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 2024 with an Award of Excellence for Podcast Series - Technology. This is the highest honor given by the Communicator Awards. More recently, the podcast received an Award of Distinction in 2025. It received the same honor in 2023 and 2022.
Learn more about the national nonprofit behind this podcast at connectednation.org.
- Update frequency
- every 5 days
- Average duration
- 29 minutes
- Episodes
- 204
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Big data is needed to access big dollars. Why this is a once-in-a-generation chance to expand broadband.
On this episode of Connected Nation, we're talking big data and big dollars with Faster Internet Oregon – a group working to ensure that billions of dollars in federal funding for improving internet …
How a new network brings the federal government directly to the front porch of rural America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership at the USDA about the recently launched Rural Partners Network which promises to bring “the federal government [directly] to rural America…
The company that invites you to own the internet, empower your community
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the COO of Patriot Broadband – a company with a mission to “bring reliable, fast, affordable, and secure internet connections to underserved rural co…
Europe vs. the US: which countries and cities have the fastest internet speeds
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the "need for speed" when it comes to internet connectivity – specifically how the U-S is doing in comparison to the E-U.
The Fair Internet Report has …
"It's as fast as it can get." How Kentucky is becoming one of the best connected states in the country
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind Accelecom – a company created specifically to manage commercial access to Kentucky’s newly created state-owned, fiber optic network.
W…
The forecast for consumer tech and the woman-owned company that’s predicting what’s coming next
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the President and CMO for Parks Associates - a national market and research consulting firm. Learn how this woman and family-owned firm became one o…
From Alabama to the Arctic Circle: how to build the internet for everyone, everywhere
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the idea of building an internet for everyone in every corner of the globe.
We’ll talk with the man who serves as the regional Vice President for Nor…
Prophecies for Black tech in America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Dr. Fallon Wilson, who is the co-founder and CEO of Black Tech Futures Research institute. We’ll discuss her work for equal access and representation…
Why the need for universal broadband is a civil rights issue
On this episode of Connected Nation, we explore the important work being done by the Black Churches 4 Broadband Coalition.
Learn how the group is working to better connect black communities, what …
What new data tells us about internet access in the nation's second largest state
On this episode of Connected Nation, we take a deep dive with those behind efforts to improve high-speed internet coverage across all areas of Texas – which is not an easy task when you consider how …
This award-winning startup provides innovative support for Black culture and events
On this episode of Connected Nation we talk with the co-founder and CEO of Eventnoire – a premiere ticketing platform for events that embrace black culture. The company recently won a national startu…
Closing the skills gap: how a leader in ed tech says we can fill in-demand, high-paying jobs now
On this episode of Connected Nation we talk with the Founder and CEO of Core Learning Exchange—a national organization focused on CTE and STEM training.
Learn how the company is creating more divers…
New Data: The state of school connectivity in America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Vice President of Connect K12 about the recently released “Report on School Connectivity.”
Find out what new data shows us about internet connect…
How one of the nation's largest agricultural co-ops is working to close the Digital Divide in rural America
In this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with leadership from nation’s third largest agricultural co-ops – Land O’Lakes, Inc. Learn why the farmer-owned organization is now taking active steps …
A former Microsoft Executive and Amazon Senior Vice President brings his latest (and free) program to the US
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with former Microsoft Executive and Amazon Senior Vice President David Risher.
Learn how he plans to reach one billion children with his Worldreader progr…
What wildfires taught Link Oregon's leaders about expanding broadband access
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Executive Director of Link Oregon – a nonprofit working to create and operate a statewide, high-speed fiber-optic network for the public and non-…
Farm Fresh Broadband: The politics of rural connectivity
On this episode of Connected Nation we talk with the author of the book entitled “Farm Fresh Broadband—the politics of rural connectivity.”
Learn why he says US broadband policy is "broken," what man…
The Great Empatico Expedition: an adventure to help students make friends around the world
On this episode of Connected Nation, we take you on a worldwide adventure courtesy of those behind what’s been dubbed “The Great Empatico Expedition.” Learn how this free program empowers students a…
Learning while being under-connected: what new research uncovers about digital inequity in America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the authors of a new, national report that examines “learning at home while being under-connected.” The report's authors went directly to parents to …
One teen's mission to close the Digital Divide and what he's asking YOU to do about it
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the Founder and Executive Director of Computers 4 People—a nonprofit that’s putting a modern twist on the old adage “one man’s trash is another man’s…