In this episode of Make Water Work, hosts Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin sit down with Annyse Balkwill, founder of LuminUS Group and host of Meaningful Conversations with Annyse. Together, they explore what it means to “de-robotize” water organizations and create the conditions for real transformation.

In this episode of Make Water Work, Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin sit down with Tom Ferguson, managing partner and founder of Burnt Island Ventures, for a fast-moving conversation on AI, founder market fit, and why water is one of the most overlooked opportunities in climate tech.

120Water Cofounder and former lab owner and operator Dave Kohl joins Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin to go back to the early days of 120Water and look ahead at the future of water quality, regulation, and staffing. Dave shares how a small coal industry lab grew into CWM Environmental, how he helped build 120Water’s national lab network, and why he believes overuse of chlorine is one of the biggest drinking water issues of his lifetime.

Growth Lead for Water at GFT and co-founder of the Black Water Professionals Alliance, Nicole Brown joins Make Water Work to talk about how water found her, why communication and representation in the sector matter, and why her word for the year is “abundance.” She shares stories from the field, lessons on community trust, and advice for anyone wondering if water is the place for them.

In this conversation with Ginger Rothrock, the importance of storytelling as a critical skill for founders is emphasized, particularly in the context of communicating complex ideas to investors and customers. The discussion highlights the need for clear and concise narratives that can effectively convey meaning without overwhelming the audience with excessive information.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover explore the intersection of entrepreneurship and innovation in the water sector. They share their personal journeys into the water industry, discuss the importance of building a viable business model, and highlight the significance of community engagement. The episode also features insights from various innovators at WEFTEC, showcasing emerging technologies and their potential impact on the water industry.

Mike McGill, a former CNN producer turned water utility communicator, joins Isaac and Megan to unpack what utilities get wrong about communication, and how they can get it right before a crisis hits. Drawing from decades in crisis communication, Mike explains how proactive messaging protects reputations, why transparency is strategic, and how small utilities can punch above their weight.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage in a thought-provoking conversation with Debra Coy, a pioneer in water investment. They discuss the evolution of the water sector, the importance of sustainability, and the need for diversity in leadership. Debra shares her insights on attracting innovation to the water industry and the role of technology in addressing water supply challenges. The conversation emphasizes the necessity of collaboration between water utilities and tech companies, as well as the importance of creating inclusive environments to foster a diverse workforce. The episode concludes with a call to action for leaders in the water sector to make a difference and embrace change.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, host Isaac Pellerin and co-host Megan Glover engage in a deep conversation with Bruno Pigott, a prominent figure in the water management sector. They discuss the dynamic nature of water systems, the importance of regulatory bodies, and the impact of leadership during challenging times. Bruno shares his journey in water management, highlights significant regulatory accomplishments, and emphasizes the need for innovation and funding in the water sector. The conversation also touches on the future of water regulations, the challenges of water scarcity, and the critical role of young talent in driving change in the industry.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Deirdre Finn, a prominent advocate for water infrastructure funding. They discuss the water crisis in Jackson, Mississippi, the importance of State Revolving Funds (SRFs), and the challenges faced by utilities in accessing these funds. The conversation highlights the critical role of water in public health and the economy, the complexities of federal funding, and the need for continuous education on water issues. Deirdre shares her insights on the future of water funding and the importance of prioritizing infrastructure investments to ensure safe drinking water for all communities.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Chelsea Boozer, a leader in water communications. They discuss the critical importance of effective communication in the water industry, the challenges of building public trust, and the need for professional development in communication strategies. Chelsea shares her journey from journalism to water utilities and highlights the role of Rogue Water and Catalyst in bridging the communication gap within the industry. The conversation also addresses the challenges women face in the water sector and the importance of creating an inclusive environment for future leaders.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, hosts Isaac Pellerin and Megan Glover engage with Scott Hamm, a dedicated water utility operator and trainer. The conversation explores Scott’s journey in the water industry, emphasizing the importance of training, public service, and proactive management in water utilities. They discuss the challenges faced by small utilities, the need for effective communication, and the potential role of AI in enhancing water management practices. Scott’s passion for education and his commitment to serving the community shine through as he shares insights on navigating regulations and fostering a culture of innovation in the water sector.

In this episode of Make Water Work, we sit down with one of the most respected voices in the water sector—Alan Roberson, longtime industry leader, former Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA), and 2025 Fuller Award recipient.   Alan shares how his journey from consulting engineer to policy leader gave him a front-row seat to the evolution of drinking water regulation, technology, and workforce development. From navigating the challenges of higher rates and affordability, to helping systems go from paper to digital, to building the next generation of water leaders—Alan brings wisdom and humility to every topic.   We explore: Why higher water rates are inevitable—and how affordability programs must evolve The importance of storytelling and communication in building public trust Lessons learned leading ASDWA through COVID and the shift to digital Workforce transitions: attracting new talent and transferring knowledge from a retiring generation Practical advice for building a fulfilling career in water Alan “The Water Man” Roberson has spent decades shaping policy, mentoring leaders, and advocating for resilient water systems. His perspective is a must-listen for anyone who cares about the future of drinking water. Alan Roberson is the former Executive Director of the Association of State Drinking Water Administrators (ASDWA). He has over 34 years of experience in the development of drinking water policy and federal and state drinking water regulations.  Prior to starting at ASDWA in 2017, he worked in AWWA’s Washington, DC, office for 25 years. During his time at AWWA, he authored or co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed papers, authored or co-authored a handful of book chapters, written numerous columns and Feature Articles for Journal AWWA, and made numerous presentations on a wide range of water quality and regulatory issues across the country.  He has been on Fairfax Water’s Board of Directors since 2009 and currently serves as Treasurer and Chair of the Water Quality & Supply Committee. He also is an adjunct instructor at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, teaching a drinking water policy class annually at the Summer Institute.  He has a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering from Georgia Tech and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Virginia Tech. He is a registered Professional Engineer in Virginia. He received the Fuller Award from the Virginia Section of AWWA in 2025.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, cohosts Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin are joined by Kelley Dearing Smith to discuss the critical issues facing the water sector, particularly in communication and branding. Kelley shares her journey from journalism to water communications, highlighting the importance of building trust with the community through effective messaging and engagement. They explore the challenges of marketing in the water industry, the significance of community involvement, and practical advice for water systems to enhance their communication strategies.

In this episode of the Make Water Work podcast, host Isaac Pellerin engages with Megan Glover and Casey Myers to discuss the journey of 120Water, its mission to serve customers in the water industry, and the importance of listening to customer needs. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the water sector, the significance of building trust with clients, and the future direction of the company as it transitions leadership. The conversation highlights the commitment to innovation, customer service, and the vision for making water work for everyone.

In this kickoff episode, cohosts Megan Glover and Isaac Pellerin introduce Make Water Work — a weekly podcast celebrating the people shaping the future of water. From utility professionals serving their communities, to entrepreneurs driving innovation, to leaders inspiring the next generation, each episode will highlight the stories behind the people who truly Make Water Work.