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© Copyright 2026 Zena Harris and Mark Rabin
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Behind the scenes, sustainability in action. Entrepreneurs Zena Harris and Mark Rabin talk shop with filmmakers, event producers, and entertainment professionals from around the world in a quest to amplify the voices of people who are innovating, leveraging their influence, connecting ideas, and inspiring crews to make the entertainment we love more sustainable.
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Becky Morrison, founder and CEO of New York and LA production company The Light, joins hosts Mark and Zena on The Tie-In to expose the hidden public health crisis on film and TV sets worldwide. From the Safe Sets documentary to the untold history of Hollywood's military-inspired production model, Becky breaks down why crews are burning out, getting hurt, and why the industry is finally pushing back. Relevant to film workers in the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and every major global production hub. Topics include set safety, sleep deprivation, toxic chemicals, psychological safety, healthy production culture, and the fight to bring data and accountability to film worker wellbeing.Learn more about Safe SetsConnect With Our Guests:The Light's WebsiteBecky's WebsiteThe Light's Instagram Becky's InstagramLearn more about Safe Sets: https://www.safesetsmovie.orgConnect with our hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
Amanda Smith has spent over two decades as a scenic artist working across theater, theme parks, and film. In 2022 she joined IATSE Local 729, became a Certified California Naturalist through the UC CalNat program, and launched two parallel projects: Los Angeles Is Not A Desert — an art and writing initiative exploring LA's overlooked ecosystems — and the IATSE Local 729 Set Painters and Sign Writers Sustainability Committee.In this conversation Amanda talks about what sustainability actually looks like inside a paint department, why the Paint Care recycling program is a free and underutilized resource for film lots, how native plants are showing up (and not showing up) on screen, and why she thinks environmental education — not compliance — is the key to lasting change in the industry.She also shares her artwork live on the show, walking us through a papercut depiction of the LA River's Glendale Narrows and the vision behind it.Find Amanda at losangelesisnotadesert.com or on Instagram @laisnotadesert. Sign up for her newsletter on the website for upcoming events and community activations.Resources from this episode:CalNat CoursePaint Care ProgramDepave LA Report from Accelerate LAConnect With Our Guests:losangelesisnotadesert.comLA Is Not A Desert on InstagramConnect With our Hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
What if a QR code at a live show could route thousands of people to exactly the right place to make a difference — based on where they're scanning from?Pete Kronowitt is "an activist with a music problem" and board member of Music Declares Emergency. He joins Zena and Mark to talk about the organization's Amplify program — a system that gives artists at any level a simple, trackable way to direct their audiences toward high-impact organizations. He breaks down how it works, why it works, and what a small 10-show tour with a 36% conversion rate taught him about human behavior and mobilization.Also in this episode: how a songwriting workshop produced a track recorded by 2,500 kids worldwide, and how that project evolved into a solar installation program connecting schools across continents.Topics: fan engagement · artist strategy · music industry · Amplify program · Music Declares Emergency · behavioral mobilization · school solar partnershipsConnect With Our Guests:Music Declares on FacebookMusic Declares US on InstagramMusic Declares UK on InstagramMusic Declares on TikTokPeter Kronowitt:SpotifyApple MusicConnect With our hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
What does it look like when actors use their power on set to drive real climate action? In this episode of The Tie In, Zena and Mark sit down with Danusia Samal, co-founder of the Green Rider. The Green Rider is a UK-based organization that provides actors, writers, and directors with practical tools to reduce the carbon footprint of film and TV productions. We explore how the Green Rider's "handshake" model is breaking down communication barriers between talent and production, why early conversations are the key to greener sets, and how talent agencies are starting to rethink what they negotiate for their clients. If you work in film, TV, or entertainment and care about sustainability, this episode is for you.🌱 Connect With Our Guests:Danusia Samal InstagramGreen Rider InstagramGreen-Rider.org🎙️Connect with our hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
What does it actually take to make sustainability a core pillar of a major live event — not an afterthought? In this episode, we sit down with CJ Jerard, Chief Brand Officer at Outside, and Jonah Geschwind of Green Disco to unpack how they built OutsideDays, one of the fastest-growing outdoor festivals in the U.S., with sustainability baked in from day one.From slashing diesel generator use by 95%, eliminating 190,000 single-use plastic cups, and achieving 100% food vendor compliance — to getting 30% of attendees to arrive by sustainable transport — this conversation is packed with real-world strategies that any event organizer, brand leader, or sustainability professional can learn from.We cover: setting sustainability values before the first sponsor signs on, using stakeholder agreements as an onboarding tool, integrating composting and food donation programs, leveraging hybrid battery systems, and why fan travel is the hidden carbon emitter no one talks about.Whether you're building something new or trying to green an existing event, this episode will change how you think about what's possible.Connect With Our Guests:Outside Days WebsiteGreen DiscoJonah on LinkedInCJ on LinkedInPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” @the_tie_in_podLinkedInInstagramFacebookYouTubeConnect with our hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on The Tie In, Mark is in the field at DistribuTECH 2025, the premier grid modernization and clean energy technology conference, interviewing innovation leaders solving critical sustainability and infrastructure challenges.Featured clean energy technologies: AI-powered utility infrastructure software accelerating grid upgrades (Bentley Systems), breakthrough lithium battery safety technology preventing thermal runaway in commercial energy storage (Viridi), utility-grade modular microgrid systems providing resilient renewable power (Box Power), smart electrical panel load management eliminating costly service upgrades (SPAN).Learn how these innovations enable decarbonization, reduce energy costs, improve resilience, and make renewable energy practical across industries—from entertainment and manufacturing to real estate and beyond.Perfect for sustainability professionals, energy managers, facility directors, corporate ESG officers, climate consultants, cleantech enthusiasts, production managers, and anyone navigating the renewable energy transition.Topics: Grid modernization, renewable energy infrastructure, battery storage safety, microgrid applications, electrical service upgrades, decarbonization strategies, net zero goals, sustainable facility management, ESG compliance, clean energy transition, power grid resilience, climate technology solutions, energy cost reduction.Learn more about our guests:Bentley SystemsBrad Johnson on LinkedInViridiHal Corin on LinkedInBox PowerRithy ChheangSPANTroy Daniels on LinkedInConnect with our hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
In this raw, honest episode of The Tie-In podcast, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin tackle the question every entrepreneur and startup founder faces: Is starting another business worth the next 5-10 years of your life?Zena and Mark dive into real talk about building companies and the founder journey:✓ The hidden costs of entrepreneurship beyond money✓ Self-awareness and personal growth as essential founder skills✓ The startup fallacy nobody talks about✓ Choosing your path: starting a company vs. joining a team✓ Work-life balance, relationships, and founder burnout✓ Mental health for entrepreneursThis is two business founders being honest about the realities of entrepreneurship. Whether you're considering your first startup or contemplating your next business, this conversation offers the unfiltered entrepreneurial reality check you need.🎙️ Like & follow "The Tie-In": @the_tie_in_podConnect with our hosts:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark talk with Every Day Action Co-founders Hillary Cohen and Sam Luu. Every Day Action is a non-profit born from Hillary and Sam’s frustration at seeing untouched gourmet meals for cast and crew on film and T sets being thrown away rather than donated – because it was too complicated. Their experience as Assistant Directors for film and TV gave them the experience and problem-solving skills needed to turn their frustration into action. Listen in as we learn how rescuing and reallocating food has had ripple effects on the ground in Hollywood, from feeding hungry people to employing production folks when the local production industry shuts down or moves out of town. Learn more about Every Day Action:Every Day Action WebsiteVolunteer With or Donate to Every Day ActionInstagram FacebookLinkedInTikTokYouTubePlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark speak with Maria Intscher-Owrang, Co-Founder and CEO of Simplifyber, an advanced materials company transforming manufacturing through simplified, sustainable processes. Maria is a fashion innovator who brings over 20 years of global design leadership and early expertise in ethical, sustainable luxury. Listen in as we learn about the vision and methodologies behind Simpifyber and why the fashion industry is ready to be disrupted. Learn more about Simplyfyber:Simplifyber WebsiteInstagramFacebookLinkedInPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena is on stage at the Sustainable Production Forum with Yasmin Glanville, a senior results-oriented, growth, innovation, leadership, and communication strategist. Yasmin has over 35 years of executive and consulting experience with major business organizations, communities, NFPs, foundations, government, NGOs, and startups in a broad range of industries. Filmed during SPF Toronto on November 24th, 2025, Zena and Yasmin define and discuss what makes a good leader, who can lead, the importance of creating a culture of collaboration, and more!This episode is an edited version of a longer, live-streamed conversation.Learn more about Yasmin:Yasmin Glanville & Associate WebsiteYasmin’s LinkedInYasmin on XRethink Sustainability Initiative (RSI)Learn more about the Sustainable Production Forum:SPF WebsiteSPF on InstagramSPF on FacebookSPF on YouTubeSPF on LinkedInPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark speak with Alan Lacy, chief filmmaker and founder of Reel Earth Films, about his latest film, a Jackson Wild 2025 Media Award Finalist: Burrowing Owls: A Love Story. In this episode Alan shares behind the scenes details on the production and filming of Burrowing Owls, the film’s collaboration with The Global Owl Project to actively participate in conservation efforts, and their strategies tell a great stories.Learn more about Burrowing Owls, Alan Lacy, and Jackson WildReel Earth Films WebsiteBurrowing Owls; A Love StoryReel Earth Films InstagramAlan Lacy InstagramJackson Wild WebsiteJackson Wild InstagramPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Mark is on The Playa talking to the innovators who are using the extreme environment of Burning Man as the proving grounds for portable, replicable, user-friendly renewable energy microgrids. Meet some of Burning Man's renewable energy pioneers and learn about the infrastructure they are creating to help meet The Burning Man Project’s 2030 goals set out in their Net Zero Black Rock City Initiative. Mark brings us into Black Rock City to hear from Solarpunk’s Xtina Chu and Corey Johnson, Dragon Wing’s Dr. Ryan Wartena, Burning Man Org’s Director of Regeneration George Reed III, Halo Hybrid Solution’s Ben Seiger, and Bao Chicka Wow Wow’s Daniel Hua and Marcus De Paula.Learn more about our guests:Ben Sieger: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bseager/Solarpunks Website: https://www.solarpunks.club/Solarpunks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/solarpunks.club/Burning Man Project: https://burningman.org/about/about-us/sustainability/Dragon Wings Website: https://www.dragonwings.co/Bao Chicka Wow Wow Website: https://www.baochickawowwow.com/Please like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark reflect on their second season. Season 2 included nearly 50 interviews! Join Zena and Mark as they look back on what they've done this year and share the lessons they've learned from their guests. Please like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark talk with CJ Jerard, Chief Brand Officer at Outside, and Jonah Geschwind, CEO of Green Disco, about planning and production of Outside Days, Denver, Colorado’s 3-day festival that brings family and friends outside to enjoy music, ideas, film, and experiences. Outside Days has aspired to become the most sustainable festival in the country, tune in to get the behind-the-scenes details on how they make it happen. Learn more about Outside Days, Jonah, and CJ:Outside Days WebsiteGreen Disco WebsiteJonah on LinkedInCJ on LinkedInPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark speak with Larry Engel, a Daytime Emmy® award-winning filmmaker and the director of the Film and Media Arts division in the School of Communication at American University. Larry co-authored the first Code of Best Practices in Sustainable Filmmaking in 2009 and is currently an associate director of the Center for Environmental Filmmaking, where he directs the Classroom in the Wild experiential program. With five decades of experience, Larry has stories and wisdom to share from the “ahah moment" that inspired him to approach filmmaking more sustainably, to what it’s like to fly into the eye of a hurricane, and more!Learn more about Larry EngelInstagram: @filmingmadLinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/filmingmadPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark are changing things up, we have two interviews on this episode. Tony Linan from Texas and Isaiah Smith from Louisiana share their point of view from their distinct regions, communities, and niches in entertainment.. Tony, a former military filmographer, has moved into documenting power sports and has insight on what it would take for electric motorcycles and gear to take off in his community. Isaiah brings the joy and shares what he’s witnessed in the Louisiana community theater scene and how he stays positive. Learn more about Tony Linan and Isaiah "Zaya" Smith Tony’s Instagram: @roninphotographer42YouTube: @Ronin42ProductionIsaiah’s Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-zaya-show/id1543621205Isaiah’s Instagram: @the_zaya_show Please like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark talk with Melina Laboucan-Massimo, Founder and Executive Director of Sacred Earth Solar and co-founder of Indigenous Climate Actions. Melina shares with us her journey into climate activism; why she started an organization dedicated to supporting self-sufficiency and a just renewable energy transition for Indigenous communities; insights from her 2020 series Power to The People; and reflections gathered over her 20 years of experience working on social, environmental, and climate justice issues. Learn more about Melina Laboucon-Massimo and Sacred Earth SolarWebsiteMelina’s InstagramSacred Earth Solar’s InstagramYoutubeFacebookLinkedInPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark talk with Samuel Rubin, a social impact practitioner and climate activist working at the intersection of culture, storytelling, and environmental advocacy. Samuel, Zena, and Mark explore the language of change, the inertia of emotion, how to avoid the greenhouse effect of ideas, and why culture shapes action.Learn more about Samuel RubinWebsite: https://www.entertainmentculturepavilion.orgInstagram: Entertainment Culture Pavilion, Samuel RubinPlease like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn*"Culture eats strategy for breakfast" is a quote attributed to Peter Drucker.
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark talk with Adam Rowe (Production Designer) and Joe Madziak (Construction Coordinator) about how they worked together in Canada and the U.S. to reuse sets on Good Sam (2022), Glamourous (2023), and Matlock (2024-current). Adam and Joe share practical knowledge, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and share the obvious and surprising positives of working with sets across multiple projects.Learn more about Adam Rowe and Joe Madziak:Adam Rowe Instagram Adam Rowe IMDB Joe Madziak IMDB Please like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
This week on “The Tie-In,” Zena and Mark talk with Aaron Laslo, founder of Can-Do! Green Technologies, an urban lumberjack and CEO of UrbanJacks. UrbanJacks is a Vancouver, Canada-based startup growing in Vancouver and expanding to Ontario and California markets. UrbanJacks processes secondary solid wood waste and transforms it into recycled, premium lumber. We talk carbon credits, the circular economy, forging a new path in new industries, collaboration across North America, the courage required to change the system, and more.Learn more about Aaron Laslo and Urban Jacks:Website: https://urbanjacks.caInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/urbanjacksofficial/Please like & follow “The Tie-In” here: @the_tie_in_podYou can learn more about our hosts, Zena Harris and Mark Rabin & connect with them here:Zena Harris on LinkedInMark Rabin on LinkedIn
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