Molecules & Electrons

In this episode of the Molecules and Electrons, James and J.W. sit down with Maura McDonough, Chief People Officer at Global Partners to discuss career trajectory, employers need for talent in the energy space, and the emerging workforce of the future. This episode is full of useful discussion points for both aspiring and seasoned energy industry personnel.Tune in to learn tips from a leading human resource professional on how to position yourself for a career in energy and emerging industry trends. Check out episode 21 of Molecules and Electrons!

On this episode of Molecules and Electrons, James Cater and J.W. Hackett have an engaging conversation with Mike McAdams of the Advanced Biofuels Association. Mike McAdams is a veteran energy policy and public affairs leader with decades of experience across government, Capitol Hill, and the private sector. He has led industry efforts in advanced energy and biofuels, bringing deep expertise in climate policy, fuels regulation, and the intersection of business and government. Tune in for a great discussion pertaining to Mike's experience, biofuels, and more!

In the first Molecules and Electrons episode of 2026, James Cater and J.W. Hackett are joined by Chris Bliley, Senior Vice President at @Growth Energy, for a conversation on emerging markets and trends for ethanol. Together, they explore how ethanol is emerging as a versatile tool in new markets and its evolving role within transportation fuel.  Whether you’re in the fuel sector or another stakeholder, this episode sheds light on what might be coming and how ethanol helps meet emerging needs in a changing energy landscape.

On this episode... Georgina Cambell Flatter discusses her journey in academia and green tech, the pivotal role incubators like Greentown Labs play, and the importance of collaboration across the sustainability space to drive innovative outcomes. Tune in!

On this episode of M&E, James and J.W. sit down with Barry Carr, Coalition Director, Clean Communities of Central NY to discuss low carbon fuels and decarbonization opportunities with regard to transportation in the capital region and beyond. Tune in to hear their enlightening conversation.

Episode 16 of Molecules & Electrons is now live! In this episode, James Cater and J.W. Hackett speak with guests Steve Panova and Trent Rogers from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI), a leading organization for the power generation and distribution sectors conducting groundbreaking studies and demonstrations. The guys discuss strategies for efficient power usage, the pathway to decarbonizing electricity, and innovations to make the grid greener and more resilient.Tune in to hear more about EPRI's ongoing studies, the implications of increased power demand and peaking power, and what the future holds for our electric grid.

On this directors cut episode of Molecules and Electrons, Jon Dryja, Sustainability Business Development Manager at Global Partners sits down with Jen Boothroyd, Manager of Environmental Sustainability at Northern Light Health, to discuss sustainability planning for hospitals, emissions reporting and where to start, and the importance of working with vendors and leveraging relationships to meet organizational sustainability goals. Tune in!

Episode 14 of Molecules & Electrons is now live! This producer's cut episode is hosted by Global Partners' Sustainability Business Development Manager, Jon Dryja, featuring guest Jonathan Gagne, Sustainability Coordinator at the Greater Portland Council of Governments. Jonathan Gagne discusses current sustainability initiatives, recent developments in the renewables space in Northern New England, and shares thoughts on how to create a suite of alternative energy sources for fleets in the Northeast.Tune in to hear more about the discussion around the Northern New England Clean Communities Renewable Diesel working group, and what they are working towards.Listen now on Apple Podcasts or Spotify!

Terminals play a crucial role in liquid energy supply chains that enable mobility, heating, power, and industrial applications. Whatever your view of the future of energy is, the use of existing infrastructure is going to be very important over the next several decades to enable cost effective emissions reductions and ensure critical functions important can operate reliably. As some stakeholders have pursued the rapidly 'electrify-everything' policy, the depth of challenges of this approach have become clearer. Sustainability price discovery is encouraging a rethink of the path forward and timing. Tune in to hear one of Global’s senior leaders, Laura Hughey – Vice President, Commercial, unpack the dynamics of terminaling and outlook and help us pull apart the key considerations to their use in decarbonization. 

In episode 12 of Molecules & Electrons, join James and J.W. as they take a moment to catch up with each other on the 'state of the state' as we move through 2025. These chats let us take a moment and reflect on the ever-changing energy landscape and the long, opportunity filled road ahead in the energy transition. As 2025 begins to shake out, hear James and J.W.’s thoughts on what they're seeing on the ground as public policy continues to shift and evolve, and how sustainability goals and clean tech development will be affected as it runs up against infrastructure limitations and affordability concerns.  

Welcome to our 11th podcast episode! On this episode, we talk with Pratik Chandhoke, Senior Manager Technical Services, Renewable Aviation of Neste.  Neste is a leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel. Pratik shares his expertise and pulls apart the key considerations in SAF adoption and how it can help decarbonize aviation.  

Welcome to our 10th podcast episode! On this episode, we talk with Jamie Schiel, CTO of Stable Auto. Stable uses AI-powered solutions and industry expertise to help customers strategically plan and operate EV charging networks. By analyzing real-time utilization data from tens of thousands of public EV chargers across the U.S., Stable's software delivers insights that enable companies to minimize risk, understand ROI, and boost profitability.

As the energy transition evolves, fleet owners are in prime position to adopt sustainable solutions for their fleets. In our latest episode, Brett McDonald, VP of Pricing, Supply, and Transportation at Global Partners, breaks down what fleet owners need to know about solutions and products available to them. Brett also discusses how knowledge is power when figuring out how to right-size your fleet’s sustainability strategy.

In Episode 8 of Molecules & Electrons, James Cater speaks with John Eichberger, the Executive Director of the Transportation Energy Institute, a non-advocacy research organization dedicated to studying transportation-energy. Because of their non-advocacy approach, TEI is the most diverse organization in fuels and vehicles markets that enables stakeholders of all persuasions to come together to collaborate, share perspectives and commission objective research analyzing the challenges and opportunities facing the market. In this episode, hear about their efforts to ensure stakeholders are well informed to deliver smart policy design and the best vehicle and fuel options to consumers.  

In episode 7 of Molecules & Electrons, James Cater and J.W. Hackett speak with Lisa Sciannella, Chief of Staff at Helpsy, who shares what Helpsy does to find the best next-use for clothing to keep it out of the trash, like clothing donation bins, clothing drives, municipality partnerships and more. Learn about the positive environmental impact of textile recycling from our partner and expert in this area of sustainability, and how we're working with Helpsy to expand access to clothing recycling at our retail sites. 

On Episode 6 of Molecules & Electrons, James and J.W. talk with Alison Sander, AltWheels founder and Steve Russell, AltWheels Event Co-chair, after a successful 2024 AltWheels Fleet Day!

James and J.W. talk with Chelsea Bryant, Managing Director and Head of Environmental Products for Bank of Montreal Capital Markets. Chelsea shares her thoughts on VCOs and their critical role in our collective journey to net zero, not only to meet decarbonization goals but also to fund new developing technologies.

In Episode 4, James Cater and J.W. Hackett talk with Tammy Kline, founder and CEO of Transport Energy Strategies on the importance of a multi-faceted approach towards decarbonization in transportation worldwide. 

In Episode 3, James Cater and J.W. Hackett talk with David Elsenbast, President at AgriBio Consulting, LLC. on the mutually beneficial relationship between renewable fuel production and the agriculture industry. 

Coming soon: Episode 3 with David Elsenbast, President at AgriBio Consulting, LLC. Here's a sneak peek!

In our second episode of Molecules & Electrons, Jonathan (J.W.) Hackett and James Cater talk with Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO of the Maine State Chamber of Commerce 

Coming soon: Episode 2 with Patrick Woodcock, President and CEO, Maine State Chamber of Commerce. Here's a sneak peek!

Welcome to "Molecules & Electrons" with James Cater and  J.W. Hackett–your guides to the evolving landscape of energy markets in the Northeast and beyond. The push for an energy transition is already disrupting markets, and the Northeast has an active part in these dynamic discussions. Join us for insightful conversations, valuable insights, and interesting perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead for the Energy Transition. In our inaugural episode, we explore carbon markets with Matt Herman,  Chief Officer, Advocacy and Demand at Iowa Soybean Association.Brought to you by Global Partners, your trusted regional energy provider that’s been serving the community for over 90 years.