SolPods Studio

In this episode of SolPods Studio, host Harrison Cymbler sits down with Stephanie (Steph) Hallinan from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to explore sustainability in the built environment and the many paths into the field. Steph shares her “zigzag” career journey from architecture to supply chain to sustainability, and how unexpected experiences can shape impactful careers. The conversation...

In this episode of SolPods Studio, host Katie Lockwood sits down with Ben Moore, a Central Valley farmer and founder of The Ugly Company, to talk about food waste, farming, and what sustainability looks like in practice. Ben shares how years spent hauling and dumping unmarketable fruit led him to start a company that transforms imperfect fruit into clean, simple snacks while preventing millions of...

In this episode of SolPod Studios, host Mia Rubiera sits down with sisters Rachna and Ruchika Kumar, co-founders of Ichcha, a sustainable textile brand dedicated to preserving India’s ancient crafts and promoting conscious consumerism. They share their journey from tech and design into entrepreneurship, how they collaborate with artisans across generations, and their initiatives that empower women...

In this inspiring episode, host Mia Rubiera chatted with Natalie Linden from Friends of the Earth’s Climate-Friendly School Food Program about why rethinking what’s on our school menus is such a big deal for climate action. Natalie breaks down how schools are moving toward healthier, plant-forward, and more sustainable meals—and what it really takes to make those changes happen. Perfect if you’re...

In this episode, we talk with Will Wiseman, Co-Founder and CEO of Climatize, about making climate investing accessible to everyone—even students and young people just getting started. Will shares how Climatize is breaking down barriers to funding renewable energy projects and offers insights on how individuals can take real financial action for the planet. This is a must-listen if you’re curious a...

In this episode, we hear from Jennifer Leonard, Head of Impact at Ethic, about what it really means to invest with purpose. She explains how financial systems can support positive change and why impact investing is more than just a buzzword. Jennifer also offers advice for students who are new to the world of finance but want to align their money with their values. If you’re curious about ethical...

In our latest podcast episode, Joelle Ciriacy, Environmental Scientist at the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, shares tips for preventing food waste.    From being proactive with meal planning and shopping lists, to leveraging the pantry and freezer, Joelle makes practical suggestions for easy ways to eliminate food waste in the household. Learn more about National Food Waste...

In this episode, we chat with Alexandra Clunies-Ross, Partner at Katapult VC, about how venture capital can actually drive real, measurable impact. Alexandra explains how investors choose and support startups tackling climate change and social challenges, and what makes an “impact business” stand out. She also shares insights for students interested in sustainable business, startups, or careers at...

In our latest podcast episode, Hailey Johnston, Founder and CEO of Project Free 2 Fly, discusses the nonprofit she founded over a decade ago to empower women who have come out of crisis situations.  She shares her background story and describes how the project equips women with sewing skills, mentorship and life enrichment to gain resources they need to find jobs and take control of their futures....

In our latest podcast episode, we hear from Austin Meyer, a documentary filmmaker, National Geographic Explorer, cinematographer, and photographer.  Austin's works have been featured by National Geographic , HBO, Apple TV, Hulu, and The New York Times.  During the podcast, Austin shares his background and the drivers that led him to his film-making career, his transition to becoming a vegan a...

In our latest podcast episode, Ann Linder, animal law expert, discusses our relationships with animals, including captive wildlife, livestock, and exotic pets.  She details the risks of future pandemics due to poorly regulated animal industries in the U.S. and finds that the epicenter might not be a distant market but could be much closer to home - at a pet shop, a livestock auction or at your kit...

Host Amy Farrell speaks with Monika Kumar, a specialist in impact investing and sustainability reporting.  Monika has dedicated her career to driving sustainability and ESG (environmental, social and governance) into strategy at a range of organizations from start-ups to businesses in New York City to the World Bank Group.  She shares her journey which led her to her role today where she advises p...

Host Lucy Callender sits down with Madeleine Longoria Garcia, a coffee expert whose journey began as a barista during college and has since spanned across various roles in the coffee supply chain. She has worked in Hawai'i, Australia, Southeast Asia, Mexico and Central America gaining experience in cafes as well as in the agricultural aspects of coffee.  Madeleine's passion for education...

Host Amy Farrell speaks with Andrew Lewin, a marine conservationist and self-proclaimed “ocean-preneur.” Andrew, the CEO and President of Speak Up for Blue, dives into his background as a marine biologist and his transition to becoming a passionate science communicator through blogging, YouTube videos, and eventually podcasting. Throughout the episode, Amy and Andrew explore everything from plasti...

SolPods Co-Founder Cassie Freyeisen sits down with Matt Loch, owner of Skeptic Meadery, to chat about the unique process of making mead, an alcoholic beverage made from honey, water and yeast. Skeptic Meadery sources honey in East Tennessee, helping to promote local biodiversity. They avert food waste by accepting and utilizing fruits and herbs which would have been wasted otherwise. Not to mentio...

SolPods' Lucy Callender sits down with Jamie Berger, writer and producer of The Smell of Money, to discuss the motivating factors that led Jamie to create this powerful documentary.  Jamie shares her journey and her goal to make people aware of the injustices of industrial animal agriculture and the adverse impact on communities and the environment. Her activism for a better world, better env...

Host Amy Farrell sits down with Aishani Garg, a high school student and founder of the "Climate Career Kit" podcast. Aishani passionately discusses her commitment to the environment and the driving force behind her podcast which is dedicated to helping young environmental enthusiasts like her enter the world of climate careers. This episode explores Aishani's inspiring journey and p...

Amy Sabik sits down with Kathy Bonte, Board Chair of FabMo, a Sunnyvale, California-based nonprofit that promotes and encourages good stewardship of the earth by diverting discontinued designer fabrics, tiles, wallpapers and other similar materials from landfills, making them available to all interested persons and inspiring creative reuse. Check out FabMo's website. and Follow FabMo on Insta...

SolPods' Amy Farrell sits down with Jessica Maderos, a trailblazing chemical engineer who's not only reshaping industries but also paving the way for other aspiring women in this dynamic field.  Jessica stands as a beacon of innovation and sustainability at Blue Planet , a company committed to rewriting the environmental narrative of the construction industry.  Jessica’s podcast is a per...

SolPods’ Cassie Freyeisen sits down with Dennis Fritsch, Associate Nature Lead in Nature for the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), to talk about the imperative of ocean health, blue finance, and the sustainable Blue Economy. Diving into the delicate balance between economic progress and environmental preservation, Dennis emphasizes the need for collaboration and tr...

SolPods Amy Farrell sits down with Aidan Wing, founder of Wings of Nature Bees, a regenerative apiculture company focused on natural practices and approaches to beekeeping and honey production.  Aidan describes how bees called him to beekeeping and inspired him to launch his own business.  Learn about the amazing community of the hive, the benefits of bees and honey, and what you can do to help pr...

SolPods Cassie Freyeisen sits down with Deirdre Appel, founder of SoDak Compost, the first non-profit community composting center of its kind in South Dakota.  Deirdre's journey from New Jersey to Brooklyn, and eventually settling in Sioux Falls in 2021 amid the pandemic, drove her to create  SoDak Compost, addressing the lack of food scraps recycling options for urban apartment residents. Le...

SolPods' Lucy Callender speaks with Farah Asemi, founder of ecofleet, a zero emissions, last mile, cargo bike delivery company, and Diagnostics 360, an environmentally-minded medical laboratory company.  Farah explains how her personal experiences drove her to launch her businesses in a quest to find more sustainable solutions for her community and beyond.  She highlights the challenges of be...

SolPods Cassie Freyeisen sits down with Natalia Monnard, founder of SQIN Ø, an all-natural, artisanal, sustainable cosmetic products company exclusively made in Switzerland.  Natalia describes what inspired her to launch a clean beauty company during the Pandemic, the challenges she has faced and her success today.  She is an advocate for natural skin care and good health and explains why staying...

SolPods Amy Sabik sits down with Anne-Marie Bonneau, author of The Zero Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and the Planet .  Anne-Marie describes how she went plastic free starting in 2011 and her journey to zero-waste in the kitchen.  Anne-Marie's tips include making up-cycled cloth produce bags which have inspired individuals from Seattle, to Scotland and b...