The Eco Enthusiast

In September 2021 Richard Muscat boarded a train to Cambridge to join Carbon13’s second Climate Tech cohort. Carbon13 is a venture builder whose stated mission is to create high-growth startups that each have the potential of reducing carbon emissions by ten million tons annually. He was excited. He was finally ‘officially’ turning his talents towards a meaningful task — fighting climate change. So why did he quit his mission less than a year later? Today we learn about the shipping industry, degrowth, and the idea of embracing our imagination to dream of future beyond capitalism.

Today's episode is a bit different. It's me being interviewed by Shane O'Conner from Charter For Compassion, a non-profit focused on cultivating a more compassionate world. We speak about my children's book THE GIRL WHO BECAME A TREE. A lovely easy-going conversation about reconnection, transformation, and trees. Amazon Spain THE GIRL WHO BECAME A TREE Amazon AUS THE GIRL WHO BECAME A TREE

William Grönlund is the spokesperson for the Swedish climate-focused political party The Climate Alliance. He is also an active member of Fathers Rebellion. William has dedicated his life to ensuring a future for his four children in this defining decade. In today's episode, we discuss his journey to climate action and what might be stopping other fathers, and parents, from stepping up to fight for their kids.

Ellie Jackson is the visionary behind the bestselling children's book series, Wild Tribe Heroes. Through captivating tales of courage and compassion, Ellie's books shine a light on pressing environmental issues such as plastic pollution, climate change, and habitat loss. Meet The Wild Tribe Heroes! Duffy the Sea Turtle, Marli the Puffin, Nelson the Whale, Buddy the Orangutan, Hunter the Polar Bear, Sunny the Koala, and Ziggy the Bee—all beloved characters in Ellie's remarkable series. These endearing creatures embark on journeys of resilience and hope, inspiring young readers to become champions of change. Ellie's books are more than just stories—they're powerful tools for education and empowerment. Each tale gently imparts valuable lessons about environmental stewardship in a positive and inspiring manner, complete with happy endings and practical ideas for a sustainable future. As the bestselling children's book series on plastic pollution, climate change, and habitat loss, Wild Tribe Heroes has captured the hearts of readers around the world. From Duffy's courageous journey to Marli's spirited adventures, Ellie's stories resonate with children and adults alike, sparking conversations and igniting a passion for protecting our planet. Join Ellie and The Wild Tribe Heroes on an extraordinary adventure—one where imagination meets activism, and every page is a testament to the power of storytelling in creating positive change. From her humble beginnings in Cornwall to receiving accolades from environmental icons like Sir David Attenborough and Prince Charles, Ellie's journey is one of resilience, determination, and unwavering commitment to a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come. Get ready to be inspired, uplifted, and empowered as Ellie shares her insights, experiences, and hopes for a world where every child becomes a steward of our precious planet. Tune in as we celebrate the power of storytelling to ignite change and join the movement to create a healthier, more vibrant world for all. Don't miss this captivating conversation with Ellie Jackson, where the magic of storytelling meets the urgency of environmental action.

Thea Ormerod is the honorary President of ARRCC, the Australian Religious Response to Climate Change. With a background in social work and a heart dedicated to making a difference, Thea has been instrumental in bringing together voices from diverse faith communities to tackle the urgent issue of climate change. Not only is Thea a leading figure in climate activism, but she's also deeply committed to addressing global poverty and inequality. As a grandmother of eleven grandchildren, she carries with her a profound sense of responsibility to leave behind a world that is sustainable and just for future generations. Join us as we delve into Thea's journey, her insights on faith-driven climate action, and how we can all play a part in creating a better world. Stay tuned for an enlightening conversation filled with wisdom, passion, and hope. www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

Dr. Weli achieved global recognition when his innovative interpretation of kangaroo behavior won the prestigious "Dance Your PhD" competition. Picture this: drag queens, twerking, ballerinas, a classical Indian dancer, all woven together in a four-minute masterpiece titled "Kangaroo Time." It's a celebration of diversity and a brilliant translation of complex research into the universal language of dance and music. Dr. Weli took on the challenge of communicating scientific findings through performing arts with gusto, and his victory speaks volumes about the power of creativity in science communication. Join us as we delve into Dr. Weli's journey from studying animal behavior at the Australian National University to becoming a sensation in the scientific and artistic communities. We'll explore his groundbreaking research on kangaroo dynamics and how it reflects our own human experience of diversity and conformity. Beyond his scientific endeavors, Dr. Weli's story is one of courage and self-discovery. A queer immigrant from Brazil, he brings a deeply personal perspective to his work, drawing parallels between his own journey and the behaviors he studies. And there's more to Dr. Weli's story than just science. Since leaving academia, he's embarked on a new path as a singer-songwriter, infusing his music with the same passion and creativity that earned him acclaim in the scientific world. So, tune in as we uncover the magic behind Dr. Weli's "joyful madness" and explore the boundless possibilities when science meets art. This is an episode you won't want to miss. KANGAROO TIME www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

Dan Sherrard-Smith is the founder of MotherTree. MotherTree makes it easy for individuals and value-led organisations to reduce their financial carbon emissions and save money by focusing on pensions, banks, and bills.Before launching MotherTree, Dan was on the founding team of Look After My Bills, which saved the UK public £127m and achieved the best-ever deal on Dragons’ Den.MotherTrees aim is to shift £1bn into the green economy by 2025. They currently represent £290m and have found routes to reduce 26,000t in carbon emissions. www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

EV enthusiast Ben Newman has owned three Telsas and was the NSW rep for the Tesla Owners Club of NSW, Australia. Today's episode debunks a mountain of EV myths that have possibly been slowing down the way forward to a cleaner future. https://www.tesla.com/about https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6T9xIeZTds www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

Zack Theony of ⁠After Always Apparel⁠ is a fashion designer and social media influencer making a difference. Transforming thrifted items into what has been described as high fashion meets loungewear he reminds his followers that there is no away to throw our things and that our clothes can and should always say something about our luminous spirit.

Miriam Wanjiku is a climate mum and fierce protector of nature. After being inspired by her daughter's environmental activism, Miriam has come alive and out of her shell through a deep care for her homeland of Kenya. Miriam and her daughter Ramina are among a growing number of active citizens who refuse to sit by as global north corporations poison one of their continent's greatest lakes. www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

After growing money for massive companies like Loreal and Nestle, former Account Manager ⁠Erin Remblance⁠ is now pushing for a future of DEGROWTH. Erin is a freelance writer for Illuminum and one of the creators of ⁠(Re)Biz⁠. A fascinating story of how a mother's concern for her children's future created a radical redirection in the hope of triggering a social tipping point. (Re)biz https://www.rebiz.io/ www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

Meet Renae McLennan, the driving force behind a family camping trip around Australia, and the twist? Not a single drop of fossil fuels is in sight. This is an electric adventure, where every mile is a step toward a sustainable future Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElecTrekAustralia Website / Blog: https://www.electrekking.net/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electrekking/ www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

"Never fly again? Go vegan? It was too hard. But I still cut my emissions by 61% and it made life simpler and better" I was intrigued by this Guardian article by Jo Cla, a Greens MP in the ACT Australia, and I knew I had to get her on to share her carbon-cutting wisdom. "I'm a hedonist, so if you're going to get someone to carbon counting, it's me." ---------------------------------------- Jo Clay Instagram Music 'Meetings' By Aidan Roberts and Emma Davis

Nicole Rosow is the director of Sustainability at ⁠IE University⁠, Madrid. It has recently become one of the first carbon-neutral universities in Europe. Today we learn about how Nicole achieved this goal and how she and her team are on a mission to reach net zero by 2030 via their ten-year plan. Music: Emma Davis & Aidan Roberts www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

Two years ago, ⁠Gregory Andrews⁠ was Australia's high commissioner in West Africa, but for the last couple of weeks, he has been on a climate hunger strike out the front of the Australian Parliament House in Canberra. He lasted 16 days without food demanding our leaders take radical climate action. This is his story.

How do we celebrate a magical Christmas and consider sustainability and the deeper meanings of the silly season? Today I chat with two mothers to nut it out, clinical psychologist and founder of ⁠Mothers Rebellion ⁠Sara Nilsson Lööv and parenting coach ⁠Denise Suarez⁠. Music: Emma Davis & Aidan Roberts ⁠THE ECO ENTHUSIAST ⁠ ⁠FUROSHIKI⁠ ⁠30 million trees used for wrapping paper⁠

You may not know the name Tom Brown, but you have most probably seen his meme. A retired engineer, 80 years old, who has single-handedly saved 1200 apple species from going extinct. The meme has been shared far and wide on the interwebs, and he has received countless comments, shares, and likes. He doesn't know how many because he doesn't use social media. He didn't even know his photo had been taken. He just does what he does because it's the right thing to do. I learned a lot from this wonderful Eco Enthusiast. Don't miss this conversation with the determined Tom Brown. www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com Music: Emma Davis & Aidan Roberts

Today I chatted with Thomas Nelson a man who has created a social media account with 1.6 million followers speaking solely about ....nature. GIVE A SHIFT ABOUT NATURE. I love this page and I follow along and enjoy the educational tips and humour. In today's talk, I learned about the importance of DIRT and doing things with LOVE. MUSIC: Emma Davis & AidanRoberts

Today we chat with comedian Lisa Timmons who is on a mission to destroy celebrity worship culture one lipdup at a time. MUSIC: Aidan Roberts & Emma Davis www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com

Sara Nilson Lööv is a clinical psychologist, climate activist, and mother. Last summer, in Sweden, she created ⁠MOTHERS REBELLION⁠. In one year the movement has swept across 25 countries and six continents. Mothers from all over the world, finally embrace and publicly declare their grief as a call to action. MUSIC: Emma Davis & Aiden Roberts PROSE: Maria Backman www.theecoenthusiastpodcast.com