167: Solar Energy’s Role in a Greener America with Garrett Nilsen
Matt Matern chats with Garrett Nilsen, Deputy Director of the Solar Energy Technologies Office at the DOE, about the transformative advancements shaping the future of solar energy in the U.S. From groundbreaking innovations to the workforce powering this transition.
166: Beyond Recycling: Auden Schendler on Systemic Climate Solutions
Matt Matern speaks with Auden Schendler, SVP at Aspen One, about tackling climate change. They discuss systemic reforms, the Inflation Reduction Act, state initiatives, and how citizens can reshape policy to fight climate complicity.
165: Decarbonizing the Grid with Rob Gramlich
Matt Matern interviews Rob Gramlich, energy policy expert and Grid Strategies founder. Topics include grid expansion, renewables, tech impacts, battery storage, hydrogen, and corporate energy policy—plus global energy insights. Don’t miss it!
164: Dr. Davide Faranda on Fossil Fuels & Extreme Weather Events
Dr. Davide Faranda joins Matt to discuss climate attribution science, linking fossil fuels to extreme weather, AI’s role in analyzing data, and holding polluters accountable. They explore Arctic warming, adaptation challenges, and the urgent need for renewable energy.
163: Nathaniel Stinnett’s Mission to Mobilize Environmental Voters
Nathaniel Stinnett, founder of the Environmental Voter Project, shares how mobilizing climate-focused voters can push politicians to prioritize climate policy urgently.
162: Senator Ben Allen on the 2024 Election & California’s Climate Model
Matt Matern & Senator Ben Allen discuss 2024’s climate stakes, contrasting candidate agendas, California’s climate leadership, fossil fuel influence on GOP, swing state turnout, and misinformation’s impact.
161: Republican Mayor Rex Parris Has a Bold Climate Action Plan
Republican Mayor Rex Parris discusses Lancaster’s hydrogen energy push, drawing on Japan’s expertise. Matt and Rex highlight the urgent need for climate action, hindered by fossil fuel interests. While Lancaster has made progress, the global response remains too slow despite available solutions.
160: Shara Mohtadi & The State-Level Push for Clean Energy
Matt Matern interviews Shara Mohtadi, co-founder of S2 Strategies and former White House Senior Advisor. Shara shares how witnessing humanitarian crises led her to clean energy policy, discussing how states can leverage the Inflation Reduction Act.
159: Project 2025 & the Threat to Climate Policy Under Trump with Paul Bledsoe (Part 2)
Paul Bledsoe warns of Trump’s radical “Project 2025,” which aims to dismantle key environmental protections. He contrasts this with Kamala Harris’s centrist, clean energy approach and stresses the importance of voter turnout to safeguard the climate and global stability.
158: Clean Energy, Jobs, & the Future: Paul Bledsoe on the 2024 Presidential Election (Part 1)
Paul Bledsoe warns of Trump’s radical “Project 2025,” which aims to dismantle key environmental protections. He contrasts this with Kamala Harris’s centrist, clean energy approach and stresses the importance of voter turnout to safeguard the climate and global stability.
157: Dr. Susan Solomon On Renewables, Net Zero, & Climate Solutions
Dr. Susan Solomon discusses climate change solutions with Matt Matern, emphasizing renewables, grid modernization, and net zero by 2050. She highlights the importance of international cooperation and individual actions, remaining optimistic about a sustainable future.
156: Staci Roberts-Steele on Using Film and Satire to Fight Climate Change
Staci Roberts-Steele discusses her climate activism through films like “Don’t Look Up,” and her work at Yellow Dot Studios. She highlights the power of media in raising climate awareness and pushing for urgent action.
155: Aru Shiney-Ajay & Sunrise Movement’s Path to Climate Justice
Aru Shiney-Ajay of the Sunrise Movement highlights their climate advocacy work. They support renewable energy, push for the Green New Deal, and emphasize federal action. Key priorities: green housing, transportation overhaul, and ending fossil fuel subsidies.
154: Walter Lamb & Bruce Robertson: Protecting LA’s Ballona Wetlands
Walter Lamb and Bruce Robertson speak about preserving LA’s Ballona Wetlands. Walter emphasizes community stewardship, while Bruce shares his documentary work.
153: David Doniger Explores EPA’s Future Amid Supreme Court Rulings
Matt speaks with David Doniger from NRDC discusses the impact of the Clean Air Act and the Supreme Court’s decision limiting EPA authority. David emphasizes state and federal action, citing California’s leadership and the Inflation Reduction Act. Advocacy and accountability are crucial.
152: Nature and Nurture: Nadia Colburn Discusses Poetry’s Influence on Our Planet
Matt Matern and Nadia Colburn explore how personal experiences and poetry can deepen awareness of societal and environmental issues, urging active engagement in the arts for change.
151: Jayda G, Grammy-Nominated DJ & Marine Toxicologist on Blue Carbon Documentary
Matt Matern speaks with grammy-nominated DJ and marine toxicologist, Jayda G, about her new environmental documentary, Blue Carbon.
150: Saving the Amazon with Daniel Gutierrez: Indigenous Wisdom Meets Modern Conservation
Daniel Gutierrez, CEO of Saving the Amazon, emphasizes the critical need for global collaboration, indigenous involvement, and significant investment in conservation efforts to combat deforestation and safeguard the Amazon.
149: Jared Lipworth’s ‘Wild Hope’: From Jane Goodall to Global Indigenous Stories
Jared Lipworth talks about using storytelling for conservation, highlighting the “Wild Hope” series & projects like the Billion Oyster Project to inspire environmental action.
148: Katrick Technologies and Karthik Velayutham’s Oscillating Turbine Revolution
Karthik Velayutham discusses Katrick Technologies’ oscillating wind turbines, a sustainable innovation transforming renewable energy in complex environments.
147: Steve Fambro’s Aptera: Pioneering the Future of Solar Electric Vehicles
Matt Matern talks with Steve Fambro, CEO of Aptera, about the company’s innovative approach to electric vehicles (EVs).
146: Captain Paul Watson’s War on Illegal Whaling: A Hero’s Journey
Matt speaks with Captain Paul Watson, the star of Whale Wars, a founder of Sea Shepherd and Greenpeace, to discuss his dedicated efforts against illegal whaling and fishing.
145: Revolutionizing Recycling: Zachary Kirstein’s Ocean Recovery Group Mission
Matt Matern speaks with Zachary Kirstein, CEO of Ocean Recovery Group, about recycling efforts, particularly in the Dominican Republic.
144: “Eating Our Way to Extinction,” with Gerard Bisshop and Mark Galvin: Urgent Action Needed on Animal Agriculture
Matt, Gerard Bisshop & Mark Galvin discuss “Eating Our Way to Extinction,” stressing urgent action to address animal agriculture’s impact on deforestation, climate change. They advocate plant-based diets & activism for change.