188: Bread, Buckwheat, and Bold Moves: Maddie Hamann’s Journey with PACHA
In this episode, we talk to Maddie Hamann, a remarkable individual with a journey that spans diverse fields. She began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and went on to manage large-scale projects, ranging from research campaigns to art installations. Eventually, she made the bold move to start a sustainable bread company.
Her passion for healing humanity’s relationship with our planet led her to realize that her skills in organizing and executing impactful projects could make a greater difference than research alone. Now, as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at PACHA, she promotes regenerative agriculture through healthy eating.
During this episode, we talked about what inspired Maddie’s career shift, the origins of PACHA, and why buckwheat was chosen for its environmental benefits. We also discussed her vision for PACHA’s future—all with a focus on supporting Mama Earth.
187: Sustainable Business Insights: Paul Hargreaves on B Corp and The Fourth Bottom Line
In this episode, we talk to Paul Hargreaves, the CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish, two award-winning businesses committed to sustainability. Paul’s company was one of the first in the UK to certify as a B Corp, setting a powerful example for other companies looking to balance purpose and profit. He’s also a speaker and author of Forces for Good and The Fourth Bottom Line, where he explores the impact businesses can have beyond the traditional triple bottom line.
During this episode, we delve into Paul’s inspiring sustainability journey and discuss how businesses can drive positive change for both people and the planet. We’ll uncover what it really takes to become B Corp certified, the challenges along the way, and how companies can go beyond certification to create lasting legacies. Paul shares insights into how Cotswold Fayre integrates sustainability into everyday operations and explains the concept of the “fourth bottom line.” Plus, he offers a glimpse into the future of business as a force for good, and what he’s most proud of on this mission to protect Mama Earth.
186: Circular Economy in Action
In this episode, we dive into the concept of the circular economy, exploring how it differs from the traditional linear model and why it’s essential for a sustainable future. From understanding the role of design in extending product lifecycles to discovering innovative companies like Loop by Terracycle and Herman Miller, we highlight real-world examples of circularity in action.
185: From Milestones to Community A Journey in Sustainability and Connection
In this episode, I am thrilled to return after a brief hiatus to share some exciting personal and professional updates. I recently graduated with a post-grad degree in Environmental Science, making the Dean’s List, and am now diving into a Master’s in Sustainable Design with a focus on transforming sustainability in the pet industry as well as a Masters in Environmental Science. I also proudly attended my Australian Citizenship ceremony and embarked on training for my first ultra marathon. Additionally, our family has decided to call Dubai home once again, and I am recording this episode from my brand-new green room, excited to test out some new setups.
184: Virtual Reality, Real Impact with Briege Whitehead
In this episode, we talk to Briege Whitehead. She is the Founder and Creative Director of White Spark Pictures, driven by a passion for storytelling. Through her innovative work in film, she inspires change and elevates environmental awareness. A critically acclaimed director and executive producer, she has spearheaded numerous projects, including ‘Impossible Planet’ and ‘Beyond the Milky Way.’ Notably, her groundbreaking VR hit, ‘The Antarctica Experience,’ earned her the Channel 7’s Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year Award. Other awards include the 40under40 winner (2020), former SPA (Screen Producers Australia) ‘One-to-Watch,’ and the winner of the 2020 ECU International Alumni Award.
During this episode, we discussed how the origins of her sustainable journey intertwined storytelling with environmental advocacy, emphasizing the importance of factual content. We also delved into her groundbreaking VR project, ‘The Antarctica Experience,’ and explored some exciting new projects she has in the pipeline.
183: How Environmental Impact Assessment Shapes Our Sustainable Future: Insights with Angus Morrison-Saunders
In this episode, we talk to Angus Morrison-Saunders. He is an Environmental Impact Assessment expert with over 35 years of…
182: From Green Hues to Environmental Blues: Decoding Eutrophication’s Impact with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I share with you one of the important topics that I looked out in depth this year, that is eutrophication. It might seem like a big word and if you are wondering what am I talking about, well it simple terms it is mainly the greenish water that you might often come across in some of the aqua systems, but there is a lot more to it.
The term, eutrophication. originating from the Greek word “eutrophos,”, meaning well-nourished, is a complex environmental issue that has far-reaching consequences on aquatic ecosystems. This phenomenon involves the enrichment of aquatic environments with excess nutrients, leading to profound ecological changes. While eutrophication can occur naturally over extended periods, the recent acceleration of this process is primarily attributed to human activities, marking it as a significant contemporary environmental challenge.
181: Adventures for change with Lisa Blair
In this episode, we talk to Lisa Blair. She is a record holding sailor, that only started her sailing journey at the age of 25 and in seven short years, started making history. She was the first woman to sail solo around Antarctica with one stop, overcoming a dramatic dismasting at sea. She went on to lead the first all-female team in the Rolex Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race after setting two more world records by sailing solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Australia. In 2022, she became the fastest person to sail solo, non-stop, and unassisted around Antarctica while conducting crucial ocean health research. With over 110,000 nautical miles under her belt, she is not only an accomplished sailor but also an author, adventurer, and inspirational speaker.
During this episode we talked about some of the challenges she faced while sailing solo around Antarctica, What inspired her naming her boat Climate Action Now. Some of the magical wild life encounters she shared while at sea as well as how climate change and the plastic pollution is impacting our oceans.
180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams
In this episode, we talk to Kate Williams. She is the CEO at 1 % for the Planet. Founded in 2002 it is a global movement inspiring businesses and individuals to support environmental solutions. Her relentless dedication to environmental sustainability has made her a driving force in corporate responsibility.
During this episode, we talked about what exactly is 1% for the planet, how the certification process works as well as what type organisations forms part of the 1% for the planet network. We also dug into some of Kate’s goals and aspirations as CEO and the involvement of the environment over the last two decades of 1 % of the planet.
179: Green Amendments for a Sustainable Future with Maya van Rossum
In this episode, we talk to Maya van Rossum. She is the founder of Green Amendments For the Generations, a grassroots non-profit organization dedicated to securing constitutional recognition and protection of environmental rights. She has been a passionate advocate for the health of the Delaware River and its tributaries for over 30 years as the Delaware Riverkeeper. She was a lead petitioner in the landmark Robinson Township case and has testified multiple times before US Congressional Committees. She is also the author of The Green Amendment, Securing Our Right to a Healthy Environment, which won the 2018 Living Now Evergreen Awards GOLD in the Nature Conservation category.
During this episode we looked at what green amendments are and how we can secure our right to an environmental future and what it takes to be the voice of a river.
178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson
In this episode, we talk to Captain Paul Watson. He is a true legend in, marine wildlife conservation and environmental activist. As one of the founding members of Greenpeace (which he left in 1977) and founder of the Sea Shepherd Conservation Society, Captain Watson has spent his life fighting for the protection of our oceans and marine life. He continues this mission today through the new Captain Paul Watson Foundation.
A master mariner, accomplished author, and renowned speaker, he has received numerous honors for his dedication to the planet, including the Genesis Award for Lifetime Achievement, being named one of Time Magazine’s Top 20 Environmental Heroes of the 20th Century, and induction into the U.S. Animal Rights Hall of Fame. In 2007, he was awarded the Amazon Peace Prize by the president of Ecuador and in 2012, he became only the second person, after Captain Jacques Cousteau, to receive the Jules Verne Award for environmentalists and adventurers.
During this episode we talked about the current state of our oceans, how we are all connected to the oceans and took a deep dive into the environmental movements, the role media plays and what the future might have in store for us.
177: Reducing Plastic Pollution with Doug Woodring
In this episode, we talk to Doug Woodring. He is the Founder and Managing Director at Ocean Recovery Alliance. He was also awarded the coveted Prince’s Prize for Innovative Philanthropy from Prince Albert of Monaco for his work in this space. He is the originator and initiator of Rebound Plastic Exchange for the global trading of recycled plastic feedstock in a certified, verified manner.
During this episode we took a deep dive on how his sustainable journey started, Looking at the Great pacific garbage patch. We also talked about the importance of organisation and consumers in the current plastic waste problem as well as looked at some of their wonderful initiatives they have started from an app all the way through to their Plastic Disclosure Projects.