Shows
Mastering SustainabilityS3-E05: Is AI in the Trash?In this episode of Mastering Sustainability, Madeline & Ray sit down with Shawn Wilborne to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the recycling industry; from improving material sorting and reducing contamination to enabling data-driven systems that boost efficiency and accountability. Shawn shares insights on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into existing infrastructure, the role technology plays in advancing the circular economy, and what it will take for innovation to move the needle on global sustainability goals truly. Whether you’re a sustainability professional or simply curious about the future of waste, this conversation offers a compelling loo...
2026-02-011h 14Mastering SustainabilityS3-E04: Good Politics vs Good PolicyIn this episode of Mastering Sustainability, we're turning to an expert of our own. Estefania Xuclà, Government Affairs Director at Okeanos®, breaks down the rapidly evolving world of EPR and PCR legislation, the ongoing challenges of securing high-quality recyclate, and why upstream material reduction is becoming essential for brands worldwide. She also unpacks the crucial difference between good politics and good policy, offering clear, practical insight into how regulations are shaped, how industry can respond, and what it will take to build smarter, science-driven systems for a lower-impact future.Estefi's Links:LinkedinPackaging Eu...
2025-12-0148 minMastering SustainabilityS3-E03: Framing the Future: A Conversation with UN Photographer Kiara WorthIn this episode of Mastering Sustainability, Madeline & Ray sit down with UN photographer and visual storyteller Kiara Worth, whose lens has captured some of the most defining moments in global climate negotiations. From COP conferences to communities on the frontlines of environmental change, Kiara shares what it means to bear witness to both the urgency and the humanity behind sustainability. Together, they explore how images can move policy, inspire action, and remind us of the shared responsibility we hold for the planet’s future—one frame at a time.Kiara's Links: Linkedin & InstagramKiara...
2025-11-011h 00Mastering SustainabilityS3-E02: Breaking Down Biodegradability: Standards, Science & TrustOn this episode of Mastering Sustainability, we sit down with Kelvin Okamoto, Ph.D., CEO of Green Bottom Line, Inc., to unpack the complex and often misunderstood world of biodegradability.Kelvin takes us inside the role of ASTM standards in separating science from marketing claims—sharing why rigorous testing is essential to cut through greenwashing and ensure real environmental impact. From clarifying what “biodegradable” truly means to exploring how standards shape policy, industry adoption, and consumer trust, his perspective highlights both the challenges and opportunities in creating accountability in sustainable materials.Kelvin’s Links:Linked...
2025-10-011h 00Mastering SustainabilityS3-E01: Carrots and Sticks - What's Needed For Effective EPROn this episode of Mastering Sustainability, we sit down with Caroline DeLoach, Director of Sustainability at Atlantic Packaging, to explore how a legacy packaging company is rethinking its role in the fight against plastic pollution.Caroline takes us inside her journey of driving change from within a 75-year-old family-owned business—sharing what it means to push for bold innovation in an industry often defined by tradition. From partnering with global brands to scale sustainable packaging solutions, to navigating evolving ESG regulations and reimagining supply chains, her perspective reveals both the challenges an...
2025-09-011h 07Mastering SustainabilityS2-E10: Public Policy Has To Be a PassionOn the Season Finale of Mastering Sustainability, we’re thrilled to welcome Nathalie Flores - a powerhouse voice for climate action from the Dominican Republic. In this episode, Nathalie shares her inspiring career journey from public service to the private sector, highlighting what it means to lead with purpose and create lasting environmental impact across borders. From shaping sustainability policy in Latin America to engaging in the critical work of global climate legislation, her perspective is both timely and deeply insightful. Tune in to hear how transitioning to the private sector unlocked new opportunities for climate leadership and some be...
2025-06-0154 minMastering SustainabilityS2-E09: Making Progress Through PerseveranceIn this episode of Mastering Sustainability, Maddie & Ray sit down with Martin Wolf, founder of Wolf Sustainability and former Director of Sustainability & Authenticity for Seventh Generation. With over three decades of experience challenging the status quo, Martin shares insights on what it really means to embed sustainability into every business layer, from product formulation to policy advocacy. We discuss the power (and limits) of green chemistry, the importance of transparency, and how companies can move beyond marketing claims to real systems change.Contact Martin:Martin@WolfSustainability.com Martin's L...
2025-05-011h 05Mastering SustainabilityS2-E08: Are Sustainability and Social Equity Inextricably Linked?In Episode 8 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Todd Pooser, founder of the Virtual Commonwealth, a sustainability and social equity investment platform where members agree to self-tax on their sustainable purchases. That money is then used to crowdfund companies with strong sustainability and social equity profiles in which all members become equity partners. In this episode, Todd discusses the ethos behind the platform, the ways that sustainability and social equity are inextricably linked, and lays out a plan for a brighter, collectively funded future for all of us. Todd's Links:Connect with Todd o...
2025-04-0157 minMastering SustainabilityS2-E07 - You Can't Do a Don'tIn Episode 7 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Margarita Quihuis, a behavioral psychologist and Executive Director of the Peace Innovation Lab at Stanford University. Throughout a fascinating hour, Margarita dissects the psychology behind how we react to the world around us, how your favorite brands motivate you to make unconscious decisions, and the best way to prompt action. Margarita's Links:WTF Is Behavioral Design Margarita's Linkedin & MediumRory Sutherland's LinkedinSubscribe to The Behavioral Scientist NewsletterBooks: Robert Chaldini's InfluenceBuy BJ Fogg's Tiny Hab...
2025-03-011h 12Mastering SustainabilityS2-E06 - An Analysis of Life Cycle AnalysesIn Episode 6 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Neil Shackleton, founder of Medoola. This sustainability consultancy aims to transform packaging supply chains and material efficiency to protect brand equity and triple bottom lines. In this episode, Neil takes us through the evolution of LCA’s over time, how businesses can use them to refine their supply chain while increasing their bottom line, and why your sustainability savings may not always be found in the places you’d think to look.Neil's Links:MedoolaConnect with Neil on Linkedin!
2025-02-011h 02Mastering SustainabilityS2-E05: A Strong Plastics Treaty Is Still PossibleIn Episode 5 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome John Duncan, who leads the No Plastic In Nature Initiative for World Wildlife Fund International (WWF). Fresh off INC-5, John takes us to the negotiating table to break down the latest draft of the Global Plastics Treaty and where WWF and the other members of the Business Coalition for the Global Plastics Treaty hope we’re headed. John’s LinksConnect with John on LinkedinLearn about the work of the Business Coalition for A Global Plastics TreatyWWF’s No Plastics In Nature...
2025-01-0149 minMastering SustainabilityS2-E04: The Science of Setting Standards With ASTMOn Episode 4 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Alyson Fick, Standards Manager for ASTM International. In this episode, Alyson explains why having a common set of standards is important, how they are established, how they embrace new technologies, and a surprising new Santa Claus standard just in time for the holidays.Alyson's Links:ASTM WebsiteConnect with ASTM and Alyson on Linkedin! ASTM PodcastStandardization News
2024-12-0159 minMastering SustainabilityS2-E03: Is AI the Future of Recycling? A Conversation With The APROn Episode 3 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Ruben Nance, Program Director for the Design Recognition Pathway for the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR). In this episode, Ruben guides us through the sea of acronyms found throughout recycling, talks about how AI is changing the industry, and imagines what the future of recycling could look like.Ruben's Links:Association of Plastic Recyclers WebsiteConnect with Ruben on Linkedin! APR’s Recycled Content Podcast
2024-11-011h 06Mastering SustainabilityS2-E02 - Business Needs Global RulesOn Episode 2 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Ed Shepherd, Senior Global Sustainability Manager for a Circular Economy, at Unilever. In this episode, Ed discusses why businesses need global rules, the importance of public/private sector collaboration, and what must be included in a Global Plastics Treaty to drive real change. Learn more about Unilever’s Sustainability CommitmentsEd’s Resources:Connect with Ed on Linkedin! Business Coalition For a Global Plastic Treaty On Purpose
2024-10-0144 minMastering SustainabilityS2-E01: Harnessing the Power of Proactive Packaging DesignWe’re Back! On Episode 1 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Brandi Parker of Parker Brands. In this episode, Brandi breaks down the evolving role of designers and producers in sustainable packaging, learning about why we must avoid green hushing, and how she’s working with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to advance How2Recycle’s iconic chasing arrows symbol.Brandi’s Links:Connect with Brandi on Linkedin! Parker Brands Website Zero Waste Creatives Brandi’s Favorite Resources:Retail Dive Packaging DiveWaste DiveSustainable Brands Sustainable...
2024-09-0252 minMastering SustainabilityS2-E01 - Harnessing The Power of Proactive Packaging DesignWe're back! On Season 2, Episode 1 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Brandi Parker of Parker Brands. In this episode, Brandi breaks down the evolving role of designers and producers in sustainable packaging, dives into why we must avoid green hushing, and discusses how she’s working with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to advance How2Recycle’s iconic chasing arrows symbol. Brandi's Links:Visit Parker Brands WebsiteBrandi's Podcast: Zero Waste CreativesConnect with Brandi on Linkedin! Brandi’s Favorite Resources:Retail Dive Packaging Dive Waste Dive
2024-09-011h 37Mastering SustainabilityS1-E11: Crafting Impactful Environmental Legislation in the Middle EastOn Episode 11 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Monir Bou Ghanem, Policy Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency. In this episode, Monir explains how environmental advocates are at a crossroads for policy, what drives environmental protection in the UAE, and how Abu Dhabi enacted the world’s most successful single-use bag ban. Resources:Abu Dhabi Environment AgencyFollow along on Instagram Connect with Monir on Linkedin!
2024-04-011h 11Mastering SustainabilityS1-E10: This Florida Non-Profit Makes Mermaids Into Magic For Marine EnvironmentsOn Episode 10 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Shelby Thomas, CEO of the Ocean Rescue Alliance, a marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that uses artificial structures to enhance marine environments, build marine habitats, conduct restoration, protect coastlines, and connect communities through art. In this episode, Shelby dives into reef restoration using calcium carbonate, how 1000 mermaids can benefit marine life, and how nature and art co-exist harmoniously on the ocean floor. Shelby's Resources:https://www.instagram.com/oceanrescuealliance/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYGwHhsQdzwBVO5KmOdOYcQ
2024-03-0153 minMastering SustainabilityS1-E09: Are Your Favorite Sports Teams Scoring on Sustainability?On Episode 9 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Brad Vogel from the Green Sports Alliance, an organization that inspires professional sports leagues and their governing bodies, colleges, teams, venues, partners, and millions of fans to embrace sustainable practices. In this episode, Brad takes us onto the sidelines to understand the environmental impact of live sporting events, discusses the ways that teams and venues around the world are working to improve, and the role that the fans play in making sustainable shifts.Resources:Stay up to date with the Green Sports Alliance...
2024-02-011h 02Mastering SustainabilityS1-E08: Can Countertop Composting Turn Our Trash To Treasure?On Episode 8 of Mastering Sustainability, we’re sitting down with Jeremy Lang, founder of Lomi, the world's first Smart Waste™ kitchen composter to talk about all things composting. In this conversation, we dig into the dirty side of waste management infrastructure, new technologies that are changing the game, and the opportunity to decentralize a decades-long industry.Reference Links: https://lomi.comhttps://pelacase.com
2024-01-011h 14Mastering SustainabilityS1-E07: COP28, a Conference With ConsequencesOn Episode 7 of Mastering Sustainability, we're wading into the nuances of global climate meetings including COP28 with Mike Green, leader of the Climate & Energy Working group at the American Sustainable Business Network and Director of Carbon Markets at Native, A Public Benefit Corporation.Together, we’re breaking these giant conferences and the topics they’ll tackle into bitesized pieces, including the forthcoming Global Plastics Treaty, the impact of the first Global Stocktake, and carbon offsets. References: IISD (https://www.iisd.org/)NDC Partnership (https://ndcpartnership.org/)
2023-12-0155 minMastering SustainabilityS1-E06: Do you know your ESG's?On Episode 6 of Mastering Sustainability, we're diving into sustainable supply chains with Jamie Mudrick and Sarah Moasser from EcoVadis, an ESG consultancy that helps companies to evaluate and improve the Environmental, Social and Governance aspects of their business. Together, we'll break down these three pivotal metrics, understand what drives corporations to be better, and though the task often seems insurmountable, learn how companies and their suppliers can make incremental improvements for the common good.
2023-11-011h 11Mastering SustainabilityS1-E05: Re-thinking Restaurant WasteOn Episode 5 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Matt Wampler, CEO of Clear Cogs, an AI solution helping restaurants tackle food waste. With years of experience in Food & Beverage, Matt asks us to take a look at the intersection of food waste and sustainability, the pivotal role line-level operators play in believing in and pushing for new technologies, and the need for innovation to be simple to understand and immediate in order to make real change.
2023-10-011h 01Mastering SustainabilityS1-E04: Diplomacy DeliversOn Episode 4 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome our very own Martina Hauser, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Okeanos. Martina brings a myriad of life experiences to the pod from her extensive career crisscrossing public affairs as Chief Climate Negotiator for the Italian government to her time with the United Nations, and now driving change from within the private sector. In this episode, we’ll tackle the role of science in positions of power, replicating climate strategies around the world, and the importance of countries coming together for global change.
2023-09-011h 16Mastering SustainabilityS1-E03: Advocacy in ActionOn Episode 3 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Heidi Sanborn, founding director of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) and the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), two organizations that advocate for equitable circular economy. Heidi joins us for a fiery, candid chat about about the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, California’s new SB54 law, and the role of consumers in driving legislative change.
2023-08-0149 minMastering SustainabilityS1-E02: The ABC's and SDG's of SustainabilityIn episode 2, we’re chatting with Claudia Herbert Colfer, USA Head of Programming for the UN Global Compact Network (UNGC). Together, we take a bite out of the alphabet soup of acronyms that is the sustainability space, gain a better understanding of the different organs of the UN, and break down the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG's). In the Masters Class section of the pod, we’ll turn our focus to what’s actually being accomplished in the private sector to tackle the issues facing all of us today.
2023-07-021h 00Mastering SustainabilityS1-E01: GreenwashingIn episode 1, we sit down with Dr. Claudia Townsend, associate professor of Marketing at the Miami Herbert Business School, University of Miami and an expert in consumer behavior and decision-making. In the first 20 minutes of the mini-class, we discuss the most common indicators of greenwashing, and the role nutrition labels have played in changing the way we communicate science to consumers. In the Masters Class portion of the pod, we tackle greenwashing across different sustainability sectors and concepts including carbon offsets and the race to net zero, as well as the importance of cultural capital.
2023-06-0159 min2023-05-2409 min
The Cas Cast: A Supernatural PodcastEpisode 23: Dark Side of the CasThis week: 5x16 Dark Side of the Moon, original air date April 1, 2010. Written by Andrew Dabb and Daniel Loflin, directed by Jeff Woolnough. So everyone’s dead in this one, but don’t worry, because it’s not big-deal dead, it’s fucking-with-the-world-building dead. Hop onto the Axis Mundi with us as we cover Dark Side of the Moon on this week’s episode of the Cas Cast! Mentioned in this episode: Sharpeville Massacre A really expensive oven. No link on this one just trust me. The cathode ra...
2022-11-171h 58
Couple Things PodcastEpisode 135 - Ragging on RayIn this week's special episode, Michelle and Ray are joined by two special guests. Lee Loflin (Ray's little sister) and Ben Orth (Ray's best friend since preschool) come on to share stories about their childhood and discuss how big a jerk he was growing up. Get into the conversation by tweeting us @couplethingspod and use the #GetToKnowCTP for this week's episode.
2018-02-131h 28
The Podcast DigestTPD 85 - Talkin' Pods with Ray Loflin from Couple Things PodcastRay Loflin from Couple Things Podcast joined me this week for a long overdue podcast recommendations episode! Ray and I tell you about two of our favorite shows each that you should be listening to! But first, during our discussion topic, we dive into the world of NPR and podcasting and how we feel iTunes could handle both types of shows better!
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Links
Ray Loflin (Twitter) Couple Things Podcast (Twitter) (Website)
NPR Ombudsmen, Elizabeth Jensen, writes about NPR and podcast pro...
2016-04-031h 05