Earthlings 2.0 Podcast

• #127: A Cleaner Way To Reinvent Lithium Extraction with Novalith

  In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Steven Vassiloudis, founder & CEO of Novalith Technologies, about a simpler “direct-to-chemical” route that turns spodumene ore into battery-grade lithium carbonate using water and CO₂—skipping the sulfuric-acid roast and many downstream cleanup steps. The result aims to cut costs, slash emissions, and build refining capacity across the globe. Steven discusses Novalith’s pilot plant operating in Sydney and how the company is preparing a U.S. demonstration refinery to help onshore supply for EVs and (increasingly) large-scale energy storage.Key Points:Traditional refining is broken – Today’s hard-rock lithium refining depends on acid roasting and complex conversion steps, which drive up costs, energy use, and waste.Novalith offers a new path – Their process uses water and CO₂ to directly produce lithium carbonate, eliminating the need for hazardous acids and multiple intermediate steps.The environmental benefits have great potential – The approach cuts carbon emissions by about 50% compared to conventional methods, and up to 75% when powered by renewable energy.Steven Vassiloudis, founder & CEO of Novalith Technologies, LinkedInLuis de Leon, Earthlings 2.0 Guest Host, Sr. Public Relations Account Executive at Technica Communications🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!Mentioned in this episode:Q3 Tigo Pre-RollQ3 End CreditsGreenlane, Ampion, Tigo,

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• 126: Jigar Shah and Modern Energy Tech for a 100-Year-Old Grid

  In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with clean energy visionary Jigar Shah, former director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, to imagine how we’d build the U.S. grid if we started fresh today. Instead of patching 100-year-old infrastructure, what if we designed around the tools of now — microgrids, distributed energy resources, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) integration? In this episode, we explore interconnection bottlenecks, the path to V2G readiness, and how data centers might actually stabilize the grid rather than strain it. The conversation points toward a future of abundant, affordable electricity powering human flourishing.Key Points:Local First – Microgrids that connect regionally create resilience, cost control, and a diversified mix where no resource dominates.Flexibility Over Peakers – Distributed batteries, V2G, and flexible demand can replace expensive peaker plants and defer costly upgrades.Data Center Dividend – With co-investment in storage, data centers can stabilize the grid and lower bills while apps and incentives make participation effortless. Jigar Shah, former director of the Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office, LinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to

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• #125 - Why Supercapacitors are the Future of Long-Duration Storage with Wright Energy Storage Technologies

  In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we chat with Pieter Smit, Head of Global Sales at Wright Energy Storage Technologies (WEST), about how the company is redefining energy storage with supercapacitor-based systems. Unlike lithium-ion, WEST’s electrostatic storage delivers high efficiency, rapid charge cycles, and extreme durability — tested everywhere from Africa to North America With applications spanning homes, data centers, shipping, and utility-scale projects, WEST is positioning supercapacitors as a safer, longer-lasting, and more sustainable path “beyond lithium.”Key Points:Electrostatic Advantage – WEST’s supercapacitors store energy without the fire risks or chemical degradation associated with lithium-ion batteries.Built to Last – The systems are designed for up to 45 years of operation and come with a 20-year warranty to ensure reliability.Efficiency Edge – With 97% round-trip efficiency, nearly all the energy stored in the system can be recovered and used.Voices: Pieter Smit, Head of Global Sales at Wright Energy Storage Technologies, LinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedIn🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow us on Instagram Follow us on our Facebook PageFollow us on X Thanks to Resource Labs for having us on the network!Mentioned in...

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• 124: The Plug in Future of Solar with Whit Fulton

  In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Whit Fulton, founder and Chief Product Officer of ConnectDER, to explore how a simple but powerful innovation, the meter socket adapter, is reshaping residential solar, storage, and EV adoption. By turning the meter socket into a universal plug-in point, ConnectDER removes one of the biggest barriers to home electrification: complex, costly, and time-consuming wiring upgrades. Whit discusses the origins of the idea, the industry’s over-reliance on policy incentives, the persistent challenge of soft costs, and the larger paradigm shift from hardwired to plug-and-play clean energy systems.Key Points:Solar’s Soft Cost Problem – While panels themselves are cheap, permitting, sales, and installation overhead make solar feel like a construction project instead of an appliance purchase.The Plug-In Breakthrough – ConnectDER’s meter socket adapter lets homeowners plug solar, EV chargers, or batteries directly into the grid interface, cutting installation from days to minutes.Scalable and Universal – Compatible with 95% of U.S. homes, the technology has already reached ~30,000 deployments across 20 states, with California soon joining.Whit Fulton, Founder and Chief Product Officer of ConnectDER, LinkedInLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedInPrevious episodes discussed:#74 - Making Home Energy Storage Accessible For All#91- Building Resilient, All-Electric Homes for the Future with Arch Rao🚀 Calling all Earthlings… Visit our website for more episodes!Sign up to our newsletter for the latest news on the most exciting technology and research shaping our futures! We want to learn more about you! It’ll take just a few moments to complete our survey. Thank you for helping us make your listening experience the best it can be!Are you new to Earthlings 2.0 and don’t know where to get started? Check out our Life at 3C episode on our websiteThanks for tuning in! If you like what we’re doing over at Earthlings 2.0, you can support us by heading over to our Patreon Page.Let’s stay connected! Follow Earthlings 2.0 Socials for the latest updates and news: Follow us on LinkedInFollow...

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• #123: Rewiring the Mind with Sens.ai with Advanced Brain Wellness

  In this episode of Earthlings 2.0, we sit down with Paola Telfer, CEO and founder of Sens.ai, to explore how neurotechnology is reshaping personal development, wellness, and mental health. By combining neurofeedback and biofeedback, Sens.ai delivers real-time insights into brain activity, helping people enhance focus, regulate emotions, and measure cognitive health through biological brain age. Paola discusses early dementia detection, the gamification of meditation, and the role of AI in accelerating personal growth to foster inner safety and collective consciousness in a technology-driven world.Key Points:The Brain is Trainable – Just like physical fitness, cognitive performance can be improved through consistent, targeted training. Sens.ai’s technology works with specific brainwave states to enhance focus, calmness, and resilience, giving users the tools to actively shape how their mind responds to everyday challenges.Real-Time Feedback for Real Change – By merging neurofeedback and biofeedback, Sens.ai offers a continuous stream of data on both brain and body, creating a feedback loop that speeds up self-awareness and self-regulation. This combination helps turn insights into lasting behavioral shifts.Beyond Chronological Age – Instead of simply counting years, Sens.ai measures biological brain age using more than 35 biomarkers, offering a richer, more accurate picture of cognitive health and identifying changes long before symptoms appear.Paola Telfer, CEO and founder of Sens.aiLinkedInSens.ai headsetSens.ai's Sharp Mind Mission ProtocolLisa Ann Pinkerton, Earthlings 2.0 Host, CEO of Technica Communications, and Founder of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability, LinkedInMentioned in this episode:Q3 End CreditsGreenlane, Ampion, Tigo, USBI, 247 Solar

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