Hi, Energy!

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast is joined by Dr. Aradhna Tripati, Climate Scientist, Professor, and Founder and Director of the UCLA’s Center for Developing Leadership in Science. Together, they discuss community as a climate solution, the climate impacts we face today, and how imagination can lead to big change.

Dr. Aradhna Tripati shares stories of hope right here in Los Angeles, from taking on big oil to uncovering hidden springs, showcasing how some of the most powerful climate solutions can begin at the community level.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and LinkedIn, 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.

Do you know how to read your utility bill? In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast is joined by Craig Perkins, President and Executive Director of The Energy Coalition. Together, they break down the details of your monthly electricity bill, discuss energy efficiency upgrades that can save you money, and California’s vision for a more sustainable future.

Craig shares how sustainability in cities has changed over his career, what is driving the price increases of utility rates, from system costs to wildfires, and what you won’t see on your utility bill.

New episodes of Hi, Energy are coming out every month. So check out our Instagram and LinkedIn, 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.

In this episode of Hi, Energy!, Host Esteban Gast sits down with Mike Young, the Executive Director of California Environmental Voters to talk about political power, climate champions, and how engagement at the polls can lead to better changes at home.

Mike Young shares his insights from over 20 years of organizing for climate smart policies, promoting bold legislative leadership, and holding policymakers accountable. From doing your homework on candidates to fighting against the narrative that climate policies are too expensive or difficult to pass, Mike and Esteban break down how we can claim our political power and put our communities first.

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

Hi, Energy! is back for another season of expert insights with Southern California leaders, working to create solutions, workforce opportunities, and innovative partnerships, all to help communities save energy today while fostering sustainable practices for tomorrow.

We’ll meet with top Southern California leaders who are actively building practical solutions to expand access to clean, sustainable energy and empowering communities through education, direct resources, and tangible calls to action.

Tune in monthly for new episodes of Hi, Energy! coming to you where you get your podcasts. Find us on Instagram and LinkedIn, and  be sure to subscribe to the show on YouTube, Apple, Spotify  or visit https://socalren.org/about/podcasts for full episodes and highlight reels coming soon.

In this episode of Hi, Energy! We learn about Allison’s Hollywood Climate Summit, where writers, executives, fans and actors can all gather and learn about how to make Hollywood climate friendly and the role Hollywood can play in bringing climate knowledge to the public.

Allison and Esteban discuss the power of storytelling in bringing knowledge about climate to everyday folks like you and me. They talk about how every industry —not just Hollywood— is connected to climate, and how government workers should think about storytelling in their work too.

Additional References from the podcast:


PowerLines — Modernizing American Power

People Allison Shouted Out

Rasheda Crocket

Rollie Williams

Alexis Nikole Nelson

Leah Thomas

Kiana Kazemi

Kristy Drutman

Allison is also an occasional teacher at USC! Here’s a flyer for their class

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.