Less Talk, More Action

In this episode of Less Talk, More Action, Miles Haladay, COO of Concrete Transition Capital, joins Joel and Owen to discuss the environmental challenges and opportunities of decarbonizing the concrete industry. The conversation covers the massive global impact of concrete, innovative technologies for low-carbon production, the crucial role of finance and data, and the accelerating influence of AI and software in sustainability. Key takeaways include the importance of focused action, collaboration across industries, optimism about scaling climate solutions despite persistent challenges, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Previewing Today’s Guest and the Topic of Concrete Decarbonization (0:48)
• Financial Barriers to Scaling Green Construction (3:35)
• Optimism and Market Opportunities for Solar Without Tax Credits (6:41)
• Using AI for Energy Efficiency in Real Estate (10:24)
• The Environmental Impact and Challenges of Concrete (13:00)
• Pathways to Decarbonize Cement and Concrete (16:44)
• The Scale of the Global Cement Emissions Problem (22:14)
• Finance, Innovation, and Industry Hurdles for New Cement Plants (28:27)
• Tech Companies’ Demand and Environmental Attribute Credits (30:30)
• The Role of AI and Software in Accelerating Decarbonization (38:23)
• The Need for Action Over Endless Measurement in Sustainability (42:23)
• Reflections on Risk, Focus, and the Future of Green Building (47:11)
• Closing Thoughts and Miles’s Optimism for the Industry (50:03)

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, Julia Pyper, Vice President of Public Affairs at GoodLeap and host of the Political Climate podcast, joins Joel and Owen to discuss the state of clean energy and sustainability. The conversation covers personal and systemic challenges to making homes more sustainable, the complexity of rebates and incentives, and the role of technology—especially virtual power plants—in transforming the energy landscape. Listeners will gain insights into overcoming policy barriers, practical tips for sustainable home upgrades, an optimistic view of how innovation and accessible financing can make a real difference in building a cleaner future, and so much more. Don’t miss this great conversation. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Previewing Today’s Topic and Guest Podcast Opening and Purpose Introduction (0:32)
• Discussing Julia’s Career Transition and Experience (3:00)
• Montana Attorney General’s Letter on Tech and Renewables (4:52)
• Debating Carbon Offsets and Impact on Electricity Pricing (6:01)
• Defining Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and Additionality (7:15)
• Tech Company Data Centers, Grid Access, and Power Prices (8:32)
• Political Framing and Batteries in Energy Generation (9:43)
• Over-Regulation, Permitting, and Streamlining Solutions (12:08)
• Barriers With Rebates, Policy, and Contractor Education (15:23)
• Potential for AI and Automation in the Policy Realm (16:38)
• City Government’s Role in Policy Adoption and Technology (17:47)
• Contractor/Consumer Experience With Permits and Paperwork (20:13)
• Individual Impact and Aggregated Consumer Choices (21:35)
• Making Sustainable Choices Easy for Homeowners (23:57)
• Clean Energy as a Proven Solution and Business Model Innovation (27:01)
• Julia’s Upbringing, Early Exposure to Solar, and National Security (28:16)
• Journalism Journey, Early Coverage in DC, and Clean Energy News (30:44)
• Launching Political Climate Podcast With Schwarzenegger Institute (32:33)
• GoodLeap Overview: Financing, Technology, and Market Role (33:18)
• Distributed Energy Resources and Virtual Power Plants (38:33)
• Barriers in California: Vetoed Energy Bills and Policy Frustration (43:27)
• Utility-Level Solutions and the Importance of Regulatory Incentives (46:55)
• Political Shifts, Tax Credits, and the Outlook for Clean Energy (48:28)
• Hopeful Trends: Cost-Effective Renewables Across Red and Blue States (51:36)
• Global Access: Good Leap’s Support for International Clean Water (54:00)
• Connecting with Julia and Parting Thoughts (56:27)

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 Cesare and Owen Barrett dive into the challenges and future direction of the climate movement, questioning whether current efforts are truly effective or in need of a major rebrand. They discuss the disconnect between climate initiatives and everyday concerns, the potential impact of redirecting resources toward issues like affordable housing and regenerative agriculture, and the role of regulation versus market forces in advancing renewable energy. The hosts emphasize the importance of practical action, clear communication, and optimism, encouraging listeners to focus less on complaining and more on building real solutions for a sustainable future. Don’t miss this episode!

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Welcome to Today’s Episode (0:35)
• Challenging the Climate Movement’s Effectiveness (3:18)
• The Need for Industry Rebranding and Communication (6:08)
• Rethinking Resource Allocation for Greater Impact (9:21)
• The Opportunity in Rising Electricity Prices for Renewables (12:35)
• The Case for Less Regulation and More Market Forces (15:07)
• Ending on Optimism and a Call to Action (16:55)

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, Andrew Jones, Founder of Carba, joins Joel and Owen to explore the science, business, and challenges of large-scale carbon removal. The conversation covers the role of biochar in sequestering carbon, the importance of both decarbonization and carbon removal for climate solutions, and the myths and skepticism surrounding the industry. Andrew also shares insights from his entrepreneurial journey, discusses the scalability and environmental co-benefits of his approach, and offers an optimistic outlook on the future of climate action. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the complexities and opportunities in the fight against climate change.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Discussing the Legitimacy and Details of Carbon Removal (1:28)
• The Role of Science, Skepticism, and Climate Models (4:35)
• Ice Cores, Climate History, and Uncertainty in Predictions (5:38)
• Potential Benefits and Risks of Increased CO2 (7:10)
• Andrew Jones Introduces Carba and His Approach to Carbon Removal (9:07)
• The Need for Both Decarbonization and Carbon Removal (10:09)
• Andrew’s Motivation and the Business Model for Carbon Removal (13:55)
• Explaining Biochar and the Pyrolysis Process (17:00)
• Economic Drivers and Carbon Credits in the Business Model (22:25)
• Challenges of Scaling and Sourcing Biomass Responsibly (25:47)
• The Entrepreneurial Journey and Why Biochar Was Chosen (26:07)
• The Scale of the Carbon Removal Problem and Waste Management (29:57)
• Addressing Additionality and Proving Impact to Buyers (36:32)
• Decentralized Operations and Responsible Biomass Sourcing (39:59)
• Myths About Carbon Removal and Concerns About Biomass Sourcing (45:25)
• Optimism for the Future and Closing Thoughts (48:25)

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, climate leader and author Auden Schendler joins Joel and Owen to discuss the shortcomings of the current environmental movement and the urgent need for systemic, policy-driven solutions to climate change. The conversation explores why individual and corporate sustainability efforts often fall short, the importance of building powerful movements, and the necessity of bold, sometimes uncomfortable action to drive real change. Auden shares personal stories, critiques greenwashing, and emphasizes that meaningful progress requires collective pressure on corporations and governments. Listeners are encouraged to move beyond token actions, embrace the challenges of activism, find hope in the opportunity to be part of a transformative movement, and more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introducing Auden & Book Club Segment (0:46)
• Smart Tech & Real-World Adoption Challenges (3:04)
• Auden’s Approach to Real Climate Action (6:17)
• Corporations, Policy, and Hardball Tactics (9:02)
• Operational Greening vs. Systemic Change (12:34)
• How to Fix the Systemic Problem (15:13)
• Challenges of Movement Alignment (17:46)
• Meta-Issues: Democracy and Coalition Building (20:08)
• The Limits of Individual Actions (22:49)
• Asymmetric Warfare: The Kleenex Boycott (25:04)
• Consulting Corporations: Real Leadership vs. Greenwashing (27:45)
• The Dangers of False Optimism (29:42)
• The Role of Corporations in Blocking Progress (33:12)
• Pressuring Powerful Entities for Systemic Change (38:43)
• Hope for the Future & Staying Motivated (42:31)
• Book Promotion and Parting Thoughts (46:41)

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, award-winning climate tech journalist and entrepreneur Sherrell Dorsey joins Joel to explore how authentic storytelling, innovation, and optimism can drive real progress in sustainability. They discuss the importance of making environmental action accessible and inspiring, the challenges and opportunities in climate tech, and the need for practical, inclusive solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. Key takeaways include the value of relentless optimism, the power of decentralized leadership, the impact of positive, authentic narratives in building a more sustainable future, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introduction And Show Overview (0:00)
• Meet Sherrell Dorsey: Background And Accomplishments (3:22)
• Taking Action To Make The World Better (3:38)
• The Power Of Authentic Storytelling In Sustainability (6:51)
• Making Sustainability Accessible And Cool (11:43)
• Business Advice And Entrepreneurial Lessons (14:40)
• The Changing Face Of Environmental Leadership (19:31)
• Focusing On Practical Solutions And Optimism (23:15)
• Innovation, Inclusion, And The Future Of Sustainability (25:44)
• The Importance Of Cool Products In Climate Tech (27:53)
• Linking Technology, Culture, And Impact (32:58)
• Questioning The Climate-Focused Movement (34:03)
• The Role Of Human Behavior And Culture In Change (37:35)
• Envisioning A Better Future Through World-Building (40:14)
• What Gives Sherrell Hope For The Future (42:47)
• Where To Follow And Connect With Sherrell Dorsey (43:43)

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 welcome Chris Pyke, Chief Innovation Officer at GRESB. Chris discusses the evolution of sustainability reporting in real estate, the challenges of balancing action with transparency, and the future of ESG standards. The conversation also explores the intent behind GRESB, the need to streamline reporting processes, and the importance of transforming underperforming assets into sustainable ones. Key takeaways include the value of actionable transparency, the necessity of both financial and non-financial metrics, the industry’s ongoing journey toward meaningful impact and innovation in sustainability, and more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Introduction & Reporting in Sustainability (0:49)
• Welcome Dr. Chris Pike to the Show (4:09)
• The Evolution of Reporting in Real Estate (6:22)
• Purpose and History of GRESB (8:34)
• The Burden of Reporting vs. Action (12:23)
• Complexity and Consultants in Reporting (14:06)
• Improving Reporting Efficiency (18:04)
• Challenges in Data Collection & Automation (20:45)
• GRESB’s Future & Industry Transformation (25:22)
• Beyond Energy: Broader Sustainability Metrics (30:49)
• Incentivizing Innovation Through Reporting (33:03)
• Investor Motivations & Capital Allocation (36:03)
• Ranking Owners & Decarbonization Attribution (40:47)
• Final Thoughts and Takeaways (44:14)

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 are joined by clean energy leader Jigar Shah to discuss the evolution and future of sustainability, clean tech, and decarbonization. The conversation covers the importance of affordability and execution in clean energy solutions, the challenges and opportunities in distributed energy and grid flexibility, and the need for industry transparency and collaboration. Jigar shares career insights, advice for entrepreneurs, and a hopeful vision for 2035, predicting the end of global energy poverty and the dominance of clean energy. Listeners will gain practical takeaways on driving impact, overcoming industry barriers, the power of collective action in building a sustainable future, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Jigar’s Influential Career (3:23)
• Taking Action for Affordability (4:07)
• Early Days of SunEdison & Solar Costs (5:55)
• Career Path & Impact Advice (7:24)
• Entrepreneurship, Execution, and Team Building (10:50)
• Jigar’s Superpowers (14:38)
• Industry Transparency & Sharing Lessons (16:54)
• Electricity Supercycle & Grid Flexibility (22:21)
• Investment Advice: Painkillers vs. Vitamins (29:42)
• Innovative HVAC Solutions (32:06)
• Crisis as Catalyst for Innovation (34:06)
• Distribution Grid & Demand Flexibility (37:59)
• EVs, Bidirectional Charging, and Home Integration (39:39)
• 2035 Crystal Ball: Clean Energy Dominance (42:18)
• Hope for the Future (48:08)
• Connecting with Jigar and Episode Conclusion (50:30)

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 are joined by Raz Godelnik, Associate Professor of Strategic Design and Management at Parsons School of Design and author of "Rethinking Corporate Sustainability in the Era of Climate Crisis." Raz discusses why current ESG and sustainability efforts are falling short. The conversation explores the need to move beyond incremental change and shareholder capitalism, the importance of holistic, systems-level thinking, and why sustainability must better connect with people’s real priorities. Key takeaways include the value of asking better questions, the role of education and design thinking in driving change, hope inspired by the next generation of leaders, and so much more. 

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• First Professor Guest & Course Creation Segment (1:13)
• Owen’s Course: Take Action and Get Out of Your Lane (2:53)
• Joel’s Course: Question Everything (4:44)
• Challenging Regulations & Real-World Example (7:11)
• Introducing Raz Godelnik (8:09)
• AI and Education/Sustainability (10:18)
• Rethinking Corporate Sustainability Book (12:15)
• Do We Need to Rethink Capitalism? (15:42)
• Sustainability’s Failure to Connect Value (17:17)
• Barriers to Political and Systemic Change (19:33)
• Holistic vs. Narrow Focus in Sustainability (22:36)
• Upstream vs. Downstream Solutions (24:03)
• Barriers Beyond Capital: Connecting to People’s Priorities (29:18)
• Advice for Students: Ask Better Questions (33:21)
• Incrementalism and Business Model Inertia (36:14)
• Who Should Lead Radical Change? (38:39)
• Hope for the Future (42:26)
• Connecting with Raz and Parting Thoughts (44:03)

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 welcome Gus Bartholomew, Co-Founder of Leafr. Gus discusses the pressing need for action over excessive reporting in the sustainability sector. The conversation also explores the pitfalls of audit fatigue, the importance of building lean, impact-focused sustainability teams, and the value of bringing in specialized expertise at the right time. Gus shares insights on rebranding sustainability as a driver of operational efficiency and business value, offers career advice for aspiring professionals, and emphasizes the power of authentic communication and collaboration. Key takeaways include prioritizing progress over perfection, leveraging smart resourcing, fostering a culture of action to drive meaningful change, and so much more.

Highlights from this week’s conversation include:

• Meta Data Center Debate (1:35)
• Mass Timber vs. Concrete in Data Centers (2:19)
• Operational vs. Embodied Emissions (5:01)
• Introducing Gus Bartholomew (6:03)
• From Reporting to Action (8:36)
• Reporting vs. Action: US vs. Europe (12:30)
• Reporting Fatigue in the Industry (14:20)
• Certification and Audit Fatigue (16:55)
• Why Leafr? Addressing Under-Resourced Teams (19:29)
• Smart Resourcing and Fractional Teams (24:23)
• Advice for Entering Sustainability Careers (30:26)
• Lean Sustainability Teams: A New Model (34:39)
• Perfection vs. Progress in Sustainability (36:14)
• Building a Voice on LinkedIn (39:04)
• The Power of Authentic Content (41:52)
• Optimism for the Future (43:54)
• Connecting with Gus and Parting Thoughts (45:05)

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.