Swapping a good podcast recommendation is as commonplace as an emphatic endorsement of a gripping docuseries, or a conversation about fantasy football here in the Energy Circle office and Slack channel.
According to Pew, 42% of Americans aged 12+ now listen to podcasts monthly, which is three times larger than a decade ago — indicating that podcasters are finding the right audiences, sharing compelling stories, and teaching things their listeners want to learn.
It has been a few years since our last podcast recommendation list, so we combed our podcast apps for a list of the best podcasts relevant to the HVAC, home performance, and solar industries. At least, “the best” according to Peter Troast and the rest of the marketing experts at Energy Circle!
Service Business Mastery:
Service Business Mastery is for anyone in the service industry, from HVAC to plumbing, electrical, and beyond. Tersh Blissett and Joshua Crouch discuss leadership, marketing, finance, pricing, and HR, and are whip smart guys with deep, hands on experience in HVAC contracting. Their focus on AI, and its use in contracting businesses, is especially worthy of everyone’s attention.
Avg. Episode Length: 30-60 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- Enhancing your Customer Experience to Maximize Revenue With Data-driven Decisions
- Navigating Creative Hurdles with Luke Hansen
- Enhancing your Customer Experience to Maximize Revenue With Data-driven Decisions
- How AI Is Going To Impact The Customer Service Side Of Home Services
- How Is Customer Engagement Being Reinvented With AI
Website: https://www.servicebusinessmastery.com/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/service-business-mastery-for-skill...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0MVtXdFBzzizuSZ6kpMKaI
HVAC School:
It’s hard to imagine another person who has had such a dramatic impact on the high performance HVAC sector than Bryan Orr. He’s an exceptional communicator of complicated topics with a voice meant for podcasting, and a master of the dad joke. HVAC School offers a unique blend of recorded technical training sessions, insightful interviews with industry experts, and in-depth discussions on diagnostics and trade secrets. Whether you're a seasoned technician or just starting your career, this podcast provides a wealth of knowledge and practical advice to enhance your skills and understanding of the HVAC industry.
Avg. Episode Length: 45-60 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- Solving & Preventing Oil Issues in Rack Refrigeration
- What is A2L Mitigation Going to Look Like? w/ Clifton B.
- Healthy Air Supplements vs. Pillars w/ Kevin Hart
- Hot Deck, Cold Deck - Short #182
- Common Callbacks and Failed Inspections on Install
Website: https://hvacrschool.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hvac-school-for-techs-by-techs/id1...
Building HVAC Science:
The ever thoughtful and kind Bill Spohn is an exceptional interview host, getting the best from his guests and assuring a clear and relevant story. Eric Kaiser’s addition as co-host has only improved an already great podcast. Together, they delve into the latest advancements in HVAC technology, offer practical tips for improving building performance, and provide a platform for industry leaders to share their insights.
Avg. Episode Length: 35-40 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- Around the country in 227 days Or ELK's 2023 Travelogue
- Product innovation from Holland - a conversation with Niek-Jan Bink of ACIN Instruments
- Tailor made training for the trades with Louise Kellar from UEi
- Using AI in your HVAC Business with Tersh Blissett
- The Malco Story: Good Stewards Supporting the Trades with Rebecca Talbot & Rich Benninghoff
Website: https://trutechtools.com/podcasts.html
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/building-hvac-science/id1282093659
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2CChdF8WDUr7kiS3vuOy8s
R-Value:
R-Value is a sit down conversation with leading industry experts as they delve into the latest products, techniques, and best practices in the insulation sector. This podcast covers a comprehensive range of topics, including pro-tips for business operations, essential technical processes every contractor should master, and timely seasonal topics aimed at minimizing downtime. The R-Value podcast specializes in practical advice to stay ahead in the dynamic world of insulation. Produced by IDI Distributors.
Avg. Episode Length: 30-40 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- This New Tool Will Show Your Customers the Undeniable Impact of the 179D Tax Rebate
- The Economic Outlook for Housing & Construction with Economist Brian Beaulieu of ITR Economics
- A Conversation on Compliance: W2 Employees vs. Independent Contractors
- Get to Know Your HERS Rater
- Alignable is a Powerful Local Business to Business Marketing Resource with Chuck Casto
Website: https://www.idi-insulation.com/podcast/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/r-value/id1494739424
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7h1rvT8mA6GbDUKOvw2E0v
RESTalk:
Tailor-made for professionals and enthusiasts in the Home Energy Ratings (HERS) landscape, this podcast is a resource for the latest in initiatives, standards, and marketing strategies within the field. Also helmed by Bill Spohn, each episode of "RESTalk" brings insightful interviews with key figures from the RESNET team and notable industry leaders.
Avg. Episode Length: 25-35 min
Most Recent Episodes:
- The Best of RESTalk 2023 with Bill Spohn
- Best Practices in Construction Technology Education with Michael Lee, Texarkana College
- Back Together and Stronger, the RESNET 2023 Conference with Clara Hedrick & Emma Bennett
- Energy Efficient Homebuilding at Scale with Robert Broad of AMH Development
- RESNET appoints a new ESG Advisory Group with Matthew Cooper, PEG
Website: https://restalk.libsyn.com/ep123-the-best-of-restalk-2023-with-bill-spohn
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/restalk/id1393675161?ls=1&mt=2
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6XPsnzKjKRYlogfLJN3BmM
POLITICO Energy:
POLITICO's energy team delivers a crisp, comprehensive look at the most pressing energy and environmental politics and policies. Each morning, in just five minutes, gain essential insights and must-know stories from journalists across POLITICO's extensive newsroom. This podcast is an indispensable tool for anyone seeking to keep abreast of the rapidly evolving energy landscape.
Avg. Episode Length: 6-9 min
Most Recent Episodes:
- Judge allows kids to fight feds on climate
- What to expect in energy policy in 2024
- How energy and climate policies changed in 2023
- Why the Colorado River fight could spill into the 2024 election
- Biden faces tricky Line 5 pipeline politics in Michigan
Website: https://www.politico.com/podcasts/energy
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/politico-energy/id1480605295
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4XuLxfr13yHdvhJck8DKZt
Catalyst with Shayle Kann:
Shayle Kann explores the pivotal questions shaping the future of our planet's decarbonization. 'Catalyst' delves into the evolving realms of clean energy, artificial intelligence, and climate technology investments. Featuring dialogues with top experts, investors, researchers, and executives, this podcast demystifies the complex world of climate tech. Co-produced by Latitude Media and Canary Media.
Avg. Episode Length: 35 - 50 min
Most Recent Episodes:
- Financing first-of-a-kind climate assets
- What do you do with a 100-hour battery?
- Update: What the new Treasury rules mean for EV supply chains
- EV charging on both sides of the pond
- The cost of nuclear
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/catalyst-with-shayle-kann/id159320...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4C5Qx3wJn0GeTnDxIVYcAR
The Carbon Copy:
Hosted by the insightful Stephen Lacey, this podcast delves into the intricate business and technological trends driving the critical process of decarbonization. Each episode offers a deep dive into the narratives shaping the rise of clean energy, posing challenges to traditional fossil fuels, and exploring the dramatic transformation of our energy systems.
Avg. Episode Length: 40-60 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- LNG exports: America’s hidden 'climate bomb'
- Making sense of advanced nuclear's stumbles
- How to triple renewables by 2030
- The impact of AI: Solar forecasting, EVs and virtual power plants
- The future of the 'broken' grid: A partner-supported episode
Website: https://www.canarymedia.com/podcasts/the-carbon-copy
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-carbon-copy/id1593203014
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1BCIefN691A1LnsQWfA9tV
The Energy Gang:
What is the future of energy on a global scale? Stay up to date on trends in energy, cleantech, renewables, and the environment in this bi-weekly discussion. The Energy Gang is produced by Wood Mackenzie, and hosted by Ed Crooks.
Avg. Episode Length: 40-50 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- Be of good cheer! Reasons to feel optimistic about the energy transition at the end of 2023
- COP28 - Ed's notebook
- Was COP28 a huge success?
- A nuclear COP?
- COP28: What's the point of the COP?
Website: https://www.woodmac.com/podcasts/the-energy-gang/
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-gang/id663379413
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0GT5BuD33AiPnqOzQE7YAE
The Energy Show:
Hosted by Barry Cinnamon, a renowned figure in the solar and energy storage industry, this 30-minute weekly talk show airs every Saturday on KDOW Radio AM in San Jose, California. Barry Cinnamon offers listeners not just a glimpse into the real-world economics of rooftop solar, but also insights into the best products and services for homeowners, manufacturers, and installers.
Avg. Episode Length: 20-30 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- 10 Home Energy Predictions for 2024
- What You Need to Know About Heat Pump Water Heaters
- COP28 Realities - Now We're Really Screwed
- I'm Electrifying! How do I upgrade My Solar System?
- EV Charging with Tom McCalmont
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-energy-show/id986907878
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MZ49KQvbHjt4PIGQ3yFqn
Volts:
With nearly two decades of experience in reporting and elucidating clean-energy topics, the host of "Volts" brings a depth of knowledge and passion to each conversation, with a diverse array of guests, including politicians, analysts, innovators, and activists, offering insights into the latest advancements and strategies in the transition away from fossil fuels. "Volts" is entirely supported by its subscribers, reflecting a listenership deeply invested in the future of clean energy and environmental stewardship.
Avg. Episode Length: 60-80 minutes
Most Recent Episodes:
- Decarbonizing a sprawling university system
- Volts podcast: Will Toor on Colorado's burst of clean energy policy
- We are closing in on zero-carbon cement
- Getting better at mining the minerals needed for clean energy
- What's going on with offshore wind?
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/volts/id1548554104
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3dYMY5T3UZJLDKFQaA3tFS
What Podcasts Are You Listening To?
Are you not seeing your favorite podcasts on this list? We want to know about it. Whether you listen during your commute, at the gym, or at the grocery store, we want to know which podcasts you are listening to that are proving helpful when it comes to how you do business in the HVAC, home performance, or solar industries.