In this episode of the podcast, we spotlight Stringtown, Missouri— a rural community that now has fast, reliable Internet thanks to a powerful local partnership. 

Chris talks with Patty Boyers, President and CEO of BOYCOM, and Robbie Myers, Butler County’s Emergency Management Director, about the barriers they faced, the grant that made it possible, and how broadband is transforming everything from public safety and telehealth to economic development. 

This show is 37 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, former BEAD Director Evan Feinman joins Christopher Mitchell and Sean Gonsalves to talk about the turmoil brewing inside the BEAD program. 

They break down what’s really behind the push for more satellite connectivity, the threat of sidelining state-led fiber projects, and the political forces stalling progress. 

With billions on the line and rural communities waiting, this episode cuts through the noise and asks: are we about to squander a once-in-a-generation opportunity?

This show is 46 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined again by telecom policy expert Sascha Meinrath for a wide-ranging discussion on why billions in broadband funding still haven’t reached communities. 

They unpack the dysfunction behind the BEAD program rollout, federal stalling on digital equity grants, and the maddening reality of broken broadband maps. 

The conversation tackles political gridlock, regulatory capture, and the very real consequences for underserved communities still waiting for high-speed Internet.

You can find the article that Chris and Sascha reference during their conversation about Ezra Klein here.

This show is 41 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris sit down again with Matt Rantanen to discuss the transformative impact of the Tribal Broadband Bootcamps. 

Rantanen shares insights on the evolution of these hands-on training sessions, which empower tribal communities with the technical skills and policy knowledge needed to build and sustain broadband networks. 

We explore the challenges tribes face in accessing high-quality Internet, the role of community-driven solutions, and what’s next for broadband expansion in Indian Country. 

Tune in to learn how these bootcamps are equipping Indigenous leaders with the tools to close the digital divide.

This show is 37 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Bob Frankston, a pioneer in home networking and co-creator of VisiCalc, to explore the evolution of Internet infrastructure.

Frankston challenges the conventional understanding of networking, arguing that the Internet should be treated as a public utility rather than a commodity. He reflects on the origins of home networking, the rise of broadband, and why the current telecommunications model is fundamentally broken.

Frankston advocates for a future where connectivity is treated like roads and sidewalks—open, abundant, and community-owned.

Tune in for a deep dive into how shifting the business model of broadband could unlock new opportunities for innovation and resilience.  

This show is 47 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris talks with Michael Keough, Chief Information Officer for Region 16 Education Service Center in the Texas Panhandle. Michael shares how Region 16 is transitioning from being an Internet provider to building a more resilient, high-speed network for 60 school districts across 26,000 square miles.

He explains the shift to a 10 Gig ring network to prevent outages, the importance of open access fiber to drive competition and lower costs, and how new edge data centers will enhance reliability and support future technologies like AI and quantum networking.

Michael also discusses the economic and educational benefits of better infrastructure, from strengthening school security to attracting new businesses.

Tune in to learn how strategic investments in broadband can empower schools and communities alike.

This show is 25 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined by Heather Mills, Principal Consultant at Tilson Technology Management, to break down the latest developments in the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) program.

They discuss the evolving landscape of state applications, common misconceptions, and the uncertainties surrounding potential program changes. With states already awarding funds and moving forward, what challenges lie ahead?

Tune in for an in-depth conversation on how BEAD is shaping broadband expansion and what’s next for communities nationwide.

This show is 33 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris is joined again by Gigi Sohn to discuss the growing threat to independent agencies like the FCC. 

They explore the impact of recent executive orders that seek to strip these agencies of their autonomy, the historical role of the FCC in shaping broadband policy, and what this means for the future of communications regulation. 

Sohn shares firsthand insights from her time at the FCC, reflections on the broader implications for democracy, and why the independence of regulatory bodies matters for both industry and the public. 

Tune in for a critical conversation on the intersection of policy, politics, and broadband access.

This show is 26 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this episode of the podcast, Chris and Sean dive into the latest developments in broadband policy and fiber technology. They discuss California’s investment in tribal broadband, the exciting capabilities of fiber optic sensing for smart cities, and the ongoing debate around BEAD funding and fiber prioritization. 

The conversation highlights how fiber can revolutionize municipal infrastructure by detecting traffic, preventing water leaks, and improving urban planning.  

They also preview an upcoming webinar co-hosted by Sean and Gigi Sohn of the American Association for Public Broadband, focused on financing municipal broadband projects. 

Featuring insights from industry experts, the webinar aims to help local governments navigate funding options for community-owned networks.  

Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on broadband’s future, policy challenges, and the innovative potential of fiber infrastructure. 

This show is 27 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license

In this special episode of the podcast, we revisit our live forum called "Consider Affordable Broadband State by State". Chris is joined by Sean Gonsalves and Shayna Englin to explore how states like New York, Massachusetts, and California are tackling broadband affordability with the Affordable Connectivity Program's expiration. 

They break down the legal and economic landscape of New York’s Affordable Broadband Act, discuss the political challenges of regulating Internet prices, and examine how state-led initiatives can push action around the country. Tune in for a deep dive into the policies shaping digital equity.

The previous live-stream is archived and can be viewed here.

This show is 35 minutes long and can be played on this page or via Apple Podcasts or the tool of your choice using this feed.

Transcript below.

We want your feedback and suggestions for the show-please e-mail us or leave a comment below.

Listen to other episodes or view all episodes in our index. See other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance.

Thanks to Arne Huseby for the music. The song is Warm Duck Shuffle and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license