CarbonSessions

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217

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Aug 2026

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About the show

Welcome to CarbonSessions: a podcast with Carbon Conversations for every day, with everyone, from everywhere in the world. In our conversations, we share ideas, perspectives, questions, and things we can actually do to make a difference. Produced by: Steve Heatherington, Rob Slater and Leekei Tang Hosted by: Jenn Swanson (Canada), Olabanji Stephen (Nigeria), Leekei Tang (France), Brian Tormey (USA), Kristina Horning (Czechia) and Jeremy Côté (Canada) with Carbon Almanac contributors, and guests from all over the world. We’d love you to join the CarbonSessions and share your perspectives from wherever you are. If you want to add your voice to the conversation, go to thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and sign-up to be part of a future episode. It's not too late to add your voice to the global conversation. This podcast is a part of the Carbon Almanac Network of Podcasts For more information, to sign up for the emails, to join the movement and to order your copy of the carbon Almanac, go to thecarbonalmanac.org ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

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August 21, 202643 min

Toronto Climate Week - Making Climate Action More Accessible with Becky Park-Romanovsky

In this episode of Carbon Sessions, Kristina, Jenn and Brian talk to Becky Park-Romanovsky , founder of Toronto Climate Week , about her journey into climate action and her mission to bring more people into the climate conversation. Becky shares how her first climate startup grew out of frustration with the waste generated by large corporate events, and how a search for community eventually led her to create Toronto Climate Week. We discuss: Why community can be a powerful driver of climate action How Toronto Climate Week brings together 200+ events and diverse stakeholders Making climate conversations accessible to the “climate curious” The importance of internal champions when working with governments and businesses How to avoid greenwashing while remaining open to different perspectives Turning conversations and connections into real-world action The challenge of maintaining momentum and building a financially sustainable community And, finally, where hope comes from when working on climate change Becky reminds us that climate action doesn't have to start with climate. Sometimes it starts with something as simple as a love of nature, music, sport or even... kayaking. Find Toronto Climate Week: tocw.ca ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Kristina Horning, Jenn Swanson and Brian Tormey. Kristina is joining from Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac, visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Lilli Querker, Steve Heatherington, and Rob Slater.

April 17, 202645 min

Algae Biofarms Technology as a Powerful Tool for Decarbonization at Scale with Robert Politzer

In this episode of CarbonSessions, we welcome Robert Politzer of Green Street Global for a fascinating conversation at the intersection of real estate, finance, energy, and the climate crisis. Robert explains why buildings account for roughly 40% of global carbon emissions and why commercial real estate is such a critical part of the climate equation. He also shares his long journey as a green building pioneer, from early LEED projects and solar initiatives in New York City to his current work on profitable decarbonization. The conversation then turns to a bold new frontier: algae biofarms. Robert makes the case that algae could become a game-changing solution for carbon removal, clean baseload power, shipping fuel, aviation fuel, cattle feed, and economic development. He describes this as the “dawning of the age of algae” and offers a hopeful vision of how this technology could help countries like Brazil, India, and the U.S. reduce emissions while strengthening their economies. In this episode, we discuss: Why Robert prefers the term climate crisis over climate change Why buildings and commercial real estate matter so much in decarbonization How Local Law 97 in New York City is reshaping building emissions Why profitable decarbonization is essential for business adoption How algae biofarms work and why they may outperform conventional carbon capture The potential of algae-based oil for power generation, shipping, and aviation fuel The value of algae byproducts like cattle feed, fish feed, and biochar fertilizer Why Robert believes algae could become one of the most important climate solutions of our time Key takeaway There is still room for hope. While the climate crisis is real and urgent, transformative solutions are emerging, nd algae may become one of the most powerful tools we have for decarbonization at scale. About Robert Politzer Robert Politzer is the founder of Green Street Global and a longtime green building pioneer working at the intersection of sustainability, commercial real estate, and climate solutions. 📩 Contact: robert@greenstreetglobal.com 🔗 LinkedIn: Robert Politzer 🌐 Green Street Global / Myko Global ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang and Brian Tormey. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Lilli Querker, Steve Heatherington, and Rob Slater.

March 13, 202654 min

Your Shopping Superpowers with Diane Osgood

In this episode of CarbonSessions, we welcome Dr. Diane Osgood, sustainability strategist and author of Your Shopping Superpower . Diane has spent decades working at the intersection of business, sustainability, and consumer behavior. Through her work, she explores how everyday purchasing decisions can influence markets and drive meaningful environmental change. Diane shares how volunteering early in her career sparked her passion for environmental stewardship and eventually led her to focus on how companies and consumers interact within the sustainability ecosystem. She explains why businesses often struggle to balance sustainability goals with profitability and how consumer demand plays a critical role in accelerating change. Together, we explore how shopping choices, transparency, and trust influence corporate behavior and why small individual actions can scale into powerful collective impact. In this episode we discuss: Diane’s journey into sustainability and environmental advocacy Why consumer choices can influence corporate sustainability strategies The role of certifications and labels in building trust The challenge companies face balancing profit and sustainability Why packaging, plastic waste, and everyday purchasing decisions matter The gap between what consumers say they want and what they actually buy How communities can influence change through collective action Diane also reminds us that change doesn’t always start with governments or corporations—it often begins with individual choices that reshape markets. About Diane Osgood Dr. Diane Osgood is a sustainability expert, strategist, and author focused on helping businesses and consumers create positive environmental impact through informed choices Your Shopping Superpower – available through major bookstores and independent booksellers ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac, visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Olabanji Stephen, Jenn Swanson, and Jennifer Myers Chua Olabanji is from Lagos Nigeria. He’s a Creative Director and visual designer that helps brands gain clarity, deliver meaningful experiences and build tribes through Design & Strategy. He founded Jorney - a community designed to help people stay productive, accountable, and do their best work. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. Joining us from Toronto, Jennifer Myers Chua helps organizations creating positive change make a bigger impact with better creative, smarter strategy, and thoughtful solutions. ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Lilli Querker, Steve Heatherington, and Rob Slater.

January 30, 20261 hr 5 min

Rethinking Sustainability, Business, and Belonging with Lorraine Smith

In this episode of CarbonSessions , Olabanji, Kristina and Jenn dive deep with speaker, coach, advisor and writer Lorraine Smith . Lorraine has spent over two decades navigating the world of corporate sustainability. From her early career in ESG reporting with Fortune 500 companies to stepping away from the mainstream narrative, Lorraine now champions a bold new paradigm: industrial healing. Lorraine shares her personal journey of disillusionment with conventional sustainability frameworks and the moment she realized that mainstream ESG wasn’t just ineffective: it was part of the problem. She introduces us to her concept of Matereality , a more grounded and holistic way of evaluating corporate impact that moves beyond surface-level metrics and buzzwords. Together, we explore: The concept of industrial healing vs. mainstream sustainability What’s missing from traditional ESG narratives The dangers of sustainability jargon like “net-zero” and “circular” Her vision of Matereality and why it matters Mindset shifts for business leaders and individuals What she teaches in her Practice Change Program What a life-serving economy could look like by 2036 Lorraine invites us to rethink not just business strategy, but our relationship with the systems we live and work in. Whether you’re a sustainability professional, corporate leader, or curious changemaker, this conversation will leave you with more questions—and inspiration—than you came in with. Learn more about Lorraine’s work at https://www.blorrainesmith.com/ ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac, visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Olabanji Stephen, Jenn Swanson, and Kristina Horning Olabanji is from Lagos Nigeria. He’s a Creative Director and visual designer that helps brands gain clarity, deliver meaningful experiences and build tribes through Design & Strategy. He founded Jorney - a community designed to help people stay productive, accountable, and do their best work. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. Kristina is currently in Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US. ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Lilli Querker, Steve Heatherington, and Rob Slater.

November 15, 202549 min

Carl Gough – Finding Your Nexus Through Storytelling

Episode Summary: In this powerful and moving episode, we welcome storyteller and social entrepreneur Carl Gough, founder of the Nexus project. Carl shares his deeply personal journey through grief, identity loss, and rediscovery during the lockdown, and how storytelling became his way back to meaning, connection, and agency. Through bonfire tales, barefoot performances, and a growing international presence, Carl has developed a unique approach to storytelling as a tool for emotional resilience and climate engagement. He explains how myths and folktales offer vital breathing room in a media-saturated world, and how the act of sharing stories, rather than drowning in despair, can rekindle a sense of purpose. We also explore: The alchemy between storyteller and audience How stories can help us reclaim agency in the face of climate paralysis Why grief, when acknowledged, can become a doorway to action The origins and power of the Nexus storytelling project The challenges of translating a deeply emotional in-person workshop into an online space Listen in for a timely reminder that we are not too small to make a difference—and that the stories we choose to tell ourselves shape the world we live in. Update: Since we recorded this episode, Carl Gough has taken on a new role promoting the protection and restoration of seagrass—a crucial marine habitat—to help safeguard our ocean environments. ----- Mentioned in this episode: Carl’s performance storytelling website: https://storytelling.wales TEDx Talk: What if stories could change the climate? – Carl Gough at TEDx Nantymoel Beyond the Border Festival (Wales International Storytelling Festival) ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Steve Heatherington, Tania Marien, Rob Slate and Leekei Tang. From a beautiful valley in Wales, UK, Steve is a Podcast Coach, Producer and Alpaca Shepherd. Steve is fascinated by the ideas of regeneration beyond sustainability and is still a biologist at heart. From Riverside, California, Tania is an independent environmental education professional and hosts and produces The Talaterra Podcast. Rob is from Birmingham in the UK, he is an orthodontist, triathlete, coach and podcaster. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

May 9, 20251 hr 9 min

Conversation on Spiritual Wisdom of Trees with Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy

In this episode of CarbonSessions, we welcome Beth Norcross and Leah Rampy—educators, spiritual leaders, and nature advocates—who co-authored Discovering the Spiritual Wisdom of Trees , a deeply reflective guide to reconnecting with the natural world. Rooted in ecology, theology, and lived experience, their book invites us to see trees not just as beautiful beings, but as teachers, companions, and mirrors of our own spiritual lives. Through stories, reflections, and accessible practices, Beth and Leah offer a path back to wonder, attention, and a renewed sense of belonging within the living world. 🌳 In this episode, we explore: Childhood memories that sparked lifelong reverence for trees How trees model resilience, community, and mutual care The meaning of stewardship Simple, powerful practices to connect with nature—even in busy lives Lessons trees offer us about grief, healing, and wholeness How to reawaken wonder and attention in a distracted world The power of collaborative authorship and collective wisdom A vision of a future shaped by interconnection, not extraction This is a soulful conversation at the intersection of ecology, spirituality, and action—reminding us that learning from trees can guide us toward more grounded, generous, and hopeful lives. To connect with: Beth Norcross: https://www.bethnorcross.com/ Leah Rampy: https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/ The Center for Spirituality in Nature: https://www.centerforspiritualityinnature.org/ ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Brian Tormey, Olabanji Stephen, Jenn Swanson, and Kristina Horning Leekei is a fashion business business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. Olabanji is from Lagos Nigeria. He’s a Creative Director and visual designer that helps brands gain clarity, deliver meaningful experiences and build tribes through Design & Strategy. He founded Jorney - a community designed to help people stay productive, accountable, and do their best work. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. Kristina is currently in Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US. ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington, and Rob Slater.

September 13, 20241 hr 8 min

Beyond Zero: Transforming Business Through Storytelling and Sustainability with Nathan Havey

In this thought-provoking episode of Carbon Sessions, we have the privilege of hosting Nathan Havey, filmmaker and passionate advocate for sustainable business practices. Nathan takes us behind the scenes of his visionary documentary "Beyond Zero," which chronicles Interface's revolutionary journey towards sustainability under the visionary leadership of Ray Anderson. This wide-ranging conversation delves deep into the transformative power of storytelling in the business world, exploring how narrative can inspire change in ways that facts and figures alone cannot. Nathan shares his unique insights on the challenges and triumphs of creating and distributing documentaries that showcase positive business stories, offering a fresh perspective on how we view corporate sustainability efforts. The discussion expands beyond filmmaking to explore the evolving concept of stakeholder capitalism, with Nathan breaking down its five key elements and how they can reshape our approach to business. From learning from nature's regenerative designs to addressing systemic discrimination, this episode offers a comprehensive look at how companies can drive positive change while maintaining profitability. Whether you're a seasoned business leader, a sustainability professional, or simply someone interested in how companies can make a meaningful difference in the world, this episode provides valuable insights, practical advice, and inspiring examples of how businesses can lead the charge towards a more sustainable and equitable future. Join us for a conversation that challenges conventional thinking and offers a roadmap for positive change in the corporate world. To find out more about Beyond Zero, visit https://beyondzerofilm.com/ To request Beyond Zero on Netflix, ask https://help.netflix.com/en/titlerequest ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang and Brian Tormey. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

June 21, 202451 min

From Dublin Beaches to Global Classrooms: The Story Behind Picker Pals by Patrick Jackson

Episode Summary: In this episode of CarbonSessions, we chat with Patrick Jackson, the creative mind behind “Picker Pals,” an innovative environmental program for children. Patrick shares his journey from creating educational materials to becoming an environmental advocate. Patrick discusses the Picker Pals initiative, which engages children in litter-picking activities through a compelling mix of storytelling, practical activities, and classroom tools. With Picker Pals now active in 70% of primary schools in Ireland and expanding globally, Patrick emphasizes the importance of empowering children and communities to take action against environmental degradation. Listen to this episode to learn about: The origins and impact of Patrick’s eye-catching “cloak of debris” How Picker Pals integrates environmental education with hands-on activities The challenges and successes in spreading the Picker Pals program across different countries Patrick’s creative approach to engaging children in environmental stewardship through storytelling and interactive learning Expanding Picker Pals to schools and communities worldwide Insights into Patrick's creative process and future plans for the program Connect with Patrick: Picker Pals Website Picker Pals on Instagram Patrick Jackson on LinkedIn Watch Patrick in Action ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Jenn Swanson, Tania Marien, Kristina Horning and Barbara Orsi. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. From Riverside, California, Tania is an independent environmental education professional and hosts and produces The Talaterra Podcast. Kristina has a background in architecture and engineering. Currently in Prague (that it is where she is originally from) and her base is US. Based in Milan, Italy, Barbara is a mom and marketing executive who has been actively involved in building a better and brighter future for our planet since November 2021. She has contributed to the Carbon Almanac and serves as the Italian coordinator for the Carbon Almanac Network. During fall 2023, she co-founded Generation Carbon Italy, the Italian spin-off of the Carbon Almanac Network ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

June 7, 20241 hr 4 min

A Conversation with Leah Rampy and Reconnecting Earth and Soul amid Climate Chaos

Episode Summary: today we are joined by Leah Rampy to discuss her book Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos, a project rooted in her lifelong connection to the living world. Leah shares how her book draws from her extensive experience in understanding climate change, biodiversity loss, and leading retreats and pilgrimages that invite deeper ecological connections. Leah shares her journey from corporate roles to advocating for environmental stewardship through initiatives like "Save Our Soil," while addressing the dangers of "othering" and promoting a kin-centric view of nature, leading with the heart, and embracing the grief and joy of climate change. Highlights include: The inspiration and journey behind Leah’s book Earth and Soul. The grassroots movement “Save Our Soil” and its focus on local regenerative farming and habitat creation. Leah’s transition from a corporate career to environmental and spiritual work. The principles of somatic leadership and how they can apply to environmental advocacy. Balancing grief and joy in the face of climate change and the importance of ritual and community in navigating these emotions. The concept of kin-centric ecology and the practice of reweaving our relationships with the natural world. The value of local pilgrimages and connecting deeply with the nearby environment. About Leah Rampy: Leah is the author of Earth and Soul: Reconnecting Amid Climate Chaos. Leah is a writer, retreat leader, and educator who blends ecology and spirituality through personal stories and practices to help others deepen their relationship with the natural world. With a Ph.D. in curriculum from Indiana University, Leah currently lives with her husband in a co-housing community in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. To connect with Leah, visit https://www.leahmoranrampy.com/ . ----- Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Leekei Tang, Brian Tormey, and Jenn Swanson. Leekei is a fashion business founder, a business coach, an international development expert, and podcaster from Paris, France. Brian is a Real Estate Title Insurance Professional and Goat Farmer in the US. From Langley in British Columbia, Canada, Jenn is a Minister, Coach, Writer, and community Connector, helping people help themselves. ----- For more information on the project and to order your copy of the Carbon Almanac (one of Amazon best-selling books of the year!), visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! ----- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

June 4, 20245 min

[FOCUS] Why Plastic Recycling Is Misleading (from previous episode The Octopus’ Gardens)

Episode Summary: This episode is focused on a discussion about the problem of plastic recycling. It is selected from episode 13 (The Octopus’ Gardens) Like many of us, Tonya, Kristy, and Katherine thought that cleaning plastic containers and putting them in the recycling bin would help mitigate the negative impact created by the use of plastic. It’s only after they’ve been working on the Almanac that they realised that they got it all wrong! While recycling plastic is an important habit, its impact is tiny compared to the magnitude of plastic pollution created at all stages of the plastic lifecycle. This focus is selected from episode 13 (The Octopus’ Gardens) where Tonya, Kristy, and Katherine discussed the marine environment and plastic pollution and how humans are creating problems for them. They talk about projects that are trying to solve these problems and how personal responsibility is just a part of this. To listen to the full episode of Octopus’ Gardens go here For more information on the project and to pre-order your copy of the Carbon Almanac, visit thecarbonalmanac.org Want to join in the conversation? Visit thecarbonalmanac.org/podcasts and send us a voice message on this episode or any other climate-related ideas and perspectives. Don’t Take Our Word For It, Look It Up! You can find out more on page 78, 79 and 162 of the Carbon Almanac and on the website you can tap the footnotes link and type in 027, 346 and 256 Featuring Carbon Almanac Contributors Tonya Downing, Kristy Sharrow, and Katherine Palmer. Tonya is from Durham in North Carolina, she is involved in Personality-driven digital marketing for small businesses in the US. Kristy is a journalist turned marketer and Katherine is an Aromatherapist and Workshop Coordinator. --- The CarbonSessions Podcast is produced and edited by Leekei Tang, Steve Heatherington and Rob Slater.

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