Best Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts (2025)

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State Solutions for Local Energy Action — (Bonus) Episode 256 of Local Energy Rules 13:01

Play Pause

5h ago13:01

13:01

Learn how state legislatures can pave the way for cities to advance clean energy and equitably address climate change.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/state-solutions-local-action-ler256/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't …

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How to Raise the Bar for Community Solar in Minnesota — (Bonus) Episode 255 of Local Energy Rules 27:20

7d ago27:20

27:20

Learn about the recent improvements to Minnesota's community solar program and what can be done to better encourage cooperative ownership models.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/mn-community-solar-ler255/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules…

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The Oregon Trail To Community Microgrids — Episode 254 of Local Energy Rules 51:03

7d ago51:03

51:03

Learn how this state developed a community microgrid law to enhance community resilience against power shutoffs and grid failure.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/or-community-microgrids-ler254/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ |…

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The Satellite Solution That Won’t Scale - Episode 666 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 49:17

8d ago49:17

49:17

Sascha Meinrath joins Chris to unpack how BEAD funding is drifting toward satellite solutions that can’t scale—and why misleading speed data, space congestion, and political pressure could derail real broadband progress ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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The State Fighting The Feds to Lower Energy Costs – (Bonus) Episode 253 of Local Energy Rules 25:21

14d ago25:21

25:21

Learn how this state is ramping up the fight with the feds for local, clean energy affordability and access. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/MN-fights-feds-ler253/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, s…

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Speed Tests and Why BEAD Keeps Getting Messier - Episode 665 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 28:16

15d ago28:16

28:16

Doug Dawson joins Chris to break down the latest shakeups in broadband policy, from ISPs gaming the data to NTIA’s controversial BEAD changes and what it all means for communities trying to connect. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Follow the Money: Comcast, Starlink, and the BEAD Backslide - Episode 664 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 27:53

21d ago27:53

27:53

Chris Mitchell, Karl Bode, and Sean Gonsalves break down the politics, corruption, and power plays shaping the broadband landscape—and what it all means for communities fighting for real Internet choice ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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The Minnesota Lawmaker Tackling Energy Problems Head-On — (Bonus) Episode 252 of Local Energy Rules 15:17

21d ago15:17

15:17

Learn about how this Minnesota lawmaker wants to tackle her state’s energy problems. Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/acomb-ler252/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a rec…

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Distributed Power Banishes Blackouts In Puerto Rico — Episode 251 of Local Energy Rules 40:42

21d ago40:42

40:42

It’s been eight years since Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico, causing one of the longest power outages in U.S. history and leaving behind a fragile electric grid. But Puerto Ricans have taken their future into their own hands, and thousands of locals have invested in solar panels and batteries to keep the lights on for themselves and for everyone…

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The Job No One Does Well — (Bonus) Episode 250 of Local Energy Rules 17:53

28d ago17:53

17:53

No state in America is currently doing utility regulation well. But there’s hope.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/states-all-do-a-bad-job-ler250/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your frie…

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BlackRock Bought Minnesota Power. What’s Next? — (Bonus) Episode 249 of Local Energy Rules 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

BlackRock just bought Minnesota Power. But these consumer advocates haven’t stopped fighting for utility accountability.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/after-BlackRock-ler249/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share…

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How to Fix the Country’s Biggest Power Market — Episode 248 of Local Energy Rules 50:26

1M ago50:26

50:26

The PJM electricity market is embroiled in a crisis where ratepayers are being gouged to line the pockets of generation owners.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/how-to-fix-PJM-ler248/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forg…

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Should We Celebrate When Monopoly Utilities Embrace Distributed Energy? — (Bonus) Episode 247 of Local Energy Rules 24:25

1M ago24:25

24:25

A landmark utility proposal to own energy storage on customer property also cements its monopoly power. Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/monopoly-utilities-distributed-energy-ler247/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget…

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After BEAD: The Future of Broadband and Accountability - Episode 663 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 39:32

1M ago39:32

39:32

Chris Mitchell and Jordan Pittman dig into what federal broadband funding missed, why affordability still looms as the biggest barrier, and how communities can keep pushing for real accountability and digital equity. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Finally a Bright Spot for California Rooftop Solar — Episode 246 of Local Energy Rules 34:10

2M ago34:10

34:10

There’s still a chance to breathe new life into California’s rooftop solar ambitions.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/bright-spot-for-CA-solar-ler246/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your …

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Don’t Break the Internet - Episode 662 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 34:59

2M ago34:59

34:59

By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Free Speech, AI Slop, and Media Power - Episode 661 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 31:44

2M ago31:44

31:44

In this episode of the podcast, Chris speaks with Karl Bode and Jordan Pittman to dig into free speech, media consolidation, and the flood of low-quality “AI slop” shaping how we experience the Internet today. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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A New Coalition for a Distributed Energy Future — Episode 245 of Local Energy Rules 16:05

2M ago16:05

16:05

Learn about how Common Charge is fast-tracking a future where your distributed energy assets make the electric grid work better for everyone. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/energy-democracy/common-charge-ler245 | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast…

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How Rural America Gets Left Behind - Episode 660 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 48:02

2M ago48:02

48:02

Jonathan Chambers joins us to talk fiber, satellites, and the messy truth of federal broadband policy—and why evidence, not politics, should drive how we connect rural America. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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How Federal Changes Could Derail BEAD - Episode 659 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:53

2M ago40:53

40:53

Sarah Morris joins us to talk about the Trump administration’s push toward satellite, what it means for states on the frontlines, and why Congress’s original vision for closing the digital divide is at risk. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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These Solar Tax Credits Are Still Standing — Episode 244 of Local Energy Rules 42:50

3M ago42:50

42:50

Learn how non-profit and public entities can still benefit from solar tax credits, and the three steps to getting them. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/solar-tax-credits-ler244/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, sha…

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The Town That Could Spark a Public Power Revolution — Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules 36:43

3M ago36:43

36:43

Slayton's public power takeover aims to improve reliability and safety. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/slayton-public-power-ler243/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a recommendation …

1
Internet as a Human Right: Christopher Mitchell on Community Networks 26:16

3M ago26:16

26:16

You'd think a company with as many resources, employees, and facilities as AT&T or Comcast would have good customer service. Surely, with all the billions of dollars flowing through these businesses, there'd be some resources devoted to creating a really good customer experience, right? If only that were the case. The thing is, these telecom monopo…

1
Gibson Connect's Rural Cooperative Model - Episode 658 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 26:38

3M ago26:38

26:38

Scott Goff of Gibson Connect joins the show to share how an electric co-op in Tennessee is transforming rural communities with reliable, affordable fiber broadband. He and Chris discuss overcoming state barriers, building trust, and why community-first models are key to closing the digital divide ★ Support this podcast ★…

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A Public Power Struggle in Tucson — Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules 44:13

4M ago44:13

44:13

Affordability and clean energy are driving a public power campaign to take over Tucson’s investor-owned utility. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/tucson-public-power-ler242/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscribe, share wi…

1
Why Solving Waste Has To Be Local: Brenda Platt on Sustainability and Community 29:54

4M ago29:54

29:54

We hear it again and again on this show: neighborhoods that are presumed less likely to fight back are taken advantage of by huge corporations and monopolies. Through predatory decisions and massive market power, a chain grocery store erodes a historically black neighborhood into a food desert. Amazon locates a massive warehouse, and its associated…

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Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules 44:44

4M ago44:44

44:44

Learn about how distributed power plants lower electric bills and stabilize the grid.| Show page available: https://ilsr.org/articles/distributed-power-plants-ler241/| Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/| Don't forget to subscribe, share with your friends, leave a…

1
Sky High Promises: The Limits of Starlink - Episode 657 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 49:29

4M ago49:29

49:29

Sascha Meinrath returns to break down what Starlink gets right—and wrong—about solving the digital divide. He and the CBN Team take a hard look at the hype, the reality, and why magic-bullet solutions often distract from real, community-driven infrastructure. ★ Support this podcast ★By Institute for Local Self-Reliance

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Why Clean Energy Is Not Enough: John Farrell on Lessons from David Morris 26:36

4M ago26:36

26:36

When ILSR co-founder David Morris published his pamphlet The Dawning of Solar Cells in 1975, nearly the only people using solar power were those in the Apollo program at NASA. Yet David saw decades into the future as he laid out a vision for community control and local ownership of a solar power system that was better for the climate and kept much …

1
Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules 44:16

4M ago44:16

44:16

Minnesota Power's sale would saddle captive utility customers with higher rates, but bring millions to shareholders. | Show page available: https://ilsr.org/article/blackrock-utility-purchase-ler240/ | Listen to all of our Local Energy Rules podcast episodes at our site: https://ilsr.org/energy/local-energy-rules-podcast/ | Don't forget to subscrib…

Institute For Local Self Reliance Podcasts

1
Community Broadband Bits

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Local Energy Rules

Local Energy Rules

1
Building Local Power

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
Building for Digital Equity Podcast

Institute for Local Self-Reliance

1
State Solutions for Local Energy Action — (Bonus) Episode 256 of Local Energy Rules 13:01

1
How to Raise the Bar for Community Solar in Minnesota — (Bonus) Episode 255 of Local Energy Rules 27:20

1
The Oregon Trail To Community Microgrids — Episode 254 of Local Energy Rules 51:03

1
The Satellite Solution That Won’t Scale - Episode 666 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 49:17

1
The State Fighting The Feds to Lower Energy Costs – (Bonus) Episode 253 of Local Energy Rules 25:21

1
Speed Tests and Why BEAD Keeps Getting Messier - Episode 665 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 28:16

1
Follow the Money: Comcast, Starlink, and the BEAD Backslide - Episode 664 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 27:53

1
The Minnesota Lawmaker Tackling Energy Problems Head-On — (Bonus) Episode 252 of Local Energy Rules 15:17

1
Distributed Power Banishes Blackouts In Puerto Rico — Episode 251 of Local Energy Rules 40:42

1
The Job No One Does Well — (Bonus) Episode 250 of Local Energy Rules 17:53

1
BlackRock Bought Minnesota Power. What’s Next? — (Bonus) Episode 249 of Local Energy Rules 27:11

1
How to Fix the Country’s Biggest Power Market — Episode 248 of Local Energy Rules 50:26

1
Should We Celebrate When Monopoly Utilities Embrace Distributed Energy? — (Bonus) Episode 247 of Local Energy Rules 24:25

1
After BEAD: The Future of Broadband and Accountability - Episode 663 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 39:32

1
Finally a Bright Spot for California Rooftop Solar — Episode 246 of Local Energy Rules 34:10

1
Don’t Break the Internet - Episode 662 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 34:59

1
Free Speech, AI Slop, and Media Power - Episode 661 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 31:44

1
A New Coalition for a Distributed Energy Future — Episode 245 of Local Energy Rules 16:05

1
How Rural America Gets Left Behind - Episode 660 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 48:02

1
How Federal Changes Could Derail BEAD - Episode 659 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 40:53

1
These Solar Tax Credits Are Still Standing — Episode 244 of Local Energy Rules 42:50

1
The Town That Could Spark a Public Power Revolution — Episode 243 of Local Energy Rules 36:43

1
Internet as a Human Right: Christopher Mitchell on Community Networks 26:16

1
Gibson Connect's Rural Cooperative Model - Episode 658 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 26:38

1
A Public Power Struggle in Tucson — Episode 242 of Local Energy Rules 44:13

1
Why Solving Waste Has To Be Local: Brenda Platt on Sustainability and Community 29:54

1
Smart Homes, Stronger Grids, Thanks to Distributed Power Plants — Episode 241 of Local Energy Rules 44:44

1
Sky High Promises: The Limits of Starlink - Episode 657 of the Community Broadband Bits Podcast 49:29

1
Why Clean Energy Is Not Enough: John Farrell on Lessons from David Morris 26:36

1
Why BlackRock Wants to Buy Your Electric Utility — Episode 240 of Local Energy Rules 44:16