Shows
Post-Growth Australia PodcastBy Disaster or Design: A Degrowth Answer to Finance with Matt Orsagh“By disaster or design a Post Growth world is coming…because if we don’t do anything, the systems we depend on will collapse. Let’s not let that happen, let’s design our way to a better system.”
In this episode of Post Growth Australia Podcast, we welcome special guest Matt Orsagh, from the Arketa Institute for Post Growth Finance, and author of the blog ‘Degrowth is The Answer’. Matt and his colleagues at Arketa have been working to align to financial sector with environmental and wellbeing needs, culminating in the 2025 research paper: “By Disaster or Design: How financ...
2026-02-181h 02
Moral Revolution PodcastWhen Wants Masquerade as Needs: A Moral Case for Post‑Growth FinanceSummaryIn this episode, Laura Segafredo and Tony Annett engage with Matt Orsagh to discuss the future of economics beyond neoclassical frameworks, focusing on the concepts of post-growth and ecological economics. They explore the role of finance in a sustainable economy, the importance of understanding planetary boundaries, and the intersection of theology and economics. The conversation critiques technocracy and emphasizes the need for cultural change and community building to foster solidarity and social justice in the face of environmental challenges.Keywordspost-growth, ecological economics, sustainability, finance, planetary boundaries, degrowth, social justice, community building...
2025-12-0854 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 21: Managing Sustainability RisksIn Episode 21 of Sustainability in Motion, Matt Orsagh and Maria Maisuradze speak with Jo Paisley, President of the GARP Risk Institute, about the evolving landscape of sustainability risk in the financial sector. With deep experience from the Bank of England to HSBC, Jo brings a unique lens on how financial professionals can better prepare for climate and nature-related challenges. We cover: Jo's journey from economist and regulator to sustainability thought leader What GARP and the GARP Risk Institute are doing to advance risk literacy in sustainability Key findings from their Nature Risk Management surveys—what...
2025-05-0934 min
GrowthBusters90: Degrowth – by Design or DisasterLearn about a new think tank that's doing some of the most important thinking on the planet. Matt Orsagh is co-founder of the Arketa Institute for Post-Growth Finance and co-author of a just-published white paper, By Disaster Or Design: How Finance Can Evolve to Avoid the Worst of the Ecological Challenges We Face and Enable the Transition to a Better Economic Model. That paper, and this episode, offer an introduction to degrowth, the rational response for a society in ecological overshoot. Degrowth is "an equitable downscaling of production and consumption that increases human well-being and enhances ecological...
2025-04-2554 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 16: Systems Change Through InvestingIn this episode of the Sustainability in Motion podcast, hosts Matt Orsagh and Maria Maisuradze engage in an insightful discussion with William Burckart, CEO of the Investment Integration Project (TIIP), which helps investors integrate systems thinking in the investment process. The conversation explores the transformative concept of systems-level investing, a forward-thinking approach that integrates financial, social, environmental, and economic systems to address systemic risks such as climate change, inequality, and resource scarcity. Key highlights include: Introduction to Systems-Level Thinking: Bill explains the shift from traditional investment strategies to a holistic approach aimed at mitigating...
2024-12-1032 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 15: System Level InvestingEpisode Overview: In this episode, Matt Orsagh and Nawar Alsaadi of ED4S sit down with Jon Lukomnik, a leading figure in sustainable finance and co-author of Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory. Jon explores the limitations of Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) in addressing long-term, systemic risks like climate change, highlighting the evolution toward "system-level investing." Key Takeaways: Limitations of MPT: MPT is designed for idiosyncratic risk (individual asset variance) but fails to account for systemic risks, which cannot be diversified away. Lukomnik notes that while MPT focuses on market-relative risk, it overlooks larger economic...
2024-11-1236 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 14: Stranded AssetsHosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor at ED4S Guest: Natasha Chaudhary, Research Fellow at The Institute for Climate Economics (I4CE) Episode Focus: The concept of stranded assets and a shift toward "assets at risk" to better support financial institutions in navigating climate-related financial risks. Key Takeaways: Stranded Assets Explained: Traditionally associated with fossil fuels, stranded assets refer to devalued resources due to regulatory, market, or physical climate changes. Current definitions often focus on oil, gas, and coal...
2024-10-1532 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 13: Operationalizing Sustainability in the Financial SectorHosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO of ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Senior Advisor to ED4S Episode Focus: A discussion on ED4S's new paper, "Operationalizing Sustainability: Eight Key Roles in Finance," which offers practical guidance for embedding sustainability in financial roles. Key Takeaways: Purpose of the Paper: This paper addresses how financial professionals can operationalize sustainability in their day-to-day roles. As organizations mature in ESG, there is a need to integrate sustainability practices within various job functions. Roles...
2024-10-0136 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 12: The Sustainable Stock Exchanges InitiativeSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode: Sustainable Stock Exchanges Initiative Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO at ED4S Guests: Tiffany Grabski, Head of SSE Academy Anthony Miller, Coordinator of the Sustainable Stock Exchange (SSE) Initiative Episode Focus: This episode explores the Sustainable Stock Exchanges (SSE) initiative's role in advancing sustainable finance and how the SSE Academy supports education and training in sustainability for exchanges and market participants globally. Key Takeaways: Overview of SSE and SSE Academy Launched in 2009 by the UN...
2024-09-1033 min
Bionic Planet: Reversing Climate Change by Restoring NatureEcological Economics, Systems Thinking, and the Limits to GrowthSupport Bionic Planet: https://www.patreon.com/bionicplanet Guests: Jim Pittman (https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamespittman/) Matt Orsagh (https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-orsagh-a1b8417/) Steve Rocco (https://www.linkedin.com/in/steverocco/) Books Referenced: Ecological Economics (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77985.Ecological_Economics?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ZDNVmbxl5B&rank=1) The Limits to Growth (https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/705418.Limits_to_Growth?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=1uh5jgBt1O&rank=1) The Web of L...
2024-08-221h 30
The Gifted Neurodivergent PodcastDegrowth Is Our AnswerSend us a textIn this episode of The Gifted Podcast we dive into the concept of degrowth with special guest Matt Orsagh, the author of the newsletter 'Degrowth is the Answer.' Matt shares his personal journey, from obtaining degrees in English, film, and finance, to advocating for a shift away from GDP-focused growth. We discuss the environmental and societal benefits of a wellbeing-based economy, touching on issues like universal basic income, shorter work weeks, and sustainable living. Matt also highlights the importance of building community and living within planetary boundaries to ensure a b...
2024-08-1641 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 11: Are companies ready for the polycrisis?Sustainability in Motion Podcast - Episode 11: Are companies ready for the polycrisis? In this episode of the Sustainability in Motion Podcast, Matt Orsagh and Maria Maisuradze of ED4S talks with Alice Krogh, founder of arkH3, about corporate systemic leadership, ecological overshoot, and the role of businesses in driving sustainability. arkH3 advocates for a model where companies lead systemic change and embed sustainability into strategy, rather than treating it as a side project. Key Takeaways: Corporate Systemic Leadership: Alice introduces corporate systemic leadership, a form of action where companies take the lead in...
2024-08-1338 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 10: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting DirectiveSustainability in Motion Podcast –Episode 10: The Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, Founder and CEO of Kanata Advisors and Chief Adviser to ED4S Guest: Erin Knowles, Manager at Position Green Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Nawar discuss the EU's Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) with Erin Nolles from Position Green, diving into what it means for companies inside and outside of the EU, and the preparation necessary for compliance. Erin provides insights on Position Green's approach to helping companies align with th...
2024-07-1621 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 09: ESG from a Legal PerspectiveSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 09: ESG from a Legal Perspective Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, Founder and CEO of Kanata Advisors and Chief Adviser to ED4S Guest: Christine Uri, Founder of ESG for In-House Counsel Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Nawar are joined by Christine Uri, founder of ESG for In-House Counsel, to explore the role of legal teams in managing ESG risks and opportunities. Christine discusses the evolving ESG landscape, including the growing importance of compliance, managing climate litigation, and strategies for building su...
2024-06-1830 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 08: Sustainability TrainingSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 08: Sustainability Training Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, CEO at ED4S Guest: Terry Thornton, Founder of Educate Ethos ESG Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Maria are joined by Terry Thornton, a seasoned sustainability educator and founder of Educate Ethos ESG. They discuss the importance of sustainability training, the evolving motivations behind it, and how organizations can better equip their employees to meet growing ESG demands. Terry shares insights on how companies can shift from reactive compliance to proactive, impact-driven sustainability strategies....
2024-05-2827 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 07: How well are financial advisors serving client sustainability needs?Sustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 7: How well are financial advisors serving client sustainability needs? Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, CEO of ED4S Guest: Stephen Kibsey, Analyst, Portfolio Manager, and Lecturer Episode Overview: This episode dives into ED4S's latest report from a "secret shopper" campaign, evaluating how well financial advisers across Canada handle client interest in sustainable investing. ED4S engaged financial advisers from various firms to understand their readiness to meet clients' ESG and sustainability goals. Joined by secret shopper Stephen Kibsey, the discussion unpacks the fi...
2024-05-1425 min
Sustainability In MotionEpisode 06: Sustainability and Proxy Season Sustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 6: Sustainability and Proxy Season Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO and Founder of Kanata Advisors, Chief Adviser at ED4S Guest: Heidi Welsh, Executive Director at the Sustainable Investments Institute Episode Overview: In this episode, Matt and Nawar speak with Heidi Welsh of the Sustainable Investments Institute to discuss key trends and issues in the current proxy season. They explore the impact of shareholder proposals, evolving topics within ESG, and the rise of anti-ESG movements that challenge the growing sustainability focus in proxy voti...
2024-04-3029 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 5: Beyond Box Checking: How to Embed Sustainability in Your CompanySustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 5: Embedding Sustainability with IBM's "Beyond Checking the Box" Report Hosts: Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S Maria Maisuradze, CEO at ED4S Nawar Alsaadi, CEO and Founder of Kanata Advisors, Chief Adviser at ED4S Episode Overview: In this episode, the ED4S team dives into IBM's "Beyond Checking the Box" report, which explores how companies that embed sustainability into their core business operations and culture see greater profitability and growth. They discuss the importance of operationalizing sustainability and the critical role of corporate culture, training, and da...
2024-04-1631 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 4: Natural Capital and BiodiversityHosts: - Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S - Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S Guest: - Pavan Sukhdev, CEO of GIST Impact, sustainability expert Episode Focus: The economic invisibility of nature, the importance of valuing environmental and social impacts, and the role of companies and regulators in driving sustainability. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Economic Invisibility of Nature: - Pavan highlights the importance of valuing natural and social impacts in corporate decision-making. Despite greater awareness, externalities like clean air, biodi...
2024-04-0230 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 3: How Investors Use Sustainability DataHosts: - Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S - Nawar Alsaadi, CEO and Founder of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S Episode Focus: Understanding how investors use sustainability (ESG) data and discussing the nuances around financial materiality, investment strategies, and the impact of ESG in today's investment landscape. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Understanding Financially Material ESG Data: - Financially material data is defined as any ESG data point that impacts financial metrics (e.g., revenue, expenses, net income) and varies by industry. - For example, fuel costs are crucial...
2024-03-0129 minSustainability In MotionEpisode 1: 2024 OutlookSustainability in Motion Podcast – Episode 1: 2024 Outlook Hosts: - Matt Orsagh, Chief Content Officer at ED4S - Maria Maisuradze, Founder and CEO at ED4S - Nawar Alsaadi, CEO of Kanata Advisors, Chief Advisor to ED4S Episode Focus: In this inaugural episode, the ED4S team dives into their sustainability predictions for 2024, exploring regulatory impacts, the future of sustainability roles, the rise of biodiversity investments, and the evolving landscape of climate commitments. --- Key Takeaways: 1. Regulatory Push Intensifies - As California and European regulatio...
2024-03-0131 min
Dave the Planet10: Best Campaign Speech Ever“The people who lead this world have not been square with you, because that would hurt their bank accounts, and might take away their power. We are destroying our world and making it unlivable for future generations so that we can have more things now - not what we need - but what we want.” These are lines from a speech written by Matt Orsagh, a speech we need to hear from our leaders, but so far we’re only hearing it from one political candidate – Dave Gardner, independent candidate for U.S. President in 2024.Read the speech w...
2024-02-0749 min
Dave the Planet9: What We’re Doing Isn’t Working – It’s Time for a New ApproachIf things were going well, there’d be no reason to question our current system that puts so much faith in economic growth. But things aren’t going well. Common sense and system dynamics models tell us we cannot grow economic throughput forever. It’s making our world more and more unlivable.An array of evidence suggests continued pursuit of growth will leave our kids a Mad Max future, at best, and very possibly a dead planet. Finance professional Matt Orsagh explains why we need to change our economic paradigm, put human outcomes above economic, and embrace degrow...
2024-01-2644 min
The Asia Climate Finance PodcastEp14 ESG finance and investing and decarbonisation: reality vs babble, ft Matt OrsaghComments/ideas: ACFpod@outlook.comSummary. Ep.14 is a comprehensive, insightful, and honest discussion on ESG and sustainable finance and investing with Matt Orsagh, a thought leader on the subject. It is a lively two-way chat covering all of the latest key trends and developments globally and putting Asia in the global context. Matt also honestly addresses why we are where we are and where we are going ESG-wise, including why it used to be easier and now it’s a lot more complex. He offers a rich array of insights and clearly explains why he...
2022-08-1659 min
The Sustainable Finance PodcastWhy the CFA Institute Is Incorporating ESG, AI and Machine LearningIs it time for financial advisors and asset managers to review modern portfolio theory (MPT)? The nature of our markets has changed dramatically since MPT became the standard for portfolio diversification. How will the rise of institutional investing, AI and machine learning, and the inclusion of ESG analytics affect the CFA certification and education platform? My guest today, Matt Orsagh, is Senior Director of Capital Markets Policy at the CFA Institute, and he spends his time figuring out answers to these questions. As the Institute’s global ESG, sustainable, and climate change expert, Matt is the perfect person to walk us...
2021-10-0426 min
The Sustainability StoryHow Does Modern Portfolio Theory Take Into Account Sustainability?Matt Orsagh, Senior Director, Capital Markets Policy at CFA Institute talks with Jon Lukomnik, co-author of the book "Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory: Investing That Matters", to explore how one of the major pillars of modern investing and finance, "Modern Portfolio Theory" may need to evolve to better take into account the rise of ESG integration and sustainable investing. Jon Lukomnik on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-lukomnik-6164415/ Moving Beyond Modern Portfolio Theory 1st Edition: https://www.amazon.com/Moving-Beyond-Modern-Portfolio-Theory/dp/0367760827
2021-08-0423 min
Beyond the Sound BiteRecent Media Appearances and Upcoming EventsMedia Appearances
Recently, I had the privilege of appearing on two excellent radio programs: Bloomberg radio's popular program, "Taking Stock with Pimm Fox and Carol Massar" and "On The Money" with Steve Pomeranz, CFP, and an Internet based video interview - FT.com's Authers' Note (see previous posting below). The interviews centered on what you might think they would: the markets and the economy, with a sprinkling of geo politics and market structure issues.
Here are the links to each of them:
* With yours truly
* With Don Rissmiller (Chief E...
2014-01-0200 min
Enterprising InvestorEnvironmental, Social, and Governance Factors at Listed Companies: A Manual for InvestorsIn episode #011, Matt Orsagh, CFA, CIPM, discusses the report recently released by the CFA Institute Centre for Financial Market Integrity entitled "Environmental, Social, and Governance Factors at Listed Companies: A Manual for Investors".
2008-07-1712 min