Best Institute For Local SelfReliance Podcasts (2025)

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

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1M 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

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

2M ago48:02

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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

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

4M ago49:29

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

4M ago39:50

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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

5M ago33:59

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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

5M ago30:54

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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

5M ago43:24

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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

5M ago31:54

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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

5M ago40:06

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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

6M ago37:52

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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

6M ago36:16

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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