Sustainably Geeky

This month we're joined by Trevor and Kyle Ritland, authors of the new book The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species. The book explores the mysterious disappearance of the golden toad from its home in Costa Rica, and how Trevor and Kyle's lifelong fascination with the species led them to investigate its disappearance. They discuss this experience and how it fits into the global amphibian crisis that has emerged in recent decades. We also grapple with the implications of species extinctions, and the ecological grief that accompanies it. Resources discussed in this episode:The Golden Toad bookfindthegoldentoad.comThe Golden Toad GoodreadsThe Golden Toad on Bookshop.orgTrevor's InstagramKyle's InstagramAdventure Term InstagramAdventure Term FacebookAdventure Term Twitter Children's Eternal Rain ForestHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

As the climate continues to change, so too do our expectations for what the future might hold. Climate fiction (cli-fi) is a growing genre that explores these possibilities, for better or worse.  Clean energy tech expert Todd Medema is one of the people telling these stories in his debut book How to Surf a Hurricane. Todd joins us to discuss his inspiration for writing the book, and how and why he developed a climate story that is intentionally hopeful. He also shares his perspective on effective ways to tackle the climate crisis. Resources discussed in this episode:How to Surf a Hurricane bookWays to take actionTodd Medema LinkedInTodd Medema FacebookTodd Medema InstagramTodd Medema MastodonTodd Medema TwitterTodd Medema MediumHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Our addiction to fossil fuels has devastating impacts on the environment, weather, and human health and security. Tzeporah Berman, Founder & Co-Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, joins us to discuss the consequences of climate change and the need for urgent action to avoid further damage. She explains why reducing fossil fuel emissions is not enough, that we must also prioritize reducing production. Tzeporah shares how the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is raising support for an international agreement that supports the equitable transition away from fossil fuels. Resources discussed in this episode:Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty websiteFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty reportsFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty FacebookFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty InstagramFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty LinkedInFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty TwitterFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty BlueskyFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty YoutubeFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ThreadsTzephorah's Ted TalkNot Too Late by  Rebecca SolnitHope in the Dark by Rebecca SolnitGenevieve GuentherDr. Michael MannUNEP Production Gap ReportIPCC SummaryTzeporah's LinkedInTzeporah's BlueskyTzeporah's InstagramTzeporah's TwitterHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Supercool! If you're curious about innovative advancements in sustainability, this is the episode for you! Josh Dorfman, host of the podcast Supercool, shares examples of effective climate solutions being implemented around the world. He also shares ideas for how we can better communicate the good news stories that are often overlooked. Josh's positive outlook for the future is a welcome shift from the negativity that often prevails when discussing the environment. Resources discussed in this episode:Supercool podcastSupercool InstagramSupercool LinkedInThe Lazy EnvironmentalistCity Climate Corner podcastClimate First BankHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Everyone has to eat, but it can be overwhelming to decide what the healthiest options are, both for humans and the planet. Ali Cox, a fifth generation farmer and founder of agricultural marketing firm Noble West, joins us to discuss sustainable food production and consumption. She also shares the progress being made in the industry, and some of the challenges of communicating these stories to the public. Resources discussed in this episode:Noble West websiteNoble West InstagramNoble West LinkedInAli Cox LinkedinHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The indoor spaces we live, work and spend our lives in can have great impacts on our physical and mental well-being, and how we build them can have great environmental impacts. This month we talk with Steve Pallrand, Founder of CarbonShack, about the significance of the indoor environment. Steve discusses how individuals and businesses can build and design enjoyable spaces sustainably. He also shares how the building and design industries are (and aren't) implementing these practices. Resources discussed in this episode:CarbonShackCarbonShack FacebookCarbonShack InstagramCarbonShack LinkedInCarbonShack YouTubeU.S. Green Building CouncilGood Future Design AllianceSustainableBuildHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The outdoor industry produces a vast amount of products that allow us to experience nature in ways we never could before, but these products can have a detrimental impact on the natural world they're allowing us to access. To help us examine this paradox, we're joined by Annie Agle, VP of Sustainability and Impact at Cotopaxi. Annie discusses the responsibility of companies to give back and reduce their environmental impact. She offers examples of how this is being done by Cotopaxi and others in the outdoor industry, and shares best practices for how all companies can implement more sustainable and ethical business practices. Resources discussed in this episode:Cotopaxi websiteAnnie Agle LinkedinOutdoor Industry AssociationB CorpCambridge Institute for Sustainability LeadershipHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

This month we're joined by Sandhya Sabapathy, Global Head of Environment and Net Zero at Entain and Founder of Kaleidoscope, to discuss the importance of inclusivity and environmental justice. Drawing on her experience working with private companies and volunteer organizations, Sandhya shares examples of inclusive leadership in action and discusses the importance of intersectionality in climate activism. She also offers tips for how organizations can become more sustainable and help empower marginalized communities. Resources discussed in this episode:Sandhya's LinkedinSandhya's InstagramKaleidoscope's LinkedInKaleidoscope's InstagramFridays for the FutureCarbon Brief NewsletterBusiness Green NewsletterOverstory BookChapter ZeroNet Zero TrackerHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The environmental impacts of the transportation sector are immense, but that also means there are a lot of opportunities for improvement. Dan Hendry from the Get on the Bus movement, driven by Small Change Fund, joins to discuss the role of mass transit in addressing these challenges. He shares insights into how mass transportation is evolving and opportunities for improvement. Dan also explains how Get on the Bus is working to increase mass transit use among youth in communities across Canada. Resources discussed in this episode:Get on the BusDan Hendry WebsiteDan Hendry LinkedinDan's Ted TalkClimate Reality ProjectHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

With so much climate disinformation out there, it can be difficult to know what to believe. Tom Spencer, Founder and Editor of IrishEVs.com and Creator of the Irish Greenwashing Awards, helps us examine the challenges associated with communicating environmental topics in an age of information overload. Tom explains the historical context that got us here and how the media landscape has changed. He also discusses strategies to recognize greenwashing and effectively communicate environmental topics with others. Resources discussed in this episode:IrishEVsIrishEVs TwitterIrishEVs emailIrish Greenwashing AwardsFacing the Climate Emergency (book)The Guardian (newsletter)Heated (newsletter)Drilled (podcast)Climate Alarm Clock (podcast)Climate Town (Youtube Channel)Who Killed the Electric Car (documentary)Biggest Little Farm (documentary)Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Traditional meat and dairy production have severe environmental impacts, so what if there's a better way? Dr. Elliot Swartz from the Good Food Institute joins us to talk about cultivated meat and its potential to transform the food industry. We discuss how it is created, its environmental and health impacts, and how it could impact the future of food production. Resources discussed in this episode:Good Food Institute websiteDr. Elliot Swartz LinkedInDr. Elliot Swartz TwitterFuture Food Show podcastBusiness for Good podcastClean Meat by Paul Shapiro (book)Not the End of the World by Hannah Ritchie (book)Host: Jennifer HetzelHave an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

It can be difficult to process everything happening in the world today without becoming overwhelmed. So how do we manage? Dr. Lynne Sedgemore, author of Presence Activism, joins to discuss her upcoming book and how presence can help address a variety of difficult emotions, with a particular focus on climate anxiety. We also explore some of the common reactions to the environmental challenges facing our planet, and the role that hope can play in our response to them. Resources discussed in this episode:Lynne Sedgmore websiteLynne Sedgmore LinkedInThe Guardian's climate sectionThe New York Times' climate sectionJem BlendellJoanna MacySatish KumarExtinction RebellionFaith in NatureEarth BreezeHost: Jennifer HetzelHave an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

There's no way around it-the circular economy is here to stay! We are joined by returning guest Brittanny Belanger, Founder of Earthub, to discuss how they're helping the Ottawa community live more sustainably. We also explore how their work contributes to a larger circular economy, and the benefits of this system. Resources discussed in this episode:Earthub websiteSam's Good News ChannelGoing Green MediaFairphone (use this link to receive a €50 discount on your first Fairphone purchase)Bark (sustainably made wooden phone cases)Host: Jennifer HetzelHave an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Transitioning away from fossil fuels is essential to reducing carbon emissions, and will require utilizing a variety of energy sources. One of these is  renewable natural gas (RNG), a growing industry that uses food  waste to produce energy. Sam Schutte, Co-Founder and CEO of Synthica Energy, joins us to discuss how this technology works and the role it could play in reducing our dependence on fossil fuels. Resources discussed in this episode:Synthica Energy websiteSynthica Energy FacebookSynthica Energy TwitterSynthica Energy LinkedInAmerican Biogas CouncilRNG CoalitionHost: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Girls! In honor of Women's History Month, Vanessa Conroy from Feminist Communities for Climate Justice joins us to discuss their work to achieve climate justice informed by feminist and community development principles. Their organization recognizes the intersectional relationship between climate change and social justice, and that climate must be considered in every policy decision we make. Vanessa discusses these issues, and the ways in which the climate crisis disproportionately affects women and other marginalized groups  Resources discussed in this episode:It's Not That Radical by Mikaela LoachThe Intersectional Environmentalist: How to Dismantle Systems of Oppression to Protect People + Planet by Leah ThomasDiversifying Power: Why We Need Antiracist, Feminist Leadership on Climate and Energy by Jennie C. StephensClimate Justice: Hope, Resilience, and the Fight for a Sustainable Future by Mary RobinsonMary Robinson Foundation Principles of Climate JusticeFeminist Communities for Climate Justice National Women's Council Feminist Communities for Climate Justice Community Work Ireland National Women's Council Ireland TwitterNational Women's Council Ireland Instagram Community Work Ireland Twitter Vanessa Conroy TwitterHost: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Where does our food come from, and how is that changing? This month we're speaking with Andy Johnston from Willy Street Co-op about the evolution of food production in the United States. He shares insights from his experience working in the food industry, and discusses the increasing popularity of local and 'alternative' food systems among consumers. Resources discussed in this episode: Willy Street Co-opWilly Street Co-op FacebookWilly Street Co-op InstagramWilly Street Co-op TwitterWilly Street Co-op YoutubeEqual ExchangeFairtrade InternationalHost: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

This month we're turning up the heat! Spencer Wilson, Resource Advisor with the U.S. Forest Service, joins us to talk about wildfires and the important role they play in nature. He also discusses how attitudes towards fire have shifted over time, and shares observations from his time as a firefighter. Resources discussed in this episode: Spencer Wilson 's Instagram.Host: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The environmental challenges facing our planet will require a skilled and dedicated workforce. Leonard Adler, CEO of Green Jobs Network, joins us to discuss the growing employment opportunities in sustainability and social impact. He offers insights for students, current and future job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Leonard also analyzes industry trends and shares his predictions for the future of the field.Host: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The benefits of travel and exploration are many, but these activities can have a profound impact on the environment. Oliver Winter, CEO & Founder of a&o Hostels, shares tips for how to travel more responsibly and discusses how a&o Hostels is helping travellers reduce their environmental impact. He also shares insights into how climate-conscious travellers are shaping the travel industry and offers advice for others in the industry looking to implement greener practices. Resources discussed in this episode:a&o Hostelsa&o Hostels Facebooka&o Hostels Instagrama&o Hostels TikToka&o Hostels LinkedIn Oliver Winter LinkedInGreen Sign CertificationHow to Avoid a Climate Disaster book by Bill GatesSouth Pole (carbon credits)Host: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Businesses can have a big effect on the environment, so it's imperative they adopt practices that minimize their impact. Chris Gassman from the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sustainable Business shares insights about the motivations and best practices for businesses looking to operate more sustainably. He also discusses Doughnut Economics, ESG and governmental incentive programs that can help businesses (and individuals!) reduce their carbon footprint. Resources discussed in this episode: University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sustainable BusinessContact the CSB: CSB@Katz.Pitt.EduChris' LinkedIn (personalize your message!)B CorpDrawdown Labs Job Function Action GuideBooksSmall Actions, Big Difference by CB BhattacharyaDoughnut Economics by Kate RaworthAll We Can Save Ed. by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson & Katharine K. WilkinsonThe Overstory by Richard PowersPodcastsSustaining SustainabilityOutrage & OptimismDrilledThe Carbon CopyGreenBiz350MarketplaceThe Rest is PoliticsDegrees by EDFEcoRight SpeaksMy Climate JourneyDocumentaries/VideosJoshua Spodek's TEDx videosThe Game Changers2040Years of Living DangerouslyNewslettersCenter for Sustainable BusinessESG TodayESG BookHost: Jennifer Hetzel Have an idea for an episode? You can reach Jennifer at jrhetz@gmail.comLike the show? Do us a favor and rate / review the show on iTunes, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts from.You can always reach us at EpicallyGeeky.comYou can also find us on FaceBook, Twitter and Instagram.You can find us on iTunes here: https://apple.co/2RV2Iq2You can find us on Stitcher here: https://bit.ly/2B4O4GTYou can find us on Google Podcast: http://bit.ly/3aDGWn6You can find us on Spotify here: https://spoti.fi/2vxR7nuYou can find us on Pandora here: https://bit.ly/3bQmRKKYou can find us on Amazon Music here: https://amzn.to/3rORGEVYou can find us on Audible here: https://adbl.co/38JYvAmYou can find us on YouTube here: http://bit.ly/2Fz524tMusic by: Peter Emerson Jazz