The SustainUW Podcast

In the fifth episode of the SustainUW Podcast’s new miniseries, Sustainability Conversations across the Big Ten, hosts Ren Nickel and John Ernst meet with Sally DeLeon and Savannah Holt, sharing sustainability advancements from the University of Maryland, including electric buses and campus engagement. Since the recording of this episode, the University of Maryland has launched their electric bus fleet. Hosts Ren Nickel and Nate Dancer also sit down with Josh Arnold, Campus Energy Coordinator at the UW–Madison Office of Sustainability, to discuss the implementation of renewable energy at the UW–Madison campus.

This episode features conversations recorded during Women's History Month, when we celebrated the inspiring women shaping sustainability at UW–Madison. SustainUW members Evie Skibicki and Kate Scroggins hosted conversations with Dr. Heather Swan and Dr. Mallika Nocco to uncover the experiences that shaped their careers, the importance of education and mentorship, and their hopes for the next generation of environmental leaders. Whether you're passionate about sustainability or exploring your own career path, this episode offers insight, encouragement, and inspiration from two educators making a lasting impact on campus and beyond.

Enjoy an inspiring and technical conversation about the future of sustainable construction. Hosts Kate Scroggins and Evie Skibicki are joined by Matt Paneitz of Long Way Home to discuss his two decades of experience building with recycled materials like tire construction and trash-filled bottles. Kate and Evie also talked with Valerie Rehn from the UW–Madison chapter of Engineers Without Borders to explore how student-led projects are providing sustainable infrastructure to communities around the world while bridging the gap between education and impact. If either organization interests you, feel free to learn more at lwhome.org and ewbuwmadison.weebly.com.

In the fourth episode of the SustainUW Podcast's new miniseries, Sustainability Conversations across the Big Ten, hosts Ren Nickel and Nate Dancer meet with Kate Nelson, John Gardner, Ahnika Seifert, Carley Rice, and Hannah Lauber, representing multiple areas of sustainability from the University of Minnesota, to discuss their zero-waste initiatives, composting, and more. SustainUW members John Ernst and Nate Dancer also sit down with Travis Blomberg, Campus Resource Coordinator at the UW-Madison Office of Sustainability, to discuss UW-Madison's journey through zero-waste initiatives and the collaborative effort it takes to implement composting on campus.

In the third episode of the SustainUW Podcast's new miniseries, Sustainability Conversations across the Big Ten, hosts Ren Nickel and Nate Dancer meet with Daimon Eklund and Emily Adams from the University of Washington to discuss their HuES Program (Huskies for Equitable Sustainability) and new Sustainability Action Plan. The team also sits down with Malorie Garbe and Seri Sanches, the leads of UW-Madison’s University Housing Sustainability Office, to discuss hosting sustainable events and how to keep housing green.

In the second episode of the SustainUW Podcast's new miniseries, Sustainability Conversations across the Big Ten, hosts John Ernst and Ren Nickel meet with Angela Oberg from the Rutgers University Office of Climate Action to discuss Rutgers' sustainability-related internships, ambassador programs, and other student involvement opportunities. The team also sits down with Tim Lindstrom, the Student Intern Program Manager at the UW–Madison Office of Sustainability to discuss UW–Madison's campus sustainability internship program.

In the first episode of the SustainUW Podcast's new miniseries, Sustainability Conversations across the Big Ten, the team meets with Morgan Hartman and Madeline Yeatts from the University of Nebraska—Lincoln Office of Sustainability to discuss Carnegie's Elective Classification for Sustainability that UNL is currently piloting. They also sit down with Alex Frank and Kyle Schmitz from the UW—Madison Office of Sustainability to understand UW—Madison's approach to ESG reporting.

Join Brynne, Audrey, and Clean Wisconsin Communications Director Amy Barrilleaux for a conversation about the environmental, ethical, and social considerations related to the growth of artificial intelligence and its supporting infrastructure in Wisconsin. Their discussion challenges us to think critically about AI, the ways in which has become integrated into our daily lives, and whether it's possible for this emergent and disruptive technology to mature into a just and sustainable system.

Enjoy an inspiring, illuminating, and at times emotional conversation with legendary activist and UW—Madison alumnus Dr. John Francis. SustainUW hosts Audrey, Brynne, and Jordyn sat down with Dr. Francis during his visit to Madison for Earth Fest to discuss his life, legacy, and his recent critically-acclaimed eponymous documentary entitled Planetwalker.

In this special episode, SustainUW and Edge Effects collaborate to discuss the history of Earth Day in the United States, bring a glimpse of Earth Fest celebrations on the University of Wisconsin–Madison campus, and underline the importance of embracing environmental protection beyond just April 22. The episode includes an interview with Jim Feldman, director of the Environmental Studies program at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh.

This episode was created and recorded in collaboration with Edge Effects digital magazine at the UW–Madison Center for Culture, History, and Environment. Special thanks to the Edge Effects team including Managing Editor Brianna Meyer for their work in making this episode possible.