PODCAST · business
Liquid Assets
by Ravi Kurani
From policy to profit, Liquid Assets uncovers the business and technological implications of water in a changing world.
Episodes
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Rebuilding America's Water: A D-Minus Grade and a $1 Trillion Bill
The American Society of Civil Engineers grades U.S. water infrastructure a D-minus. Kevin Gast, co-founder, CEO and chairman of VVater, puts the bill for just maintaining it at about $1 trillion over the next 20 years. The systems are old, fewer people are training to run them, and the control...
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Utilities Are Careful for a Reason. New York Built a Way In.
New York City's Department of Environmental Protection moves 1 billion gallons of drinking water a day to more than 9.6 million people, and about 95 percent of it arrives by gravity from 19 upstate reservoirs. The watersheds are protected well enough that federal rules let most of that water be...
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Water Is a Trillion-Dollar Industry Hiding in Plain Sight | Tom Ferguson, Burnt Island Ventures
Tom Ferguson runs Burnt Island Ventures, the first venture fund dedicated entirely to water. In this conversation he lays out the investing case for a $1.6 trillion market most people have never thought about: where water sits on the S-curve, what changed around 2020, what exits actually look…
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Clara Sieg (Loonen): Water Can't Be Organic, and Conventional Treatment Makes It Worse
The USDA Organic certification launched in 2002 and water will never qualify for it. Not because of a loophole, but because water isn't grown. That single fact sits at the center of everything Clara Sieg is building at Loonen, and it exposes a quiet gap in the clean-living movement that most...
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Zach Hamilton: What's Really in Your Tap Water and Why PFAS Break All the Rules
Your tap water passed every government test this morning, and it still contains contaminants the EPA has no mandate to remove. Zach Hamilton built 20 prototype reverse osmosis machines trying to solve that problem, and his answer is a laboratory-grade, all-stainless-steel RO system designed to…
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Alec Ajnsztajn: The Reactor That Destroys PFAS Instead of Just Capturing It
Between 97 and 99 percent of all humans have measurable levels of PFAS in their blood. Every major watershed on Earth has tested positive, including the Arctic and Antarctica. Until recently, every technology designed to address that contamination just moved it somewhere else. Alec Ajnsztajn is...
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Terry Arko: Why the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool Keeps Turning Green
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been turning green since the 1920s, and the reason is baked into its original design. The pool stretches roughly a third of a mile, sits one and a half to two and a half feet deep, holds about 6.5 million gallons, and was built on Washington D.C. marshland...
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Why AI Data Centers Have a Water Problem: Stanford's Newsha Ajami
Every time you ask ChatGPT a question, a data center somewhere uses water to cool its servers. Most people have no idea, and neither do the utilities supplying that water. Newsha Ajami, a hydrologist and founding director of Stanford's Governance for Risk, Resilience, Recovery Program (GR3), has...
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Robert Strand: How a Film Festival Builds Political Will for Global Water Policy
A film festival launched because one filmmaker couldn't find a place to submit his short about pharmaceutical pollution in New York City's water supply is now pursuing official UN Water partner status, operating across four continents, and screening PFAS films to law students in Tanzania before...
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Cydian Kauffman: Cold Fusion, Deuterium, and the Future of Water
One cubic meter of seawater holds enough deuterium to yield energy equivalent to 300 barrels of oil, and cold fusion may be the key to unlocking it. Cydian Kauffman, founder of Pure Water Northwest, traces the full arc from today's fragile water-energy grid to a future where coastal seawater...
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From Uganda to Northeastern: How a Student Engineer Is Building Clean Water Access for 4,000 People
What does it actually take to do charity work that lasts? Ravi Kurani sits down with Dhwani Bhatt, a fourth-year chemical engineering student at Northeastern University and President of Engineers Without Borders, who grew up in Uganda and returned as a student engineer to build a solar-powered...
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He Scaled a $500M Product. His Advice for Water Tech? Slow Down
A working prototype means nothing if you can't manufacture it at scale. Brad Augustine — VP of Hardware Engineering at Inspiren, former VP of Hardware at Lululemon — is the engineer who scaled the Mirror connected fitness device from startup to a $500M acquisition. In this episode, he shares the...
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Plantd's Josh Dorfman: Building Homes From Grass, Not Trees
Ravi Kurani sits down with Josh Dorfman, CEO and host of Supercool, to trace his journey from sustainable furniture startups to co-founding Plantd, a carbon-negative building materials company using renewable grass to replace plywood in homebuilding. Josh shares how Plantd landed a relationship...
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Harvesting Thin Air: The End of "Free" Water in Las Vegas
Ravi Kurani sits down with Rich Sloan, CEO of WAVR Technologies, to discuss a sobering reality: the era of abundant, subsidized water is officially over. From the "bathtub rings" of Lake Mead to the massive water footprint of the AI revolution, Rich explains why the next decade will be defined by...
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Beyond the Flush: Using Particle Accelerators and ‘Bugs’ to Save Millions
Most of us don’t think twice about what happens after we flush, but Jay Bernas spends every waking hour thinking about it. As the CEO of the Hampton Roads Sanitation District (HRSD), Jay oversees a "quasi-state" regional powerhouse that treats wastewater for nearly 2 million people. But this…
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Xylem’s Sivan Zamir: The "Silver Tsunami" & The Thirsty Cloud
Sivan Zamir is the VP of Innovation & Venture at Xylem, a Fortune 500 leader in water technology. In this episode, Ravi Kurani and Sivan pulls back the curtain on the massive, invisible machine that keeps the modern world running. Sivan challenges the abstract concept of "the cloud," revealing…
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Bottling the Breath of the Amazon
Would you swap your fine wine for a bottle of water? In this episode, Ravi Kurani sits down with Ana Livi, Partner at O Amazon Air Water, to discuss a water source you’ve likely never heard of: the "breath" of the Amazon trees. Deep in the rainforest, O Amazon uses Atmospheric Water Generators...
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Net Zero is Not a Burden: AI & Smart Water with Xylem
Is climate mitigation just an expensive burden for water utilities? Alexis de Kerchove (Senior Director, Client Sustainability at Xylem) argues the opposite: the path to Net Zero is actually the key to operational efficiency and cost savings. In this episode, Ravi Kurani and Alexis de Kerchove...
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The Trillion-Dollar Toxin: Navigating the New Regulations on PFAS
Is there a safe level of "forever chemicals" in your water? PFAS are everywhere: from the non-stick pans in your kitchen to the contact lenses in your eyes, and even 92% of strawberries. They are the "super chemistry" that modern society relies on, but they are also a toxic legacy that refuses to...
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Turning 50 Liters into 500: Rethinking How We Use Water
Ravi Kurani sits down with Gregory Holliday, Director of the 50 Liter Home Coalition, to explore how global brands and cities are redesigning the way we live — creating homes that use just 50 liters of water a day, yet feel like 500. Gregory unpacks how companies like Procter & Gamble, Kohler,...
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The Internet of Water: Making Every Drop Smart
Ravi Kurani sits down with Ramzi Bouzerda, founder and CEO of Droople, to explore how the Internet of Water is turning everyday plumbing into a data-driven network. Ramzi explains how sensors measuring flow, temperature, and pressure can map “water signatures” for toilets, faucets, and filters,...
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Rethinking Compliance: Faster, Smarter Testing for Safer Water with Jose Roberto Castro
In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani sits down with Jose Castro, founder and CEO of Segura, to unpack how rapid diagnostics complement (not replace) lab confirmation, where multi-analyte testing pays off first—Lead & Copper Rule triage, treatment optimization, remote mining…
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The Water Workforce Crisis: Uncovering Hidden Challenge with Clara Hallgarth
In this episode of Liquid Assets, we dive deep into the pressing issues facing the water industry with Clara Hallgarth, an environmental engineering student. As the workforce ages and a significant number of professionals near retirement, we explore the urgent need for new talent in this vital...
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Is Your Tap Water Safe? with Johny Pujol
Is Your Water Safe? In this episode, water engineer and SimpleLab Tap Score CEO Johnny Pujol joins host Ravi Kurani to expose what most people get wrong about tap water. From lead pipes to hidden contaminants, we dive into why government reports fall short—and how modern at-home testing is...
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Nuclear Power in a Box? The Microreactor Revolution with James Walker
Could the future of clean, reliable energy fit inside a shipping container? We sit down with nuclear physicist James Walker, CEO of Nanonuclear Energy, to explore the fascinating world of microreactors and small modular reactors (SMRs). Discover how this technology aims to power remote locations,...
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Decentralized Desalination using Nona's ICP with Bruce Crawford
In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani dives into a game-changing approach to sustainable desalination with guest Bruce Crawford, CEO and co-founder of Nona Technologies. An MIT spinout backed by the U.S. Army, Nona is pioneering a new way to turn saltwater into fresh water at any...
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How Nano Bubble Tech is Transforming Water Cleaning with Natsumi Ito
What if the secret to cleaner water isn’t more chemicals, but smaller bubbles? In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani chats with Natsumi Ito, co-founder of Water Design Japan, about a breakthrough in nano bubble technology. This innovative approach transforms the air already in your...
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The Future of Coral Reefs & Ocean Acidification with Patrick Clasen
Every second, our oceans undergo rapid transformation due to climate change, pollution, and human intervention. While coral reefs may seem like distant, beautiful ecosystems, they play a crucial role in protecting our coastlines, regulating marine biodiversity, and supporting economies across the...
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Desalination, Water Sustainability, and Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 with Ramon Rubio
With water scarcity becoming an ever-growing challenge across the globe, many countries are turning to desalination, wastewater treatment, and sustainable water management as solutions. But how viable are these technologies? Can desalination truly provide affordable, large-scale drinking water?…
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The Water Crisis Hidden in the LA Fires with Reuben Vollmer
Every year, California faces a brutal cycle of wildfires, but this time, the stakes are higher than ever. The Palisades and Eaton Fires have destroyed over 12,000 homes, burned 40,000 acres, and displaced 100,000 people. But beyond the visible destruction, there’s another crisis unfolding—one…
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How Modular Systems are Solving America’s Water Infrastructure Crisis with Riggs Eckelberry
Every two minutes, a sewer main breaks in the United States, creating an unprecedented challenge for businesses and municipalities alike. As our aging water infrastructure continues to crumble, companies are taking matters into their own hands, leading to a revolutionary shift in how we approach...
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The Art and Science of Water Storytelling with Jim Lauria
Did you know that water isn't just vital for life but also has its own story to tell—a story that could solve some of the world’s biggest challenges? Yet, this narrative often goes unheard, leaving opportunities for change untapped. In this episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani dives deep…
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Resolving The Water Workforce Desert
Did you know that the water industry is grappling with a looming talent crisis that threatens critical services we take for granted every day? With seasoned professionals nearing retirement and a disheartening lack of newcomers, this episode of Liquid Assets dives deep into the root causes and...
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Why We're Closer To Stopping Climate Crisis with Ryan Kushner
Climate change is one of the most pressing challenges of our time, threatening the very fabric of our planet's ecosystems and human civilization. But what if we already possess 80% of the solutions needed to combat this crisis? Ravi Kurani sits down with Ryan Kushner, co-founder of Third...
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Zero-Waste Construction and Water
Construction is one of the largest global industries, driving urban transformation and environmental challenges; and water is at its heart. Every day, construction sites around the world consume millions of gallons of fresh water and generate toxic runoff, silently contributing to water scarcity...
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Rethinking Water: How Urban Reuse and Innovative Tech Can Transform Our Cities with Kyle Pickett
As the world grapples with an escalating water crisis, the need to rethink our approach to water management has never been more urgent. With approximately 75% of the world's wastewater going untreated, the implications for both the environment and human health are staggering. Urban areas, in...
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How Smart Technology is Revolutionizing Wastewater Management
The global water crisis is more pressing than ever, with 75% to 80% of the world's wastewater going untreated. This shocking statistic contributes to water scarcity and poses significant environmental and health risks. As urbanization accelerates and climate change intensifies, finding innovative...
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Innovative Financing for Climate Solutions and Water Infrastructure
Innovative financing models are essential for the development and scaling of sustainable infrastructure, particularly in the climate tech sector. Traditional funding methods often fall short, leaving breakthrough technologies struggling to achieve large-scale deployment. To address this…
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Exploring Water Tech Innovations and Policies with Ravi Kurani
In this special crossover episode, our very own Ravi Kurani, host of The Liquid Assets Podcast and founder of water diagnostics company Sutro, shares his journey from pool boy to water tech entrepreneur on The CleanTechies Podcast. Ravi discusses the complexities of the water industry…
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Innovating Water with Scott Bryan from Imagine H2O
In a world grappling with water scarcity and climate change, innovation in water technology has never been more crucial. Yet, the water sector faces unique challenges in attracting investment and fostering entrepreneurship. In this episode of Liquid Assets hosted by Ravi kurani, Scott Bryan...
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Water Law & Climate Resilience with Robin Craig
In an era of climate change and increasing water scarcity, understanding water policy has never been more crucial. From California's ongoing drought to the East Coast's flood-drought cycles, water challenges are reshaping our world. But did you know that water laws change drastically at the...
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Global Water Scarcity with Tess Russo from the Gates Foundation
Water scarcity and effective management are critical global challenges, particularly in agriculture-dependent regions like Punjab, India. In this compelling episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani engages with Tess Russo, a Senior Program Officer at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, to...
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Circular Water Economy with Tim Bartholomew
Water scarcity is an increasingly pressing global issue, exacerbated by factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change. Traditionally, our water usage follows a linear model: we extract water from the environment, treat it for various purposes, and then release the wastewater...
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Water Scarcity with Ulf Leonhard at Watervent
Water is becoming an increasingly scarce resource worldwide. With growing populations, urbanization, and climate change exacerbating water stress, finding sustainable solutions to address water scarcity has become a pressing global priority. In this insightful episode of the "Liquid Assets"...
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Fluid Intelligence with Eric Bindler from Bluefield Research
The water industry is in the midst of a digital transformation, powered by cutting-edge technologies that are reshaping how we manage this vital resource. From artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things (IoT) to advanced data analytics, the realm of digital water solutions is...
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Water Treatment: Insights from Chris Morrison
In the ever-evolving world of water treatment, innovation is the driving force behind efficiency, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness. This captivating episode of the Liquid Assets podcast takes listeners on a remarkable journey through the lens of industry veteran Chris Morrison, exploring…
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Harvesting Sky Water
"Every great movement must experience three stages "ridicule, discussion, and adoption". And right now, when it comes to harvesting invisible water from the sky, we are at the early stage" What if we could harvest an unlimited supply of water from the sky itself, then purify and recycle it in a...
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Water's History and Future
Water is the lifeblood of human civilization – yet its critical importance is often overlooked. In this thought-provoking episode of Liquid Assets, host Ravi Kurani has an in-depth discussion with Peter Gleick about humanity’s past, present and future relationship with that precious resource.…
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Recycling Water, Transforming Cities
As global populations expand rapidly, water demand is projected to exceed supply by over 30% in 20 years. Yet today, just 5% of wastewater is recycled worldwide, representing a massive lost opportunity. In this episode of Liquid Assets, Aaron Tartakovsky explains how his startup Epic Cleantec…
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Industrial Water Sales with Chris Golden
"Trust, understanding, and quality are the cornerstones of successful sales in the world of water testing" Exploring the intricacy of water treatment and customer engagement, this episode of Liquid Assets delves into the crucial role of technical expertise and relationship-building in navigating...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
From policy to profit, Liquid Assets uncovers the business and technological implications of water in a changing world.
HOSTED BY
Ravi Kurani
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Liquid Assets have?
Liquid Assets currently has 68 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Liquid Assets about?
From policy to profit, Liquid Assets uncovers the business and technological implications of water in a changing world.
How often does Liquid Assets release new episodes?
Liquid Assets has 68 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Liquid Assets?
You can listen to Liquid Assets on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Liquid Assets?
Liquid Assets is created and hosted by Ravi Kurani.
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