Best Calix Podcasts (2026)

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This company won Calix's innovative partner of the year award 12:28

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23d ago12:28

12:28

Send us a text On today's episode of Connected Nation, we ask what it takes to win the partner award for innovation given by Calix every year. The answer: be a disruptor. We'll talk with the CEO and Co-founder of Camvio about winning the award and find out how the company has been and is approaching innovation including leveraging AI years before A…

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Creating Staff Energy Influencers, With Jodi Henderson 23:54

18h ago23:54

23:54

What if every staff member at your utility felt confident answering energy questions? In this episode, Benton PUD’s Jodi Henderson shares how its Empowered program turns staff into energy pros through training built on employee needs. Find out more about the program at bentonpud.org/empowered. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Commu…

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#75: Alconost CCO Ilya Spiridonov on prioritizing localization in the B2B marketing funnel 19:54

9d ago19:54

19:54

"Despite the global opportunity available to so many businesses, most are constrained by finite resources. So, the more interesting question isn't "what should we translate?" but rather, "what's the real cost of not localizing the right customer touchpoint, and how do you even begin to calculate that risk?" Agility requires more than just speed; it…

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How broadband businesses can turn AI into a road map for success 23:20

8d ago23:20

23:20

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the representative from Vantage Point Solutions who took the main stage at Calix ConnecXions 2025 in front of 3,000 attendees. Find out what she told the crowd about using AI and preparing for the future. Recommended links: Jacki Miskimins, Director of Communications & Engagement Vant…

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Stories That Stick in the Capitol, With Andy Barth 33:13

8d ago33:13

33:13

When you walk into a legislator’s office, will your story stick or slip away? In this episode, Inland Power & Light’s Andy Barth shares how utilities can move beyond numbers to craft stories lawmakers care about. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA’s Northwest Innovations in Communications conference.By Pioneer Utility Resources

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#74: Maximizing the value of your partnerships with Peter Fogelsanger 29:21

16d ago29:21

29:21

Are most of your channel partners producing very little value for your business? Agility requires more than just signing up partners; it demands a dynamic approach to activating and enabling the *right* ones. It's about ruthlessly prioritizing relationships that generate mutual value and being nimble enough to change or sunset those that don't. Tod…

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Mission Telecom's RESPOND Kit: Ensuring communities stay connected during disasters 35:19

15d ago35:19

35:19

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Mission Telecom about their new RESPOND Kit – a broadband solution for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery. It's not just for ISPs. This product was built for everyone from disaster agencies to nonprofits responding to immediate and long term need. Recommende…

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What it's like to build broadband in some of the most remote states in America 15:27

16d ago15:27

15:27

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to two technicians about building broadband in some of the most rural areas in America - Wyoming, and Montana. We also put them on the spot by asking them to build a STEAM packet for local kids. This is what happened. Recommended links: Range.net Goodera…

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Episode 474: Kathy Kirchner on Service Assurance, AI Adoption, and Fiber Resilience 41:27

16d ago41:27

41:27

This episode of The Broadband Bunch features host Pete Pizzutillo in conversation with Kathy Kirchner, Senior Vice President of Service Assurance at Zayo. Kathy shares her journey from a Sprint call center to leading service assurance for one of North America’s largest fiber networks, with career stops spanning independent telcos, cable operators, …

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#73: AI in the 'real economy' with Bassem Hamdy, Briq 24:16

23d ago24:16

24:16

With all the talk about the business impact of AI, why aren't more people talking beyond the most straightforward examples and more about sectors like construction, energy, and manufacturing where there is real potential for impact that has yet to be tapped? Agility requires a willingness to challenge the core processes of how work gets done, even …

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Inside Wi-Fi® security with Jennifer "JJ" Minella of Viszen Security 23:20

22d ago23:20

23:20

In this episode, we get the inside track on Wi-Fi security from Jennifer "JJ" Minella, Founder and Principal Advisor of Security Architecture at Viszen Security. With billions of devices in use today, threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making unerring security more vital than ever. JJ breaks down the most pressing threats facing Wi-Fi…

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Like bees to honey: This was the sweetest booth at any broadband conference in 2025 9:09

28d ago9:09

9:09

Send us a text On this episode on Connected Nation, we chat with Chris Homan, Telecom Vertical Leader for Paymentus, about the company's multi-vertical payment platform, their partnership with Calix, and their show-stopping conference booth! Recommended links: Calix ConneXions 2025 Paymentus website Chris Homan LinkedIn…

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Turn Comfort Into Conversations: Let’s Go Over the Line, With Asia Cline 29:54

29d ago29:54

29:54

Getting lineworkers to relax and share stories isn’t easy—unless you’ve got a mic and a clever idea. In this episode, Mason PUD 3’s Asia Cline shares how her award-winning staff podcast, “Over the Line,” opens conversations, builds trust and keeps internal communications fresh. Notes: Filmed at NWPPA's Northwest Innovations in Communications confer…

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Episode 473: Chris Sikora & Tony Thakur on GPC Fiber and Mission-Critical Connectivity 30:08

23d ago30:08

30:08

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Chris Sikora, Chief Revenue Officer, and Tony Thakur, Chief Technology Officer at GPC Fiber, to explore their 165-mile, 400G-capable fiber build across Kentucky and what it means for mission-critical connectivity in the region. The conversation traces Chris and Tony’s long …

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#72: Concept to acquisition with Chris Tilkov, DocuSketch 19:45

1M ago19:45

19:45

Many entrepreneurs dream of scaling a niche product, achieving market dominance, and ultimately securing a successful exit—but few actually make it happen. How do you take an idea from concept to acquisition, and what key lessons can other business leaders, including marketers, take from that journey? Joining me today is Chris Tilkov, General Manag…

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#71: Optimizing the handoff between marketing and sales with Gabe Lullo, Alleyoop 21:58

1M ago21:58

21:58

We've spent a decade trying to align marketing and sales. What if the very metric we created to bridge the gap—the MQL—is actually the thing that's perpetuating the rivalry between them? Agility requires a willingness to challenge the foundational metrics we've built our go-to-market strategies on. It demands that we replace gut feelings and legacy…

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Episode 472: Travis Rice on Scaling ISPs Through Integration, Automation, and Smart Architecture 18:13

1M ago18:13

18:13

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Travis Rice, Senior Director of Sales and Marketing at Camvio, recorded at Calix ConneXions 2025. Travis shares his unexpected path from fintech to telecom, how he landed at Camvio, and the company’s mission to simplify operations for ISPs through its end-to-end OSS/BSS pla…

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Google partners to set industry standards for data center infrastructure 11:35

1M ago11:35

11:35

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Google's Head of Global Quality and Commissioning to discuss how industry leaders are coming together to set standards for data center infrastructure. Find out how your company can get involved and why setting a standard now is important for AI in the future. Related links: Google…

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How Connected Nation is evolving digital skills training to help you understand and use AI 22:17

1M ago22:17

22:17

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we examine digital skills training and what it takes to evolve from the basics - like learning to use email and the internet - to really mastering emerging trends like AI. Related links: AI Literacy Resource Hub Digital Literacy and Learning Program Teens Teach Tech, powered by AT&T Digital Works…

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The new blueprint for building broadband networks 20:37

1M ago20:37

20:37

Send us a text On this special episode of Connected Nation, we talk to leadership from the broadband program office at Cisco Systems. Learn about the new blueprint they're taking for building the networks that power your connectivity. Plus, we talk about AI, AI pods, and the company's broadband innovation centers. Recommended links: Robin Olds' Lin…

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Mapping Joy: How Connected Nation is building a more connected, inclusive, and joyful future 33:46

1M ago33:46

33:46

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we have a special guest - Chairman and CEO of our national nonprofit, Tom Ferree. We'll discuss what it means to map joy in the workplace AND find out how Connected Nation can help broadband leaders do everything from tackle AI to more easily tracking BEAD compliance. Recommended links: Tom Ferree…

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Wi-Fi 7 in action: How the latest generation of Wi-Fi is powering healthcare and IoT with Bill Krutke of Step CG 14:45

1M ago14:45

14:45

In today's episode, we welcome Bill Krutke, Solutions Architect at Step CG, to The Signal to talk about how Wi-Fi 7 is transforming industries — particularly healthcare and IoT. Bill tells us about his experience leading enterprise Wi-Fi design in hospitals, clinics, and senior living facilities, and explains how features like Multi-link Operation …

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Branding Beyond the Logo (Sometimes There Are Superheroes), With Casey French 21:19

1M ago21:19

21:19

Casey French, marketing and PR director at CASSCOMM discusses how branding goes beyond a logo to include community engagement, co-branding, locally produced video and creative mascots, like their superhero, “Gigabolt.”By Pioneer Utility Resources

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Episode 471: AI, Fiber Growth, and Rural Strategy with Chris McKenzie of Rapid Fiber 18:09

1M ago18:09

18:09

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, sponsored by ETI Software and VETRO FiberMap, Pete Pizzutillo catches up with Chris McKenzie, VP of Network Operations at Rapid Fiber, while at Calix ConneXions 2025. Chris shares his unconventional journey from the music industry to corporate IT to rural broadband, and how that experience shaped Rapid Fiber’…

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#70: Marketing measurement and the dark funnel with Chris Golec, CEO of Channel99 19:42

1M ago19:42

19:42

This show is brought to you by Channel99, a B2B marketing technology company helping clients get more out of their spend with AI-powered decision-making. What if 99% of your target accounts see your marketing, but never click a single ad? How would you prove your value then? Agility requires a willingness to abandon outdated metrics, even when they…

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From the badlands to the prairies: Montana’s Broadband Director shares her approach to connecting Big Sky Country 31:55

2M ago31:55

31:55

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we're taking you to Big Sky Country for a conversation with the Montana State Broadband Director. We ask her how she and her team are implementing the ConnectMT Broadband Program in a place that attracts people because it's wild and rural. Recommended links: Montana Broadband Office website Misty …

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Episode 470: Scott Neuman on AI Fluency, Data Foundations, and the Future of Broadband 27:25

1M ago27:25

27:25

This episode of The Broadband Bunch features a conversation between host Pete Pizzutillo and Scott Neuman, Corporate Vice President of Marketing at Calix, recorded at Calix Connections 2025 in Las Vegas.Scott shares how Calix is redefining the broadband industry’s approach to AI, customer education, and ecosystem collaboration. He explains how Cali…

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#69: How AI is Transforming Project Management with Alan Mosca, nPlan 27:14

2M ago27:14

27:14

If you could eliminate one of the biggest roadblocks to successful project delivery in your organization today, what would it be and why? Agility requires not only the ability to adapt to change but also the foresight to anticipate it. This means embracing data-driven insights and leveraging technology to navigate the complexities of modern project…

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Special Feature: Sparring Partners Podcast with Kevin Robinson of Wi-Fi Alliance® 39:29

2M ago39:29

39:29

Kevin Robinson, President and CEO of Wi-Fi Alliance, was recently featured on Senza Fili's Sparring Partners Podcast hosted by Monica Paolini. Listen to the episode to hear Kevin and Monica discuss Wi-Fi in the 6 GHz band with the recent One Big Beautiful Bill, an update on the band's progress in the rest of the world, and why it is so valuable for…

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Now or never: How one industry veteran is building a people-first future in broadband 25:10

2M ago25:10

25:10

Send us a text On this episode on Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. We talk with one man who just struck out on his own in the telecom and broadband industry. Find out how he's planning to leverage his 25 years in the business to help others and why he believes it was "now or ne…

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Personal Branding for Introverts, With Goldie Chan 28:20

2M ago28:20

28:20

In her recently published book, “Personal Branding for Introverts,” Goldie Chan outlines how to remain true to yourself, while taking strategic steps to improve your network and reputation. Goldie previews the book and her session at StoryConnect 2026 in this episode. Link to purchase the book: https://a.co/d/85WjjJa.…

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Episode 469: Bob Carrick on AI, Standards, and the Future of Calix Cloud 20:13

2M ago20:13

20:13

This episode of The Broadband Bunch was recorded live at Calix ConneXions 2025, where host Pete Pizzutillo sat down with Bob Carrick, Director of Global Strategy at Calix Cloud.In this conversation, Bob walks through Calix’s cloud evolution—from its early managed Wi-Fi roots to today’s full-scale broadband platform that integrates Operations, Servi…

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#68: Improving lead quality with Derek Gerber, Power Digital 26:03

2M ago26:03

26:03

Are you getting lots of leads, but never enough good ones? Agility requires not only the ability to adapt to change quickly, but also the foresight to anticipate what's coming next, whether that's top, middle, or bottom of the funnel in B2B lead generation. Today, we're going to talk about why so many B2B marketers are still struggling with poor le…

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New game. New rules. The show broadband providers don't want to miss 25:00

2M ago25:00

25:00

Send us a text On this episode on Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from rom Calix ConneXions 2025, which took place in Las Vegas in mid-October. We sat down with the Corporate VP of Marketing for Calix to discuss innovating customer success, implementing a smarter AI, and using a little showmanship to drive the messages home. Recommended …

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Calix ConneXions ReaXions 21:16

2M ago21:16

21:16

In what's become an annual tradition, hosts Megan McKoy-Noe and Andy Johns share the mics to discuss major takeaways from last week's Calix ConneXions conference. Ding!By Pioneer Utility Resources

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#67: CMOs are shaping the messaging and the markets with Monica Kumar, Extreme Networks 23:51

2M ago23:51

23:51

Is the Chief Marketing Officer becoming the Chief Market Officer? Are CMOs now responsible not just for messaging to the market, but for actively shaping and creating it? Agility requires not just reacting to market changes, but anticipating them and creating the future you want to see. It demands a deep understanding of customer needs, competitive…

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Access to 6 GHz is essential for Wi-Fi®: a conversation with Dean Bubley of Disruptive Analysis 25:24

2M ago25:24

25:24

In today's episode, we sit down with Dean Bubley, Tech Industry Analyst and Futurist with Disruptive Analysis, to discuss the ongoing conversation over the 6 GHz spectrum. Dean breaks down the politics, policy, and potential of 6 GHz, and we discuss why the band is essential for home, enterprise, and industrial Wi-Fi. We also examine the misconcept…

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Investing in connection: How Mac Mountain helps businesses build better broadband 45:16

2M ago45:16

45:16

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from Mac Mountain. A recently launched company that's taking a unique approach to expanding broadband by helping other businesses grow. Listen and find out how the model works and what led to this non-traditional approach to expanding access to more homes and businesses. Re…

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When Your Slowest Speed Is a Gig, With Jeff Chrzanowski 19:35

2M ago19:35

19:35

HTC has consolidated its broadband speeds to two plans: 1 Gbps and 2 Gbps. How did it get there, and what are the advantages of simplifying its speed packages?By Pioneer Utility Resources

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Connecting the land of 10,000 lakes 27:03

2M ago27:03

27:03

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Bree Maki, Executive Director, Office of Broadband Development, Minnesota. She explains why the state was already well on its way to connecting everyone *before* BEAD. Plus, we find out what state broadband leaders across the country are sharing with one another AND learn about the un…

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Episode 468: Jeff Wabik on Data Center Design, Power Challenges, and Delivering True Reliability 40:47

2M ago40:47

40:47

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Jeff Wabik of DC BLOX for a tour of how modern data centers are conceived, powered, cooled, and connected—especially across the underserved Southeast. Jeff traces his tinkerer roots (think Heathkit computers at age 12) through launching one of the earliest ISPs in the late …

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#66: Building a culture of AI innovation with Michael Domanic, UserTesting 21:21

2M ago21:21

21:21

Is your organization truly AI-powered, or are you just slapping a little GenAI onto existing processes? Agility requires embracing experimentation and empowering teams to rapidly iterate, especially when integrating transformative technologies like AI. It also demands a culture that views failure as a learning opportunity, not a setback. Today, we'…

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From Alabama to the Navajo Nation: The company that's putting rural communities first 16:28

2M ago16:28

16:28

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we begin our coverage from Calix ConneXions 2025, taking place in Las Vegas Nevada. We talk with Jacob Smithee, the Director of IT from a Co-op in Alabama, about the challenges of bringing high speed internet to extremely rural areas. Plus we find out what he hopes for connectivity in his state an…

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#65: Transforming CX with AI plus People, Processes, and Platforms, with John Durocher, Calix 23:03

3M ago23:03

23:03

Are your people, processes, and platforms delivering value or to drive better customer experiences, or are they—and your CX—disconnected and siloed? Agility requires a willingness to adapt and evolve, as well as a deep understanding of how customer trust is built (or broken) through simplicity, personalization, and empowered employees. Today, we're…

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Driving into the future: Wi-Fi 7 and connected vehicles with Franz Dugand of Ceva 17:42

3M ago17:42

17:42

In this episode, we sit down with Franz Dugand, Senior Director of Product Marketing for Wireless IoT at Ceva, to explore how Wi-Fi 7 is transforming automotive connectivity. From enabling wireless infotainment and faster over-the-air updates to supporting vehicle-to-vehicle safety communications and even child presence detection, Wi-Fi 7 is paving…

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Engage the Next Generation of Co-op Members, With Lydia Walters and Chris Alexander 15:14

3M ago15:14

15:14

The Electric Cooperatives of Mississippi band together to go beyond Youth Tour with their Learn. Grow. Experience. initiative, including Cooperative University. Notes: Filmed at CONNECT.By Pioneer Utility Resources

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What a decade of digging into the Digital Divide and meeting those impacted by it has taught one researcher 16:30

3M ago16:30

16:30

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we're joined by a special guest who has spent nearly a decade researching the Digital Divide and meeting many of those who are directly impacted by it. Find out what Dr. Christopher Ali is working on now AND the claim he says many broadband leaders need to stop making now or risk creating more har…

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#64: Successful AI adoption requires human ingenuity, with Nickole Brown, Cella by Randstad Digital 25:40

3M ago25:40

25:40

Is the hype around AI in marketing finally starting to match reality, or are we still just scratching the surface of its true potential? Agility requires a willingness to experiment with new technologies like AI, but it also demands a deep understanding of your customer and the ability to adapt your strategies based on data and insights. It also re…

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The father and son duo focused on helping telecom manufacturers deliver their products 16:16

3M ago16:16

16:16

Send us a text On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk to a father and son team who rep a host of manufacturers in the broadband space. Find out how their model fills the needs of a wide range of companies, programs, and projects. Recommended links: Communications Marketing Systems - https://superrep.com/ Ken Lazear (dad) and Jake Lazear (son)…

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Episode 467: Felix Virto and Stephen Rose on Digital Transformation in Fiber Deployment 44:29

3M ago44:29

44:29

In this episode of The Broadband Bunch, host Pete Pizzutillo sits down with Felix Virto, Director of Operations at Blue Streak, and Stephen Rose, CEO of Render Networks, to explore how funding realities, digital transformation, and AI are reshaping large-scale fiber builds. Felix shares his 29-year journey from climbing poles in southwest Virginia …