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
The simple change to America's supply chain that could put a computer in everyone's home
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind Digitunity—a national nonprofit working to ensure everyone who needs a computer has one.
It’s a gap that’s often overlooked – and it’…
Why Michigan's new approach to expanding internet statewide may be the answer to universal access
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Michigan’s Lt. Governor about the state’s recently established High-Speed Internet Office.
Find out why the Governor and Lt. Governor believe expandi…
What you should know about the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
On this episode of Connected Nation, we discuss the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program with Paloma Perez, who serves as the Press Secretary for the Federal Communications Commission. The agency is o…
Remote control: preparing America's schools for a new way of learning following the pandemic
On this episode of Connected Nation, we'll examine how America’s schools can better respond to the need for internet connectivity at home and in the classroom.
We talk with leaders from the Utah Edu…
What the federal agency dubbed "the Peoples' Department" is doing to connect rural America
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Farah Ahmad, who serves as the Chief of Staff in the office of the Under Secretary in USDA Rural Development who says they see their mission as "serv…
Teach Cyber's founder on the job that means you have to "think like the enemy" and why every company needs employees who can do just that
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with the founder of Teach Cyber which provides free cybersecurity curricula to educators across 13 states.
Learn how these resources are being developed …
Broadband access, telehealth, and the challenge of delivering the COVID-19 vaccine
Right now, millions of COVID-19 vaccinations are being given out across the country in hopes of finally ending the pandemic – but what role does access to technology, or lack of it, play in getting …
Why women are facing more at-home challenges than men even IF they are allowed to telework
On this episode of Connected Nation, we’re focused on an alarming trend—women dropping out of the labor force at a higher rate than men. It’s an issue that’s especially timely as we mark Women’s Hi…
The one tech job every company will be scrambling to fill by 2026
In March, we’re putting a spotlight on Women’s History Month and examining how women are shaping the world of technology around us.
On this episode of Connected Nation, our guest is Dawn Yankeelov ,…
Cyber hygiene: what is it and why you should care
In March, we’re focusing on Women’s History Month and examining how women are shaping the world of technology around us. On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with two women who are leaders i…
Michigan's Lt. Governor on the power of diverse leadership and his grandma's influence on technology today
On this episode of Connected Nation, our guest is the Lt. Governor of Michigan, Garlin Gilchrist II—the first African American to serve in that role. The Lt. Governor has focused his career and tim…
What the woman known as the "Mr. Rogers of Zimbabwe" can teach us about digital equity in America
Throughout February, we’re focusing on Black History Month and talking with those in the Black community who are creating positive impact through technology.
On this episode, our guest is Heather G…
Humana Foundation's CEO shares his approach to investing in health equity and why broadband access is critical for all people
Throughout February, we're focusing on Black History Month and talking with those in the Black community who are creating positive change.
On this episode of Connected Nation, our guest is Walter Wo…
Ohio's Lt. Governor on innovating state services and government through technology
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted who is also the founder and Director of InnovateOhio. Learn how the Lt. Gov. overcame common obstacles and naysayers to …
From the President's helicopter to fighter jets—meet the woman behind some top secret tech programs
Throughout February, Connected Nation is focusing on Black History Month and talking with those in the Black community who are creating positive impact and innovating in the world of technology.
On t…
REPORT: The devastating impact Digital Isolation is having on older Americans
On this episode of Connected Nation, we examine groundbreaking research that looks at Digital Isolation among older Americans. We talk with those behind the report which found that 22 million U.S. …
Connecting students while avoiding the "assembly line approach" to education
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Superintendent and CEO of Butler Tech, Jon Graft, and State Program Director for Connected Nation Ohio, Tina Lyden. Learn how Butler Tech is levera…
How we can bring high-speed internet access to more rural communities
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with Texas Representative Charles “Doc” Anderson who was working to bring high-speed internet access to more people long before the pandemic highlighted i…
The partnership that's providing free wi-fi access in the midst of the pandemic
On this episode of Connected Nation, we talk with those behind a partnership that’s helping to connect thousands of people across Rhode Island who are stuck in the Digital Divide - in the midst of th…
How schools, nonprofits can leverage the AT&T K-12 homework gap program
On this edition of Connected Nation, we talk with those who are leading the AT&T K-12 homework gap program— which is focused on closing the at-home connectivity gap for at-risk students. This progra…