Podcast appearances and mentions of Tennessee Valley Authority

Jenn Donahue PhD is an entrepreneur, civil engineer, author, and retired US Navy Captain whose company JL Donahue Engineering works on large scale, high profile geotechnical projects for clients ranging from PG&E and Duke Energy to the Tennessee Valley Authority and Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART). Over her military career, Jenn has built a bridge across the Euphrates River in the midst of the Iraq war, commanded an 800-personnel Battalion in Afghanistan, and constructed combat outposts in the middle of deserts filled with insurgents. Jenn has designed the seismic plans for a bridge over the Panama Canal and built roads by drilling and blasting in Ketchikan. She's the author of The Warrior Framework and the founder of Dare to Rise.

As the summer heat sets in, many of us are feeling the pinch of rising energy costs. But did you know that making a few simple changes to your daily habits and home can make a big difference in your energy bill? This interview is all about energy efficiency and how it can benefit both our wallets and the planet. Our guest, Ashley England from the Tennessee Valley Authority, joins us to discuss the importance of energy conservation and how it's becoming a growing need worldwide. We dive into the world of energy-efficient appliances, HVAC systems, and simple habits that can make a significant impact on our energy consumption. From the benefits of closing windows during peak heat hours to the importance of regular HVAC tune-ups, our guest shares some valuable insights on how to make our homes more energy-efficient. We also discuss the role of technology and science in advancing energy efficiency and how it's up to us to make the most of it. If you're looking for ways to reduce your energy bill and live a more sustainable lifestyle, this interview is a must-listen. Join us as we explore the world of energy efficiency and discover the simple changes you can make to make a big difference. Listen to the full interview to learn more about the tips and tricks shared by our guest and how you can start saving energy and money today.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This weekend, homeowners are tackling various projects around the house, from cleaning gutters to sealing driveways. But have you ever stopped to think about how your home's energy efficiency can impact your wallet? In this hour, Gary dives into the world of energy conservation, discussing the importance of insulation, HVAC maintenance, and smart home practices. The conversation centers around the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA) efforts to promote energy efficiency and reduce costs for homeowners. Ashley England, a senior manager of demand management at the TVA, shares insights on the organization's initiatives and provides tips on how to make your home more energy efficient. From upgrading your HVAC system to being mindful of your energy usage, Ashley offers practical advice on how to save money and reduce your carbon footprint. This hour also touches on the impact of data centers and the growing demand for electricity. The speaker shares a personal anecdote about reducing energy consumption in their own home, highlighting the importance of small changes that can add up to big savings. Additionally, the conversation covers the benefits of DIY home energy assessments and the importance of regular HVAC tune-ups. If you're looking to make your home more energy-efficient and save money on your utility bills, this hour is a must listen. Tune in to hear Ashley's expert advice and learn how to take control of your energy usage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7investing founder Simon Erickson explains why his firm just re-added NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR) to its scorecard — a stock they originally recommended in 2022, sold in December 2023, and are now buying back at $12/share. The thesis centers on a seismic shift in energy demand: AI data centers are now consuming power at gigawatt scale, and the list of viable baseload solutions is extremely short. With natural gas, solid oxide fuel cells from Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE), and small modular reactors as essentially the only technologies capable of delivering 5+ gigawatts of emissions-free on-demand power, NuScale's position as the sole NRC-certified SMR design in the United States has become dramatically more valuable than it was when Simon first recommended it.The key new catalyst is a $400 million Department of Energy grant awarded to the Tennessee Valley Authority, which then partnered with the Intra-1 utility to target up to 6 gigawatts of nuclear power deployment — with NuScale as the strategic technology partner. Simon walks through why this partnership alone could represent a $50 billion+ capital project and potentially a 20-bagger from current prices, while also detailing the very real risks: cost overruns (the original Utah project collapsed when SMR power costs jumped from $58 to $89 per megawatt hour), regulatory uncertainty, long timelines of 5–10 years to operational status, and the financial pressure on a company generating only $31 million in annual revenue.Simon also reviews the prior energy companies on 7investing's watch list — including Schneider Electric (EPA:SU) for power systems infrastructure and Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE), which has surged 125%+ since being highlighted in March 2026 — and explains why SMRs specifically fit a demand need that solar, wind, and even fuel cells can't fully address at scale.Stocks Mentioned:NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR)Bloom Energy (NYSE:BE)Schneider Electric (EPA:SU)Oracle (NYSE:ORCL)Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META)Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:CEG)Southern Company / Georgia Power (NYSE:SO)#NuScalePower #SMR #SmallModularReactors #NuclearEnergy #NuclearStocks #EnergyStocks #AIDataCenters #BloomEnergy #GrowthStocks #StocksToWatch #CleanEnergy #StockAnalysis #7investing #Simonerickson

In today's episode of Backpacker Radio presented by The Trek, brought to you by LMNT, we are joined by Katie "Sunrise" Lance, a civil engineer turned professional triathlete turned thru-hiker who completed the AT last year before quitting her job to pursue triathlon coaching full-time. In this one, Katie walks us through what it's like to qualify for Kona on your very first Ironman, how she was training 20 hours a week on top of 12-hour night shifts at the Tennessee Valley Authority, and what finally pushed her to leave it all behind and hike from Georgia to Maine. She also shares the full arc of a pink-blazing situation that somehow ends with a guy hiking 74 miles in 24 hours to process his feelings, how she nearly got bit by a rattlesnake while finally rinsing out her pee rag for the first time, and why she thinks anyone can finish an Ironman if they actually train for it. We wrap the show with a piece on why week one of a thru-hike is the hardest, a profile on a 70-year-old who set out to hike all three Triple Crown trails in a single calendar year, debating whether pizza loses its luster as you get older, the triple crown of Star Wars characters, and the weird places toddlers pee. LMNT: Get a free sample pack with any order at drinklmnt.com/trek. Gossamer Gear: Use code "BACKPACKERRADIO" for $20 off UL Trekking Poles at gossamergear.com.  Shady Rays: Use code "TREK" for 40% off two or more pairs of sunglasses at shadyrays.com. OnX Backcountry: Through Memorial Day, use code "TREK70" for 70% off at onxmaps.com  Hyperlite Mountain Gear: Use code "BPRADIO15" for 15% of hyperlitemountaingear.com [divider] Interview with Katie "Sunrise" Lance Katie's Instagram Time stamps & Questions 00:05:15 - Reminders: Subscribe to Trail Correspondents, sign up for the Trek's newsletter, and listen to our episodes ad-free on Patreon! 00:09:00 - Introducing Katie 00:11:59 - Was there a moment in your childhood where you knew you were an exceptional athlete? 00:20:57 - How did you go from swimming, rowing, and engineering to considering a thru-hike? 00:22:07 - How does someone become a professional triathlete, and how did your journey start with a Boston-qualifying first marathon? 00:27:49 - What were your splits at Chattanooga Ironman, and what was it like qualifying for Kona on your very first Ironman? 00:38:07 - Were there clear breaking points or signs of burnout, like panic attacks or health scares? 00:42:46 - What finally pushed you to quit your job and hike the AT? 00:44:46 - What were the early days on trail like, starting with a 42-pound pack? 00:47:18 - What things caught you off guard on trail given your athletic background? 00:52:31 - Did you struggle with the lack of female community and "girl talk" on the AT? 00:54:20 - Tell us about the pink blazing situation that ended with a guy hiking 74 miles in 24 hours 01:15:30 - Tell us about your biggest mental breakdown on trail 01:19:23 - How does through-hike fatigue compare to Ironman training fatigue? 01:23:43 - Do you see thru-hiking as an ongoing lifestyle or a one-time chapter? 01:29:09 - What are some other standout stories from the AT? 01:36:05 - Stay Salty Question: What is your hottest take in the backpacking or triathlon world? Segments Trek Propaganda The First Week of Your Thru-Hike Will Probably Be the Hardest — Here's How To Prepare by Kelly Floro QOTD:  Does pizza lose its luster as you get older? Triple Crown of Star Wars characters Mail Bag 5 Star Review [divider] Check out our sound guy @my_boy_pauly/ and his coffee. Sign up for the Trek's newsletter Leave us a voicemail! Subscribe to this podcast on iTunes (and please leave us a review)!  Find us on Spotify, Stitcher, and Google Play. Support us on Patreon to get bonus content. Advertise on Backpacker Radio Follow The Trek, Chaunce, Badger, and Trail Correspondents on Instagram. Follow Backpacker Radio, The Trek and Chaunce on YouTube. Follow Backpacker Radio on Tik Tok.  Our theme song is Walking Slow by Animal Years. A super big thank you to our Chuck Norris Award winner(s) from Patreon: Alex and Misty with NavigatorsCrafting, Alex Kindle, Andrew, Austen McDaniel, Bill Jensen, Brad & Blair Thirteen Adventures, Bret Mullins aka Cruizy, Bryan Alsop, Carl Lobstah Houde, Christopher Marshburn, Clint Sitler, Coach from Marion Outdoors, Eric Casper, Erik Hofmann, Ethan Harwell, Gillian Daniels, Greg Knight, Greg Martin, Griffin Haywood, Hailey Buckingham, Jackson Storm, JaredNotFromSubway, Jason Kiser, Jason "The Snail" Snailer, Luke Netjes, Matty in AZ, Patrick Cianciolo, Randy Sutherland, Rebecca Brave, Rural Juror, Sawyer Products, The Saint Louis Shaman, Timothy Hahn, Tracy 'Trigger' Fawns A big thank you to our Cinnamon Connection Champions from Patreon: Bells, Benjy Lowry, Bonnie Ackerman, Brett Vandiver, Chris Pyle, Dakota J, David Neal, Dcnerdlet, Denise Krekeler, Jack Greene, Jeanie, Jeanne Latshaw, Lloyd Harris, Merle Watkins, Peter, Quenten Jones, Ruth S, Salt Stain, Sloan Alberhasky, and Tyler Powers.

There's been renewed interest in nuclear power in recent years, thanks in part to demand from tech companies in search of reliable energy to power their AI data centers. The startup Kairos Power has jumped on this opportunity. Its nuclear reactors are cooled by molten salt. They also use golf-ball sized nuclear fuel, instead of uranium rods cooled by water used by traditional reactors. Mike Laufer, co-founder and CEO of Kairos, says their reactors a bit like an upside down gumball machine.The company just started construction on its first power plant, located in eastern Tennessee, called Hermes 2. It will supply energy to the utility in the area, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and specifically to Google to power its data centers. Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Laufer to learn more.

There's been renewed interest in nuclear power in recent years, thanks in part to demand from tech companies in search of reliable energy to power their AI data centers. The startup Kairos Power has jumped on this opportunity. Its nuclear reactors are cooled by molten salt. They also use golf-ball sized nuclear fuel, instead of uranium rods cooled by water used by traditional reactors. Mike Laufer, co-founder and CEO of Kairos, says their reactors a bit like an upside down gumball machine.The company just started construction on its first power plant, located in eastern Tennessee, called Hermes 2. It will supply energy to the utility in the area, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and specifically to Google to power its data centers. Marketplace's Stephanie Hughes spoke with Laufer to learn more.

The Good GameActivist investor seeks to oust Americold Chair Mark Patterson over “problematic boardroom behavior”Activist investor Sieve Capital is pushing Americold Realty Trust to remove board chair Mark Patterson, citing his tenure on the board of scandal-ridden office landlord Paramount Group.OpenAI releases policy proposals aimed at addressing fallout from AI-driven job losses The proposals, which OpenAI admits are “ambitious” and “intentionally early and exploratory,” include everything from a new industrial policy agenda to modernizing the tax system to expanding access to healthcare coverage and retirement savings.They are meant to help answer questions about job disruptions and AI systems that evade human control, and to protect against governments deploying AI in ways that run counter to democratic values.Among the core policy suggestions is a public wealth fund, which would see lawmakers and AI companies work together to invest in long-term assets linked to the AI boom, with returns distributed directly to citizens. Another is that the government should encourage and incentivize employers to experiment with four-day workweeks with no loss in pay and offer "benefits bonuses" tied to productivity gains from new AI tools.EPA Wants to Prioritize Microplastics, Pharmaceuticals as Water ContaminantsEPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the move sends “a clear message: we will follow the science, we will pursue answers, and we will hold ourselves to the highest standards to protect the health of every American family.”Delta started sharing profits with its 100,000 employees two decades ago. CEO Ed Bastian says shareholders love itThe payout is sizeable: this year, Delta dispersed over $1 billion to its roughly 100,000 employees.Profit sharing distributes a slice of company earnings directly to workers as a cash bonus. At Delta, the formula is simple: 10% of the first $2.5 billion in adjusted profits, and 20% of everything above that.Proxy adviser ISS recommends vote against BP board over attempt to scrap some climate reportingISS recommended a vote against the BP board on revoking some previous climate reporting resolutions and allowing it to hold online-only shareholder meetings: "A particularly compelling argument would be required to justify such a legal revocation, which we believe is unprecedented in the UK context," ISS said about BP's resolution to retire two resolutions from 2015 and 2019 requiring company-specific climate reporting which passed with near 100% support at the time.Activist shareholder Follow This broadens climate campaign against BPA group of European investors led ‌by activist Follow This urged BP on Thursday to drop plans to scrap some company-specific climate-reporting commitments and called on shareholders to vote against the move at the oil company's annual meeting this month.Follow This also warned ‌of possible ⁠legal action after BP refused to put a separate shareholder resolution on the agenda of its April 23 annual general meeting.TVA CEO Don Moul announces retirement as Trump slashes his payThe CEO of the Tennessee Valley Authority, the largest public utility in the United States, will retire July 1.Don Moul, CEO since April, 9, 2025, notified the public utility's board of directors April 3, closing a turbulent chapter for the federal power provider.Had Moul decided to stay on at TVA, he would have faced a 90% pay cut as the Trump administration seeks to cap pay for all TVA employees at $500,000.Moul, the highest paid federal employee, made about $6 million as TVA CEO in 2025.Similarly sized utilities in the South, and TVA in the past, have paid their CEOs substantially more than Moul made. Jeff Lyash made over $10 million in his last year as TVA's chief executive. Lynn Good, a recent CEO of the private Duke Energy company, drew $21.6 million in 2024, and in the same year the CEO of Southern Company made $23.8 million.Starbucks staff will now get paid weekly — and some will get new bonuseswill allow baristas and shift supervisors at Starbucks' top stores to earn up to $300 each quarter — or up to $1,200 a year — for meeting sales goals and consistently delivering a positive customer experienceUnited Airlines and flight attendants reached a tentative deal with $740 million in bonusesUnited Airlines and the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA reached a tentative five-year labor agreement on March 26 that would provide the carrier's 30,000 flight attendants their first pay increases since 2020, including a $740 million signing bonus pool and top wages of $100 per hour by the contract's end.Beyond base pay, the contract also covers compensation during the boarding process, additional pay when lengthy gaps occur between flights, and limits on how overnight flying can be scheduled.United said the agreement would make its flight attendants the highest-paid in the industry.‍ ‍Chief human resource officer salaries have surged 30% at S&P 500 companiesThe number of CHROs designated as named executive officers in public filings from Russell 3000 companies rose from 148 in 2021 to 230 in 2025Median compensation for Russell 3000 CHROs grew by 14.7% between 2024 and 2025, compared to 8.1% for all NEOs. When looking at S&P 500 companies, CHRO pay grew by 30.4% in the same timeframeCHROs are “taking on larger mandates, moving beyond that traditional operational focus, to take on something more,” Jones said. The fact that CHROs are becoming more “strategically integrated” into their organizations reflects how “workforce and culture issues really are just top of mind,” he added.‍ ‍The Entire State of Maine Is Poised to Ban New Data CentersThe bill was passed by the Maine House of Representatives last month and is expected to pass in the Senate as well, which would make Maine the first state in the country to ban new data centers. The unprecedented move highlights growing bipartisan political fallout over the AI hype and consequent construction boom.SPEED ROUNDIran war could spur Europe to double down on renewables — againFrom $85K to $528K: Caitlin Clark's 521% Pay Rise After New WNBA Deal Climate change is impacting golf, from player health to courses AND French ski resorts face 'downward spiral' amid climate change and funding meltdownBurger King to hire 60K workers as part of turnaround‍ ‍Red Lobster is reportedly bringing back Endless Shrimp 2 years after the CEO vowed it would never returnTrump fires Attorney General Pam BondiHershey is moving back to the original recipe for Reese's Peanut Butter Cups after the chocolate's grandson blasted them last monthUnited Airlines is rolling out beds in economy class

In Part 3 of our MIT Tech Review Breakthrough Technologies 2026 series, Simon Erickson goes deep on the three most investable opportunities from the list's two top trends: Hyperscale AI Data Centers and Next Generation Nuclear. This episode features detailed breakdowns of Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO), Lumentum (NASDAQ:LITE), and NuScale Power (NYSE:SMR) — covering their business models, revenue growth, competitive advantages, and why they could be among the biggest winners of the AI infrastructure buildout.From Broadcom's $64B revenue empire and custom ASIC chip design powering hyperscale data centers, to Lumentum's explosive 65% revenue growth as NVIDIA's key optical transceiver partner, to NuScale's small modular reactor (SMR) technology and a potential $120–$180B contract with the Tennessee Valley Authority — this episode covers picks-and-shovels investing at its finest.Whether you're focused on AI infrastructure stocks, semiconductor stocks, clean energy stocks, or nuclear power investing, this is a must-watch for long-term growth investors. Subscribe and catch the full three-part series at 7investing.com.

When it comes to advanced nuclear generation, most North American power producers are in the study and development phases. But Ontario Power Generation is currently constructing the first of four small modular nuclear reactors at its Darlington facility, with the first 300-MW unit scheduled to complete construction and connect to the grid by 2030. The other three reactors are scheduled to be complete in the mid-2030s, totaling 1,200 MW of firm capacity from advanced nuclear reactors.  In this episode, Dan Testa speaks with OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher, from the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, about the state of the advanced nuclear project so far, how OPG selected this reactor design and why public power providers, like OPG in Canada and the Tennessee Valley Authority in the US, are taking the first steps to build advanced nuclear generation in North America. 

When it comes to advanced nuclear generation, most North American power producers are in the study and development phases. But Ontario Power Generation is currently constructing the first of four small modular nuclear reactors at its Darlington facility, with the first 300-MW unit scheduled to complete construction and connect to the grid by 2030. The other three reactors are scheduled to be complete in the mid-2030s, totaling 1,200 MW of firm capacity from advanced nuclear reactors.  In this episode, Dan Testa speaks with OPG President and CEO Nicolle Butcher, from the sidelines of the CERAWeek by S&P Global conference in Houston, about the state of the advanced nuclear project so far, how OPG selected this reactor design and why public power providers, like OPG in Canada and the Tennessee Valley Authority in the US, are taking the first steps to build advanced nuclear generation in North America. 

IFPTE Secretary-Treasurer Gay Henson joins the America's Work Force Union Podcast to discuss her journey from nuclear safety at the TVA, the fight to protect federal expertise and the vital role of women in the 2026 labor movement. On today's episode, host Ed "Flash" Ferenc sits down with Gay Henson, a leader whose career bridges the gap between scientific precision and labor activism. From her start in applied health physics at the Tennessee Valley Authority to her current role as Secretary-Treasurer of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers (IFPTE), Henson shares why "institutional memory" is the most valuable asset in public service. In this episode, we discuss: From the Lab to the Local: How a background in radiation protection and nuclear safety shaped a leadership style rooted in accountability and safety. The Crisis of Expertise: Why the loss of scientists and engineers at agencies like NASA represents a threat to national innovation, public safety and long-term research. Defending the Contract: The strategies the IFPTE is using to protect collective bargaining rights and financial stability for federal workers. Leading Without Permission: Henson's message for Women's History Month on why women must lead with conviction, persistence and a refusal to accept imposed limits. The Power of Solidarity: Why unions remain the best vehicle for a collective voice in technical, professional and scientific workplaces. Go Behind the Scenes of the Labor Movement Every victory starts with workers standing together. Subscribe to the America's Work Force Union Podcast for daily interviews with the leaders and organizers building worker power across America.

A decommissioned coal plant in Clinton, Tennessee is on track to become the site of America's first commercial stellarator fusion reactor.In this episode, Tony Williams — Executive Sponsor of the Infinity Project at the Tennessee Valley Authority — joins us to share how TVA is partnering with Type One Energy to build a proof-of-concept fusion machine inside the retired Bull Run fossil plant, with a full-scale 400-500 megawatt power plant to follow.We toured the facility and discussed what's actually changed to make fusion viable now — from Oak Ridge's exascale supercomputer cutting year-long calculations down to a single day, to advances in manufacturing and material science. Tony breaks down the economics of fusion vs. conventional generation, why TVA chose the stellarator over the tokamak, and how the project is being de-risked through a coalition of partners including Type One Energy, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the DOE, and the University of Tennessee. We also explore what it means to repurpose aging fossil infrastructure for the next generation of energy production.Hosted by Logan Jones and Alex MercerMission Critical is proudly supported by:Valent → getvalent.comAble Construction → ableconstruct.com

Show Notes In this episode of Develop This!, Dennis Fraise welcomes Andrew Ratchford, Vice President at Site Selection Group, for a wide-ranging conversation on how the role of economic developers is rapidly expanding—and what that means for communities trying to compete for investment and jobs. As a proud partner of the Site Selectors Guild, Develop This! continues its mission of connecting economic developers with the site selection profession. This episode reflects that shared commitment: helping communities better understand how projects are evaluated and what it truly takes to deliver results. Andrew explains how the pandemic accelerated a shift away from traditional economic development toward a more holistic model—one that now includes housing, childcare, workforce readiness, placemaking, sustainability, and risk management as essential components of successful projects. Rather than simply providing data and incentives, communities are now judged on their ability to execute: align stakeholders, solve infrastructure challenges, and create environments where companies and talent want to stay. Key Takeaways Economic developers' roles are expanding far beyond traditional business attraction The pandemic reshaped priorities, forcing a stronger focus on supporting existing businesses Communities are evaluated on outcomes, not just information Housing and childcare have become critical site selection factors Transportation and infrastructure gaps can derail projects if not addressed early Stakeholder alignment is essential for project success Scarcity of resources is driving innovation in economic development strategies Placemaking is key to attracting and retaining talent Workforce strategies must evolve with changing industry needs Sustainability and risk management now play a central role in project evaluations About Andrew Ratchford Andrew Ratchford is Vice President at Site Selection Group, where he specializes in evaluating sites and infrastructure for developability, capacity, and long-term improvement potential. He manages complex requests for information (RFIs), coordinates site visits with clients and community partners, and develops strategic improvement plans to help communities become more investment-ready. Before joining Site Selection Group, Andrew built a diverse real estate and planning background across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors. His experience includes: Nonprofit housing development managing federal grants and affordable housing projects Community and regional planning for Greenville County, South Carolina Multifamily development with Graycliff Capital Partners Site selection advisory services with Global Location Strategies With more than 13 years of experience, Andrew now focuses primarily on industrial assets and infrastructure, with a special interest in energy and brownfield redevelopment. His client work has included organizations such as Nacero, Georgia Pacific, Tennessee Valley Authority, Wisconsin Economic Development, CSX Railroad, BNSF Railroad, and Hoosier Energy. Andrew holds an MBA from Clemson University and a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies from North Greenville University. He is skilled in Excel, PowerPoint, GIS platforms, and PowerBI. Outside of work, Andrew enjoys playing electric and bass guitar, hiking, traveling, cheering on Clemson football, and perfecting his lawn care game while spending time outdoors with his wife, two children, and their dog.  

In the first Weld Wednesdays with AWS episode of 2026, I'm sitting down with Dr. Josh Burgess, current President of the American Welding Society and Senior Program Manager for Metallurgical and Welding Engineering at the Tennessee Valley Authority. Dr. Burgess shares his path from welding in high school and competing at the national level to earning his bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees in materials science and engineering. Along the way, AWS played a pivotal role—providing scholarships, networking opportunities, mentorship, and leadership development that shaped his career. This conversation covers: How AWS membership opens doors at every career stage The value of section involvement and industry networking Leadership development through volunteering Welding metallurgy, inspection, and failure analysis Workforce development and future career paths in welding Emerging technology like additive manufacturing and automation Whether you're a student, working welder, inspector, educator, or industry leader, this episode highlights why welding remains one of the most versatile and opportunity-rich trades available today.   For more on how you can get involved with the AWS Click Here

Why is it so hard for America to build things? Bridges take years to construct. Housing costs are soaring. Transit systems are crumbling. And we're struggling to update our infrastructure to prepare for the climate crisis. Even when there's broad agreement that something needs to be done, collective action feels impossible. Why is that? Today's guest is Marc Dunkelman, author of Why Nothing Works, a book about the modern American experience of watching government fail. He argues that by giving too many people the power to say “no,” we've stymied our collective progress. Marc and Sean discuss an inherent tension in American politics: the need for effective, centralized power and a deep fear of its abuse. They trace how that tension has played out across American history, from the clashes between Jefferson and Hamilton, through the New Deal's Tennessee Valley Authority, to the backlash against figures like Robert Moses. Marc argues that our current system — born out of a reaction to too much top-down authority during the late 20th century — has produced paralysis, dysfunction, and a deep distrust of government. Host: Sean Illing (@SeanIlling) Guest: Guest: Marc Dunkelman (@MarcDunkelman), author of Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress — and How to Bring It Back. We would love to hear from you. To tell us what you thought of this episode, email us at thegrayarea@vox.com or leave us a voicemail at 1-800-214-5749. Your comments and questions help us make a better show. And you can watch new episodes of The Gray Area on YouTube.Listen to The Gray Area ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members This episode was supported by a grant from Arnold Ventures. Vox had full discretion over the content of this reporting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

# Keeping Your Home Energy Efficient with TVA Expert Ashley England Are you watching your energy bills climb higher each month? In this insightful Interview, we sit down with Ashley England from the Tennessee Valley Authority to uncover practical ways homeowners can maximize energy efficiency while minimizing costs. With electricity demands growing rapidly across the Southeast and the world, understanding how to optimize your home's energy usage has never been more important. The Tennessee Valley Authority serves approximately 10 million people across seven states, generating electricity for 153 local power companies without taxpayer funding. Beyond power generation, they manage flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system while supporting regional economic development. ## Key Timestamps and Takeaways: **2:15** - HVAC systems consume nearly half of your home's energy- Schedule biannual tune-ups (fall and spring) to maintain efficiency- Replace air filters monthly, especially if you have pets- TVA offers a $50 rebate for tune-ups performed by their Quality Contractor Network **5:30** - DIY Home Energy Assessment- Free 5-6 minute assessment at energyright.com- Receive personalized recommendations for your specific home- Get a free energy-saving kit including LED bulbs, filter whistles, and a $10 Home Improvement Store gift card **8:45** - Why TVA promotes energy conservation- Reducing peak demand helps avoid building expensive infrastructure- Supports regional growth by ensuring energy availability- Maintains lower rates and a more resilient power grid **10:20** - Appliance efficiency- Modern refrigerators use significantly less energy than older models- Consider upgrading appliances over 10-15 years old- LED lighting can save approximately $200-225 annually compared to incandescent bulbs Want to stop wasting money on unnecessary energy costs? Listen to our full conversation with Ashley England to discover how simple changes can make your home more comfortable while reducing your monthly bills. Your wallet—and the environment—will thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# "At Home with Gary Sullivan": Tackling Winter Home Maintenance Are your gutters ready for winter? In this hour of "At Home with Gary Sullivan," listeners get practical advice on preparing their homes for the cold season ahead. From proper gutter maintenance to basement insulation techniques, Gary and his expert guests share invaluable tips that could save homeowners thousands in potential damage and energy costs. Gary kicks off the show emphasizing the importance of cleaning gutters before winter sets in to prevent ice dams, rot, and pest problems. Throughout the episode, he fields calls from homeowners across the country, offering personalized solutions for common seasonal challenges. ## Timestamps and Key Takeaways: **10:15** - Mice-proofing garages: Jim learns about specialized foam insulation that deters rodents from entering through gaps in his garage structure **18:30** - Basement insulation best practices: Rachel gets advice on proper moisture management with rigid foam panels to prevent mold issues **32:40** - Energy efficiency with TVA expert Ashley England: Discussion of HVAC maintenance, filter replacement schedules, and energy assessment tools **47:20** - Bathroom ventilation: Mike receives guidance on proper roof venting for bathroom exhaust fans **50:05** - Roofing warranties explained: Benny learns about lifetime roofing warranties and the importance of proper installation The conversation with Ashley England from Tennessee Valley Authority reveals why energy companies actually want consumers to save energy - it helps manage peak demand and reduces the need for expensive infrastructure that's rarely used. She also explains how homeowners can get free energy-saving kits and rebates through energyright.com. Ready to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient this winter? Listen now for expert advice that will keep your home warm, dry, and your energy bills manageable as temperatures drop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# Keeping Your Home Energy Efficient with TVA Expert Ashley England Are you watching your energy bills climb higher each month? In this insightful Interview, we sit down with Ashley England from the Tennessee Valley Authority to uncover practical ways homeowners can maximize energy efficiency while minimizing costs. With electricity demands growing rapidly across the Southeast and the world, understanding how to optimize your home's energy usage has never been more important. The Tennessee Valley Authority serves approximately 10 million people across seven states, generating electricity for 153 local power companies without taxpayer funding. Beyond power generation, they manage flood control, navigation, and land management for the Tennessee River system while supporting regional economic development. ## Key Timestamps and Takeaways: **2:15** - HVAC systems consume nearly half of your home's energy- Schedule biannual tune-ups (fall and spring) to maintain efficiency- Replace air filters monthly, especially if you have pets- TVA offers a $50 rebate for tune-ups performed by their Quality Contractor Network **5:30** - DIY Home Energy Assessment- Free 5-6 minute assessment at energyright.com- Receive personalized recommendations for your specific home- Get a free energy-saving kit including LED bulbs, filter whistles, and a $10 Home Improvement Store gift card **8:45** - Why TVA promotes energy conservation- Reducing peak demand helps avoid building expensive infrastructure- Supports regional growth by ensuring energy availability- Maintains lower rates and a more resilient power grid **10:20** - Appliance efficiency- Modern refrigerators use significantly less energy than older models- Consider upgrading appliances over 10-15 years old- LED lighting can save approximately $200-225 annually compared to incandescent bulbs Want to stop wasting money on unnecessary energy costs? Listen to our full conversation with Ashley England to discover how simple changes can make your home more comfortable while reducing your monthly bills. Your wallet—and the environment—will thank you!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

# "At Home with Gary Sullivan": Tackling Winter Home Maintenance Are your gutters ready for winter? In this hour of "At Home with Gary Sullivan," listeners get practical advice on preparing their homes for the cold season ahead. From proper gutter maintenance to basement insulation techniques, Gary and his expert guests share invaluable tips that could save homeowners thousands in potential damage and energy costs. Gary kicks off the show emphasizing the importance of cleaning gutters before winter sets in to prevent ice dams, rot, and pest problems. Throughout the episode, he fields calls from homeowners across the country, offering personalized solutions for common seasonal challenges. ## Timestamps and Key Takeaways: **10:15** - Mice-proofing garages: Jim learns about specialized foam insulation that deters rodents from entering through gaps in his garage structure **18:30** - Basement insulation best practices: Rachel gets advice on proper moisture management with rigid foam panels to prevent mold issues **32:40** - Energy efficiency with TVA expert Ashley England: Discussion of HVAC maintenance, filter replacement schedules, and energy assessment tools **47:20** - Bathroom ventilation: Mike receives guidance on proper roof venting for bathroom exhaust fans **50:05** - Roofing warranties explained: Benny learns about lifetime roofing warranties and the importance of proper installation The conversation with Ashley England from Tennessee Valley Authority reveals why energy companies actually want consumers to save energy - it helps manage peak demand and reduces the need for expensive infrastructure that's rarely used. She also explains how homeowners can get free energy-saving kits and rebates through energyright.com. Ready to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient this winter? Listen now for expert advice that will keep your home warm, dry, and your energy bills manageable as temperatures drop.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Ted Atkinson, Professor in the Department of English. He recently published a new book titled “Monumental Designs: Infrastructure and the Culture of the Tennessee Valley Authority.” We have him on to learn about his research and the new publication.

Tim Rausch is the soon-to-be-retired Chief Nuclear Officer for the Tennessee Valley Authority - the utility responsible for providing power to homes and businesses across the Tennessee Valley. In this episode, we sit down with Tim to explore the future of nuclear energy, TVA's role in advancing next-generation reactor technologies, and what it looks like to build a long-term career in one of the country's most critical industries.This episode goes beyond a single interview. Middle Tech was invited for a rare behind-the-scenes tour of TVA's Sequoyah Nuclear Plant, led by Fire Marshal Jake Carroll. Alongside Alex Mercer of Able Construction, we explored the control room, turbine deck, and cooling towers, capturing audio along the way to give you an immersive look inside one of the nation's largest sources of carbon-free power.We cover the surging demand for energy driven by AI and advanced manufacturing, why TVA believes in a diverse energy portfolio, how the Southeast is becoming a hub for innovation in energy production, and what makes nuclear energy so uniquely safe, scalable, and essential to America's future.Also - we'd recommend watching this one on YouTube so you can see the actual facility in action.Chapters:02:33 - Intro06:14 - Interview with Tim38:56 - Nuclear Plant Tour44:02 - Turbine Room48:18 - Cooling Towers51:21 - Control Room01:03:14 - Final ThoughtsMiddle Tech is proudly supported by:KY Innovation → kyinnovation.comAwesome Inc → awesomeinc.org

Adding flexibility to data center loads could ease strain on the grid and reduce the need for costly new generation. And, according to one study, shaving off just a few megawatts during peak hours could also unlock unused capacity —as many as 98 gigawatts in the U.S —  if those facilities reduced load by just 0.5% each year.   The problem: data centers promise near-perfect reliability, often “five nines” (99.999% uptime) in service-level agreements with customers. That leaves little room to adjust something as critical to reliability as power.  But times are changing. The data center market is reckoning with the constraints of the power grid and growing concern about pushing up electricity prices to pay for new generation. In July, the Electric Power Resource Institute's DCFlex demonstration at an Oracle data center in Phoenix, Arizona, reduced load 25% during peak demand. And this month Google expanded its demand response through two new agreements with Michigan Power and the Tennessee Valley Authority. So what are the actual mechanics of data center flexibility? In this episode, Shayle talks to Varun Sivaram, founder and CEO of Emerald AI. The startup's data center flexibility platform powered EPRI's DCFlex demonstration. Shayle and Varun cover topics like: What people often misunderstand about how much of their nameplate capacity data centers actually use  The distinct load profiles of training, inference, and other workloads How data centers can pause, slow, or shift workloads in time or space to reduce demand What it will take for flexibility solutions like Emerald AI to earn operator trust  How much flexibility data centers can realistically achieve  Varun's long-term vision for evolving from occasional demand response to weekly or even daily load shifting Resources: Latitude Media: Nvidia and Oracle tapped this startup to flex a Phoenix data center   Latitude Media: Google expands demand response to target machine learning workloads    Catalyst: The potential for flexible data centers   Credits: Hosted by Shayle Kann. Produced and edited by Daniel Woldorff. Original music and engineering by Sean Marquand. Stephen Lacey is our executive editor. Catalyst is brought to you by Anza, a solar and energy storage development and procurement platform helping clients make optimal decisions, saving significant time, money, and reducing risk. Subscribers instantly access pricing, product, and supplier data. Learn more at go.anzarenewables.com/latitude. Catalyst is supported by EnergyHub. EnergyHub helps utilities build next-generation virtual power plants that unlock reliable flexibility at every level of the grid. See how EnergyHub helps unlock the power of flexibility at scale, and deliver more value through cross-DER dispatch with their leading Edge DERMS platform by visiting energyhub.com. Catalyst is brought to you by Antenna Group, the public relations and strategic marketing agency of choice for climate and energy leaders. If you're a startup, investor, or global corporation that's looking to tell your climate story, demonstrate your impact, or accelerate your growth, Antenna Group's team of industry insiders is ready to help. Learn more at antennagroup.com.

There's speculation that President Trump will seize control of — or privatize — the Tennessee Valley Authority, the country's largest public utility, which provides energy for everyone in Nashville. How would that work? What impact would it have on jobs? And what does country singer John Rich have to do with it? Ironworkers Local 492 vice president and political director Justin Humbles joins executive producer Whitney Pastorek to explain. Vote for City Cast Nashville as Best Podcast in the Nashville Scene's 2025 Best of Nashville awards! You must vote in 20 categories for your vote to count. Learn more about the sponsors of this Aug. 26th episode: Overlook Maps Get more from City Cast Nashville when you become a City Cast Nashville Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more. Join now at membership.citycast.fm/nashville   Want some more City Cast Nashville news? Then make sure to sign up for our Hey Nashville newsletter. Follow us @citycastnashvilleYou can also text us or leave a voicemail at: 615-200-6392Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE.

Bottom Fishing for bargains. Consolidation, Digestion - awaiting the next catalyst. Saudi SWF takes a hit. The Jackson Hole confab is around the corner. PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Labubus - Beanie Babies ? - US Debt - wretched - Good fishing this weekend - Chip Trackers Markets - Bottom Fishing - Consolidation, Digestion - waiting for the next catalyst -  Saudi SWF takes a hit - Validations - to the MOON - Casual Dining take a hit Weekend Fishing - Marlin, Roosterfish and Yellowfin Tuna - 2 bucket list items The CONFAB - August 21 to August 23 - Theme: Labor Markets in Transition: Demographics, Productivity, and Macroeconomic Policy - Powell to speak Friday at 10am - Historically: ---- 1989: Alan Greenspan became the first Fed Chair to formally participate in the program, establishing a tradition of Fed leadership using the event to signal policy direction (Volker stopped by in 1982) --- 2010: Ben Bernanke used the symposium to signal QE2 --- 2014: Mario Draghi, ECB President, hinted at aggressive stimulus to combat Europe's sluggish growth, influencing currency markets --- 2020: Jerome Powell announced the Fed's new “average inflation targeting” framework, allowing inflation to run above 2% temporarily to support employment growth More Jackson Hole - Many are saying this is the be the defining moment in Powell's Career - Certainly the last one attending that he will be chair - Odds are that he will look to continue the Fed independence and data dependency talk US Debt - The federal government's gross national debt topped $37 trillion for the first time in history last week, and the U.S. has room to add trillions of dollars more to the debt following the enactment of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). - OBBBA included a $5 trillion debt limit increase to avert a potential stand-off over the borrowing limit ($41 trillion limit) - US Debt to GDP = 100% - Every American owes $111,045 (Assuming spread evenly) - 25 years ago it was $19,000 er person LabooooBooo - Labubus, the quirky monster plush dolls made by Pop Mart, have exploded into a global phenomenon, doubling as collectibles and fashion accessories for adults. - In the first half of 2025, Labubu-related products generated a staggering $418 million in global sales for Pop Mart, with nearly 40% of revenue last year coming from outside mainland China. The company says sales in the first six months of this year are on track to more than triple, fueled by what's become a full-blown international craze. - The thrill of the hunt. Labubus are only available through online purchases and in-store pickups, if you can find one in stock. Adding to the scarcity factor is the blind-box packaging – you never know which character you'll get. - Some collectors chase elusive "secret" editions, with odds as low as 1 in 72. Investing - A better Way? - Powerball jackpot grows to estimated $643 million after no one won Monday night's drawing - Next drawing - Wednesday night - The jackpot is a new high for 2025 - he highest Powerball jackpot ever was $2.04 billion, won on November 7, 2022 by a single ticket sold in California. - The winner, Edwin Castro, opted for the lump sum payout of $997.6 million Energy Needed - Google and Kairos Power will deploy an advanced nuclear reactor to help power the tech company's data centers on the Tennessee Valley Authority grid. - The Hermes 2 reactor developed by Kairos will dispatch 50 megawatts of electricity, enough to power about 36,000 homes. - TVA will purchase the electricity from the reactor, making it the first utility in the U.S.

The Great Depression was the worst economic crisis in U.S. history. Starting in 1929 there was widespread unemployment, poverty, and closing of businesses. The economy continued to spiral downward until 1933 when Franklin Roosevelt became president. His recovery program, known as the New Deal, put millions of people to work, saved millions from homelessness and starvation, rebuilt America's infrastructure, saved capitalism, and maybe even saved democracy in the U.S. 

It does not appear that Memphis Light, Gas and Water will give Elon Musk's xAI a meaningful amount of electricity for the company's second Memphis data center. MLGW CEO Doug McGowen said that MLGW will not be providing more than a small amount of power to xAI and that the Tennessee Valley Authority may not provide a lot either. Ursula Madden, the utility's vice president of communications, also discussed the utility's efforts to raise money for utility assistance.

Justin Maierhofer is the Senior Vice President of Government Relations at the Tennessee Valley Authority and serves as TVA's representative on the newly formed Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority. With more than two decades of experience in public power and federal energy policy, he's helping lead TVA through a landmark moment: becoming the first U.S. utility to advance a small modular reactor (SMR) construction permit through the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's initial review phase.What does this milestone mean for America's energy future? Why are SMRs such a big deal - and why now? And how does Kentucky fit into this next-generation nuclear conversation?Expect to learn why TVA's Clinch River SMR project is seen as a blueprint for clean, scalable baseload power, how AI and data centers are reshaping electricity demand, the opportunity Kentucky has to repurpose coal infrastructure for nuclear, what the newly established Kentucky Nuclear Energy Development Authority is working on, and how public-private partnerships are driving this new energy era forward.If you'd like to stay up to date on all things Middle Tech subscribe to our newsletter at middletech.beehiiv.com.

In this episode, Bryan Barrett sits down with Adam May of the Tennessee Valley Authority to talk all things STEM. From exciting classroom projects to the ins and outs of apply

The University of Tennessee Board of Trustees held its two-day annual meeting last week. In this week's installment, Scott recaps the meeting, including the decision to move ahead with UT-Knoxville's taking control of the bulk of Maplehurst neighborhood, the approval of a $3.74 billion system budget and the outlook for research funding in the Trump era. He also looks at Knox County Commissioner Rhonda Lee's appointment to the juvenile detention center's board of directors and attorney Jeff Hagood's appointment to the Tennessee Valley Authority board of directors, plus the reopening of Augusta Quarry in Fort Dickerson Park. Scott also previews meetings this week of the Knox County Board of Education, Knoxville City Council and the Knoxville-Knox County Planning Commission.   Get the FULL stories at Compassknox.com

Hour 1 Segment 1Tony starts the show joined with William Jacobson of the Cornell Law School to talk about the Supreme Court limiting nationwide injunctions in birthright citizenship order. Hour 1 Segment 2Tony talks about the Trump campaign launching a new ad against Thomas Massie. Hour 1 Segment 3Tony talks about how Zohran Mamdani getting the left in a tizzy and how 50 Cent offering to pay him $258K to get lost after he named dropped him on The Breakfast Club. Hour 1 Segment 4Tony wraps up the first hour of the show talking about the Tennessee Valley Authority asking their customers to voluntarily reduce their energy usage after extreme heat.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hour 1 Segment 1Tony starts the show joined with William Jacobson of the Cornell Law School to talk about the Supreme Court limiting nationwide injunctions in birthright citizenship order. Hour 1 Segment 2Tony talks about the Trump campaign launching a new ad against Thomas Massie. Hour 1 Segment 3Tony talks about how Zohran Mamdani getting the left in a tizzy and how 50 Cent offering to pay him $258K to get lost after he named dropped him on The Breakfast Club. Hour 1 Segment 4Tony wraps up the first hour of the show talking about the Tennessee Valley Authority asking their customers to voluntarily reduce their energy usage after extreme heat. Hour 2 Segment 1Tony starts the second hour of the show talking about USAID. Hour 2 Segment 2Tony gets into the Friday audio dump with President Donald Trump bashing Chuck Schumer, Lawrence O’Donnell calling Pete Hegseth an alcoholic, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez supporting Zohran Mandani, and Lindsey Graham wanting a regime change. Hour 2 Segment 3Tony talks about an event that he attended and hosted last night and how the event location was trashed by a certain group. Hour 2 Segment 4Tony wraps up the second hour of the show talking about the latest on the big, beautiful bill. Hour 3 Segment 1Tony starts the final hour of the show talking about Chris Murphy still pushing that the Iranian nuclear program is still around. Hour 3 Segment 2Tony talks about Robert F. Kennedy Jr. talking about more cavities under fluoride bans. Tony also talks about Nestle saying it will remove artificial dyes from U.S. foods by 2026. Hour 3 Segment 3Tony talks more about Todd Lyons saying Americans should feel safe on Independence Day. Tony also talks about the TSA. Hour 3 Segment 4Tony wraps up another edition of the show talking about the Jeff Bezos wedding.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Bob Clement's life has been a fascinating one.At 29, he became the youngest Tennessean elected to statewide office, a title he still holds today. After his time at the PSA, President Jimmy Carter tapped him for a spot on the board of Tennessee Valley Authority. In the late eighties, he ran and won the congressional race for the 5th district. He served for eight years. Now, as the Board President Emeritus of the Clement Railroad Hotel Museum in Dickson, he protects and curates the legacy of his father, Governor Frank G. Clement. Congressman Clement joins us today  share stories about his life and the extraordinary people he's met along the way. Plus he examine his father's legacy and ruminates on the state of politics and civil discourse today.

In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Bryan Hubbard, a prominent advocate for psychedelic-assisted therapies, particularly ibogaine in the treatment of opioid addiction and mental health disorders.  Find full show notes and links here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-305/?ref=278 Update (May 2025): Days before this episode's release, the Texas House approved a Senate-backed bill to fund ibogaine research through a public-private partnership aimed at securing FDA approval. This vote marks a major milestone in the movement Bryan describes throughout this conversation. Bryan shares his journey from leading Kentucky's Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission to spearheading breakthrough ibogaine research initiatives in Texas. He articulates ibogaine's unique neurological properties, discussing how it can reset brain neurochemistry in 36 hours and potentially treat conditions from traumatic brain injury to Parkinson's disease. The conversation explores the spiritual dimensions of ibogaine experiences, the political landscape surrounding psychedelic medicine, and Bryan's ongoing efforts to medicalize ibogaine through FDA drug development trials, highlighting Texas as the next frontier for this life-saving research. W. Bryan Hubbard is the Executive Director of the American Ibogaine Initiative. He is the first and former Chairman and Executive Director of the Kentucky Opioid Abatement Advisory Commission. He concurrently served as Special Counsel to the Kentucky Attorney General's Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse Control and was its prior Executive Director. He served on the Kentucky Judicial Commission on Mental Health, the Kentucky Child Support Guidelines Commission, Mine Safety Review Board, and the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy's Recovery Ready Communities Advisory Council. He previously served as Commissioner of the Kentucky Department of Income Support wherein he led the Commonwealth's Social Security Disability and Child Support Enforcement systems. He practiced workers' compensation law representing Walmart, Tyson Foods, and Tennessee Valley Authority for sixteen years. During his practice years, he observed the predacious onset of Kentucky's Opioid Epidemic amid generational joblessness, poverty, disability, and substance use. He was raised in Virginia's coalfields and is the proud grandson of two grade-school educated coal miners on whose shoulders he stands. Highlights: Why ibogaine interrupts addiction instantly The Stanford study that changed everything Resetting brain neurochemistry in 36 hours From Parkinson's to PTSD: Ibogaine's broad applications The spiritual awakening dimension of treatment How pharmaceutical interests block breakthrough medicine Kentucky's lost opportunity: $42 million for research Texas as the new frontier for ibogaine medicalization Matrix pharmacology: Ibogaine's intelligent mechanism The political war over life-saving psychedelic medicine Episode Links Website American Ibogaine Initiative Instagram: @w_bryan_hubbard X (Formerly Twitter): @w_bryan_hubbard Linkedin Episode Sponsors: Golden Rule Mushrooms - Get a lifetime discount of 10% with code THIRDWAVE at checkout

What does it take to become a musical chameleon who commands respect across diverse genres? Daniel Kimbro delivers a masterclass in musical versatility on this episode of Chewing the Gristle.From his beginnings in a family folk band called Mountain Soul to his current status as bassist for Jerry Douglas and session player on Eric Clapton records, Daniel shares the winding path that shaped his musical identity. With disarming honesty, he reveals how growing up surrounded by Stanley Brothers, Sting, and classical music created the perfect foundation for a career that refuses categorization.Daniel takes us deep into the heart of Appalachian musical traditions, particularly the fascinating world of murder ballads – those deceptively cheerful melodies paired with dark narratives. His own songwriting draws from this tradition, including "Loyston," a haunting tale about a town submerged underwater when the Tennessee Valley Authority built dams across the region. The conversation explores how these songs balance historical reality with creative embellishment, creating something both authentic and original.Whether you're a musician seeking to diversify your influences or simply curious about the connections between bluegrass, jazz, and everything in between, this conversation offers rich insights into finding your authentic voice while honoring musical traditions. Check out Daniel's music and keep an eye out for The Woodshed Guitar Experience, where he serves as music director alongside world-class guitarists sharing knowledge in an unusually accessible environment.

Today we tell the story of the battle over the Tellico Dam, the last major project of the Tennessee Valley Authority. TVA's ambitious plans for the Tellico project included not only a dam and lake but also the development of a brand-new city to be called Timberlake.  However, the project faced fierce resistance from landowners who were being forced to sell their land, the Cherokee, whose most important Overhill towns were going to be flooded by the dam, and environmentalists trying to save the habitat of the endangered snail darter fish.   A lawsuit over the fish won a victory in the Supreme Court for those wanting to stop the Tellico Dam, but that wasn't the end of the story, as you'll find out in this episode.  If you like our stories, be sure to subscribe to the Stories of Appalachia podcast on your favorite podcast app or on our YouTube channel.  Thanks for listening!

On this week's show, we bring you a national conversation with Marc Dunkelman, author of the book "Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—And How to Bring It Back," that was hosted by the High Speed Rail Alliance on April 4, 2025. Marc J. Dunkelman is a fellow at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs and a former fellow at NYU's Marron Institute of Urban Management. During more than a decade working in politics, he worked for Democratic members of both the Senate and the House of Representatives and as a senior fellow at the Clinton Foundation. The author of The Vanishing Neighbor, Dunkelman's work has also appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Wall Street Journal, Atlantic, and Politico. He lives in Providence, Rhode Island. America built the world's greatest rail network, along with a vast electrical grid, interstate highways, abundant housing, the Social Security system, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and more. But today, even while facing pressing challenges that include dilapidated infrastructure and a climate crisis, progress is difficult. In this talk, you'll hear from Marc Dunkelman, author of the new book Why Nothing Works: Who Killed Progress—And How to Bring It Back. He argues that both conservatives and progressives have played a role in creating gridlock that stifles progress, and that we can get past it. Learn more about Why Nothing Works at https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/marc-j-dunkelman/why-nothing-works/9781541700215/ Learn about upcoming webinars hosted by the Alliance: https://www.hsrail.org/events/ Become a member of the High Speed Rail Alliance: https://www.hsrail.org/join-us/ The High Speed Rail Alliance is a 501(C)(3) non-profit, supported by individual members who want fast, frequent, and affordable trains throughout North America. Truth to Power airs every Friday at 9pm, Saturday at 11am, and Sunday at 7pm on Louisville's grassroots, community radio station, Forward Radio 106.5fm WFMP and live streams at https://www.forwardradio.org

Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.Today's episode dives into an important and growing part of the private markets ecosystem: how investors can access and invest into alternatives through their retirement funds.We have Eric Satz, the Founder & CEO of Alto, a self-directed IRA custodian, with us today to discuss how he's on a mission to provide everyday Americans with the same investment opportunity long favored by institutional investors.Alto provides custody for a wide array of alternative assets, including private companies, real estate, crypto, loans, and securitized collectibles. Alto has streamlined the process for companies, funds, and SEC-registered investment platforms to include IRA investors in their offerings. They've partnered with firms across the alts space, including AngelList, Coinbase, EquityZen, Republic, Masterworks, and others, to enable investors to invest into private markets with their IRA.Eric is a serial entrepreneur and former investment banker. He worked at DLJ / Credit Suisse First Boston before co-founding Currenex (acquired by State Street for $564M), Plumgood Food, and Tennessee Community Ventures. His passion for entrepreneurship led him to serve on the Board of the Tennessee Valley Authority from 2015 to 2018 and he teaches an entrepreneurship class to high school students.On today's podcast, Eric teaches us all about the merits of a self-directed IRA. We had a fascinating discussion about why and how it makes sense to use an IRA to invest into private markets investments and how he's taking lessons learned from prior IRA businesses to build Alto.We discussed:Rethinking retirement investing.The evolution of the self-directed IRA market.Alto's vision: TurboTax for IRAs.Structural challenges with using IRAs for private markets investments.The role of technology with streamlining retirement investing.The evolution in investor awareness of retirement investing.The importance of duration matching.Thanks Eric for coming on the show to share your knowledge and passion for alternatives.Show Notes00:00 Introduction: Going Mainstream00:38 Welcome to Alt Goes Mainstream Podcast00:52 Introducing Eric Satz and Alto01:33 Eric's Background and Entrepreneurial Journey01:57 The Mission of Alto02:01 The TurboTax for IRAs02:05 The Importance of Retirement Accounts in Private Markets02:29 Welcoming Eric to the Podcast02:37 The Evolution of Private Markets and IRAs02:51 The Beginnings of Alto03:13 Challenges in Self-Directed IRAs03:54 The Vision for Self-Directed IRAs04:28 Changing Conventional Wisdom on Retirement Investing05:40 The Demographics of the IRA Industry06:21 The Growth of IRA Accounts06:38 The Allocation to Alternative Assets07:36 Barriers to Private Market Investments in IRAs07:50 Psychological Barriers to Alternative Investments08:35 Structural Challenges in Using IRAs for Private Investments08:53 The Role of Technology in Streamlining Investments09:02 The Launch of Alto with AngelList10:05 The User Journey in Private Market Investments10:43 The Role of Financial Advisors11:10 Educating Investors on Private Markets12:25 The Evolution of Investor Knowledge12:35 The Importance of Tax-Advantaged Investments13:11 The Financial Advisor's Perspective14:05 The Benefits of Illiquidity in Private Markets15:54 The Role of Large Asset Managers16:17 The Branding of Private Markets16:45 The Growth of Athene and Financial Advisors16:57 The Importance of Current Income in Retirement Accounts17:43 The Younger Generation's Investment Behavior18:05 The Impact of Evergreen Fund Structures19:04 The Role of Asset Management Firms20:02 The Future of Private Market Solutions20:15 The Role of Alto in Private Market Investments20:54 The Importance of Infrastructure in Private Markets21:44 The Evolution of Alto's Business Model21:50 The Growing Awareness of Private Markets23:57 The Role of the Alto Marketplace24:35 The Inclusion of Crypto in IRAs25:17 The Challenges of Transitioning Assets to IRAs25:50 The Impact of Friction on Investment Decisions27:46 The Success of Alto's Technology28:35 The Role of Funds in Promoting IRAs29:36 The Future of Private Markets and Wealth Channels31:11 The Role of Financial Advisors in Private Markets31:58 Educating Financial Advisors on IRAs32:13 The Importance of Conferences and Networking47:13 The Future of Private Markets and Retirement Accounts47:32 The Role of Regulations in Private Market Investments50:27 Conclusion: The Potential of Retirement Accounts in Private MarketsEditing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant.

Last week, we delved into story of how the Tennessee Valley Authority, which started out as a public institution, ended up acting like a private for-profit company, and the lawsuit that attempted to finally bring the TVA to its heel. Today, Montana Public Radio's podcast The Wide Open tells the story of a different lawsuit against the TVA that had even bigger consequences. In the 1970s, the fight to save a tiny fish called the snail darter turned the Endangered Species Act from a minor bit of federal law into the most powerful and controversial piece of environmental legislation of the past 50 years.The Wide Open Subscribe to SiriusXM Podcasts+ on Apple Podcasts to listen to ad-free new episodes and get exclusive access to bonus content.

We talked about Elia Kazan's 1960 film Wild River, a great social drama about the changing south seen through the lens of the Tennessee Valley Authority and a town that likes things the old-fashioned way. Get the full episode and a lot more for $5/mo https://www.patreon.com/c/Extended_Clip

In this episode of Do Beautiful Things, Jenny Lawson is joined by Kathleen Gibi of Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful and Michael McCall from the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA). Together, they discuss the power of collaboration in building sustainable, healthy communities, the importance of preserving America's river systems, and their commitment to the Greatest American Cleanup—the largest cleanup and beautification effort in history. Tune in to learn how collaboration and volunteer engagement are making a meaningful impact on our environment and communities.QUOTES:Creating Sustainable Impact through Partnerships: "We should be following a model where we can engage others and partner with others to do this, because I think that is the only real way that you can actually get sustainable impact is if you get other people involved through partnerships to get out and do action." - Michael McCall, VP of Environment and Sustainability, and Chief Sustainability Officer at the Tennessee Valley Authority The Importance of River Cleanup: "80% of the plastic in our oceans is said to come from rivers. Cleaning up the ocean in a lot of ways without cleaning up the rivers is much like...cleaning up blood on the floor without stopping the bleeding on the patient on the table. So that's why the work we get to do with our partners and volunteers is so crucial." - Kathleen Gibi, Executive Director of Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful Show Notes: 00:00 Greatest American Cleanup beautifying 25,000 communities. 06:13 TVA: Unique regional energy-water economic integration. 08:52 TVA supports Tennessee River cleanup since 2018. 13:02 Engage others through partnerships for sustainable impact. 13:56 Campaign fosters pride, action, and shared values. 19:44 Consistent focus needed to preserve Tennessee River. 22:31 TVA concerned about storm, river system effective. 24:07 Clearing red tape for quicker community recovery. 27:38 Local affiliates tirelessly support community environmental efforts. 30:53 Get involved with kab.org and support. Show Links: Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful: https://www.keeptnriverbeautiful.org/Tennessee Valley Authority: https://www.tva.com/Keep America Beautiful: https://kab.org/Greatest America Cleanup: https://kab.org/greatest-american-cleanup/

On Dec. 22, 2008, a major dike failure occurred on the north slopes of the ash pond at the Tennessee Valley Authority's (TVA's) Kingston Fossil Plant. The failure resulted in the release of approximately 5.4 million cubic yards of coal ash spilling onto adjacent land and into the Emory River. The Kingston spill is considered one of the most significant and costly events in TVA history. In a project completion fact sheet issued jointly by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the TVA in December 2014, it says the cleanup took about six years, required a total of 6.7 million man-hours, and cost $1.178 billion. TVA hired various contractors to perform the post-spill cleanup, removal, and recovery of fly ash at the Kingston site. Perhaps most notable among them was Jacobs Engineering. TVA hired Jacobs in 2009 specifically to provide program management services to assist with the cleanup. Jacobs claims to have “a strong track record of safely managing some of the world's most complex engineering and environmental challenges.” It has noted that TVA and the EPA's on-scene coordinator oversaw the worker safety programs for the Kingston cleanup, approving all actions in consultation with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation. Jacobs said TVA maintained rigorous safety standards throughout the cleanup, and that it worked closely with TVA in following and supporting those standards. Jared Sullivan, author of Valley So Low: One Lawyer's Fight for Justice in the Wake of America's Great Coal Catastrophe, studied the Kingston cleanup and followed some of the plaintiffs for more than five years while writing his book. As a guest on The POWER Podcast, Sullivan suggested many of the workers felt fortunate to be employed on the Kingston cleanup. The U.S. economy was not thriving at the time; housing and stock markets were in a funk, and unemployment was relatively high. “These workers—these 900 men and women—this disaster is kind of a godsend for them as far as their employment goes, you know. A lot of them needed work. Many of them were very, very pleased to get this call,” Sullivan explained. “The trouble is that after a year or so of working on this job site—of scooping up and hauling off this coal ash muck from the landscape, also from the river—they start feeling really, really terribly,” he said. “At first they kind of write off their symptoms as overworking themselves. In many cases, these workers were working 14-hour shifts and just pushing themselves really, really hard because there's a lot of overtime opportunities. So, that was good for them—that they could work so much, that this mess was so big,” Sullivan continued. But after a while, some workers start blacking out in their cars, having nosebleeds, start coughing up black mucous, and it becomes clear to them that the coal ash is the cause. Jacobs reports several contractors' workers at the Kingston site filed workers compensation claims against their employer in 2013. These workers alleged that conditions at the site caused them to experience various health issues that were a result of excessive exposure to coal ash. Jacobs said many of these claims were found to be unsubstantiated and were rejected. Then, many of the same workers filed lawsuits against Jacobs, even though they may not have been Jacobs employees. Jacobs says it stands by its safety record, and that it did not cause any injuries to the workers. “The case resolved early last year, after almost 10 years of litigation,” Sullivan said. “Jacobs Engineering and the plaintiffs—230 of them—finally settled the case. $77.5 million dollars for 230 plaintiffs. So, it works out to a couple hundred thousand dollars each for the plaintiffs after the lawyers take their fees—so, not tons of money.” In a statement, Jacobs said, “To avoid further litigation, the parties chose to enter into an agreement to resolve the cases.”

Fred Stafford, a STEM professional and anonymous energy commentator, discusses the Tennessee Valley Authority's potential to lead a nuclear revival in the United States — that is, if it can overcome the tensions between public and private interests and a looming debt ceiling that threatens to dim its nuclear ambitions. Read more on Substack: www.decouple.media

Now is the time to think critically, or your saviors will become your enslavers. The hurricanes are to shut us up. Inland storms hurt the unprepared the most. There were strange floods in the 1940's too. That's why the Tennessee Valley Authority came into existence. Ingersol Lockwood only wrote one book. Fake ones were inserted later. Is NC flooding a play for Lithium? InforWars is center stage in this drama and there's a reason they were allowed to collapse. How Alex Jones destroyed himself. Let's look back on green card voting. There are people arming themselves for bloody fights to come. The thrown election will land Trump in jail. Mobility is key to any operational plan. People gravitate towards real information. The group called anonymous flips their script. Be ready for a Tore Says election night show. Where we can, we give and we do. The coverup is worse than the crime. Another caller mentioned that the artificial sun is actually a direct energy weapon. Throwing people off their game is a strategy. Pay attention to all the major influencers. They are feeding the alligator and just hoping it eats them last.

Dr. Joanne BallardJoanne has a PhD in Geography from the University of Tennessee with specializations in Biogeography and Quaternary Environments, advised by Dr Sally Horn, palynologist.  She has a M.S. in Geology from the University of Cincinnati, studying under glaciologist Dr. Thomas Lowell.  She has also worked as an Archaeologist for the Tennessee Valley Authority as a Database Analyst and Mapping expert.  In addition, Joanne worked for the US Census Bureau as an Analyst and Cartographic Technician, giving technical support, troubleshooting, and training personnel on addressing projects.  Currently, Joanne is serving as a Naturalist at a local museum, and working with Czech colleagues on YDB research led by Dr. Evzen Stuchlik at the Czech Academy of the Sciences.  Joanne is a catastrophist, and collaborates with the Comet Research Group.Joanne has been intrigued with the causation for the megafauna extinction since the 1990s.  She met Rick Firestone at the Mammoth Conference in 2005 at Hot Springs, SD.  When he and others presented their hypothesis on a bolide strike as causation for the Younger Dryas onset (Firestone et al. 2007), she wanted to look for evidence. Lake mud contains various proxies that help us gain insights into past environments, such as charcoal (wildfires), pollen and macrofossils (vegetation), diatoms, chironomids (climate) and chemistry--isotopes and elements. Lake mud is considered less disturbed (such as by roots, earthworms, freeze/thaw) than terrestrial sediment or soil.  At UC, she and her team drilled through the ice to collect cores from four lakes near Flint, Michigan, two of which (Slack and Swift Lakes) are adjacent to the Gainey archaeological site mentioned by Firestone et al. (2007).  At UT, she studied lake sediments from sites in the southeastern USA.   She discovered a new proxy for wildfires--possibly catastrophic wildfires--which are siliceous aggregates. These form in wood ash.  After a tree burns to ash, the silica phytoliths that were part of the structure of the tree are deposited with the wood ash. When that highly alkaline ash gets wet, it causes the phytoliths to dissolve, and the silica gel percolates down through the ash and then hardens up around silt or other particles in the sediment.  Five of six lakes sampled across eastern North America showed siliceous aggregates around the time of the onset of the Younger Dryas, suggesting widespread, catastrophic wildfires.  However, more work needs to be done to support this interpretation.Joanne has also researched Usselo Horizon sites (typically YDB-age black mats) in The Netherlands and Belgium to understand the events that triggered the onset of the Younger Dryas (12,900 - 11,600 BP).  At four Usselo horizon sites across the NL and BE, she found fused quartz, soot, charcoal, melt glass and sponge spicules.See her PPT presentation "Usselo Horizon Presentation" here:https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Joanne-Ballard/researchDid humans tame woolly mammoths?  See the discussion here with 821 postshttps://www.researchgate.net/topicshttps://www.researchgate.net/post/Did-humans-tame-woolly-mammoths-or-other-megafaunaJoanne's dissertation can be accessed and downloaded for free here:https://trace.tennessee.edu/utk_graddiss/3492/Evidence of Late Quaternary Fires from Charcoal and Siliceous Aggregates in Lake Sediments in the Eastern U.S.A.Her MS thesis can be accessed for free here: https://etd.ohiolink.edu/acprod/odb_etd/etd/r/1501/10?clear=10&p10_accession_num=ucin1250268463A Lateglacial Paleofire Record for East-central MichiganRick Firestone's paper:https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.0706977104    Evidence for an extraterrestrial impact 12,900 years ago that contributed to the megafaunal extinctions and the Younger Dryas cooling-- Sent with Tuta; enjoy secure & ad-free emails: https://tuta.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/earth-ancients--2790919/support.

This week on the Stories podcast, we tell the story of two Appalachian towns, Royston and Butler, that were submerged beneath TVA lakes but refused to disappear. Join Steve Gilly and Rod Mullins as they recount the fascinating tales of these communities that were dramatically transformed by the Tennessee Valley Authority. Listen to the audio version of the Stories podcast on Spreaker, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform. Don't forget to subscribe on YouTube for more tales from the heart of Appalachia.You can also support our storytelling journey and access exclusive content by becoming a patron on Spreaker here:https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/stories-of-appalachia--5553692/supportThanks for listening and for sharing our stories with your friends!

Back in the 1970s, the Tennessee Valley Authority built what remains one of the largest energy storage facilities in the world: a pumped-storage hydropower plant. A pump takes water from the Tennessee River, shoots it up a giant shaft and holds it there until electric power needs peak during the day. At that point, the water is allowed to drain back down, spinning turbines that can generate enough power for a million homes. It’s almost like a gravity-powered battery as big as a cathedral … buried deep inside a mountain. Marketplace’s Lily Jamali spoke with Robert Kunzig, a freelance journalist who recently wrote about this in depth for the publication Science. He says pumped-storage hydro is attracting a lot of interest, thanks in part to generous tax credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.

Back in the 1970s, the Tennessee Valley Authority built what remains one of the largest energy storage facilities in the world: a pumped-storage hydropower plant. A pump takes water from the Tennessee River, shoots it up a giant shaft and holds it there until electric power needs peak during the day. At that point, the water is allowed to drain back down, spinning turbines that can generate enough power for a million homes. It’s almost like a gravity-powered battery as big as a cathedral … buried deep inside a mountain. Marketplace’s Lily Jamali spoke with Robert Kunzig, a freelance journalist who recently wrote about this in depth for the publication Science. He says pumped-storage hydro is attracting a lot of interest, thanks in part to generous tax credits from the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.