In this episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, Jordan Pittman sits down with Dana Northcraft, Natalie Birnbaum, and Emily Schacter from RHITES, the Reproductive Health Initiative for Telehealth Equity and Solutions. The conversation dives deep into RHITES' mission to integrate reproductive healthcare into the larger telehealth ecosystem, addressing critical issues of equity and access.

They discusses the increasing need for telehealth in maternity and reproductive healthcare deserts, emphasizing the importance of expanded broadband access. They also touch on the intersectional barriers to telehealth, such as language access and affordability, and the importance of digital equity in ensuring effective telehealth services. The team shares insights on how telehealth not only provides essential healthcare but also significantly reduces costs, citing a report that showed substantial savings in emergency visits in rural areas.

The episode concludes with a call to action for listeners to get involved with RHITES, whether through advocacy, collaboration, or educational resources. Dana, Natalie, and Emily encourage the audience to view broadband access as a human right and a critical utility, essential for achieving equitable healthcare outcomes.

This show is 18 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

In this episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, Chris speaks with Walter Gabino Rendon, the Chief Program Officer at the STEM Alliance. Walter shares insights into the organization's efforts to bridge the digital divide in Westchester County, New York, a region often perceived as affluent but with significant underserved needs. They discuss the development and implementation of a CRM platform designed to improve the digital navigator experience, streamline client interactions, and collect vital data.

Walter details the collaborative process behind the tech ticketing system, the challenges faced during its development, and its impact on the organization's ability to serve the community effectively. He also shares his journey from education to digital inclusion work, highlighting how the pandemic underscored the critical need for digital access and support.

Tune in to learn about the innovative solutions being deployed to ensure everyone has access to high-speed internet and the necessary digital skills, and how these efforts are being measured and improved continuously.

***Disclaimer: This interview was conducted over a year ago***

This show is 12 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

In this episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast, Chris engages in a compelling discussion with Paul Goodman from the Center for Accessible Technology (C4AT). Paul, a seasoned advocate with over 12 years of experience, shares his journey from law school to championing broadband availability, affordability, and accessibility for people with disabilities. The conversation delves into the crucial work of C4AT, highlighting their policy advocacy, assistive technology solutions, and efforts to ensure web accessibility.

Paul explains the intricacies of working with the California Public Utilities Commission and the Federal Communications Commission, advocating for broadband access and the challenges of making websites and technologies accessible for all. He shares insights into the LA Digital Equity Coalition and the exciting developments in California's broadband deployment, including funding for state-owned middle-mile networks.

The episode also touches on the complexities of navigating regulatory processes and the importance of community input in driving effective change. Paul and Christopher concludes by discussing the need for strategic investments in fiber infrastructure over fixed wireless solutions to ensure long-term connectivity.

***Disclaimer: This interview was conducted over a year ago***

This show is 16 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

Welcome back to another episode of the B4DE Podcast! This time, Chris sits down for a chat with Abraham Camez, the passionate digital navigator for Hoopa Valley's Acorn Wireless ISP.

Abe paints a vivid picture of the looming consequences as the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) draws to a close, affecting not just the reservation but also nearby areas. About 40% of Acorn Wireless's customers, including roughly 80 folks aided by Abe himself, face the harsh reality of losing their internet lifeline.

But amidst the uncertainty, there are stories of hope. Abe shares a touching tale of a Hoopa Tribal member who turned their passion for jewelry into a successful online business, thanks to the ACP's helping hand.

As they discuss the challenges ahead, there's a resilient optimism in the air. Abe applauds the efforts of others in tackling digital equity issues head-on, showing that even in the face of adversity, there's room for progress and positivity.

This show is 11 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

This episode of the Building for Digital Equity Podcast features Dr. Shaun Glaze, Research Director, and Chris Webb, Digital Equity Lead, from the Black Brilliance Research Project based in Seattle, Washington.

They both delve into the project's roots in response to George Floyd's tragedy in 2020. Dr. Glaze sheds light on their unique research approach, which merges traditional methods with community activism, driving toward solutions tailored by and for the community.

Throughout their conversation, the essence of digital equity's impact on real lives resonates deeply. They emphasize not just the necessity of connectivity but also the power it holds in uplifting marginalized communities. Hope and progress shine through as they discuss the strides made in empowering individuals and fostering a more just digital landscape.

This show is 24 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

Our Building for Digital Equity podcast series is back.

The first episode of 2024 features an insightful conversation with Pierrette Renée Dagg, Director of Research for the MERIT Network in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

Pierrette discusses the importance of using research to inform community engagement and digital equity strategies, as well as the use of community-facing research methods like surveys and qualitative/quantitative analysis. She also highlights the importance of considering broader systemic issues that should be taken into account when forming digital equity strategies.

This show is 10 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

Ebony Cooksie is the Market Development Manager and Government Affairs Coordinator for NextLink Internet and we talked at Net Inclusion about how she transitioned from working in education to digital equity. With so many people new to this field, transitioning often from health and medical fields, we thought it would be helpful to talk about the transition.

This show is 13 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.

Dave Sevick, Executive Director at Computer Reach in Pittsburgh, has taken his experience helping people with devices and supercharged it for digital equity work. Computer Reach refurbishes computers and sends digital navigators into the home in both urban and rural areas, which is an interesting challenge that many have not attempted. We talk about how they are funded and why they often use Linux-powered devices, among many other topics. 

This show is 18 minutes long and can be played on this page or using the podcast app of your choice with 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 here or see other podcasts from the Institute for Local Self-Reliance here.

Thanks to Joseph McDade for the music. The song is On the Verge and is used per his Free-Use terms.