What if the stuff we throw away could keep trucks moving?
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Dave to talk about renewable natural gas, aka RNG, and how it turns things like landfill trash, cow manure, and food waste into clean, usable fuel. They break down what RNG actually is, how it’s made, and why more fleets are already using it.
They also explore what makes the Cummins X15N engine a game changer, how RNG stacks up against diesel, and how cow waste fits into a surprisingly full-circle clean energy story.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:33) What RNG is and how it’s made
(02:11) From waste to pipeline-ready fuel
(03:37) Where RNG fits into commercial fleets
(04:15) How RNG helps fleets cut emissions and costs
(05:15) Why RNG can be carbon-negative
(06:48) California’s RNG adoption and what it shows
(08:34) A full-circle dairy farm story
(12:02) The X15N engine’s first year in action
(17:49) What drivers say about RNG behind the wheel
How do we keep AI running when the grid starts to strain?
Bhargava joins Kim to explore the pressure data centers are placing on global power systems. He explains what’s changing in energy demand, why data center operators are bringing their own power, and how Cummins is stepping in with more sustainable solutions.
Through examples such as battery energy storage systems (BESS) and advanced generators, Bhargava shares how technology is adapting to keep up with AI’s around-the-clock needs. He also explains the misconception that reliability and sustainability are at odds, when in fact, they work better together.
This episode pulls back the curtain on the invisible systems powering our digital lives.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:26) How data centers silently power your digital life
(01:31) Cummins’ role in keeping AI engines always on
(02:57) What 36 gigawatts of energy demand means
(04:19) Why AI growth is reshaping energy infrastructure
(06:29) Grid constraints explained through real-world examples
(10:37) Breaking down reliability and sustainability pressures
(13:30) What Tier 4 and BESS mean for emissions
(15:50) How Cummins keeps your AI running smoothly
(17:34) Cummins’ bold roadmap for powering the AI future
What connects the trucks in remote mines to the phones in our pockets?
Guilherme shows Kim how copper, iron, and other essential minerals fuel not only machinery but also the digital world we live in. From electric vehicles to data centers, mining plays a central role in the systems we rely on every day.
He shares what it’s like to stand beside a 400-ton truck, how massive mine sites operate like cities, and why copper remains critical to AI expansion. With firsthand stories from Peru and insights from his time at Cummins, Guilherme brings the mining industry into focus.
This conversation reveals how power begins long before the plug and how Cummins is contributes from the ground up.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(01:15) Why the mining image in your head is outdated
(02:13) The childhood toy that sparked a mining career
(03:37) How mining connects to everything we use daily
(04:13) How big are haul trucks, really?
(08:08) How Cummins supports both mining and data centers
(10:09) A haul truck built entirely by women
(11:16) What’s next for cleaner mining technology
(13:05) How off-grid mine sites stay powered with Cummins
(15:52) Visualizing the QSK95 engine
(17:27) Life on a 10-days-in, 10-days-out schedule
(19:40) What 190 gallons of fuel per hour looks like
(20:21) How one engine contains 16 RAM truck engines
What does power mean when the grid isn’t guaranteed?
Tanya joins Kim from Johannesburg to discuss how Cummins is supporting communities across Africa and the Middle East. Their efforts span hospitals, telecom towers, data centers, and homes, providing innovative and reliable energy solutions.
With a background in design and a passion for people, Tanya brings a fresh perspective to power technology. She highlights the beauty found in even the smallest engine components, the significance of battery energy storage systems, and how Cummins empowers individuals to shape their own careers.
This episode serves as a reminder that when power and purpose intersect, the possibilities are endless.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:33) Tanya shares how engine parts became works of art
(02:47) From design agency to Cummins creative
(05:01) The power of storytelling through visuals and campaigns
(06:22) Why creativity belongs in a technical world
(07:57) Tanya explains the energy challenges across her region
(09:40) Battery energy storage systems making a real impact
(11:10) Her superpower is spotting strengths in others
(14:46) Navigating languages, cultures, and currencies
(17:38) Cummins is chosen for product strength and people commitment
(19:54) Tanya’s message to employees: trust your value and speak up
Power isn’t just critical, it’s lifesaving.
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Nick about the invisible lifelines inside hospitals—the backup power systems that activate in under 10 seconds to keep surgeries going, medications stable, and life-saving tech running.
Nick explains how Cummins is uniquely positioned to serve healthcare providers thanks to decades of experience, end-to-end system design, and an unwavering focus on innovation. From diesel reliability to the future of microgrids and battery storage, discover how Cummins is helping hospitals balance resilience with sustainability.
Because in a world where lives are on the line, there’s no time for power failure.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:34) The 10-second countdown to restore power
(01:20) Why healthcare depends on backup systems
(02:16) The evolving need for resiliency and power in hospitals
(03:25) The hidden power behind critical hospital functions
(05:13) What happens during those crucial 10 seconds
(06:54) Real-world demonstration of backup power in action
(07:55) ATS vs. UPS
(09:01) What sets Cummins apart in healthcare
(10:47) Balancing sustainability with reliability
(13:08) How battery storage and lighter gensets reduce emissions
(15:07) Microgrids: The future of hospital power systems
(18:47) Wrapping up with a look toward tomorrow
When it comes to power technology, the future is shaped by the decisions we make today. In this episode, Kim sits down with Tara to explore what sustainability really means for Cummins and why it’s more than a buzzword.
It’s a strategy. A mindset. A movement.
Together, they unpack Cummins’ Destination Zero strategy, circular economy principles, and the role design plays in building a healthier planet. With honesty and energy, Tara shares how Cummins is simplifying sustainability for its people and why focusing on your sphere of influence might be the most powerful thing you can do.
Whether you’re designing the future of energy or choosing what to wear tomorrow, this episode will show you how small actions can lead to a big impact.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(01:28) Why Tara made sustainability personal
(02:49) What Destination Zero really means
(03:26) Breaking down and simplifying sustainability
(05:29) Why decarbonization matters at Cummins
(06:34) Fuel-agnostic engines and customer-focused innovation
(08:09) Renewable energy and powering manufacturing responsibly
(08:38) Circular economy: use less, use better, use again
(10:37) Navigating the energy transition with confidence
(12:35) Why sustainability is good business
(15:38) What gives Tara hope for the future
(17:16) The “no new clothes” challenge and engaging employees
(19:33) Designing products for a full lifecycle
(19:54) Employee engagement and action through sustainability influencers
(20:44) Final thoughts: sustainability happens now or not at all
Not every engineer starts with a textbook. Some start with a wrench.
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim talks with Taylor about what it means to build a career from hands-on experience. Taylor shares how she went from managing an oil change shop to leading a 25-person test engineering team at Cummins. Through stories from the garage to the test cell, she shows how confidence and capability grow when curiosity leads the way.
Hear how Taylor’s real-world perspective shapes how Cummins validates engine performance, supports team development, and contributes to a more inclusive workplace.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:33) From oil changes to Cummins: how it all began
(02:34) Learning to trust her value in engineering spaces
(05:38) Navigating challenges as a woman in engineering
(08:14) How Cummins and gardening shaped Taylor’s purpose
(11:36) A deeper look at community, belonging, and leadership
(13:18) What it’s like inside the testing lab
(16:00) What night shift leadership taught her about resilience
What’s it like being an intern at Cummins? Here’s a hint: it’s not about coffee runs or simply note-taking.
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Josie and Mason from the Global Brand Team to talk about the real work, impact and growth that happens when young talent gets a seat at the table.
From leading global calls to updating websites and creating brand content, these two aren’t just observing—they’re helping shape what’s next. You’ll hear everything from global collaboration stories to what it’s like driving a semi truck through an obstacle course (yes, really).
Tune in if you’ve ever wondered how internships at Cummins build confidence, connection, and career momentum.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Articles
Videos
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:34) Myths and a fact: Interns at Cummins do more than observe
(01:31) What made Josie and Mason choose Cummins
(03:52) Intern projects that go global
(06:02) How past experiences prepared them for real-world work
(07:50) The kind of impact interns are making right now
(10:15) Plant tours, drone shows, and driving semis—yes, semis!
(12:56) How Cummins supports interns in exploring career paths
(14:52) Real advice for future interns
Batteries do more than store energy. They’re reshaping how the world is powered.
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim sits down with Aaron to discuss the role of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) in the global energy transition. From commercial buildings to remote islands, Aaron explains how this all-in-one technology brings cleaner, smarter power wherever it’s needed.
Learn how large-scale batteries go beyond backup to become the brains of entire energy systems, and why Cummins’ latest innovation is a major step toward Destination Zero.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Articles
Videos
Additional Resources
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:33) How batteries became a global power solution
(01:30) Massive batteries that also manage your energy system
(02:43) Explaining how BESS works using a simple analogy
(03:56) Inside Cummins’ new all-in-one battery system
(05:35) Designing for speed, safety, and scalability
(06:20) Powering through heat and grid limits in Dubai
(09:07) The role of BESS in the energy future
Picture a future where building a zero-emissions vehicle feels as simple as snapping together LEGO bricks.
That’s the mindset Accelera by Cummins is bringing to clean energy, offering flexible solutions that meet customers wherever they are in their transition to smarter, cleaner power.
In this episode, Kim and Kat get hands-on with the idea of building electric power systems like DIY kits. From batteries and motors to inverters, they break down how Accelera helps reconfigure powertrains for a cleaner future.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Articles
Videos
Additional Resources
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(00:31) Building the future of power like Legos
(02:11) Transitioning from diesel to alternative power
(03:27) Accelera’s role in modular technology
(04:08) Cummins and Accelera's partnership
(05:25) Customizable solutions for companies
(06:06) Kat’s perspective on DIY power solutions
(07:18) Scalability and efficiency in powertrain innovation
(08:34) The complexity of energy transitions
(10:20) Ensuring supportive and adaptable change
(10:45) Accelera’s innovative legacy from Cummins
(11:36) Empowering customers with choices
(12:02) Guiding through the energy transition
Behind every powerful engine is a company powered by purpose.
In this episode of Power Onward, Kim is joined by Jim to explore how Cummins shows up in communities around the world. From its legacy of civil rights advocacy to its forward-thinking Cummins READY™ education strategy, Jim shares how Cummins connects innovation with impact.
Discover how aligning company goals with community needs creates lasting value, and why education, equity and the environment are part of Cummins’ DNA.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Articles
Videos
Interested in learning more? Subscribe to the [3-minute Power Up] to get breakthrough stories and the latest innovations in power technology delivered straight to your inbox: https://www.cummins.com/news/podcast#subscribe
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:33) A morning at the WNBA STEM event and what it says about Cummins
(01:30) Jim’s personal journey into community involvement
(03:12) The moments that shaped Jim’s passion for impact
(04:03) The legacy of J. Irwin Miller and Cummins’ long-standing values
(06:22) What makes Cummins’ community engagement model unique
(08:45) The strategy behind Cummins READY™ and how it started
(10:16) The global vision: education, upskilling, and impact by 2030
(12:10) Bringing it full circle: passion, purpose and power
Engines and bees may not seem alike at first, but for Matt, they both represent systems built on precision, purpose, and connection.
We often overlook what powers our everyday lives, but behind the scenes are people like Matt who troubleshoot, innovate, and uphold the reliability that keeps industries running. At Cummins, that sense of purpose is passed down through generations, shaping not just careers but the way communities grow and thrive.
From early memories of punch cards to supporting fleets across the globe, Kim and Matt explore how legacy, curiosity, and technical expertise come together to create meaningful impact.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources:
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:31) A buzzing beehive meets engine power
(01:24) Carrying on three generations at Cummins
(03:39) How IT started with punch cards in the 60s
(05:07) From racing dreams to Cummins support
(07:20) Troubleshooting on the front lines
(08:40) Earning trust through personal connections
(11:16) From seasonal allergies to beekeeping
(12:54) Engines and bees: a shared ecosystem
(16:00) Beyond trucks: Cummins across land and sea
(19:04) Keeping hospitals and society running
(24:42) The engine that changed small-haul transport
(26:50) Smarter engines than the moon landing
(28:22) Purpose, legacy and innovation intertwined
There is something timeless about the roar of engines and the spirit of a community coming together for a legendary race.
Each year, the Indy 500 brings the energy of Indianapolis to life, and behind the scenes, Cummins plays an important role in weaving history, innovation, and community into the experience for guests and race fans alike.
Kim and Maggie walk through how Cummins’ rich legacy at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway continues to be honored today, from historic race cars to personalized race day experiences for customers and colleagues.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources:
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) Welcome to Power Onward
(00:32) Indy 500 legacy: community, history, innovation
(01:31) Why the race is special for Maggie and Cummins
(03:50) Cummins’ 1911 pit-crew origin story
(05:22) Spotlight on the vintage lap tradition
(06:50) Inside a VIP race-weekend itinerary
(08:24) Tower Terrace views and pit-lane access
(09:03) Feeling the green flag and race-day adrenaline
(10:12) “Greatest spectacle” sights and sounds
(12:29) How the Cummins hospitality team plans it all
(13:36) Partnering with local Indiana businesses
(14:48) Big idea: history, community, innovation
Curiosity sparks when you take a second look at the machines shaping the world around you.
We live in a world where construction shapes the spaces we move through every day, yet we rarely stop to think about the machines and people that make it all possible. Cummins engines are at the heart of these projects, supporting industries that build homes, roads, and communities for the future.
From the curiosity sparked in a child to the expertise behind massive construction sites, Kim and Sarah explore how Cummins powers progress across off-highway industries and why innovation, reliability, and smarter solutions matter more than ever.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources:
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(01:37) Supporting diverse off-highway industries
(02:29) Seeing meaning behind construction machines
(04:05) Cummins powering agriculture and daily life
(05:27) Building homes, offices, and communities
(06:01) Why Cummins is a trusted partner in construction
(07:38) Power solutions shaping construction’s future
(08:57) Curiosity about roadways and infrastructure
(10:25) Recognizing Cummins' impact across industries
(11:06) The people behind machines that build life
Behind every reliable power solution is a team of experts who ensure it all runs smoothly.
We live in a world where we strive to have every piece of machinery working seamlessly, and that’s the reality Cummins’ service teams create by ensuring the reliability and longevity of power solutions across the globe.
From proactive maintenance to personalized support, Kim and Claudia explore how Cummins helps customers across various industries, ensuring they can rely on their power systems every day.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources:
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:31) Fast shipping and the power behind delivery
(01:13) Claudia’s global journey with Cummins
(02:36) Cummins’ impact and values in remote communities
(03:38) Excellence across global service teams
(05:35) The scale and importance of Cummins’ service network
(07:09) Diverse industries and equipment Cummins powers
(08:19) The proactive, trusted role of Cummins technicians
(09:47) Cummins’ culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion
A small cherry farm in Michigan becomes the backdrop for a story about innovation, resilience, and legacy. While the pressures of modern agriculture continue to grow, one family farmer finds a way to move forward without letting go of what came before.
In this episode, Kim sits down with Haley to talk about the real people behind rural farming. They reflect on the challenges facing small farms today, what it means to innovate without new machinery, and how storytelling helps connect everyday power to the lives it supports.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
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For this episode, we’re going to continue highlighting Haley’s passion for storytelling. Check out some of her latest articles below to learn something unexpected.
Videos
Additional Resources
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) This is Power Onward
(00:31) Haley’s farming roots and family background
(02:44) Visiting the Michigan cherry farm
(07:28) Challenges facing cherry farmers: economic, environmental, and market
(08:41) Innovation and resourcefulness in family farming
(12:41) How Cummins empowers local heroes and communities
(15:10) The role and importance of storytelling at Cummins
(17:18) People X Passion series and the power of employee stories
Ingredients aren't just for cooking—they're for powertrains, too.
Imagine the perfect blend of components coming together to create not just a vehicle, but a cleaner planet. In this episode, we talk about how each component, from turbochargers to emission solutions, plays a pivotal role in this narrative of innovation.
From engine braking to integrated powertrains, discover how these pieces contribute to reducing emissions and improving air quality for a sustainable future.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Articles
Videos
Additional Resources
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) Introduction
(01:11) Importance of components in vehicles
(02:24) Integration of fuel systems and turbochargers
(03:13) Engine braking and safety functions
(04:20) Benefits of Jake brake systems
(05:11) Role of hardware and software in engines
(06:02) Navigating emissions regulations
(07:05) Impact of after-treatment systems
(08:16) Cummins and the future of cleaner transportation
Barbie’s dreamhouse isn’t just pink, it could be green, too.
Imagine a world where clean energy powers everything, from electric cars to entire cities. That future isn’t as far away as it seems, and Accelera by Cummins is leading the charge.
In this episode, Kim and Kat explain how hydrogen, electrolyzers, and next-gen batteries are reshaping how we think about energy. They explore the biggest challenges in moving toward zero emissions and how Accelera’s connection to Cummins gives it an edge in building a cleaner, more reliable future.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources:
Dive into the conversation:
(00:31) Imagining a green future with Accelera by Cummins
(01:30) The frontier of power technology
(01:40) Accelera’s zero emissions efforts
(02:33) Emerging technologies and their appeal
(06:04) Challenges in adapting to sustainable technologies
(06:48) OEM's role in technology adoption
(07:28) The cycle of technology, policy, and societal readiness
(07:48) Importance of coordination in energy transition
(10:24) Cummins' vision for powering a prosperous world
(10:48) Takeaways
The cloud isn’t floating in the sky. It’s a massive network of data centers storing and processing everything we do online. From streaming music to running AI, it all relies on an unseen infrastructure powered by enormous amounts of energy.
In this episode, Alijah and Kim uncover the reality of the cloud. They explore how data centers operate, why backup power is critical, and the role Cummins plays in keeping digital life seamless even when the grid goes down.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Additional Resources
Dive into the conversation:
(00:00) Introductions
(00:31) Understanding the Cloud
(00:55) The Role of Data Centers
(01:57) Description and Location of Data Centers
(03:04) Components and Structure of Data Centers
(04:39) Cummins’ Role in Powering Data Centers
(04:51) Who Relies on Data Centers
(06:49) Impact of AI on Data Center Demand
(08:16) The Power Behind Seamless Technology
(09:27) Takeaways
The food we buy, the goods we use, the products we rely on, none of it just appears. Behind every shipment, every truck on the road, and every delivery is a network of people making it happen.
In this episode, Kim chats with Sydney to talk about the human side of trucking. They explore how truck drivers, engineers, and logistics experts work together to keep the world moving, why sustainability and reliability matter in the industry, and the role Cummins plays in powering everything from big rigs to street sweepers.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
Articles
Dive into the conversation:
(00:31) Introductions
(01:03) Sydney’s journey into the trucking industry
(02:09) Welcoming atmosphere in the trucking industry
(03:32) The grocery supply chain ecosystem
(04:05) Cummins’ role in transporting goods
(05:42) Identifying Cummins-powered trucks
(06:39) Factors influencing companies to choose Cummins
(07:53) Cummins in various vehicle applications
(08:32) Innovating the X15 product
(09:45) The journey of goods to supermarkets
(12:11) The human aspect in trucking and logistics
(13:23) Reliability of Cummins-powered trucks
(14:39) Recognizing people behind machinery
(16:01) Women in Trucking and career advancement for women