -- across America's carbon-dependent economy. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Jaime Kaiser and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey.

Kratom, an herbal extract from the leaves of a tree indigenous to Southeast Asia, is now used by millions to enhance mood, relieve pain and reduce the symptoms of opioid withdrawal. Dr. Kirsten Smith is a post-doc fellow at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH) who is playing a central role in researching this fascinating substance. Learn more about your ad-choices at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aviation is a notoriously difficult sector to decarbonize. So as Melissa plans a family trip, she wrestles with her options. Which flights emit the least carbon? How well do offsets work? Should we even be flying at all? Melissa and colleague Kirsten Smith task producer Daniel Woldorff with calling up airlines to look for answers.  Engineer Alejandra Uranga imagines airplanes in a net-zero future. Melissa and Alejandra cover electric planes, sustainable aviation fuel, hydrogen and more. Guests: Alejandra Uranga is an Assistant Professor of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering at USC. Kirsten Smith is a Research Associate at Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. Daniel Woldorff is a producer for The Big Switch. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Daniel Woldorff and Alexandria Herr. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey.

When one of the biggest ships in the world got stuck in the Suez Canal, it threw a giant wrench into international supply chains. It exacerbated shortages of everything from semiconductors to snuggies.  Journalist Maria Gallucci explains how this overlooked sector plays an essential part in supplying – and decarbonizing – the global economy.  Lawyer and economist Aiofe O'Leary covers our decarbonization tools, including new fuels, slow steaming and kites, plus the regulations to get us there. And don't forget the memes! Guests: Aiofe O'Leary is the CEO of Opportunity Green. Maria Gallucci is a clean energy reporter at Canary Media and contributes to Grist and IEEE Spectrum The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Alexandria Herr and Daniel Woldorff. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey. 

Heavy trucks emit an outsize share of greenhouse gasses and toxic pollutants. But we rely on them for nearly everything we buy. What will it take to decarbonize them? We hear from staff at the Community Center for Action & Environmental Justice. They're demanding clean air in “America's shopping cart,” a polluted region dominated by warehouses and trucking. And Dr. Ben Sharpe of the International Council on Clean Transportation covers the technologies and policies we need to reach zero-emission trucking. Guests: Dr. Ben Sharpe is a Senior Researcher at the International Council on Clean Transportation. Anna Gonzalez is the Interim Executive Director of the Center for Community Action and Environmental Justice (CCAEJ). Faraz Rizvi is CCAEJ's Special Projects Coordinator. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Daniel Woldorff and Alexandria Herr. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey. 

Electric autonomous vehicles shuttle us to high-tech mass transit hubs. Our fare system is contactless. We've already paid via a customized, equitable subscription model. All the trains and buses are on time. And we don't have to wait in traffic. This is a world in which we can hop in a car to get somewhere, but we don't have to. In this episode, the second in our five-part series on transportation, Dr. Giovanni Circella paints a picture of a net zero world in which public transportation improves our quality of life, while also reducing carbon emissions.  What will it take to get there? Dr. Circella and Dr. Melissa Lott talk about electrifying transit, coordinating autonomous vehicles for the public benefit, land use planning, fare pricing, and why so many in developing countries aspire to car ownership.  And we tell the story of TransMiCable, an electric cable car system in Bogotá, Columbia, and the researchers who are tracking the impact on the long commutes and air quality for residents of some of its poorest neighborhoods. Guests: Dr. Giovanni Circella directs the 3 Revolutions Future Mobility Program at UC-Davis and is a Senior Research Engineer at Georgia Tech. Dr. Olga Lucia Sarmiento is a Professor of the Department of Public Health at the School of Medicine at Universidad de los Andes. Brett Marsh is a journalist and photographer based in Oakland, CA.  The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Daniel Woldorff and Alexandria Herr. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey.

In the next five episodes, we'll take a deep dive into decarbonizing the entire transportation sector -- everything from bulldozers and planes to ships and trains. In this episode we start with cars. How do we switch the world's over 1 billion fossil-fuel-powered cars to zero-carbon alternatives, and fast?  Dr. Melissa Lott explores the most promising pathway -- electrification -- with Dr. Sonia Yeh of Chalmers University. What kind of infrastructure and technology do we need to scale up electric cars? And why aren't there more electric vehicles on the roads right now?  We'll also tell the story of Tim Treuer, who put his EV to the test on 7,600-mile road trip, risking jail time in the process.  Guests: Tim Treuer, a biologist, journalist and cross-country EV adventurer. Dr. Sonia Yeh is Professor in Transport and Energy Systems in the Department of Space, Earth and Environment at Chalmer University in Gothenburg, Sweden. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Daniel Woldorff and Alexandria Herr. Theme music and mixing by Sean Marquand. A special thanks to Natalie Volk, Kirsten Smith and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey.

In the first five episodes of this show, we talked about cleaning up our electricity system—the power grid. In upcoming episodes, we're going to explain how to make that Big Switch in every other sector of the economy—everything from cars and heavy trucking to industrial heat and buildings.   It's a lot to cover, and so we need a roadmap. In this episode, we're doing just that. Our host, Dr. Melissa Lott, talks to energy system modeler Amber Mahone about what those sectors are what we need to do to decarbonize them. What are the key strategies in each one of those sectors? What are the equity implications and tradeoffs for the strategies? But first, Kirsten teams up with the producers to hijack Melissa's road trip to an energy conference. We take a peek into the hidden energy embedded in our everyday lives. Guests: Kirsten Smith of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy and Amber Mahone of Energy and Environmental Economics. The Big Switch is produced by Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy in partnership with Post Script Media. This episode was produced by Daniel Woldorff and co-hosted by Kirsten Smith. A special thanks to Genna Morton, Artealia Gilliard, Natalie Volk and Kyu Lee. Our executive editor was Stephen Lacey.