In this episode, we talk to Jim Massey. He is the best-selling author of Trust in Action and the soon-to-be-released Risk in Action. He’s also the founder of Eastward, a company rethinking how organizations see and act on risk. A former Chief Sustainability Officer at AstraZeneca and Zai Lab, Jim has spent his career helping leaders turn trust, ethics, and innovation into impact.

During this episode Jim shares how he’s advised boards, led bold ESG agendas, and built simple models that cut through the noise so leaders can act. Outside of work, he’s a traveller, a dad, and co-author of the Amazon #1 bestseller GeoKids. Jim’s all about turning big talk into bold action.

[00:00]- Introduction to Sustainability and Business Ethics

[03:05]- The Journey into Sustainability

[06:11]- Trust and Human Behavior in ESG

[09:14]- Navigating Certifications and Transparency

[12:07]- Focusing on Sustainable Development Goals

[17:57]- Innovation as a Catalyst for Change

[24:43]- Navigating the Land of Next: AI and Innovation

[31:43]- The Path to Net Zero: Understanding Emissions

[36:10]- Transformational Leadership: Bridging the Gap

[41:09]- Risk, Trust, and Fear: A New Framework for Action

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• Businesses must move beyond box ticking to create real impact.
• Trust and ethics are essential for sustainable business practices.
• Transparency is more valuable than certifications in building trust.
• Focusing on specific Sustainable Development Goals can drive meaningful change.
• Innovation should be viewed as a catalyst for sustainable practices.
• Human behavior plays a crucial role in the effectiveness of ESG initiatives.
• Risk should be seen as an opportunity for growth and change.
• Companies need to address core issues rather than just the fringe parts.
• The journey to sustainability often requires a shift in mindset.
• Building trust involves doing what you say you will do. AI is advancing faster than regulations can keep up.
• Participation in AI contributes to its advancement.
• Risk should be seen as an invitation to innovate.
• Companies often have outdated policies on AI.
• The fear of job loss due to AI is prevalent.
• Transformational leadership is essential for change.
• Focus on scope one and two emissions for net zero.
• Transparency in corporate goals is crucial.
• Action is necessary to address climate change.
• Understanding and addressing fear can lead to progress.

In this episode, we talk to Etelle Higonnet. She is the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she's an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts.

She was knighted as a Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in high-risk commodities with an emphasis on cocoa, rubber, palm oil, cattle, and soy industries. She has worked in over 30 countries, is widely published, speaks 9 languages, and is now dedicated to trying to end deforestation and slavery in the global coffee industry

[00:00] -Introduction to Etelle Higonnet

[02:52] -The Birth of Coffee Watch

[04:22] -The Dark Side of Coffee Production

[08:27] -Child Labor in Coffee Farming

[15:04] -Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

[18:52] -The Role of Law in Corporate Accountability

[23:56] -Greenwashing and Consumer Power

[34:37] -Impact of Coffee Watch and Future Goals

[47:18] - Final Thoughts and Call to Action

How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee

Coffee Watch

Etelle Higonnet

• Etelle's journey into human rights began in Guatemala as a teenager.
• Coffee Watch aims to combat human rights and environmental abuses in the coffee industry.
• Most coffee consumed globally is linked to child labor and deforestation.
• Parents of child laborers want their children in school but face economic obstacles.
• Living income for farmers can eliminate child labor and poverty in coffee production.
• Certifications often do not guarantee a living wage for farmers.
• Consumer demand can drive companies to adopt better practices.
• Greenwashing is prevalent in the coffee industry, making it hard to identify ethical products.
• Law enforcement is crucial for addressing illegal practices in the coffee industry.
• The future of coffee production can be sustainable with consumer awareness and action.

In this episode, we talk to Sam Baker. He shares his journey from studying chemistry and pyrotechnics to founding Wriggle Brew, a company focused on creating sustainable fertilizers using earthworms. He discusses the environmental challenges posed by synthetic fertilizers, the importance of soil health in combating climate change, and the role of decomposers in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Sam also highlights the challenges faced in developing their product and the significance of perseverance in scientific research. The conversation concludes with insights on the future of sustainability and the responsibility we all have to protect our planet.

[00:00]- The Journey Begins: From Pyrotechnics to Sustainability

[04:36]- Wriggle Brew: Revolutionizing Fertilizers with Earthworms

[06:41]- Soil Health: The Connection to Climate Change

[09:56]- The Impact of Synthetic Fertilizers on Soil and Ecosystems

[20:13]- The Science of Earthworms: Nature's Decomposers

[24:55]- Overcoming Challenges: The Trials of Wriggle Brew

[29:57]- Scaling Up: The Future of Wriggle Brew and Sustainable Practices

[36:57]- Final 5

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LinkedIn - Sam Baker

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• Sam's journey began with a passion for chemistry and pyrotechnics.
• Environmental challenges led Sam to focus on sustainable solutions.
• Wriggle Brew uses earthworms to create organic fertilizers.
• Synthetic fertilizers harm soil health and ecosystems.
• Healthy soil is crucial for combating climate change.
• Earthworms play a vital role in nutrient recycling.
• The use of nitrogen fertilizers creates a feedback loop of soil depletion.
• Science often involves trial and error in research.
• Sustainability requires collective effort and responsibility.
• The future of our planet depends on our actions today.

In next months episode we are are looking at some sustainability certifications. What it means and that to whatch out for.

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, host Mariska shares her transformative experience hiking through Yellowstone National Park, emphasizing the beauty and importance of national parks for conservation, mental health, and cultural heritage. She discusses the challenges these parks face, including poaching and budget cuts, and highlights the need for protection and expansion of these vital spaces for future generations.

[00:00] Exploring the Beauty of Nature

[01:48] The Importance of National Parks

[08:51] Challenges Facing National Parks

[13:49] Why We Must Protect National Parks

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone’s national park’s 150th year anniversary with Kevin Costner

Wildland Trekking

5 Day hiking tour that we took

Bob Brown Foundation

Black Mamba's

• The beauty of untouched landscapes is transformative.
• National parks are crucial for our mental and physical health.
• Conservation and biodiversity are key reasons to protect parks.
• National parks play a vital role in climate resilience.
• Cultural and historical preservation is essential in national parks.
• Spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety.
• Budget cuts can lead to trail despair and increased poaching.
• Education programs in parks are vital for awareness and protection.
• Corporate encroachment poses a risk to national parks.
• We must value and protect our national parks for future generations.

In our next episode, we’ll be talking worms, looking at some amazing ways they are playing their part.

In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Tickell. She is an award-winning environmental filmmaker, activist, and co-director of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two powerful documentaries that spotlight the role of regenerative farming in healing our planet.

During this episode, we dive into the urgent need to restore soil health, the surprising connection between agriculture and climate change, and how storytelling can drive global transformation. Rebecca shares her journey from child actor to environmental changemaker, and offers practical ways we can all support a more sustainable food system.

[02:30]-Rebecca's Sustainable Journey

[06:00]- The Power of Regenerative Agriculture

[12:50]- Documentary Impact: Common Ground and Kiss the Ground

[17:30]- The Challenges of Farming

[24:00]- The Role of Community in regeneration

[33:55]- Final 5

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

 Common Ground - Official Trailer | Prime Video

 Kiss the Ground - Official Movie Trailer (2020)

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• Farmers who transition from industrialized agriculture to regenerative agriculture, over 90% of them saw an increase in their profits within year one.
• Feeding the world is a myth... you have to be able to feed the farmers' families and that ecosystem that the food comes from.
• Rebecca's journey began with witnessing the harmful effects of industrial farming in her family.
• Regenerative agriculture can heal the planet and improve farmers' profits.
• Soil health is crucial for climate stability and food nutrition.
• Farmers often feel trapped in a cycle of debt and chemical dependence.
• Community support is essential for transitioning to regenerative practices.
• Eating locally and seasonally can help support sustainable farming.
• The narrative of 'feeding the world' needs to shift to 'feeding communities'.
• Conversations about farming practices must be approached with empathy and understanding.
• There is hope for a sustainable future through collective action.

*Assets courtesy of Big Picture Ranch.

Ever wondered how you can support Mama Earth Talk? In this special bonus episode, I (Mariska) answer the many requests from our amazing community about how to help us grow and continue spreading sustainability inspiration.

1. Listen to More Episodes

Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform

Catch up on older episodes and explore curated playlists

• 3 Podcasts to get you started
• Sustainable Business Playlist
• Plastic Rebels: Breaking Free from the Throwaway Culture
• Eco Game Changers: The Rebels, Pioneers & Disruptors

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Reach out via our Contact Page or send a direct message on Instagram.

Your support—whether through listening, sharing, reviewing, or partnering—helps amplify our message...

Hello and welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for busy, eco-curious individuals and businesses who want to make a real difference, live a little lighter on the planet... and do it all without the pressure to be perfect.

I’m Mariska Nell, Founder and host of Mama Earth Talk and Tails and Tones. With a background in Environmental Science, a Master’s in Sustainable Design, and years of experience in sustainability across lifestyle and industry—I’m here to help you cut through the noise and take meaningful action.

Every Monday, I bring you honest conversations, relatable stories, and super practical tips to help you reduce waste and live more sustainably—in ways that actually fit your life and your work. Whether you’re making choices at home or guiding your business away from greenwashing toward real impact, this podcast is here to support you.

No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, and real change—one small step at a time.

Most episodes are just you and me, but now and then, I’m joined by scientists, activists, creators, and changemakers from around the world—people who are doing the work and bringing us hope for the future.

If you’re already part of the Crazy Birds community—welcome back. And if you’re new here: welcome in. You’re officially one of us now.

You can listen to Mama Earth Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon—anywhere you tune in. And to subscribe, just head to MamaEarthTalk.com/listen.

Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds.

In this special episode, I’m hitting pause—not on the podcast, but on the journey—to say thank you.

From the very first episode to now, over 180 episodes later, Mama Earth Talk has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined… and it’s all thanks to you—our amazing guests, loyal listeners, generous collaborators, mentors, and my beautiful Crazy Birds community.

Special thanks to:

• Dr. Sylvia Earle
• Captain Paul Watson
• Dr. Jane Goodall
• Natalie (Tully) Hore
• Bob Brown
• Yvon Chouinard – Founder of Patagonia / 1% for the Planet
• Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Marita Peters
• John Lee Dumas
• Mark Asquith
• Podcast Websites
• Captivate
• Ashley Tough
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
• Edith Cowan University (ECU)
• Deann Garcia
• Kat O'Mara
• Angus Morrison-saunders
• Clelia Marti De Ocampo
• Teresa Ann Bertossi
• Wendy Jedlička
• Holly Robbins
• Shanna Rule
• Dawn Keene

and to all you amazing crazy birds checking in every week.