Watts Up Renewables

EP 51 - Wendy Jorgensen | Building Careers That Last

In this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we welcome Wendy Jorgensen — a dedicated professional who transitioned from operations specialist to a passionate career services advocate. 🌟
This conversation strikes the perfect balance between insight and heart — with moments that are both fun and deeply meaningful. To add some lighthearted competition, Wendy and our host take part in a challenge where they can’t say certain words throughout the episode. Each slip costs $1, and the winner gets to choose a local Tehachapi charity to receive the donation. 💬💵❤️
Together, we explore:🎓 The differences between trade school job placement and the 4-year college path🔧 The value of starting at the bottom and building real-world experience🐟 Why teaching practical skills creates lasting opportunity and independence
This episode is a reminder that career growth isn’t always linear — it’s built on resilience, purpose, and a commitment to helping others succeed. Tune in for thoughtful conversation, genuine laughs, and a few lessons that just might inspire your next step. ⚡🌎
#WattsUpRenewables #RenewableEnergy #Wind #Solar #BatteryStorage #Podcast #CleanEnergy #StartedAtTheBottom #JobPlacement 

EP 50 - Colton Tiefenthaler | Safety Sharing Is Caring

In this episode, we welcome back a familiar voice: Colton Tiefenthaler, the son of our host and an emerging professional in the renewable energy field. ⚡
Colton shares firsthand insights on:🧰 The critical importance of carrying a rescue kit and being prepared for unexpected situations on the job📘 How openly sharing safety experiences contributes to a stronger and more supportive industry culture🎓 Why pursuing a traditional four-year degree doesn’t always lead directly into a career — and how many still begin from the ground up, learning essential skills along the way
This conversation highlights the value of preparation, humility, and continuous learning as the renewable energy industry evolves. 🌱
Tune in for a thoughtful discussion with the next generation of talent dedicated to powering our future. 🤝

EP 49 - Anna Aguirre | From Alligators to Voodoo

From alligators to voodoo — Anna Aguirre, a technical trainer with Rise Renewable Energy, has seen it all while training technicians across Florida and beyond! 🐊✨ In this episode, we dive into her incredible journey from being an introvert to becoming a confident public speaker and technical trainer in the renewable energy industry. 🎤
Anna opens up about breaking female stereotypes in the field, balancing life as a traveling working mom, and finding her voice in a space where resilience, humor, and authenticity truly shine. 💪💛
Whether you’re chasing career growth, learning to lead with confidence, or just looking for a laugh (and maybe a gator story or two 🐊😂), this one’s for you!

EP 48 - Steven Errickson & Wyatt Park | Impact of Connection

In this episode of Watt’s Up Renewables, we’re joined by Steven Errickson with Eriksun Energy and Wyatt Park — two talented technicians whose paths crossed through this very podcast. 🤝
What started as a shared passion for renewables has grown into real networking, real collaboration, and a growing community that’s reshaping how we connect in the field. 🌎⚙️
Wyatt opens up about becoming a new father 👶 and how that life change has influenced his perspective on work, safety, and balance — showing how personal growth and career growth often go hand in hand. 💭
We share insights on why everyone on the job site should understand LOTO (Lockout/Tagout) 🔒 and how it plays a crucial role in keeping crews safe. We also break down the “myth of the boss” — exploring what true leadership really looks like in the renewable energy world. 👷‍♂️⚡
This episode is more than just talk — it’s proof that Watt’s Up Renewables is building something bigger: a real community that connects, supports, and inspires the people powering our future. 🌞
🎙️ Tune in and be part of the movement — only on Watt’s Up Renewables. 🔋

EP 47 - Tyler Lantz | Rise Renewable Energy | Habits in Renewables

This week, we’re joined by Tyler Lantz, a technical trainer for Rise Renewable Energy — a driven professional bringing sharp insight and real-world experience to the renewable energy industry. 🌞
In this episode, we dive deep into the habits that define success in the industry — and the ones that hold people back. 💪Tyler shares his perspective on:🔹 Good habits vs. bad habits on the job site and in the field🔹 Why it’s always important to RTFM (Read The Manual 😉)🔹 What truly separates a qualified worker from an unqualified one — and why it matters more than ever
Whether you’re new to renewables or a seasoned tech, this conversation is packed with wisdom, laughs, and lessons you can take straight to your next project. ⚙️🌎
🎧 Tune in to Watt’s Up Renewables now — where we talk with the people powering the industry! ⚡

EP 46 - Nikki Cummings | Here To Serve Renewables

🎙️ On this episode of Watts Up Renewables, we’re joined by Nikki Cummings from Here To Serve Renewables for a powerful conversation about leadership, accountability, and authenticity. 🌍⚡
Nikki shares why embracing who you are—and holding yourself accountable—matters more than ever in today’s renewable energy space. We dive into the idea that you can train the skill, but not the will 💡, and how that mindset shapes teams, culture, and long-term success.
Plus, for the very first time, Adam opens up and shares his own career startup story—an inside look at the journey that shaped his path in renewables. 🚀
This episode is packed with insights on personal growth, leadership, and building a career that truly makes an impact. Don’t miss it! 🔋✨

EP 45 - RE+ 2025 Showcase | Walk The Floor With Watts Up!

⚡ RE+ is the biggest stage for renewable energy—and we were there to capture it all!
In this special showcase episode, we take you straight to the heart of the conference floor. From solar to storage, wind machines to AI-driven O&M, we highlight the cutting-edge technologies that caught our eye and the innovators pushing the industry forward. 🚀☀️🔋
But it’s not just about the tech—it’s about the people. We sat down with industry leaders, fresh startups, and seasoned pros to get their take on where clean energy is headed next. 🎤💡
Whether you’ve been to RE+ before or you’re just curious what the hype is about, this episode gives you an authentic, boots-on-the-ground look at the energy, innovation, and opportunities that make this conference the must-attend event of the year. ✨
 
#WattsUpRenewables #REPlus2025

EP 44 - RE+ 2025 Wrapup | Steven Errickson & Nick Park

🌍✨ RE+ 2025 did not disappoint! Steven Errickson and Nick Park join Watt’s Up Renewables for a high-energy recap of everything that made this year’s conference one to remember. From cutting-edge technologies on the expo floor to fresh strategies for navigating sessions and networking like a pro, we’re diving into the insights that matter most.
💡⚡ Expect surprising discoveries, bold ideas shaping the future of renewables, and practical takeaways you can put into action—whether you’re attending your first RE+ or you’re a seasoned veteran of the industry.
This wrap-up isn’t just about what we saw—it’s about how you can make the most of opportunities like RE+ to grow, connect, and stay ahead in the fast-moving world of renewable energy. 🚀🔋
 
#WattsUpRenewables #REPlus25 #RenewableEnergy #Conference

EP 43 - Erika Migliaccio | Upstream HR Strategies | The Platinum Rule

What does it take to lead with empathy in today’s workplace?Adam Tiefenthaler sits down with leadership expert Erika Migliaccio, creator of Upstream HR Strategies, to explore the power of the Platinum Rule—treating others the way they want to be treated. 💡
From reshaping traditional leadership norms to creating environments where people truly thrive, Erika shares lessons from her career that every leader needs to hear. 🚀
🎙️ Tune in and discover how a shift in mindset can transform not just your leadership style, but your entire team.

EP 42 - William Taylor | Altair Energy Service | From Military Service To Turbine Service

What does it take to transition from serving in the military to leading in renewable energy? 🪖⚡
In this episode, we talk with William Taylor of Altair Energy Services to discuss:✅ How military training can translate into leadership in renewables✅ Why industry-wide safety standards matter more than ever✅ The power of sharing stories and lessons learned to protect workers & boost efficiency
Safety isn’t just compliance—it’s culture. And when we openly share knowledge, we make the entire industry stronger. 💪
Tune in now to hear William’s journey and insights that every energy professional should know.
#Renewables #EnergySafety #TransitioningVeterans #CleanEnergy