Grab a warm drink and settle in for our special 2025 holiday wrap-up! After releasing an episode every single Tuesday and growing to over 90 episodes, we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible people and inspiring stories that made this year so memorable.

This year took us on an incredible journey, from the mountains of Italy for the NanoValbruna conference to the heart of the Midwest for the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. We revisit the power of international storytelling with guests like Francesca Cercelletta, who taught us how to make impactful films with just a phone, and Duccio Travaglini, who showed us how to turn "cold data" into "cool data."

We also reflect on the amazing collaborations we saw closer to home, from our live panel on waste diversion to the inspiring work of innovators like Shailah Maynard at Sew Valley and Zack Burns, who's sustainably feeding giraffes at the Cincinnati Zoo. Through it all, the beating heart of this season has been community. We discuss how champions like Jamie Richards have created change from within corporations and how the infectious energy of Emily Rials and Susan Swinford from Columbus Food Rescue inspired Adam to become a food rescue volunteer himself.

It's a celebration of the people who give us hope and a reminder that we all have a role to play. Thank you for being part of our community this year.

Episode in a glance

- A Year in Review 90+ Episodes and Counting
- Favorite Moments from Italy (NanoValbruna)
- Highlights from the Midwest Summit (MRSS)
- The Beating Heart of 2025 Community in Action
- Adam Gets Inspired to Rescue Food
- Looking Ahead to 2026

About Dominique Hadad & Adam Morris:

Dominique Hadad and Adam Morris are the co-hosts of the Green Champions podcast. Dominique brings her expertise in sustainability, while Adam adds his passion for social impact and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore the diverse ways individuals and organizations are creating a greener future.

Episodes we Discussed:

• Duccio Travaglini - Breaking Climate News With Cool Data
• Francesca Cercelletta - Using iPhone Storytelling to Frame the Change
• Shailah Maynard - Sew Much More Than Fashion
• Jessica Glorius-Dangelo - Sustainable Architecture Begins at the Drafting Table
• Zack Burns - How Hydroponics Feeds Giraffes and Cuts Emissions at the Zoo
• Kristan Uhlenbrock – Creating a New Institute at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Emily & Susan – How They Rescued One Million Pounds of Food
• Jamie Richards - Inside Bansk Beauty’s Regenerative Shea Project in Uganda

Connect with Green Champions:

Website → https://www.thegreenchampions.com/

Instagram →

Send us a message!

Duccio Travaglini, Co-founder of Greencome Media, shares his innovative approach to environmental communication and his mission to transform how we discuss climate change. Rather than contributing to climate anxiety through catastrophic messaging, Duccio and his team focus on solution-oriented storytelling that mobilizes people to action. He discusses the importance of finding relatable stories of "normal people" making change and combining these narratives with data in engaging ways - what he calls turning "cold data into cool data."

As a moderator at NanoValbruna, Duccio led discussions about regeneration versus sustainability, emphasizing how regeneration takes environmental action to the next level by focusing on community-centered economic systems. He shares insights about measuring success through quality engagement rather than quantity, and emphasizes that sustainability is a journey of continuous learning rather than a demand for perfection.

About the Mini Series

This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Episode at a glance

-The Evolution of Environmental Communication
-Regeneration vs. Sustainability: Moving Beyond Impact Reduction
-Storytelling Strategies: Combining Human Stories with Data
-Quality Over Quantity in Environmental Media
-The Journey Approach to Sustainability

About Duccio Travaglini

Duccio Travaglini is the Co-founder of Greencome Media, an Italian media platform focused on environmental and climate topics. Currently studying Environmental Economics and Politics, Duccio is pioneering a new approach to climate communication that emphasizes solutions and positive action while maintaining factual accuracy.

Connect with Duccio Travaglini and his work

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/greencome_ita

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@greencome_ita

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/greencome1

Newsletter → https://greencome.substack.com/

Green Tonic Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/7dgeH02vAlJyz3M6UR34Xq?si=887794e218404d75

Send us a message!

Kristan Uhlenbrock, a scientist, writer, and communicator, leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where she is dedicated to weaving thoughtful science into public conversations and decision-making. Kristan shares the origin story of the Institute for Science and Policy, a unique organization born from a desire to address the growing politicization of science and create a space for nonpartisan, evidence-based dialogue. She describes the institute’s mission to make better decisions as a society by integrating science and evidence into public discourse. Kristan recounts the institute's early days, from its conceptualization in 2018 to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately broadened their focus to include public health.

She discusses the institute's work in climate change, energy, natural resources, and public health, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in tackling these complex, intersectional issues. Kristan details the institute's convening model, which brings together diverse stakeholders to find common ground and develop actionable solutions. She also introduces the new Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program, a landmark initiative that will place scientists in the state legislature to provide technical expertise and support evidence-based policymaking. She also discusses her podcast, "Laws of Notion," explaining how it uses the power of storytelling to explore complex societal issues, from the energy transition in coal communities to the water crisis in the West.

Episode in a glance

- The Origin Story of the Institute
- Bridging the Gap Between Science and Decision-Making
- The Institute's Focus Areas
- Convenings and Collaborative Problem-Solving
- The Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program
- The Power of Storytelling and the "Laws of Notion" Podcast

About Kristan Uhlenbrock

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a scientist, writer, and communicator who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. With a background in marine science and a passion for bridging the gap between science and society, she is dedicated to fostering thoughtful public conversations and evidence-based decision-making. Kristan is also the host of the "Laws of Notion" podcast, where she explores how we can rethink our ideas to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock and her work:

Laws of Notion Podcast → https://lawsofnotion.org/

Institute for Science and Policy → http://institute.dmns.org/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhlenbrock/

Send us a message!

Kristan Uhlenbrock, who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, is a scientist, writer, and communicator dedicated to bridging the gap between science, policy, and community. Her journey from a free-roaming kid in rural Indiana to a leading voice in public discourse on climate change is a testament to the power of curiosity, connection, and embracing the messiness of it all.

Kristan shares her origin story, recounting how a childhood spent exploring the creeks and forests of southeast Indiana nurtured a deep love for nature. She describes her unexpected path into science, from being a "pre-med kid" to discovering her passion for chemistry and marine science, a journey that took her from the heartland to the coasts of Florida. Kristan explains how her academic pursuits evolved from pure research to a fascination with the social and political dimensions of environmental issues, leading her to write op-eds, engage with local leaders, and eventually find her way to the world of science policy in Washington D.C.

She offers valuable insights on how to find your voice and engage in public discourse, emphasizing the importance of approaching conversations with humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand different perspectives. Kristan discusses the "messiness" of both science and people, advocating for an embrace of uncertainty and a willingness to learn from failure. She shares her philosophy that being kind to yourself is the first step toward creating positive change in the world.

Episode in a glance

- A Childhood Rooted in Nature
- The Winding Path from Pre-Med to Marine Science
- Finding a Voice in Science and Policy
- How to Engage with Leaders and Find Your Voice
- Embracing the "Messiness" of Science and People
- Advice for a Younger Self Be Kind

About Kristan Uhlenbrock

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a scientist, writer, and communicator who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. With a background in marine science and a passion for bridging the gap between science and society, she is dedicated to fostering thoughtful public conversations and evidence-based decision-making. Kristan is also the host of the "Laws of Notion" podcast, where she explores how we can rethink our ideas to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock and her work

Laws of Notion Podcast → https://lawsofnotion.org/

Institute for Science and Policy → http://institute.dmns.org/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhlenbrock/

Send us a message!

Did you know that Columbus, Ohio generates a staggering one million pounds of food waste per day?

But the city taking concrete steps towards sustainability, and Aryeh Alex, its Sustainability Manager, is leading the charge. The city's ambitious Climate Action Plan has already seen success with its weekly recycling program. The new food scrap drop-off program, specifically targeting underserved communities, has collected an astounding 30,000 pounds of food scraps in just six months. Alex discussed the recently launched waste and reuse convenience centers, offering residents a free way to recycle and reuse items like electronics, clothing, and furniture. But perhaps most inspiring is Alex's vision for a circular economy in Columbus, a system that could create a thousand new jobs by transforming discarded materials, such as red solo cups, into valuable resources like marble tiles. The city's dedication to sustainability is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also empowering its residents and fostering a greener future.

Episode in a glance

- The Columbus's Climate Action Plan
- Waste reduction and the concept of a circular economy
- The potential for Food Rescue
- The success of Food Rescue Columbus
- Waste diversion successes in Columbus
- The Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers
- Aryeh's vision for a thousand circular economy jobs

About Aryeh Alex

Aryeh Alex is the Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful and the Sustainability Manager for the City of Columbus, Ohio. In these roles, he leads the city's residential recycling, organic waste, waste reduction, community education, and volunteer litter programs. Aryeh also serves as the Sustainability Coordinator for the Division of Refuse Collection and is a Commissioner of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.

Connect with Aryeh Alex & Keep Columbus Beautiful

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/keepcolumbusbeautifuloh/

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@keepcbusbeautiful

X/Twitter → https://x.com/kcbcolumbus

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/keep-columbus-beautiful

Send us a message!

Joe Tegerdine is the General Manager of North America for Reencle. He is on a mission to make composting accessible, convenient, and impactful. Joe explains the science behind Reencle, a home composter that uses a unique blend of microbes, heat, oxygen, and moisture to emulate a hot composting environment, breaking down 90% of food waste in just 24 hours. He discusses the difference between Reencle’s "unfinished" compost and traditional compost, offering a clear and accessible explanation of the curing process and how to create a nutrient-rich soil amendment for your garden. He shares the impact Reencle is having around the world, with over 300,000 customers in 17 countries, and the company’s plans for future growth, including new products and partnerships. He discusses the company's commitment to research and development, highlighting collaborations with universities like Michigan State and Brigham Young to refine best practices and communicate the science behind their technology.

Joe also shares how Reencle is empowering communities, from donating refurbished units to schools for food security programs to partnering with the People's Co-op in Detroit to create a circular food system. He also discusses upcoming innovations, including a wifi-enabled unit, a smaller apartment-sized composter, and a line of Reencle-branded compostable products. Finally, he emphasizes the critical importance of addressing food waste as a key solution to climate change, highlighting the immense impact that composting can have on soil health, carbon sequestration, and global temperatures.

Episode in a glance

- What is Reencle and How Does It Work?
- Unfinished vs. Finished Compost
- The Global Impact of Reencle
- Overcoming Challenges in a Confusing Market
- The Future of Reencle
- Food Waste as the Low-Hanging Fruit of Sustainability

About Joe Tegerdine

Joe Tegerdine is the General Manager of North America for Reencle, a company dedicated to making composting accessible and convenient. With a diverse background that spans law, consumer electronics, and marketing, he brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience to his role. Joe is passionate about finding practical, sustainable solutions that empower individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.

Connect with Joe Tegerdine and his work

Reencle Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/reencle_global

Reencle Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/reencleus

Reencle Website → https://reencle.co/

Joe’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetegerdine/

Send us a message!

Joe Tegerdine is the General Manager of North America for Reencle. He shares his unconventional journey from dissecting owl pellets to navigating the complex world of consumer electronics. His story is a testament to the power of following your curiosity, embracing diverse experiences, and finding your unique path to making a positive impact.

Joe recounts his childhood in the Pacific Northwest, where a love for nature and a healthy skepticism of extreme environmentalism shaped his worldview. He discusses his unexpected entry into the consumer electronics industry, a path that took him from a brief stint in real estate law to working with global manufacturing giants in Taiwan and navigating the intricate web of FCC regulations in Washington D.C. He shares how this experience gave him a deep understanding of manufacturing processes, supply chains, and the challenges of creating high-quality, long-lasting products.

He also shares his early experiences with composting, from messy backyard experiments to the realization that traditional methods weren't a perfect fit for his family's lifestyle. This set the stage for a chance encounter at a trade show in Hong Kong, where he discovered Reencle, a kitchen-to-garden composting solution that would ultimately redefine his career. Joe discusses his initial skepticism, his rigorous testing of the product, and how his passion for its potential led him to join the Reencle team.

Episode in a glance

- A Childhood Rooted in Nature
- An Unexpected Path into Consumer Electronics
- The Early Days of Composting
- Discovering Reencle in Hong Kong
- From Law to Electronics The Regulatory Maze
- Advice for Aspiring Professionals

About Joe Tegerdine

Joe Tegerdine is the General Manager of North America for Reencle, a company dedicated to making composting accessible and convenient. With a diverse background that spans law, consumer electronics, and marketing, he brings a unique blend of strategic vision and hands-on experience to his role. Joe is passionate about finding practical, sustainable solutions that empower individuals to make a positive impact on the environment.

Connect with Joe Tegerdine and his work

Reencle Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/reencle_global

Reencle Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/reencleus

Reencle Website → https://reencle.co/

Joe’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/joetegerdine/

Send us a message!

Jamie Richards, Director of ESG for Bansk Beauty's portfolio including Amika, Eva NYC, and Ethique, explains how sustainability is not just a value but a core business strategy. She details how Bansk’s "Five Goods" ESG framework guides their mission, creating what she calls "extended valuation" for each brand. Jamie shares how this high-level strategy is tailored to the unique identity of each brand—from Amika's deep engagement with the professional stylist community to Eva NYC's focus on accessible sustainability for the mass-market consumer.

The heart of the conversation explores Jamie's champion story: a groundbreaking regenerative agriculture project in East Africa. Frustrated by opaque beauty supply chains, Jamie’s team invested their climate transition budget into a direct-trade shea butter source in Uganda. This initiative not only provides a transparent, high-quality ingredient but also creates a dual income stream for the local collective through a carbon insetting model, a practice that directly invests in the company's own value chain. Jamie also discusses her work with Ethique, a brand so sustainable it presents the unique challenge of finding new ways to innovate. She offers practical advice for consumers on how to spot genuinely sustainable products, from looking for robust certifications like B Corp to checking for transparency on a brand's website.

Episode in a glance

- ESG at Bansk Beauty The Five Goods
- Consumer Demand and Brand Strategy
- The Regenerative Agriculture Project in East Africa
- Measuring Impact From Carbon Sequestration to Social Value
- The B Corp Certification Journey
- Navigating Greenwashing and Empowering Consumers

About Jamie Richards

Jamie Richards is the Director of ESG at Bansk Beauty, where she leads the integration of sustainability into the company's core business strategies. With a background in environmental policy and decision-making, she brings a unique blend of scientific knowledge, consumer insights, and business acumen to her role. Jamie is a passionate advocate for creating a more sustainable and ethical beauty industry.

Connect with Jamie Richards and her work:

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/in/richards-jamie/

Bansk Beauty Website → https://banskbeauty.com/

Amika → http://loveamika.com/

Eva NYC → http://evanyc.com/

Ethique → https://ethique.com/

Send us a message!