Ideas for Impact

Canada holds a fifth of the world’s freshwater, yet many of its communities still face boil water advisories, phosphorus-fueled algae blooms, and shrinking aquifers. While water feels abundant here, the truth is more complicated and more urgent. In this episode of Ideas for Impact , we sit down with Kariann Aarup, Head of Program Partnerships at AquaAction , a national nonprofit helping young inno...

Nearly two billion people still live without access to safe water—while billions of investment dollars sit on the sidelines. In this episode, we speak with Genevieve Edens from WaterEquity , the first impact investment fund focused entirely on solving the global water and sanitation crisis. Backed by Matt Damon and Gary White, WaterEquity was built to fill a clear gap: channeling capital to unders...

Behind the postcard views of British Columbia’s coastline lies a different story—one of plastic pollution, degraded marine infrastructure, invisible water contamination, and the quiet disappearance of public beach access. In this episode, we speak with Lucas Harris, Executive Director of Surfrider Foundation Canada, about what it means to protect the ocean when the threats are complex, systemic, a...

What does the future of fishing look like when transparency, sustainability, and equity lead the way? In this episode, we explore how one bold venture is shaking up the commercial fishing industry—using real-time data, tech-driven accountability, and a community-first mindset to rethink how we harvest from the ocean. At the center is Teem.fish, a company building digital tools to modernize fisheri...

In this episode of Ideas for Impact , we dive into the world of seaweed and marine biologics with Patrick Griffin, CEO of Marine Biologics, and Spencer Serin, CSO. Together, they explore how seaweed—often overlooked and underutilized—is poised to transform the future of biomanufacturing. From methane-reducing feed to bioactive compounds for food, cosmetics, and materials, Marine Biologics is build...

In this episode we dive into a conversation with ocean explorer turned entrepreneur Julie Angus, the visionary founder and CEO of Open Ocean Robotics. Julie shares how her solar-powered, autonomous boats are transforming the way we understand and protect our oceans. From tracking illegal fishing to advancing climate research, her blue tech startup is pushing the boundaries of marine innovation — a...

In this episode of Ideas for Impact: Disruption for Good , co-hosts Joanna Buczkowska-McCumber and Deborah Haust sit down with political scientist and sustainability leader Jenny Morgan to explore the nuances behind her new book, Cancel Culture in Climate . Together, they unpack what’s really happening when conversations about climate shift from constructive to combative—and why that matters for t...

In this episode, we wade into the salty, untamed waters of the blue economy with Michael Williamson, co-founder and CEO of Cascadia Seaweed . Born from a bold idea and built with deep roots in Indigenous collaboration, Cascadia isn’t just farming seaweed — it’s scaling a climate solution. Michael shares the origin story of a venture that’s part carbon drawdown strategy, part food security revoluti...

Did you know that over 1.5 million young people around the world participated in the Global Climate Strikes in September 2019, young people were demanding urgent action on climate change in countries all around the world.  Because of their actions, the world started to pay attention.  Earth Rangers, an organization focused on youth, has mobilized over 250,000 young environmentalists to protect wil...

The world of investing is changing, expanding into geniune impact. The focus has broadened to encompass investments in profit-driven ventures with an impact focus, social enterprises, cooperatives, and even non-profits. One of the funds pioneering hybrid models of investment is the Thrive Impact Fund based in Victoria Canada. It's a testament to the idea that impact doesn't need to be ma...

Our brains, the epicentre of our nervous system, perform around 100,000 chemical reactions every second—making brain health crucial not only for cognitive function but also for overall vitality. This incredible organ not only powers our thoughts and memories but also regulates countless bodily processes. If the brain is not healthy, we can not expect our bodies to be.  Joining us is Ryan Damon, th...

Money….we all have a relationship with it - its not always good for us. Trauma of Money™ (TOM) is a unique financial literacy and psychoeducation program that brings together the psychology of scarcity and the fundamentals of trauma to help us reveal how trauma impacts the mind, and, in turn, our relationships with money and financial wealth.  Unlike traditional approaches to financial education t...

Last year, Canada exceeded $3 billion in insured damage from natural catastrophes and severe weather events - like floods and, fires., and sever storms. In the USUnited States that number is a staggering $92.Billion dollars. If you knew what the weather forecast entailed months from now, to guide your decision making, would you do whatever it was that would help?   Enter Planette - A climate tech...

In todays episode we are diving into the fascinating yet wasteful world of the floral industry. Celebrated for its ties to the natural world and boasting a staggering value of over $53 billion, this industry is often viewed as sustainable. Yet, beneath the vibrant blooms and bouquets, there's a hidden reality of serious environmental impact and greenwashing. These practices often obscure the...

It's no secret that many learning spaces in schools and daycare are far from what we'd consider healthy or inspiring, a concern magnified by the prevalence of "fast furniture" — inexpensive, low-quality items that are quickly bought and discarded. But amidst this unsettling trend, one company has been trying to change this.   Enter Natural Pod, founded by Bridgitte Alomes, a co...

Most cans of tuna on supermarket shelves hold dark secrets: exploited fishermen, dead sharks, and dying oceans. Fishing vessels use methods that wreak havoc on marine life. Much of the canned tuna available on the shelves comes from destructive fishing practices and fish that are not caught locally.   Scout is a Certified B-Corp and a proud 1% for the Planet member. They are the first craft canned...

Dive into the evolving world of business and the ones that dare to change it.  Deborah and Joanna kick-off the Ideas for Impact podcast in this premier episode, as they discuss their own journeys to impact! From social enterprise beginnings to the fast-paced world of startup accelerators, this duo takes you on a fun-filled ride through their personal paths to making a difference. Discover how a sh...

We spend close to 85% of our time in the BUILT environment - your home, work, restaurant, mall, passport office, you get us. The spaces we live and work in truly shape our lives. If they are not well designed for our well-being….we feel it.  Meet Gensler, an architecture and design firm, on a mission to create a better world through the power of design, challenging conventional ideas about archite...

Let’s take a fresh look at how we do business. Changemakers are innovating everyday ideas and creating their own mark on industry for the better.  From cutting-edge startups to established industry leaders, our guests aren’t your usual suspects. Ideas for Impact hosts conversations to inspire all of us to lead with disruption. Join us to unravel the lessons learned behind their failures and triump...