Mama Earth Talk

Mariska Nell
Mama Earth Talk

What happens when you wear your own trash for 30 days? You start a podcast. Welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for eco-curious individuals and conscious businesses who want to make a real difference, live lighter on the planet, and do it all without the pressure to be perfect. I’m Mariska Nell, founder and host of Mama Earth Talk—a sustainability advocate, and passionate believer in progress over perfection. With a Master’s in Sustainable Design, postgraduate studies in Environmental Science, and years of hands-on experience, I’m here to help you take meaningful, heart-led action that works in real life. Mama Earth Talk shares monthly episodes packed with inspiring guest interviews, uplifting good news stories, and practical insights to keep you grounded and motivated. We also offer themed seasons, each diving deeper into specific topics like low-waste living, sustainable business, and planet-positive design—giving you the tools and inspiration to make real, lasting impact. Whether you're here to learn something new, feel inspired, or connect with a global community of changemakers—this space is for you. No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, soulful progress, and hopeful stories—one small step at a time. Listen on your favorite podcast app—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe at https://mamaearthtalk.com/listen If something in the show speaks to you—or you know someone who’d love it—please share it and leave a review on Podchaser. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mama-earth-talk-713574 Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @mamaearthtalk Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds. Instagram: @mamaearthtalk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575371374179 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mamaearthtalk Website: https://mamaearthtalk.com/

  1. 196: Why National Parks Matter

    7 JUL

    196: Why National Parks Matter

    In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, host Mariska shares her transformative experience hiking through Yellowstone National Park, emphasizing the beauty and importance of national parks for conservation, mental health, and cultural heritage. She discusses the challenges these parks face, including poaching and budget cuts, and highlights the need for protection and expansion of these vital spaces for future generations. Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[00:00] Exploring the Beauty of Nature [01:48] The Importance of National Parks [08:51] Challenges Facing National Parks [13:49] Why We Must Protect National Parks Links from the episodes:Yellowstone National Park Yellowstone’s national park’s 150th year anniversary with Kevin Costner Wildland Trekking 5 Day hiking tour that we took Bob Brown Foundation Black Mamba's Key Takeaways:The beauty of untouched landscapes is transformative.National parks are crucial for our mental and physical health.Conservation and biodiversity are key reasons to protect parks.National parks play a vital role in climate resilience.Cultural and historical preservation is essential in national parks.Spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety.Budget cuts can lead to trail despair and increased poaching.Education programs in parks are vital for awareness and protection.Corporate encroachment poses a risk to national parks.We must value and protect our national parks for future generations. In our next episode, we’ll be talking worms, looking at some amazing ways they are playing their part.

    22 min
  2. 195: The Ground Beneath Our Feet: A Hidden Climate Solution — with Rebecca Tickell

    2 JUN

    195: The Ground Beneath Our Feet: A Hidden Climate Solution — with Rebecca Tickell

    In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Tickell. She is an award-winning environmental filmmaker, activist, and co-director of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two powerful documentaries that spotlight the role of regenerative farming in healing our planet. During this episode, we dive into the urgent need to restore soil health, the surprising connection between agriculture and climate change, and how storytelling can drive global transformation. Rebecca shares her journey from child actor to environmental changemaker, and offers practical ways we can all support a more sustainable food system. Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[02:30]-Rebecca's Sustainable Journey [06:00]- The Power of Regenerative Agriculture [12:50]- Documentary Impact: Common Ground and Kiss the Ground [17:30]- The Challenges of Farming [24:00]- The Role of Community in regeneration [33:55]- Final 5 Links from the episodes:Silent Spring by Rachel Carson  Common Ground - Official Trailer | Prime Video  Kiss the Ground - Official Movie Trailer (2020) Where can people find our guest?Instagram Facebook YouTube Website Take Action Key Takeaways:Farmers who transition from industrialized agriculture to regenerative agriculture, over 90% of them saw an increase in their profits within year one.Feeding the world is a myth... you have to be able to feed the farmers' families and that ecosystem that the food comes from.Rebecca's journey began with witnessing the harmful effects of industrial farming in her family.Regenerative agriculture can heal the planet and improve farmers' profits.Soil health is crucial for climate stability and food nutrition.Farmers often feel trapped in a cycle of debt and chemical dependence.Community support is essential for transitioning to regenerative practices.Eating locally and seasonally can help support sustainable farming.The narrative of 'feeding the world' needs to shift to 'feeding communities'.Conversations about farming practices must be approached with empathy and understanding.There is hope for a sustainable future through collective action. *Assets courtesy of Big Picture Ranch.

    37 min
  3. How to Support the Mama Earth Talk Podcast

    21 MAY · BONUS

    How to Support the Mama Earth Talk Podcast

    Ever wondered how you can support Mama Earth Talk? In this special bonus episode, I (Mariska) answer the many requests from our amazing community about how to help us grow and continue spreading sustainability inspiration. Ways to Support the Podcast:1. Listen to More Episodes Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform Catch up on older episodes and explore curated playlists 3 Podcasts to get you startedSustainable Business PlaylistPlastic Rebels: Breaking Free from the Throwaway CultureEco Game Changers: The Rebels, Pioneers & Disruptors 2. Leave a Review Reviews help others find the show and tell me what’s resonating with you. You can leave a review on: Podchaser (How to Video)Apple Podcast (How to Video)Spotify (How to Video)or your favorite platform 3. Subscribe or Follow Hit the Subscribe or Follow button on your podcast app so you never miss an episode. 4. Share the Podcast Know someone who loves the planet or runs a purpose-driven business? Share your favorite episode with them. 5. Connect on Social Media Engaging with us on social media helps us reach more people. Instagram: @mamaearthtalk 6. Join Our Newsletter Get eco-tips, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered to your inbox. Sign up at here or via our Instagram bio Feeling Extra Generous? Become a Monthly Supporter If you’d like to go above and beyond, you can join our monthly membership. Your support directly helps keep the podcast going and growing—and you’ll get access to exclusive perks. Sponsor or Collaborate with Us We’re also opening a few sponsorship opportunities for upcoming episodes. If you’re an eco-conscious brand, purpose-driven business, or organization interested in partnering, we’d love to hear from you. Reach out via our Contact Page or send a direct message on Instagram. Your support—whether through listening, sharing, reviewing, or partnering—helps amplify our message...

    6 min
  4. Mama Earth Talk: Real Stories, Honest Advice & a Greener Way Forward – Why Mama Earth Talk? What to Expect & How You’ll Be Inspired [Trailer]

    20 MAY

    Mama Earth Talk: Real Stories, Honest Advice & a Greener Way Forward – Why Mama Earth Talk? What to Expect & How You’ll Be Inspired [Trailer]

    Hello and welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for busy, eco-curious individuals and businesses who want to make a real difference, live a little lighter on the planet... and do it all without the pressure to be perfect. I’m Mariska Nell, Founder and host of Mama Earth Talk and Tails and Tones. With a background in Environmental Science, a Master’s in Sustainable Design, and years of experience in sustainability across lifestyle and industry—I’m here to help you cut through the noise and take meaningful action. Every Monday, I bring you honest conversations, relatable stories, and super practical tips to help you reduce waste and live more sustainably—in ways that actually fit your life and your work. Whether you’re making choices at home or guiding your business away from greenwashing toward real impact, this podcast is here to support you. No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, and real change—one small step at a time. Most episodes are just you and me, but now and then, I’m joined by scientists, activists, creators, and changemakers from around the world—people who are doing the work and bringing us hope for the future. If you’re already part of the Crazy Birds community—welcome back. And if you’re new here: welcome in. You’re officially one of us now. You can listen to Mama Earth Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon—anywhere you tune in. And to subscribe, just head to MamaEarthTalk.com/listen. Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds.

    3 min
  5. 194: Is Coldplay’s Eco-Tour the Real Deal or Just Greenwashing? A Deep Dive into Sustainable Touring

    5 MAY

    194: Is Coldplay’s Eco-Tour the Real Deal or Just Greenwashing? A Deep Dive into Sustainable Touring

    In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, Mariska explores Coldplay's sustainability efforts during their world tour. She discusses the band's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, innovative solutions for sustainable touring, and the importance of transparency in their environmental claims. The episode highlights how Coldplay engages fans in their green initiatives and emphasizes that while they may not be perfect, their efforts are a significant step towards a more sustainable music industry. [00:00] Coldplay's Sustainable Tour: An Introduction [03:04]Coldplay's Commitment to Sustainability [08:43] Innovative Solutions for Reducing Emissions [13:12] Assessing Coldplay's Green Claims [17:35] Engaging Fans in Sustainability [22:19] The Verdict on Coldplay's Efforts Links from the episodes: 157: How the sounds of the ocean can impact our lives with Joshua Sam Miller 057: How fries can fuel your car with Karl Feilder 090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill Where can people find Cold Play? Cold Plays Sustainability Key takeaways: Coldplay's commitment to sustainability began with a pledge to not tour until they could do so sustainably.They aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous tours.Partnerships with companies like DHL help reduce transport emissions.Coldplay uses renewable energy sources to power their shows.The band encourages fans to participate in sustainability efforts during concerts.Transparency in sustainability reporting is crucial for building trust.Coldplay's sustainability report is accessible and easy to understand.Engaging fans in eco-friendly practices can inspire broader change.Sustainability in the music industry is about progress, not perfection.Coldplay's efforts could set a precedent for other artists and venues. Photo: Coldplay via Spotify

    25 min
  6. 193: Hope in Action with Dr. Jane Goodall

    7 APR

    193: Hope in Action with Dr. Jane Goodall

    In this episode, we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall — world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and lifelong advocate for animals and the planet. During this very special episode, we reflect on her 91st birthday and share highlights from a rare and personal interview I had the honor of recording with her. We explore the connection between science, spirituality, and activism, dive into what chimpanzees might teach us about ourselves, and reimagine how we define our relationship with nature — all through the wise and hopeful lens of Dr. Goodall. Happy birthday, Dr. Goodall. Thank you for your tireless work and for showing us that every individual makes a difference.  Thank you for all the messages and inparticular the two below: Yolande Swanepoel Her favorite quote from Dr. Jane is: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.” She writes: “Thank you, Dr. Jane, for all your inspiration, and keep doing what you do to inspire the younger generation. One person cannot save all the animals, BUT one person can make a difference for animals.” Raksha Uttamchandani “On your birthday, Dr. Goodall, I would simply say: Thank you. Thank you for showing us that every small action matters, that hope is a choice, and that one voice—when used with purpose—can inspire a global movement. Wishing you a day filled with the same joy and wonder you’ve given to the world.” Thank you for the amazing team at Terra at Expo and Roots and Shoots for hosting this amazing event. Links from the episodes: Waste Me Not Campaign Wounda's Journey Where can people find Dr. Jane? Jane Googall Institute Roots & Shoots Roots & Shoots UAE Instagram KEY TAKE AWAY“Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world”

    21 min

Trailer

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

What happens when you wear your own trash for 30 days? You start a podcast. Welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for eco-curious individuals and conscious businesses who want to make a real difference, live lighter on the planet, and do it all without the pressure to be perfect. I’m Mariska Nell, founder and host of Mama Earth Talk—a sustainability advocate, and passionate believer in progress over perfection. With a Master’s in Sustainable Design, postgraduate studies in Environmental Science, and years of hands-on experience, I’m here to help you take meaningful, heart-led action that works in real life. Mama Earth Talk shares monthly episodes packed with inspiring guest interviews, uplifting good news stories, and practical insights to keep you grounded and motivated. We also offer themed seasons, each diving deeper into specific topics like low-waste living, sustainable business, and planet-positive design—giving you the tools and inspiration to make real, lasting impact. Whether you're here to learn something new, feel inspired, or connect with a global community of changemakers—this space is for you. No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, soulful progress, and hopeful stories—one small step at a time. Listen on your favorite podcast app—Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, or anywhere you tune in. You can also subscribe at https://mamaearthtalk.com/listen If something in the show speaks to you—or you know someone who’d love it—please share it and leave a review on Podchaser. https://www.podchaser.com/podcasts/mama-earth-talk-713574 Got questions or just want to say hi? I’m always around on Instagram @mamaearthtalk Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds. Instagram: @mamaearthtalk Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61575371374179 Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mamaearthtalk Website: https://mamaearthtalk.com/

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