Best Civic Responsibility Podcasts (2025)

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The Presidency Under Pressure: Guardrails and Civic Responsibility 10:14

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7d ago10:14

10:14

Explore how presidential power tests democracy — unitary executive, emergency powers, and citizen responsibility under modern crises. In this episode of The Civic Brief, Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III examines the presidency under maximum pressure. From cyber threats, economic shocks, and climate crises to disinformation campaigns, he explains how eme…

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Deepa Karthik NJ Explains 5 Steps to Build a Culture of Civic Responsibility 12:34

26d ago12:34

12:34

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and Executive Director of the HinduVote project under HinduPACT. Known for her dedication to civic education and community engagement, she empowers individuals to become informed and active citizens. Deepa Karthik NJ shares five essential steps to foster a culture of civic responsibility within communities…

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Samuel Scheffler on Grief and Time 21:02

12m ago21:02

21:02

Grief is affected by the passage of time in a way that some attitudes and emotions aren't. Samuel Sheffler explores why this might be so in this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast.

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The Truth About Solar Panel Waste: Inside the Recycling Revolution with Dr. Janette Freeman 47:22

2h ago47:22

47:22

Most conversations about solar focus on growth, installation, and deployment. Far fewer address the reality on the other end of the lifecycle: what happens to millions of solar panels once they’re damaged, decommissioned, or reach the end of their usable life. In this episode, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Dr Janette Freeman, Vice President of B…

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World on Edge: A Geostrategic Walk-About With Dr. Kenneth Weinstein of the Hudson Institute 1:11:38

6d ago1:11:38

1:11:38

Get a sweeping, unfiltered look at today’s most urgent geopolitical flashpoints — U.S. strategy, global legitimacy, the Indo-Pacific, narco-terrorism, China’s rise, and the future of American engagement. In this episode of The Civic Brief, Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III is joined by Dr. Kenneth Weinstein, from the Hudson Institute, for a high-velocity…

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Leading Through Uncertainty: Kimberlee Centera on Power, People, and Resilience 50:11

1h ago50:11

50:11

When policy shocks hit and the ground shifts beneath an entire industry, real leadership is revealed. In Episode 78 of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth welcomes back Kimberlee Centera, Founder and CEO of TerraPro Solutions, one of the renewable industry’s most trusted names in risk management and project finance. Over mor…

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Art is the How - From BRC to Public Policy 44:52

12d ago44:52

44:52

He brought theme camps and art installations to Black Rock City, and yes, he DJed! Now he brings the spirit of kindness and collaboration (and Do-ocracy) into creating public policy. He co-founded a Burning Man Regional nonprofit. He directed a cultural arts center. He collaborated on cultural policy for racial equity, social justice, and creative …

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Walk With Me: Nelson Mandela on Reconciliation in a Divided Age 8:41

7h ago8:41

8:41

What can Nelson Mandela teach America about forgiveness, leadership, and reconciliation in a divided age? In this powerful episode of The Civic Brief, Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III shares a reflective encounter with the spirit of Nelson Mandela—a dialogue that reveals timeless lessons for leadership, democracy, and healing in an era of division. Thro…

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Building Energy, Building Trust: Steffanie Dohn on McCarthy’s Human Approach to Progress 45:54

6d ago45:54

45:54

Episode Summary In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, Steffanie Dohn, Vice President of Government Affairs at McCarthy Building Companies, shares how one of America’s most trusted EPCs is redefining what progress looks like. From reframing the national energy conversation to transforming rural economies through workforce deve…

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Deepa Karthik NJ Shares 6 Civic Awareness Practices That Create Impact 10:37

20d ago10:37

10:37

Deepa Karthik from New Jersey is a Program Manager and Executive Director of the HinduVote project, led by HinduPACT. She works to educate and empower the American Hindu community through civic awareness and participation. Deepa Karthik NJ shares six simple civic awareness practices that can create real impact in any community. These practices help…

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Edouard Machery on Variations in Responses to Thought Experiments 21:36

16d ago21:36

21:36

Philosophers who use thought experiments often believe their own intutions in response to them are unviersal. But that's not always so. In this episode of the Philosophy Bites podcast Edouard Machery discusses his research on this topic, and some of his surprising conclusions. This episode was made in association with the Institute of Philosophy an…

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Building The Bridge: How Emily Easley Connects Oil, Renewables, and the Future of Energy 48:09

25d ago48:09

48:09

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth welcomes Emily Easley, Founder and CEO of NOVUS Energy Advisors, for a powerful look at how oil, gas, renewables, real estate, and AI are colliding to define the next era of energy. Emily’s career bridges both sides of the energy spectrum. A sixth-generation Texan who bu…

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Architecture as Poetry 46:06

27d ago46:06

46:06

“I think therefore I am.” ~Descartes John Jennifer adds: I care therefore we are… and you cannot think your way to ‘we’ He is a poet, an architect, and a cultural instigator. He helped create The Museum of No Spectators which includes Burning Man art of snark and social justice, but no velvet ropes. He’s a paradox embracer. In a world of binaries, …

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The Swiss Army Knife of the Grid: Energy Storage’s Rise and Redefinition 44:28

1M ago44:28

44:28

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, Wes Ashworth sits down with Justin Rangooni, President and CEO of Energy Storage Canada. With a background in law, policy, and government relations, Justin has become a leading voice in one of the most dynamic and consequential sectors of the clean energy transition: energy storage. From …

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Deepa Karthik NJ Outlines 5 Practical Approaches to Build Civic Awareness 10:26

1M ago10:26

10:26

Deepa Karthik NJ is a Program Manager and the Executive Director of the HinduVote project, where she leads initiatives to promote civic engagement and community empowerment. Passionate about education and advocacy, Deepa Karthik NJ works to strengthen democratic participation among the American Hindu community. Deepa Karthik NJ outlines five practi…

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The Wise Way: Balancing Power, Crisis, and Civic Responsibility 11:47

1M ago11:47

11:47

In this episode of The Civic Brief, Dr. Isaiah ‘Ike’ Wilson III explores how leaders can act fast in crises without drifting into overreach. Through the “Wise Way,” Dr. Wilson reveals how process, transparency, and civic balance keep power both effective and ethical. From natural disasters to national emergencies, this framework helps policymakers,…

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Building Solar Responsibly: Inside PCL’s People-First Growth with Andrew Moles 49:55

1M ago49:55

49:55

What does responsible growth really look like in one of the world’s most competitive industries? In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Andrew Moles, Vice President and General Manager of PCL Solar, the powerhouse EPC that’s helped deliver over 12 gigawatts of solar capacity across North Americ…

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Lewis Gordon on Frantz Fanon 23:11

1M ago23:11

23:11

Frantz Fanon, who was born in Martinique, died aged 36. He nevertheless made very significant contributions to the discussion of racism and colonialism, influenced strongly by the existentialist tradition. In this episode of the Philosphy Bites podcast David Edmonds discusses Fanon, his ideas, his cultural background, and his impact, with Lewis Gor…

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Ranger Keeper - Frontier Principal 59:26

29d ago59:26

59:26

She’s a longtime senior leader of the Black Rock Rangers and the principal of the Gerlach K-12 School. Keeper lives year-round in Gerlach, one of the smallest and most remote towns in the US, and the closest community to Black Rock City. In this storytelling episode, she shares her unique perspective on blending the worlds of Burning Man and rural …

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Deepa Karthik NJ Breaks Down 7 Myths About Civic Awareness & Participation 12:27

1M ago12:27

12:27

Civic leader Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and the Executive Director of the HinduVote project, led by HinduPACT. She actively works to empower communities through civic education and advocacy. Deepa Karthik NJ is known for encouraging people, especially youth, to understand their civic rights and responsibilities. Deepa Karthik NJ sha…

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Building the Hydrogen Economy: Brian DeBruine on Breaking the Clean Energy Logjam 45:48

2M ago45:48

45:48

Why is hydrogen still missing from most clean energy conversations and what will finally unleash its full potential? In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, we sit down with Brian DeBruine, founder of the Colorado Hydrogen Network and host of the Hydrogen NowCast podcast. After a 36-year career at Honeywell Aerospace, Brian ste…

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Walk With Me: Eisenhower’s Wisdom for Troubled Times 6:30

1M ago6:30

6:30

Addiction to absolute security, the military-industrial complex, the meaning of peace, Dwight D. Eisenhower had something to say about it all. In this Walk With Me pilot episode of The Civic Brief, Dr. Ike Wilson takes listeners on an immersive journey through Eisenhower’s life, from the beaches of Normandy to the classrooms of Columbia and the qui…

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Deepa Karthik from NJ Lists 5 Civic Engagement Tips for First Time Voters 10:28

2M ago10:28

10:28

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and Executive Director of the HinduVote project, an initiative by HinduPACT that encourages civic participation and voter education within the Hindu American community. She works to empower people through awareness, leadership, and active involvement in democracy. Deepa Karthik NJ shares five simple tips t…

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David Edmonds on Peter Singer's Shallow Pond Thought Experiment 19:12

1M ago19:12

19:12

In this interview of the Philosophy Bites podcast Nigel Warburton interviews David Edmonds about Peter Singer's famous thought experient about what you would do if you saw a child at risk of drowning in a shallow pond, and what the moral implications of that. David has recently published a book about this thought experiment called Death in a Shallo…

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Black Rock Observatory - From the Playa to the Planets 37:13

2M ago37:13

37:13

Black Rock City has an airport, a hospital, a post office... and yes, an observatory! For a decade, the Black Rock Observatory has served as a portal to the cosmos, bringing deep space to the desert. Father-and-son Zoom and Robin Newhouse are at the helm of the observatory that houses several telescopes for viewing planets, galaxies, and even our s…

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From Grid Stress to Resilience: Jae Choi on Redefining Energy Infrastructure 42:11

2M ago42:11

42:11

The energy transition is colliding with unprecedented demand from AI data centers, fleet electrification, and fast-moving policy shifts. But are developers and operators truly prepared to make projects both technically sound and financially viable? In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, Wes Ashworth sits down with Jae Choi, VP…

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Jan Poetsch: Cracking the Code on Decarbonizing Industrial Heat 43:40

2M ago43:40

43:40

Industrial heat is one of the biggest blind spots in the energy transition, yet it represents nearly 40% of all industrial emissions. From oil sands and refineries to food processing, pulp and paper, and chemicals, the challenge of decarbonizing heat is enormous. But where most see complexity, Jan Poetsch, Founder and CEO of Arder Energy, sees oppo…

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Deepa Karthik from NJ Outlines 5 Tips to Boost Civic Knowledge 10:21

2M ago10:21

10:21

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and Executive Director who works actively to promote civic education and awareness. She is committed to helping communities, especially American Hindus, gain clear and simple knowledge about public life. Deepa Karthik NJ outlines five practical tips to boost civic knowledge in everyday life. This highlight…

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Breaking the Battery Bottleneck: ION Storage’s Path to Energy Freedom 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Batteries are the hidden bottleneck in electrification and AI. While chips get the headlines, the energy powering our devices, vehicles, and infrastructure is what ultimately sets the pace of innovation. In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, host Wes Ashworth sits down with Jorge Diaz Schneider, CEO of ION Storage Systems, an…

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20 Years of Mutant Vehicles - Jon Sarriugarte & Zolie 44:07

2M ago44:07

44:07

Recorded in Black Rock City, you can hear the grainy gravitas of their voices... For decades now, Jon Sarriugarte, Kyrsten Mate, their daughter and their team build mobile art. From a meter maid cart turned space shuttle, to a custom copper retro fire snail on wheels, their creations make up part of BRC's moving landscape. They built a trilobite to…

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Constitution Day & Presidential Power: Dr. Meena Bose on Executive Authority and Civic Literacy 1:25:35

2M ago1:25:35

1:25:35

What does the U.S. Constitution really say about presidential power and how has executive authority expanded since the Founding era? On this Constitution Day episode of The Civic Brief, host Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III sits down with Dr. Meena Bose, Executive Dean for Public Policy and Public Service Programs, Peter S. Kalikow School of Government,…

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Deepa Karthik From NJ Explains 7 Steps to Expand Civic Education 10:47

2M ago10:47

10:47

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and the Executive Director of the HinduVote project under HinduPACT. She is known for her work in civic education and advocacy, helping communities become more engaged and aware. Deepa Karthik NJ shares seven simple steps that can help in expanding civic education in different communities. Civic education …

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From the Roof to the Classroom: How Schools Are Sparking the Future of Solar 44:35

2M ago44:35

44:35

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, Wes Ashworth sits down with Meghan Milo, Director of Energy Solutions, Curriculum and Instruction at Madison Energy Infrastructure, to explore how solar energy is transforming far more than just rooftops. From budget relief to career readiness, schools across the country are discovering t…

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Deepa Karthik from NJ Shares 5 Ways Why Civic Education is Essential 12:09

3M ago12:09

12:09

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and Executive Director of the HinduVote project, where she works to bring awareness about civic duties and responsibilities. Her work focuses on helping people understand their rights, their role in society, and the power of participation. Deepa Karthik NJ shares five simple but powerful ways civic educati…

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Brad Stutzman: Thriving on the Solar Coaster and Shaping Tomorrow’s Energy 40:42

3M ago40:42

40:42

The renewable energy industry has never been a smooth ride. Policy swings, financing hurdles, shifting market sentiment, what many call the “solar coaster.” Few leaders know this rollercoaster better than Brad Stutzman, CEO of O3 Energy, a Dallas-based company pioneering commercial and industrial solar solutions. Since founding O3 Energy in 2011, B…

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What Would Ike Say Now? Tech, Security, and Democracy’s Future 8:15

3M ago8:15

8:15

The military-industrial complex is evolving into a civil-military technological complex, where AI, rare earths, and Silicon Valley intersect with U.S. defense. In this episode of The Civic Brief, Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson III examines what President Eisenhower’s warning means in 2025 as the Pentagon invests in private markets and disruptive technolog…

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Deepa Karthik from NJ Shares 6 Program Management Tips for Success 17:27

3M ago17:27

17:27

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and also the Executive Director of the HinduVote project. She is known for her strong leadership and her work in helping communities grow through civic education. With her wide experience in handling projects in both business and nonprofit fields, she has learned what it takes to manage work successfully. …

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Carlos Alberto Sánchez on Mexican Philosophy 21:22

3M ago21:22

21:22

What is distinctive about Mexican philosophy? How much is it linked to its geopolitical context? Carlos Alberto Sanchez, author of Blooming in the Ruins, a book about major themes in 20th century Mexican philosophy discusses this topic in conversation with David Edmonds. This episode was supported by the Ideas Workshop, part of Open Society Foundat…

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From Uncertainty to Optimism: REC Solar’s Scott Therien on the Next Era of Clean Energy 47:17

3M ago47:17

47:17

In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, Wes Ashworth sits down with Scott Therien, Director of Strategic Partnerships at REC Solar, to explore what long-term success really looks like in commercial solar. Scott isn’t just a veteran of the solar coaster. He’s a grounded, clear-thinking voice who has helped REC Solar evolve from …

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The Wise Way: Civic Leadership in an Age of Converging Crises 5:53

3M ago5:53

5:53

From the battlefield to the floodplain, civic leadership today demands more than reactive policies and soundbites. In this solo episode of The Civic Brief, host Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wilson introduces The Wise Way, a strategic methodology built to address compound crises like climate disruption, failing infrastructure, and fractured governance. What You…

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What Would Ike Do Today? Susan Eisenhower on Leadership, Civic Duty, and the Lessons of History 1:09:37

3M ago1:09:37

1:09:37

What would President Dwight D. Eisenhower say about today’s leadership? Susan Eisenhower joins The Civic Brief to explore Ike’s legacy, moral clarity, civic duty, and lessons for modern leadership. From the frontlines of World War II to warning America about the military-industrial complex, President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s legacy is more relevant t…

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Deepa Karthik from NJ Explains 5 Steps to Promote Civic Education 15:20

3M ago15:20

15:20

Deepa Karthik from NJ is a Program Manager and Executive Director of the HinduVote project under HinduPACT. She works to guide the American Hindu community through civic education, advocacy, and youth involvement. She is also active in several volunteer and professional projects, bringing people together for positive change. Deepa Karthik NJ shares…

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Desert Arts Preview - Hear the Stories 59:57

3M ago59:57

59:57

Hear the stories of the art and artists. Black Rock City hosts 400 artworks from around the world. This episode features 12 of them, and this year’s Temple. This is a sonic journey of artist's recordings and chats with Burning Man Project's Director of Art, Katie Hazard. Desert Arts Preview is your chance to step behind the scenes and listen to the…

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How Vinnie Campo and Haven Energy Are Reinventing Residential Battery Storage 44:03

3M ago44:03

44:03

Home energy storage is often misunderstood, expensive, and out of reach for most, until now. In this episode of Green Giants: Titans of Renewable Energy, Wes Ashworth sits down with Vinnie Campo, Co-Founder and CEO of Haven Energy, to explore how his team is flipping the traditional model of battery ownership on its head. Drawing from his experienc…

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The Civic Brief Trailer 2:30

3M ago2:30

2:30

Explore civic engagement, global affairs, and national security through real stories that connect public policy, systems thinking, and everyday life. The Civic Brief unpacks how domestic and international issues are colliding at the local level, reshaping how we live, lead, and make sense of a rapidly evolving world. Hosted by Dr. Isaiah “Ike” Wils…