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2025 was a year of hardship for many, yet it was also a crucible for entrepreneurs, developing grit, resilience and perspective. We were able to capture some phenomenal conversations on the SunCast Podcast, and wanted to highlight a few that stand out for their vision and which also got among the most downloads of the year. In 2025, the clean energy industry was finally thinking like Amazon, building like Ford, and investing like it’s personal. Today’s episode highlights some of the key moments in the SunCast Podcast that illustrated these points through conversations with a powerhouse lineup of leaders who have been influential in bringing attention to the sector in a year where “good news” was hard to come by.
In a classic tell-all live interview, Dean Solon breaks down his revolutionary solar logistics model—equal parts fast food and supply chain genius. Jigar Shah returns with an urgent message: the energy transition will stall unless we, as an industry, stop underestimating the role of political power. And Alex Honnold (Oscar-winning extreme rock climber) offers a rare perspective on how personal ambition can align with global progress, and why he believes solar power is a great social justice tool.
Expect to learn:
🔹 How the Honnold Foundation fuels energy access in the Amazon
🔹 The case for solar distribution hubs that run like McDonald’s kitchens
🔹 Why scaling solar requires more than just tech—it takes soul
🔹 Jigar Shah on what CEOs still get wrong about growth and support
From the factory floor to the forest canopy, you’ll hear how big bets, personal values, and systems thinking are driving the next wave of impact.
Here’s to a more prosperous year ahead, hopefully with fewer hurdles & headwinds!
RESOURCES:
Connect with Jigar Shah:
Further Listening:
- Check out our other episodes with Jigar Shah Ep 60, Ep 458, Ep 633, Ep 743, Ep 775, Ep 790, ep 849
- Check out Jigar Shah’s new podcast: Open Circuit
Connect with Alex Honnold:
Check out Honnold Foundation:
Further Listening:
Connect with Dean Solon:
Check out Create Energy:
Further Listening:
Check out our other episodes with Alex Honnold Ep211, EP 829
Episodes Mentioned:
Sheldon Kimber (Our Most Downloaded Episode of 2025):
Noteworthy Quotes:
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Nico Johnson
Entrepreneur & Podcaster
In my 20 year career, I've worked with dozens of entrepreneurs, intrapreneurs and professionals in transition to clarify their mission, set or stretch their goals, and work through the barriers to their growth.
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