Rewiring the American Edge - podcast cover

Rewiring the American Edge

Dr. Billy Riggs, Vipul Vyaswww.usfca.edu
Global conversations on innovation, automation, and the future of competitive cities. Rewiring the American Edge is a podcast that explores building economies that are sustainable and inclusive in the era of automation and innovation. While rooted in the challenges and opportunities of the U.S. economy, the podcast invites voices from around the world—policymakers, technologists, labor leaders, and entrepreneurs—to share bold ideas and real-world strategies that transcend borders. Each episode explores trends such as: technologies reshaping work and urban life; global trends opportunities and challenges; specific investments, ideas, partnerships and policies to build a future-ready economy and workforce. This is a podcast for anyone committed to building smarter systems and stronger communities. Big ideas. Bold policies. Real impact. Rewired.
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Episodes

Episode 12 | July 29, 2025 - AI in Policy with Marci Harris

In this episode co-hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas engage in a conversation with Marci Harris , CEO of POPVOX, discussing the intersection of AI and legislation, emphasizing the importance of civic tech in enhancing policy development. She reflects on the evolution of POPVOX, the challenges of keeping democratic institutions aligned with rapidly advancing technology, and the potential of AI to improve policy-making processes. The discussion also discusses best practice in places like San Jose w...

Jul 29, 202533 minEp. 12

Episode 11 | Jul 22, 2025 - Tariffs & Competing for the AI Future

In this episode co-hosts Dr. Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the complex dynamics of global shifts, focusing on tariffs, trade, and the impact of US policies on innovation and talent. They discuss the implications of isolationism, the role of Europe and China in shaping the future of automation, and the political dysfunction that hinders progress in the US. The dialogue emphasizes the need for a new understanding of global cooperation and the importance of maintaining leverage in a multipolar...

Jul 22, 202530 minEp. 11

Episode 10 | July 15, 2025 - Climate and Community with John Gilderbloom

In this episode, host Billy Riggs talks with Dr. John (Hans) Gilderbloom who shares his personal journey and insights on housing policy, community engagement, and the health impacts of pollution, along with his wife Carla Snyder who talks about their forthcoming documentary Climate of Hope. The conversation explores the intersection of climate change, urbanism, and social justice, emphasizing the role of technology in addressing environmental challenges. The discussion highlights the importance ...

Jul 15, 202533 minEp. 10

Episode 9 | July 8, 2025 - Outpacing the Chaos

In this episode, the hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk shop with special guest Lee Riggs and discuss the intersection of innovation, automation, and education in the context of the American economy. They explore the challenges posed by uncertainty and chaos, the role of technology in education, and the need for cities to remain competitive. The conversation emphasizes the importance of preparing for inevitable changes and the potential of crises to spur innovation. The hosts also highlight t...

Jul 08, 202527 minEp. 9

Episode 8 | July 3, 2025 - Land Use and the Curb

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the intersection of automation, urban policy, and the future of cities. They discuss the intrinsic value of streets and urban spaces, the need for transformative land use, and the challenges facing public transportation systems. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of adapting to technological changes while ensuring inclusivity and community engagement in urban planning. #automation #urban policy #streets #publictransportation #landuse #...

Jul 04, 202543 minEp. 8

Episode 7 | Jun 30, 2025 - Automation Accelerates

In this episode hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with Dr. Henriette Cornet (Autonomous Vehicles & the City co-director and founder of Urban Innovate ) about autonomous vehicles and sustainability, highlighting the importance of innovation in public transport. The discussion covers the differences between the US and Europe in terms of investment and development in autonomous vehicle technology, the role of public infrastructure, and insights from the UITP Summit in Hamburg. Dr. Cornet di...

Jul 04, 202547 minEp. 7

Episode 6 | Jun 9, 2025 - Workforce Evolution

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas talk with special guest Ruth Whittaker Director of Civic Innovation Policy at the Chamber of Program discussing the future of labor in the context of automation and autonomous vehicles. They explore the potential for job creation, the importance of middle-skilled labor, and the need for workforce development. The conversation also touches on the shift from vehicle ownership to car as a service, the impact of AVs on u...

Jun 17, 202548 minEp. 6

Episode 5 | Jun 3, 2025 - Guarding the Gates

In this conversation, Vipul Vyas and Billy Riggs discuss the erosion of trust in global institutions, particularly focusing on the implications of foreign affiliations and national security concerns. They explore the challenges faced by U.S. institutions like Harvard in navigating these issues, the impact of foreign student policies on academic freedom, and the balance between fostering innovation and ensuring security. The discussion also highlights the role of technology in enhancing trust and...

Jun 03, 202532 minEp. 5

Episode 4 | May 28, 2025 - Are Cities Future Ready?

In this episode of Rewiring the American Edge, hosts Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas discuss the future of cities in the context of automation and innovation. They explore the challenges and opportunities presented by AI, the importance of education and critical thinking, and the need for bold leadership to prepare for a rapidly changing world. Special guest Seneca Scott shares insights on community organizing and the cultural readiness of cities to embrace technological advancements. The conversatio...

May 28, 20251 hr 6 minEp. 4

Episode 3 | May 20, 2025 - Redundancy and Resilience

In this conversation, Billy Riggs discusses the impact of automation on the economy, emphasizing the importance of redundancy in technology for resilience. He explores the concept of coopetition among tech companies and highlights the challenges and opportunities in public transportation, particularly regarding last mile solutions. Takeaways Automation and innovation are reshaping the economy. Redundancy in tech stacks can lead to greater resilience. Economic challenges are expected in the comin...

May 20, 202516 minEp. 3

Episode 2 | May 6, 2025 - Unpacking Labor

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore various themes related to management strategies, the importance of having clear goals in leadership, the impact of automation and innovation on society, and the future of work. Billy also forgets the show name and calls it "Reimagining the American Dream". They discuss the need for infrastructure investment, the implications of trade policies, and the balance between decentralization and vertical integration in business. The conversation e...

May 06, 202534 minEp. 2

Episode 1 | May 1, 2025 - The Great Rewiring

In this conversation, Billy Riggs and Vipul Vyas explore the challenges and opportunities facing cities in the new economy. They discuss the need for urban innovation, the importance of setting clear goals, and the role of competition in driving progress. The dialogue emphasizes the necessity of rewiring our thinking and strategies to adapt to rapid changes in the global landscape, while also learning from successful examples around the world.

May 02, 202533 minEp. 1
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