A climate activist and a gas executive walk into a bar

A climate activist and a gas executive walk into a bar

From Outside/In by NHPR

April 1, 2026 · 33 min

About this episode

This episode explores how a geothermal pilot project in Massachusetts is fostering unlikely alliances between climate activists and gas executives.

Zeyneb Magavi is a bona fide climate nerd; she drives an electric car, has solar panels on her roof, and worries about natural gas leaks because they’re a major source of planet-warming emissions. Bill Akley is a lifelong natural gas guy; he grew up smelling heating oil in his kitchen, spent decades in the energy industry, and eventually became head of New England’s largest gas utility. So what brought this improbable duo together? The answer is under your feet. In this episode, how a geothermal pilot project in Massachusetts is bringing together unlikely alliances that might be key to our clean energy future. Featuring Zeyneb Magavi, Bill Akley, and Kevin Kircher. Produced by Felix Poon. For full credits and transcript, visit outsideinradio.org. SUPPORT Outside/In is made possible with listener support. Click here to become a sustaining member of Outside/In. Follow Outside/In on Instagram or join our private discussion group on Facebook. LINKS Learn more about the networked geothermal pilot in Framingham, MA, and how it works.Learn more about the “gas-to-geo transition” that HEET advocates for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

People in this episode

Guests: Zeyneb Magavi, Bill Akley, Kevin Kircher

Topics covered

  • climate change
  • natural gas
  • geothermal energy
  • clean energy future

Keywords

  • geothermal pilot project
  • gas-to-geo transition
  • HEET

Mentioned in this episode

Products: electric car, solar panels

Places: New England’s, Massachusetts, Framingham, MA

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