Shows
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureTurning Oilfield Waste into Carbon-Negative ValueIn this episode, Megan sits down with Carolina Ortega, VP of Sustainability and Communications at Milestone Environmental Services, to explore how a decade-old Texas-based firm is reshaping oilfield waste management into a carbon-negative powerhouse. Learn how Milestone’s slurry reinjection process sequesters more CO₂ than it emits, why cost-neutral sustainable practices still face cultural barriers, and how a novel, public stakeholder-engagement framework is building community trust. Whether you’re in heavy industry, ESG strategy, or just curious about real-world decarbonization, Carolina’s insights on aligning environmental stewardship with business growth are not to be missed.
2025-05-2727 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureBuilding a Carbon Sink: How Fortera Is Reinventing CementIn this episode of Green Disrupters: Scaling the Future, Megan Kjar sits down with Kas Farsad, Chief Strategy Officer at Fortera, to explore a groundbreaking approach to one of the world’s largest sources of greenhouse gases: cement production.
Fortera’s patented process reduces CO₂ emissions by 70% compared to traditional methods—and even incorporates CO₂ into the final product. Kas walks us through the 17-year journey from lab-scale mineralization research to commissioning a commercial plant, highlights the incremental “de-risking” steps required for such a massive industry, and shares insights on building trust with established operators.
Learn how Fort...2025-05-2327 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureData, Trust, and Gen Z: The New Drivers of Clean Energy GrowthIn this episode of Green Disruptors, Megan Kjar sits down with Sean Palfenier, CEO and co-owner of Riverside Energy, a solar company rooted in community values and decades of industry experience. From his start in oil and gas to leading one of Western Canada's leading solar teams, Sean shares how Riverside has scaled by prioritizing trust, transparency, and partnerships with Indigenous communities.
They unpack:
The challenge of solar saturation and utility regulations
Why Gen Z values are influencing solar adoption
How tracking your data can unlock smart growth
Lessons...2025-05-2024 min
SMT-PodPlaying Dress-Up: Co-Performance in Mozart’s Abendempfindung K. 523 - Lydia BanguraIn this week's episode, Lydia Bangura analyses her own performance choices in comparison to a professional recording using Jennifer Ronyak’s framework of co-performance.This episode was produced by Zach Lloyd along with Team Lead Megan Lyons. Special thanks to peer reviewers Shersten Johnson and Daniel Barolsky. Additional thanks to David Kjar, Marc Hannaford, Kim Loeffert, and John Peterson for early feedback. SMT-Pod’s theme music was written by Maria Tartaglia, with closing music by Yike Zhang. For supplementary materials on this episode and more information on our authors and composers, check out our website: https...2025-05-1527 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureSolar That Gives Back: Building Community, Trust, and a Million HomesWhen your origin story involves fleeing pollution for a chance at health, it’s no wonder your business becomes a mission.
In this episode, Kai Fahrion, co-CEO of Zeno Renewables, shares how he went from the electrical trades to co-founding one of Canada’s most community-driven solar companies.
We talk about how the solar conversation has shifted from idealism to smart investment, what Zeno is doing to stand out in a crowded market, and how they're building trust for the long haul. Tune in for a transparent, practical, and inspiring conversation about solar, sustainability, and scaling a co...2025-05-1329 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureGoodbye Charging Apps: Emobi's Vision for Seamless EV PowerWhat if charging your electric car was as simple as plugging it in — no apps, no cards, no hassle?
In this episode, Lin Sun-Fa, founder of Emobi, explains how his team is solving one of the EV industry’s most frustrating problems. We dive into:
Why current charging systems are broken
How Emobi’s JustPlug technology works across legacy chargers and vehicles
What’s next for smart cities and energy communication
Plus, Lin shares hard-won advice for startup founders and the cultural values he’s building into Emobi’s rapid-growth2025-05-0920 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureFrom Single-Use to Circular: Hospitality’s Sustainable Pivot with ReplacerWhat if taking climate action actually saved your business money? In this episode, Ed Perryman, co-founder of Replacer, reveals how their new platform helps hospitality businesses ditch disposables, cut costs, and find trusted suppliers for circular solutions — all without adding more to their plate.
We talk about the real challenges small teams face scaling climate startups, how to demystify sustainability for busy business owners, and why building trust is more powerful than flashy metrics.
2025-05-0622 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FuturePink Rocks & Blue Oceans: Scaling Carbon Removal with BlusinkWhat if the key to carbon removal lies not in massive factories—but on the seafloor? In this episode, we’re joined by Anjana Aravind, COO and co-founder of Blusink, a pioneering startup capturing carbon through accelerated marine calcification.
Anjana shares her powerful journey from climate science and Antarctic expeditions to startup life and sustainable innovation. We explore how Blusink's pink carbon rocks mimic nature’s own carbon-capturing process—and why this solution could be a game-changer for ocean health and the future of climate tech.
We also unpack the complexities of the carbon credit market...2025-05-0222 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureVertical Solar, New Horizons: How Sunstall is Revolutionizing Clean Energy ApplicationIn this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Helge Biernath, CEO of Sunstall, to explore the evolving world of solar innovation. From his early beginnings in Germany’s solar thermal industry to pioneering vertical solar applications in the U.S., Helge shares insights on how multifunctional solar solutions are addressing challenges in agriculture, transportation, and urban development. They also discuss the broader need for collaboration across industries and why combining sustainability with smart design is the way forward.
Discover why vertical solar isn't just about energy — it’s about resilience, resourcefulness, and unlocking new bu...2025-04-2925 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future Video EditionThe Edison of Garbage: Turning Trash into Clean Energy with OmniWhat if the garbage in your bin could power your home?
In this episode of Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future, host Megan Kjar sits down with Marc Bacon, COO of Omni, a company pioneering waste-to-energy technology that’s shaking up the industry. Marc shares how Omni's patented system transforms everything from kitchen scraps to automotive residue into clean energy, while avoiding the common pitfalls that have plagued others in the sector.
We explore the technology, the roadblocks to scaling, and why the next generation deserves a better solution than landfills and incinerators. Marc’s mission-driven mind...2025-04-2836 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureThe Edison of Garbage: Turning Trash into Clean Energy with OmniWhat if the garbage in your bin could power your home?
In this episode of Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future, host Megan Kjar sits down with Marc Bacon, COO of Omni, a company pioneering waste-to-energy technology that’s shaking up the industry. Marc shares how Omni's patented system transforms everything from kitchen scraps to automotive residue into clean energy, while avoiding the common pitfalls that have plagued others in the sector.
We explore the technology, the roadblocks to scaling, and why the next generation deserves a better solution than landfills and incinerators. Marc’s mission-driven mind...2025-04-2536 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureLighting the Way: How Watts Matter Delivers Zero-Upfront, Carbon-Cutting InnovationWhat if a building could upgrade to ultra-efficient, circadian-friendly lighting with zero upfront cost—and actually save money from day one?
In this episode of Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future, host Megan Kjar speaks with George Blackstone, CEO of Watts Matter, about how his company is revolutionizing energy use in schools, government buildings, and industrial spaces around the world. From innovative "Lighting as a Service" models to solar thermal breakthroughs and a refreshing approach to warranties, Watts Matter is on a mission to reduce carbon emissions, boost learning outcomes, and make clean tech accessible for everyone.
...2025-04-2233 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future Video EditionRevolutionizing Carbon Trading: Treating Carbon as a Financial AssetIn this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Andrew Gilmour, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Laconic, to tackle one of the biggest puzzles in sustainability: how to turn carbon credits into a liquid, investable asset. Andrew traces the evolution of carbon markets from voluntary offsets to potential global securities, and explains why today’s market often feels more like a charitable endeavor than a true trading platform.
Key topics include:
Carbon as a Financial Asset: Why we must treat carbon like any other security to unlock liquidity and price discovery.
Data...2025-04-1843 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureRevolutionizing Carbon Trading: Treating Carbon as a Financial AssetIn this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Andrew Gilmour, serial entrepreneur and CEO of Laconic, to tackle one of the biggest puzzles in sustainability: how to turn carbon credits into a liquid, investable asset. Andrew traces the evolution of carbon markets from voluntary offsets to potential global securities, and explains why today’s market often feels more like a charitable endeavor than a true trading platform.
Key topics include:
Carbon as a Financial Asset: Why we must treat carbon like any other security to unlock liquidity and price discovery.
Data...2025-04-1643 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureReconnecting the Surplus Chain: Inside iWasteNot’s Circular Tech RevolutionIn this episode of Green Disruptors, host Megan Kjar sits down with Norm Ruttan, founder of iWasteNot Systems, to explore two decades of green‑tech innovation in surplus‑chain management. Learn how Norm went from volunteering in Ontario’s national parks to building one of the first peer‑to‑peer material exchanges, how he scaled that model across Washington State and beyond, and why he’s now focusing on B2B reuse in universities, municipalities, and the construction sector.
Discover:
The origins of the surplus chain vs. the supply chain
Real‑world impact, including a $5...2025-04-1434 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future Video EditionFrom Waste to Resource: Revolutionizing Energy and Water with Suresh JambunathanWhat if waste energy could become your company’s secret weapon for both cost savings and sustainability?
In this episode of Green Disruptors, Megan Kjar sits down with Suresh Jambunathan, founder of Energy and Water Development (ENWADEV), to explore the power of integrated energy systems that make sustainability make business sense.
Suresh shares real-world examples of how his firm helps facilities—from data centers to universities—dramatically reduce operating costs by rethinking how they use power, heat, and water. You’ll learn:
Why on-site power generation and waste heat recovery are game-changers
What e...2025-04-0932 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureFrom Waste to Resource: Revolutionizing Energy and Water with Suresh JambunathanWhat if waste energy could become your company’s secret weapon for both cost savings and sustainability?
In this episode of Green Disruptors, Megan Kjar sits down with Suresh Jambunathan, founder of Energy and Water Development (ENWADEV), to explore the power of integrated energy systems that make sustainability make business sense.
Suresh shares real-world examples of how his firm helps facilities—from data centers to universities—dramatically reduce operating costs by rethinking how they use power, heat, and water. You’ll learn:
Why on-site power generation and waste heat recovery are game-changers
What e...2025-04-0932 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureInside the EV Revolution with Sergej Marojevic of Q-ChargeIn this thought-provoking episode, Megan sits down with Sergej Marojevic, founder and CEO of Q-Charge, to explore the complex and rapidly evolving world of EV infrastructure. From his early days as a mechanical engineer emigrating from Yugoslavia to pioneering fire-safe, AI-powered EV charging stations in the U.S., Sergej shares a remarkable journey of curiosity, resilience, and innovation.
They dive into the biggest challenges facing the EV industry today—public education, red tape, workforce shortages—and the bold solutions Q-Charge is developing to overcome them. Plus, they chat about cultural values, entrepreneurship, and what it really takes to m...2025-04-0457 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureMicrogrid Disruption: How Hover is Building Resilient, Independent Power Systems with Chris GriffinIn this episode of Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future, I sit down with Chris Griffin, CEO of Hover, to explore how microgrids are revolutionizing the way we think about energy resilience and independence. Chris shares his journey from Wall Street to the clean energy sector and breaks down why Hover’s microgrid technology, built without reliance on government subsidies, is a game-changer.
We discuss:
✅ Why traditional power grids are vulnerable and how microgrids offer a more secure, resilient future
✅ The challenges of scaling renewable energy without subsidies and how Hover overcame those hurdles
✅ How futu...2025-04-0241 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureUnlocking the Grid: How Distributed Energy Can Scale Faster Than You ThinkIn this episode of Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future, I sit down with Doug Golden, a 22-year veteran in the energy industry with experience spanning Reliant Energy, NRG, EVgo, and more. Doug dives into the unprecedented load growth utilities are facing due to EV adoption, manufacturing on-shoring, and the data demands of generative AI. We explore how integrating distributed energy resources (DERs) like solar, batteries, and EV chargers into the grid can alleviate the pressure—and why the technology to make it happen already exists.
Doug highlights the real challenge: It's no longer about inventing new solutions, bu...2025-03-2831 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureThe Three Biggest Mistakes in Renewable Energy Projects – And How to Overcome ThemIn this episode of Green Disrupters, host Megan Kjar sits down with Troy MacDonald, a seasoned energy project advisor and developer, to discuss the biggest challenges in getting green energy projects off the ground. Troy shares insights from his extensive experience in renewable energy finance, shedding light on why many projects fail and what developers can do to ensure their projects are investment-ready.
He highlights three key obstacles:
Customer Viability & Market Fit – Developers often underestimate the importance of securing solid offtake agreements. Capital markets require proof of a reliable long-term customer before financing a project.
Technology Se...2025-03-2847 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureUnlocking Carbon Solutions: A Talk with Abhinav KashalIn this episode of Green Disruptors Scaling the Future, host Megan Kerr delves into the intricacies of clean energy solutions with Abhinav Kashal, CEO of Zero Carbon One. Abhinav shares his extensive experience from the banking sector to startups and discusses the evolution of the startup ecosystem in India. The conversation explores the challenges and innovations in carbon accounting and the importance of integrating technology with environmental solutions.
Abhinav highlights the complexities of Scope 3 emissions and the necessity of collaboration among corporations to drive effective climate action. He emphasizes the significance of understanding the data challenges faced...2025-03-2832 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureIlluminating Sustainability: How SunSign is Revolutionizing Parking SignageWhen a smart business owner sees a gap in the market, innovation follows. That’s exactly what happened with Cliff Hoinowsky, founder of Sunsign, who recognized the need for more visible and sustainable parking signs—and turned that insight into a game-changing green product.
In this episode, we dive into:
🌞 How Sunsign is using solar technology to improve visibility and efficiency
♻️ The business challenges of bringing a new sustainable product to market
🚀 What it takes to identify a market gap and turn it into a thriving business
If you love practical sustainability solutions and...2025-03-2823 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future Video EditionFrom Challenge to Change: Rethinking Carbon Footprints with ArborIn this episode of Green Disruptors, Megan Kjar speaks with Abdullah Choudhry, CIO and founder of Arbor, about the challenges businesses face in tracking their carbon footprint and how Arbor is innovating solutions to make sustainability more accessible and actionable. Abdullah shares his background, the unique selling proposition of Arbor, and the importance of building relationships within supply chains to reduce emissions. The conversation also touches on the business cases for sustainability, future developments in financing, and the philosophy of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of challenges.
Keywords
sustainability, carbon footprint, Arbor, clean energy, business g...2025-03-2828 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future Video EditionFrom Fertilizer Sales to Financial Inclusion: Usman Javaid and Ricult's JourneyJoin us on Green Disruptors as host Megan Kjar explores the innovative journey of Usman Javaid, founder and CEO of Ricult, providing agriculture and financial inclusion in rural economies. Born in Pakistan, Usman's career shifted from selling fertilizers to pioneering digital financial platforms, like EasyPesa, which revolutionized how rural communities access banking without smartphones.
His story unfolds further as he delves into his startup, Ricult, co-founded with MIT colleagues. This tech-driven platform empowers farmers in Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam, utilizing AI to enhance agricultural productivity and enable access to affordable credit.
Discover how Usman tackles...2025-03-2828 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the Future Video EditionThe Three Biggest Mistakes in Renewable Energy Projects – And How to Overcome ThemIn this episode of Green Disrupters, host Megan Kjar sits down with Troy MacDonald, a seasoned energy project advisor and developer, to discuss the biggest challenges in getting green energy projects off the ground. Troy shares insights from his extensive experience in renewable energy finance, shedding light on why many projects fail and what developers can do to ensure their projects are investment-ready.
He highlights three key obstacles:
Customer Viability & Market Fit – Developers often underestimate the importance of securing solid offtake agreements. Capital markets require proof of a reliable long-term customer before financing a project.
Technology Se...2025-03-2847 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureFrom Challenge to Change: Rethinking Carbon Footprints with Arbor
In this episode of Green Disruptors, Megan Kjar speaks with Abdullah Choudhry, CIO and founder of Arbor, about the challenges businesses face in tracking their carbon footprint and how Arbor is innovating solutions to make sustainability more accessible and actionable. Abdullah shares his background, the unique selling proposition of Arbor, and the importance of building relationships within supply chains to reduce emissions. The conversation also touches on the business cases for sustainability, future developments in financing, and the philosophy of continuous learning and adaptation in the face of challenges.
Keywords
sustainability, carbon footprint, Arbor, clean energy, business g...2025-03-2628 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureDecoding the Path to Decarbonization with Zero Carbon OneJoin us in this episode of "Green Disruptors Scaling the Future" as we explore the innovations transforming the landscape of clean energy with our guest, Abhinav Kashal, CEO of Zero Carbon One. Abhinav shares his journey from a banking background to becoming a climate tech leader, aiming to simplify and integrate carbon accounting and ESG reporting for industries. Learn how Zero Carbon One is addressing the complexities of decarbonization by unifying systems and data, engaging teams at every level, and providing strategic solutions to climate challenges. This episode highlights the importance of proactive corporate strategies and the role of...2025-03-2332 min
Green Disruptors: Scaling the FutureFrom Fertilizer Sales to Financial Inclusion: Usman Javaid and Ricult's JourneyJoin us on Green Disruptors as host Megan Kjar explores the innovative journey of Usman Javaid, founder and CEO of Ricult, providing agriculture and financial inclusion in rural economies. Born in Pakistan, Usman's career shifted from selling fertilizers to pioneering digital financial platforms, like EasyPesa, which revolutionized how rural communities access banking without smartphones.
His story unfolds further as he delves into his startup, Ricult, co-founded with MIT colleagues. This tech-driven platform empowers farmers in Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam, utilizing AI to enhance agricultural productivity and enable access to affordable credit.
Discover how Usman tackles...2025-03-1928 min
eavesdropping conversationseavesdropping conversation 39: stephanie lamprea (2025)In which eavesdropping host Juliet Fraser talks to soprano Stephanie Lamprea about recontextualising the 'operatic' voice, technique as a set of muscles, and the joy of going to shows.
References: Colombian dance styles cumbia, bachata and salsa, Georges Aperghis 'Récitations', composer Amble Skuse, MiMU gloves, misophonia (selective sound sensitivity syndrome), The Old Hairdresser's in Glasgow, actress & BSL performer Yuki Neoh, BSL interpreter Megan McArthur, Keepers of Sound residency run by Anne Kjær, composers Erin Thomson & Lisa Robertson.
Transcription available here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1l6u43NzveSwcT1TcpzYW7JxqOUUuy-a7/view?usp=sharing
Stephanie will perform in th...2025-02-2819 min
HipcastSmall hospital, big impact. Where to start in a regional Australian hospitalDr Richard Kjar, Director of Orthopaedics, Ms Lisa Gephart, Clinical Nurse Consultant Acute Pain Service and Ms Megan Gilbert, Hip Fracture Clinical Specialist discuss the journey to implement the ANZHFR at Northeast Health Wangaratta in Victoria, Australia.View the hospital's innovative NHW Hip Fracture Pathway - Staff awareness - Tik Tok type reel 2022-11-1623 min