Free Daily Podcast Summary
Connected Nation: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Jessica Denson
This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.The podcast was honored in 2026 and 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. In addition, the podcast received Awards of Distinction in the same category in 2025, 2023, and 2022.Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. Interested in being one of our sponsors? Email us at info@connectednation.org.
Latest Episodes
The most recent episodes — sign up to get AI-powered summaries of each one.
- 5 days ago21 min
Back for more: Centric Fiber's expansion story
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Rylie Bryand of Centric Fiber about how the company has grown from just two customers to nearly 35,000 and what's next for its expanding fiber network. We discuss how Centric Fiber partners with home developers to bring fiber internet into new communities before residents move in, how the company uses Calix technology to improve customer service and the subscriber experience, and its plans for multi-gig internet and futu...
- 1 weeks ago17 min
One company's waste, one family's connection: Inside human i-t's mission
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with reps from human-i-t about how the nonprofit turns retired corporate technology into refurbished devices for people and families who need them. Related links: human-i-t website Erin Lorandos LinkedIn Logan Sowell LinkedIn
- 2 weeks ago38 min
Build broadband with communities, not just for them
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Drew Lentz of Frontera Consulting, also known as the Wireless Nerd, about what it takes to build broadband networks that truly serve the communities they connect. We discuss why broadband access is only one piece of the puzzle, the need for digital skills and cybersecurity education, and Drew's idea for “digital paperboys” to train students to support technology in their own communities. We also explore lessons from proj...
- 3 weeks ago29 min
It's game on: Calix on AI and the future of broadband
Send us Fan Mail AI isn’t coming anymore. It’s here. Live from the 25th Calix ConnecXions Conference, Calix’s Scott Neuman explains why it’s "game on" for broadband providers and what that means for the communities they serve. Related links: Calix website Scott Neuman, SVP, Corporate Marketing
- 3 weeks ago22 min
From 4,000 survey responses to $47 million: Bastrop County’s broadband journey
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with Norma Mercado, executive director of Bastrop County Cares, about the community-driven effort to bring broadband to underserved areas of Bastrop County, Texas. We discuss how local collaboration helped secure $47 million in broadband funding, the importance of digital skills and devices, and how Bastrop County is working to build a more connected community. Related links: Bastrop County Cares website Norma Mercado LinkedIn
- Oct 7, 202619 min
Fort Bend County is turning broadband access into opportunity
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with the broadband program administrator from Fort Bend County, Texas, about the county's efforts to connect residents and businesses across the area. We discuss broadband deployment, digital literacy, adoption, and learn what it takes to turn internet access into real-world opportunity for an entire community. Related links: Fort Bend County, Texas website Circhelle Scott LinkedIn Heather Gate LinkedIn Connected Nation digit...
- Sep 29, 202625 min
Beyond connectivity: How broadband can empower Native nations and build stronger communities
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking with a tribal economic development leader who is working to create new opportunities for Native nations and underserved communities. We discuss tribal self-determination, workforce development, broadband, infrastructure, and what it takes to build community-driven solutions that support long-term economic goals. Related links: NDN Development Group website Brandon Dinsmore LinkedIn
- Sep 16, 202639 min
Minnesota's broadband chief on turning years of planning into instant impact
Send us Fan Mail On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re heading to Minnesota—a state that has long been recognized as a national leader in broadband planning and investment. We’ll explore Minnesota’s broadband journey, the challenges of connecting communities across its diverse landscape, and the lessons its experience can offer other states as they enter the next phase of broadband deployment. Related links: Bree Maki LinkedIn Minnesota Office of Broadband Development
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About Connected Nation
This is Connected Nation – an award-winning podcast focused on all things broadband. From closing the Digital Divide to simply improving your internet speeds, we talk technology topics that impact all of us, our families, and our communities.The podcast was honored in 2026 and 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. In addition, the podcast received Awards of Distinction in the same category in 2025, 2023, and 2022.Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org. Interested in being one of our sponsors? Email us at info@connectednation.org.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is Podzilla's Connected Nation daily summary?
It's a free AI-powered email that summarizes new episodes of Connected Nation as soon as they're published. You get the key takeaways, notable quotes, and links & mentions — all in a quick read.
How does the Connected Nation podcast summary work?
When a new episode drops, our AI transcribes and analyzes it, then generates a personalized summary tailored to your interests and profession. It's delivered to your inbox every morning.
Is this an official Connected Nation product?
No. Podzilla is an independent service that summarizes publicly available podcast content. We're not affiliated with or endorsed by Jessica Denson.
Can I get summaries of other podcasts too?
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How often does Connected Nation release new episodes?
Connected Nation publishes weekly. Our AI generates a summary within hours of each new episode.
What topics does Connected Nation cover?
Connected Nation covers topics including News, Business, Non-Profit. Our AI identifies the specific themes in each episode and highlights what matters most to you.
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