SolPods Studio

SolPods Team
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Society & Culture

A series of interviews with Earth Heroes, sustainability enthusiasts from around the world, to highlight their community contributions and amplify their impact. Join our FREE community now!

  1. Sep 25

    Seeing the Bigger Picture: Sustainable Finance, Career Development and the Future of Investing - A Conversation with Jennifer Coombs

    In this episode of SolPods Studio, host Anthea Weiland sits down with Jennifer "Jenny" Coombs, Head of Content and Development at US SIF, adjunct professor at the College for Financial Planning, and sustainable finance educator with more than 20 years of experience in finance. Jenny shares the unexpected career pivots that took her from Wall Street to sustainable investing, education, and nonprofit leadership. The conversation explores how sustainable investing has evolved, the differences between ESG, sustainable investing, and impact investing, and why thinking beyond short-term market movements matters. Jenny also breaks down these concepts through her memorable “cake” analogy, where ESG serves as the fundamental ingredients behind a sustainable investment strategy. Jenny discusses what the next generation of finance professionals should be learning, how mentorship and hands-on experience can help students early in their careers, and why standing out as a person can matter more than collecting credentials. Looking toward the future, she shares her perspectives on AI, empathy, and why the human side of finance will remain important even as the industry becomes increasingly data-driven. Perfect for listeners interested in sustainable finance, ESG, investing, career development, or anyone curious about how technology, sustainability, and human decision-making are shaping the future of finance. Connect with Jenny Coombs on LinkedIn and visit the US SIF website to learn more about its work in sustainable investing. Jenny’s Recommended Resources OneGreenThing: Founded by Heather White, OneGreenThing is a national nonprofit that addresses climate anxiety and overwhelm through joyful daily action, with a focus on creating broader cultural, policy, and market change. OneGreenThing is also the home of One Green Thing, a practical guide to taking action on climate and sustainability. SRIously Speaking: Follow Jenny Coombs’ Substack for her perspectives and insights on sustainable, responsible, and impact investing. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  2. Jul 16

    Hydrogen, Innovation and the Future of Clean Energy

    In this episode of SolPods Studio, student host Caxton Conner sits down with Bill Smith, Founder and President of Infinity Fuel Cell & Hydrogen, to discuss hydrogen fuel cells, clean energy, and how technology originally developed for space exploration is helping solve sustainability challenges here on Earth. Bill shares his journey through the fuel cell industry, the inspiration behind founding Infinity, and how his team is developing advanced hydrogen energy systems for applications ranging from spacecraft and lunar missions to underwater vehicles and remote power systems. The conversation explores the growing role of hydrogen in the clean energy transition, why fuel cells offer a reliable way to store and deliver energy with low emissions, and how innovations supported by NASA are advancing the future of sustainable power. Bill also reflects on the importance of engineering, curiosity, and perseverance, offering advice to students interested in careers in clean technology and solving some of the world's most complex energy challenges. Perfect for listeners interested in clean energy, hydrogen technology, aerospace, engineering, sustainability, or anyone curious about how breakthrough innovations developed for space are creating solutions for life on Earth. Visit Infinity Fuel Cell & Hydrogen's website to learn more about the company's innovative fuel cell and hydrogen technologies. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  3. Apr 13

    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 or explore their LEED Green Associate resources to learn more. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  4. 12/19/2025

    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 website or follow The Ugly Company on Instagram to learn more.  Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  5. 10/10/2025

    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 website or follow Ichcha on Instagram to learn more.  Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  6. 03/14/2025

    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 to learn more. Follow Eat Real on Instagram for more inspiration. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  7. 09/25/2024

    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 to learn more. Follow Climatize on Instagram for more inspiration. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

  8. 09/12/2024

    Investing for Positive Impact: A Conversation with Jennifer Leonard

    In this episode, we hear from Jennifer Leonard, Head of Impact at Ethic, about what it really means to invest with purpose. She explains how financial systems can support positive change and why impact investing is more than just a buzzword. Jennifer also offers advice for students who are new to the world of finance but want to align their money with their values. If you’re curious about ethical investing, sustainable business, or just figuring out how to make your future career count for good—this one’s for you. To learn more about microfinance, check out Accion, Grameen Bank, and Women's World Banking. Check out the SolPods Website: www.solpods.org Follow us on Instagram: @solpods.earth Follow us on Linkedin Follow us on YouTube For questions, email us at: hello@solpods.org

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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

A series of interviews with Earth Heroes, sustainability enthusiasts from around the world, to highlight their community contributions and amplify their impact. Join our FREE community now!

Information

  • Creator
    SolPods Team
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 SolPods Studio
  • Show Website
    SolPods Studio