Explore every episode of the podcast The Green Collar Pod
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
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| 32 - Sandra Capponi | 01 May 2026 | 00:37:22 | |
Sandra is the co-founder of Good On You, the platform helping millions of shoppers instantly understand the sustainability of fashion and beauty brands. Since 2015, her team has rated over 7,000 brands, making it easier for us and many others to shop with our values. We chat about her journey from banking to building a global sustainability startup, the realities of fast (and ultra-fast) fashion, and how consumer choices can drive meaningful industry change. Sandra also shares insights on navigating overwhelm in sustainability, the power of thoughtful decision-making, and why communication is key to creating impact. We hope you enjoy! Resources and terms mentioned: As podcasting goes, we had a few tech hiccups towards the end of the episode. Good thing we take notes while recording! Here are some resources Sandra mentioned that were not included on the final episode: | |||
| 31 - Kiersten & Aparna | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:46:33 | |
To celebrate the upcoming Earth day and more than a year of podcasting, Green Collar presents a special episode! In this special role-reversal, the hosts become the hosted when a dear friend, Max Kriegsfeld, takes over the mic to interview us. What follows? A candid, occasionally chaotic, fun (and funny?) chat. The vibe is joining three pals for coffee to chat about a passion project. We span from childhood recycling squads (global edition 🌍), career considerations that almost included actuarial science and culinary school, to our hottest takes on the public transit, reusable water bottle hierarchies, and a few greenwashing myths that deserve to be thrown out (composted!) immediately. Resources Mentioned: 🌱 Organizations, Professional Groups, & Frameworks
🎓 Certifications & Credentials
📱 Other things to Check Out
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| 22 - Greg Ross | 01 Dec 2025 | 00:35:02 | |
Greg Ross is a senior climate analyst at Cheniere Energy, where he focuses on greenhouse gas measurement, mitigation, and verification across the North American natural gas supply chain. A Houston native now based in Washington, DC, Greg brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and genuine climate motivation to his work—shaped in part by his background in chemical engineering and liberal arts at the University of Texas at Austin. With experience in electricity modeling, supply-chain emissions analysis, and industry-leading methane measurement initiatives, Greg offers an insider’s perspective on how the oil and gas sector is evolving to meet modern climate challenges. Connect with Greg on LinkedIn. Books
Other Energy Concepts & Definitions
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| 21 - Jillian Hansen | 15 Nov 2025 | 00:42:41 | |
Today we’re joined by Jillian Hansen, Market Intelligence Lead at US Solar, who shares her journey from aspiring political campaigner to renewable energy expert and distributed generation advocate. Jillian walks listeners through her evolving roles in community solar development, subscriber origination, and now market expansion, while breaking down key industry concepts like distributed generation, non-wires alternatives, and the growing role of battery energy storage. She reflects on the mentors and peers who shaped her path, how graduate school unlocked her passion for energy markets, and how she brings sustainability into her community through St. Paul’s Climate Action Advisory Board. Packed with technical insights, career advice, and a clear-eyed view of where solar is headed, the episode shines a light on the rapidly changing energy landscape—and the people helping shape its future. Connect with Jillian on LinkedIn. Podcasts
News & Analysis Resources
Conferences & Industry Events
Energy & Policy Concepts Mentioned
Local Sustainability
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| 20 - Laurent Canneva | 01 Nov 2025 | 00:26:09 | |
Today we’re joined by Laurent Canneva, co-founder and CEO of Spare It. Trained as a pharmacist with a business background, he spent 17 years at Sanofi leading commercial operations across France, Belgium, and the U.S. Five years ago, he made the leap from human health to planetary health, founding Spare-it, a company using data and technology to help organizations cut waste, lower carbon emissions, and drive real sustainability impact. Connect with Laurent on LinkedIn. Concepts, Terms, & Certifications mentioned:
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| 19 - Peyton Ridland | 15 Oct 2025 | 00:36:31 | |
Today we’re joined by Peyton Ridland, Business Development Lead for FuelCell Energy across the western U.S. Peyton has dedicated his career to driving decarbonization through clean energy technologies like fuel cells, hydrogen production, and carbon capture. His work bridges technical innovation and commercial strategy—all with a focus on helping both people and the planet thrive. Connect with Peyton on LinkedIn. Books mentioned:
Terms mentioned: Individuals mentioned:
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| 18 - Mahesh Ramanujam | 01 Oct 2025 | 00:41:45 | |
Welcome back to the Green Color Pod! Today we’re joined by Mahesh Ramanujam, co-founder, president, and CEO of the Global Network for Zero, and former CEO of the U.S. Green Building Council—an internationally recognized leader driving health, equity, and decarbonization in the built environment and beyond. Connect with Mahesh on LinkedIn. Books mentioned:
Initiatives/Organizations mentioned: Terms mentioned: Individuals mentioned: | |||
| 17 - Ethan Tapper | 15 Sep 2025 | 00:43:17 | |
Forester, author, and social media educator Ethan Tapper joins the podcast to share his unconventional journey into forestry, from wilderness expeditions done for love to becoming a leading voice on ecosystem stewardship. He reflects on the dualities of forestry—how cutting trees or using tools like chainsaws can be acts of regeneration and love—while stressing the importance of communication, responsibility, and hope in caring for forests. Listeners will walk away with a deeper understanding of how to build more meaningful relationships with nature and how to embrace both nuance and action in environmentalism Connect with Ethan on Instagram and his website. Resources: Books & Authors
Apps
Organizations Terms mentioned:
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| 16 - Ingrid Stevens | 01 Sep 2025 | 00:30:50 | |
Norwegian economist Ingrid Eileen Stevens joins us to share her journey from oil & gas to sustainable waste and water management, exploring biogas, circular economy innovations, and how Norway balances oil wealth with climate leadership. Connect with Ingrid on LinkedIn and learn more about IVAR. Resources:
Terms mentioned: | |||
| 15 - Scott Tew | 15 Aug 2025 | 00:38:57 | |
Featuring Scott Tew, founder of Trane Technologies’ Center for Energy Efficiency and Sustainability, we talk about growing up on a small farm, translating science into action, embedding sustainability into business strategy, and leading the company’s bold Gigaton Challenge. Connect with Scott on LinkedIn. Learn more about Trane Technologies. Resources:
Terms Mentioned: | |||
| 14 - Stacy Savage | 01 Aug 2025 | 00:34:19 | |
Featuring Stacy Savage, the "Texas Trash Talker," we talk about the journey from slinging margaritas to lobbying for landmark e-waste legislation, starting her own business, and diving deep into circularity. Connect with Stacy on LinkedIn. Stacy's website: Zero Waste Strategies Resources:
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| 13 - Debi Rednik | 15 Jul 2025 | 00:27:36 | |
A conversation with Debi Rednik, Senior Director of Legal and Compliance at Solstice! Connect with Debi on LinkedIn. Terms mentioned: Individuals mentioned and resources:
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| 30 - Maria Juenger | 31 Mar 2026 | 00:43:50 | |
Happy episode 30, Pod People! We hope you enjoy this conversation with Dr Maria Juenger. Dr Juenger studied and teaches about the materials that literally hold our built environment together, with an emphasis on chemical issues in cement-based materials. She's a professor at UT Austin (hook 'em!) and also the current present of the American Concrete Institute, where she helps to guide how industry uses the most common building material at a global scale. We chat about her work, how she infuses sustainability into coursework, and the importance of mentorship and organic connections. Resources and organizations mentioned:
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| 12 - Bob Keefe | 01 Jul 2025 | 00:29:09 | |
Featuring Bob Keefe, the Executive Director of E2! We talk the economic impact of IRA, depoliticizing climate action, and advice to future sustainability leaders! Connect with Bob on LinkedIn. Resources:
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| 11 - Sarah Fischer | 15 Jun 2025 | 00:31:55 | |
Sarah Fisher from ICF joins us to talk EV charging, fleet electrification, and making clean transportation more accessible. From career advice to range anxiety myths, this episode is packed with real talk and practical insights. Resources:
Facts checked:
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| 10 - Justin Den Herder | 01 Jun 2025 | 00:41:06 | |
Featuring Justin Den Herder, who is not only a structural engineer from TY Lin, but also a professor of Structural Poetics, and a poet! Connect with Justin on LinkedIn. Terms mentioned:
Resources:
Fact Checks: Justin mentions that 66% of the of the world's population will live in urban centers by 2050 but wasn't sure - he was pretty close! According to the UN, "55% of the world’s population lives in urban areas, a proportion that is expected to increase to 68% by 2050." | |||
| 09 - Natalie Pereira | 15 May 2025 | 00:29:43 | |
There's so much buzz around Episode 9 of Green Collar! We have a fun conversation with Natalie here about the importance of pollinators, recognition days like Bee Day and No Mow May, and even get some insight on how Natalie BEE-came an expert in her field! (Hint: it might be from watching a classic movie about bees). Connect with Natalie on LinkedIn. Resources:
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| 08 - Kiran Mohanraj | 01 May 2025 | 00:28:57 | |
Featuring Dr. Kiran Mohanraj, a serendipitous sustainability pal made by chance on a flight. He is a pavement engineer who breaks down myths about zero-emission vehicles, pavement-vehicle interaction, and what true sustainability really means—plus drops some solid dad jokes along the way. Connect with Kiran on LinkedIn. Terms mentioned: Resources: | |||
| 07 - Veni Mittal | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:26:55 | |
Please note there was an edit made to the audio in April, 2026. Featuring Veni Mittal, a dear friend and proud volunteer for Etna Community Organization. We'll talk about how to revitalize vacant parking lots, how to create community centers from scratch, and how to empower yourself and others to make grassroots change. Terms mentioned: Resources mentioned:
Individuals mentioned: | |||
| 06 - Fulya Kocak | 01 Apr 2025 | 00:27:36 | |
Featuring Fulya Kocak, one of the first ever LEED accredited professionals a sustainability educator, author, and entrepreneur. Terms mentioned: Resources mentioned:
Companies and Projects:
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| 05 - Gretchen Carey | 15 Mar 2025 | 00:30:20 | |
Featuring Gretchen Carey from Republic Services Terms mentioned: Resources mentioned:
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| 04 - Christina Cuellar-Nelson | 01 Mar 2025 | 00:22:05 | |
Featuring Christina Cuellar Nelson from CxAlloy. Terms mentioned: Resources mentioned:
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| 03 - Sophie Martin | 15 Feb 2025 | 00:22:35 | |
Featuring Sophie Martin from Page.
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| 29 - Michael Orbank | 15 Mar 2026 | 00:41:24 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Michael — a sustainability leader working at the intersection of construction, materials, and the built environment. Michael shares how his career evolved from an early interest in sustainable design to leading efforts that tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges: reducing embodied carbon in buildings. We talk about why the materials we use in construction matter, how the industry is beginning to rethink waste and circularity, and where real progress is happening today. From certifications and policy to emerging tools and technologies, this conversation explores how sustainability professionals can drive meaningful change in the built environment. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned:
Organizations mentioned:
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| 02 - Alejandra Menchaca | 01 Feb 2025 | 00:37:23 | |
Featuring Alejandra Menchaca from AIRLIT studio. | |||
| 01 - Betsy Brunner | 15 Jan 2025 | 00:32:23 | |
Featuring Betsy Brunner from Idaho National Labs. | |||
| 00 - Going Green Collar | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:01:52 | |
Green Collar Pod will officially begin releasing episodes in Jan of 2025. For now, we will keep working and you can work on getting excited to go green! | |||
| 28 - Olivia Amyette | 01 Mar 2026 | 00:39:33 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Olivia Amyette, founder and CEO of Infinite Energy Advisors and the Solar Knowledge Institute. Olivia shares her remarkable journey: from launching a solar company at just 20 years old, to building Georgia’s only DOL-approved registered apprenticeship for solar construction and expanding access to affordable energy across the Southeast. We talk workforce development, navigating solar in rural communities, mentorship, and why energy needn’t be political — it is practical. Whether you’re sustainability-curious, considering entrepreneurship, or passionate about expanding opportunity, this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and tangible ways to create impact. Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn. Books:
Resources & Companies Mentioned: | |||
| 27 - Christy Cannon | 15 Feb 2026 | 00:46:08 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Christy Cannon, an energy industry expert with 25 years of experience navigating electric markets, energy management, and building technology. Christy shares her career journey: from helping guide Texas through electric deregulation to building energy programs from the ground up and now working on energy automation at Yardi. We also talk mentorship, career pivots, and why sustainability isn’t a niche role, it’s a mindset that can show up in any job. Whether you’re deep in energy or just sustainability-curious, this conversation is full of practical insights and encouragement for building a long, meaningful career. Connect with Christy on LinkedIn. Resources mentioned:
Terms/certifications mentioned: | |||
| 26 - Lindsey Machamer | 01 Feb 2026 | 00:36:24 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Lindsey Machamer, Division Manager for Park Development at the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, to explore how sustainability, resilience, and equity show up in the design and delivery of public spaces. Lindsey shares her career journey from civil engineering to municipal leadership, offering an inside look at how cities like Austin use tools such as LEED, SITES, and Envision to shape parks, trails, and infrastructure. We discuss green stormwater infrastructure, nature-based play, circular economy practices like deconstruction and materials reuse, and the critical role cities can play as first adopters of sustainable practices. Lindsey also reflects on mentorship, change management, and why she firmly believes every job can be a green job—making this episode both practical and inspiring for anyone working to shift the status quo. Books
Certifications | |||
| 25 - Annise Maguire | 15 Jan 2026 | 00:37:23 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by Annise Maguire, an environmental attorney turned sustainability and ESG strategist, to explore a career shaped by environmental justice, global impact, and bold pivots. Annise walks us through her journey from environmental litigation and transactional law to ESG advisory roles across NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and global law firms, and ultimately to founding GLISS—the Global Incubator for Sustainability Services—after relocating to Paris. We discuss how ESG evolved from a niche concept to a politicized flashpoint, the role of private capital in driving environmental solutions, and why Annise believes connection, community, and well-being are critical to sustaining impact in today’s climate. This conversation is both a candid career roadmap and a thoughtful reflection on resilience, leadership, and creating meaningful change in an increasingly complex world. Connect with Annise on LinkedIn. Resources:
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| 24 - Doug Tallamy | 01 Jan 2026 | 00:41:27 | |
In this episode, we’re joined by renowned entomologist, ecologist, and author Doug Tallamy to explore how everyday landscapes—from backyards to balconies—can become powerful tools for conservation. Doug shares his career journey, explains why native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems, and introduces the concept of Homegrown National Park, a grassroots effort to restore biodiversity on private land. We discuss the critical role insects play in supporting food webs, practical actions anyone can take to help reverse biodiversity loss, and why empowering individuals is key to the future of conservation. The conversation leaves listeners with both urgency and optimism, showing that meaningful environmental impact can begin right at home. Books
Books by Doug Tallamy Organizations & Websites
Documentaries Concepts & Campaigns | |||
| 23 - Year in Review | 15 Dec 2025 | 00:42:03 | |
In this special year-in-review episode of The Green Collar Pod, co-hosts Aparna and Kiersten reflect on their first full year of podcasting with no guest, just honest conversation, data, and highlights from 22 episodes. They share listener stats, favorite moments, memorable job titles, and the guest insights that challenged how they think about sustainability, careers, and balance. The episode also spotlights good sustainability news from 2025, from record-setting solar growth and methane reductions to wildlife conservation wins and cleaner city air. Books:
Reports, articles, resources:
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