In this episode, we talk to Maddie Hamann, a remarkable individual with a journey that spans diverse fields. She began with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, followed by a Ph.D. in Oceanography, and went on to manage large-scale projects, ranging from research campaigns to art installations. Eventually, she made the bold move to start a sustainable bread company.

Her passion for healing humanity’s relationship with our planet led her to realize that her skills in organizing and executing impactful projects could make a greater difference than research alone. Now, as Co-Founder and Director of Marketing at PACHA, she promotes regenerative agriculture through healthy eating.

During this episode, we talked about what inspired Maddie’s career shift, the origins of PACHA, and why buckwheat was chosen for its environmental benefits. We also discussed her vision for PACHA’s future—all with a focus on supporting Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes:

Kiss the ground documentary

Invest in Pacha

Where can people find Maddie and Pacha?

Facebook

Instagram - Pacha

Instagram - Maddie

LinkedIn - Maddie

YouTube

Website

“I wanted to be part of the solution.”

In this episode, we talk to Paul Hargreaves, the CEO of Cotswold Fayre and Flourish, two award-winning businesses committed to sustainability. Paul's company was one of the first in the UK to certify as a B Corp, setting a powerful example for other companies looking to balance purpose and profit. He’s also a speaker and author of Forces for Good and The Fourth Bottom Line, where he explores the impact businesses can have beyond the traditional triple bottom line.

During this episode, we delve into Paul's inspiring sustainability journey and discuss how businesses can drive positive change for both people and the planet. We’ll uncover what it really takes to become B Corp certified, the challenges along the way, and how companies can go beyond certification to create lasting legacies. Paul shares insights into how Cotswold Fayre integrates sustainability into everyday operations and explains the concept of the “fourth bottom line.” Plus, he offers a glimpse into the future of business as a force for good, and what he's most proud of on this mission to protect Mama Earth.

Links from the episodes

Triple bottom line episode with Julian Gunderley

1% for the planet episode with Kate Williams

Where can people find Paul?

Cotswold Fayre

Flourish

Paul LinkedIn

Website

“You can be a successful business and do good for the world at the same time.”

In this episode, we dive into the concept of the circular economy, exploring how it differs from the traditional linear model and why it’s essential for a sustainable future. From understanding the role of design in extending product lifecycles to discovering innovative companies like Loop by Terracycle and Herman Miller, we highlight real-world examples of circularity in action.

Key differences between the linear and circular economies:

• Linear Economy: Us humans have adopted a linear approach that maximizes profits without paying the true costs. (Short term profit, no real thought of the long term implications)
• Circular Economy: Nature shows us the way with a circular approach, where everything goes back into the earth to feed the next cycle, maximizing the life cycle of products. (There is a )
• Linear Economy: Waste equals waste.
• Circular Economy: Waste equals food for the next step in the cycle.
• Linear Economy: Design prioritizes customer needs, usability, and appealing packaging.
• Circular Economy: Design prioritizes recycling, easy repair and replacement of components, and ultimately, a product's full lifecycle.

Links from the episodes:

Ellen MacArthur Foundation

The Story of stuff by Annie Leonard

Patagonia

The Shitthropocene | Full Film | Welcome to the Age of Cheap Crap

Nudie Jeans

Rent Runway

ThredUp

Shop Retold

Fairphone

Plaine Products

Loop by Terracycle

Herman Miller

Cradle to Cradle

“The circular economy reimagines waste as a resource, driving sustainability by keeping products and materials in use and regenerating nature.”

Image Source: Final Straw