Episodes

Can the world run on 100% renewable energy without blackouts or rising costs? Professor Andrew Blakers joins host Ivan Ransom to explain how low-cost solar power and pumped hydro storage can deliver reliable electricity around the clock. This science-backed conversation challenges common myths and reveals why a zero-carbon energy future may be closer than many think. Editor: Fabian Sanchez | Art Direction: Emily Brooks | Production Coordinator: Sam Burns

Texas State Climatologist John Nielsen-Gammon joins Pranav Kumar Gahadwal to explain how climate change intensifies Texas drought, flooding, and extreme heat. Discover the "7% moisture rule" and strategies for resilient cities. This episode translates climate science into practical preparation for extreme weather. Host: Pranav Kumar Gahadwal | Guest: John Nielsen-Gammon Team: Kaylee Cordray, Sam Burns, Emily Brooks.

C. M. (Cathy) Rubin interviews XPRIZE CEO Anousheh Ansari on responsible AI leadership, startup accountability, and impact-driven innovation. From wildfire detection to carbon removal, Ansari makes clear: “AI is just the means.” For founders and investors, this episode reframes success — long-term impact over short-term hype. Produced and Edited by Kaylee Cordray. Art Direction by Emily Brooks.

In this episode of Net Zero Speaks, host Monaaleekh B.K. Gowda sits down with Dr. Josheena Naggea to talk about blue justice, ocean governance, and empowering coastal communities in Mauritius. Produced and edited by Sahana Garrett with art direction by Emily Brooks, this episode explores biodiversity conservation, women’s equity, and community-led strategies accelerating climate resilience and net-zero progress.

Caribbean climate scientist Professor Michael A. Taylor explains how climate change is already affecting daily life—hotter nights, flash flooding, and coastal loss—and what communities can do now. In this Net Zero Speaks episode, hosted by Pranav Kumar Gahadwal, Taylor shares water security, heat-safety, and storm-resilience strategies. Produced and edited by Gabriela Zavala.

In Net Zero Speaks, Columbia climate economist Gernot Wagner joins Ana Hanhausen to explain the economics behind the clean energy transition. He shows why electrification is accelerating, how policy sequencing and grid reform drive results, and what credible net zero investment looks like. He also addresses guardrails for solar geoengineering research.

C. M. Rubin speaks with Ambassador Shea Gopaul (IOE/UN) on how AI can power decent work and inclusive growth. From apprenticeships to green and blue skills, she shares a pragmatic roadmap for responsible innovation—balancing opportunity, fairness, and safety across global labor markets.

Climate scientist Danny Harvey (U of T; IPCC) and POP host Sahil Soni share a practical brief: three city policies to pass now, a sub-$2,000 home upgrade, how to read climate models correctly, diet shifts that work, and one hard-to-decarbonize sector with a real solution. Edited by Sergio Castaneda.

Host C. M. Rubin interviews ophthalmologist Pearse Keane about the Moorfields Mission: building AI to cut avoidable sight loss. They explain how AI helps clinicians interpret eye scans faster, triage urgent cases, and reach patients earlier while safeguarding consent, bias mitigation, and transparency. Clear, hopeful, practical—an accessible guide to trustworthy health tech for educators today.

C. M. Rubin interviews Max Einhorn, CEO of Gennie, on AI for a Better World. 'Killer Kings' is billed as the first documentary series with AI‑generated reenactments, reshaping historical storytelling. From cost savings to ethical guardrails, this episode explores how AI is transforming nonfiction filmmaking while prompting fresh questions about truth, creativity, and transparency.

Host C.M. Rubin interviews Yale creativity scientist Dr Zorana Ivcevic Pringle on why human imagination remains the ultimate competitive edge in an AI era. Produced by Sergio Castaneda, the episode spotlights risk, resilience, “problem finding,” and six tips to spark breakthrough ideas. Learn how The Creativity Choice reframes creativity as a daily decision.

In this youth-driven Net Zero Speaks episode, Columbia Climate School Dean Dr. Alexis Abramson shares her bold vision for climate education and climate action. From AI-powered building efficiency to global clean energy access and inclusive STEM education, her insights will inspire the next generation of innovators to build a sustainable, equitable future. Net Zero Speaks with Alexis Abramson is produced by Sergio Castaneda.

In this AI for a Better World episode, host C.M. (Cathy) Rubin interviews Study Fetch CEO Esan Durrani. Produced by Sergio Castaneda, the show explores how AI-powered tutoring, game-based learning, and LMS integration are transforming remote education. Discover how Study Fetch is solving real challenges—and reshaping the future of global learning through trusted AI.

Discover how ElliQ, the world’s first AI companion for older adults, is transforming senior care. In this Planet Classroom podcast, C.M. (Cathy) Rubin interviews Intuition Robotics CEO Dor Skuler to explore real stories of AI reducing loneliness, enhancing cognitive health, and easing caregiver strain. A must-listen for aging and AI innovators.

How can wetlands, beavers, and youth leadership transform climate resilience? In this inspiring Net Zero Speaks episode, youth host Cherry Sung interviews Stanford's Felicia Marcus about nature-based solutions, water equity, and innovative climate policy. Produced by Planet Classroom and the POP Movement, the episode spotlights youth-powered change and community-driven climate justice. Don't miss this powerful call to action for our planet's future.

In Highlights Take 2 – WHO's Andy Pattison on the Future of Health Communication, C. M. (Cathy) Rubin interviews Andy Pattison, WHO's Team Lead for Digital Channels, to discuss how AI and technology are saving lives. From tackling misinformation to reaching vulnerable populations through hyperlocal strategies, Pattison highlights the critical role of partnerships with major tech companies. Produced by Sergio Castaneda, this episode is a must-watch.

In Highlights Take 2: Future-Proof Your Career, Michael B. Horn joins C.M. Rubin to discuss strategies for thriving in an AI-driven world. Part of the AI for a Better World series, this podcast reveals how to align your career with passion and build skills for a tech-driven economy.

The Planet Classroom Network, in collaboration with VoiceAmerica, proudly presents its latest podcast, produced by Sergio Castaneda in the AI for a Better World series: David Benigson: AI for Accurate Business Insights. C. M. Rubin revisits her conversation with Signal AI CEO David Benigson to explore AI’s impact on business decision-making. Learn how AI aggregates data, combats misinformation and enhances human creativity.

Join host C. M. (Cathy) Rubin in AI for a Better World: The Future of Human-Robot Collaboration, a podcast from Planet Classroom and VoiceAmerica. Rubin interviews David Hanson, founder of Hanson Robotics, and Sophia, the world’s first robot citizen, to discuss AI’s impact on human creativity, ethics, and the skills needed in an AI-driven world. Hanson shares his vision for merging AI with human potential, while Sophia explores her evolving role as a digital human. Tune in to discover the transf...

Planet Classroom’s AI for a Better World series debuts its new podcast, Highlights Take 2 - Nick Bostrom Envisions Our AI Future, produced by April Klein. This episode offers key insights into how artificial intelligence will revolutionize jobs, reshape essential skills, and create global opportunities, all while navigating critical risks and ethical challenges. Philosopher Nick Bostrom explores AI’s transformative role across industries such as healthcare, education, and climate, stressing the ...

NET ZERO #5 - Youth Monitor the Green Transition, produced by Kristen Gallinaro, showcases highlights from four Net Zero episodes. Featuring top global thought leaders and youth climate activists, this Net Zero podcast series, curated by Planet Classroom and the Protect Our Planet Movement, tracks global progress in the race to net zero. Youth leaders engage with experts to discuss sustainable solutions and climate justice. Tune in for insights from Dr. Florian Graichen, Ineza Grace, Gwenaelle A...

Join Climate Hosts Ved Sanyal, Mphathesithe Mkhize, Barry Nyuydze Berry, and Philo Magdalene from Planet Classroom and the Protect Our Planet Movement in Net Zero Podcast #4: Youth Monitor the Green Transition. Each activist shares valuable insights from conversations with some of the world's leading global experts on Climate Change, including Kim Holmen, Thomas Minda, Tshilidzi Marwala, and Omnia El Omrani. The activists discuss, among other things, human-induced climate change and biogeochemic...

Join climate hosts Jerôme Peyret Oberholzer, Wen Tian, Prachi Shevgaonkar, and Philo Magdalene from Planet Classroom and the Protect Our Planet Movement as they discuss the key takeaways from their recent Net Zero interviews with global climate thought leaders Adrián Fernández, Hu Jiaojiao, Sam Fankhauser, and Sophia Kianni to address critical topics such as Mexico's climate goals, the challenges of replacing fossil fuels, and the importance of translating climate resources into over 100 languag...

Climate activists Ricardo Delgado, Sofia Lana, Sam Okorie and Mphathesithe Mkhize report their takeaways on where the world stands on the Race to Net Zero from Venezuela, Nigeria, South Africa and UNESCO in Paris. Ricardo, Sofia, Sam, and Mphathesithe reflect on their interviews with Manuel Diaz, Rep Sam Onuigbo, Crispin Hemson and Alexander Leicht.