In this thought-provoking conversation, Professor David Whyte examines how our legal and economic systems—particularly the structures of corporate capitalism—shape environmental outcomes and impede meaningful climate action. Drawing from his academic work and recent report The Carbon Cash Machine, he argues that tackling climate change requires confronting the underlying architecture that enables corporations to prioritize profit...

In this thought-provoking episode, Christopher Brown—lawyer, novelist, and urban naturalist— takes us on a journey through the landscape around his home in Austin, Texas, the edgelands where the city meets the wild. Drawing from his latest book, A Natural History of Empty Lots, Christopher explores the resilience of urban ecosystems, the unexpected biodiversity thriving...

In this episode of Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Fergal Byrne speaks once again with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder of d.light, about the strategic, operational, and financial challenges of scaling social enterprises. Since its inception, d.light has reached nearly 180 million people in emerging markets with off-grid solar solutions. Nedjip shares key decisions that enabled d.light’s growth, the...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Sustainability Agenda, Fergal Byrne speaks with Manda Scott—award-winning novelist, podcaster, and shamanic practitioner—about the profound challenges of our time and the transformative possibilities of conscious evolution. Manda discusses the “polycrisis” of climate breakdown, systemic inequities, and the existential threat of predatory capitalism, offering a deep perspective on the spiritual...

What does it take for an organization focused on impact to drive meaningful, large-scale change? In this compelling episode, Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation, shares his deep expertise in scaling solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Kevin introduces Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling, including their “Doer and Payer at...

What does it take for an impact-first organization to achieve meaningful, large-scale change? In this insightful episode, Kevin Starr, director of the Mulago Foundation, shares decades of expertise on scaling solutions that address the world’s toughest challenges.   Kevin explains Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling… their “Doer and Payer at Scale” framework, and their rigorous...

In this fascinating episode, Fergal Byrne sits down with Odin Mühlenbein, co-leader of Ashoka’s AI Lab, for a deep dive into the transformative role and potential of AI for social entrepreneurs. With a background spanning philosophy, social venture development, and an early passion for programming, Odin brings a unique perspective to the possibilities AI offers...

In this interview,with Bettina Grabymayr, Methodology and Research Director at EcoVadis, we explore the critical role of sustainability assessments in managing supply chain risks, particularly as global regulations like the EU’s CSRD and CS3D come into play. Bettina shares how EcoVadis’ comprehensive rating methodology helps companies gather reliable sustainability data, engage suppliers and improve performance....

In this fascinating interview with Professor Brett Christophers from Uppsala University, we dive deep into the complex relationship between finance, energy markets, and the global climate crisis, as explored in his new book The Price Is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet. Brett provides critical insights into why global greenhouse gas emissions continue to...

In this fascinating interview, James Thornton, founder and CEO of ClientEarth, discusses his latest book Nature, My Teacher, offering a unique perspective on the intersections of law, nature, and spirituality. Reflecting on his decades-long career as an environmental lawyer, Thornton shares how his work to protect the environment has been shaped by his deep reverence...