Less Talk, More Action

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with economist and founder Ashley Sarauer about why traditional sustainability and carbon markets are failing to drive real-world decarbonization, and how her company, Ontoly, aims to fix that. They critique the sustainability “industry” for over-regulating and over-reporting while underbuilding, especially around AI, data centers, and grid access for everyday homeowners. Ashley explains how Ontoly turns measured emissions reductions in buildings (mainly fuel switching and efficiency) into high-integrity, premium-priced carbon credits using real utility data, a rigorous 400-page standard, and a software platform that simplifies participation for building owners and buyers. The conversation dives into carbon offsets vs RECs, integrity and fraud in carbon markets, the challenges of financing retrofits, Ashley’s personal journey from government and Vera to entrepreneurship (including an ACL injury that became a turning point), and why she still believes we’re nearing a tipping point for meaningful climate action despite the industry’s current flaws.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Neuralwatt Co-Founder and CEO Chad Gibson about how AI can scale without blowing up the grid or the climate. Chad explains how modern GPUs are massively power-hungry and often underutilized, and how Neuralwatt’s software acts like a “dimmer switch” to squeeze more compute out of the same power envelope instead of building endless new data centers. They dig into stranded power in colocation facilities, energy- and carbon-aware AI infrastructure, and the rise of “neoclouds” focused purely on GPU workloads. Along the way, they explore AI doomerism vs optimism, the realities of net zero claims, the entrepreneurial grind behind Neuralwatt’s rapid growth, and why innovative models for energy-efficient, net-zero AI (from geothermal data centers to ocean-based and containerized facilities) offer real reasons for climate optimism.

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Merino Energy CEO Mary-Ann Rau about her journey from writing firmware at Tesla and shipping hundreds of millions of AirPods at Apple to founding a climate tech company focused on home electrification. Mary-Ann explains how getting a $40,000 quote to install heat pumps in her own San Francisco home led her to discover that installation, not hardware, is the main cost driver, and to design the Merino Mono, a $3,800 heat pump with no outdoor unit and dramatically simplified installation. They dig into how Merino’s design differs from mini-splits and PTACs, why focusing on installer experience and dense, AC-poor markets like California unlocks a huge opportunity, and how policy incentives and cold-climate requirements have historically shaped heat pump design. Along the way, they touch on AI’s disruption of real estate, fundraising and market sizing, and Mary-Ann’s deeper motivation to work on scalable climate solutions and create a better future for her six-month-old daughter. Don’t miss this great conversation!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Coral CEO Samir Pendse about why seemingly no-brainer energy efficiency and electrification projects (like heat pumps) are still so hard to get done. They dig into the core problem of financing and broken rebate systems, how bureaucracy and utility incentive design stall projects, and why focusing on dollars and ROI beats leading with “sustainability” in sales. Samir explains Coral’s model of instantly capturing and advancing rebates and incentives to cut upfront costs for homeowners and commercial customers, boosting contractor close rates and making projects truly affordable. The trio also debates red tape vs. cowboy contractors, where AI should replace manual incentive processing, how Samir went from BCG consultant to climate founder, and why rapid, “good enough” execution beats perfection in driving real-world decarbonization.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Joel welcomes back entrepreneur and Sustained Futures Founder Katie Neck as guest co-host to explore the intersection of climate, future skills, and AI. Katie shares her journey from Formula 1 and building McLaren’s first sustainability function to launching Sustained Futures, which has already upskilled over 5,000 people globally in green and future skills. Joel and Katie dig into the massive skills gap holding companies back from hitting net-zero targets, why sustainability roles are more commercially valuable than most people realize, and how AI, especially tools like Claude, is transforming how teams work, learn, and make climate decisions. They discuss real-world examples like workforce development for heat pump and solar installers, climate gentrification in Miami, and Anthropic-powered “impactathons” that rapidly build tools for vulnerable communities. The key takeaway: the future of meaningful, high-impact work sits at the crossroads of sustainability, AI, and human skills like critical thinking and collaboration, and those who learn to use AI well will be the ones leading that transition.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and guest co-host Sherrell Dorsey, a journalist and entrepreneur, explore what a meaningful impact looks like in a world facing overlapping crises: climate change, economic insecurity, and fraying cities. They reflect on identity and purpose after “success,” the limits and delusions of today’s climate movement and climate weeks, and the tension between privileged climate discourse and everyday realities like safety, jobs, and energy bills. The conversation dives into San Francisco Climate Week, Building Performance Standards, energy affordability, and why nature, regenerative agriculture, and circular economy innovations (like new materials and self-healing concrete) may be more compelling focus areas than abstract net-zero talk. They also unpack how to communicate in an era of AI “slop,” arguing that audiences crave real builders, honest futurism, and stories of people quietly doing the work rather than more doom or performative sustainability.

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with sustainable real estate leader and podcaster Alex Edds about why the industry is stuck in reporting and compliance instead of real decarbonization projects. They dig into whether AI and software can actually drive emissions reductions or if they just make data collection cheaper, debate a real-world test comparing Cambio’s AI outputs to contractor bids, and unpack how corporate structures, regulation, and ESG teams slow down execution. Alex shares lessons from his time at JLL, Nuveen, and LaSalle, gives practical advice for proptechs selling into real estate, explains why the future of sustainability roles is shifting from strategy and reporting to hands-on implementation, and describes his new advisory work and podcast, The Future We Build. The key takeaway: real estate must move from talking and benchmarking to faster, asset-level project delivery if it wants to meaningfully decarbonize.

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen talk with Pål Hauff Hvattum, CEO and Co-Founder of CQuel, a platform that turns dusty Net Zero and ESG plans into real decarbonization projects for commercial real estate. They dig into the limits of AI in the current market, why reports and SaaS alone rarely lead to implementation, and how CQuel uses AI plus human expertise to create high-quality project briefs and run tenders that actually get solar, LED, HVAC, and other retrofits built. Pål shares his journey from marketplace entrepreneur to climate-focused founder, the bottlenecks he sees inside large landlords, why good briefs can cut project costs and timelines dramatically, and why he’s ultimately optimistic that economics, technology, and a new wave of talent will finally move the industry from plans to action.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at www.lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Kevin Whilden, Co-Founder of Seatrees, to explore whether the ocean can truly help pull us out of the climate crisis. They dig into blue carbon ecosystems like mangroves, kelp forests, coral reefs, and seagrass meadows, and debate the merits and failures of carbon offsets, RECs, and emerging biodiversity credits. The conversation wrestles with geoengineering ideas such as ocean alkalinity enhancement, the risks of treating the planet as an experiment, and why traditional market mechanisms for climate solutions have struggled. Kevin explains how Seatrees is tackling monitoring and verification with new tech (like phone-based 3D reef mapping), how biodiversity credits differ from carbon credits, and why he still refuses to give up hope despite climate tipping points. Listeners come away with a sharper understanding of oceans as climate heroes, the limits of current offset markets, and a more grounded sense of what real, measurable ecosystem restoration looks like in practice.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Joel and Owen sit down with Vince Romanin, Co-Founder and CTO of Gradient, to explore how next-generation window-mounted heat pumps can transform heating and cooling in multifamily buildings. They discuss why HVAC emissions and refrigerant leakage are such an overlooked climate problem, how Gradient’s modular, factory-sealed design cuts installation time, capex, and energy use (including an 87% heating energy reduction in a New York public housing project), and why focusing on building owner economics is key to large-scale decarbonization. Vince also shares his journey from thermodynamics researcher to hardware founder, the painful early days of educating climate VCs about refrigerants, and his optimism that climate tech is finally winning on both user experience and ROI, not just “green premiums.”

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

The nexus of business, policy, and sustainability is more divided than ever, but Less Talk, More Action is here to cut through the noise. Hosted by clean energy experts Joel Cesare and Owen Barrett, this podcast dives into the front lines of decarbonization, net-zero real estate, and entrepreneurship. Each episode features bold questions, real solutions, and stories from leaders in science, tech, and business who are taking action to make the world a better place. Join us as we move beyond talk and work toward a cleaner, net-zero future. Learn more and subscribe at lesstalkmoreaction.com.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.