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[10.04] A Water Planet and the Origins of Life

• Rich Sloan reframes our view of Earth by describing it not as a land planet, but as a water planet, with 70% of its surface covered by oceans.
• He explains that water predates Earth and the solar system itself, calling it the original and most fundamental molecule of life.
• Barry and Rich explore linguistic connections to water, such as the Hebrew word “mayim,” and its symbolic resonance with the H2O molecule.
• Rich introduces the concept of the sky as a new source of fresh water and hints at a technology capable of tapping into atmospheric moisture.
• The discussion ties together cosmic, spiritual, and linguistic threads to elevate the importance of water across all cultures.
• Rich emphasizes that access to fresh water is a looming global crisis, already affecting billions of people annually.
• Barry underscores the urgency by pointing out Saudi Arabia’s struggle to find sustainable water despite its wealth and resources.
• The stage is set for Rich’s team to present a revolutionary method of addressing water scarcity through innovation.

[18.00] From Tree Frogs to Technology: Harvesting the Sky

• Rich shares that his water innovation was inspired by the Australian tree frog, which hydrates through its skin using salt to attract moisture.
• He describes how scientists at UNLV, MIT, and Princeton created a synthetic membrane mimicking frog skin to pull water from the air.
• This membrane uses a salt solution and a hydrogel barrier to draw in and retain atmospheric moisture, even in extremely arid environments.
• The technology can function at just 10% humidity, proving useful in true desert conditions like Las Vegas.
• Rich was invited to help commercialize this research, combining his entrepreneurial experience with cutting-edge science.
• Barry highlights Rich’s journey as the embodiment of joy, resilience, and innovation, turning hardship into healing.
• Rich emphasizes that they are not just conserving water but creating new water sources—a concept with global implications.
• The excitement builds as the potential to decentralize water access becomes a tangible reality.

[26.00] Commercializing the Sky: Scaling Atmospheric Water Harvesting

• Rich explains how his background in startups and radio led him to UNLV, where he now helps bring academic research to market.
• He introduces the term Atmospheric Water Harvesting (AWH) and draws parallels to how solar energy was once a niche idea and is now mainstream.
• Barry and Rich explore the dual strategy of conservation and harvesting—both necessary to solve the water crisis.
• Rich outlines the scalability of AWH, from benchtop prototypes to commercial units that can produce thousands of gallons per day.
• The goal is to eventually serve municipalities and industries first, then scale down to household systems.
• Barry shares a sobering perspective: water scarcity, not oil, is the next great global conflict.
• Rich believes that humanity’s innovative spirit, seen in medical and technological breakthroughs, can solve water issues too.
• Optimism and collaboration are central themes as they discuss what it means to truly “turn the tap upside down.”

[35.00] The Hidden Costs of Water and the AI Connection

• Rich reveals a shocking insight: every AI-generated image requires the cooling power of about two bottles of water.
• With over 34 million images created daily in 2024, that adds up to 10,000 Bellagio-sized lakes annually used just for AI.
• He discusses how data centers, power plants, and nuclear facilities consume vast amounts of water just for cooling.
• Barry highlights the irony that while water is used to cool tech, access to it is becoming increasingly limited.
• They revisit the challenge of decentralization and how AWH can bypass traditional water infrastructure altogether.
• Rich likens the future of water to the solar revolution: localized, resilient, and cost-effective.
• Their vision is not just about supply but about empowering individuals and communities to control their own water access.
• The environmental, technological, and emotional implications of water usage are brought into sharp focus.

[42.00] AWH, Hope, and the Call to Go MAD (Make a Difference)

• Rich shares his company’s immediate goal: to install 4,000–5,000 AWH units globally and harvest 6 billion gallons of fresh water.
• He emphasizes that this water is “new,” not recycled, making it a truly additive solution to global scarcity.
• Barry highlights how this shift in thinking—from extraction to generation—is a miracle of modern innovation.
• They discuss complementary technologies, like clay-based irrigation retention systems, that also reduce water waste.
• Rich references Elon Musk’s optimism about solving water scarcity through technology and efficient energy use.
• He reaffirms his belief in human ingenuity and problem-solving capacity, especially when focused on existential challenges.
• Barry gifts Rich an acronym: RICH = Resilience Inspires Creative Happiness, encapsulating the ethos of the episode.
• The show closes on a joyful note: go MAD, make a difference, and remember that small innovations can create global waves.

Nicole Iny is the Executive Director of Grants and Consumer Education at FAIR Health, a national, independent nonprofit organization that qualifies as a public charity under section 501(c)(3) of the federal tax code. FAIR Health possesses the nation’s largest collection of private healthcare claims data, which includes over 47 billion claim records. It is dedicated to bringing transparency and integrity to healthcare costs and health insurance information through data products, consumer resources and health systems research support.

Topics:

• What is FAIR Health?
• What types of tools and resources are offered on FAIRHealthOlderAdults.org?
• What obstacles do older adults and family caregivers face when navigating the healthcare system, and what strategies can they use to find the services and support they need?
• Have you received any feedback from patients and/or their caregivers about the shared decision-making resources available on the FAIR Health consumer website?
• Where can patients, family caregivers and healthcare providers find more information?

Rich Sloan is a lifelong entrepreneur. He is an inventor, has helped other inventors, has worked with universities to commercialize their research, has been a partner at a venture fund he founded (and is in this role again with Las Vegas’ own Desert Forge Ventures). He is a seasoned startup company leader who has a great track record of success. Also, he hikes with the nimble footwork of a mountain goat.