Sustainably Smart Talks

We often talk about sustainability in terms of energy, transport, and food systems. But what about the place where we spend a third of our lives?Sleep is foundational to human health, performance, and wellbeing. Yet the products we sleep on are typically made from petrochemicals, hard-to-recycle foams, and energy-intensive materials that quietly contribute to environmental harm.In this episode, we explore how comfort, materials science, and sustainability collide in the world of sleep innovation.Joining me is Richard “The Comfort Punk” Naylor, Founder of Yumi Sleep and a leading expert in mattress design, materials, and sustainable product development. Richard is redefining how we think about comfort, moving beyond mass-produced foam to human-centred, circular, and regenerative design.🔎 In this episode, we explore• Why sleep products are an overlooked sustainability challenge• The hidden environmental cost of conventional mattresses• How materials science can transform comfort and wellbeing• Circular design in consumer products• What “sustainable comfort” really means for the future of health✨ Connect with Richard Naylor🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-naylor-87a22337/📧 Email: richard@yumisleep.com🌐 Yumi Sleep: https://www.yumisleep.com📲 Follow Sustainably Smart TalksInstagram (Host): https://www.instagram.com/dr.mak.6g/Instagram (Podcast): https://www.instagram.com/sustainablysmarttalk/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@smarttalksustainably🎧 Listen and watch Sustainably Smart Talks📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustainablySmartTalk🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027💡 Sustainably Smart TalksWhere cutting edge meets a sustainable future.

🎙 Episode 13 Sustainability Isn’t Just About Energy: Medicine’s Role in a Sustainable Future🧬🌍💉When we think of sustainability, most people picture solar panels, EVs, and climate action. But what about the sustainability of healthcare itself? Medicine relies on rare materials, energy-intensive manufacturing, and global supply chains... and it also impacts people and the planet.In this powerful episode, we explore how sustainability and medical innovation intersect. We discuss biomaterials, green chemistry, medical waste reduction, and how bio-sensing technologies can transform diagnostics while reducing environmental footprint.Guest: Muhammad Ali Tariq — Doctoral Researcher at Loughborough University developing advanced biosensors for healthcare diagnostics and therapeutic monitoring.✨ Connect with Muhammad Ali Tariq🔗 LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/muhammad-ali-tariq-a45b0110b📧 Email: m.a.tariq@lboro.ac.uk🎧 Listen & Watch Sustainably Smart Talks📺 YouTube: @SustainablySmartTalk🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027💡 Sustainably Smart Talks – Where cutting edge meets a sustainable future

🎙 Episode 12 — The Psychology of Growth: Building Businesses That Thrive from the Inside Out🧠📈🌿In this episode, we explore how psychology and strategy intersect to fuel sustainable business growth. We discuss the mindset shifts, cultural changes, and human factors that allow businesses not only to scale but to flourish long-term.Guest: Serah Muindi — Business Psychologist, Therapist, and Founder of Hopewell Firm UK, a growth strategy consultancy dedicated to helping businesses unlock sustainable, people-centered growth.Connect with Serah:🌐 Website: https://www.hopewellfirm.co.uk🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/serah-muindi-6ab0a757/📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/serahmuindi/💼 Book a One-to-One Session: https://calendly.com/serah-hopewellfirm/founders-edge🎧 Listen & Watch Sustainably Smart Talks:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustainablySmartTalk🎙 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027💡 Sustainably Smart Talks — Where cutting edge meets a sustainable future.

💼 Episode 11 The Vision, The Hustle & The Mission 🌍🎙️Every movement starts with a reason.In this personal episode, I share the story behind Sustainably Smart Talks — how it began, the mission that drives it, and why connecting innovation with sustainability has become my life’s work.From my journey as a Doctoral Researcher in advanced communication systems at Loughborough University, to my role as Specialist Educator at the East Midlands Institute of Technology, and Managing Director of Arrow Industrial Engineering Solutions, this episode explores how each path shaped my vision of building a smarter, cleaner, and more connected world.We explore:The origin of Sustainably Smart Talks — from a university idea to a global sustainability platformHow the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) influence every discussion and project I leadLessons from bridging academia, entrepreneurship, and educationWhy sustainable innovation isn’t just research — it’s responsibility🔗 Connect & Learn More:👔 AJ Makgarapa (Host): linkedin.com/in/aj-makgarapa-625547265🏢 Arrow Industrial: www.arrowindustrial.co.bw🎧 Listen & Watch Now:📺 YouTube – @SustainablySmartTalk🎧 Spotify – https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts – https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027💡 If you’ve ever wondered what powers this platform — this is the episode that tells it all.Sustainably Smart Talks — Where cutting edge meets a sustainable future.

💼 Episode 10 – Scaling Green Chemistry: £475,000 funding & the future of sustainable solvents 🌿🔬How do you take a breakthrough sustainable chemistry concept from lab to impact — securing significant funding, navigating spin-out challenges, and shaping real industrial change?In this episode of Sustainably Smart Talks, I’m joined by Dr Adriano Randi, Founder & CEO of R3V Tech Ltd, a Loughborough University spin-out tackling biodiesel waste. Dr Randi holds a PhD in chemistry and specializes in electrochemical flow processes, converting crude glycerol into valuable bio-derived solvents. R3V TechWe explore:How R3V Tech secured funding (from Innovate UK’s ICURe, Royal Academy of Engineering, etc.) to scale sustainable chemistry solutions The technology behind converting crude glycerol + CO₂ into Solketal — a high-value green solvent — and its industrial potential The role of circular economy thinking in designing scalable, low-carbon industrial processesLessons from bridging academia and entrepreneurship: licensing, spinouts, scaling, and market validation🔗 Learn more and connect:🌐 R3V Tech website: https://r3vtech.com/🔗 Adriano’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adriano-a-randi/ 🎧 Listen & Watch Now:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustainablySmartTalk🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027💡 If you are a researcher, sustainability founder, or simply curious about the intersections of green chemistry and business, this episode shows how purpose-driven innovation can scale — without losing its mission.Thanks to LUinc. - Loughborough University Incubator - for providing recording equipment supported by Loughborough Town Deal, funded by UK Government#SustainablySmart #Episode10 #GreenChemistry #CircularEconomy #SustainableTech #Funding #Innovation #Entrepreneurship

💼 Episode 9 – Systems, Strategy & Sustainability: Designing Businesses that Scale with Purpose 🌍📈How do you build a business that grows — and lasts — without losing sight of people and purpose?In this episode of Sustainably Smart Talks, we explore how strategy, systems thinking, and human-centred approaches can fuel sustainable, scalable global enterprises.Joining me is Carson Keago, Senior Strategy Consultant & Co-Founder of Hopewell Firm UK. Carson shares practical insights on creating businesses that are not only profitable but also resilient, purpose-driven, and capable of making a global impact.We discuss:Why human-centred strategy gives companies a competitive edgeThe role of systems thinking in scaling without chaosHow sustainable business models can thrive in emerging markets🔗 Learn more about Carson🌐 Website: https://www.hopewellfirm.co.uk/💼 LinkedIn:   / carsonkeago  📧 Email: carson@hopewellfirm.co.uk🎧 Listen & Watch Now:📺 YouTube:    / @sustainablysmarttalk  🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12...🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...💡 Whether you’re an entrepreneur, strategist, or business leader, this conversation is packed with actionable ideas to help you design and grow a company that stands the test of time.#SustainablySmart #Episode9 #BusinessStrategy #SystemsThinking #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship #GlobalGrowth #PurposeDriven

🌍 Episode 8 – Powering Up Cities with Landfill Waste ♻️💡What if yesterday’s rubbish could light up tomorrow’s cities?In this episode, we dive into how landfill waste is being transformed into clean energy using anaerobic digesters and biomass conversion. Our focus? India’s innovative waste-to-energy revolution and its potential to inspire change across the Global South.Joining me is the insightful 🧪 Pranesh Kannappan Karthikeyan, a doctoral researcher at Loughborough University, working on circular bio-economy systems that convert organic waste into sustainable energy and products.He breaks down how we can turn food waste, sewage sludge, and landfill gas into electricity and biogas — while uplifting local communities and creating energy access for the next billion.🔗 Learn more about Pranesh:🌐 Loughborough University profile:⁠https://www.lboro.ac.uk/departments/abce/staff/pranesh-kannappan-karthikeyan/#tab2⁠💼 LinkedIn:⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/praneshkk/⁠📧 Email: ⁠praneshkkuk@gmail.com⁠🎧 Listen & watch now on your favourite platform:📺 YouTube:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@SustainablySmartTalk⁠🎧 Spotify:⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9⁠ ⁠🍏 Apple Podcasts:⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027⁠ ⁠⚡ From rural villages to urban slums, this conversation shines a light on how waste can empower communities — not just with energy, but with dignity, resilience, and sustainable development.#SustainablySmart #Episode8 #WasteToEnergy #BiomassPower #IndiaSustainability #AnaerobicDigestion #CircularEconomy #LandfillToLight #EnergyJustice #CleanEnergyForAll

🧠 Episode 7 – Robots Are Changing Work Forever: The Rise of Nudging Dynamics 🤖📉Automation isn’t coming—it’s already transforming our lives. From subtle algorithmic nudges to full-on robot integration, this episode dives deep into how AI is reshaping the workforce and influencing human behaviour. 💼⚙️Joining me is the brilliant 🎓 Isaiah Nassiuma — a Loughborough University researcher working at the intersection of ethics, robotics, and human development.🔗 Learn more about Isaiah:🌐 Loughborough University: https://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/student-stories/isaiah-nassiuma/💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaiah-nassiuma/🎧 Listen now on your favourite platform:📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustainablySmartTalk🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027💬 From policy nudges to personal fears, we explore how AI isn’t just taking jobs—it’s reshaping decisions and dynamics. This episode will leave you thinking long after the mic drops 🎙️#SustainablySmart #Episode7 #AIandJobs #Robotics #NudgingDynamics #EthicalAI #FutureOfWork #HumanCentricTech

🎙️ Episode 6: Academic Outsider?Is there a new way to do science that breaks free from the ivory tower? In this episode, we meet Naomi Howard — a scientist, entrepreneur, and advocate for making science truly accessible. From nanoparticles to nutritional science and beyond, Naomi brings a fresh, hands-on perspective to how science should be explored, not just explained.🚀 In This Episode:• Her journey from Human Nutrition to Nanoparticle Research• From academia to real-world impact• Founding Howard-Brumlich Events to bring interactive science to all ages• Discussing science communication, outreach, and her bold vision for the future🎯 Subscribe to Sustainably Smart Talks📺 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SustainablySmartTalk 🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9👩‍🔬 Meet Naomi Howard📧 Email: naomihoward92@gmail.com🌐 Website: www.howardbrumlichevents.co.uk (under construction)📸 Instagram: @naomi_howard_science🔗 LinkedIn: Naomi Sweetness Howard🎵 TikTok: @naomi_howard_science✖️ X (Twitter): @NaomiHowardChem🧪 About Naomi🎓 BSc in Human Nutrition (First-Class Honours)🏅 Guildford Academic Association Scholarship Recipient🔬 MRes in Formulation Chemistry (Distinction)🧬 PhD in Nanoparticle Self-Assembly🧠 Expertise: Colloidal chemistry, drug delivery systems, nanoscale behaviour🌍 Founder of Howard-Brumlich Events (Feb 2024) – science made fun, real, and inclusive💬 Let’s spark a movement of accessible scienceLike, share, and subscribe if you believe science should be in everyone’s hands, not just in journals.#ScienceForAll #Nanoparticles #STEM #WomenInScience #AccessibleScience #AcademicOutsider #NutritionScience #Colloids #ScienceEntrepreneur #PhDJourney #SustainablySmart

Welcome to another impactful episode of Sustainably Smart Talks!We’re joined by Ashraf Hauwa Nyako, a forward-thinking researcher at Loughborough University pioneering biofuel recovery using hot microbubble gas stripping—a novel technique to recover clean energy from crops like corn and sugarcane 🌽🧪.In this episode, we explore:🔬 The science and potential of hot microbubbles in biofuel recovery🌍 The role of sustainable energy in climate goals💡 How African researchers and women in STEM are shaping the future🚀 The mission to decarbonize with scalable green innovation📌 Connect with Ashraf on LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashraf-hauwa-nyako-7a6190103/📧 Email: a.h.nyako@lboro.ac.uk🎧 Listen now on all platforms:🎙️ Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9?si=yUBPAlhhRvi3dQlOqPJCRw🍏 Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027▶️ YouTube – Sustainably Smart Talkshttps://www.youtube.com/@sustainablysmarttalks👍🏽 If you believe in science, sustainability, and African innovation — like, share, comment and subscribe to support the movement!🎬 Directed by Garrett Fisher – creative storyteller and visual director.🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garrett-fisher-61a590214/🙏🏽 Special thanks to LUinc for providing the space and supporting innovation at Loughborough University.📢 Hashtags to boost reach and visibility:#BiofuelRecovery #SustainableEnergy #GreenInnovation #AfricanScience #YouthInSTEM #CleanEnergyFuture#HotMicrobubbles #SustainabilityPodcast #SmartEnergySolutions #WomenInSTEM #RenewableEnergy #STEMAfrica#ScienceForChange #EcoTech #NetZeroGoals #EnergyTransition #InnovateForAfrica #SustainablySmartTalks#ClimateSolutions #CircularEconomy #CarbonNeutral #FutureOfEnergy #BioenergyRevolution #Decarbonisation

⚡️ Green Hydrogen: Powering the Future — Ep 4 | Sustainably Smart TalksThis week on Sustainably Smart Talks, we’re joined by Chisom Okeke, a clean energy advocate who's studied at 6 universities! We explore how green hydrogen, electrolysers, and battery technology are shaping the future of sustainable energy — especially in developing nations like Nigeria.We break down:✅ How batteries and green hydrogen can work together✅ What electrolysers do and why they matter✅ Adoption in Africa vs the global north✅ How to accelerate clean tech in developing economies✅ Why education, research, and entrepreneurship go hand-in-hand in climate solutionsGuest: Chisom Okeke🌐 Website – www.chotech.com.ng📞 Contact – 07823676920🌍 Learn more about our mission at: www.arrowindustrial.co.bw🎧 Listen & Watch Now:▶️ YouTube: https://youtube.com/@sustainablysmarttalk🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12TwhROJzHNI2abB9🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/sustainably-smart-talks/id1812884027🔔 Subscribe on YouTube❤️ Follow on Spotify✨ Leave a review on Apple Podcasts📲 Tag someone interested in clean energy or innovation in Africa!#GreenHydrogen #ElectrolyserTech #BatteryInnovation #AfricaEnergy #CleanTechAfrica #ChisomOkeke #SustainablySmart #SustainableEnergy #TechForGood #NigeriaInnovation #GlobalSouthSolutions #CleanEnergyFuture #RenewableEnergy #ClimateAction #SmartAndSustainable #HydrogenPower #SustainableDevelopment #CleanEnergyTransition #DevelopingNations #InnovationInAfrica #AfricanTech #EnergySolutions #ScienceAndSustainability #STEMAfrica #PodcastAfrica #SpotifyPodcasts #YouTubePodcast #ApplePodcast #CleanEnergyPodcasts

This week on Sustainably Smart Talks, I’m joined by Saim Rehan — a PhD student at Loughborough University — as we unpack the journey to securing a fully funded PhD and why universities are more than just places of learning — they are key players in building sustainable solutions for our future.📬 Contact Saim:📧 Email – s.rehan@lboro.ac.uk📸 Instagram – @saim__rehanWe explore:✅ How international students can find and apply for funded PhDs✅ The difference between bonds, fellowships, and other funding types✅ Why Loughborough — ranked #6 in the UK — was our top choice over UCL and Imperial✅ What student life in the UK is really like✅ How universities contribute to research and innovation that drives sustainability globally🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to follow, rate, and subscribe!📺 YouTube:    / @sustainablysmarttalk  🎙️ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vpJp12...🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast...🔔 Subscribe on YouTube❤️ Follow on Spotify🌟 Leave a review on Apple Podcasts📲 Tag a future PhD student or sustainability enthusiast!#UKUniversities #LoughboroughUniversity #SustainablySmart #SmartAndSustainable#AcademicSuccess #Scholarships #PhDOpportunities #AcademicLife #GlobalEducation #UniversityResearch #SustainableDevelopment #EducationForSustainability #HigherEducation #GradSchool#Fellowships #UniversityFunding #ResearchImpact #PhDTips #StudyInTheUK #ScienceAndSustainability #StudentVoices #YouTubePodcast #SpotifyPodcasts #ApplePodcasts

🌍 Episode 2 – Africa Held Back?📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more smart conversations on sustainability and tech!🎧 Listen on Spotify:👉 Link coming soon🍏 Now on Apple Podcasts (Audio Only):👉 Link coming soon📺 Watch on YouTube:👉 You’re already here – hit that 🔔 bell icon to stay updated!In this powerful episode of Sustainably Smart, we’re joined by 🥇 Alex Haydock-Wilson – British champion, Olympic athlete, and engineering PhD researcher – to explore a big question:💭 Is Africa being held back in the race toward sustainability and innovation?Together, we unpack:✅ How sustainability is already rooted in African traditions✅ Why funding rarely reaches the communities that need it most✅ Alex’s cutting-edge research on self-cleaning solar panels ☀️✅ The overlap between sport, science, and real-world change 🏃‍♂️🔬✅ Practical paths to unlock Africa’s clean energy potential📩 Contact Alex Haydock-Wilson✉️ a.haydock-wilson@lboro.ac.uk🌱 Follow for more insights where innovation meets impact.#SustainablySmart #AfricaHeldBack #CleanEnergy #GreenInnovation #SelfCleaningPanels #AlexHaydockWilson #SustainableAfrica🌍 Follow the series for more talks where cutting-edge tech meets sustainable futures.#SustainablySmart #AfricaHeldBack #GreenInnovation #SolarEnergy #CleanTech #AlexHaydockWilson #SustainableAfrica

🌞 Episode 1 – The Future of Solar PowerIn this premiere episode of Sustainably Smart, we explore the dynamic future of solar technologies across the USA, Middle East, Europe, and Africa — and how regional innovation is shaping the global shift to clean energy.🎙️ I’m joined by Lukša Kujović, a sustainability strategist and thought leader in renewable energy. Together, we discuss:✅ Solar innovation and investment trends in the U.S.✅ The Middle East’s move toward mega solar projects✅ How Europe balances policy, tech, and climate✅ Africa’s potential to leapfrog with decentralized solar solutions🔗 Learn more about Lukša at https://luksakujovic.com/This is your front-row seat to where solar is headed — and why it matters for our collective future.📌 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more smart conversations on sustainability and tech!#SustainablySmart #SolarPower #CleanEnergy #LuksaKujovic #GreenTech #FutureOfEnergy #Renewables