Doing Hope Podcast

In this episode of Doing Hope, I speak with the unstoppable Leslie Glustrom, a biochemist-turned-climate-activist who has spent over 20 years working to decarbonise the U.S. electricity system from the ground up. Leslie brings extraordinary persistence, deep systems knowledge, and a refreshingly long-term view to the climate movement.Based in Boulder, Colorado, Leslie walked away from a paid career in biochemistry to focus full-time on climate advocacy—without pay—when it was still a niche concern in the U.S. She’s been instrumental in helping Colorado shift from over 90% fossil fuel electricity to a projected 90% renewable energy by the end of this decade. Her approach? Deep systems change, relentless local advocacy, and growing new messengers at every turn.💡 Highlights from our conversation:* 🧪 Her background in biochemistry and how it informed her early recognition of flawed climate “solutions” like clean coal.* ⚡ The focus on electricity decarbonisation as a key leverage point for real climate progress.* 📉 A candid reflection on how this work is "99% failure, 1% success"—and why that 1% matters.* 🛠️ Practical strategies: working through all three branches of government, particularly at the state and local level, to create lasting energy policy change.* 🔥 Why creating more messengers is the most sustainable form of activism.* 💚 How to prevent burnout, find joy in the work, and stay hopeful over the long haul.* 🕯️ Hope as a verb: why hope is a moral imperative—and how we can all light candles in the darkness.Whether you’re just starting your climate journey or have been at it for years, this episode is a heartfelt reminder that change takes time, but it is possible—and worth it.“ If we're really committed, we have to be committed to the vision, whether we are gonna get to live to see it or not.”Leslie GlustromListen now and be inspired to plant your own seeds of change.What inspires you from Leslie’s story? Share with us in the comments 👇🏼👉 Learn more about Leslie and her work:* Clean Energy Action* Empower Our Future – Clean Energy. Local Power.* Colorado Renewable Energy Society* Colorado Coalition for a Livable Climate – Advocating strategies for reducinggreenhouse gas emissions to a level supportive of a livable climate.* Connect with Leslie on LinkedIn🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

In this episode, I speak with Scott Bryan, community organiser and co-founder of Community Roots, an Irish enterprise helping build thriving and resilient communities by turning unused gardens into shared growing spaces that reconnect people, cultures, and generations — one carrot at a time. Community Roots run 'Soil Mates,' a garden-share program connecting garden owners with budding growers to grow food and community. They invite people to reimagine how they typically use private space and perceive 'strangers' living in their community, all so we can reignite a sense of 'Meitheal' in communities everywhere!'Meitheal' (pronounced Meh-hal) is an old Irish term and tradition from a bygone era. It’s a uniquely Irish version of community, the tradition of neighbours coming together to share skills and resources, and help each other out in times of need.From front garden veggie patches to intergenerational friendships, Scott shares how food growing is quietly transforming Dublin neighbourhoods and offers a powerful reminder: the seeds of hope are often planted in the soil beneath our feet.🥕 In this episode, Scott shares with us:* How Community Roots grew from a local garden-share pilot into a fast-growing social enterprise.* His biggest learning: not being an expert could actually be your superpower!* What happens when migrants, retirees, and school kids all grow food together in shared spaces.* The challenges of building a sustainable social enterprise in Ireland — and where future funding might come from.“The food is the Trojan horse — it brings people together for something much bigger.”Impressions from the community gardens around Cabra, Ireland:💭 Question for You, the Listener:Is there unused space — in your garden, your workplace, or your community — that could grow something more than food?👉 Connect with Scott* Community Roots Website* Connect with Scott on LinkedIn* Connect on Instagram @coroots_ie🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

In this episode of Doing Hope, I speak with New York–based climate artist Nicole Kelner, known for her playful and powerful watercolour infographics that make climate and clean energy topics accessible, memorable, and even joyful. Nicole shares how she transitioned from operations in ed-tech and climate startups to becoming a full-time artist — a shift sparked by a 100-day art challenge that changed her life.Nicole’s story is a compelling blend of creativity, purpose, and quiet courage — showing how art can be a Trojan horse for truth and a tool for climate action.🎨 In this episode, Nicole shares with us:* How a 100-day watercolour challenge led her from climate ops to full-time climate art.* Why keeping things simple and playful can make climate facts easier to absorb — and act on.* The surprising ripple effects of her art, like inspiring someone to start composting from a single illustration.* How her Climate Art 101 course has sparked hundreds of new artworks — and a global creative community.* A treasure trove of resources she built to help others find their place in the climate space — no art degree required."I always told myself: even if just one person learns something or takes action, that’s worth it."👉🏼 Connect with Nicole* 🎨 Join her next Climate Art 101 cohort* Nicole’s website* Crowdsourced database: So You Want To Work On Climate* More of her crowdsourced sheets🌿 More resources to inspire your climate journey:The Climate Action Venn Diagram by Dr Ayana Elizabeth Johnson is a great way to help you create ideas how to work on climate. Download here.I regularly support people in completing this diagram for their unique strengths, skills and life circumstances. If you could benefit from identifying your strengths and what needs doing in the world, reach out anytime to explore how a powerful career coaching session can support you.💭 Question for You, the Listener:What’s one creative way you could help someone understand a complex problem — and maybe even inspire action? Could it be a doodle, a story, a quiet conversation?Let us know how you are doing hope. 💚🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

What does climate action look like in one of the hottest parts of the world?In this powerful conversation, clean energy analyst and climate advocate Megna Rajagopal shares her story of growing up in Dubai, navigating the climate space with both technical insight and deep empathy. We talk about everything from solar innovation and circular economy trends to the emotional weight of working in a region already experiencing 50°C summers.* 📊 How Megna translates solar data into policy-shaping insights across the MENA region.* 🌺 The emotional side of climate work—and why it’s important to recognise the power of small shifts in behaviour and attitudes* ♻️ Why sustainability must centre empathy, not just innovation or tech* 🚀 Her advice for anyone curious about shifting into a climate career—starting small and staying curiousYou’ll hear how Megna combines market research, public advocacy, and grassroots community events to build awareness and inspire policy change across the MENA region.💡 Whether you’re curious about breaking into climate careers or wondering how to stay hopeful in difficult times, this episode offers a generous mix of realism, strategy, and inspiration."Sustainability is not just about innovation and policy—it's about empathy. It's about designing systems that actually work for people." – Megna Rajagopal🎧 Listen in, then tell us:What small step are you taking towards a better future?👇 Comment below, share with a friend, or tag us on socials to keep the conversation going.👉 Connect with Megna on LinkedInGlobal Online Climate Communities to join:* Work on Climate* InClimate* Women and Climate* Terra.do I am an alumnus of their Climate for Action course. It was one of the first formalised learning courses I completed in my journey, and it gave me the knowledge and confidence to shift my work to climate, while connecting me to a global community of changemakers. Use my referral link and get 20% off any course: https://r.terra.do/referral/Claudia341Feel free to reach out if you have questions about the course.🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

What can ancient rocks teach us about the climate future we're hurtling toward?In this inspiring episode, I speak with Dr. Maria Luisa Sanchez Montes, climate scientist, explorer, and creative problem-solver. Marisa takes us deep into Earth’s history through ocean sediments and plant lipids, showing how our current emissions mirror climates not seen for millions of years.But her story doesn’t stop in the lab. With a career that spans academic excellence, IPCC contributions, and innovative microbial research, Marisa has now turned her focus toward tangible, people-powered solutions to reimagining sustainable clothing. She shares a rich and emotional journey of scientific discovery, disillusionment, courage, and a hopeful pivot toward creativity and impact.Together, we explore:* What plant molecules in rocks reveal about Earth's deep past* How her climate research informed the latest IPCC report* The emotional toll of working on the climate crisis* Why Marisa left academia to create real-world solutions* Her vision of a more loving, just, and sustainable future in 2075In this episode, we talk about stones, microbes, fashion, and what it means to shape a career guided by wonder—and impact.“Rocks and trees are like books, and I wanted to read them all to understand this earth I am living on.”💬 Marisa is with us for a live Q&A hour here on the chat! Send your question in before or login live to pick her brain on anything about the life of a climate scientist, oceans, lipids to how to come up with your own startup idea.Chat with Marisa on the 4th of August at 10 am CEST 👇🏼What do you want to ask Marisa?👉 Connect with Marisa* Marisa’s impressive climate research on Google Scholar* Her sustainable fashion startup* Connect with Marisa on LinkedIn* Connect via email: solvingclimatechangetogether@argilur.com🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

Welcome back to Doing Hope — the podcast where we meet everyday changemakers building brighter futures.Today, I’m talking with Mary Fleming, founder of Change Clothes, a creative reuse initiative that began as a one-week community event in Crumlin, Dublin and has since blossomed into one of Ireland’s most exciting grassroots social enterprises.Rooted in environmental values and a deep love for textiles, Mary’s work tackles textile waste while creating inclusive, joyful spaces where people — and garments — get a second chance. From Ireland’s first permanent weekly swap shop to repair workshops, circular fashion markets, and job creation through upcycling, Change Clothes is transforming how communities think about clothing.In this conversation, Mary shares:* How she built Change Clothes from scratch — and why community made it possible* What it really takes to run a social enterprise (the money, the mental health, and the messiness)* Her vision for clothing reuse centres as welcoming social spaces — and the future of fashion as local, circular, and human* The underestimated power of just showing up, asking for help, and doing what you can* Her practical advice for anyone dreaming of starting something similarMary’s story is a beautiful reminder that hope is something we grow — together, and sometimes, stitch by stitch."My vision is for every community to have welcoming reuse spaces — where everyone belongs, and nothing goes to waste."— Mary imagining 2075, 50 years into a circular futureKnow someone who would love to listen to Mary’s circular fashion story? Let’s spread Doing Hope:Learn more about Change Clothes and contact Mary via changeclothes.orgWant to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

Dani is a sustainability advocate and founder of Natural Rebel. With 15+ years in the field, she brings heart and depth to conversations about our connection to the planet and ourselves. Her work creates space for reflection, emotional healing, and community through mindfulness and women’s circles. Dani’s mission is to help people trust their inner voice and build a more authentic, sustainable world together. In this soulful conversation, she shares the challenges of mainstreaming sustainability, why burnout is a growing issue, and how embracing feminine values like pause, connection, and trust could reshape how we lead and work for change.In this episode, I talk with Dani Baker about:* What 15+ years in sustainable business have taught her about collaboration, burnout, and balance* Why mainstream sustainability risks losing its soul—and how we can bring it back* How her Natural Rebel women’s circles are creating space for deeper connection, purpose, and intuition* The power of pausing, storytelling, and embracing “failure” as part of real change* How feminine energy, not hustle culture, might just be what sustainability needs most🔊 “The women’s circles aren’t just helping individuals—they’re shifting workplace cultures.” - Dani Baker💬 Dani will join us this week in the Subscriber chat. What do you want to ask Dani about working in sustainability?👉 Connect with Dani and Natural Rebel:* Natural Rebel Website* Join a Sustainable You Circle - join the waitlist for this coming September!* Explore Mindfulness and Meditation - take a step back and enjoy taking some time for yourself!* Connect with Dani on LinkedIn🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

What if rewilding wasn’t just for landowners or scientists, but for everyone — in cities, gardens, and rented plots? This week on Doing Hope, I speak with Jon Conradi, founder of Wild Mosaic, about making rewilding radically accessible. Through his project, people become Rewilders: subscribing to a 3x3m patch of land and following its transformation into a flourishing habitat — while rediscovering their own relationship with the wild.This is a story of loneliness and belonging, tiny insects and big ideas, and finding hope by reconnecting with life.In this episode, we talk about:* Why rewilding offers a recoverable Earth vision* What Jon learned chasing hoverflies and planting leaky dams* How grief over biodiversity loss led to his social impact startup* Making biodiversity personal, participatory, and joyful* Rewilding as micro-learning, habit, and everyday noticing🔊 "Each little 3x3m patch is a tile in a wider mosaic. You become a Rewilder, and you also become someone who sees more." — Jon Conradi💬 Jon is joining us for a one-hour live Substack Chat Q&A this week! Bring your questions about starting small, joyful climate action, and his unexpected journey into land-based learning. Check the Chat tab for details and drop your reflections in the comments below.👉 Connect with Jon and Wild Mosaic:* Wild Mosaic Website* Jon on LinkedIn* Jon’s Substack🙋 Want to connect with me or share feedback?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratz📍 Nominate a guest for the podcast: Submit your idea here🎵 Music by Alberto Gariglio Instagram | YouTube This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

🎙 Guest: Laila JB MartinsIn this deeply moving conversation, I speak with Laila JB Martins — a Brazilian strategist, facilitator, and regenerative thinker based in Bonn, Germany — about what it means to live and lead in service of the planet, starting right where you are.Laila shares how her journey from corporate sustainability roles (like DHL and the UN) to local regenerative work has taught her that hope is not something we find — it's something we practice.🌍 In this episode, Laila reflects on:* What trees have taught her about grief, resilience, and belonging* Why understanding ourselves as biological beings shifts everything* How she blends corporate strategy with grassroots regeneration* Why being “famous in your city” may be the most powerful climate impact* The link between chronic pain, planetary health, and interdependence* Why music, joy, and Brazilian dance songs are tools of hope💬 Join us for a live Q&A chat with Laila on Substack this weekShe’ll be answering your questions about creative climate work, finding your purpose, and leading from wherever you are.Check the Chat tab or subscribe below to join in.🌱 Links & CreditsConnect with Laila:* Website: LailaMartins.com* Community: RegenBeings.com* LinkedIn: Laila JB Martins* Instagram: @regenbeings🎵 Laila’s “dance in your kitchen” song recommendation: 🌱 Links & Credits🤝 Want to connect or collaborate?* Email: claudia@claudiageratz.com* Website: claudiageratz.com* LinkedIn: @claudiageratzNominate a guest: Submit your idea here🎹 Intro music by Alberto GariglioInstagram | YouTubeSubscribe and join a community of people navigating this messy, beautiful unfolding together. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

Today we meet Caitríona Kenny, a community officer, environmental educator and one of the co-founders of the Sustainable Energy Community Connecting Cabra in Dublin 7, Ireland. Sustainable Energy Communities are community-led initiatives to empower locals to take climate action at a local level. Cabra was one of the first to establish in Ireland and the community has since expanded their connect-learn-and-share model to also include biodiversity projects, tree planting and growing food together. I spoke with Caitríona to understand how they made this happen and what we can learn from their journey to inspire you to start your own community project.Recording location: Caitríona’s sun-filled living room in the heart of Cabra, Dublin, Ireland.Connect with Caitríona:Website: www.connectingcabra.ieemail: hello@connectingcabra.ieFor comments, ideas and collaborations contact me at:email: claudia@claudiageratz.comwebsite: claudiageratz.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiageratz/To become a guest on the Doing Hope podcast or nominate someone you know, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/BzHSz7dNYcKDK8VLA🎹 Intro Music by the talented Alberto Gariglio.Listen to more of his piano music here:https://www.instagram.com/albertogariglio.77https://www.youtube.com/@albertogarigliomypianomusi1392Thank you for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

Today, we are meeting Frederich Verstraete from Belgium, who combines his entrepreneurial spirit and decades of business expertise to build a greener future by bringing back hemp as a sustainable raw material for industries and manufacturing. But that’s not all. The real hopeful story is that he is growing hemp on contaminated land, land that is deemed unusable due to pollution with forever chemicals. Listen to how he and his team is making the impossible possible.Recording location: Meeting via Zoom in the C-Biotech office in BelgiumConnect with Frederik:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frederik-verstraete/Earth Plus Website: https://www.earthplus.eu/C-Biotech Website: https://www.c-biotech.eu/Restoring 30000 hectares of land in Murcia, Spain - Case Study: https://www.earthplus.eu/projects/bringing-river-quipar-back-in-murcia-spain/For comments, ideas and collaborations contact me at:email: claudia@claudiageratz.comwebsite: claudiageratz.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiageratz/To become a guest on the Doing Hope podcast or nominate someone you know, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/BzHSz7dNYcKDK8VLA🎹 Intro Music by the talented Alberto Gariglio.Listen to more of his piano music here:https://www.instagram.com/albertogariglio.77https://www.youtube.com/@albertogarigliomypianomusi1392Thank you for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

Today we are hearing from Nathan, the Co-Founder of Bold Donut Games and how his fun mobile games help 1000s of people learn about actionable sustainable behaviours in a fun and playful way.Recoding location: A quiet spot among oaks and beech trees in Phoenix Park, Dublin, Ireland.Connect with Nathan:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ncruzcoulson/Bold Donut website: https://www.bolddonut.comPlay the game at MyWaste.ie "Take a minute before you bin it!" campaign game: https://bolddonut.itch.io/take-a-minuteESB Networks energy game case study: https://www.bolddonut.com/energy-case-studyKPMG waste game in an office environment case study: https://www.bolddonut.com/officeFor comments, ideas and collaborations contact me at:email: claudia@claudiageratz.comwebsite: claudiageratz.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiageratz/To become a guest on the Doing Hope podcast or nominate someone you know, please complete this short form: https://forms.gle/BzHSz7dNYcKDK8VLA🎹 Intro Music by the talented Alberto Gariglio.Listen to more of his piano music here:https://www.instagram.com/albertogariglio.77https://www.youtube.com/@albertogarigliomypianomusi1392Thank you for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com

I am delighted to introduce the Doing Hope podcast and bringing you Episode 0 today. In this short solo episode I share my intention for this podcast and a bit about my personal backstory of why I feel called to record inspiring stories of changemakers across the world.Recoding location: A small woodland in Hennef, GermanyFor comments, ideas and collaborations contact me at:email: claudia@claudiageratz.comwebsite: claudiageratz.comLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/claudiageratz/🎹 Intro Music by the talented Alberto Gariglio. Listen to more of his piano music here:https://www.instagram.com/albertogariglio.77https://www.youtube.com/@albertogarigliomypianomusi1392Thank you for listening. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit positiveclimatecareers.substack.com