Best Justin Bender Podcasts (2026)

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332: On Purpose: Turning Values Into Action at Work with Justin Ahrens 38:01

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9h ago38:01

38:01

What if your company's values didn't just live in a handbook but showed up in your daily habits? Nikki sits down with creative strategist and purpose-driven leader Justin Ahrens to unpack how organizations can bring their vision, mission, and values to life beyond buzzwords and branding. With deep experience as a B Corp founder and now as the mind …

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Addicted to Betterment: What's Your Lighter Fluid? with David and Nikki Gregory 26:37

12d ago26:37

26:37

Ever feel like life's flame is flickering out? Whether it's a bad day, a tough quarter, or a rocky relationship, what's your go-to lighter fluid to reignite your fire? 🔥 Nikki and David crack open the metaphorical bottle of lighter fluid and ask the real question: how do you keep your fire lit when everything around you says quit? From explosive fi…

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Predictable, with José Marichal 55:30

15d ago55:30

55:30

José Marichal is exceptionally good at making the case for why we should all become algorithmic problems and also much more reflective of our engagement with social media. We are altered by recommendation algorithms -- and we should probably think now about how to renegotiate these terms? Happy holidays! Recorded Nov 27. Released Dec 22, 2025. You …

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331: Beyond Clicks and KPIs: Bringing Humanity Back to Digital Work with Andy Sitison 47:36

19d ago47:36

47:36

What if the real key to connection in the digital workplace isn't more tools, but more trust? In a world obsessed with metrics, platforms, and productivity hacks, Andy Sitison flips the script. A strategist, designer, and people-first tech mind, Andy joins Nikki to explore how we move from clicks to true connection. 💡 Andy unveils his "Three Ps" fr…

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Community Conversation: Leading Well Starts with Living Well 24:11

20d ago24:11

24:11

Episode Description: What if wellness wasn't just a perk, but a leadership necessity? In this Working Forward Conversations episode, Nikki Lewallen Gregory and Jason Cochran flip the script on workplace wellness, diving deep into why wellness is a non-negotiable requirement for modern leadership. From morning meditations and mid-day workouts to set…

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In the Loop: Good Leaders are Great Listeners with Katherine Coble 21:33

23d ago21:33

21:33

What if the most powerful leadership skill isn't what you say, but what you don't? Katherine shares a surprising truth: she struggles with listening, and she knows she's not alone. As leaders, we often think communication is about what we say, but the real power lies in what we hear. 👂💬 Katherine explores why listening is so hard (even for well-int…

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330: Leadership Is a Choice: Building Self-Efficacy Through a Behavioral Approach with Wesley Bender 45:53

28d ago45:53

45:53

What if your greatest leadership move isn't climbing the ladder, but choosing to show up differently, every single day? Nikki sits down with Wesley Bender, a leadership coach who believes the most powerful leaders aren't defined by titles or personality types, but by their actions. Together, they unpack the bold idea that leadership is a choice, gr…

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Advocates, with Meg Rintoul and Kathryn Barnwell 1:01:40

29d ago1:01:40

1:01:40

In this episode I speak with friends-neighbours-advocates Meg Rintoul and Kathryn Barnwell about current plans in place to build an AI data center in Nanaimo, B-C. -- and allowing ourselves to write a new story about the future. Recorded Nov 27. Released Dec 8, 2025. 'Very scary': Nanaimo neighbours have water worries about new data centre https://…

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329: LOVE at Work: How Leaders Transform Through Human Connection with Mark Mears 39:49

1M ago39:49

39:49

What if the most powerful tool in your leadership toolkit isn't strategy or structure, but love? Nikki sits down with Mark Mears, bestselling author, speaker, and former C-suite executive. to explore his revolutionary new framework: LOVE (Listen, Observe, Value, Empower). After a career shake-up that sparked deep personal insight, Mark redefined wh…

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Addicted to Betterment: You're Good Enough Now. Do the Thing. with Nikki and David Gregory 28:16

1M ago28:16

28:16

What if the only thing standing between you and your big dream was… just starting? Nikki and David tackle the excuses, fears, and perfection traps that keep us stuck on the sidelines. From the myth of "not being ready yet" to the fear of failing in front of others, they share real stories and reframes that prove you're good enough to start right no…

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Community Conversation: Purpose Over Profit - Reimagining Success 29:07

1M ago29:07

29:07

What if chasing profit is actually killing your team's potential? 🎯 Nikki and Jason unpack one of PeopleForward Network's most powerful culture codes: Purpose Over Profit. They explore what happens when teams stop measuring success in dollars and start designing work around meaning, strengths, and alignment. From sharing candid team experiences, li…

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Tracking, with Stefanie Felsberger 54:30

1M ago54:30

54:30

In this episode, I got to walk through a recent report called “the high stakes of tracking menstruation” with its author, Stefanie Felsberger, a sociologist of tech & gender. I cannot express enough how much there is to learn from this topic that can help us understand the bigger landscape of tech promises and harms. Recorded Oct 23, 2025. Released…

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328: The Inner Work of Leadership: Rewiring Subconscious Blocks with Roya Mattis 42:48

2M ago42:48

42:48

Ever feel like you're doing everything right, but still stuck? It's not your strategy…it's your subconscious. Nikki chats with transformational speaker and coach Roya Mattis, creator of the Trifecta Method. Roya dives deep into the invisible forces that hold high performers back, those hidden subconscious blocks formed before we even turned seven. …

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In the Loop: Mastering Executive Presence with Katherine Coble 34:44

2M ago34:44

34:44

What's the real reason some leaders instantly command a room while others struggle to connect? Katherine unpacks the secret sauce behind authentic leadership: executive presence. But don't mistake it for just charisma or a polished look. This is about substance over style, connection over performance, and leading with confidence, clarity, and calm.…

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327: Leading with Emotional Empowerment with Jamelle Lindo 45:05

2M ago45:05

45:05

What if your next-level leadership has nothing to do with spreadsheets, strategy, or AI, and everything to do with your emotions? Emotional intelligence coach and EQ-i 2.0 Master Jamelle Lindo joins Nikki to reveal why emotional empowerment is the real superpower for leaders navigating today's fast-paced, tech-heavy world. Jamelle unpacks how to tu…

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Surveillance, with Justin Hendrix 52:28

2M ago52:28

52:28

In this episode, I speak with Justin Hendrix, the CEO and Editor of Tech Policy Press, a nonprofit media venture concerned with the intersection of technology and democracy. We talk about ICE (US Immigration and Customs Enforcement), surveillance, and AI. Recorded Oct 21, 2025. Released Nov 10, 2025. Republican Budget Bill Signals New Era in Federa…

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326: Rowing by Choice: Aligning High-Performing Teams with Anadel Alberti 45:42

2M ago45:42

45:42

What if the secret to high-performing teams isn't more strategy, but more alignment? 🚣 Nikki is joined by Anadel Alberti, founder of Audaciously Authentic, to discuss what it really means to build aligned teams. Spoiler: It's not about off-sites or one-time trainings. It's about creating spaces where trust thrives, vision is shared, and communicati…

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325: Beyond the Basics: Win Talent with Whole-Person Wellness Benefits with Michelle Yates & Mark Rosenthal 41:43

2M ago41:43

41:43

What do pets, perks, and productivity have in common? Nikki teams up once again with Michelle Yates of PetPartners, bringing in the dynamic Mark Rosenthal to shake up how we think about employee benefits. They dive into why "nice-to-have" benefits are now need-to-have, and how understanding your people (and their furry family members 🐕) is the game…

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324: The $10,000 Work Mindset: How to Build a 25-Hour Week with Dr. Sabrina Starling 48:43

3M ago48:43

48:43

What if working less could actually make your business more successful? 💡 Nikki chats with Dr. Sabrina Starling, aka The Business Psychologist, who's here to flip your workweek on its head. Dr. Sabrina isn't just talking theory, she's living proof that you can grow a wildly successful business on just 25 hours a week (and she's now rocking a 10-hou…

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Community Conversation: Hell Yes Energy: Making bold choices that align with your purpose 29:35

3M ago29:35

29:35

Ever been stuck in a "meh" moment, unsure if it's a yes or a no? 😬 Nikki and Jason dive into a fun, fired-up convo about making bold, aligned decisions, personally and professionally. From saying no without guilt to spotting red flags in client partnerships and making hiring choices that truly light up your team, they cover it all. Nikki also share…

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In the Loop: What Great Leaders Actually Do with Greg Coble 27:24

3M ago27:24

27:24

Great leadership isn't just bold moves and big speeches. The real magic is in the quiet habits, clear communication, and meaningful connections the best leaders learn to make. Those were the themes of this year's Global Leadership Summit, a two-day event packed with world-renowned leadership experts. Katherine Coble is joined (finally) by her husba…

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Sovereign, with Paris Marx 53:58

3M ago53:58

53:58

Host of Tech Won't Save Us and acclaimed tech critic, author, and international speaker, Paris Marx joins me for this episode where we discuss AI futures in a Canadian context: the idea of a "sovereign cloud", an "AI minister", and much more! Recorded Oct 15, 2025. Released Oct 20, 2025. Website https://parismarx.com/ Tech Won't Save Us https://tec…

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323: Design Your Personal Board of Directors with Melanie Stuber 41:26

3M ago41:26

41:26

Forget the one-mentor model! What if you had a team of people championing your growth? Melanie Stuber shares how designing your personal board of directors can be a game-changer for your career and personal growth. After 25+ years in corporate leadership, Melanie stepped into entrepreneurship, and quickly realized the power of intentionally surroun…

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322: To Know That Employee Engagement is Actually Emotional with Joshua Freedman 43:44

3M ago43:44

43:44

Employee engagement metrics have barely moved in over a decade, but what if we're measuring the wrong things? Nikki sits down with Joshua Freedman, CEO of Six Seconds and author of the soon-to-drop "Emotion Rules". Together, they go deep on why engagement isn't about snacks in the breakroom or slick surveys. It's emotional, and it's human. They unp…

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321: Why Is It So Hard to Find Good People? The AI-Era Hiring Dilemma with Gerald Gordon 34:23

4M ago34:23

34:23

Why is finding great talent harder than ever… even with AI at our fingertips? Nikki sits down with Gerald Gordon, Co-Founder & CTO of Reference Me, to unpack how technology is reshaping hiring in ways that often make things messier, not easier. From flawless AI-generated resumes to overwhelming applicant pools, Gerald reveals why human discernment …

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Community Conversation: Augment Not Replace: Building People First Teams with AI 29:48

4M ago29:48

29:48

What if your AI tools were more like teammates than tech? AI isn't coming for your job, it's coming to take the busywork off your plate. Jason and Nikki crack open how the PeopleForward Network team is weaving AI into their daily workflows without ditching what makes them... them. F rom using ChatGPT for parenting convos to building sales proposals…

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320: Play Is Not the Opposite of Work with Mike Montague 43:30

4M ago43:30

43:30

What if more play is the key to better work? This episode flips the script on what it means to be "professional." Nikki sits down with Mike Montague, author of Playful Humans, to explore why play isn't just for kids or weekends. In fact, it might be your team's biggest untapped superpower. From challenging hustle culture to reimagining how we measu…

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In the Loop: The Real Reason Your Team Isn't Listening with Jenni Field 26:40

4M ago26:40

26:40

Ever feel like no one's really listening to you as a leader? Like your message isn't landing, even though your intentions are solid? That's not just frustrating. It's a credibility problem. Katherine sits down with communications powerhouse Jenni Field, author of "Nobody Believes You: Become a Leader People Will Follow." Together, they dive into wh…

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319: Modern HR: The Strategic Voice Every Executive Team Needs with Raina Fryer 35:05

4M ago35:05

35:05

What if HR stopped being the department of "no" and became the heartbeat of transformation in your business? Nikki is joined by Raina Fryer of Titus Talent Strategies to flip the script on what HR should be. Broadcasting live from the PeopleForward Network studio at CultureCon® 2025, this episode dives into how people leaders can ditch outdated pla…

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318: Before EOS & After EOS: A Founder's Journey with Loren Wood 46:17

4M ago46:17

46:17

What happens when a former high school math teacher turned builder decides to stop flying by the seat of his pants, and actually runs his business on a real system? Nikki chats with Loren Wood of Loren Wood Builders, who shares the raw, before-and-after story of implementing EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) 🛠️📊 Picture this: no org chart, no …

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317: How Pet-Friendly Workplaces Are Boosting Mental Health with Michelle Yates & Steve Feldman 31:04

4M ago31:04

31:04

What if boosting your team's mental health and workplace happiness was as simple as adding a wagging tail to the mix? 🐾 Nikki is back with Michelle Yates from Pet Partners, this time joined by Steve Feldman, President of the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), to uncover how pets are transforming workplace culture and mental health. From …

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Community Conversation: Impact Over Hours: Shifting the Focus from Time Spent to Results 29:59

5M ago29:59

29:59

What if your team could get more done in less time? ⏳ In this Community Conversation, Nikki and Jason flip the traditional "hours worked" mindset on its head, championing the power of results over clock-watching. They share why it's time to ditch the outdated 9–5 mentality, how to unlearn habits that hold us back, and why role clarity + goals + KPI…

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Witnessing, with Michael Richardson 1:10:48

4M ago1:10:48

1:10:48

In this episode, I get to chat with the brilliant Michael Richardson on the concept of "Nonhuman Witnessing" especially in how this relates to algorithms and AI. In his book, "Nonhuman Witnessing" (Duke), he argues that a "radical rethinking of what counts as witnessing is central to building frameworks for justice in an era of endless war, ecologi…

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316: Culture Change That Sticks: Stories from the Field with BJ McKay 50:37

5M ago50:37

50:37

Ever felt like your culture change efforts are just… throwing spaghetti at the wall 🍝? In this episode, Nikki sits down with BJ McKay from Advisa to swap real, in-the-trenches stories of transformation. Together they break down the ATLAS framework, reveal why discomfort is the secret ingredient to lasting change, and share how to keep leaders energ…

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In the Loop: From the Bedside to the Boardroom with Lori Price 32:52

5M ago32:52

32:52

What happens when a hospital CEO still thinks like a nurse? You get leadership that listens, leads with empathy, and actually walks the talk. Katherine sits down with Lori Price, President and CEO of Franciscan Health Central Indiana, whose journey from nurse to executive brings a rare blend of heart and strategy to the conversation. Lori unpacks h…

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315: See Differently, Solve Better: Problem Solving Through Perception with Chris Bassett 39:56

5M ago39:56

39:56

What if your biggest leadership roadblock isn't the problem… but how you see it? Nikki sits down with Chris Bassett—founder of Green Bean Consulting Group—to flip your problem-solving approach on its head. What does abstract art have to do with business challenges? And how does soaking a walnut help teams break through stuck thinking? Chris takes u…

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Dopaminergic, with Rohit Revi 58:48

5M ago58:48

58:48

Rohit Revi walks us through paranoia, care, conspiracy, capitalism, and catastrophe, in relation to technology and culture, to draw us into a deeper consideration of collective psychic resources and psychological commons. We talk about psychometry and linger on the dopaminergic. Recorded July 16, 2025. Released August 11, 2025. Great Delirium: Cult…

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314: HR Professionals Crave a System for Culture Change with Heather Haas 48:51

5M ago48:51

48:51

Ready to break free from program fatigue and culture initiatives that fizzle out fast? Nikki sits down with Heather Haas, CEO of Advisa, as she shares why so many culture efforts flop and how HR professionals can finally make the shift from being stuck in a silo to leading true transformation. They dive into the game-changing A.T.L.A.S. framework—t…

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Con, with Emily M. Bender and Alex Hanna 56:44

5M ago56:44

56:44

Emily M.Bender and Alex Hanna have been leading the charge against "AI", helping us understand it for the con that it is, and how AI companies are turning to health, education, and other social realms to try to recover their costs. In this episode we discuss LLMs vs. what the AI (and AGI) con is -- who benefits, and who loses -- and much more. Reco…

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313: AI & the Future Role of HR Leadership with Cara Brennan Allamano 49:53

6M ago49:53

49:53

Is your HR strategy stuck in the past while AI races ahead? 🤖 It's time to catch up and lead the charge. On this episode, Nikki is joined by the brilliant Cara Brennan Allamano—Chief People Officer, advisor, and founder of People Tech Partners—for a fast-paced, energizing convo about the future of HR leadership in an AI-first world. Cara brings her…

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Community Conversation: Unlocking Strategic Success Through Monthly Sprints and OKRs 31:39

6M ago31:39

31:39

What if the secret to staying focused, aligned, and genuinely excited about your goals wasn't a 20-page annual plan, but a simple monthly sprint? Nikki and Jason pull back the curtain on how PeopleForward Network uses OKRs and monthly sprint goals to spark team momentum. 📈 They demystify what OKRs really are, how sprint goals drive alignment and en…

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312: Really Understanding Workplace Wellness: How to Lead for Impact with Patricia Grabarek & Katina Sawyer 48:46

6M ago48:46

48:46

What if your wellness program is actually making burnout worse? 😮 In this episode, Nikki teams up with Dr. Patricia Grabarek and Dr. Katina Sawyer—organizational psychologists, authors of "Leading for Wellness," and co-founders of Workr Beeing. They dive into what workplace wellness really means (hint: it's way more than yoga and meditation apps) a…

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In the Loop: Using AI to Level Up Your Leadership Communication with Katherine Coble 20:55

6M ago20:55

20:55

Ready to supercharge your leadership communication with a little help from AI? 🤖 In this episode, Katherine gets real about how leaders can use AI tools to amplify their voice, not replace it. Katherine breaks down a simple, human-centered framework based on clarity, consistency, and connection to help you integrate AI into your daily workflow. Fro…

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Control, with Paul Schütze 55:42

6M ago55:42

55:42

In this episode, Paul Schütze and I pick apart the inherent contradictions of “sustainable AI”, marketing language that aims to convince the public that one of the most extractive industries can be used to solve climate change. We delve into the layers of control embedded in the logics of AI, when technology becomes the fix that needs fixing. Recor…

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311: Podcasting for Internal Communications with Katherine Coble 45:29

6M ago45:29

45:29

Get ready for a fresh twist on Gut+Science! 🎉 Nikki teams up with internal comms expert Katherine Coble for a live episode all about using podcasting to transform how leaders connect with their teams. 💬 They explore why your culture is your brand, how to lead with authenticity, and why storytelling beats stale emails every time. Whether you're curi…

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310: Purpose Driven Impact: The Waymaker & STRIVE Method with Jon Mayo 33:45

6M ago33:45

33:45

Get ready to have your mindset stretched and your leadership toolkit expanded! 💡 Nikki sits down with Jon Mayo, culture transformer and founder of Waymaker. They dive deep into purpose-driven leadership, how culture starts with YOU, and why being a conduit (not a solutionist!) can transform your team from the inside out. 🌟 From the STRIVE methodolo…

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309: The Evolution of Work (And the Surprising Role of Pets in Culture & Retention) with Michelle Yates 23:48

7M ago23:48

23:48

Work's changing fast—hybrid setups, flexible perks, and even pets making boardroom appearances 🐶💼. Michelle Yates from Pet Partners joins Nikki to dig into why intentional culture design (with a pet twist!) is the new frontier for engagement and retention. From pet insurance to office mascots, discover how the joy of animals is shaping the future o…

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308: Leading a People-Forward Culture - Meet The Team at PFN 24:16

7M ago24:16

24:16

🎉 We're celebrating 7+ years of Gut+Science! In this special anniversary episode, Nikki pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to build a thriving podcast and people-first culture. From trust and autonomy to finding your rhythm and aligning strengths, Nikki shares powerful insights and heartfelt shoutouts to the all-star team behind the sce…

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In the Loop: Why Leaders Fail to Communicate Effectively with Dr. Michael Kirchhoff 32:46

7M ago32:46

32:46

In this episode of "In the Loop," Katherine sits down with Dr. Michael Kirchhoff from Cooper University Healthcare. 🎙️ With over 25 years of experience—and two powerhouse roles as Patient Safety Officer and Chief Innovation Officer—he dives into why most leaders are getting communication all wrong. From decoding complexity to mastering the art of i…

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Water, with Rebecca Kilberg, Mary-Clare Bosco and Jonathan Gilmour 52:46

7M ago52:46

52:46

In this episode I speak with Rebecca Kilberg, Mary-Clare Bosco and Jonathan Gilmour who together use policy approaches to solve problems related to data center water usage and the various planetary and health outcomes that emerge from water consumption and extraction. They talk about how you get such data and what to do with it, and the importance …