In this episode, we’re joined by Marcus Yarnold—an experienced wind technician, trainer at Optimum Academy, and part owner of TNT Torque and Tensioning. Marcus brings a unique perspective from working in the field, training others, and building a business within the renewable energy industry.

In this conversation, we cover:

• 🌬️ Marcus’s journey from wind tech to trainer and business owner

• 🛠️ Real-world lessons learned in the field

• 🦺 Why safety is more than rules—it’s culture

• ⚡️ How strong leadership shapes safer, more successful crews

• 📈 Building sustainable businesses within renewable energy

This episode is packed with experience, practical insight, and honest discussion about doing the work the right way—on the tower, in the classroom, and in business. A must-listen for anyone passionate about renewables and workforce excellence.

This week on the podcast, we’re joined by Selene Horne, a traveling wind technician with Altair Energy Services who’s proving—every day—that skill, grit, and work ethic matter more than stereotypes. 💪🌬️

As a newer technician in the field, Selene is already keeping pace with the best of them. We dive into what it’s really like being a woman in renewable energy, the challenges she’s faced on site, and the drive it takes to succeed in a demanding, travel-heavy industry. 👷‍♀️⚙️

From earning respect on the job, to pushing past doubt, to loving the grind—this conversation is honest, motivating, and full of real-world insight from the tower.

If you’re curious about careers in clean energy, passionate about representation in the trades, or just love a good story about hard work paying off… this one’s for you. 🎧🔥

🎶 Tune in now and get inspired.

As the clock resets and a new chapter begins, we’re celebrating the only way we know how — together. 💛 In this special New Year episode, we pull back the curtain and invite you into a more personal side of the show as our host, media manager, and their significant others come together to reflect on the year that was and toast to what’s next.

From popping champagne 🥂 and exchanging Christmas gifts 🎁 to sharing laughs, lessons, and moments that never made it on air, this episode is equal parts celebration and gratitude. We talk wins, challenges, growth, and the vision we’re carrying into the year ahead — for the podcast, the industry, and ourselves.

It’s fun. It’s candid. It’s a little chaotic (in the best way). 😄 Most importantly, it’s our way of saying thank you to everyone who listened, supported, shared, and believed in this journey over the past year.

Here’s to community, resilience, and building what’s next — together. ⚡️🌎 Happy New Year from all of us. 🎇

#WattsUpRenewables #NewYearSpecial #RenewableEnergy #CleanEnergyPodcast #ThankYou

It all starts with circus performers in Ecuador. 🎪🌎 In this episode, we sit down with Aaron Nichols of Exact Solar, who shares one of the most unforgettable “foot-in-the-door” stories in renewable energy — a journey that proves opportunity can come from the most unexpected places.

From there, we dive into why the renewable energy industry needs better PR and marketing, how emotion and storytelling impact memory and retention, and why human-centered narratives are essential for moving clean energy forward. Aaron also introduces his weekly five-minute podcast, “This Week in Solar,” and explains how short-form storytelling can make complex solar topics more engaging and accessible.

This is a powerful conversation about connection, communication, and changing how the world hears renewable energy stories. 🎧⚡

In this inspiring new episode, we sit down with Jennifer Quas of CPS America to dive into the power of community, culture, and solar innovation. ☀️🎙️

Jennifer shares the mission behind the Solar Sisters, a growing movement of women in the renewable energy industry who uplift, mentor, and support one another as they break barriers and build the future of solar. We explore how this group is redefining leadership and creating space for more women to thrive in the field. ✨👷‍♀️

We also talk through the core of CPS America’s culture—how they invest in people, create strong teams, and build an environment where growth is both encouraged and expected. Jennifer offers valuable insights into what makes a company truly resilient and people-driven. 💼💡

And finally, we shine a light on how solar is helping save farms across the country, providing long-term financial stability and supporting the next generation of agricultural families. 🌾⚡

This episode is packed with heart, purpose, and powerful perspectives. Tune in and get inspired by the intersection of community, culture, and clean energy. 🙌🌱

This week, we welcome back one of our favorite engineers and problem-solvers — Joe Chacon from Padge LLC! Joe brings his signature mix of sharp technical insight and approachable teaching style as we dive into everything from developing the next generation of technicians to tackling the infamous paralysis of analysis.

We also talk about Joe’s growing commitment to mentorship as he brings interns into the field to learn, train, and get real-world experience. Plus… you’ll hear about “3 Minutes With Joe” — a rapid-fire segment packed with wisdom, laughs, and practical takeaways.

And for the first time ever on the show, Adam opens up about his own arc-flash incident — a personal story that highlights why safety, training, and awareness matter more than ever. ⚡🔥

It’s insightful, motivating, a little bit nerdy, and a whole lot of fun. Tune in — you won’t want to miss this one! 🎧🤝⚙️

🎙️ Thanksgiving Special: A Conversation Behind the Mic

This week, we're switching things up for a special Thanksgiving episode. Our media manager, Jacob Smith, steps out from behind the camera and takes over the interviewer’s seat to sit down with our host, Adam — giving you a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the voice of the show.

Together, they explore the origin story of the podcast, how it all began, and the mission that’s shaped every episode we’ve released. Adam opens up about his background in renewables, his early experiences in the industry, and the personal “why” that inspired him to build this platform in the first place.

They also talk about where the podcast is today, where it's going, and what the future looks like for the growing community around it.

Warm, fun, and genuinely insightful, this episode offers a fresh perspective on the host you’ve gotten to know — and the creative mind who helps bring it all to life.

🦃 A perfect listen for the holiday weekend.

This week on Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re joined by Stephen San Juan from Rise Renewable Energy — a sharp mind, a natural teacher, and someone who refuses to let the industry get comfortable. ⚡🌱

In this episode, we dig into some BIG topics, including: 🧠 How over-memorization can actually hurt you in the field ❓ Why you should never stop asking questions — no matter how long you’ve been in the industry 🇺🇸 How recent federal policy is reshaping the renewable energy landscape 🔧 Plus, real-world lessons, mindset shifts, and stories every tech, apprentice, and leader can learn from

Stephen brings the perfect mix of experience, honesty, and humor — making this episode equal parts educational and energizing. ⚙️🔥

Whether you're on your way up a turbine, grinding through training, or leading a team, this conversation will remind you why curiosity, adaptability, and continuous learning matter now more than ever.

Tap in, tune up, and charge forward with us. ⚡🎧

#WattsUpRenewables #RiseRenewableEnergy #CleanEnergy #WindTechLife #RenewableEnergy #Podcast #Wind #Solar #BatteryStorage