Best Sustainable Solutions Podcasts (2024)

1
How the GEO Foundation is Driving Sustainable Golf through Initiatives, Resources, and Certification 52:38

1d ago52:38

52:38

Jonathan Smith is the founder and Executive Director of the GEO Foundation for Sustainable Golf and one of the foremost authorities on golf sustainability in the world. His foundation focuses on creating a symbiotic relationship with strategic partners to help golf clubs, architects, and individual tournaments reach their sustainability goals. The …

1
The Environmental Benefits of Golf Courses 33:19

8d ago33:19

33:19

What if golf courses were more than just places to tee off? In this episode of The Golf Sustainability Podcast, I sit down with Brian Horgan, chairperson of Michigan State University’s Department of Plant, Soil, and Microbial Sciences, to dive into a fascinating new perspective on golf. With over 20 years in research and academia, Brian has been at…

1
How the PGA Tour is Leading the Charge in Sustainable Golf 32:36

15d ago32:36

32:36

Why wouldn’t the PGA Tour help lead the charge in golf sustainability? I’m joined by Brazos Barber, the Director of Sustainability for the PGA Tour for his insights in sustainable golf and the PGA Tour. As golf faces growing environmental challenges, Brazos shares his personal journey with me: leading sustainability efforts within one of the world’…

1
Sustainability Technology at Hillcrest Country Club with Matt Muhlenbruch 40:55

22d ago40:55

40:55

As the Director of Agronomy at Hillcrest Country Club, Matt Muhlenbruch fully embraces leveraging technology to make the game of golf more sustainable. His approach is well-researched so he’s only implementing tools and technologies that will drive sustainable golf forward. Ultimately, the technology he adopts has to bring meaningful and measurable…

1
Jay Karen Addresses Golf Sustainability through the Lens of Golf Course Owners 48:19

29d ago48:19

48:19

Jay Karen, CEO of the National Golf Course Owners Association, addresses economic and social sustainability from the viewpoint of an owner/operator. Jay believes that there’s a fine balance between sustainable business practices and sustainability practices. He dissects the nuances one has to consider. Golf course owners are expected to make golf m…

1
St Andrew's Legacy of Sustainable Golf 31:39

1M ago31:39

31:39

St. Andrews Links is the oldest—and most well-known—golf course in the world. Recognized as the “Home of Golf,” it’s existed for over 600 years. Today we have the privilege of speaking with Gordon McKie, the Greenkeeping Operations Manager. Gordon has been at St. Andrews Links in various roles for over 27 years. Every year, over 240,000 rounds of g…

1
Sustainable Golf at Big Cedar Lodge 30:49

1M ago30:49

30:49

“We all live downstream” is one of the mottos of Mr. Jonny Morris, the Founder and CEO of Bass Pro Shops. Bubba Wright lets this motto serve as the north star for everything he does as the Director of Agronomy at Big Cedar Lodge. Whether it's by reducing its footprint or providing habitats for wildlife, Big Cedar Lodge strives to leave everything b…

1
RTE Presents: Building with Hemp - Interview with Traci Quinn 26:06

6M ago26:06

26:06

Will hemp become a new building material staple in the construction industry? In this episode, I talk with an Illinois general contractor who is using hemp insulation and and is anticipating building future projects with hempcrete building blocks. #buildwithhemp #buildgreen #concrete #construction #hempcrete #fireresistant #moldresistant #rodentres…

1
Inspirational Story of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach and Tips for How to Launch Your Own Golf Course Community Center 36:03

6M ago36:03

36:03

The Path seeks to change kids’ lives while introducing them to the game of golf. So is it a community center or a golf course? It’s both! It was launched on the premise that every child deserves the chance to succeed in life and you can hear the motivating story from Dave Andrews, the Director of The Path at The Park West Palm Beach. The Path has b…

1
Inside To Sustainable Weight Loss Solutions 5:44

7M ago5:44

5:44

Join us on a journey into the world of sustainable weight loss with Penn Medical Group groundbreaking services in Wayne, PA. In this episode, we explore how Penn Medical Group at pennmedicalgroup.com is revolutionizing the approach to weight management, offering comprehensive, personalized programs designed to empower individuals to achieve long-te…

1
RTE Presents: Ideal Building Blocks 13:31

7M ago13:31

13:31

In this episode, we start with a construction supply staple - the building block! How do we move forward to a more sustainable building environment? Suggested elements of the ideal building block are shared and why this matters to our future buildings and those who live in them. This lays the groundwork for future interviews with those in the const…

1
Return to Earth Podcast Introduction - Finding Sustainable Solutions in a Climate Crisis 7:18

8M ago7:18

7:18

Return to Earth is a new podcast launched in 2024 by Monica Nease Jenkins that explores solutions to our climate crisis. Climate change is her passion but understands that addressing that crisis starts with each of us. We each have a role to play. Which one will you choose? SHOW NOTES: https://drawdown.org/the-bookhttps://www.climaterealityproject.…

1
Inspiring Strategies for Diversity and Inclusion in Golf, Highlighting 5 Key Areas of Commitment: Governance, Education, Workforce, Procurement, and Community 32:24

10M ago32:24

32:24

Aiming to reflect the diverse demographics of America in both participants and workforce of the golf industry is Sandy Cross, the Chief People Officer at the PGA of America. Sandy and host John explore groundbreaking programs like PGA Works, aimed at diversifying the golf industry workforce, and initiatives such as Make Golf Your Career and Make Go…

1
How to Save a Golf Course While Preserving the Course Character and Incorporating Golf Sustainability Best Practices 41:16

10M ago41:16

41:16

Here to explain how it’s possible to create an environmentally conscious golfing experience while enhancing safety and making the golf course more sustainable is Tom Coyne, Author and Owner of Sullivan County Golf Club, a 180-acre, nine-hole course in the Catskills. Tom takes us through his significant course renovation including sodding the entire…

1
Solutions for New and Existing Golf Courses to Increase Sustainability and Opportunities to get Certified by Audubon International 46:55

10M ago46:55

46:55

Calling attention to the evolution of golf sustainability over the past 40 years is Frank LaVardera, the Director of Environmental Programs for Golf at Audubon International. Frank expresses a desire to be remembered as someone who cared deeply about the environment and fostered a user-friendly and collaborative approach in the golf industry. Durin…

1
Programs Dedicated to Golf Sustainability and Promoting a Positive Environmental Impact by Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) 44:23

11M ago44:23

44:23

Opportunities for more golf sustainability are presented by Kevin Sunderman, the Chief Operating Officer of the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). Kevin chats with host John about the journey to a greener, more sustainable future for the golf industry. From his early days as a golf enthusiast in rural Ohio to his current in…

1
How Off-Course Golf is Redefining the Sport, Such as Driving Ranges, Top Golf, and Other Golf Entertainment Facilities 46:57

11M ago46:57

46:57

Exploring the world of off-course golf and its profound impact on the golf industry is Greg Nathan, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Golf Foundation (NGF). Greg explains the various facets of off-course golf, encompassing driving ranges, the exhilarating world of golf entertainment exemplified by Topgolf, and the cutting-ed…

1
Guidance for Customized Environmental Management Plans Because Golf Sustainability is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Approach 56:36

1y ago56:36

56:36

The challenges of sustainability in golf, the importance of site selection for new courses, and the need for customized environmental management plans are just some of the things Ron Dodson, a biologist and author, talks about in this episode. The episode focuses on the significance of water conservation in the golf industry, highlighting the role …

1
Balancing Aesthetics with Golf Sustainability, Challenges of Meeting Golfer Expectations While Pursuing Sustainability Goals at Carnoustie Golf Links (Scotland) 31:55

1y ago31:55

31:55

Did you know that “Director of Sustainability” is an important role at golf courses? Craig Boath is the Head of Sustainability at Carnoustie Golf Links in Scotland and in addition to sharing his career journey in the industry, he reveals all of Carnoustie Golf Links’ sustainability efforts. Craig emphasizes the importance of data collection and mea…

1
How to Make Golf More Accessible for People with Disabilities and the National Alliance for Accessible Golf’s Mission to Promoting Accessibility in Golf 33:42

1y ago33:42

33:42

Providing actionable steps for improving accessibility on golf courses is Dave Barton, the executive director of the National Alliance for Accessible Golf. Dave’s dedication to promoting accessibility in golf shines through in this conversation, demonstrating the positive impact that can result from proactive efforts in this area. Dave includes pra…

1
2025 Open Host in Ireland Focuses on Golf Sustainability, From Solar Panels and Lithium-Powered Equipment to Biofuels and Carbon Neutrality Goals 43:32

1y ago43:32

43:32

Even world-class golf courses like Royal Portrush prepare for major championships while keeping sustainability in mind. Here to give you the inside scoop is Graeme Beatt, the Course Manager at Royal Portrush Golf Course in Ireland. Graeme outlines the sustainability initiatives leading the golf course transformation before hosting the 153rd Open in…

1
How to Implement a Sustainable Golf Course Design Including Tips on Environmental, Social, and Economic Sustainability and Best Golf Sustainability Practices 1:15:53

1y ago1:15:53

1:15:53

Explaining how golf courses can be sustainable and have beautiful designs is a leading global authority on sustainable golf course design, Jason Straka, principal of Fry / Straka Global Golf Course Design. Sustainable golf course design strives to create a course that is good for the environment, welcoming to the community, and financially sound fo…

1
What is Golf Sustainability and What is the Environmental Impact of Golf? Guiding Principles and Values Golfers and Leaders in the Sport Need to Know 11:55

1y ago11:55

11:55

Are you passionate about golf and want to help build a world where the sport lives on long-term? Then you need to know what golf sustainability is because environmental responsibility, social inclusiveness, and economic viability are essential for the industry's future. Here to explain golf sustainability is Golf Sustainability’s host John Failla, …

1
Sustainable Business Model Design – Patterns to Make Sustainability Work 44:57

2+ y ago44:57

44:57

Businesses are an essential driver for sustainability, yet managers struggle to make decisions about their business model that actually improve their sustainability performance. In this episode, we meet Florian Lüdeke-Freund, Henning Breuer, and Lorenzo Massa, authors of the new book called ‘Sustainable Business Model Design’. They introduce the co…

1
It’s not just a concept: a holistic approach to implement nature-based solutions 45:56

2+ y ago45:56

45:56

There is a clear and urgent need to accelerate the implementation of sustainability solutions. We must move beyond simple conceptual understanding of solutions, instead experimenting with collaborators in contexts in order to improve effectiveness, share learnings with others, and avoid future mistakes that waste time. In this episode, we discuss n…

1
Goals, targets, and indicators – Applying the Sustainable Development Goals in cities 43:07

2+ y ago43:07

43:07

Today, more than half of the world’s population live in cities, and by mid-century it is predicted that more than two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas. This sees cities at the forefront of sustainability, needing to meet social needs within our ecological boundaries. An overarching guiding roadmap to consider sustainability…

1
Exploring the role of AI in sustainability 51:15

2+ y ago51:15

51:15

Artificial intelligence - AI - is being applied throughout society to a wide array of sustainability-related challenges, where it can help to effectivize and optimize systems to save both energy and resources. AI can also be used to analyse enormous amounts of data, faster than any human ever could. However, AI is very energy demanding, and comes w…

1
Renewable Energy Adoption: Is current growth enough to meet future climate targets? 47:49

3y ago47:49

47:49

Every year, the world adds more renewable energy production capacity than the year before. But, looking historically, is this growth enough to achieve our climate targets? According to a recent publication in ‘Nature Energy’, the short answer is “no” – to meet the climate goals requires decades of growth in renewables at rates higher than those obs…

1
Degrowth: Challenging infinite growth in a finite world 48:31

3y ago48:31

48:31

Degrowth is a critique of infinite economic growth, recognising continued consumption of scarce resources will inevitably result in exhausting them completely. In this episode, we present the challenges of living within an economic system governed by infinite growth on a planet with finite resources. We discuss key vocabulary to understand degrowth…

1
Coping with Climate Anxiety 44:54

3y ago44:54

44:54

Anxiety is a natural emotional response to stress, fear, or danger. Then, it is no wonder why some are experiencing anxiety in the face of the climate crisis. Although not a clinical diagnosis, climate anxiety – and related terms like eco-anxiety, ecological grief, and solastalgia – describes the distress, grief, or anger caused by environmental de…

1
Sharing Economy Business Models for Sustainability 54:29

3+ y ago54:29

54:29

The sharing economy is not sustainable by default – search for images of bikesharing graveyards. But, with careful design of the business models that facilitate access over ownership, the sharing economy can increase intensity of use and material efficiency, contributing to sustainable consumption. In this episode, co-host Steven Curtis shares with…

1
Evaluating for a Sustainability Transition 44:18

3+ y ago44:18

44:18

All kinds of public policies are being proposed to address our climate and sustainability challenges, for example, emission standards, substance bans, aviation taxes, energy efficiency labels, and even communication campaigns. However, global carbon dioxide emissions keep going up! Are these policies working? Under what circumstance? And, at what c…

1
The "Brainy" Bunch: The journey of a PhD student 44:18

3+ y ago44:18

44:18

What happens when you take a bunch of people from different cultural and geographical backgrounds, ask them to integrate under one discipline or department, and share a profound and life-changing experience? In this episode, we unpack some of these stories as we look at the journey of a PhD Student at Lund University. We interview our colleagues Em…

1
Sustainable Finance: Investing in Our Future 52:03

3+ y ago52:03

52:03

Sustainable finance, non-financial disclosures, ESG, oh my! The world of sustainable finance may seem dark and scary. But, in this episode, we introduce many key concepts through dialogue as well as discuss how sustainable finance contributes to wider sustainability objectives. The finance sector is playing an ever growing role in supporting the tr…

1
Storytelling for Sustainability 43:57

4y ago43:57

43:57

If we want to imagine a more sustainable future, we need to be emotionally connected with that vision. Providing the latest facts and figures alone won’t do the trick. We suggest storytelling can be a great way to convey these facts in a compelling way to envision and connect with a possible future. Stories are an effective narrative device, becaus…

1
Energy Communities: a transition towards a more just energy system? 39:14

4y ago39:14

39:14

We use energy in almost every aspect of our lives. Yet, often, we do not know the source of electricity that powers our homes or heats our food. In this episode, we explore energy communities as a form of decentralised and democratic energy production. Community energy sees people coming together to take control of their energy needs, by finding al…

1
Missions - A Small Step, Or A Giant Leap? 53:31

4y ago53:31

53:31

Missions are being discussed widely within the European Union and beyond as a tool to steer policy, innovation, and research. Similar to other missions – to the moon, to cure cancer, and to eradicate smallpox – the missions-oriented approach seeks to set bold and radical goals to tackle our pressing environmental and social challenges. In this epis…

1
Tips and Tools for Teleworking 51:46

4+ y ago51:46

51:46

Working from home? We have you covered with several tips and tools for teleworking and virtual meetings. Building on decades worth of research and experience in teleworking for sustainability, we share with you some suggestions to make the sudden transition working from home easier. We discuss with Peter Arnfalk and Charlotte Leire their experience…

1
Research for Agenda 2030: Values of Our Economic System 52:54

4+ y ago52:54

52:54

Our economic systems are shaken as a result of COVID-19 and the global impact the virus will have on individuals, organisations, and economies. Prior to the global pandemic, we recorded this episode to discuss ongoing research at Lund University about our economic systems to support the Sustainable Development Goals. In this episode, we collaborate…

1
Intellectual Property Rights for Sustainability 46:37

4+ y ago46:37

46:37

By IIIEE | Lund University

1
It's not just a tree: a story about nature-based solutions 48:15

5y ago48:15

48:15

By IIIEE | Lund University

1
Policies for a Circular Economy: Part 3 46:41

5y ago46:41

46:41

Policies are needed to ensure a circular economy. In the final episode of our mini-series on the circular economy, we explore the role of policy and the need for research to ensure policies like the European Green Deal promote a circular economy for sustainability. We discuss the trade-offs of slowing resource loops and energy efficiency, for examp…

1
Circular Resource Flows in Cities: Part 2 42:05

5y ago42:05

42:05

The global population living in cities is expected to reach nearly 70% by 2050. This trend in urbanisation will require massive amounts of infrastructure to be built from concrete and other natural and manufactured materials. In the second episode of our miniseries on the circular economy, we explore the business case for circular resource flows - …

1
Circular Business Models for Sustainability: Part 1 36:47

5y ago36:47

36:47

The circular economy is promoted by government and industry as an approach to reduce resource consumption while maintaining a high standard of living. In this episode, we explore circular business models that leverage strategies of closing, narrowing or slowing resource loops. This episode is the first of three episodes part of our mini-series on t…

1
Joining Forces for Sustainability: The value of interdisciplinary education 48:50

5y ago48:50

48:50

Our global sustainability challenges are complex and require partnerships and collaboration across disciplines and sectors. As such, as a society, we must value interdisciplinary perspectives and work together to address these challenges. In this episode, we discuss the value of interdisciplinary education to address our complex sustainability chal…

1
“Is anyone listening?” Reflections on Evaluating Research Impact 37:43

5+ y ago37:43

37:43

There is growing interest among funding agencies, governments, and society in general to understand the impact of research conducted within academia. However, evaluating research impact is tricky and finding as well as leveraging impact pathways can be daunting without first considering the desired impact early in the research planning process. Thi…

1
Scooters, Sharing & Sustainability 36:37

5+ y ago36:37

36:37

Given the global sustainability challenges that we face, we need new forms of production and consumption. However, will the sharing economy be a part of the solution? Or, part of the problem? In this month's episode, Sofie and Steven discuss the sharing economy broadly before elaborating on business models in the sharing economy. Speaking criticall…

1
A Town Of Ice And Fire 32:12

5+ y ago32:12

32:12

Kiruna, a small and industrious mining town in the arctic north of Sweden, is facing a unique challenge - the mine has expanded so far under ground that it is weakening the town’s foundations and will eventually pose a threat to inhabitants. City leadership and the mining company decided that much of the town would have to be demolished and moved. …

1
Crash Course On COP + Youth Action 35:51

5+ y ago35:51

35:51

Greta Thunberg, a 16-year-old young person from Sweden, has inspired a generation to take action on climate change. In this episode, we acknowledge and appreciate the actions of youth, like Greta, around the world in demanding action on climate change. Reflecting on our own experiences, fear and our own perceived lack of knowledge often hinders us.…

1
Flying Free in the New Year 30:27

6y ago30:27

30:27

There is growing urgency within the academic, political and public spheres to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in order to lessen or mitigate the impacts of climate change. To do so, many online are voicing their commitments by making a New Year’s Resolution to reduce their flying or to not fly at all in 2019. In this episode, we explore the reasons…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Sustainable Solutions Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide