~ The Blue Economy Primer Podcast ~

 
 

Every living organism on Earth is dependent upon the health and wellbeing of our oceans . . .

The Blue Economy Primer is an education and research-focused podcast hosted by nonprofit Deep Blue Academy. The Primer features interviews with globally recognized experts sharing concepts, trends, and technology related to:

  • The Blue Economy

  • Emerging Blue Technologies

  • Regenerative Marine Infrastructure

  • Resilient coastal community initiatives

  • Innovation Ecosystem Development

This New Orleans-based podcast allows you to learn from the experts and apply the practical tools and solution sets that will empower at-risk coastal communities to adapt and thrive in an age of climate crisis and economic discontinuity.

 

podcast episodes / featured guests

  • This brief video overview of our scope and mission for The Blue Economy Primer contextualizes the Louisiana Estuary’s potential to reestablish itself as a global technology and innovation leader, as was the case during the last century, while also protecting and celebrating our rich cultural heritage.

  • Deep Blue Academy Executive Director, Greg Delaune, sets the stage for The Blue Economy Primer podcast with highlights from our first 4 episodes, exploring how the regional innovation ecosystem can help us realize our promising potential.

  • Idea Village and Nieux Society Founder, Tim Williamson, discusses the startup space, tech entrepreneurship and the future of the region’s innovation ecosystems, supporting a coming Golden Age of Creativity by 2025.

  • Joe Quirk; President of the Seasteading Institute discusses its origins and the promise of technology and governance models for ocean-friendly floating societies, suggesting how New Orleans can be a global leader in Blue tech development and deployment.

  • Gulf Wind Technology CEO, James Martin, discusses renewable energy and the climate tech innovation ecosystem in New Orleans, highlighting the initiatives and organizations that are leading the way towards a Blue Economy based energy transition.

  • AklysTransform Founder, Esmé Fantozzi, explains the critical importance, impacts, and processes of global energy transitions, drawing on her decades of global energy sector experience in supply chain, operational excellence, and sustainable energy transformations.

  • We mix it up with GNO Inc. President and CEO, Michael Hecht (a.k.a. DJ El Camino), about regional initiatives supporting the Blue Economy, Blue Tech, and resilient Gulf Coast communities.

  • Globally renowned strategic foresight specialist, journalist, and Reinvent Futures founder Peter Leyden takes a moment during his Mardi Gras visit to New Orleans to discuss his ‘positive future casting’ work and what he sees as emerging technology breakthroughs in the key fields of energy generation, biotech, and artificial intelligence.

  • Pontchartrain Conservancy Executive Director, Kristi Trail, explains the complex history and importance of maintaining regional watershed for both economic development and quality of life purposes.

  • French humanist and philanthropist Frédéric Pons explains the philosophy and logistics of realizing an Indigo Civilization; a futuristic vision for how humanity can live in regenerative harmon with the worlds ocean environments.

  • Dutch civil engineer Rutger de Graaf-van Dinther explains his work in Maritime Urbanism and floating city design

  • James Ellsmoor shares with us how he facilitates sustainable development and community-led change for island communities worldwide

  • Our distinguised multi-sector panel participants at the 2023 State of the Coast Conference in New Orleans, LA. share their expertise as part of the conference track “Preparing for Climate Change: Mitigation and Adaptation”.

  • Lelei LeLaulu shares his deep knowledge of United Nations sustainable development policy, island state climate resilience, OTEC renewable energy solutions, and tourism for cultural preservation

  • The Water Institute’s acting president and chief council, Beaux Jones, discusses where research, engineering, and policy meet to help Louisiana’s Gulf Coast communities navigate the long term challenges and opportunities of climate change

  • BuildSOS CEO, Andy Kruger,, does a deep dive into the world of disaster response, how home owners can better manage the rebuilding process, as well as be prepared for future storm events with cutting edge digital tools.

  • SeaAhead’s Hailey Bathurst explains how they support early-stage startups in the blue economy with infrastructure and access to funding, two important drivers for success that entrepreneurs are often missing.

  • Brett speaks with us about their mission to transform Mardi Gras and other New Orleans events into examples of clean, green, and sustainable events, while transforming the culture, currently based on tons of plastic beads and other throws that have become a defining feature of the parades.

  • Roberto, NASA Software/Hardware Test Engineer and Mission Operations lead, shares insights into how past and emerging space flight and habitation technologies are fueling terrestrial innovation and community resilience.

  • Footprint Project's Operations Director, Will Heegaard, explains how this critical initiative rapidly deploys renewable infrastructure technologies to displace fossil-fuels through recovery, and help communities reimagine their future.

  • Helios Industries CTO and globally recognized artist, Zach Coffin, recounts his amazing journey from a climate activist and large-scale Burning Man sculptor of interactive community art to an innovator and inventor designing cutting edge renewable energy power plants.

  • This webinar episode, featuring DBI's Greg Delaune, is part of North Carolina State's Blue Economy Innovation Program. The series provides an overview of the blue economy’s role in fostering sustainable economic growth, its global and local impacts, and relevance across various industries.

  • The ECC is a Venice, Italy, based organization driving culture and climate initiatives that showcase art, architecture, and urban planning excellence, including climate resiliency solutions for coastal communities like New Orleans, Venice, and beyond.

 

To find new episodes, follow the Blue Economy Primer on your favorite podcast platform, or watch for updates in our Blue Notes newsletters.

Special thanks to the Dan Lucas Memorial Fund, our founding sponsor and trusted advocate, and to the Pontchartrain Conservancy, for their partnership.

 
 
 
 
 
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