NREL Launches Science and News Podcast
‘Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast’ Provides Glimpses Into Research, Community, Work at Laboratory
Forty-six years ago, the research organization that would become the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) was born. This year, on July 5, NREL’s birthday, the laboratory launched its news podcast, “Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast.”
Every other Wednesday, podcast hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle provide news about research at the laboratory and the ways NREL’s work is impacting the clean energy space. The biweekly, 15-minute episodes are produced by NREL’s Communications team.
It is NREL’s newest tool to share stories with the public in an innovative and engaging way.
“The addition of this podcast rounds out our already-robust communications strategies and will help NREL reach new audiences and strengthen our connection with current audiences,” said Amy Estes, NREL Communications Office director. “I’m thrilled to see this initiative take flight.”
Already, the first three episodes have covered a broad range of topics including hydrogen fuel-cell-powered trucks, electric-vehicle chargers, hydropower advancements, geothermal development, floating photovoltaics, grid resilience in Ukraine, and agrivoltaics in Florida.
The podcast plans to expand later this year into long-form episodes and special segments that offer in-depth coverage on the laboratory's research, community, and publications.
The podcast’s two-pronged format will function as both a go-to timely news source and an educational resource that provides insight into NREL research for general audiences and experts alike.
“One of the goals of the podcast is to get listeners excited and interested in what’s happening at the lab,” co-producer Allison Montroy said. “The hope is also to help students, journalists, and the general public feel like they have an insider perspective on what a national laboratory does and why NREL’s mission is so critical for the future.”
The NREL podcast joins a healthy array of science podcasts published by national laboratories, universities, and news organizations. Co-producer Kaitlyn Stottler called it an approachable way for people to learn about clean-energy research at NREL.
“NREL is the only Department of Energy national laboratory solely dedicated to securing America's energy future through renewable energy and energy efficiency. As such, we will be able to add a valuable, credible voice on clean energy to the podcast space,” Stottler said. “The work that goes on at the lab is crucial to addressing our current problems and getting us to a cleaner future, and the podcast is another way to get the word out.”
Listen to the latest episode of “Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast” using the above player or links to your preferred platform.
Meet the Hosts
For some, the voices of the podcast—hosts Kerrin Jeromin and Taylor Mankle—may sound familiar.
Before joining NREL, Kerrin worked for more than a decade as a broadcast meteorologist in TV markets across the country. Since joining the laboratory in 2019, her work has focused primarily on supporting communications for NREL’s State, Local, and Tribal Program. She has also narrated more than 35 videos for programs across the laboratory and occasionally provides meteorological expertise for projects.
Jeromin said science education and literacy is a personal passion of hers.
“Podcasts open the door for ‘edutainment,’” Jeromin said. “In other words, a space to make science relatable and entertaining to educate people.”
Mankle honed his broadcast skills at a TV station working as the weekend sports anchor and play-by-play broadcaster. After a few years, he sought to have more of an impact, moving into the nonprofit space then finding his place at NREL. At the laboratory, he has been involved with many multimedia projects including video content for NREL’s Water Power research and narrations for various internal and external videos.
Mankle views the podcast as an opportunity for folks to learn about all the different research happening at NREL.
“When you listen to ‘Transforming Energy,’ I think you’ll be able to better connect with the work and those who make it possible,” Mankle said.
A Note on the Music
The best podcasts are not only known for their in-depth coverage and charismatic hosts but also their memorable tunes.
NREL’s podcast features two theme songs, composed by NREL Protective Force Officer Ted Vaca and NREL Microgrids Senior Engineer Chuck Kurnik.
Vaca drew inspiration from the architecture and stewardship of NREL’s South Table Mountain Campus in Golden, Colorado.
“Then I mixed it up with my inspiration of NREL's work, and then thoughts and feelings about electricity and power, then combined a subtle futuristic sound to it,” he said.
Kurnik is a 10-year veteran of the three-person band Drift BC. The group’s tune, “Solar Vacation,” represents the Earth’s shadow in honor of the 2017 solar eclipse.
Listen and subscribe to “Transforming Energy: The NREL Podcast” to stay up to date on the latest NREL news.