Shows
Energizing TennesseeEpisode 31: Ryan Egly and Daniel Gyampo of Schneider ElectricSend us a textIf you have ever wanted to learn about the nitty gritty of microgrid work, this episode is for you.A few years ago, Middle Tennessee Electric partnered with Schneider Electric to build a microgrid at its Lebanon office. Today, host Cortney Piper dives into the details of the project with two Schneider Electric representatives: Ryan Egly, Senior Microgrid Solutions and Project Development Engineer and Daniel Gyampo, Microgrid Quality and Support Engineer. They discuss asset mix, site considerations, challenges, lessons learned and so much more. Learn more about TAEBC and S...
2025-03-0522 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 30: Jilleah Welch of the Baker School of Public Policy and Public AffairsSend us a textToday’s episode is all about the 2024 Tennessee Advanced Energy Economic Impact Report. Every three years, TAEBC releases an Advanced Energy Economic Impact Report to provide context for public officials and private sector leaders to make lasting contributions to Tennessee’s economic base for the next decade and beyond. The report was produced by the Baker School of Public Policy and Public Affairs with support from the Tennessee Valley Authority and the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.On the episode, host Cortney Piper and Jilleah Welch, senior research associate and lect...
2025-02-1121 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 29: The Company Lab and ModulySend us a textThis episode covers a topic that’s at the heart of innovation: Fostering the growth of advanced energy technologies and startups right here in Tennessee. It will cover both sides of a startup journey — the entrepreneurs who are making waves and the organizations empowering them to reach the next level.First, host Cortney Piper will sit down with the CEO of The Company Lab, or CO.LAB, a Chattanooga-based organization that’s driving innovation through programs like the Sustainable Mobility Accelerator. Then, Piper will speak to two representatives from Moduly, a Canadi...
2025-01-1422 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 28: AESSEAL and Solar AllianceSend us a textThis episode was made possible thanks to the support of Solar Alliance. In the episode, host Cortney Piper interviewed three representatives from two organizations about an incredible solar and storage project in Tennessee. Thank you to Chris Staackmann, Head of Operations of AESSEAL North America, and Solar Alliance’s President & CEO Brian Timmons and General Manager U.S. Jon Hamilton, for coming on the show. They spoke about completing AESSEAL's solar and storage project, the first of its kind in Tennessee, and highlighted the company’s leadership as a multinational company and S...
2024-12-1726 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 27: Anca Timofte of HoloceneSend us a textHost Cortney Piper speaks with Anca Timofte, CEO and co-founder of Holocene, a company focused on direct air capture technology and carbon removal. Anca shares her journey from Romania to becoming an entrepreneur in the climate tech space, highlighting her experiences in chemical engineering and business school. The discussion covers the importance of direct air capture in addressing climate change, the significance of partnerships with companies like Google, and the role of government and utilities in supporting carbon removal efforts. Anca also discusses Holocene's future plans, including developing a demonstration facility.
2024-12-0324 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 26: Dale Harrigle of Bridgestone AmericasSend us a textJoin host Cortney Piper for an insightful conversation with Dale Harrigle, Chief Engineer, Tire Development – Consumer Replacement, Bridgestone Americas. Dale discusses his decades-long career at Bridgestone and shares pivotal industry milestones, from the revolutionary introduction of silica in tire manufacturing to Bridgestone’s impressive global expansion.Hear about how the rise of electric vehicles is impacting tire technology and learn about Bridgestone’s cutting-edge innovations, including PeakLife and Enlighten technologies. Dale also highlights Bridgestone’s commitment to sustainability, such as harnessing guayule as a renewable rubber source and earning ISCC Plus certific...
2024-11-1219 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 25: Mark Brown of WastAwaySend us a textThank you to the WastAway team for making this episode possible. Host Cortney Piper had the pleasure of interviewing Mark Brown, CEO of WastAway, a green tech company that takes something the world doesn’t want – municipal solid waste – and converts it into something the world needs. WastAway—Waste-Away with no E—is an advanced energy leader. Its multi-patented system transforms municipal solid waste into valuable biofuels, achieving an impressive 85% landfill diversion. Mark has been at the helm of this company for nearly two decades, leading design, construction, and project deve...
2024-10-0823 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 24: Mitchell Ishmael of Shift ThermalSend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Mitchell Ishmael, Shift Thermal's co-founder and chief technology officer. In the episode, Mitch discusses the company's advanced thermal energy storage solution and the company milestones, including their participation in the Innovation Crossroads program. The two discuss the benefits of cleantech entrepreneurship in Tennessee, the need for partnerships to push the boundaries of sustainability and Shift Thermal's next steps, including partnerships for field demonstration projects.Learn more about TAEBC and Shift Thermal. Support the showTo keep up-to-date with the latest episodes, fo...
2024-09-1021 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 23: Michael McCall of the Tennessee Valley AuthoritySend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Michael McCall, the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Vice President of Environment and Sustainability and Chief Sustainability Officer, about the agency’s 2023 Sustainability Report.They discuss how TVA prioritizes sustainability and has shifted its mindset from compliance to stewardship. This shift enabled the nation’s largest public power provider to make significant progress toward reducing emissions, increasing biodiversity, decreasing water use and improving energy efficiency—which can serve as a model for other federal agencies and utilities nationwide.Learn more about TAEBC. Download TVA’s Sustainability Report or...
2024-08-0621 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 22: Daniel Poneman of the U.S. Department of Energy and Centrus EnergySend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Daniel Poneman, former president and chief executive officer of Centrus Energy Corporation, United States Deputy Secretary of Energy and chief operating officer of the Department of Energy. He has worked for three United States presidents on issues ranging from nuclear nonproliferation to clean energy. In the interview, Cortney and Daniel discuss his long career and mission to champion an all-of-the-above energy strategy. The episode includes stories and behind-the-scenes tidbits you won’t want to miss.Learn more about TAEBC and Daniel.Support the sho...
2024-07-2331 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 21: Dr. Chris Burns of NOVONIXSend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Dr. Chris Burns, Chief Executive Officer of NOVONIX, a leading battery materials and technology company with operations in the United States and Canada.Recently, DOE awarded NOVONIX a $100 million grant and a $103 million tax credit under the Qualifying Advanced Energy Project Allocation Program, or the 48C program under the Inflation Reduction Act. This funding has enabled the company to expand domestic production of high-performance synthetic graphite anode materials at its Riverside facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.In this episode, Cortney and Chris speak about these announcements...
2024-06-1123 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 20: Charles Sims of the Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public AffairsSend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Dr. Charles Sims, Director of the Center for Energy, Transportation and Environmental Policy, Howard H. Baker Jr. School of Public Policy and Public Affairs, about the Valley Pathways Study. The Tennessee Valley Authority and the Baker School launched the Valley Pathways Study in February 2023 to evaluate the existing environmental landscape and explore opportunities to reduce carbon emissions and create a competitive, sustainable economy. In the episode, Cortney and Charles discuss key findings from the study and how to build a competitive, clean economy in the Te...
2024-05-0719 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 19: Lilly Tench of the Spark Innovation CenterSend us a textIn this episode, Host Cortney Piper interviews Lilly Tench, Director of the Spark Innovation Center at the University of Tennessee Research Park. The two discuss the Spark Cleantech Accelerator program and how applications are open for Cohort Three until May 15, 2024. TAEBC is a proud partner of the Spark Cleantech Accelerator. We provide operational support and mentorship through our Energy Network program, which operates with support from Launch Tennessee.Spark CTA information and application “Good Business: An Entrepreneur's Guide to Creating a Better World,” by Lilly TenchLearn more about TAEBC and the S...
2024-04-0220 min
She Speaks | A Let Her Speak PodcastMy Legacy in Progress with Abby HasslerWe're doing things a little differently in this episode. Abby Hassler is a graduate of the aspiring leader cohort of the Let Her Lead program and a brilliant storyteller. One goal that Abby set for herself coming out of the program was to start her own podcast where she shares the stories of people in the community who are overlooked and forgotten.As a way to help her make that dream a reality, we invited Abby to use her podcast episode as an opportunity to share her story, her way. You will hear first her legacy statement...
2024-03-1415 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 18: Monica Walker of General MotorsSend us a textIn this episode, Host Cortney Piper interviews Monica Walker, Manager of Renewables & Energy Strategy at General Motors.GM has a bold vision for the future. One with zero crashes, zero emissions and zero congestion. Piper and Walker discuss GM’s renewable energy commitments, electric vehicle charging partnership with the Pilot Company and Spring Hill Manufacturing facility operations. They also cover how GM was an early adopter of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s Green Invest program.Learn more about TAEBC and GM.Support the showTo keep...
2024-03-0514 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 17: Jennifer Safavian of Autos Drive AmericaSend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Jennifer Safavian, President and Chief Executive Officer of Autos Drive America. Autos Drive America’s mission is to grow the U.S. automotive industry by advocating for and defending open trade and investment policies that expand employment opportunities for Americans and choice for all consumers. Cortney and Jennifer discuss the international automotive presence in Tennessee, how the IRA and other recent federal policies impact the sector, and Autos Drive America’s 2023 Economic Impact Report. Their report found international automakers built 413,746 vehicles in the Volunteer State, creating 109,352 local jobs...
2024-02-0617 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 16: Liliana Ramirez of Ford Motor CompanySend us a textIn what is likely Host Cortney Piper’s favorite interview to date, she interviews Liliana Ramirez, Global Director of Workforce Development at Ford. Ramirez is responsible for using cutting-edge strategies to build the manufacturing workforce required for BlueOval City and BlueOval SK Battery Park. In this episode, they discuss Ramirez’s 30+ year career at Ford, her passion for her work and how the company has changed since she joined in the early 1990s. The two also discuss Ford’s ambitious approach to workforce development, including BlueOval Learning and how it plans to fill...
2024-01-0923 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 15: Kevin Heaslip of TEAM TNSend us a textHow can we advance mobility solutions for all Tennesseans? In this episode, Host Cortney Piper interviews Dr. Kevin Heaslip, Director of the Center for Transportation Research at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. Heaslip also served as the Chief Executive Officer of TEAM TN, a partnership with the National Science Foundation and an alliance of 100 academics, industry, and technical societies led by UT Knoxville. TEAM TN’s goal is to position Tennessee on the leading edge of transportation electrification and digitization.Learn more about TAEBC, the Center for Transportation Research, and...
2023-12-1217 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 14: Gina Bonini of ModineSend us a textHost Cortney Piper interviews Gina Bonini, Vice President and General Manager of Advanced Thermal Systems at Modine. Modine is the only U.S.-based automotive thermal management provider for electric vehicles. They are headquartered in Racine, Wisconsin, but the EV component manufacturing occurs at their plant in Lawrenceburg, Tennessee.Modine has a rich history of automotive thermal management, dating back to the first radiator installed on the Ford Model T. Now, Modine is at the forefront of making zero-emissions mobility a reality for all vehicle classes and duty cycles. L...
2023-11-0718 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 13: Julian Spector of Canary MediaSend us a textIn the first episode of Season 2, Host Cortney Piper interviews Julian Spector, senior reporter at Canary Media, an independent, nonprofit newsroom covering the transition to clean energy and solutions to the climate crisis. The pair spoke about Spector’s recent coverage of the Tennessee Valley Authority’s decarbonization efforts and the Southeast’s journey toward becoming a major electric vehicle and battery supply chain hub. The episode provides a bird’s eye view of the clean energy transition in Tennessee and beyond.Learn more about TAEBC and Spector. Read more of Spector’s...
2023-10-1026 min
Empowered SobrietyEP37 Shadow Work and AddictionThis week on Empowered Sobriety Podcast, Abby and Lindsay breakdown shadow work and why it's important to our sober journey. They discuss 3 steps to transmuting your shadows into empowerment!
00:00 Intro
02:22 What is Shadow Work and how it relates to addiction
06:17 How awareness and pausing is a lot of the "work": shifting addictions, relationships, etc.
09:58 Cultivating compassion is key to healing addiction and Lindsay breaks down her main compassion practices
14:19 "Parts Work"
25:45 How to Transmute your pain and addiction into empowerment!
2023-08-3035 minEmpowered SobrietyEP26 Elementum Coaching InstituteHello, Empowered Sobriety Podcast Community! Lindsay and I are super excited to share with you our full experience and takeaways from the very powerful coaching program that we completed last year. Elementum Coaching Institute is where Lindsay and I met and the coaching program is now enrolling for their September cohort!
Elementum Coaching Institute is the premier coaching AND transformational program for personal development. Even if you do not want to be a life coach, this program has so much support for you. It is where we learned that addiction is a symptom of...
2023-06-1433 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 12: Why Tennessee?Send us a textToday, we’re asking the question, “Why Tennessee?” Why are so many advanced energy companies moving to or expanding operations in our state? In 2021, Ford committed to a $5.6 billion investment in West Tennessee for electric vehicle production at its BlueOval City campus. Last year, WACKER, a German-based polysilicon manufacturer and long-time TAEBC member, announced a $200 million expansion at its facility in Charleston, Tennessee. We could go on and on. To discuss why so many advanced energy companies are choosing Tennessee, Host Cortney Piper will speak with Heath Jones, Managing Director...
2023-04-1120 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 11: How Tennessee manufacturers meet their sustainability goalsSend us a textFor this episode, Energizing Tennessee is changing its format – or rather, its host – a little bit. Steve Seifried, Tennessee Account Executive for Ameresco and President of the Board for the Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council, is your guest host for today’s conversation.In this episode, Seifried and his guests will explore how manufacturers in our state are meeting their sustainability goals with advanced energy and other innovative solutions. He’ll speak with: Gideon Sarpong Sr. Ph.D, PE., Environment, Health and Safety Manager, Nucor Steel MemphisDon Haynes, Environmental/Sustainability Manager, Fl...
2023-03-1431 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 10: Mentorship + opportunity = How we keep advanced energy startups in TennesseeSend us a textThe Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council has four commitments to our members. In this episode, we’re focusing on one: Foster the growth of Tennessee's advanced energy startups. TAEBC doesn’t just want advanced energy startups to launch in the state, we want them to grow, thrive and stay here.Today, we’re speaking with Harvey Abouelata, Vice President of Commercial Solar at Solar Alliance, and Dr. Bianca Bailey, CEO of Agriwater. In the episode, host Cortney Piper talks with Abouelata and Dr. Bailey about the importance of mentorship, programs that suppor...
2023-02-2831 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 9: Secret City to advanced nuclear hub: Tennessee’s legacy of innovation and development in nuclear energySend us a textTennessee is rooted in nuclear energy innovation. And today, Oak Ridge is a thriving epicenter for next-generation nuclear technology. So, what are we doing today? And what does next-generation nuclear energy even look like?To dive into today’s topic, we’re first speaking with Tracy Boatner, President of the East Tennessee Economic Council (ETEC), an organization dedicated to supporting the federal government’s missions in Oak Ridge. We’ll discuss the power of partnerships and why our region is ripe for nuclear innovation. We’ll also talk with Mike Laufer...
2023-02-1432 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 8: Lithium is key to an all-electric future: But what about the supply?Send us a textWe’ve all seen the headlines: Lithium is key to making electric vehicles, but do we have enough to supply rapid EV adoption? Today, we’re speaking with two representatives from Piedmont Lithium, a North Carolina-based company that recently announced a massive project breaking ground right here in Tennessee. The company anticipates the new development will serve as the largest lithium hydroxide processing facility constructed in the United States, enabling the transition to a net-zero world and the creation of a clean-energy economy.We’ll talk with Monique Parker, Vice President of Hea...
2023-01-3122 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 7: Solar's transformational power for rural communitiesSend us a textWe’re shining a light on the impact of solar in Tennessee. The International Energy Agency’s Renewables 2022 report predicts that in the next few years, the biggest source of electricity will be solar power. Meanwhile, the Inflation Reduction Act will usher in more high-paying solar jobs and tax credits for solar installations at homes, businesses and community solar projects. But what does this all mean for Tennesseans? Today, we’re speaking with Matt Kisber, Chairman of the Board at Silicon Ranch Corporation, about how this Nashville solar development company grew into a...
2023-01-1733 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 6: What’s the deal with hydrogen? Is it the silver bullet for our decarbonization needs?Send us a textTo close out the first half of our first season, we’re asking the big question: What’s the deal with hydrogen? Is it the silver bullet to solve all our decarbonization needs? From the utility sector to transportation— we’ll speak with two industry experts to help answer these inquiries. First, we’ll talk with Jon Rodriguez, Energy Business Director - Engine Power Plants at Wärtsilä North America, about using hydrogen for power generation as a means to decarbonize the utility sector. Wärtsilä is a global leader in innovative technologies and lifecycle s...
2022-12-1340 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 5: How will we build out the nation’s EV charging infrastructure?Send us a textThe age of the electric vehicle is here. Automakers are all in and the federal government is offering incentives to encourage the public to go electric and to create the infrastructure needed to enable wide-spread adoption. We need public EV charging stations to be just as available across the country as gas stations are now. To make this possible, Knoxville-based Pilot Company is teaming up with General Motors to build out the nation’s charging infrastructure, particularly along American highways. The plan is to create 2,000 EV charging stalls at up to 500 Pilot Flying J...
2022-11-2929 minEnergizing TennesseeBonus Episode: Busting four common myths about EVsSend us a textConsumers have questions about EVs and we have the answers! In this bonus episode released during the Tennessee Sustainable Transportation Forum & Expo and the Drive Electric Tennessee Momentum Summit, we're speaking with Ryan Stanton, Sr. Project Manager - EV Evolution at the Tennessee Valley Authority, and Alexa Voytek, Deputy Director, Office of Energy Programs at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, to dispel common EV myths and talk about their work to educate the public on the benefits of going electric. Some of these myths include: The electric grid can’t support EV...
2022-11-0731 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 4: Becoming #1 in the Southeast for EV supply chainSend us a textFor the next few episodes, we’re continuing to explore the question: “How can we electrify Tennessee?” Today, we’re discussing how how Tennessee is quickly becoming #1 in the Southeast for the electric vehicle supply chain. Our guest for the show is Kel Kearns, Plant Manager at BlueOval City Electric Vehicle Center, who will speak about Ford’s $5.6 billion investment in West Tennessee.Learn more about BlueOval City and TAEBC.Support the showTo keep up-to-date with the latest episodes, follow TAEBC on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, a...
2022-10-2523 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 3: All-hands-on-deck: A whole-ecosystem approach to transportation electrificationSend us a textElectrification is the future of the mobility industry. It’s no longer a dream or far-away possibility. Yet, we must come together as an ecosystem quickly to make it a reality. We need more investment in forward-thinking mobility technology. We need aggressive action from policymakers. We need an all-hands-on-deck approach to building an all-electric future.In the second episode of our mini series about how to electrify Tennessee, we're speaking with Tricia Martínez, Managing Director of the Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator, about how startups can't build the electric fut...
2022-10-1132 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 2: How can we electrify Tennessee? Getting over 200,000 EVs on Valley roads by 2028Send us a textFor the next few episodes, we will explore the question: “How can we electrify Tennessee?” In the first episode in this mini series, we will discuss how Tennessee plans to build out its EV infrastructure to facilitate adoption of EVs. In 2021, the Tennessee Valley Authority and TN Department of Environment and Conservation announced their partnership to develop a statewide EV fast-charging network to power the growth of EVs across the state and reduce barriers to transportation electrification. Today, we'll speak with TVA’s Joe Hoagland, Vice President, Innovation and Research, about this partnership and TV...
2022-09-2724 minEnergizing TennesseeEpisode 1: What's the deal with advanced energy in Tennessee?Send us a textThe Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council champions advanced energy as a job creation and economic development strategy. We educate public officials and business leaders about Tennessee’s advanced energy assets, establish strategic partnerships to connect assets with opportunities, and inform policy that expands and strengthens the industry. In the introductory episode of Energizing Tennessee, powered by TAEBC and FirstBank, we will cover who we are, what we do and how advanced energy offers significant economic opportunity for our state’s economy. Our guest is Steve Seifried, President of the TAEBC Board of Directors and...
2022-09-1328 minEnergizing TennesseeWelcome to Energizing TennesseeSend us a textThe Tennessee Advanced Energy Business Council champions advanced energy as a job creation and economic development strategy. Advanced energy is a relatively new term but refers to any technology that makes energy cleaner, safer, more secure and more efficient.Energizing Tennessee, powered by TAEBC and FirstBank, explores the latest news and insights about the advanced energy sector. We're your number one podcast for news about advanced energy in Tennessee.Featured guests will include electric vehicle, transportation, energy, and technology experts from across the state’s leading industry, research, academic, an...
2022-08-1601 min