Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Sameer Neve, a sustainability strategist, biochar researcher, and environmental justice advocate whose work spans everything from sports to soil science about Biochar, Sustainability in Sports, and Using LinkedIn to the Fullest.   Read his full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Showtimes: 
0:35 - Fun Facts about Peppers
3:36 - Nic and Laura talk bad bosses!
12:03 - Interview with Sameer Begins
25:52 - How to connect with your community as an introvert
41:01 - Sameer's Field Story 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Sameer Neve at https://www.linkedin.com/in/nevesameer/

Guest  Bio:
Sameer Neve is an innovative Environmental Engineer, sustainability advocate, and interdisciplinary researcher with a Ph.D. in Environmental Engineering from Stevens Institute of Technology. With over 7 years of experience at the intersection of science, policy, and impact, Sameer has led projects focused on decarbonization strategies, ESG frameworks, and advanced environmental site assessments across sectors ranging from energy and infrastructure to education and sports.

Currently serving as an Associate Consultant at WSP USA and Advisory Board Member at HydraEarth Network, Sameer brings his expertise in clean energy and workforce development to shape equitable and resilient environmental solutions. His groundbreaking work in biochar research—particularly the sustainable reuse of spent biomass—has informed innovations in soil remediation, biodiversity restoration, and climate-resilient infrastructure. His efforts have been recognized through multiple peer-reviewed publications and a U.S. patent.

A strong advocate for environmental justice and community-led solutions, Sameer has contributed to national-scale environmental justice datasets, urban decontamination projects, and inclusive sustainability strategies that prioritize historically underserved populations. He also brings sustainability thinking into non-traditional domains like sports, where he explores how athletic facilities, events, and infrastructure can align with low-carbon, nature-positive goals.

From building local water purification systems in India to mentoring future environmental leaders in the U.S., Sameer continues to bridge technical expertise with real-world impact. His mission is clear: to design systems, inspire change, and build a future where biodiversity thrives, equity is embedded, and sustainability is second nature.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

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Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Mathy Stanislaus, Vice Provost Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory at Drexel University about Community Collaboration, Influencing Policy, and Resilience.   Read his full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Showtimes: 
 1:40 - What drives your passion?
11:34 - Interview with Mathy begins 
19:22 - How to find meaningful work
33:30 - Field Notes!
43:27 - Power of experiential learning 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Mathy Stanislaus at https://www.linkedin.com/in/mathy-stanislaus/

Guest Bio:
Mathy Stanislaus, Esq., is the Vice-Provost and Executive Director of The Environmental Collaboratory at Drexel University that partners with community leaders to advance climate justice priorities and solutions.

Mathy served eight years as the Obama Administration Senate-confirmed Assistant Administrator for the U.S. EPA Office of Land & Emergency Management. During his tenure, he spearheaded the nation's first climate emergency preparedness plan and co-chaired President Obama’s Chemical Plant Safety Task that led consultations across the country to establiss to address the impacts on fenceline communities from chemical plant accidents.   

Before joining Drexel, Mathy led the establishment of a multi-stakeholder platform at the World Economic Forum to address child labor/force labor in the procurement of critical materials necessary to advance the scale of batteries and EV and renewable energy.   

He was a long-term member of the Board of the NYC Environmental Justice Alliance.  Mathy is an environmental lawyer and chemical engineer.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Sree Ratna Kancherla, Global Sustainability Director for management consulting firm Kearney, Storyteller, Social Impact Innovator, and Futurist about Sustainability, Pineapple Leather Pants, and Writing for TV.   Read her full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Sree Ratna Kancherla at https://www.linkedin.com/in/sreeratna/

Guest Bio:
Sree Ratna Kancherla is Global Director of Sustainability at Kearney, with 25 years of experience in sustainability and human rights law and policy. She has lived in Africa and India for a decade, building sustainability ecosystems. As a strategic advisor to Fortune 500 companies, she focuses on sustainability impact in supply chains across industries. She integrates ‘eclectic leadership’ into her work, drawing from studies with enlightened Masters and personal experiences. Through her transformative service, "Eclectic Awareness," she empowers individuals and businesses to navigate modern complexities with purpose. A published writer and speaker, she is developing a book and podcast.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk Fred Wagner, Principal Environmental Advisor at Jacobs, Rod Smolla, President of Vermont Law and Graduate School and Siobhan Gordon, Senior Environmental Planner at Mead and Hunt about the future of environmental policy both in South Carolina and at the national level.   

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Ben Shepard, Environmental Lead for the Moving I-4 Forward Program about Consulting, Working on the I-4 Project, and Giving Back to the Community.  

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Ben Shepherd at https://www.linkedin.com/in/benj-shepherd/

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

A Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode Perkins Coie - https://perkinscoie.com/

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with David Schwartz, magazine editor with one foot in the professional audio community and the other in the wonderful world of algae about Music, Algae, and Passion Projects.   Read his full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Guest Bio: 
David Schwartz is a highly accomplished figure in the world of music production and technology, best known for his work as the editor-in-chief of Mix magazine, a premier publication covering music production and recording technology. Additionally, David has been involved with prestigious events like the TEC Awards and NAMM, where he has facilitated discussions and shared his expertise through the TEC Tracks program. For the past 15 years David has maintained a fascination with algae and edits a webzine, algaeplanet.com, showcasing the expanding applications of micro- and macroalgae as well as documenting the news of the developing algae industry.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with John Perona, science/policy analyst, writer and advocate for a healthy climate about Climate Advocacy, Biofuels, and Managing Conflicting Values in Conservation.   Read his full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Showtimes: 
1:41- What Motivates You!
6:32 - Interview with Perona Starts
15:03 - Pollution Laws
32:30 - Having Complex Discussions 
37:19 - Perona's Field Story; Spaniel Edition 

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Dr. John Perona at https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnperona

Guest Bio: 
Dr. John Perona was educated in Biochemistry at Yale and UCSF, and served for 30 years on Chemistry faculties in California and Oregon. His research involved synthetic biology and concentrated on environmental problems associated with Earth's carbon cycle. Dr. Perona also holds a degree in Environmental and Natural Resources law. He is author of a comprehensive climate science/policy text for laypersons, From Knowledge to Power, and is presently engaged in advocating for a healthy climate in the Oregon legislature, and working with the Creative Destruction Lab, mentoring startup companies in the carbon removal field.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Ted Boling, Partner at Perkins Coie LLP about Updates on NEPA, the IAIA Conference in Italy, and Cumulative Effects.  Read his full bio below.

Special thanks to our sponsor for this episode.  Perkins Coie is a leading global law firm, dedicated to helping the world’s most innovative companies solve the legal and business challenges of tomorrow. Learn more about our work and values at https://perkinscoie.com/

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Ted Boling at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ted-boling-66326811/

Guest Bio:
Ted advises clients on renewable energy and transmission projects, resource development, transportation, and related infrastructure development, building on more than 30 years of high-level public service.

Ted Boling’s experience includes deep involvement in the environmental review and authorization of federal infrastructure projects, environmental mitigation and conservation programs, and leadership of the comprehensive revision of CEQ’s National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) regulations. He served on the White House Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ), in the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI), and in the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ). 

Ted’s work at CEQ included the development of the National Ocean Policy, CEQ’s climate change guidance, and the use of environmental management systems in environmental impact assessment. Ted advised on the establishment of numerous national monuments, including the first marine national monuments in the United States and the largest marine protected areas in the world. He represented CEQ as a member of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the board of directors of the Udall Foundation, and the U.S. delegation to negotiations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction. He also assisted in briefing three cases before the Supreme Court of the United States.

At DOI, Ted served as a deputy solicitor and counselor to the assistant secretaries for land and minerals management and for fish and wildlife and parks. Ted handled matters involving energy development on the outer continental shelf and the fast-track process for solar and wind energy projects on public lands. 

At DOJ, Ted was a senior trial attorney and litigated significant cases involving NEPA, endangered species, marine mammals, wetland protections, and management of public lands. He was involved in litigation concerning the Northwest Forest Plan, National Forest management decisions, and Federal Transit Administration decisions and U.S.

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Lauren Schramm, NEPA Manager about AI, Career Pathing, and Pets.   Read her full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Showtimes: 
2:12 - Can you get through your day without Coffee?
6:36 - Interview with Lauren Begins
12:12 - Whats new with NEPA
25:53 - AI collecting your info?
36:08- Field Notes with Lauren!

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Lauren Schramm at https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauren-schramm/

Guest Bio: 
Originally from Northern Vermont, Lauren holds a Bachelor's degree from Alfred University (NY) and earned her MS from Clemson University. Lauren embarked on her career in a Texas freshwater mussel lab before relocating to Atlanta. As a project manager, she successfully led a team of scientists specializing in NEPA work for cell towers across 29 states. Lauren has since transitioned to working with additional lead agencies and Pond and Company, where she serves as the manager of a NEPA team. In her free time, Lauren manages a mini farm, indulges in painting, hand-building ceramic art, and dedicates time to volunteering.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.

Share your Field Stories!

Welcome back to Environmental Professionals Radio, Connecting the Environmental Professionals Community Through Conversation, with your hosts Laura Thorne and Nic Frederick! 

On today’s episode, we talk with Sierra Taliaferro, founder of The Green Obsidian about Community Engagement, the Green Obsidian, and Fostering Kittens.   Read her full bio below.

Help us continue to create great content! If you’d like to sponsor a future episode hit the support podcast button or visit www.environmentalprofessionalsradio.com/sponsor-form 

Showtimes: 

0:14 - Pelican Fun Facts!
6:12 - Interview with Sierra Taliaferro
16:28 - The Green Obsidian
26:07 - Birding Experience 
33:39 - #Field Notes, Sierra's Story

Please be sure to ✔️subscribe, ⭐rate and ✍review. 

This podcast is produced by the National Association of Environmental Professions (NAEP). Check out all the NAEP has to offer at NAEP.org.

Connect with Sierra Taliaferro at www.linkedin.com/in/sierrat

Guest Bio:
Sierra Taliaferro is known in her network as a motivated outdoor educator, bird nerd enthusiast and Sustainability influencer with intentions to promote diversity in urban conservation, social justice and community advocacy. Over the years she has gained extensive experience in strategic planning, community engagement, urban agriculture, water conservation, and land management practices, in addition to working with various community-centered entities, focused on implementing outdoor education and outreach, ranging from county parks and green spaces to non-profit organizations and commons. Sierra is also the founder of The Green Obsidian, a social media platform designed to bring awareness of diversity within the environmental conservation field. And as a professional millennial and climate change maker, she hopes to continue to make herself an advocate for diversity in conservation and to emphasize the importance of our natural resources surrounding our urban environments that inspires people to view ourselves as part of nature, and not separate from it.

Music Credits
Intro: Givin Me Eyes by Grace Mesa
Outro: Never Ending Soul Groove by Mattijs Muller

Support the show

Thanks for listening! A new episode drops every Friday. Like, share, subscribe, and/or sponsor to help support the continuation of the show. You can find us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and all your favorite podcast players.