Central Connection Podcast
Welcome to the CCP! Join us as we discuss the ins and outs of electricity, broadband, cooperatives and more. From the life of a lineman to helping you use less of what we sell, we'll cover all kinds of topics relating to our industry and the benefits of cooperative membership.
Episodes
39 episodes
Ep. 39: From Classroom to Career: Powering the Workforce Pipeline
How do communities create a strong, sustainable workforce for the future? It starts with connection. On this episode, we explore how education and industry work together to build a seamless workforce development pipeline. From early exposure in...
Ep. 38: Lineman Tales Part 4
In this episode, we head straight to the front lines with the guys who keep the lights on: linemen! Whether you’re familiar with the world of co-op linemen or hearing their stories for the first time, this episode sheds some light on the people...
Ep. 37: Stronger Together: Restoring Power and Connectivity
When winter weather strikes, restoring service takes teamwork, grit, and a willingness to go wherever help is needed. From icy lines to miles of damaged fiber, we sat down with CAEC linemen and Central Access fiber technicians who recently trav...
Ep. 36: CAEC & Central Access: The Ultimate Power Couple
Every great relationship has an origin story, and ours started with a simple mission: to serve the community. Electric co-ops were founded to bring power to rural areas when no one else would. Years later, that same cooperative spirit asked a n...
Ep. 35: From the Ground Up: Grassroots Advocacy in Action
Grassroots advocacy may sound like a big, complicated term — but at its heart, it’s simply members using their voices. In this episode, we sit down with former Alabama Congresswoman Martha Roby to break down what grassroots advocacy really mean...
Ep. 34: A Co-op Christmas Carol: Lessons from the Past, Present & Future
In this special Christmas episode, we take inspiration from the classic tale A Christmas Carol to explore energy efficiency and safety lessons from the past, present, and future. From outdated habits that can create safety risks to sim...
Ep. 33: Rural Roots: Energizing the Workforce
This November, we're celebrating Career Development Month by exploring how strong careers and strong communities go hand in hand. We sat down with two of CAEC's own to talk about how rural areas can create opportunity, support local talent, and...
Ep. 32: Your First Connection: The Heartbeat of the Co-op
They’re the first voices you hear, the helping hands behind every question, and the heartbeat of our mission — our Customer Service Representatives! In this special episode, released in honor of Customer Service Appreciation Week, we’re shining...
Ep. 31: From Hometowns to Capitols: The Youth Tour Journey
Politics in action, state pin trading, historic monuments, and friendships that last a lifetime? Now that's what I call Youth Tour! Join us as we chat with two former delegates about their experiences in Montgomery & D.C. and what being par...
Ep. 30: Teaching with a Twist: Bright Ideas at Work
From building hydroponic gardens to creating immersive learning environments in the form of a coffee shop, join us as we chat with two local educators on how CAEC's Bright Ideas Grant program empowered them to bring these impactful learning exp...
Ep. 29: From Neighborhood to Boardroom: Why They Serve
Annual Meeting, the role of the Board of Trustees, co-op principles -- this episode covers it all! You hear us say it all the time- without you, there is no us, and nothing exemplifies this concept more than Annual Meeting and our annual truste...
Ep: 28: Weathering the Storms with James Spann
In this special episode, legendary meteorologist James Spann joins us to break down everything you need to know about staying safe when storms threaten. From the myths that put people at risk to the simple steps that could save your life...
Ep. 27: Behind the Mic: The Role of Co-op Communicators
On this special episode of the CCP, we're highlighting Effective Communications Month by talking with the voices behind the co-op's messages — communicators! They're the storytellers, crisis managers, and trusted bridges between co-ops and the ...
Ep. 26: Lighting up rural lives: Celebrating the year of the co-op!
As we mark 2025 — the International Year of the Co-op — we take a deep dive into the essential role rural electric cooperatives play in bringing power to remote communities. On this episode, we sit down with Josh McGhee, Director of Member Mark...
Ep. 25: Lineman Tales Part 3
Powering through storms, swamps and snakes to keep the lights on! Step into the boots of these linemen as they share wild tales from the field—rescuing storm-ravaged communities, wrangling iguanas and trudging through alligator-filled swamps. J...
Ep. 24: The Electric Vote: Politics & Rural Power
Whether it's exploring the vital role politics plays in shaping the energy landscape for rural communities or learning the proper parameters of a filibuster, we've got plenty to talk about! Join our guests Sean Strickler and Todd Stacy as they ...
Ep. 23: Love Hertz: Home Edition
Valentine’s Day may be over, but love is still in the air—just in a different way. We’ve talked about knowing when to break up with your hot water heater, but now we’re looking at other parts of your home that might need some TLC. Efficiency an...
Ep. 22: Supply & Demand: The Energy Tug-Of-War
Ever wonder how your lights stay on even when demand surges? Or why energy prices fluctuate? On this episode of the CCP, we’re diving into the high-stakes balancing act of energy supply and demand with special guest Damon Morgan from our G&...
Ep. 21: Central Access Today, Tomorrow and in 2025
Central Access...it's what everyone is talking about! What is it? How did it begin? What's next? We look at this and more with our special guests Chris Montgomery, Vice President of Central Access, and Jimmy Gray, Vice President of Engineering ...
Ep. 20: Fiber Tech Talks
We all love the high-speed connectivity and reliability of Central Access, but do you know what all goes into making sure internet runs from the lines to your home? Join us as we talk with three members of our Central Access crew to get the nit...
Ep. 19: Cyber Central: Navigating the Digital Frontier
Did you know that October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month? The CCP recently sat down with two of our very own tech gurus to learn the ins and outs of staying secure in today's cyber world, as well as how to recognize and avoid common cyber sca...
Ep. 18: Co-ops Take "Concern for Community" to Guatemala
Concern for Community is one of the seven core cooperative principles rural electric co-ops live by. With October being Co-op Month, we sat down with CAEC's own Jeremy Hicks and Michael Kelley to discuss how they and other co-op employees took ...
Ep. 17: Weather Talk & Tips with Josh Johnson
The CCP had the amazing opportunity to sit down with WSFA Chief Meteorologist Josh Johnson for a local look at weather preparedness. From the 2024 hurricane outlook and bolt from the blue lightning to the history of weather sirens, we talk abou...
Ep. 16: Lineman Tales Part 2
While it's true we appreciate our linemen every day, April 18th officially marked National Lineman Appreciation Day. To keep the celebration going, the Central Connection Podcast sat down with two of our very own linemen to find out what drew t...
Ep. 15: Grassroots on Goat Hill
How do crypto mining and pharmacy costs impact our members? Join us as we discuss these Alabama legislative session topics and more with political experts Todd Stacy (host of Capitol Journal and author of the Alabama Daily News) and Sean Strick...