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Hi, Energy! — Government
Hi, Energy!

Reducing energy use today is key to a safer, more affordable, and sustainable tomorrow.
Introducing Hi, Energy!, where we bring you front-row access to the innovators and leaders across Southern California who are making a real difference. From demystifying the benefits of heat pumps to breaking down what decarbonization really means, we’re here to help you navigate the path to a cleaner, greener future. From landing green jobs to rethinking how we get around, we’re diving into bold ideas and everyday actions that make a real difference. Whether you’re looking to make smarter energy choices at home, work, or in your community, this podcast connects you to the conversations that will inspire change. Join us as we light the way to a brighter, more sustainable future.
New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.
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Copyright: © SoCalREN 2021

Latest Episodes:

Achieving Environmental Goals Through Community Engagement Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about the connections between community engagement and environmental policy. Ken Chawkins, a professor at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs, joins the show to share wisdom from nearly 30 years in public affairs, serving business, labor, government, and nonprofits.

Ken and Esteban discuss coalition building towards climate solutions, how to get involved locally and politically to support the environment, climate policy from a working class perspective, and so much more.

Additional References from the podcast:

Books

Who Is Government by Michael Lewis

Articles

People/organizations mentioned

Other

“Who are the stakeholders and what stakes are they holding?” Ken’s UCLA Syllabus

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Climate in the News Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about how climate news is made. Sammy Roth, a former climate columnist for the LA Times and the host of the podcast and newsletter Boiling Point, has been writing about Southern California’s climate issues for over a decade. He now writes an independent newsletter, Climate-Colored Goggles, about climate & culture. In this episode, he comes to spill the tea on climate news.

Sammy and Esteban discuss how California is a hub for many of the most important climate issues facing the entire United States, how to become a clued-in reader of climate news, how to read lots of climate news without feeling down, and so much more.

Additional References from the podcast:

Books

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

Articles

Sammy’s weekly Boiling Point newsletter
E&E News by Politico
Canary Media
Inside Climate News
Volts by David Roberts
Everybody needs a Climate Thing | David Roberts for Grist

Podcasts

Sammy’s Boiling Point Podcast
Esteban’s appearance on Sammy’s podcast

People/organizations mentioned

Jim Lawson
John Lewis
Bill McKibben
United Farm Workers

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Driving Blueprint for Mobility and Civic Strategy Sep 29, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about all of the options we have to move around LA. Eli Lipmen, Executive Director of Move LA, shares that the future of clean transit is a future with many options.

Eli and Esteban discuss the 2028 Olympics from a transit perspective, some of Move LA’s biggest policy wins, why a public transit advocate like Eli still sees value in owning his car, and so much more.

Additional References from the podcast:

Books

Nobody Walks in LA by John Bwarie

Articles

People/organizations mentioned

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Putting Local Communities at the Forefront of the Climate Conversation Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about local organizations keeping the residents in the communities they serve at the forefront of the climate conversation. Esteban is joined by Nicole Landers, Director of Communications & Partnerships @ GreenWealth Energy. Nicole is a longtime climate consultant and one of the founders of a community garden that helped nourish and support her local Venice community.

Nicole and Esteban discuss community-focused efforts to make electrical vehicle charging more accessible, how a few friends can make a real impact on the climate and on their community, how building sustainable communities is an investment in groups of people historically left out of the conversation, and so much more.

Additional References from the podcast:

Books

Articles

Videos

Podcasts

Travel With Meaning

People mentioned

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Understanding Climate Policy Decision Making Jul 28, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about local clean energy projects and how they support a larger and greener statewide vision for California. He is joined by Heather Repenning, Vice President, Account Manager and Resilience Lead at Jacobs, and the former Executive Officer for Sustainability at LA Metro where she led efforts to support clean transportation and reduce emissions within LA Metro’s capital expansion program.

Heather and Esteban talk about the way design choices made by local governments impact the choices we make as we travel through southern California. They also discuss the opportunities for sustainable development leading up to the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic games, and some of Heather’s favorite LA and climate books.

Additional References from the podcast:

Books

Articles

Here is the syllabus to the climate policy course Heather teaches at USC

Podcasts
People mentioned

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Follow us at:

https://socalren.org/

Hi, Energy! is Back! Jul 21, 2025

Show notes

Hi, Energy! is back! This season, we’re diving deeper into real-world stories, smart energy solutions, and local community voices driving change right here in our neighborhoods.

Hear from Southern California’s best and brightest leaders rolling up their sleeves to make clean and sustainable energy work for everyone.And insights from experts who work with government officials to turn big climate goals into real climate action.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and wherever you get your podcasts or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

Environmental Justice: A Call For Equality Feb 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast dives into the vital topic of environmental justice with Veronica Padilla-Campos, Executive Director of Pacoima Beautiful. Together, they explore what environmental justice means, the systemic issues behind environmental racism, and how climate change disproportionately impacts low-income and marginalized communities. Veronica shares inspiring stories of advocacy, the real-world consequences of environmental inequities, and actionable steps to drive change.

Boosting Efficiency: SOCalREN's Impact on Cities & Schools Jan 27, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy! Esteban Gast sits down with Rachel Pennington, Assistant Director of Energy Services at The Energy Coalition, to explore how SoCalREN’s Public Agency Program is helping cities, school districts, and government agencies save money and energy through impactful projects. Rachel shares success stories, breaks down how public agencies can implement energy-efficient improvements, and highlights the long-term benefits of sustainability. They also answer listener questions about overcoming budget constraints and supporting smaller agencies.

Breaking Into the Green Economy Dec 30, 2024

Show notes

Esteban Gast dives into the exciting world of green career pathways with Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the US Green Building Council – California. As industries shift toward sustainability, Ben breaks down the growing opportunities in fields like green building, energy efficiency, and clean technology. They also explore how these careers are evolving, the importance of equity in the green economy, and how to get started, even if you're transitioning from a non-environmental background. Tune in for expert insights, practical advice, and a roadmap to making a real impact through your work!

The Urban Heat Island Effect: Why It Matters and How We Can Fix It Nov 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Esteban Gast dives into the rising challenge of urban heat islands, especially here in Southern California where summer heat is only intensifying. But it’s not just about the problem—it’s about finding solutions! Esteban is joined by Amanda Begley, Senior Program Manager at TreePeople, who shares her expertise on how green spaces, reflective materials, and community action can help cool our cities. They discuss public health impacts, successful green projects, and ways listeners can get involved. Tune in for actionable tips to beat the heat!

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