SolPods Studio

Zigzag Careers and Green Buildings: Inside Sustainability with USGBC

In this episode of SolPods Studio, host Harrison Cymbler sits down with Stephanie (Steph) Hallinan from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) to explore sustainability in the built environment and the many paths into the field. Steph shares her “zigzag” career journey from architecture to supply chain to sustainability, and how unexpected experiences can shape impactful careers. The conversation covers how efficiency drives sustainability, the role of policy and local action, and how organizations like USGBC support professionals through education, credentials, and community. From green buildings to global supply chains, Steph offers a practical perspective on how students can find their place in sustainability regardless of their background. Visit USGBC’s website [https://www.usgbc.org/] or explore their LEED Green Associate resources [https://www.usgbc.org/credentials/leed-green-associate] to learn more. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org [https://www.solpods.org/] Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth [https://www.instagram.com/solpods.earth/] Follow us on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/solpods-inc/%20] Follow us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@SolPods?si=Oea9RYm8xsgit0MQ] For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org [hello@solpods.org]

From Ugly Fruit to Beautiful Snacks: A Conversation with Ben Moore, Founder of The Ugly Company

In this episode of SolPods Studio, host Katie Lockwood sits down with Ben Moore, a Central Valley farmer and founder of The Ugly Company, to talk about food waste, farming, and what sustainability looks like in practice. Ben shares how years spent hauling and dumping unmarketable fruit led him to start a company that transforms imperfect fruit into clean, simple snacks while preventing millions of pounds of food from going to waste. The conversation explores why perfectly good fruit gets thrown out, how consumer expectations shape food systems, and the contradictions built into modern agriculture. Ben also reflects on sustainability beyond the buzzwords, emphasizing practicality, meeting people where they are, and building solutions that farmers and consumers can realistically support. From farming traditions to real-world problem solving, this episode offers a grounded look at how small, practical decisions can create meaningful impact. Perfect for listeners interested in food systems, sustainability, agriculture, or anyone curious about how everyday choices connect to larger environmental challenges. Visit the The Ugly Company [https://www.theuglyco.com/] website or follow The Ugly Company on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/packofugly/#] to learn more.  Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org [https://www.solpods.org/] Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth [https://www.instagram.com/solpods.earth/] Follow us on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/solpods-inc/%20] Follow us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@SolPods?si=Oea9RYm8xsgit0MQ] For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org [hello@solpods.org]

A Twist on Textiles: A Small Company’s Big Impact

In this episode of SolPod Studios, host Mia Rubiera sits down with sisters Rachna and Ruchika Kumar, co-founders of Ichcha, a sustainable textile brand dedicated to preserving India’s ancient crafts and promoting conscious consumerism. They share their journey from tech and design into entrepreneurship, how they collaborate with artisans across generations, and their initiatives that empower women through education. From natural dyes to zero-waste practices, the Kumar sisters reveal how Ichcha weaves artistry, sustainability, and social impact into every piece. Visit the Ichcha [https://www.ichcha.com/] website or follow Ichcha on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/myichcha/#] to learn more.  Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org [https://www.solpods.org/] Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth [https://www.instagram.com/solpods.earth/] Follow us on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/solpods-inc/%20] Follow us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@SolPods?si=Oea9RYm8xsgit0MQ] For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org [hello@solpods.org]

Revolutionizing School Meals for Healthier People and Planet: A Conversation with Natalie Linden

In this inspiring episode, host Mia Rubiera chatted with Natalie Linden from Friends of the Earth’s Climate-Friendly School Food Program about why rethinking what’s on our school menus is such a big deal for climate action. Natalie breaks down how schools are moving toward healthier, plant-forward, and more sustainable meals—and what it really takes to make those changes happen. Perfect if you’re into food systems, public health, or want to learn how students can help push for climate-friendly food policies on campus! Check out the Eat Real website [https://eatreal.org/] to learn more. Follow Eat Real on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/eatrealcertified/?hl=en] for more inspiration. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org [https://www.solpods.org/] Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth [https://www.instagram.com/solpods.earth/] Follow us on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/solpods-inc/%20] Follow us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@SolPods?si=Oea9RYm8xsgit0MQ] For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org [hello@solpods.org]

Empowering Individuals to Invest in Climate: A Conversation with Will Wiseman

In this episode, we talk with Will Wiseman, Co-Founder and CEO of Climatize, about making climate investing accessible to everyone—even students and young people just getting started. Will shares how Climatize is breaking down barriers to funding renewable energy projects and offers insights on how individuals can take real financial action for the planet. This is a must-listen if you’re curious about sustainable investing, want to put your money where your values are, or are thinking about careers in climate finance and impact entrepreneurship. Check out the Climatize website [https://www.climatize.earth/] to learn more. Follow Climatize on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/climatize.earth/] for more inspiration. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org [https://www.solpods.org/] Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth [https://www.instagram.com/solpods.earth/] Follow us on Linkedin [https://www.linkedin.com/company/solpods-inc/%20] Follow us on YouTube [https://youtube.com/@SolPods?si=Oea9RYm8xsgit0MQ] For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org [hello@solpods.org]