What inspired me to start the Mama Earth Talk podcast?
The Mama Earth Talk podcast was started as a passion project after completing the Waste Me Not challenge, where I wore my own trash for 30 days. I received many questions about reducing waste and sustainable living. I wanted to find a way to answer as many questions as possible as well as provide value to my audience and decided the best way would be through a podcast.
The podcast was started in August 2018 and has no well over 120 episodes. The name of the podcast was inspired by the Waste Me Not challenge slogan, “Mama Earth has a voice and it is us crazy birds”. Mama Earth Talk felt like a good name to still keep some sort of reference to the challenge and to refer to talking about Mama Earth. I also kept the slogan from the challenge and started referring to the audience as the “crazy birds”.
The podcast quickly grew into a forum that showcases the amazing things that many people are doing to make the planet better, and serve as a source of hope and inspiration for many. A few of my amazing guests include Zero Waste Queen, Bea Johnson, activist and humanitarian Rob Greenfield, Chief Heart officer for Gary Vaynerchuck, Claude Silver, Climate optimist Kathryn Kellogg, zero-waste chef Max La Manna and many more.
There are still a lot of different topics that we are yet to cover and therefore I love hearing from the crazy birds and find out what are some of the sustainable challenges they might be facing or questions that they might have. Therefore, I urge anyone to please reach out if there is a topic that they would like to hear about in future episodes. I love finding ways how I can help by providing advice and knowledge from either myself or another expert in the field.
“Mama Earth has a voice and it is us crazy birds“.
About the author, Mariska
Hi, I’m Mariska – podcast host, artist, sustainability advocate and consultant, and storyteller driven by a deep passion for our planet. Sustainability isn’t just a topic I discuss; it’s a way of life I embody through my work, actions, and everyday choices.
My journey began several years ago when I started experimenting with trash as a medium in my artwork. What began as creative curiosity quickly turned into a deep dive into the environmental impact of waste. That curiosity expanded into a broader connection with nature—including a life-changing trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where I found both clarity and purpose. It was there that I made the decision to leave the corporate world behind and commit fully to environmental work.
In 2018, I took that message public in the UAE by wearing every piece of trash I generated for 30 days. The result—65 kilograms of waste—sparked national conversations around sustainability and waste reduction. That bold experiment also became the catalyst for my podcast, Mama Earth Talk, where I’ve since connected with global thought leaders to explore sustainability and inspire meaningful action.
Over the years, I’ve collaborated with organizations such as Nespresso, Costa, and Dubai International Airport to implement practical and impactful environmental solutions. From optimizing waste management systems to leading awareness campaigns, I specialize in designing strategies that create real, lasting change.
My artwork—blending environmental advocacy with creative expression—has been collected by public figures including comedian Trevor Noah, environmentalist Adrian Grenier, entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk, radio host Kris Fade, Grammy Award-winning DJ Black Coffee, and NBA player Mason Plumlee. Through public speaking, podcasting, and art, I aim to inspire individuals and organizations to rethink their relationship with the environment.
With over a decade of international experience in design and project management across Australia, South Africa, the UK, India, and the UAE, I bring a unique mix of creativity and strategic insight to sustainability challenges. My global perspective allows me to collaborate across cultures, drive innovation, and empower others to make a meaningful impact.
As a lifelong learner and passionate advocate, I focus on practical, holistic solutions to environmental challenges—guided by systems thinking and a deep commitment to action. I hold a BA in Design, a postgraduate degree in Environmental Science, and a Master’s in Sustainable Design.