We Are Not Doomed

Michelle Doerr runs Anavah Consulting, a Minnesota-based firm that works with conservation organizations to build capacity, foster inclusive teams, and improve communication. After spending years as a wildlife biologist managing urban deer populations and working in the archery industry, she recognized a critical gap: 90% of wildlife management is people management, but professionals receive almos...

Professor Dame Henrietta Moore and urban designer Arthur Kay, co-authors of "Roadkill: Unveiling the True Cost of Our Toxic Relationship with Cars," challenge the myth that cars represent freedom while offering practical solutions for reducing car dependency. The conversation explores how the "car industrial complex" has shaped our cities and lives, from the surprising history of electric vehicles...

Fletcher Wilson and Jessica Heinzelman, founders of Throne Labs, discuss their mission to address America's surprisingly poor public restroom infrastructure through solar-powered smart bathrooms. The US ranks just 30th globally in public restroom availability, creating real challenges for rideshare drivers, families, and people with medical conditions that became more apparent during the pandemic....

Mike Berners-Lee, author of "A Climate of Truth," discusses how radical honesty in politics, media, and business represents our highest leverage point for addressing the interconnected global crises we face. Berners-Lee explains how his work evolved from carbon accounting to identifying truth as the most powerful tool for collective action amid climate destabilization. Despite acknowledging the gr...

Andrea Piana, CEO of Piana Technology, shares the journey of transforming a 440-year-old family textile business into a sustainable innovation powerhouse. Through circular design principles, the company is revolutionizing industries like automotive and bedding, with a focus on reducing waste and carbon emissions. Piana discusses how climate change inspired their shift towards zero-waste technologi...

Andy De Silva, CEO of Hotel Emporium, shares his journey from growing up in Sri Lanka to becoming an eco-friendly hotel amenities innovator. He discusses how his childhood experiences shaped his commitment to sustainability and his mission to reduce plastic waste in the hospitality industry. Through his company, Andy has developed innovative products like the Eco Pod and is continuously working to...

In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Jonah Geil-Neufeld interviews Raegan Kelly, the head of product and sustainability at Better For All, a company revolutionizing single-use items with their home-compostable cups. Raegan shares the journey of creating an eco-friendly alternative to the ubiquitous red party cup, the challenges of replacing petroleum-based plastics, and the promise of PHA biomate...

Sanders Lazier, CEO of Carbonhound, shares how businesses of all sizes can measure and reduce their carbon emissions while turning climate action into profit. Through practical examples and expert insights, Sanders breaks down complex topics like scope emissions and regulatory requirements into actionable steps for companies. Drawing from his personal journey and industry experience, he illustrate...

In this thought-provoking episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Daniel Lawse, co-founder and co-owner of the Verdis Group, a sustainability and regenerative consulting agency based in Omaha, Nebraska. Lawse shares his journey from studying theology to becoming a leader in environmental sustainability, and how his company is helping large organizations shift from trad...

What does it take to future-proof humanity in the face of climate change? In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, Brett Jenks, CEO of Rare, shares his journey from producing Dunkin' Donuts commercials to leading global conservation efforts that are helping to reshape our relationship with nature. From empowering coastal fishing communities to leveraging behavioral science for large-scale environment...

Sustainability is at the very core of Cotopaxi. The company's legal designation allows it to prioritize people and planet, alongside profit. In this episode of We Are Not Doomed, host Jonah Geil-Neufeld talks with Annie Agle, Vice President of Impact and Sustainability at Cotopaxi. Annie shares how the outdoor gear company is setting a new standard for sustainability, from their circular business...

Greg Robinson, co-founder and CEO of Aston, joins We Are Not Doomed to discuss how clean energy can meet the growing power demands of AI data centers. Greg shares his journey from working in solar energy to founding Aston, a company focused on providing firm power service through renewable sources like solar and geothermal. Greg is a wealth of knowledge on the future of clean energy, independent p...

In this episode, Jonah Geil-Neufeld interviews Whitney Flanagan, Director of Marketing at Finite Carbon, to explore the powerful role of forest carbon offsets in climate change mitigation. Whitney shares how her upbringing in East Tennessee shaped her passion for conservation, and how Finite Carbon is helping landowners protect forests while generating revenue through carbon finance. Learn about t...

In this episode, Jonah sat down with Carissa Carter and Scott Doorley from Stanford's d.school to explore the intersection of design, technology, and future possibilities. Carissa, the Academic Director, and Scott, the Creative Director, share their perspectives on how emerging technologies like AI and synthetic biology are reshaping design education and practice. They discuss their book, "Assembl...

Jonah Geil-Neufeld sits down with Bill Weir, CNN's Chief Climate Correspondent, to discuss his new book, "Life as We Know It: Stories of People, Climate, and Hope in a Changing World." Bill shares heartfelt letters written to his son, River, born in 2020, amidst a world grappling with the dual crises of climate change and COVID-19. This conversation delves into personal reflections, the impact of...

In our first episode, Jonah talks with Dana R. Fisher, Director of the Center for Environment, Community, and Equity at American University. Dana shares insights from her book Saving Ourselves and her journey from environmental policy work to becoming a leading voice in environmental sociology. She emphasizes the power of individual and collective action in pushing against entrenched power structu...