Explore every episode of the podcast Connected Nation
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| Sounds of the Summit: He’s never worked in broadband but that’s not stopping him. Meet the man trying to connect Encinitas, California. | 13 Nov 2024 | 00:26:48 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we conclude our coverage of the Broadband Communities Summit West. Learn how a relatively new nonprofit is helping community organizations bridge the Digital Divide; explore another company's unique approach to helping smaller ISPs secure funding; AND hear from one man who is taking connecting his community into his own hands. Past Broadband Communities Summit West episodes: | |||
| Sounds of the Summit: Today's perceptions in telehealth and Hawaii's vision for full connectivity | 07 Nov 2024 | 00:16:21 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we continue our coverage from the Broadband Communities Summit West conference. | |||
| From open Wi-Fi to "visionary" broadband laws: How the western US is addressing digital access differently | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:25:52 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership at Total Telecom about a new event that’s focused on connecting “every community in the Western US with next-generation communications infrastructure.” | |||
| Europe vs. the US: which countries and cities have the fastest internet speeds | 18 Apr 2022 | 00:28:33 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the "need for speed" when it comes to internet connectivity – specifically how the U-S is doing in comparison to the E-U. | |||
| "It's as fast as it can get." How Kentucky is becoming one of the best connected states in the country | 23 Mar 2022 | 00:20:58 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind Accelecom – a company created specifically to manage commercial access to Kentucky’s newly created state-owned, fiber optic network. NOTE: In the podcast, we discuss the founder of Connected Nation but did not name the professor. In 2001, Dr. Linda Ellis Johnson joined the staff of the Kentucky Governor’s office as Chief IT Strategist in the Office for the New Economy and simultaneously started a non-profit corporation committed to building technology public-private partnerships.
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| The forecast for consumer tech and the woman-owned company that’s predicting what’s coming next | 07 Mar 2022 | 00:33:44 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the President and CMO for Parks Associates - a national market and research consulting firm. Learn how this woman and family-owned firm became one of the most trusted companies in tech research and find out what emerging consumer tech trends leadership sees on the horizon. Twitter: @elizparks and @ParksAssociates LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/parksassociates/ Parks Associates events page - https://www.parksassociates.com/events Recent press releases: Parks Associates estimates that almost 114 million US households access the internet at home Health at home is entering the mainstream
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| From Alabama to the Arctic Circle: how to build the internet for everyone, everywhere | 23 Feb 2022 | 00:32:26 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the idea of building an internet for everyone in every corner of the globe. The Internet Society’s Action Plan 2022 (pdf) - https://www.internetsociety.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/12/2022-ISOC-Action-Plan-EN.pdf Learn more about Community Networks: https://www.internetsociety.org/issues/community-networks/ | |||
| Prophecies for Black tech in America | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:40:06 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Dr. Fallon Wilson, who is the co-founder and CEO of Black Tech Futures Research institute. We’ll discuss her work for equal access and representation in tech, media, and telecommunications AND learn more about her prophecies for Black tech in America. #BlackTechFutures Black Institute website - https://www.blacktechfutures.com/ Twitter: @sistahwilson and @mmtconline TEDx Talk from Dr. Fallon Wilson - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kNkWdZoqcMk | |||
| Why the need for universal broadband is a civil rights issue | 21 Feb 2022 | 00:25:13 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore the important work being done by the Black Churches 4 Broadband Coalition. Learn how the group is working to better connect black communities, what resources each of us can share to help others, AND why the Coalition calls the need for universal broadband "a civil rights issue." Multicultural Media, Telecom, and Internet Council website - https://www.mmtconline.org/ Twitter - @blackchurchpacand @mmtconline | |||
| What new data tells us about internet access in the nation's second largest state | 14 Feb 2022 | 00:24:44 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we take a deep dive with those behind efforts to improve high-speed internet coverage across all areas of Texas – which is not an easy task when you consider how large the Lone Star State is. We’ll discuss what it has taken to develop better broadband coverage data for a whopping 254 counties – we’ll ask why that’s so important and explore the reason 2022 is a critical time not for just Texas but for every state in the union. State Maps Link: https://connectednation.org/texas/state-maps The Connected Nation Texas website: connectednation.org/texas | |||
| This award-winning startup provides innovative support for Black culture and events | 11 Feb 2022 | 00:23:13 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation we talk with the co-founder and CEO of Eventnoire – a premiere ticketing platform for events that embrace black culture. The company recently won a national startup competition for its innovative work. | |||
| Closing the skills gap: how a leader in ed tech says we can fill in-demand, high-paying jobs now | 09 Feb 2022 | 00:30:59 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation we talk with the Founder and CEO of Core Learning Exchange—a national organization focused on CTE and STEM training. Check this out: 1-minute product demo Review the Core Learning Exchange course catalog (email required): https://docsend.com/view/89gt3p677qtvb5s5 A Rural and Small Schools Grant Program details:
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| New Data: The state of school connectivity in America | 24 Jan 2022 | 00:13:14 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Vice President of Connect K12 about the recently released “Report on School Connectivity.” | |||
| Where innovators and leaders unite: Previewing the upcoming 2024 Broadband Nation Expo | 18 Sep 2024 | 00:19:10 | |
Today, we’re gearing up for one of the most exciting events in the broadband space – the 2024 Broadband Nation Expo in Washington, D.C. | |||
| How one of the nation's largest agricultural co-ops is working to close the Digital Divide in rural America | 20 Dec 2021 | 00:22:49 | |
In this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from nation’s third largest agricultural co-ops – Land O’Lakes, Inc. Learn why the farmer-owned organization is now taking active steps to close the Digital Divide and how leadership hopes to close digital equity gaps in rural America by partnering with a national nonprofit that works to grow civic leaders in under-resourced communities. American Connection Project - https://www.americanconnectionproject.com/articles/about-the-american-connection-corps/ Pew Research Study referenced USDA report on farm computer usage and ownership A snapshot of the top 100 agricultural co-ops | |||
| A former Microsoft Executive and Amazon Senior Vice President brings his latest (and free) program to the US | 12 Nov 2021 | 00:24:47 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with former Microsoft Executive and Amazon Senior Vice President David Risher. Worldreader app: bebooksmart.com Pew Research study referenced in podcast - https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2021/06/22/digital-divide-persists-even-as-americans-with-lower-incomes-make-gains-in-tech-adoption/ | |||
| What wildfires taught Link Oregon's leaders about expanding broadband access | 29 Sep 2021 | 00:34:07 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Executive Director of Link Oregon – a nonprofit working to create and operate a statewide, high-speed fiber-optic network for the public and non-profit sectors. Link Oregon Network Map (updated March 2021)
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| Farm Fresh Broadband: The politics of rural connectivity | 27 Sep 2021 | 00:24:33 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation we talk with the author of the book entitled “Farm Fresh Broadband—the politics of rural connectivity.” Get your copy of Farm Fresh Broadband - https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/farm-fresh-broadband | |||
| The Great Empatico Expedition: an adventure to help students make friends around the world | 13 Sep 2021 | 00:27:23 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you on a worldwide adventure courtesy of those behind what’s been dubbed “The Great Empatico Expedition.” Learn how this free program empowers students and teachers from more than 160 countries to explore the world—creating experiences that spark curiosity, kindness, and empathy for others. Get started with Empatico. This short video explains how: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XoqsDq5-gWcThey. OR click here for a downloadable pdf detailing the Great Empatico Expedition. | |||
| Learning while being under-connected: what new research uncovers about digital inequity in America | 05 Aug 2021 | 00:40:42 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the authors of a new, national report that examines “learning at home while being under-connected.” The report's authors went directly to parents to learn how they coped with the unexpected challenges of COVID-19. Related links: Key findings - https://www.newamerica.org/education-policy/reports/learning-at-home-while-underconnected/key-findings/ | |||
| One teen's mission to close the Digital Divide and what he's asking YOU to do about it | 28 Jul 2021 | 00:20:41 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Founder and Executive Director of Computers 4 People—a nonprofit that’s putting a modern twist on the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” | |||
| The simple change to America's supply chain that could put a computer in everyone's home | 01 Jul 2021 | 00:28:52 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind Digitunity—a national nonprofit working to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one. Mapping the technology gap in your neighborhood - https://www.digitunity.org/the-issue/ | |||
| Why Michigan's new approach to expanding internet statewide may be the answer to universal access | 15 Jun 2021 | 00:15:33 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan’s Lt. Governor about the state’s recently established High-Speed Internet Office. Find out why the Governor and Lt. Governor believe expanding internet access to all Michiganders is critical for the state and learn why their approach is something other leaders can leverage. Related links Follow Gov. Whitmer and Lt. Gov. Gilchrist on Twitter: @GovWhitmer AND @LtGovGilchrist | |||
| What you should know about the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program | 25 May 2021 | 00:21:42 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program with Paloma Perez, who serves as the Press Secretary for the Federal Communications Commission. The agency is overseeing the EBB Program. Related links Follow Ms. Perez on Twitter: @PalomaPerezFCC To see a list of providers taking part in the EBB program head to the FCC's website here: To apply to the EBB Program use the below USAC website OR call 1-833-511-0311 Also, Connected Nation has developed a webpage with a summary of details, promotional items, and links in one place: https://connectednation.org/ebbprogram/ | |||
| Mountain Connect 2024: How BroadbandOhio is navigating BEAD | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:19:28 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we wrap our coverage from Mountain Connect 2024 as we sit down with the State Broadband Director from the Buckeye State to discuss the state's broadband strategic plan and the future if connectivity in Ohio. | |||
| Remote control: preparing America's schools for a new way of learning following the pandemic | 17 May 2021 | 00:25:52 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we'll examine how America’s schools can better respond to the need for internet connectivity at home and in the classroom. Related links: Tracking and improving tech for schools before, during, and after COVID-19 – April 2020 podcast Utah Education Network - https://www.uen.org/digital-learning/ January 2020: Utah School Technology Inventory Report
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| What the federal agency dubbed "the Peoples' Department" is doing to connect rural America | 11 May 2021 | 00:31:39 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Farah Ahmad, who serves as the Chief of Staff in the office of the Under Secretary in USDA Rural Development who says they see their mission as "serving community first." | |||
| Teach Cyber's founder on the job that means you have to "think like the enemy" and why every company needs employees who can do just that | 26 Mar 2021 | 00:32:42 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the founder of Teach Cyber which provides free cybersecurity curricula to educators across 13 states. | |||
| Broadband access, telehealth, and the challenge of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine | 24 Mar 2021 | 00:26:06 | |
Right now, millions of COVID-19 vaccinations are being given out across the country in hopes of finally ending the pandemic – but what role does access to technology, or lack of it, play in getting those shots to Americans? On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Chief Medical Information Officer for Baptist Health about the challenges of vaccinating the public, how telehealth is being used in new ways in response to the pandemic, and the role telemedicine will likely play in a post-COVID world. | |||
| Why women are facing more at-home challenges than men even IF they are allowed to telework | 17 Mar 2021 | 00:30:42 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re focused on an alarming trend—women dropping out of the labor force at a higher rate than men. It’s an issue that’s especially timely as we mark Women’s History Month in March. We talk with two women who are experts in workforce development and workplace issues about why we’re seeing this trend, how employers can use tech to help shift their approach to alleviate the problem – and explore why women are facing more at-home challenges than men even IF they are allowed to telework. Related links: Emily Litzinger’s opinion piece: Ashli Watt’s opinion piece: 2020 Yale study on gender and telecommuniting | |||
| The one tech job every company will be scrambling to fill by 2026 | 09 Mar 2021 | 00:27:10 | |
In March, we’re putting a spotlight on Women’s History Month and examining how women are shaping the world of technology around us. | |||
| Cyber hygiene: what is it and why you should care | 01 Mar 2021 | 00:32:26 | |
In March, we’re focusing on Women’s History Month and examining how women are shaping the world of technology around us. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two women who are leaders in the broadband space in the state of Ohio. Specifically, we’ll focus on what the state has been doing to improve cybersecurity policy—what’s also referred to as “cyber hygiene,” how this proactive work is empowering businesses and communities, and the important role better access to broadband plays in this effort. Related Resources:
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| Michigan's Lt. Governor on the power of diverse leadership and his grandma's influence on technology today | 22 Feb 2021 | 00:21:09 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, our guest is the Lt. Governor of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist II—the first African American to serve in that role. The Lt. Governor has focused his career and time in public service on spearheading work for equality and justice while harnessing technology to solve real-world problems. | |||
| What the woman known as the "Mr. Rogers of Zimbabwe" can teach us about digital equity in America | 19 Feb 2021 | 00:35:37 | |
Throughout February, we’re focusing on Black History Month and talking with those in the Black community who are creating positive impact through technology. | |||
| Humana Foundation's CEO shares his approach to investing in health equity and why broadband access is critical for all people | 17 Feb 2021 | 00:16:48 | |
Throughout February, we're focusing on Black History Month and talking with those in the Black community who are creating positive change. Related Links: Follow the Humana Foundation on Twitter @HumanaFdn Report: Closing the Connectivity Gap for Older Americans | |||
| Mountain Connect 2024: BEAM's leadership on broadband expansion and accessibility across Mississippi | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:19:30 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we sit down with Sally Doty, who serves as the Director of the State Broadband Office for Mississippi, better known as BEAM. | |||
| Ohio's Lt. Governor on innovating state services and government through technology | 16 Feb 2021 | 00:19:20 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted who is also the founder and Director of InnovateOhio. Learn how the Lt. Gov. overcame common obstacles and naysayers to innovate state government through technology and what he considers the biggest example of "tech inequity" across the country. About Lt. Governor Jon Husted Follow Lt. Gov. on Twitter: @LtGovHusted Press release - Gov. DeWine creates BroadbandOhio to support expansion of high-speed internet: https://governor.ohio.gov/wps/portal/gov/governor/media/news-and-media/creation-of-broadbandohio News story - Lt. Gov. Husted announces new broadband program coming to Appalachia: | |||
| From the President's helicopter to fighter jets—meet the woman behind some top secret tech programs | 12 Feb 2021 | 00:25:24 | |
Throughout February, Connected Nation is focusing on Black History Month and talking with those in the Black community who are creating positive impact and innovating in the world of technology. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Sabrina Morton, who is a change manager at L3 Harris – a technology group that provides advanced defense and commercial technologies across air, land, sea, space, and cyber domains. | |||
| REPORT: The devastating impact Digital Isolation is having on older Americans | 08 Feb 2021 | 00:34:33 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we examine groundbreaking research that looks at Digital Isolation among older Americans. We talk with those behind the report which found that 22 million U.S. seniors lack the high-speed internet access they need – and thanks to the pandemic – it’s a connectivity problem that this report shows has had devastating effects. Summary of the report: Read the full report: Follow Older Adult Technology Services on Twitter @OlderAdultsTech Follow the Humana Foundation on Twitter @HumanaFdn | |||
| Connecting students while avoiding the "assembly line approach" to education | 29 Jan 2021 | 00:26:28 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Superintendent and CEO of Butler Tech, Jon Graft, and State Program Director for Connected Nation Ohio, Tina Lyden. Learn how Butler Tech is leveraging technology and local partnerships to expand internet connectivity to its students in unique ways. Plus, we discuss emerging careers in technology, examine an approach to education that's tailored to the individual, and find out what real-world advice our guests can provide to other organizations on navigating the need for expanding internet access — even in a pandemic Related links: | |||
| How we can bring high-speed internet access to more rural communities | 08 Jan 2021 | 00:26:31 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Texas Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson who was working to bring high-speed internet access to more people long before the pandemic highlighted its importance. Learn more about Connected Nation Texas
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| The partnership that's providing free wi-fi access in the midst of the pandemic | 14 Dec 2020 | 00:28:57 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind a partnership that’s helping to connect thousands of people across Rhode Island who are stuck in the Digital Divide - in the midst of the pandemic. Learn more about the Take It Outside Initiative : Learn more about the Ocean State Libraries’ "Park and Surf" initiative: Learn more about The Quilt: | |||
| How schools, nonprofits can leverage the AT&T K-12 homework gap program | 10 Dec 2020 | 00:21:42 | |
On this edition of Connected Nation, we talk with those who are leading the AT&T K-12 homework gap program— which is focused on closing the at-home connectivity gap for at-risk students. This program includes a $10 million commitment from AT&T. The application for schools and nonprofits can be found at: Follow the AT&T Foundation on Twitter: @ATTimpact
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| Introducing Connect K12 | 04 Dec 2020 | 00:13:32 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Emily Jordan, the Vice President of Connect K12, which is a FREE, online resource focused on helping school district leaders and state decision makers improve classroom and school network internet connectivity. You can find a report that outlines the current state of classroom connectivity in the US by heading here: https://connectk12.org/national Twitter: @connect_k12 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GetConnectK12 | |||
| The state of broadband connectivity in Texas | 04 Dec 2020 | 00:22:50 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two members of the Texas Governor’s Broadband Development Council which recently released a report on the state of broadband connectivity across the Lone Star State. | |||
| Gov. Jeb Bush: Broadband Internet is an Imperative, Not a Luxury | 06 Nov 2020 | 00:25:29 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Jeb Bush, the former Governor of Florida, who in a recent opinion piece published by Slate pointed to high-speed internet (broadband) as “an imperative, not a luxury.” Related Links
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| Mountain Connect 2024: Key partnerships, digital equity, and the Illinois Broadband Lab | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:30:32 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Director of State and Local Government Partnerships at ready.net. Plus, we sit down with a representative from the University of Illinois to discuss the Illinois Broadband Lab and catch up with the team at Digitunity to learn how the nonprofit is expanding its work to reach more Americans in need. | |||
| How One City is Bridging the Digital Divide for 28,000 Students in Need | 08 Sep 2020 | 00:25:58 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind a massive undertaking to connect more than 28,000 students with economic challenges to high-speed internet in a Tennessee school district– and they’re succeeding in the midst of the pandemic. Related Links | |||
| How Two College Students Took on the Challenge to Connect More Communities | 03 Sep 2020 | 00:20:54 | |
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two Ohio University students who have been working to improve connectivity across the Buckeye State. Learn what they’ve been doing to help expand internet access for families and communities—even during the pandemic. Learn more about Connected Nation Ohio by heading here: https://connectednation.org/ohio | |||
| Developing and Supporting Rural Technology Leaders | 31 Aug 2020 | 00:30:02 | |
This is Rural Technology Leaders (RTL), a special series produced through the Connected Nation Podcast. In this series, we focus on companies and individuals that are utilizing technology and connectivity in rural America. | |||