Best Institute For Local SelfReliance Podcasts (2025)

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Abundance for Whom? - Episode 656 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 39:50

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8d ago39:50

39:50

Sascha Meinrath returns for a wide-ranging conversation on "Abundance" and what it gets right and wrong about broadband and public policy. He and Chris unpack the dangers of corporate-led infrastructure and why real abundance must center the public good. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Sludge, Lawsuits, and the Digital Divide: Unpacking the Latest Broadband Battles - Episode 655 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:59

22d ago33:59

33:59

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean unpack the Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the Universal Service Fund (USF) and why it matters for millions of Americans. They also call out corporate “sludge” tactics and highlight a major lawsuit—filed by 21 states and D.C.—pushing back against the Trump administration’s attempt to cancel the Digi…

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Capital is Power: Financing Broadband for the Long Haul - Episode 654 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 30:54

29d ago30:54

30:54

In this episode of the podcast, Brian Vo and Clara Miller join the show to explore how communities can leverage mission-driven finance to build lasting broadband infrastructure. They highlight creative approaches to funding that prioritize community needs and long-term impact. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Wi-Fi Threatened: Why Congress Might Be Undermining Our Digital Future - Episode 653 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 43:24

1M ago43:24

43:24

Wi-Fi as we know it is under threat. Harold Feld and Michael Calabrese join the show to explain how a Senate proposal could auction off critical spectrum needed for Wi-Fi 7—undermining future innovation and everyday connectivity. Learn what’s at stake and how to fight back. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Shared Airwaves, Public Good: Why CBRS Matters More Than Ever - Episode 652 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 31:54

1M ago31:54

31:54

In this episode of the podcast, David Zumwalt joins the show to break down why CBRS—shared spectrum that powers broadband in rural and underserved areas—is under threat. He and Chris explore how corporate lobbying could unravel a successful model that’s fueling innovation and connectivity nationwide. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Pennywise, Pound Foolish: Inside the BEAD Program’s Latest Shakeup - Episode 651 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:06

1M ago40:06

40:06

In this Monday edition of the podcast, Evan Feinman returns to break down the Trump administration’s latest changes to the BEAD program. He and Chris dig into how prioritizing short-term savings over long-term infrastructure could leave millions with slower, pricier Internet access. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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BEAD: No NOFO Fo Sho - Episode 650 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:52

2M ago37:52

37:52

In this episode of the podcast, Chris welcomes back Gigi Sohn for a rapid-fire reaction to Commerce Secretary Lutnick’s latest testimony and the ongoing BEAD program freeze. They unpack the political motivations, and what's really at stake for states ready to build broadband networks. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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BEAD in Limbo: How Federal Delay Is Shaking Up Louisiana's Broadband Future - Episode 649 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 36:16

2M ago36:16

36:16

In this episode of the podcast, Josh Etheridge of EPC joins us to talk about how the BEAD delay is hitting Louisiana hard—from stalled projects to laid-off workers—and why this federal pause is putting connectivity and local businesses at risk. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Kansas City's Digital Equity Journey - Episode 648 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:00

2M ago40:00

40:00

Tom Esselman of DEPO-KC joins us to talk about Kansas City’s long digital equity journey—from Google Fiber to grassroots partnerships—and why local trust and nonprofit leadership are key to closing the digital divide. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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The Hidden Cost: The Ripple Effects of Canceling the Digital Equity Act - Episode 647 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 24:03

2M ago24:03

24:03

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks again with Jade Piros de Carvalho to explain how canceling the Digital Equity Act doesn’t just cut digital inclusion programs—it threatens entire state broadband offices and the future of BEAD. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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President Trump Targets Digital Equity Act —What It Means for Communities and the Future of Connectivity - Episode 646 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

In this urgent episode of the podcast, Angela Siefer and Amy Huffman join us to respond to President Trump’s declaration that the Digital Equity Act is “unconstitutional.” We break down what the Act actually does—and what’s at stake for millions of Americans if it disappears. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Broadband at a Crossroads: Evan Feinman on Getting BEAD Right - Episode 645 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 52:22

3M ago52:22

52:22

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sits down again with Evan Feinman to share what it took to launch the biggest broadband investment in U.S. history. He reflects on what went right, what still worries him, and why local leadership is key to getting it right. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Stringtown, MO Gets Connected: How Local Partnerships Are Closing the Rural Broadband Gap - Episode 644 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:37

3M ago37:37

37:37

In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Patty Boyers and Robbie Myers on how local collaboration and smart public investment connected Stringtown, MO—and why it’s a game changer for public safety, healthcare, and opportunity. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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BEAD Under Threat: Fiber, Satellites, and the Fight for the Future of Rural Internet Access - Episode 643 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 46:48

3M ago46:48

46:48

In this episode of the podcast, former BEAD Director Evan Feinman joins us to unpack the sudden shift in federal broadband policy—and how it could derail state-led fiber projects in favor of satellites. With billions at stake, the conversation cuts to the heart of what’s really happening behind the scenes. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Broadband Bottlenecks and Bureaucracy: What’s Holding the Internet Back? - Episode 642 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 41:59

3M ago41:59

41:59

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sascha Meinrath dig into what's gone wrong with federal programs like BEAD and digital equity grants, and what it means for the future of Internet access. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Tribal Broadband Bootcamps in Action - Episode 641 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 37:11

4M ago37:11

37:11

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Matt Rantanen shares how Tribal Broadband Bootcamps are equipping Indigenous leaders with the technical skills and policy know-how to build and sustain their own networks. Tune in to learn how these hands-on trainings are closing the digital divide in Indian Country. ★ Support this podcast ★…

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Rethinking the Internet with Bob Frankston - Episode 640 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 47:41

4M ago47:41

47:41

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Bob Frankston to challenge the traditional telecom model and explore why Internet access should be treated like a public utility. He explains how shifting to a community-owned model could unlock innovation and make connectivity more resilient. ★ Support this podcast ★…