Mama Earth Talk

In this episode, we talk to Etelle Higonnet. She is  the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she's an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts.

She was knighted as a Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is now dedicated to trying to end deforestation and slavery in the global coffee industry

[00:00] -Introduction to Etelle Higonnet

[02:52] -The Birth of Coffee Watch

[04:22] -The Dark Side of Coffee Production

[08:27] -Child Labor in Coffee Farming

[15:04] -Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

[18:52] -The Role of Law in Corporate Accountability

[23:56] -Greenwashing and Consumer Power

[34:37] -Impact of Coffee Watch and Future Goals

[47:18] - Final Thoughts and Call to Action

How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee

Coffee Watch

Etelle Higonnet

• Etelle's journey into human rights began in Guatemala as a teenager.
• Coffee Watch aims to combat human rights and environmental abuses in the coffee industry.
• Most coffee consumed globally is linked to child labor and deforestation.
• Parents of child laborers want their children in school but face economic obstacles.
• Living income for farmers can eliminate child labor and poverty in coffee production.
• Certifications often do not guarantee a living wage for farmers.
• Consumer demand can drive companies to adopt better practices.
• Greenwashing is prevalent in the coffee industry, making it hard to identify ethical products.
• Law enforcement is crucial for addressing illegal practices in the coffee industry.
• The future of coffee production can be sustainable with consumer awareness and action.

In this episode, we talk to Sam Baker. He shares his journey from studying chemistry and pyrotechnics to founding Wriggle Brew, a company focused on creating sustainable fertilizers using earthworms. He discusses the environmental challenges posed by synthetic fertilizers, the importance of soil health in combating climate change, and the role of decomposers in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Sam also highlights the challenges faced in developing their product and the significance of perseverance in scientific research. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of sustainability and the responsibility we all have to protect our planet.

[00:00]- The Journey Begins: From Pyrotechnics to Sustainability

[04:36]- Wriggle Brew: Revolutionizing Fertilizers with Earthworms

[06:41]- Soil Health: The Connection to Climate Change

[09:56]- The Impact of Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil and Ecosystems

[20:13]- The Science of Earthworms: Nature's Decomposers

[24:55]- Overcoming Challenges: The Trials of Wriggle Brew

[29:57]- Scaling Up: The Future of Wriggle Brew and Sustainable Practices

[36:57]- Final 5

Instagram - WriggleBrew

Instagram - Sam Baker

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LinkedIn - WriggleBrew

LinkedIn - Sam Baker

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• Sam's journey began with a passion for chemistry and pyrotechnics.
• Environmental challenges led Sam to focus on sustainable solutions.
• Wriggle Brew uses earthworms to create organic fertilizers.
• Synthetic fertilizers harm soil health and ecosystems.
• Healthy soil is crucial for combating climate change.
• Earthworms play a vital role in nutrient recycling.
• The use of nitrogen fertilizers creates a feedback loop of soil depletion.
• Science often involves trial and error in research.
• Sustainability requires collective effort and responsibility.
• The future of our planet depends on our actions today.

In next months episode we are are looking at some sustainability certifications. What it means and that to whatch out for.

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, host Mariska shares her transformative experience hiking through Yellowstone National Park, emphasizing the beauty and importance of national parks for conservation, mental health, and cultural heritage. She discusses the challenges these parks face, including poaching and budget cuts, and highlights the need for protection and expansion of these vital spaces for future generations.

[00:00] Exploring the Beauty of Nature

[01:48] The Importance of National Parks

[08:51] Challenges Facing National Parks

[13:49] Why We Must Protect National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone’s national park’s 150th year anniversary with Kevin Costner

Wildland Trekking

5 Day hiking tour that we took

Bob Brown Foundation

Black Mamba's

• The beauty of untouched landscapes is transformative.
• National parks are crucial for our mental and physical health.
• Conservation and biodiversity are key reasons to protect parks.
• National parks play a vital role in climate resilience.
• Cultural and historical preservation is essential in national parks.
• Spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety.
• Budget cuts can lead to trail despair and increased poaching.
• Education programs in parks are vital for awareness and protection.
• Corporate encroachment poses a risk to national parks.
• We must value and protect our national parks for future generations.

In our next episode, we’ll be talking worms, looking at some amazing ways they are playing their part. 

In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Tickell. She is an award-winning environmental filmmaker, activist, and co-director of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two powerful documentaries that spotlight the role of regenerative farming in healing our planet.

During this episode, we dive into the urgent need to restore soil health, the surprising connection between agriculture and climate change, and how storytelling can drive global transformation. Rebecca shares her journey from child actor to environmental changemaker, and offers practical ways we can all support a more sustainable food system.

[02:30]-Rebecca's Sustainable Journey

[06:00]- The Power of Regenerative Agriculture

[12:50]- Documentary Impact: Common Ground and Kiss the Ground

[17:30]- The Challenges of Farming

[24:00]- The Role of Community in regeneration

[33:55]- Final 5

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

 Common Ground - Official Trailer | Prime Video

 Kiss the Ground - Official Movie Trailer (2020)

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• Farmers who transition from industrialized agriculture to regenerative agriculture, over 90% of them saw an increase in their profits within year one.
• Feeding the world is a myth... you have to be able to feed the farmers' families and that ecosystem that the food comes from.
• Rebecca's journey began with witnessing the harmful effects of industrial farming in her family.
• Regenerative agriculture can heal the planet and improve farmers' profits.
• Soil health is crucial for climate stability and food nutrition.
• Farmers often feel trapped in a cycle of debt and chemical dependence.
• Community support is essential for transitioning to regenerative practices.
• Eating locally and seasonally can help support sustainable farming.
• The narrative of 'feeding the world' needs to shift to 'feeding communities'.
• Conversations about farming practices must be approached with empathy and understanding.
• There is hope for a sustainable future through collective action.

*Assets courtesy of Big Picture Ranch.

Ever wondered how you can support Mama Earth Talk? In this special bonus episode, I (Mariska) answer the many requests from our amazing community about how to help us grow and continue spreading sustainability inspiration.

1. Listen to More Episodes

Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform

Catch up on older episodes and explore curated playlists

• 3 Podcasts to get you started
• Sustainable Business Playlist
• Plastic Rebels: Breaking Free from the Throwaway Culture
• Eco Game Changers: The Rebels, Pioneers & Disruptors

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Reviews help others find the show and tell me what’s resonating with you.

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If you’d like to go above and beyond, you can join our monthly membership. Your support directly helps keep the podcast going and growing—and you’ll get access to exclusive perks.

Sponsor or Collaborate with Us

We’re also opening a few sponsorship opportunities for upcoming episodes. If you’re an eco-conscious brand, purpose-driven business, or organization interested in partnering, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out via our Contact Page or send a direct message on Instagram.

Your support—whether through listening, sharing, reviewing, or partnering—helps amplify our message of sustainability and inspires others to live lighter on the planet.

Thank you for being part of the Mama Earth Talk journey.

Hello and welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for busy, eco-curious individuals and businesses who want to make a real difference, live a little lighter on the planet... and do it all without the pressure to be perfect.

I’m Mariska Nell, Founder and host of Mama Earth Talk and Tails and Tones. With a background in Environmental Science, a Master’s in Sustainable Design, and years of experience in sustainability across lifestyle and industry—I’m here to help you cut through the noise and take meaningful action.

Every Monday, I bring you honest conversations, relatable stories, and super practical tips to help you reduce waste and live more sustainably—in ways that actually fit your life and your work. Whether you’re making choices at home or guiding your business away from greenwashing toward real impact, this podcast is here to support you.

No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, and real change—one small step at a time.

Most episodes are just you and me, but now and then, I’m joined by scientists, activists, creators, and changemakers from around the world—people who are doing the work and bringing us hope for the future.

If you’re already part of the Crazy Birds community—welcome back. And if you’re new here: welcome in. You’re officially one of us now.

You can listen to Mama Earth Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon—anywhere you tune in. And to subscribe, just head to MamaEarthTalk.com/listen.

Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds.

In this special episode, I’m hitting pause—not on the podcast, but on the journey—to say thank you.

From the very first episode to now, over 180 episodes later, Mama Earth Talk has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined… and it’s all thanks to you—our amazing guests, loyal listeners, generous collaborators, mentors, and my beautiful Crazy Birds community.

Special thanks to:

• Dr. Sylvia Earle
• Captain Paul Watson
• Dr. Jane Goodall
• Natalie (Tully) Hore
• Bob Brown
• Yvon Chouinard – Founder of Patagonia / 1% for the Planet
• Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Marita Peters
• John Lee Dumas
• Mark Asquith
• Podcast Websites
• Captivate
• Ashley Tough
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
• Edith Cowan University (ECU)
• Deann Garcia
• Kat O'Mara
• Angus Morrison-saunders
• Clelia Marti De Ocampo
• Teresa Ann Bertossi
• Wendy Jedlička
• Holly Robbins
• Shanna Rule
• Dawn Keene

and to all you amazing crazy birds checking in every week.

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, Mariska explores Coldplay's sustainability efforts during their world tour. She discusses the band's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, innovative solutions for sustainable touring, and the importance of transparency in their environmental claims. The episode highlights how Coldplay engages fans in their green initiatives and emphasizes that while they may not be perfect, their efforts are a significant step towards a more sustainable music industry.

[00:00] Coldplay's Sustainable Tour: An Introduction

[03:04]Coldplay's Commitment to Sustainability

[08:43] Innovative Solutions for Reducing Emissions

[13:12] Assessing Coldplay's Green Claims

[17:35] Engaging Fans in Sustainability

[22:19] The Verdict on Coldplay's Efforts

Links from the episodes:

157: How the sounds of the ocean can impact our lives with Joshua Sam Miller

057: How fries can fuel your car with Karl Feilder

090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill

Where can people find Cold Play?

Cold Plays Sustainability

Key takeaways:

• Coldplay's commitment to sustainability began with a pledge to not tour until they could do so sustainably.
• They aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous tours.
• Partnerships with companies like DHL help reduce transport emissions.
• Coldplay uses renewable energy sources to power their shows.
• The band encourages fans to participate in sustainability efforts during concerts.
• Transparency in sustainability reporting is crucial for building trust.
• Coldplay's sustainability report is accessible and easy to understand.
• Engaging fans in eco-friendly practices can inspire broader change.
• Sustainability in the music industry is about progress, not perfection.
• Coldplay's efforts could set a precedent for other artists and venues.

Photo: Coldplay via Spotify

In this episode, we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall — world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and lifelong advocate for animals and the planet.

During this very special episode, we reflect on her 91st birthday and share highlights from a rare and personal interview I had the honor of recording with her. We explore the connection between science, spirituality, and activism, dive into what chimpanzees might teach us about ourselves, and reimagine how we define our relationship with nature — all through the wise and hopeful lens of Dr. Goodall.

Happy birthday, Dr. Goodall. Thank you for your tireless work and for showing us that every individual makes a difference. 

Thank you for all the messages and inparticular the two below:

Yolande Swanepoel

Her favorite quote from Dr. Jane is: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.”

She writes: “Thank you, Dr. Jane, for all your inspiration, and keep doing what you do to inspire the younger generation. One person cannot save all the animals, BUT one person can make a difference for animals.”

Raksha Uttamchandani

“On your birthday, Dr. Goodall, I would simply say: Thank you. Thank you for showing us that every small action matters, that hope is a choice, and that one voice—when used with purpose—can inspire a global movement. Wishing you a day filled with the same joy and wonder you’ve given to the world.”

Thank you for the amazing team at Terra at Expo and Roots and Shoots for hosting this amazing event.

Links from the episodes:

Waste Me Not Campaign

Wounda's Journey

Where can people find Dr. Jane?

Jane Googall Institute

Roots & Shoots

Roots & Shoots UAE

Instagram

“Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world”

In this episode, we talk to Curtis Shuck. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Well-Done Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling the environmental challenges posed by the millions of orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells.

During this episode we dig deep into the scale of the issue, the environmental impact of their work as well as look at the innovative solutions the Well Done Foundation is implementing. 

Links from the episodes:

Landman

Where can people find Curtis and the Well Done Foundation?

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

LinkedIn - Curtis

YouTube

Website

“Leaving things better than we found them"