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 pounds of food from going to waste.

The conversation explores why perfectly good fruit gets thrown out, how consumer expectations shape food systems, and the contradictions built into modern agriculture. Ben also reflects on sustainability beyond the buzzwords, emphasizing practicality, meeting people where they are, and building solutions that farmers and consumers can realistically support. From farming traditions to real-world problem solving, this episode offers a grounded look at how small, practical decisions can create meaningful impact.

Perfect for listeners interested in food systems, sustainability, agriculture, or anyone curious about how everyday choices connect to larger environmental challenges.

Visit the The Ugly Company website or follow The Ugly Company on Instagram to learn more.

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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 through education. From natural dyes to zero-waste practices, the Kumar sisters reveal how Ichcha weaves artistry, sustainability, and social impact into every piece.

Visit the Ichcha website or follow Ichcha on Instagram to learn more.

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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 into food systems, public health, or want to learn how students can help push for climate-friendly food policies on campus!

Check out the Eat Real website to learn more.

Follow Eat Real on Instagram for more inspiration.

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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 about sustainable investing, want to put your money where your values are, or are thinking about careers in climate finance and impact entrepreneurship.

Check out the Climatize website to learn more.

Follow Climatize on Instagram for more inspiration.

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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 investing, sustainable business, or just figuring out how to make your future career count for good—this one’s for you.

To learn more about microfinance, check out Accion, Grameen Bank, and Women's World Banking.

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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 Prevention Week in the U.S. here

Discover Food Smart Tennessee Resources such as the meal planning sheet here

Check out the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's website

Follow on Instagram for more inspiration.

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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 the intersection of entrepreneurship and climate solutions. If you're curious about how money can fuel change, you’ll want to tune in.

Learn more about sustainable and impact investing at Artesian

Check out B Lab and B Corp Certification

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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.

Learn more and shop handmade goods at: Project Free 2 Fly

Save the date for the Project Fee 2 Fly annual fund-raiser, Bird & Barn

Follow Project Free 2 Fly and share their story on Instagram

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