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How are naval shipbuilding, commercial shipbuilding, and commercial shipping linked together to create a healthy and effective national seapower ecosystem?What did the 1990s “Last Supper” get wrong, and what can be done to correct the error?Our guest this week is Hunter Stires, founder and CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group, returning to Midrats to discuss this and more.We will be using as a starting point for our discussion the recent article that he co-wrote with Steve Brock at CIMSEC, Maritime Statecraft and its Future.SummaryIn this conversation with Sal and Mark, Hunter Stires discusses the interconnectedness of naval shipbuilding, commercial shipping, and the broader maritime strategy of the United States. He emphasizes the historical context of U.S. maritime power, the importance of bipartisan support for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry, and the role of allies like South Korea in enhancing U.S. capabilities. The discussion also touches on workforce challenges, the need for competition in the shipbuilding sector, and the strategic imperative of maintaining a robust maritime ecosystem.ShowlinksMaritime Statecraft and its Future, by Steve Brock and Hunter StiresThe Neptune Factor: Alfred Thayer Mahan and the Concept of Sea Power, by Nicholas A. LambertThe Influence of Sea Power Upon History, by Alfred Thayer MahanShipbuilding, Shareholders, and National Asynchronization, by CDR SalamanderShareholder Interests Are at Odds with Navy Needs, by Martin BollingerEpisode 736: Anduril and the Promise of Autonomous Systems - with Chris Brose, by CDR Salamander & Mark TempestTakeawaysThe U.S. maritime ecosystem is interconnected and requires a holistic approach.Bipartisan support is crucial for revitalizing the shipbuilding industry.Historical lessons from figures like Mahan are relevant today.South Korea's investment in U.S. shipbuilding symbolizes a strong partnership.Workforce challenges in shipbuilding can be addressed through better pay and training.Outsourcing shipbuilding undermines U.S. strategic interests.Competition in the shipbuilding sector leads to innovation and efficiency.The U.S. must leverage its allies for technological advancements in shipbuilding.A maritime revival is possible with the right political will and strategy.Investment in shipbuilding is essential for national security.Chapters00:00: Introduction to Maritime Strategy and Ecosystem02:05: The Interconnection of Naval and Commercial Shipbuilding07:06: Historical Context: Lessons from Mahan and the Past14:40: Bipartisan Support for Maritime Revival18:16: The Role of South Korea in U.S. Shipbuilding31:00: Challenges in U.S. Shipbuilding and Workforce41:50: Future Directions and Strategic PartnershipsHunter Stires served as the Maritime Strategist to the 78th Secretary of the Navy, completing his term in June 2025. He has been recognized for his work as one of the principal architects of the Maritime Statecraft strategy put into action by Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro to rebuild America's comprehensive maritime power, both commercial and naval. Mr. Stires serves as a Non-Resident Fellow with the Navy League's Center for Maritime Strategy and as the Project Director of the U.S. Naval Institute's Maritime Counterinsurgency Project. A graduate of Columbia University, Mr. Stires previously served in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy and in several positions on the Navy Staff, including in OPNAV N96 Surface Warfare Directorate, OPNAV N95 Expeditionary Warfare Directorate, and OPNAV N522 Navy Irregular Warfare Group. Since departing government, Mr. Stires founded and now serves as CEO of The Maritime Strategy Group.Mr. Stires has been recognized twice with the U.S. Naval Institute's General Prize, the premier writing award of the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard, judged in the blind by active duty Sea Service professionals each year since its inception in 1879. He was awarded 1st Prize for “The South China Sea Needs a ‘COIN' Toss,” published in Proceedings in May 2019; he was awarded 2nd Prize for “Win Without Fighting,” published in June 2020. His article in the Summer 2019 issue of the Naval War College Review, “‘They Were Playing Chicken:' The U.S. Asiatic Fleet's Gray-Zone Deterrence Campaign against Japan, 1937-40,” was selected for inclusion in the Newport Papers monograph Deterrence. Mr. Stires's published work has been cited in a wide range of outlets, including Voice of America, Radio Free Asia, War on the Rocks, The National Interest, 19FortyFive, the Liberty Times, Rappler, and the South China Morning Post —as well as the Chinese language edition of the Global Times.
Got a question about the show? Click here & Send us a text!Good on you for joining us for another episode of The Building Talks Podcast! This time, I had the chance to speak with Ben Rowe, Project Director at RIVERLEE, who's overseeing one of Melbourne's most ambitious urban transformations, the regeneration of the 'New Epping' precinct. It's a 50-hectare site that's evolved from a 10-year plan to a 20-year vision, and Ben's been at the centre of it for the last eight years.We get into the realities of managing a multi-decade, multi-asset development that includes housing, healthcare, commercial, and retail, all while adapting to planning delays, shifting markets, and rising construction costs. Ben shares his approach to keeping long-term momentum, how to build trust with councils and communities, and what it takes to navigate risk, pick the right builders, and bring patient capital into the fold. He also opens up about his advocacy work through Queers in Property, driving visibility and inclusion in the built environment.Takeaways✅ Keeping momentum on long-term, complex projects✅ Balancing risk, resilience and changing market conditions✅ Building stakeholder trust through clear communication✅ Why developers need adaptability and strong networks✅ The importance of inclusion in property and constructionChapters:06:38 – The Journey into Property Development09:21 – The Complexity of Large-Scale Developments12:03 – Creating a Vision for Urban Regeneration19:32 – Creating People-Friendly Spaces24:38 – Understanding Community Needs29:48 – Challenges in Construction Costs34:36 – Managing Diverse Asset Classes37:31 – User-Centric Design in Healthcare Projects41:58 – Current Status of New Epping Project49:09 – The Art of Development: Storytelling and Influence52:00 – Current Challenges in Melbourne's Property Development58:13 – Creating Inclusive Spaces: The Role of Queers in Property1:08:31 – Future Projects and Industry OutlookTune in for a real-world look at what it takes to deliver a future-ready precinct from the ground up.Hope you enjoy the podcast!#UrbanRegeneration #PropertyDevelopment #EppingProject #Riverlee #BuiltEnvironment #PrecinctPlanning #LongTermVision #ConstructionLeadership #InclusiveDesign #QueersInProperty #BuildingTalksPodcastThe Building Talks Podcast is brought to you by Building Environs Recruitment - providing recruitment solutions to the property, construction, and related industries, here in Melbourne and Southeast Queensland. For an overview of our service, visit:www.buildingenvirons.com.auProud to partner with Housing All Australians (HAA). Check out their website, and join the movement! www.housingallaustralians.org.au The views and information shared in this podcast are for general purposes only and do not constitute legal or professional advice. Neither the host nor guests are providing specific guidance. Please seek professional advice before taking any action based on the content of this podcast. Contact The Building Talks Podcast Follow us on Linkedin, Facebook, and Instagram Visit us on our website Email us at info@buildingenvirons.com.au
In this interview, Mike Chiles discusses:Being on the MAP: Making it Happen, Allowing it to Happen, & Preventing it from HappeningHis takeaways from The 5 Types of Leaders online video courseHow your actions reveal your valuesHis focus on becoming a better father and husbandTaking responsibility as a leader at work and at homeContinuous improvement of self and processesHis personal growth and leadership journeyMike Chiles lives in Blue Springs, MO on the eastern outskirts of Kansas City, and is a Project Director with JE Dunn Construction. He's been with JE Dunn nearly 20 years!Mike is a student of personal growth and leadership development and has a passion for sharing what he's learning with others. He's also a student of Lean Construction and leverages the principles of Lean to make his projects and his teams much more efficient.Mike is a husband and a father of four children. As he's intentionally grown and developed himself, being a better role model while growing and developing his children has become an even higher priority.Want to watch the video version?Check out the 36th episode of the "Real People Getting Real Results!" interview series featuring Mike Chiles interviewed by Mack Story by visiting the Blue-Collar Leadership YouTube channel at YouTube.com/@BlueCollarLeadership and be sure to take a look the previous interviews in this series. All can be found under the playlist titled "Real People Getting Real Results!"Be sure to subscribe while you're there, and tap the
Casey Sigmon joined Tim and me to wrestle with worship, justice, and what happens when we think liturgy is just the music on Sunday morning instead of the choreography of our entire lives. Casey pushed us to see worship as ascribing worth—not just to any god, but to the One revealed in Jesus who demands we care for the oppressed, which means our praise songs better match our actual practices or we're just modern-day targets for Amos's rage. We dug into how white evangelicalism has turned worship into an industry that eliminates friction—picking churches by aesthetic preference, using AI to smooth out prophetic edges, segregating by taste and theology—when the biblical tradition is all about agonistic encounter with holy otherness that disrupts and transforms us. Tim brought his years as a professional drummer in that space to ask hard questions about manipulation versus mystery, while Casey helped us think about lament, confession, and how we've lost communal accountability for systemic sin by making everything about personal purity. We also geeked out on how religion evolved from ritual and trance before language even existed, why kids should lead us in justice work, and whether God's power looks more like collaborative choreography than cosmic intervention. You can WATCH the conversation on YouTube Casey Thornburgh Sigmon is an Assistant Professor in Preaching and Worship and Project Director of the Pause/Play Center for Preachers at Saint Paul School of Theology in Leawood, Kan. She graduated from Vanderbilt University with a PhD in Homiletics and Liturgics. Her first book, Engaging the Gadfly: Moving from Reactionary to Reflective Preaching a Digital Age (Cascade), explores how the practice of preaching can affirm and subvert norms from social media and generative AI. Dr. Sigmon is an ordained minister in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). ONLINE CLASS - The God of Justice: Where Ancient Wisdom Meets Contemporary Longing This transformative online class brings together distinguished scholars from biblical studies, theology, history, and faith leadership to offer exactly what our moment demands: the rich, textured wisdom of multiple academic disciplines speaking into our contemporary quest for justice. Here you'll discover how ancient texts illuminate modern struggles, how theological reflection deepens social action, and how historical understanding opens new possibilities for faithful engagement with our world's brokenness and beauty. Join John Dominic Crossan, Peter Enns, Casey Sigmon, Aizaiah Yong, & Malcolm Foley As always, the class is donation-based, including 0. INFO & Sign-Up at www.FaithAndPolitics.net _____________________ This podcast is a Homebrewed Christianity production. Follow the Homebrewed Christianity, Theology Nerd Throwdown, & The Rise of Bonhoeffer podcasts for more theological goodness for your earbuds. Join over 70,000 other people by joining our Substack - Process This! Get instant access to over 50 classes at www.TheologyClass.com Follow the podcast, drop a review, send feedback/questions or become a member of the HBC Community. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
As part of our ongoing collaboration with Central Square Foundation, we are excited to bring to you the fourth episode of our five part series where we talk about the evolving landscape of AI in Education.The National Education Policy 2020 marks a bold shift in how we think about technology in learning. It envisions a future where students build not just digital literacy, but also computational thinking and AI fluency — and where teachers are empowered with the tools, training, and support to integrate AI into their curriculums meaningfully and responsibly. To understand how this is being implemented, we'll be joined by Gouri Gupta, Sr. Project Director of EdTech who leads CSF's work in EdTech and AI and Professor Balaraman Ravindran, Head, Wadhwani School of Data Science & AI (WSAI), IIT Madras who is one of India's top AI researchers and has helped shape India's AI policy framework and currently advises the Reserve Bank of India on the uses of AI in finance. Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarLinks to the previous episodes of our series with CSF:Episode 1Episode 2Episode 3
This podcast explores delivering social value within the living sector, including through regeneration and impactful development. Speakers: • Jasmine Ceccarelli-Drewry, Director, Place Advisory & Social Impact, Avison Young • Katherine Hosea, Project Director, London Legacy Development Corporation • Carolyn Milligan, Partner, HSF Kramer • Gabrielle Coppack, Knowledge Lawyer, HSF Kramer
Why is Harris County's bail system always brought up by state leaders? Host Raheel Ramzanali is talking to John Wayne Ferguson, reporter at the Houston Chronicle, about what stands out with our bail system and how a forgotten part of it is now being amplified because of an FBI raid and trial. Stories we talked about on today's show: Inside a Houston bail company's alleged fraud scheme that helped get murder suspects out of jail AABLE Bail Bonds case started as a gang investigation, HPD investigator testifies The first AABLE Bail Bonds trial is over in Houston. Here are 3 things it revealed. If you enjoyed today's interview with the Midtown Management District's Project Director, Cynthia Alvarado, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 14th episode: AIA Houston Downtown Houston+ Contemporary Arts Museum Houston Houston Cinema Arts Society Visit Pearland CAF Wings Over Houston - Use code CCWOH25 Looking for more Houston news? Then sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Houston Follow us on Instagram @CityCastHouston Don't have social media? Then leave us a voicemail or text us at +1 713-489-6972 with your thoughts! Have feedback or a show idea? Let us know! Interested in advertising with City Cast? Let's Talk! Photo: Katrin Bolovtsova/Pexels
Here’s a number that might surprise you: Nine out of ten megaprojects still miss their targets, despite all the new digital tools and technologies we have today. And the problem isn’t always technical, it’s human. On Mind Your Business, the Breakfast Show invites Muriel Demarcus, CEO of Marsham Edge to share what’s broken in the world of big projects, how Singapore’s innovation ecosystem helped her rebuild her career, and what it takes to succeed when the odds, and the industry, are stacked against you.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Today we feature community-based climate solutions with Jess Stahl, the Project Director of the Grist 50, and Deneine Christa Powell of the Urban Sustainability Directors Network. The post Sustainability is the Quiet Infrastructure of Life appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.
Will parliamentary elections in Syria lead to a democratic transition? The country has held its first indirect vote since the overthrow of the al-Assad regime. The new parliament is due to pass a new constitution. But with Syria still facing challenges and some minorities excluded, will this poll serve any purpose? In this episode: Celine Kasem, Human Rights Activist. Omer Ozkizilcik, Non-Resident Fellow, Atlantic Council. Heiko Wimmen, Project Director for Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon, International Crisis Group. Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook
This episode discusses the benefits of drone as first responder (DFR) programs for police departments and public safety offices. Guest Biographies Officer J. “Matt” Rowland is a 20-year veteran of the Fort Wayne Police Department (FWPD) located in Fort Wayne, IN. He was a founding member of the FWPD Air Support Unit (ASU) in 2017. He spent 15 years in the Operations division and served 6 years during that time as a hostage negotiator. He is a certified instructor both in the classroom and emergency vehicle driving. Todd Withers is a 34-year veteran of law enforcement with the last 28 years at the Beverly Hills Police Department. He is currently a Lieutenant in charge of the Real Time Watch Center and UAS/ Drone program. He holds a Master of Science Degree from California State University, Long Beach in Emergency Services Administration and is a certified FAA Part 107 UAS Pilot. Don Redmond is a retired Chula Vista Police Captain with over 25 years in law enforcement and now serves as Vice President of Drone as First Responder (DFR) at BRINC Drones. He works with public safety agencies to advance drone technology, improve response times, and save lives. During his career, he was instrumental in developing Chula Vista PD's pioneering Drone as First Responder program, which has become a national model. Dr. Tom Christoff is a Senior Research Scientist with CNA where he is responsible for leading projects involving local assessments, research, and developing technical assistance for agencies nationwide. Dr. Christoff recently served as a Project Director on a COPS Office project where he oversaw the development of a technology implementation guide and six case studies highlighting agencies using technology in innovative ways.
As part of our ongoing collaboration with Central Square Foundation, we are excited to bring to you the second episode of our five part series where we talk about the transformative journey of the NIPUN Bharat Mission.It has been four years since the launch of the Mission and for the first time in two decades we are seeing learning improvements among children. In this episode, we explore how the program has made significant strides in improving literacy and numeracy levels of students in Grades 1-3 across the country. And to get a deeper insight into the progress behind this Mission, we're joined by Parthajeet Das, Project Director for FLN, at CSF and Sambhrant Srivastava, Associate Director for FLN, who have been closely working with state departments of education of Haryana, Madhya Pradesh,Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Assam, Punjab and Odisha, among other states.Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh PawarLink to the first episode of our series with CSF:Episode 2
Vinod Karate is Project Director for State Reform at the Central Square Foundation where he helps drive India's landmark NIPUN Bharat Mission to ensure every child can read, write, and count by age ten. From an early career in investment banking to shaping one of the world's largest foundational learning reforms, Vinod's journey bridges sharp strategy with deep community engagement. In this episode, Vinod shares how India is rethinking the very foundations of schooling and how CSF partners with states to design and scale reforms that align with India's NIPUN Bharat goals. He unpacks CSF's three-phase approach to state reform: strengthening teacher capacity, redesigning governance around learning outcomes, and building political and administrative coalitions, which helps make large-scale change possible. Drawing on his experience in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana, Vinod illustrates how reform really takes root on the ground. He explains how structured pedagogy, sustained teacher mentoring, and real-time data and assessment can translate policy into daily classroom practice, and how seizing windows of political alignment, unlocking budgets, and shifting decision-making from state capitals to districts ensures that change is owned and sustained at the local level. Grounded in evidence, this episode offers a clear, actionable roadmap for strengthening foundational learning and creating education systems that sustain reform and deliver lasting results for every child.
This edWeb podcast is presented by CoSN and AASA and sponsored by ClassLink.The edLeader Panel recording can be accessed here.CoSN's 2025 Driving K-12 Innovation report is the collaborative result of an international advisory board of over 130 education and technology experts. Together, they produced the report that identifies the most important Hurdles (challenges), Accelerators (mega-trends), and Tech Enablers (tools) that currently impact K-12 technology innovation.In this two-part edWeb podcast series, three leading superintendents who served on the Driving K-12 Innovation Advisory Board share the process behind the development of the 2025 report and how they each address the Hurdles, Accelerators, and Tech Enablers within their own school systems.In part one of the series, the superintendent panel is joined by the Project Director for CoSN's Driving K-12 Innovation initiative and EdTech Innovation Committee. Together, they take a deep dive into the current Hurdles and Accelerators identified in the report. Part two focuses on Technology Enablers.This edWeb podcast is of high value to K-12 educators in both leadership and classroom roles. The broader school community also benefits as the panel explores the trends, challenges, and technologies defining the future of learning.CoSNVisionary leaders empowering every learner to achieve their unique potential in a changing world. AASA, The Superintendents AssociationAASA advocates for equity for all students and develops and supports school system leaders.ClassLinkClassLink's mission is to remove barriers between students and impactful education content.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Learn more about viewing live edWeb presentations and on-demand recordings, earning CE certificates, and using accessibility features.
Bill Horan and Matt Leonard talk with Kristen Stucchio-Suarez, Project Director at RRDA, the official tourism and promotions agency for Nassau County, about all of the big events coming to Nassau County this fall, including a watch party for the Ryder Cup, events at UBS Arena, and more.
Guest Name: Anatol Lieven • Affiliation: Eurasia Project Director of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft • Summary: The conversation critically examines a proposal for a Eurocentric security force in Ukraine, highlighting its practical unfeasibility given European military limitations and domestic fiscal challenges, particularly in France. It suggests the proposal might be political grandstanding or a strategy to "trap" the US. Ukraine's strategy aims to wear Russia down to concede on demands, recognizing they cannot achieve a full military victory. 1914 BRUSSELS
Guest Name: Anatol Lieven • Affiliation: Eurasia Project Director of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft • Summary: The conversation critically examines a proposal for a Eurocentric security force in Ukraine, highlighting its practical unfeasibility given European military limitations and domestic fiscal challenges, particularly in France. It suggests the proposal might be political grandstanding or a strategy to "trap" the US. Ukraine's strategy aims to wear Russia down to concede on demands, recognizing they cannot achieve a full military victory. continued 1914 BRUSSELS
In the 5th anniversary year of the National Education Policy 2020, the NIPUN Bharat Mission, which was launched a year later- with its emphasis on foundational learning for all children in Grades 1-3 was adopted by many states in the form of their own programmes. Uttar Pradesh was one of the early adopters of an FLN programme across more than 1.1 lakh FLN-grade schools. UP is currently achieving 68% proficiency in Language and 64% proficiency in Math as part of its FLN programme.Starting with today's episode, on the occasion of Teachers' Day, The Indian Express in association with Central Square Foundation brings to you a five part series, where we will discuss the importance of Foundational Literacy with experts of the field.And to learn how UP reached where it is today, we are joined by Vinod Karate, Sr. Project Director, FLN Reforms, CSF and Vaibhav Limaye, who has been embedded with the Samagra Shiksha department in Lucknow, to understand how the change is taking shape.Hosted and produced by Niharika NandaEdited and mixed by Suresh Pawar
Agile government is a blueprint for reform. By shifting focus to end-users, empowering small teams, and embracing rapid iteration, agencies can better meet public needs in a fast-changing world. That's the foundation of the National Academy of Public Administration's new Agile Learning Program. Here with insight into how the course equips leaders with practical tools for navigating complexity and driving change are Dr. Joe Mitchell and Amanda Mullan. Dr. Mitchell serves as the Cooley-Fanning Director of Strategic Initiatives & International Programs at the National Academy of Public Administration (NAPA). Ms. Mullan serves as the Academy's Project Director for Strategic Initiatives.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode of Interlinks I'm joined by Howard Knott, Project Director at the Irish Exporters Association and columnist at Fleet Transport magazine—one of Ireland's most experienced commentators on freight, logistics, and trade. We unpack how recent shocks and policy shifts are reshaping Ireland–UK–EU connectivity and what that really means for shippers, carriers, and supply-chain leaders.In this episode we talk about the following:LHolyhead port's full reopening: timetable changes, capacity effects, and competitive responses (e.g., direct Ireland–EU services and CLdN's Liverpool frequencies)Landbridge vs. direct-to-continent: post-Brexit frictions, emerging UK–EU facilitation, and decision criteria for exportersStructural shift from Ro-Ro (driver-accompanied) to Lo-Lo (containerised): reliability, tracking tech, cost-to-serve, and reduced driver dependenceHGV driver shortages and how unaccompanied/container flows plus cross-border partnerships are bridging capability gapsRail freight in Ireland: new rolling stock, Waterford's intermodal traction, Limerick–Foynes reopening, current bottlenecks (drivers, terminals, Dublin rail access), and what it would take to lift modal sharePort strategy and resilience: Fishguard redevelopment, Rosslare/Waterford/Cork/Foynes roles, shore-power and alternative fuels readinessPractical new routings: Brittany Ferries + Cherbourg–Spain rail link as a viable Spain solution during peak ferry constraintsThis episode translates big shifts—Brexit recalibration, infrastructure disruptions, sustainability targets—into concrete choices: diversify routings and modes, lean into Lo-Lo with modern visibility, build continental partnerships, prepare for rail where feasible, and press for policy that prices carbon and supports rail economics. In short, it's a playbook for turning volatility into optionality—so Irish and international manufacturers can protect service levels, lower end-to-end cost and risk, and hit ESG goals without sacrificing competitiveness.Patrick Daly★ The Macro-to-Micro Strategist™╽ Turning Global Turbulence into Operational Clarity ╽ Helping Business Leaders Build Resilient, Profitable Supply Chains ╽ Multilingual Trusted Advisor ╽ Call/WhatsApp ☎️ +353868116030 ╽ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Coz challenges churches to think deeply about mission contextualisation: who's missing from our churches, how boundaries shape our communities, and why demographic averages often hide local realities.Coz helps us think through what it looks like to walk, shop, and live locally—so that we can truly know and reach the people God has placed around us.Coz Crosscombe is the Project Director of the Well Training CentreYouTube VersionCREDITS:The Reach Australia Podcast is brought to you by Reach AustraliaTo pray for Reach Australia, join our WhatsApp GroupFor ideas or questions please email resources@reachaustralia.com.auSupport Reach Australia's online library
Battery costs have shaped the pace and scale of the energy transition. For years, falling cell prices underpinned bullish business cases, opened up new flexibility markets, and helped grid-scale storage move from niche to mainstream.But what happens when those cost declines level off?In this episode of Transmission, Aaron Wade returns to unpack the state of battery pricing in 2025. With lithium prices stabilising and cell costs holding firm in the $40–50/kWh range, the era of dramatic year-on-year price drops appears to be over. That shift is changing how developers plan, how integrators position themselves, and what buyers prioritise when building or procuring storage.We dig into the structural factors behind the price plateau, explore the commercial and technical implications, and ask: if price is no longer the main lever - what is?In this episode we explore⚡ Why have cell prices stabilised around $40–50/kWh and what's keeping them there?⚡ Are the big cost drops over for battery manufacturing?⚡ What matters more than price now when designing storage systems?⚡ How integrators are adapting to a more stable, competitive market⚡ Are buyers over-specifying solutions and adding avoidable cost?About our guestAaron is a leading figure in the battery industry, currently serving as the Business Development Lead at Gaussion, a UK-based startup focused on enhancing battery performance through magneto-enhancement technology. He also holds the position of Project Director at the Volta Foundation, where he co-authors the annual Battery Report and organizes European networking events to foster collaboration within the battery community. You can find Aaron on LinkedIn About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #CapexTrends #PowerMarkets
Battery costs have shaped the pace and scale of the energy transition. For years, falling cell prices underpinned bullish business cases, opened up new flexibility markets, and helped grid-scale storage move from niche to mainstream.But what happens when those cost declines level off?In this episode of Transmission, Aaron Wade returns to unpack the state of battery pricing in 2025. With lithium prices stabilising and cell costs holding firm in the $40–50/kWh range, the era of dramatic year-on-year price drops appears to be over. That shift is changing how developers plan, how integrators position themselves, and what buyers prioritise when building or procuring storage.We dig into the structural factors behind the price plateau, explore the commercial and technical implications, and ask: if price is no longer the main lever - what is?In this episode we explore⚡ Why have cell prices stabilised around $40–50/kWh and what's keeping them there?⚡ Are the big cost drops over for battery manufacturing?⚡ What matters more than price now when designing storage systems?⚡ How integrators are adapting to a more stable, competitive market⚡ Are buyers over-specifying solutions and adding avoidable cost?About our guestAaron is a leading figure in the battery industry, currently serving as the Business Development Lead at Gaussion, a UK-based startup focused on enhancing battery performance through magneto-enhancement technology. He also holds the position of Project Director at the Volta Foundation, where he co-authors the annual Battery Report and organizes European networking events to foster collaboration within the battery community. You can find Aaron on LinkedIn About Modo EnergyModo Energy helps the owners, operators, builders, and financiers of battery energy storage solutions understand the market - and make the most out of their assets.All of our podcasts are available to watch or listen to on the Modo Energy site. To keep up with all of our latest updates, research, analysis, videos, podcasts, data visualizations, live events, and more, follow us on LinkedIn or Twitter. Check out The Energy Academy, our bite-sized video series breaking down how power markets work. Sign up to the Modo Energy Weekly Dispatch for expert insights on energy storage, market shifts, and policy updates - delivered straight to your inbox every week. #BatteryStorage #CleanEnergy #EnergyTransition #CapexTrends #PowerMarkets
Something Rather Than Nothing Podcast Episode 300!!! We talk ABOLITION.Calvin John Smiley, Ph.D. is an associate professor of sociology at Hunter College-CUNY. His research and scholarship broadly focus on issues related to justice, inequality, and race. Smiley is the co-editor of Prisoner Reentry in the 21st Century: Critical Perspectives of Coming Home (Routledge, 2020). He is the author of the award-winning Purgatory Citizenship: Reentry, Race, and Abolition (University of California Press, 2023), which explores how system-impacted individuals navigate and negotiate the reentry experience with diminished legal rights and amplified social stigmas. Further, he is the author of Defund: Conversations Towards Abolition (Haymarket Books, 2024), which considers how #defund can bridge the divide between reform and abolition, becoming a catalyst to help organizers realize abolitionist visions. Finally, Smiley has published in an array of peer-reviewed journals and public outlets.Beyond his academic work, Smiley is committed to public sociology and praxis. He has been a regular contributor to several news and talk show outlets. Additionally, he is the founder and director of Till Everything Better LLC, which works with system-impacted youth through restorative justice practices within New York City youth detention facilities. Finally, Smiley is the Project Director for the CUNY New Paths and Administration of Children's Services (ACS) program to offer system-impacted youth college-credit courses.
Dr. Maureen (Mo) Donnelly is a Professor of Biology and Associate Dean for Graduate Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences at Florida International University (FIU). She is also a Research Associate in the Department of Herpetology at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City. Mo studies amphibians like frogs and toads. These organisms are all currently at risk for extinction, and her lab is dedicated to trying to understand how to prevent losses of species in the future. Mardi Gras is Mo's favorite holiday, and she likes to spend her free time preparing for riding in the each Mardi Gras parade. She was able to ride on a float in the parade in New Orleans, and it was an incredible experience. Mo received her PhD in Biology from the University of Miami and completed postdoctoral research at the American Museum of Natural History and at the University of Miami. She worked as an Adjunct Assistant Professor and Project Director at the University of Miami before joining the faculty at Florida International University. Mo is with us today to tell us all about her journey through life and science.
Welcome to the last episode of our 3 part 'Detroit Cares About Caregivers' Series! What resources actually exist for caregivers, and how do you access them when you need support? This question haunts many people thrust into caregiving roles, often leaving them feeling isolated and overwhelmed. In this episode, we bring together powerhouse resources ready to lighten your load—without emptying your wallet.The biggest revelation? Many people providing significant care don't identify as caregivers at all. "If you're providing services for a loved one, a neighbor, anyone that depends on you for assistance, advice, or expertise—you are a caregiver," explains Dr. McNeill, DNP, Project Director of Wayne State University's A.G.R.E.E.D-GWEP program. This critical identity shift opens the door to a wealth of support many never knew existed.We dive deep with experts from three major organizations: Wayne State University's Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program (a $5 million initiative), the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Chapter, and the Detroit Area Agency on Aging. Each shares concrete resources they offer completely free—from respite care options and support groups to innovative apps that help navigate the healthcare system and ensure accountability from providers.Whether you're new to caregiving or have been shouldering responsibilities for years, this episode connects you with organizations that have already done the hard work of figuring out what caregivers need. As we wrap up our Detroit tour, we leave listeners with practical entry points to engage with these resources—websites, phone numbers, upcoming events, and most importantly, the encouragement to reach out.Remember: Alzheimer's is heavy, but we don't have to be. Follow us for more conversations that bring light to the caregiving journey and subscribe to ensure you never miss an episode that might just change your caregiving experience.For more information about the AGREED program, please visit http://agreed.wayne.edu. Support the show"Alzheimer's is heavy but we ain't gotta be!"IG: https://www.instagram.com/parentingupFB: https://www.facebook.com/parentingupYT: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCDGFb1t2RC_m1yMnFJ2T4jwPatreon: https://patreon.com/jsmilesstudiosTEXT 'PODCAST" to +1 404 737 1449 - to give J topic ideas, feedback, say hi!Be sure to leave us a review!
Lindsay Dougherty, International Vice President and Division Director of the Motion Picture and Theatrical Trade Division of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and Principal Officer of Teamsters Local 399, joined the America's Work Force Union Podcast. Dougherty discussed the impact of tax incentives on production locations, the industry's contraction due to streaming and efforts to standardize contracts across the country. Merrilee Logue, Executive Director of the National Labor Office (NLO) at Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA), and Dr. Ruthie Fesahazion-Fortune, Project Director for Clinical Affairs at BCBSA, discuss the mental health crisis facing American workers. In this episode of the America's Work Force Union Podcast, they explore common mental health challenges, workplace impacts and BCBSA's strategies to address these issues.
What You'll Learn:In this episode, hosts Patrick Adams, Shayne Daughenbaugh, and guest Jason Schroeder discuss the importance of core values in leadership, particularly in the construction industry. Schroeder shares his journey from a command-and-control leadership style to a more collaborative approach, highlighting the significance of a clean, organized, and safe work environment.About the Guest:Jason Schroeder is a former Field Operations and Project Director. He has worked as a construction leader for 26 years, working in positions that ranged from field engineer to project superintendent, general superintendent, and field operations director. He is the Owner and Lead Trainer at Elevate Construction, a company focused on elevating construction throughout the world by providing insights, solutions, and training. His mission is to create respect in the field through trained leaders, which ultimately preserves and protects families in construction. He is the creator of the Field Engineer and Superintendent Boot Camps, which are immersive courses that train field leadership. Jason Schroeder hosts the Elevate Construction Podcast, a blog through Home - Elevate Constructionist, and trains, consults, and coaches throughout the world.Links:Click Here For Jason Schroeder's LinkedInClick Here For Jason Schroeder's YouTube Click Here For Jason Schroder's Podcast
Talib Hudon the Project Director for the think tank The New Hood joins us in this episode. Talib has a long standing background in working with grassroots organizations as well as some institutional players on the issue of reducing violence in our communities. Talib created a think tank that places the needs and desires of our communities at the center. Advocacy training and other programs help prepare community members to speak for themselves and develop policies for their own communities rather than be subjected to policies developed by others not connected to their lived experiences.
Kat Owens, Project Director at LEAF Women's legal education and action fund, joins Greg to talk about the on going trial of five former members of Canada's world junior team accused of sexual assault Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
EPISODE SUMMARY: Understanding the history and challenges faced by Tribal Nations is essential for building trust and fostering meaningful partnerships within the Children's Advocacy Center (CAC) movement. In this episode, Deanna Chancellor shares insights from her experience, discussing the historical trauma Indigenous communities have faced, how it impacts engagement with service providers, and key considerations for CACs and multidisciplinary teams seeking to build trust and meaningful partnerships. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives and actionable steps for strengthening relationships with Tribal Nations. GUEST: Deanna Chancellor is a citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and serves as the Project Director for the Native Child Advocacy Resource Center. Prior to this she served as a Children's Advocacy Center Director for eighteen years in rural Southeastern Oklahoma. Deanna has extensive experience in the establishment and management of CAC and the coordination of the MDT. She provides training and technical assistance to Native Nations and Non-Tribal partners on issues related to the field of child maltreatment. RECOMMENDED RESOURCES: Connect with Deanna Chancellor, deanna.chancellor@mso.umt.edu Native Child Advocacy Resource Center: https://www.nativecac.org National Native Children's Trauma Center: https://www.facebook.com/NNCTC Northeast Regional Children's Advocacy Center: https://www.nrcac.org Regional Children's Advocacy Centers: https://www.regionalcacs.org Looking for training and technical assistance for your Chapter, Children's Advocacy Center, or multidisciplinary team? Northeast Regional CAC provides training and assistance services to help you implement an effective, sustainable, collaborative response to child abuse. Visit NRCAC.org/request to learn more and request assistance today! Have an idea for a future Team Talk guest or topic? We want to hear from you! Click here to share your suggestions. Disclaimer: This project was sponsored by NRCAC from Grant Award Number 15PJDP-22-GK-03061-JJVO awarded by the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, Department of Justice. The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Department of Justice, OJJDP or NRCAC.
DOT's projects and initiatives are deeply rooted in our communities. But to truly meet the needs of the people we serve, we've got to meet them where they are. This principle is at the core of public engagement and we're continually seeking innovative ways to connect with our communities. On this episode, Project Director for the I-81 Viaduct Project, Betsy Parmley, and Community Liaison and Public Information Officer TeNesha Murphy join us to talk about DOT's groundbreaking I-81 Connect, our first ever app linked to our largest ever project, as well as give an update on this transformative project.
In this episode of The Produce Moms Podcast, host Lori Taylor welcomes Matt Mulica, a Senior Project Director at the Keystone Policy Center, to discuss the critical role of honey bees in agriculture and the alarming decline in bee populations.
In this episode we delve into the rapidly evolving field of digital Holocaust historiography, exploring how digital tools and artificial intelligence are reshaping the way we research, remember, and engage with Holocaust memory. Join us for an insightful conversation with Dr. Tobias Ebbrecht-Hartmann, Associate Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, and Dr. Alina Bothe, Project Director and Principal Investigator of the initiative #LastSeen – Pictures of Nazi Deportations.We begin by examining the theoretical foundations of digital Holocaust historiography, discussing what it means to treat historical sources as interactive, curated digital objects, and exploring the ethical considerations that accompany this digital transformation. Then, we highlight groundbreaking projects such as VHH – Visual History of the Holocaust, #LastSeen, and Memorise, revealing how annotation, immersive testimonies, and spatial reconstruction bring new dimensions to historical memory.Our guests then reflect on the broader implications of these technologies, addressing the methodological, ethical, and historiographical challenges of interpreting sensitive historical materials in digital environments. Finally, we discuss the collaborative nature of interdisciplinary research, sharing personal insights and practical advice for scholars navigating this exciting and complex new terrain.
Welcome back to the Tahoe TAP, everyone! Your hosts, Mike Peron and Rob Galloway, bringing you another fresh episode of Things, Adventure and People all Tahoe related. On this episode we talk with Missy Mohler, Executive Director of Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships (SWEP) which promotes environmental stewardship by connecting students to their local community and environment Missy grew up on the North Shore of Lake Tahoe where her love and interest for the environment was fostered. After studying abroad extensively and at UC Berkeley, Missy returned to settle in the Tahoe/Truckee region. Shortly thereafter she began a school program in which she taught environmental education and science classes. In 2008 she was hired at Sierra Watershed Education Partnerships as Project Director and became SWEP's Executive Director in 2011. One of Missy's goals at SWEP has been to empower students to become stewards of the Tahoe Truckee region through experiences and connections to their local environment. Missy has a Bachelor's degree in Primatology with a focus in Conservation Education, from UC Berkeley as well as a Master's in Education.
Christchurch's new stadium is slowly taking shape. Construction of the $683 million Te Kaha stadium is on schedule and within budget – set to open in April next year. Mayor Phil Mauger admits he's uncertain about parking but emphasises there will be public transport and foot traffic access. Te Kaha Project Director Kent Summerfield told Mike Hosking the roof is well and truly on, and cladding is underway. He says it's becoming a landmark in the city as it can be seen from quite a distance away. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is Episode 1 of our sub-series "Environmental Issues along the Belt and Road"The series considers the complexities of Chinese actors' impacts on the environment, extractive activities, and role in driving sustainability solutions from the sands of the Mekong River to lithium mines in Argentina. China produces 80% of the world's solar panels, over 60% of all wind turbines, and more electric vehicles than the US and the EU combined. In this episode, we ask how China became so dominant in clean energy technology manufacturing, how its products are exported to other countries trying to transition their energy systems, and what impacts the clean energy tech sector is having in places where manufacturing occurs. We interview 3 experts in related topics: Anders Hove is Senior Research Fellow at the China Energy Research Programme at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies. Previously, he was Project Director for the Sino-German Energy Transition project at GIZ, and a non-resident fellow at the Center on Global Energy Policy at Columbia University. Anders co-hosts the Environment China podcast. Related reading here, here and here. Dr. Cecilia Springer is a Principal at Global Efficiency Intelligence and Co-director of the Industrial Electrification Center. She has over 10 years of experience conducting technical research on energy policy and industrial decarbonization, with a regional focus on U.S., China, and Southeast Asia. She is a non-resident at the Global China Initiative (formerly the assistant director) at the BU Global Development Policy Center where she led the Energy and Climate research group and was a post-doctoral fellow at the Harvard Kennedy School's Belfer Center. Related reading here, here and here. Dr. Nikita Sud is Professor of the Politics of Development at the University of Oxford and Governing Body Fellow of Wolfson College. She is author of the books "Liberalization, Hindu Nationalism and The State: A Biography of Gujarat" and "The Making of Land and the Making of India." Her work explores the transition to renewable energy, and the institutional, political and financial mechanisms that underlie this in regions that are geostrategically crucial, while being environmentally highly vulnerable. We discuss her research on Rempang Eco City, a planned Chinese investment of Solar PV manufacturing in Indonesia. Thanks for listening! Follow us on BlueSky @beltandroadpod.blsk.social
In this episode, Fred interviews Rev. Dr. Casey T. Sigmon, Project Director and architect of Pause/Play: https://www.pauseplaycenter.com Casey is the Assistant Professor of Preaching and Worship and Director of Contextual Education at Saint Paul School of Theology. She is ordained in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). She is a co-founder of TheoTechnics, a team consisting of a theologian, practical theologian, and audio video engineer helping congregations make decisions about implementing technological tools with theological discernment. Casey's first book, Engaging the Gadfly: How to Move from Reactionary to Reflective Hybrid, Online, and In-Person Preaching in the Digital Age comes out later this year!
What if the fat in your butter, cheese, or even burger could be made without animals, without plants, without fermentation, and without agriculture at all? That's exactly what Savor is doing. Using a groundbreaking process that transforms compounds like CO₂ and elements like hydrogen into rich, animal-free fats that can mimic what animal fat does, this California-based startup is rethinking how we produce and consume one of the most essential ingredients in food. In this episode, I sit down with Kathleen Alexander, cofounder and CEO of Savor, to dive into the science behind their innovative fat production, why alternative fats could be the next big breakthrough in food tech, and how their approach could help fight climate change while making all types of foods, including plant-based meats and dairy, taste even better. So far the company has raised more than $30 million in venture capital, including from Bill Gates, and is now gearing up to start selling its new fat in restaurants and bakeries within 2025. Will humanity be able to divorce food production from agriculture? If Savor succeeds, that just might be the case. Discussed in this episode Katheeen co-authored the paper Food Without Agriculture. Savor was incubated by Orca Sciences. Our past episode with Pivot Bio president Lisa Nunez Safarian. Kathleen and Paul both recommend Alchemy of Air and Not the End of the World. Kathleen recommends Long Life, Honey in the Heart. Smitsonian story on Savor's technology. More about Kathleen Alexander Kathleen Alexander has a strong background in materials science and engineering. She has worked in various roles, including as a CTO and CEO at Savor, a Project Director at Orca Sciences, and a Climate Solutions Consultant at KCA Research, Inc. Kathleen has a proven track record of designing and implementing innovative projects for climate solutions, with a focus on greenhouse gas reduction technologies. She has also conducted extensive research and modeling in the field of materials science, particularly in areas related to electrochemistry and battery performance. Kathleen's academic background includes a PhD in Materials Science & Engineering from Massachusetts Institute of Technology, further showcasing her expertise in the field.
Brian Olson, ICE and Low Carbon Fuels Product Strategy Director, Cummins Power Systems Felix Leworthy, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, ETFuels Holly Mayton, Lead for Research Partnerships and Science Policy, John Deere Tim Hughes, Project Director, Commercial Aviation Alternative Fuels Initiative (CAAFI) Moderator: Tad Hepner, VP, Strategy and Innovation, Renewable Fuels Association
In this first episode of Session Voices, our special miniseries exploring the 2025 Montana legislative session, Emily talks with Mary Collins, Project Director of the Montana Mother Project at the University of Montana's Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development. MT Legislative Session Livestream.Host: Emily Freeman, HMHB Storytelling CoordinatorMusic by Caroline KeysFor statewide resources to support Montana families in the 0-3 years of parenting, please visit LIFTS ( Linking Infants and Families to Supports) athttps://hmhb-lifts.org/
Marybeth Evans, Project Director for the WVIA O'Hara Project, speaking about award-winning author John O'Hara to mark the 120th anniversary of the writer's birth--January 31, 1905--in Pottsville, PA, and remembering WVIA Radio's yearlong examination of O'Hara's life and work in 1995. For more information check the article by Peter Tourette in the 2016 Summer edition of "Humanities" from the National Endowment for the Humanities: www.neh/gov/humanities
In this episode of KRA's The Hub, host Jonathan Overall sits down with Cory Vojack, Project Director for KRA's operations in Summit and Medina Counties, Ohio. Recording on-site in Northern Akron, they discuss Cory's extensive background in workforce development and his current role leading KRA's innovative workforce initiatives in the region. Cory shares insights about KRA's approach to developing customized training pathways, building strategic partnerships with local employers and educational institutions, and providing comprehensive support services to job seekers. The conversation highlights KRA's commitment to data-driven decision making, technology-forward solutions, and addressing the evolving needs of both employers and job seekers in key industries like healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and IT.
It's not just the MAGA crowd who are concerned with government waste and inefficiency. In a convincing Wall Street Journal op-ed, best-selling tech author Larry Downes questions the need for a thousand Social Security offices around the country. Downes argues that the federal government's resistance to digital transformation has resulted in staggeringly low user satisfaction rates - just 12% for federal government services. Despite more than 85% of federal workers being based outside Washington, there have been few serious attempts to modernize these services through e-government initiatives. While the incoming Trump administration's "Doge" team has talked about reforming government, Downes remains skeptical about implementation, citing political obstacles rather than technical challenges. He notes that while Estonia and Denmark offer successful e-government models, American reform efforts face unique hurdles, including congressional resistance to closing local offices and bureaucratic procurement processes that often outlast technology cycles. Downes suggests that modernization could significantly improve service delivery while reducing costs, though it would impact federal employment. He emphasizes that this isn't about privatization but rather bringing government services into the digital age - something that could potentially serve as a safeguard against authoritarian overreach by systematizing government processes in transparent, digital systems.Larry Downes is the author of five books on the impact of technology on business, society, and the law. His first book, “Unleashing the Killer App” (Harvard Business School Press), was an international bestseller, with over 200,000 copies in print. The Wall Street Journal named it one of the five most important books ever published on business and technology. His most recent book is “Pivot to the Future” (Public Affairs), co-authored with Omar Abbosh and Paul Nunes of Accenture. It has been nominated for the 2019 Thinkers50 Strategy Award. Downes writes the “Innovations” column for The Washington Post and is a regular contributor to Harvard Business Review. He was previously a columnist for Forbes, CNET and The Industry Standard. He has written for a variety of other publications, including The New York Times, USA Today, Inc., The Economist, Wired, MIT Sloan Management Review, Entrepreneur, Fast Company, Recode, The Hill, Congressional Quarterly, Slate, The European Business Review, The Boao Review, and The San Francisco Chronicle. Downes has held faculty appointments at The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and the University of California—Berkeley, where he was Associate Dean of the School of Information. From 2006-2010, he was a Fellow with the Stanford Law School Center for Internet and Society. From 2015-2019, he was Project Director at the Georgetown Center for Business and Public Policy at the McDonough School of Business. Downes testifies frequently before Congress on issues related to the regulation of technology, including those dealing with antitrust, privacy, communications policy, media law, and the role of the Federal Communications Commission and the Federal Trade Commission in the 21st century. He holds a B.A. from Northwestern University and a J.D. from the University of Chicago. From 1993-1994, he served as law clerk to the Hon. Richard A. Posner, Chief Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit. He lives in Berkeley, CA.Named as one of the "100 most connected men" by GQ magazine, Andrew Keen is amongst the world's best known broadcasters and commentators. In addition to presenting KEEN ON, he is the host of the long-running How To Fix Democracy show. He is also the author of four prescient books about digital technology: CULT OF THE AMATEUR, DIGITAL VERTIGO, THE INTERNET IS NOT THE ANSWER and HOW TO FIX THE FUTURE. Andrew lives in San Francisco, is married to Cassandra Knight, Google's VP of Litigation & Discovery, and has two grown children.Keen On is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keenon.substack.com/subscribe
Megan Edge is the Prison Project Director at the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska. At age 19, Megan got her first job in a newsroom, and she worked as a journalist for seven years covering local Anchorage issues, state politics, military affairs, the Iditarod, and most relevant to today's conversation, crime and courts. In 2017, she left the news business to work in Governor Bill Walker's administration as the Department of Corrections Public Information Officer. Her eyes were opened to many of the problems in Alaska's prison system, and this led her to create the Prison Project at the ACLU of Alaska.
Apprenticeships are the bridge between the clean energy industry's rapid growth and its critical need for a skilled, reliable workforce. With the Inflation Reduction Act setting ambitious compliance standards, innovative solutions like those pioneered by Adaptive Construction Solutions (ACS) are essential for driving project success and empowering the workforce. These programs are designed for more than just filling positions; they build meaningful, long-term careers for veterans, underserved communities, and the next generation of clean energy leaders.ACS has served many of the largest EPCs in the solar and battery storage industry through their innovative apprenticeship programs to aid in driving compliance and cultivating a more comprehensive focus on workforce development.Hear from the ACS team and three of their largest customers:Nicholas Morgan, President at Adaptive Construction SolutionsJohn Leapheart, Project Director at Adaptive Construction SolutionsEric Butticaz, Director of Apprenticeships at SOLV EnergyEric Grant, Director of Learning and Development at Blue Ridge PowerMichael Mulheron, Director- Strategic Sales & Operations at AerotekExpect to learn:Why ACS invested $10 million in their Apprenticeship Innovation Center, a hub for collaboration, training, and global knowledge-sharingStrategies for successful apprenticeship implementation, including recruitment, training, and evaluationHow apprenticeships create clear career pathways through structured on-the-job training and classroom instruction.Watch this and other insightful conversations recorded live at the PowerUp Live Podcast Stage at www.suncast.live!If you want to connect with today's guest, you'll find links to his contact info in the show notes on the blog at https://mysuncast.com/suncast-episodes/.Our Platinum Presenting Sponsor for SunCast is CPS America!SunCast is proudly supported by Trina Solar.You can learn more about all the sponsors who help make this show free for you at www.mysuncast.com/sponsors.Remember, you can always find resources, learn more about today's guest and explore recommendations, book links, and more than 730 other founder stories and startup advice at www.mysuncast.com.Subscribe to Valence, our weekly LinkedIn Newsletter, and learn the elements of compelling storytelling: https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/valence-content-that-connects-7145928995363049472/You can connect with me, Nico Johnson, on:Twitter - https://www.twitter.com/nicomeoLinkedIn
When Sh*t Happens in Your Breeding Program Host Laura Reeves is joined by Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, Project Director, IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs, International Partnership for Dogs, for part two of a challenging and informative conversation about when sh*t happens in your breeding program. “If you have a stud dog,” Llewellyn-Zaidi said, “and I'm gonna use stud dogs because that's what tends to be the bigger contributor to a genetic breeding plan. If you have a stud dog or you're using a stud dog or you've used a stud dog and there is a problem. Step number one is to not panic. Genuinely, that's the first kind of step, because you will know in yourself that you've made the best decisions in that moment with the information you had up until that point. “You now have maybe new information. So then the second step is investigate and you gave some great examples. Is this something that is heritable? Is this something that isn't in the breed, but maybe actually is in the breed? And if you start asking, you start realizing that you're not the only one that has been observing this challenge. “So just do a little bit of investigating, get a diagnosis for when there isn't a genetic test. Do a little asking around with friendly people to see if this is something that it is heritable or potentially heritable, and then if it's something that is kind of unique to your lines or if there's potentially a broader breed conversation. “I keep wanting to throw traits because very understandably we focus on poor health, but actually many, many breeders want to be focused on the characteristics that are valuable and important. “The more we're able to think about our individual breeding plans as part of a whole, the term collective action, I think the more successful we will be at meeting our goals and reducing the risks of inherited diseases. “Whether you're in a healthy breed that has no breed specific health conditions but being a dog means you're going to have a health condition. Or whether you're in a breed that has maybe a different path that they need to take to get back to where people feel there's a better balance between health and the traits that they want, collective action is key. “And that's the thing. It's like the collective action on your individual part is are you communicating with your puppy owners? Are you communicating with the bitch owners if you have the stud but don't keep the bitches. Who are your breeding friends that you've used your stud dog to. Are you keeping those accurate records? Are you including a friendly vet into your system that can kind of help you with identifying or investigating any of these health issues? “In summation, we're not gonna panic, we're gonna investigate, we're gonna maybe pause breeding and we're going to think about the steps that we need to take to have those collective action solutions, that's going to include you and your breeding plans and your breeding partners.”
On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it's Halloween, and as we have done in the past for Halloween and Christmas, we like to put out a bit of a compilation of favorite topics or interviews from years past that celebrate these specific holidays. And this one has a very special anniversary episode, actually TWO of them. First up: we return to one of our favorite segments as we decide, once-and-for-all, what the is the BEST! Could it be The Exorcist, or possibly Poltergeist? Could A Nightmare on Elm Street out-slash The Blair Witch Project? Is Paranormal Activity more ghastly (and ghostly) than The Ring? Do exploding stomachs out-scare the horrific haunting that takes place in The Conjuring? Find out the winner with our Scariest Movie Battle Royale! Then, it is time to prep for All Hallows' Eve as we take to our own respective graveyards and dig up obscure Halloween movies. Trick r Treat has taken off in recent years, and there are many little unspoken gems like this one to get us all hyped up for the best movie season of the year for horror fans! Take a listen, and rest assured to walk away with at least a few new Halloween gems to watch this season of the witch. Next, it is the 25th anniversary of The Blair Witch Project this year. If you find a list of the greatest horror films, you'll find this now classic on that list. $250 million made worldwide, popularizing an entire genre and inspiring countless filmmakers across the globe, and even earned a Guinness world record for top budget to box office ratio – Blair Witch has earned the title of classic. And for the film's 25th anniversary, we wanted to sit down and discuss the film and its legacy with one of the filmmakers directly responsible for it, Eduardo Sánchez. Finally, it is the 10th anniversary of our special podcast episode on Women In Horror. Justin Macumber and Aaron Peterson are joined by guests (at the time) Amanda and Eliyanna to discuss how women in films, specifically horror films, have evolved throughout the years. From the early days of the black and white classics, such as Psycho, to the ‘Final Girl' and revenge fantasy films of the 70's, all the way to modern times with Scream, Buffy, and others: The entire history of women in horror films is open for debate. This is a detailed, lively, and entertaining discussion you do NOT want to miss! Discussed on this episode (00:00 – 1:07:59) Scariest Movie Ever (1:08:00 – 1:52:25) Obscure Halloween / Horror Movies (1:52:26 – 2:39:49) Interview with The Blair Witch Project director Eduardo Sánchez (2:39:50 – 4:51:50) Women in Horror Listen to our other podcast, Inspired By A True Story, now available in your favorite podcast feed! Please support The Hollywood Outsider and gain immediate access to bonus content, including Patreon exclusive podcast content like our Bad Movie Night by visiting Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider Be sure to join our Facebook Group Join us on Discord Follow us on X @BuyPopcorn Subscribe on Apple Subscribe on Spotify Subscribe via RSS
How Breeds Have Managed Population-wide Health Crises Host Laura Reeves is joined again by Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, Project Director, IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs at the International Partnership for Dogs. The wide-ranging conversation covers how different breeds have managed population-wide health crises. Llewellyn-Zaidi discusses specific issues with Irish Setters in the UK and Pointers in the US, as well as Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and French Bulldogs in Finland. She also uses knowledge of the inbreeding in dairy cattle to address some of our questions about the potential of "inbreeding depression" in dogs. "Education is us making the best decisions we have with the information we have in that moment," Llewellyn-Zaidi said. "And then where those unintended consequences can go wrong. Bear with me, I'm going to pivot from dogs for just a minute and talk about the dairy cattle industry because I think that is a great warning to the dog breeding world about what we want to keep in mind when we're making our breeding decisions. (This gives insight into) how we might want to work collectively to solve some of these problems that we're all facing and also collectively how we might want to achieve the goals and the positive traits and positive characteristics we have in our breeding stock. "The dairy industry historically had a philosophy of not particularly using a wide number of stud bulls. Their goals when they're breeding dairy cows are not our goals when we're breeding dogs. They're wanting to produce animals that have a very specific trait characteristic, but also are not required for longevity. Generally speaking longevity is kind of a priority for dog breeding. So they had two challenges with that and that if you don't include longevity or if you are removing those cows at a certain age before their natural lifespan would end then you don't really know what may be coming into middle or older age. "There's a study in 2015, so 10 years ago, where they looked at where the genesis of modern American dairy cattle came from. They realized that all of the American dairy cattle at the moment descended from two bulls from the 1880s. Those were the bulls' lineages that have survived various breeding strategies over the years. "If you are a livestock nerd or if you're interested at all in dairy cattle, you probably have heard of Toy Story, who sired over half a million offspring and he's within living memory. What's interesting and, harkening back to our previous conversations again about genetic diversity, funnily enough, in dairy cattle, they started noticing that infertility issues were coming into dairy cows. "What they didn't think about or they didn't really maybe appreciate how inbred those female cows were as well. Because essentially Toy Story was breeding over and over and over and over and over again with his daughters and granddaughters and nieces. So the inbreeding was compounding and they were already inbred to begin with." Listen in to hear Llewellyn-Zaidi's conversation about how different breeds and clubs have solved health issues and genetic diversity questions in positive and constructive ways. And don't forget to tap in next week for part two.
Breeding Dogs Around Diseases that Don't Have a “Test” Host Laura Reeves is joined for part two of her impactful conversation with Aimée Llewellyn-Zaidi, Project Director, IPFD Harmonization of Genetic Testing for Dogs at International Partnership for Dogs. Today's conversation covers some of the biggest hot button diseases impacting all dogs – seizure disorders, cancer, bloat and other life-threatening issues. Llewellyn-Zaidi offers insight, information and details about new tests coming online and the ways we can minimize risk while working with small gene pools. “(S)ome cancers are just kind of part of dogs, just being a dog. Or sometimes they're part of being a type of a dog, like some types of dogs are more likely to be at risk than others, whether it's size -related or maybe they're a herding breed, and it's just at some point in ancient times, (when we) started dividing out into generalized proto-breeds, when we started having our wolfie looking ones and spitzy -looking ones, and we started having our molosser looking ones, and we started having our retrieving looking ones. Before they were such distinctive breeds, there would have already been selection causing inbreeding and increasing some genetic duplication to get those desirable traits. “And you may bring some things along with that. So some of these cancers are not specific, necessarily, to your breed and they're just specific to that type of dog. “With cancers there are two cancer tests that are available to all dog breeds or all dog types. There is something called a C -kit somatic mutation for mast cell tumors. All of this is on www.dogwellnet.com so you can check it out. And there's also the BRAF mutation, so invasive transitional cell carcinoma. That's for all dogs as well. And for my dear beloved Bernese people, there's histiocytic malignancy that's available as a genetic test as well. “So for some of these specific cancers and specific epilepsies, there are genetic tests available that you can use to help you maybe make some decisions or at least to eliminate what might else be going on, right? So you know if you're not quite sure what kind of a cancer it is, the genetic test might help give you some information on that. “All of this really comes down to how risky do you feel? We can rebuild any breed from scratch if we needed to. It would just take a lot of time and a lot of effort and a lot of consideration. So in some ways, being very radical, and I'm setting health and welfare aside for just a second, being very radical, it's kind of up to a breed to make a choice. Do you want to keep breeding to your breed standard until you reach a point of too much poor health and inbreeding depression and then you start again? “Or do you want to try to conserve and maintain kind of where you are now? Or do you want to try to improve or expand your genetic diversity from where you are now? “And all three of those kind of philosophies are acceptable, assuming you're keeping at least welfare in mind. And all three of those philosophies probably will fit all the different kinds of breeds in their unique situations. “Followed very closely by conserving that breed type or those breed qualities that are important to you, right? That's the point. That's the point and the pleasure and the art side, right? “So if you're keeping in the back of your mind those chess moves, whether it's ‘I'm gonna use this type for a couple of times because I really like that or I want to introduce that and then I'm gonna have a couple of litters where I go out and just kind of rebuild that diversity and then maybe go back to that type I happened to like,' that's how you kind of weave through the genetic variation that you have within your breed population. “You probably can't do that forever...