The Green Collar Pod

Aparna & Kiersten
  • 5.0 (12)
  • CAREERS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Introducing Green Collar - a podcast dedicated to the economy of tomorrow, exploring jobs that have a positive impact on the environment and people’s well being. Come join Kiersten and Aparna as they interview experts to explore different roles that make up the green collar economy, while highlighting ways to make every job a Green Collar job.  

  1. 27 - Christy Cannon

    FEB 15

    27 - Christy Cannon

    In this episode, we’re joined by Christy Cannon, an energy industry expert with 25 years of experience navigating electric markets, energy management, and building technology. Christy shares her career journey: from helping guide Texas through electric deregulation to building energy programs from the ground up and now working on energy automation at Yardi. We also talk mentorship, career pivots, and why sustainability isn’t a niche role, it’s a mindset that can show up in any job. Whether you’re deep in energy or just sustainability-curious, this conversation is full of practical insights and encouragement for building a long, meaningful career. Connect with Christy on LinkedIn.  Resources mentioned:  Natural Capitalism by Amory LovinsReinventing Fire by Amory LovinsMother Earth News Terms/certifications mentioned:  Certified Energy Manager (CEM) from AEEThe Council on Women in Energy & Environmental Leadership (CWEEL) from AEESend a text

    46 min
  2. 26 - Lindsey Machamer

    FEB 1

    26 - Lindsey Machamer

    In this episode, we’re joined by Lindsey Machamer, Division Manager for Park Development at the Austin Parks and Recreation Department, to explore how sustainability, resilience, and equity show up in the design and delivery of public spaces. Lindsey shares her career journey from civil engineering to municipal leadership, offering an inside look at how cities like Austin use tools such as LEED, SITES, and Envision to shape parks, trails, and infrastructure. We discuss green stormwater infrastructure, nature-based play, circular economy practices like deconstruction and materials reuse, and the critical role cities can play as first adopters of sustainable practices. Lindsey also reflects on mentorship, change management, and why she firmly believes every job can be a green job—making this episode both practical and inspiring for anyone working to shift the status quo.  Books A Natural History of Empty Lots by Christopher Brown Certifications LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) SITES - a rating system for sustainable landscapes Envision - a rating system for infrastructure projectsSend a text

    36 min
  3. 25 - Annise Maguire

    JAN 15

    25 - Annise Maguire

    In this episode, we’re joined by Annise Maguire, an environmental attorney turned sustainability and ESG strategist, to explore a career shaped by environmental justice, global impact, and bold pivots. Annise walks us through her journey from environmental litigation and transactional law to ESG advisory roles across NGOs, Fortune 500 companies, and global law firms, and ultimately to founding GLISS—the Global Incubator for Sustainability Services—after relocating to Paris. We discuss how ESG evolved from a niche concept to a politicized flashpoint, the role of private capital in driving environmental solutions, and why Annise believes connection, community, and well-being are critical to sustaining impact in today’s climate. This conversation is both a candid career roadmap and a thoughtful reflection on resilience, leadership, and creating meaningful change in an increasingly complex world.  Connect with Annise on LinkedIn.  Resources: We couldn't find the reel about impact of being vegan for 1 day of the week but here is an article about the original research.Annise's recipe recommendationSend a text

    37 min
  4. 24 - Doug Tallamy

    JAN 1

    24 - Doug Tallamy

    In this episode, we’re joined by renowned entomologist, ecologist, and author Doug Tallamy to explore how everyday landscapes—from backyards to balconies—can become powerful tools for conservation. Doug shares his career journey, explains why native plants are essential to healthy ecosystems, and introduces the concept of Homegrown National Park, a grassroots effort to restore biodiversity on private land. We discuss the critical role insects play in supporting food webs, practical actions anyone can take to help reverse biodiversity loss, and why empowering individuals is key to the future of conservation. The conversation leaves listeners with both urgency and optimism, showing that meaningful environmental impact can begin right at home.  Books Caterpillars of Western North America by David WagnerPrinceton Field Guide Moths of Western North America by Seabrooke LeckieBooks by Doug Tallamy Bringing Nature HomeThe Living LandscapeNature’s Best Hope The Nature of Oaks How Can I Help? Organizations & Websites Homegrown National Park  - Including the Biodiversity Map / Firefly Map and Ecoregion finder and Native plant resourcesMount Cuba Center in Hockessin, Delaware - Referenced as a premier example of native plant landscapingThe Caterpillar Lab in Keene, New Hampshire - Run by Sam Jaffe Documentaries The Incredible Caterpillar  Concepts & Campaigns Leave the Leaves campaignMiyawaki Forests Keystone PlantsSend a text

    41 min
  5. 23 - Year in Review

    12/15/2025

    23 - Year in Review

    In this special year-in-review episode of The Green Collar Pod, co-hosts Aparna and Kiersten reflect on their first full year of podcasting with no guest, just honest conversation, data, and highlights from 22 episodes.  They share listener stats, favorite moments, memorable job titles, and the guest insights that challenged how they think about sustainability, careers, and balance. The episode also spotlights good sustainability news from 2025, from record-setting solar growth and methane reductions to wildlife conservation wins and cleaner city air. Books:  Nature’s Best Hope - Doug Tallamy Reports, articles, resources:  IEA 2025 Renewables ReportWRI Clean Energy Insights'Lost' gecko species thought to be extinct rediscovered in South AfricaScientists say North Atlantic right whale population slowly increasingLondon meets legal NO2 limit nearly 200 years earlyGreen Jobs Good NewsRight to RepairTerracycle Recycling ProgramsSend a text

    42 min
  6. 22 - Greg Ross

    12/01/2025

    22 - Greg Ross

    Greg Ross is a senior climate analyst at Cheniere Energy, where he focuses on greenhouse gas measurement, mitigation, and verification across the North American natural gas supply chain. A Houston native now based in Washington, DC, Greg brings a rare combination of deep technical expertise and genuine climate motivation to his work—shaped in part by his background in chemical engineering and liberal arts at the University of Texas at Austin. With experience in electricity modeling, supply-chain emissions analysis, and industry-leading methane measurement initiatives, Greg offers an insider’s perspective on how the oil and gas sector is evolving to meet modern climate challenges.  Connect with Greg on LinkedIn.  Books One Thousand Vines by Pascaline Lepeltier Other Energy Concepts & Definitions OGMP 2.0 (Oil and Gas Methane Partnership 2.0) EEMDL – Energy Emissions Modeling & Data Lab Fugitive Methane Emissions Emission Factors Interconnection Queue Mercaptan QMRV (Quantification, Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification)Send a text

    35 min
  7. 21 - Jillian Hansen

    11/15/2025

    21 - Jillian Hansen

    Today we’re joined by Jillian Hansen, Market Intelligence Lead at US Solar, who shares her journey from aspiring political campaigner to renewable energy expert and distributed generation advocate. Jillian walks listeners through her evolving roles in community solar development, subscriber origination, and now market expansion, while breaking down key industry concepts like distributed generation, non-wires alternatives, and the growing role of battery energy storage.  She reflects on the mentors and peers who shaped her path, how graduate school unlocked her passion for energy markets, and how she brings sustainability into her community through St. Paul’s Climate Action Advisory Board. Packed with technical insights, career advice, and a clear-eyed view of where solar is headed, the episode shines a light on the rapidly changing energy landscape—and the people helping shape its future.  Connect with Jillian on LinkedIn.  Podcasts  VoltsCatalystCurrents (Norton Rose Fulbright)The Energy GangNews & Analysis Resources Utility DiveConstellation Energy weekly market updatesRTO Insider (subscription-based but frequently referenced)Conferences & Industry Events New Project Media DG ConferenceWood Mackenzie Distributed Generation ConferenceVERGE (broader climate & sustainability conference, part of Trellis)Energy & Policy Concepts Mentioned FERC Order 2222PJM ERCOT market structureEnergy Markets ExplainerNon-Wires Alternatives 101Distributed Generation (DG) overviewLocal Sustainability St. Paul, MN Climate ActionSend a text

    43 min
  8. 20 - Laurent Canneva

    11/01/2025

    20 - Laurent Canneva

    Today we’re joined by Laurent Canneva, co-founder and CEO of Spare It.  Trained as a pharmacist with a business background, he spent 17 years at Sanofi leading commercial operations across France, Belgium, and the U.S. Five years ago, he made the leap from human health to planetary health, founding Spare-it, a company using data and technology to help organizations cut waste, lower carbon emissions, and drive real sustainability impact. Connect with Laurent on LinkedIn.  Concepts, Terms, & Certifications mentioned:  TRUE Zero Waste Advisor CertificationEPA Waste StatsMaterials Recovery Facility (MRF) Send a text

    26 min
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Trailer

5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Introducing Green Collar - a podcast dedicated to the economy of tomorrow, exploring jobs that have a positive impact on the environment and people’s well being. Come join Kiersten and Aparna as they interview experts to explore different roles that make up the green collar economy, while highlighting ways to make every job a Green Collar job.  

Information

  • Creator
    Aparna & Kiersten
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Green Collar Pod
  • Show Website
    The Green Collar Pod

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