Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

Hosted by Lisa Ann Pinkerton

Technology Science

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164

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Jun 2026

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About the show

The Earthlings Podcast takes a look at the big issues facing humanity in the early 21st century and our relationship to our environment, technology, and each other. Each episode, award-winning journalist, and former NPR reporter Lisa Ann Pinkerton hosts experts, scientists, and leaders working to solve the world’s biggest challenges. Together, they cover wide-ranging topics including environmental solutions, emerging technologies, what the future might look like, and more. Support us on Patreon and receive exclusive content and benefits.

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June 16, 202644 min

#165: Bonus Episode: Looking Back on 15 Years of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability with Lisa Ann Pinkerton

In this special bonus episode of Earthlings 2.0, we feature WCS Talks Unplugged, the podcast from Women in Cleantech & Sustainability (WCS). Host Sara Fuentes sits down with our very own Lisa Ann Pinkerton to discuss the origins of one of the largest global networks supporting women in cleantech, renewable energy, sustainability, and climate technology. Lisa Ann reflects on how a simple decision to stop waiting for change and start building community grew into an organization that has connected more than 20,000 women worldwide. The conversation explores climate leadership, professional networking, sustainability careers, entrepreneurship, and the role of community in advancing women across the energy transition and climate innovation sectors. Lisa Ann also shares lessons learned from building a mission-driven organization over the past 15 years and why hope, authenticity, and persistence remain essential for anyone working to create a more sustainable future.Previous Earthlings episodes mentioned in the show include Carbon Price, Power, and Politics with Neal Dikeman (Part 1 & Part 2).Key Points:Women in Cleantech & Sustainability began with a simple decision to take action – Lisa Ann shares how identifying a gap in the industry led to the creation of a global network supporting women across climate, energy, and sustainability sectors.Strong communities are built through consistency and shared purpose – The conversation explores lessons learned from growing a mission-driven organization over 15 years and the importance of creating spaces where people can connect, collaborate, and advance their careers.Hope and persistence remain critical climate leadership skills – Lisa Ann discusses why long-term progress in climate and sustainability requires resilience, authenticity, and a willingness to keep showing up.Lisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn Sara Fuentes, Chair of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, CEO and Founder of SmartWaste, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

June 9, 202629 min

#164: How the Grid Could Survive the AI Boom with Solid State Transformers With DG Matrix

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Michael Wood III, Director of Commercial Development at DG Matrix, about one of the biggest challenges behind the AI boom: aging electrical infrastructure. As AI, data centers, manufacturing and electrification drive unprecedented demand for electricity, utilities and developers are increasingly constrained by a grid architecture built around technologies that have changed little in more than a century. Michael explains how DG Matrix is developing the world's first commercially available multi-port solid-state transformer, a power electronics platform designed to simplify energy systems, accelerate access to power, integrate multiple energy sources, and support the growing energy needs of AI data centers and electrified industries. The conversation explores grid modernization, data center energy demand, power system flexibility, and why the future of electricity infrastructure may require a fundamental rethinking of how energy moves through the grid.Key Points:AI data centers are creating unprecedented demand for electricity – The rapid growth of AI, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure is placing new pressure on an electrical grid originally designed for predictable demand patterns.Solid-state transformers could modernize power delivery – DG Matrix's multi-port solid-state transformer replaces complex power conversion chains with a flexible platform that integrates AC, DC, batteries, renewables, generators, and data center loads.Grid flexibility is becoming as important as grid capacity – As electrification accelerates across transportation, manufacturing, buildings, and computing, future energy systems will need to be smarter, faster, and more adaptable to changing power requirements.Michael Wood III, Director of Commercial Development at DG Matrix, LinkedInLuis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

June 2, 202634 min

#163: Can Renewable Energy Replace Combustion? This Company Thinks It Can With FeX Energy

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Hayden Smith, CEO of FeX Energy, about the growing challenge of decarbonizing industrial heat and why long-duration energy storage may become essential to the future of clean manufacturing and grid reliability. While renewable electricity adoption continues to grow, many industrial sectors still rely on fossil fuel combustion to generate the high-temperature heat needed for cement, steel, chemicals, plastics, mining, and food processing. Hayden explains how FeX Energy is developing an iron-based thermal energy storage system capable of storing renewable electricity for long durations and releasing it later as high-temperature industrial heat approaching 900°C. The conversation explores how thermal energy storage could help stabilize renewable-heavy grids, reduce dependence on natural gas, support industrial electrification, and help industries decarbonize without requiring massive transmission infrastructure upgrades.Key Points:Industrial heat remains one of the hardest sectors to decarbonize – Heavy industry still depends heavily on fossil fuel combustion for high-temperature manufacturing processes.FeX Energy uses iron as a long-duration thermal battery – The company’s Iron Arc Reactor stores renewable electricity and releases it later as high-temperature industrial heat.Long-duration energy storage could improve grid flexibility and industrial electrification – Thermal storage systems may help manage renewable intermittency, reduce grid strain, and lower infrastructure upgrade costs.Hayden Smith, CEO of FeX Energy, LinkedInLuis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

May 26, 202650 min

#162: Whales, Wolves, and Wild Comebacks: The Power of Rewilding with Alister Scott

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Alister Scott, Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, about the growing global rewilding movement and how ecosystem restoration could play a major role in addressing biodiversity loss, climate resilience, flooding, wildfire risk, and human well-being. The conversation explores what rewilding actually means: restoring ecosystems by reducing destructive human activity, reconnecting habitats through wildlife corridors, and reintroducing keystone species like wolves, beavers, bison, jaguars, and whales that help ecosystems regulate themselves naturally.Links to other topics discussed in the interview:The list of the Global Rewilding Alliance’s partner projects on every continent can be found hereBen Goldfarb’s book, Eager: The Surprising, Secret Life of Beavers and Why They Matter, by Ben GoldfarbVanuatu’s Protected Area Status with the Protected Planet Initiative's protected areaVideos that showcase the rewilding spiritPrinciples of rewildingImagining a rewilded EarthA rewilded languageWild heroes:HipposOttersBeaversKey Points:Rewilding focuses on restoring ecosystem function – Rather than tightly controlling landscapes, rewilding creates the conditions for nature to recover and self-regulate over time.Nature recovery creates economic opportunities – Protected ecosystems can support local economies through tourism, sustainable land management, and long-term climate resilience.Rewilding can happen anywhere – From marine protected areas to urban gardens and backyard pollinator habitats, biodiversity recovery can begin at every scale.Alister Scott, Executive Director of the Global Rewilding Alliance, LinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, and CEO of PRVIEW, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

May 19, 202632 min

#161: Dry, Pulverize, Sanitize: Turning Industrial Waste Into New Resources with ADAR Technologies

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Dan Kelly, CEO of ADAR Technologies, about how the company is rethinking industrial waste management through acoustic dehydration technology. By removing moisture from high-volume waste streams, like agricultural byproducts, sludge, and food waste, ADAR reduces disposal costs, eliminates contaminants, and preserves nutrient value for reuse. The conversation centers on a simple but powerful shift: when sustainability improves the bottom line, adoption follows. Instead of relying on policy or incentives, this approach turns waste into a profitability lever, unlocking new opportunities in resource recovery, circular economy systems, and industrial efficiency.Key Points:Waste streams can become revenue streams – ADAR focuses on high-moisture industrial waste, reducing disposal costs while creating new value from materials that were previously discarded.Acoustic dehydration replaces thermal drying – Using shock waves instead of heat, the system removes water at a molecular level while preserving nutrients and reducing energy use.Economics are driving adoption – Companies are engaging not for compliance, but to improve margins by turning waste management into a profit center.Dan Kelly, CEO of ADAR Technologies, LinkedInLuis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

May 12, 202635 min

#160: Throwing Shade at the Heat Crisis with Passive Cooling With ThermoShade

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Emily Dinino, Founder and CEO of ThermoShade, about how extreme heat is reshaping cities, infrastructure, and daily life, and what it will take to adapt. As the deadliest weather-related hazard in the U.S., rising temperatures are exposing gaps in how we design public spaces, especially in underserved communities. Emily shares how ThermoShade is developing passive-cooling panels that reduce surface temperatures without relying on energy-intensive systems, and how the technology is being piloted in urban transit, agriculture, and temporary off-grid shelters. The conversation explores the science behind radiative cooling, the realities of deploying climate tech in public infrastructure, and why resilience, not just mitigation, needs to be a bigger part of the climate conversation.Key Points:Extreme heat is a design problem as much as a climate problem – Urban heat islands, driven by materials like concrete and metal, disproportionately impact underserved communities and require rethinking how public spaces are built and shaded.Passive cooling can reduce heat without adding strain to the grid – ThermoShade’s panels use radiative cooling and phase change materials to maintain lower surface temperatures, creating environments that can feel significantly cooler without relying on fans, misters, or air conditioning.Deploying climate tech depends on working within existing systems – Rather than replacing infrastructure, ThermoShade is integrating into existing contracts and designs, such as retrofitting bus shelters through established partners.Emily Dinino, CEO and Founder of ThermoShade, LinkedInLuis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications

May 5, 202639 min

#159: Combining Robotics and Mass Timber For Modular Urban Buildings with Intelligent City

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Oliver David (OD) Krieg, president of Intelligent City, about how prefabrication, automation, and mass timber are reshaping the future of housing. He explains how a “product platform” approach, standardizing manufacturing while allowing for design flexibility, can make construction faster, more efficient, and scalable. The conversation explores the role of robotics and data-driven processes in increasing output without eliminating labor, the benefits and challenges of mass timber as a building material, and why the housing crisis is as much about systems, financing, and policy as it is about construction methods.We also discussed this topic in different capacities in a few previous episodes. You can watch or listen here:#29: Living, Breathing, Beautiful Buildings with Lindsay Baker#72 - Using AI to Make Smarter, Greener, and More Efficient BuildingsKey Points:Prefabrication as a platform model – Standardized manufacturing processes paired with flexible design enable faster, more scalable housing delivery while maintaining architectural variation.Automation increases output, not replaces labor – Robotics and software improve efficiency and productivity, helping address labor shortages rather than eliminating jobs.The future points toward industrialized construction – Over the next 10-20 years, prefab systems and factory-based building could become a dominant model, supported by larger-scale manufacturers and standardized processes.Oliver David (OD) Krieg, President of Intelligent City, LinkedInSarah Malpeli, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Vice President, Client Services & Growth at Technica Communications, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

April 28, 202628 min

#158: Community as Infrastructure: Rethinking How We Live Together with Alan Willett

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Alan Willett, one of the original residents of Ecovillage at Ithaca, about what it means to intentionally design for community. Drawing on nearly three decades of experience living in what is known as “intentional communities,” Alan explains how physical layout, like shared spaces, pedestrian pathways, and common infrastructure, shapes daily interactions and fosters connection. The conversation also explores the realities of consensus-based decision-making, including the challenges of conflict, the importance of communication and governance structures, and how communities navigate complex decisions like shared investments. Alan also reflects on resilience, emphasizing that strong social bonds are as critical as sustainability initiatives like local food systems and renewable energy.Key Points:Design drives interaction – Features like shared laundry, common meals, and pedestrian pathways create consistent opportunities for connection and make community engagement part of daily life.Conflict is unavoidable, but structured – Consensus decision-making requires clear communication, shared values, and defined processes, with tools such as conflict-resolution teams and community training to help manage tensions.Community builds resilience – Beyond sustainability practices like composting and solar, strong relationships and mutual support are seen as the foundation for long-term resilience.Alan Willett, Co-founder of Exceptional Difference, Author of Leading the Unleadable: How to Manage Cynics, Divas, and Other Difficult People, and Lead With Speed, LinkedInLuis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!

April 21, 202637 min

#157: Rethinking Home Climate Control with Quilt

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we speak with Paul Lambert, CEO and co-founder of Quilt, about rethinking one of the most overlooked systems in the home: heating and cooling. What starts as a conversation about heat pumps quickly expands into a broader look at how comfort, efficiency, and design can work together. Paul shares why the future of home energy isn’t about sacrifice, but about better living, where smarter systems deliver both improved quality of life and meaningful energy savings.Check out our foundational heat pump episode with Jetson: #148 - The Future of All-Electric Heat Pumps with JetsonKey Points:Efficiency improves when systems become intelligent, not just mechanical – Beyond strong baseline performance, Quilt layers in software-driven optimizations like occupancy detection and predictive heating to reduce energy use without sacrificing comfort.Consumer adoption depends on better experiences, not just sustainability – People are more likely to upgrade when products feel like a lifestyle improvement, similar to how EVs gained traction through performance and convenience rather than environmental messaging alone.Heat pumps are becoming a default, not an alternative – As costs improve and performance increases, the shift toward all-electric heating and cooling is becoming economically driven and increasingly inevitable.Paul Lambert, CEO of Quilt, LinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, and CEO of PRVIEW, LinkedIn

April 14, 202637 min

#156: Ammonia: The Compound That Could Power a Cleaner Planet with Ammobia

In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Karen Baert, CEO and co-founder of Ammobia, to unpack the role ammonia plays in modern society and how it could evolve into a cleaner fuel and energy carrier. As one of the most produced chemicals in the world and a key input to global agriculture, ammonia underpins food systems while also contributing significantly to global emissions due to its energy-intensive production process. The conversation explores ammonia’s potential as a maritime shipping fuel, its role as an energy carrier, and the technical breakthroughs enabling more efficient production. Karen explains how Ammobia is reengineering ammonia production to reduce cost, energy use, and emissions — a solution that also won them the top prize at Women in Cleantech & Sustainability’s Pitch Competition in 2025.We also discussed this topic in different capacities in a few previous episodes. You can watch or listen here:#98 - Beyond Organic: Understanding Regenerative Agriculture with UnderstandingAg#140 - The Circular Economy of Chemicals and Carbon Emissions with CERT SystemsKey Points:Ammonia sits at the center of both food and energy systems – More than half of global food production depends on ammonia-based fertilizers, and new use cases in shipping and energy could significantly expand its role in the global economy.Lower pressure production could unlock decentralization – Ammobia’s approach reduces pressure requirements by up to 10x, improving efficiency and enabling smaller, modular plants that can be deployed closer to end users.Energy trade could shift toward molecules rather than electrons – Countries with abundant renewable resources could export energy globally as ammonia, reshaping how energy is produced, transported, and consumed.Karen Baert, CEO and co-founder of Ammobia, LinkedInAmmobia's job openingsAmmobia's LinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings…  Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!