Straight Talking Sustainability

Emma Burlow explores why sustainability professionals shouldn’t spend all their energy trying to refute every piece of misinformation or resistance they encounter. Brandolini’s Law states that: “The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than to produce it.” That imbalance makes endless fact-checking exhausting, and it can hand control of the conversation to the...

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma Burlow talks with Rhian Sherrington, founder of the Women in Sustainability Network, about building meaningful professional communities, navigating gender bias, and developing the inner capacity to lead through conflict and uncertainty. Rhian Sherrington, FRSA, MSc Rhian Sherrington, Founder and Head Coach, Women in Sustainability Network an...

When did climate change become awkward to talk about? This episode explores the gap between what people think others believe and what people actually support, arguing that silence can make climate action seem more divisive than it is. The episode is a spin on the famous Transport for London prompt: see it, say it, sorted. In this episode Reflections from the Blue Earth Summit, including an unexpec...

In this episode, Emma Burlow talks with Liv Cropper, transformational coach and host of the podcast Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership . Liv Cropper shares how she moved from 25 years in financial services into coaching sustainability leaders, why she nearly quit a postgraduate sustainability course, and what happens when sustainability work becomes too closely tied to your identi...

The sustainability sector is facing a slowdown, pushback, and political reframing. In this episode, Emma Burlow explains how to stay relevant, find work, and avoid burning out when sustainability knowledge alone no longer sets you apart. In this episode Why some sustainability work is being sidelined, rebadged, or called something else 02:59 Why narrowing your niche can lead to more work than pres...

Emma Burlow talks with Sarah Mukherjee, CEO of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, about the pressures facing sustainability professionals, the business case for climate resilience, AI, public engagement, optimism, and why failure is part of progress. In this episode Why professional standards matter in sustainability, and how ISEP evolved from IEMA 01:10 How ISEP supp...

Emma Berlow marks 100 episodes of Straight Talking Sustainability by reflecting on why she started the podcast, what has surprised her, and where the show goes next. In this episode Why a podcast felt more achievable than writing a book after nearly 30 years in sustainability 03:07 The need for more female voices in sustainability podcasting 03:59 How the podcast helps Emma Berlow share experience...

Emma Burlow talks with Jessica Riches, independent filmmaker and existential crisis communication strategist, about using sex, entertainment, humour, and trusted creators to make climate communication cut through. In this episode Why climate communicators need to “jump off the cliff of the norm” rather than take small steps, as Jessica Riches explains at 02:57. The three reasons people shut down w...

The conversation focused on the implications of the UNEP report Limiting Overshoot , which warns that global warming could reach 1.8°C even under the best-case pathway, with current policies potentially leading to 2.6°C. The discussion explored whether sustainability professionals should replace the 1.5°C message with 1.8°C, or stay focused on the existing target. The answer depends on the audienc...

This episode explores how businesses can bridge the gap between setting net zero targets and actually achieving them, moving from data collection to actionable strategies. Emma Burlow is joined by Louise Rehbinder, who delves into the Exponential Roadmap Initiative’s Five Pillars framework and its essential role in forming resilient, actionable net zero strategies for businesses of all sizes. The...

Emma returns post-surgery with updates on Straight Talking Sustainability (STS) and Lighthouse Sustainability. She addresses current sustainability fatigue and the importance of moving beyond passive "lurking" online to taking action. The episode previews upcoming guests, reflects on the impact of community support and trainer development at Lighthouse, and shares ways listeners can get involved a...

This week is a special compilation episode as Emma recovers from surgery. The focus: recent political and media pushback on net zero and why system-based, foundational shifts are still crucial for meaningful progress. Emma shares her own “pushback” against negative and misleading coverage, then compiles highlights from three recent solo episodes: Mind the Gap: How to Close the Target Action Gap an...

In this summer episode, Emma Burlow reflects on how to communicate about sustainability in everyday work and life, inspired by an out-of-office response from Abby Chicken. Rather than overt activism, Emma Burlow suggests six subtle but powerful strategies for integrating sustainability into your communication and encouraging cultural change—without shouting from the rooftops. The 6 Significant Shi...

In this episode, Emma sits down with Elise Foster Vander Elst from the Design Museum to discuss the significant role museums can play in driving sustainability and tackling the climate emergency. The conversation reveals how museums leverage their trusted status, how collective action sparks innovation, and how every job can contribute to meaningful environmental change. Key Topics & Highlight...

In this episode, Emma Berlow dives deep into the concept of cognitive dissonance —how it impacts our response to climate emergencies, and why so many people seem immobilized or contradictory in their climate actions, especially amid heat waves and wildfires. Emma Burlow also shares personal reflections on her recent work with Innovate UK’s Battery Innovation Programme, offering listeners a sense o...

This week, Emma Burlow is joined by Heather Davies to discuss why repair is quickly becoming the new recycling, especially in the context of sustainability and community impact. Heather Davies shares the inspiring story behind the Re-Action Collective, a growing network aimed at amplifying local repair, upcycling, and community reuse of outdoor gear. They explore how repair initiatives started at...

In this episode, Emma tackles the “unspeakable C word”—climate—and explores why, even amid extreme weather and record-breaking heatwaves, there’s a widespread reluctance to talk about climate change directly. Instead, conversation often pivots to coping strategies and adaptation, neglecting the root causes and mitigation. Talking About Heat, Not Its Cause Society focuses on the discomfort and prac...

This special compilation episode is a celebration of midsummer and a chance to reflect on the journeys of impact-driven professionals working in sustainability. Hayley takes the helm, curating clips from three standout past guests whose insights, honesty, and approaches have inspired the podcast community. Whether on holiday, commuting, or simply in need of motivation, listeners are invited to rev...

R – Regulate E – Empathise S- Stay Curious E – Explore T – Take Boundaries In this episode, Emma shares hands-on advice for handling conversations with climate change deniers, especially in professional settings. Drawing on a real-life training experience with a group of engineers, she introduces her “RESET” model—a practical framework for navigating challenging interactions without losing your co...

In this episode, Emma sits down with Adam Bastock, founder of Small 99 and the grassroots movement People Planet Pint. The conversation dives into Adam Bastock's journey from digital marketing to sustainability, the origins and evolution of People Planet Pint, and the critical role of community-led action in making real, lasting change. Key Topics Adam Bastock's Background & Motivation Started...

In this special episode, the usual host Emma is interviewed by her colleague and co-founder of Not Sustainable, Rebecca Watson. The tables are turned as Emma shares her journey, expertise, and reflections on her 30-year career in sustainability. The conversation covers her background, the evolution of her work, her approach to training and advisory, and her motivation for supporting individuals an...

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma welcomes Lucy Hawthorne, founder of Climate Play, to unpack how play—especially using LEGO—can be a powerful tool in making sustainability engagement more effective and enjoyable. They discuss the neuroscience of play, overcoming cynicism, and practical facilitation techniques to unlock creativity and connection in sustainability journeys. K...

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma discusses the emotional and practical impacts of climate change amidst record-breaking heat in the UK. She dives into the ways misinformation and social media can fuel anxiety and helplessness, and highlights how the People's Emergency Briefing provides both vital information and a sense of community. Emma reflects on her own skepticism abou...

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma welcomes longtime friend and experienced sustainability strategist Joss Tantram, Partner at Terrafiniti. Together, they dive into the evolution of corporate sustainability, the practical realities facing professionals in the field, and the challenges of driving real change within organizations. Joss Tantram, Partner, Terrafiniti Joss is a li...

This podcast tackles the often overwhelming world of sustainable practices with straightforward advice and relatable insight. Key Topics Covered Overwhelm and where to start with sustainability at work or at home The importance of mindset: "putting your green glasses on" Visible actions vs. invisible actions for sustainability How small changes shift social norms and influence others The underesti...