Agroforestry may not be the flashiest climate solution—but it just might be one of the most effective.

In this episode of Green Disruptors, Cate O’Kane of Trees for the Future shares how the organization has spent 35 years transforming degraded land into vibrant Forest Gardens across sub-Saharan Africa.

Cate breaks down how this simple yet powerful model creates cascading benefits—from increased food security and income for farmers, to carbon sequestration, improved soil health, and even gender equity.

We also explore the intersection of nonprofit impact and business strategy, the role of carbon markets, and why smallholder farmers are some of the most important climate heroes of our time.

🌱 Learn more: trees.org

In this episode of Green Disruptors, we sit down with Brando Crespi, founder of Global Biocarbons, a company turning wildfire-damaged biomass into biochar and sustainable biocarbons that could replace fossil-fuel-based carbon black in cement, plastics, and even electronics.

Brando shares his incredible journey—from launching luxury brands on Rodeo Drive to leading biodiversity missions across the globe—and how a moment of clarity after witnessing New Mexico’s worst wildfire sparked his latest venture.

We explore how Global Biocarbons is leveraging waste materials to decarbonize trillion-dollar industries, the untapped potential of biochar, and the role of systems thinking in building a resilient climate economy.

This is a conversation for anyone interested in circular design, regenerative materials, or just really big, bold ideas.

Can a home battery help fight climate change and cut your electricity bill?

In this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Mark Lillis, SVP of Engineering at SKYRE, to unpack how his team is tackling one of industry’s best-kept secrets — wasted hydrogen. With a background in electrochemical systems dating back to the Gemini space program, SKYRE is using breakthrough membrane tech to recycle hydrogen in metal manufacturing, semiconductor production, and even emerging geologic hydrogen projects.

Mark shares how SKYRE’s modular, scalable systems are helping companies slash costs, reduce emissions, and recover one of the most expensive and overlooked commodities in clean tech. If you're curious about how science meets scalable impact, this is a must-listen.

What does it say about your business if you're supporting veterans and the environment? According to Jim Holland, it says you're a business that cares. In this inspiring episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Jim — co-founder of Carma, a veteran-founded B-Corp that’s planted over 1.3 million trees while supporting mental health and social mobility for veterans. Learn how Carma leverages technology, partnerships, and purpose to help companies create verified environmental and social impact — and why doing good always makes you feel good. Visit carma.earth to learn more.

In this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Mike Riley, CEO of NextGen, a Utah-based materials startup tackling one of clean tech's biggest challenges: where—and how—we get our critical materials.

From pioneering a low-impact method of extracting lithium from waste piles and seawater, to innovating in graphite and flame retardants, Mike and his team are engineering cleaner, smarter alternatives to conventional mining.

Tune in for a wide-ranging conversation on eco-ethical sourcing, local water issues, lobbying vs. impact, and what it really takes to scale a cleantech startup in today’s geopolitical landscape.

In this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Tom Chepucavage, co-founder and CEO of Flow Aluminum — an innovative battery startup out of the University of New Mexico. Flow is developing a carbon-negative, aluminum-based battery that’s safer, more sustainable, and longer-lasting than conventional lithium-ion technology.

Tom breaks down how their batteries store energy, capture CO₂, and could play a vital role in powering microgrids, data centers, and military operations — especially in extreme conditions. They also discuss the ethical issues of lithium sourcing, the regulatory roadblocks in clean energy, and how startups like Flow are scaling against all odds.

Whether you’re a tech entrepreneur, a clean energy advocate, or just curious about where the future of energy is headed — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Green Disruptors, we sit down with Robert, Sales Director and worker-owner at Rust Belt Riders, a Cleveland-based composting co-op transforming food waste into a force for good. Learn how they’re diverting tons of organic waste from landfills, supporting regenerative farming, and creating dignified green jobs—all while modeling a community-owned business structure. From hauling food scraps by bike to serving 4,000+ households and 300+ businesses, this is a deep dive into local climate action at scale.

How do you scale a clean energy platform that works behind the scenes of everyday businesses — from supermarkets to water pumping stations?

In this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with James Muraca, CTO of N-Response, to talk about how their cloud-based automation software is reshaping energy demand management across 30,000+ commercial sites in the U.S.

We explore:

What a virtual power plant really is — and what makes it “virtual”

How demand response works in real time to prevent grid failures and blackouts

The overlooked middle tier of energy users (like your local hardware store)

Why building trust with customers is key to success in a regulated space

The fine balance between process, autonomy, and innovation at scale

Whether you’re in energy, tech, or just curious about scalable sustainability, this episode is packed with real-world insight.

In this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar speaks with Pavel Hejsek, CEO of BC Biocarbon, a Canadian cleantech startup turning wood residuals into Blackberry Biochar — a soil amendment that both boosts plant health and traps carbon from the atmosphere. Pavel shares what makes their biochar unique, why scaling sustainable solutions isn’t just about the tech, and how customer-focused innovation can transform a product from niche to necessary. Whether you’re a climate tech enthusiast, investor, or just curious about greener growing solutions, this episode is packed with insights.