Broadband Heroes | Ep. 40 | Navigating Broadband Expansion & Digital Equity
Release Date: 05/23/2025
BROADBAND HEROES I EP 46 I Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the NDIA talks digital equity
Broadband Heroes
In this episode of the Broadband Heroes podcast,we speak with Angela Siefer, Executive Director of the National Digital Inclusion Alliance (NDIA), about the Digital Equity Act the importance of the providing support to underserved populations, including low-income individuals, veterans, and rural communities. She highlights how the act aims to bridge the digital divide by funding programs that offer internet access, devices, and digital literacy training. The conversation also touches on the broader implications of the act's potential cancellation, such as hindering economic growth and...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 45 | From Capitol Hill to SHLB: Joey Wender’s Fight for Digital Equity
Broadband Heroes
In this episode of Broadband Heroes, host Nick and co-host Jade welcome broadband policy heavyweight Joey Wender, former director of the Treasury's $10 billion Capital Projects Fund and now Executive Director of SHLB (Schools, Health & Libraries Broadband Coalition). Joey reflects on his journey from Capitol Hill to leading broadband equity initiatives that impact communities across the U.S. He breaks down the Capital Projects Fund, its role as a “first wave” in pandemic-era broadband funding, and how it helped states rapidly expand high-speed internet access—without federal...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 44 | Reimagining Broadband Through Stories with Dr. Christopher Ali
Broadband Heroes
In this powerful episode of Broadband Heroes, host Nick and co-host Jade welcome Dr. Christopher Ali, the renowned telecommunications scholar and author of Farm Fresh Broadband, to explore why broadband policy continues to fall short—especially for rural and underserved communities. Dr. Ali shares the deeply human side of the digital divide, from road-tripping across America with his dog Tuna to collect stories, to his upcoming book If These Maps Could Talk, which challenges how policymakers define evidence and impact. Together, they dissect systemic issues in broadband funding, the failure...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 42 | Connecting Communities, One Network at a Time
Broadband Heroes
Broadband Heroes is the podcast where industry leaders, policymakers, and change-makers come together to discuss the future of connectivity. Hosted by Nick and Jade, each episode dives into the challenges and triumphs of expanding broadband access, ensuring digital equity, and shaping the next generation of internet infrastructure. From policy shifts to real-world impact, hear firsthand from the people making broadband a reality—because access to reliable internet isn’t just a luxury, it’s a necessity.
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 41 | The Fight for Digital Equity with Education SuperHighway
Broadband Heroes
In this enlightening episode of Broadband Heroes, co-hosts Nick and Jade sit down with the brilliant minds from Education SuperHighway, https://www.educationsuperhighway.org/ a nonprofit tackling the digital divide by focusing on public and affordable housing. Discover how they transitioned from connecting schools to empowering underserved communities with free Wi-Fi, what it means to be “pro bono telecom consultants,” and their pivotal role in the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). Learn about the systemic challenges, from outdated broadband maps to affordability gaps, and how...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 40 | Navigating Broadband Expansion & Digital Equity
Broadband Heroes
Our ongoing podcast series that brings together leaders (heroes) in the broadband space to educate, connect, inspire, and entertain. In this episode of Broadband Heroes, hosts Nick and Jade dive into the world of broadband advocacy with Brian Newby, North Dakota's Broadband Program Director. Brian shares insights into North Dakota’s impressive fiber infrastructure achievements, the challenges of bridging the digital divide, and the evolving role of state broadband offices in delivering internet access to underserved communities. Brian's blend of private sector strategy and public sector...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 39 | A Sit Down with Gigi Sohn
Broadband Heroes
How can communities take control of their digital future? In this episode of Broadband Heroes, hosts Nick & Jade are joined by Gigi Sohn, Executive Director of the AAPB (https://www.aapb.us), a renowned advocate for universal connectivity, and Brian Hollister, CEO of Bonfire Infrastructure Group (https://www.bonfireig.com). Gigi shares her journey from advocating for community-focused broadcasting to championing affordable, robust broadband access for all. What You'll Learn: The conversation delves into the challenges and barriers facing broadband expansion, including policy hurdles,...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 38 | California's Push for Digital Equity and Broadband Access
Broadband Heroes
Our ongoing podcast series that brings together leaders (heroes) in the broadband space to educate, connect, inspire, and entertain. In this episode, we talk with California’s top broadband leaders about their ambitious plans to bridge the digital divide across the state. Discover how initiatives like the California Advanced Services Fund, digital equity programs, and a massive middle-mile network are transforming connectivity for underserved communities. Learn about the challenges, successes, and what's next as California paves the way for inclusive broadband access. Join us to see how...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 37 | The Power of Open Access: Broadband Innovation at Mountain Connect
Broadband Heroes
Our ongoing podcast series that brings together leaders (heroes) in the broadband space to educate, connect, inspire, and entertain. In this episode of Broadband Heroes, we're live from Mountain Connect with industry experts Megan Beresford (Learn Design Apply), Bill Blackford (CEO, Farmers Telephone & FTI Wi-Fi), and Jackie English (Product Manager, Bonfire Fiber). Together, we dive deep into the concept of Open Access in broadband networks, the importance of competition, funding challenges, and how innovative partnerships can bring high-speed internet to underserved communities. Tune in...
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Broadband Heroes | Ep. 36 | Revolutionizing Broadband Construction with Project Management Software
Broadband Heroes
Our ongoing podcast series that brings together leaders (heroes) in the broadband space to educate, connect, inspire, and entertain. In this episode of Broadband Heroes, recorded at Mountain Connect, we dive into how technology and software are transforming broadband network construction. Host Nick is joined by Duke Horan (President of Bonfire Engineering & Construction), Tim Axelsson (VP of Ociusx), and Dane Dooley (Senior Project Manager at Bonfire) to discuss how platforms like Ocius are simplifying project management, improving accountability, and reducing risk in broadband deployment....
info_outlineOur ongoing podcast series that brings together leaders (heroes) in the broadband space to educate, connect, inspire, and entertain.
In this episode of Broadband Heroes, hosts Nick and Jade dive into the world of broadband advocacy with Brian Newby, North Dakota's Broadband Program Director. Brian shares insights into North Dakota’s impressive fiber infrastructure achievements, the challenges of bridging the digital divide, and the evolving role of state broadband offices in delivering internet access to underserved communities. Brian's blend of private sector strategy and public sector experience shapes his unique approach to broadband policy. With a dose of humor and candid reflections, this episode explores the future of digital equity, the importance of strategic planning, and the parallels between broadband and public service.
Learn more about the series at https://bonfireig.com/broadband-heroes/