Mama Earth Talk

In this episode, we talk to Thom Norman. He is trailblazer in the fight against factory farming and the founder of FarmKind—the first organization to use research-backed insights from GivingMultiplier.org to address this critical issue. FarmKind helps donors maximize their impact by splitting contributions between expert-recommended charities tackling factory farming’s effects on animals and the planet, and their own favorite causes, with bonuses to amplify both. Thom’s work is revolutionizing philanthropy to create a more humane and sustainable world.

During this episode, we explore how Thom transitioned from the courtroom to advocating against factory farming, shedding light on its profound environmental and ethical impacts. He shares thought-provoking insights on greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and the psychological toll of our food choices. We also dive into the innovative work of FarmKind, from leveraging psychology to amplify the impact of ethical donations to collaborating with chefs to transform supply chains. 

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Thom and FarmKind?

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“Empowering consumers to make a difference in farming”

In this episode, we talk to Brett Jenks, who leads Rare, a global organization empowering communities to protect and manage natural resources sustainably. As CEO, he has driven initiatives like Fish Forever—the world’s largest coastal fishery recovery effort—and has blended behavioral science with community-led conservation, expanding the organization’s reach to over 60 countries to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture. He has also extended this work into the for-profit sector with The Meloy Fund. Additionally, he is a Catto Fellow, Braddock Scholar, McNulty Prize laureate, and trustee of the Grantham Trust. His commitment to our planet has earned him global recognition, including the Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism.

During this episode, we explore Rare’s innovative approach to conservation, including how behavioral science and community-led efforts are transforming global environmental action. We discuss lessons from partnerships, the role of impact investing, and the potential of tech innovations like the EverForest game. Plus, we uncover practical steps listeners can take to support conservation and examine the decisions that have shaped Rare’s impact under his leadership.

180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams

Ever Forrest Game

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LinkedIn - Rare

LinkedIn - Brett

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“People change when they see other people change.”

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Jedlička. She has a strong background in design, manufacturing, and business. As a Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional and certified Sustainability Associate, she brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable design and business strategies. She is the president of a packaging design firm that specializes in creating sustainable solutions, and she’s played a key role in coordinating the o2 International Network for Sustainable Design in the US. Beyond her work in the field, she also develops curriculum and teaches courses on sustainable design, marketing, and business. An internationally recognized speaker and prolific writer, she’s contributed to leading design publications and authored chapters in well-known books, bringing cutting-edge insights to professionals worldwide.

During this episode we talked about our guest’s journey into sustainable packaging, exploring what first inspired her, how packaging has evolved, and the latest materials and technologies shaping its future. She dispels common misconceptions about sustainable packaging, shares the biggest challenges businesses face in adopting sustainable practices, and discusses her efforts to weave sustainability into education. We also talk about her books, Packaging Sustainability and Sustainable Graphic Design, and hear her advice for anyone wanting to make a meaningful impact. 

Links from the episodes:

Course 77 video

Nanobag

Where can people find Wendy?

LinkedIn

MCAD

O2 Upper Midwest

KEY TAKE AWAY

"Products and packaging needs to be a team and currently they are not treated that way."

In this episode, we talk to Maddie Hamann, a remarkable individual with a journey that spans diverse fields. She began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and went on to manage large-scale projects, ranging from research campaigns to art installations. Eventually, she made the bold move to start a sustainable bread company.

Her passion for healing humanity’s relationship with our planet led her to realize that her skills in organizing and executing impactful projects could make a greater difference than research alone. Now, as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at PACHA, she promotes regenerative agriculture through healthy eating.

During this episode, we talked about what inspired Maddie’s career shift, the origins of PACHA, and why buckwheat was chosen for its environmental benefits. We also discussed her vision for PACHA’s future—all with a focus on supporting Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes:

Kiss the ground documentary

Invest in Pacha

Where can people find Maddie and Pacha?

Facebook

Instagram - Pacha

Instagram - Maddie

LinkedIn - Maddie

YouTube

Website

“I wanted to be part of the solution.”

In this episode, we talk to Paul Hargreaves, the CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish, two award-winning businesses committed to sustainability. Paul's company was one of the first in the UK to certify as a B Corp, setting a powerful example for other companies looking to balance purpose and profit. He’s also a speaker and author of Forces for Good and The Fourth Bottom Line, where he explores the impact businesses can have beyond the traditional triple bottom line.

During this episode, we delve into Paul's inspiring sustainability journey and discuss how businesses can drive positive change for both people and the planet. We’ll uncover what it really takes to become B Corp certified, the challenges along the way, and how companies can go beyond certification to create lasting legacies. Paul shares insights into how Cotswold Fayre integrates sustainability into everyday operations and explains the concept of the “fourth bottom line.” Plus, he offers a glimpse into the future of business as a force for good, and what he's most proud of on this mission to protect Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes

Triple bottom line episode with Julian Gunderley

1% for the planet episode with Kate Williams

Where can people find Paul?

Cotswold Fayre

Flourish

Paul LinkedIn

Website

“You can be a successful business and do good for the world at the same time.”

In this episode, we dive into the concept of the circular economy, exploring how it differs from the traditional linear model and why it’s essential for a sustainable future. From understanding the role of design in extending product lifecycles to discovering innovative companies like Loop by Terracycle and Herman Miller, we highlight real-world examples of circularity in action.

 Key differences between the linear and circular economies:

• Linear Economy: Us humans have adopted a linear approach that maximizes profits without paying the true costs. (Short term profit, no real thought of the long term implications)
• Circular Economy: Nature shows us the way with a circular approach, where everything goes back into the earth to feed the next cycle, maximizing the life cycle of products. (There is a )
• Linear Economy: Waste equals waste.
• Circular Economy: Waste equals food for the next step in the cycle.
• Linear Economy: Design prioritizes customer needs, usability, and appealing packaging.
• Circular Economy: Design prioritizes recycling, easy repair and replacement of components, and ultimately, a product's full lifecycle.

Links from the episodes:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

The Story of stuff  by Annie Leonard

Patagonia

The Shitthropocene | Full Film | Welcome to the Age of Cheap Crap

Nudie Jeans

Rent Runway

ThredUp

Shop Retold

Fairphone

Plaine Products 

Loop by Terracycle 

Herman Miller

Cradle to Cradle 

“The circular economy reimagines waste as a resource, driving sustainability by keeping products and materials in use and regenerating nature.”

Image Source: Final Straw

In this episode, I am thrilled to return after a brief hiatus to share some exciting personal and professional updates. I recently graduated with a post-grad degree in Environmental Science, making the Dean's List, and am now diving into a Master's in Sustainable Design with a focus on transforming sustainability in the pet industry as well as a Masters in Environmental Science. I also proudly attended my Australian Citizenship ceremony and embarked on training for my first ultra marathon. Additionally, our family has decided to call Dubai home once again, and I am recording this episode from my brand-new green room, excited to test out some new setups.

During this episode, we discuss the importance of community, especially in transient cities like Dubai. Reflecting on my recent experiences and studies, I delve into the role of community in fostering resilience and support. Highlighting the inspiring work of past guest Shani Graham and her TED Talks on building and sustaining community, I explore various ways to get involved, from Buy Nothing groups to community gardens. I encourage listeners to find or start local initiatives, emphasizing that every small step counts towards making a positive impact. Join me as we reconnect and rediscover the power of community in driving sustainability and personal growth.

Links from the episodes:

136: Why building a resilient and connected community is important for a sustainable future with Shani Graham

Take a street and build a community: Shani Graham at TEDxPerth

Resilience in turbulent times? The answer is community. | Shani Graham | TEDxPerth

178: Sailing the waves of change a conversation with Captain Paul Watson

Free Captain Paul Watson

Bob Brown Foundation

Key Take Away

“There are so many different ways how we can step up or step in and join a community. ”

In this episode, we talk to Briege Whitehead. She is the Founder and Creative Director of White Spark Pictures, driven by a passion for storytelling. Through her innovative work in film, she inspires change and elevates environmental awareness. A critically acclaimed director and executive producer, she has spearheaded numerous projects, including 'Impossible Planet' and 'Beyond the Milky Way.' Notably, her groundbreaking VR hit, 'The Antarctica Experience,' earned her the Channel 7’s Western Australian Young Achiever of the Year Award. Other awards include the 40under40 winner (2020), former SPA (Screen Producers Australia) 'One-to-Watch,' and the winner of the 2020 ECU International Alumni Award.

During this episode, we discussed how the origins of her sustainable journey intertwined storytelling with environmental advocacy, emphasizing the importance of factual content. We also delved into her groundbreaking VR project, 'The Antarctica Experience,' and explored some exciting new projects she has in the pipeline.

Links from the episodes:

White Spark Pictures Programmes

Where can people find Briege?

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Website

Key Take Away

“You take it for granted when it is in your own backyard”

In this episode, we talk to Angus Morrison-Saunders. He is an Environmental Impact Assessment expert with over 35 years of experience. He has excelled in academia, research, and consultancy as well as an editor of leading EIA journals and a dedicated environmental consultant, who has significantly shaped the field.

During this episode we talked about origins of EIA, highlighted EIA's pivotal role in mitigating environmental impacts, and explored challenges like defining "significant" impacts and the comprehensive EIA process. Emphasizing the evolving role of public engagement, obstacles in EIA, the practice of offsetting impacts, and the necessity of collaboration between sectors.

Links from the episodes:

The best books on environmental impact assessment

Where can people find Angus?

LinkedIn

ECU

Key Take Away

“Think before you act”

In this episode, I share with you one of the important topics that I looked out in depth this year, that is eutrophication. It might seem like a big word and if you are wondering what am I talking about, well it simple terms it is mainly the greenish water that you might often come across in some of the aqua systems, but there is a lot more to it.

The term, eutrophication. originating from the Greek word "eutrophos,", meaning well-nourished, is a complex environmental issue that has far-reaching consequences on aquatic ecosystems. This phenomenon involves the enrichment of aquatic environments with excess nutrients, leading to profound ecological changes. While eutrophication can occur naturally over extended periods, the recent acceleration of this process is primarily attributed to human activities, marking it as a significant contemporary environmental challenge. 

“Every step no matter how big or small can make a difference.”