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. 34 - Brady Mills

    Jun 1

    34 - Brady Mills

    Looking to break into climate, sustainability, or real estate decarbonization? In this episode, Brady Mills shares the certifications, frameworks, books, newsletters, and industry organizations that shaped his two-decade career at the intersection of engineering, climate risk, and commercial real estate.  We pulled together every resource he mentioned, from CRREM and GRESB to communication books and professional certifications, so you can keep learning long after the episode ends. Resources (groups, certifications, terms, frameworks) mentioned:  Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) Certified Energy manager (CEM)Professional Engineer (PE)American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)Title 24 - CA building energy code Carbon Risk Real Estate Monitor (CRREM)Greenhouse Gas Protocol Global Real Estate Sustainability Benchmark (GRESB)Building Performance Standards (BPS) Books mentioned:  Nonviolent Communication - Marshall Rosenberg How Can I Get Through To You? - Terrence Real Send us Fan Mail

    43 min
  2. 33 - Eric Corey Freed

    May 15

    33 - Eric Corey Freed

    We are joined by Eric Corey Freed, who has a bio so extensive that we broke it down into bullets! He is:  An award-winning architect, In 2012, he was named one of the 25 "Best Green Architecture Firms" in the US, and one of the "Top 10 Most Influential Green Architects." In 2017, he was named one of Build's American Architecture Top 25. He’s one of the 2021 Environment + Energy Leaders and in 2024, he was named the Net Zero Trailblazer for Innovation. He holds a prestigious LEED Fellow award from the US Green Building Council. An author and global speaker12 books, including "Green Building & Remodeling for Dummies” and "Circular Economy for Dummies." His new book, “Frictionless: Overcoming the Drags that Shutdown Innovation” will be released in 2026.His work has been featured in: Time, Newsweek, Metropolis, Dwell, Fast Company, Forbes, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal; and on-air in: Fox News, HGTV, The Sundance Channel and PBS. Current Principal and Director of Sustainability for CannonDesignHis past roles include: Founding Principal of organicARCHITECT, a visionary design leader in biophilic and regenerative design, Vice President of the International Living Future Institute, and Chief Community Officer of EcoDistricts.He serves on the board of Design Museum Everywhere, whose mission is to “bring the transformative power of design to all.” Eric shared:  How mentorship shaped his career  Why sustainability messaging often fails  The future of mass timber, AI, synthetic biology, and bio-based materials  What keeps innovation from happening  Why climate change is fundamentally a public health issue  How humor and storytelling help change minds The conversation also dives into affordable housing, healthcare design, systems thinking, and how to create lasting influence through speaking, teaching, writing, and design. Organizations & Events Mentioned: International Living Future Institute (ILFI) Living Future ConferenceU.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Greenbuild Conference CannonDesignXPRIZE Innovative Construction + Materials Companies Prometheus MaterialsBioTwinGlavelBooks Green Building and Remodeling For Dummies by Eric Corey FreedCircular Economy For Dummies by Eric Corey Freed, coauthorFrictionless: Overcoming the Drags That Shut Down Innovation (forthcoming 2026) by Eric Corey FreedCradle to CradleEcotopiaThe Ministry for the FutureSend us Fan Mail

    45 min
  3. 32 - Sandra Capponi

    May 1

    32 - Sandra Capponi

    Sandra is the co-founder of Good On You, the platform helping millions of shoppers instantly understand the sustainability of fashion and beauty brands. Since 2015, her team has rated over 7,000 brands, making it easier for us and many others to shop with our values. We chat about her journey from banking to building a global sustainability startup, the realities of fast (and ultra-fast) fashion, and how consumer choices can drive meaningful industry change. Sandra also shares insights on navigating overwhelm in sustainability, the power of thoughtful decision-making, and why communication is key to creating impact. We hope you enjoy!  Resources and terms mentioned:  Good On YouThredUpPoshmarkUltra-fast fashion Fast fashionFashion Sleuth InfluencerBuyerarchy As podcasting goes, we had a few tech hiccups towards the end of the episode. Good thing we take notes while recording! Here are some resources Sandra mentioned that were not included on the final episode:  The True Cost - film Elizabeth Cline - investigative journalist Over Dressed - Elizabeth Cline - bookThe Conscious Closet - Elizabeth Cline - bookSarah Kent - Business of Fashion Send us Fan Mail

    37 min
  4. 31 - Kiersten & Aparna

    Apr 15

    31 - Kiersten & Aparna

    To celebrate the upcoming Earth day and more than a year of podcasting, Green Collar presents a special episode!  In this special role-reversal, the hosts become the hosted when a dear friend, Max Kriegsfeld, takes over the mic to interview us. What follows? A candid, occasionally chaotic, fun (and funny?) chat. The vibe is joining three pals for coffee to chat about a passion project. We span from childhood recycling squads (global edition 🌍), career considerations that almost included actuarial science and culinary school, to our hottest takes on the public transit, reusable water bottle hierarchies, and a few greenwashing myths that deserve to be thrown out (composted!) immediately. Resources Mentioned: 🌱 Organizations, Professional Groups, & Frameworks Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF) U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) American Institute of Architects (AIA) Architecture 2030American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE)Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) 🎓 Certifications & Credentials LEED Green AssociateCertified Energy ManagerLEED CertificationWELL CertificationTRUE Certification📱 Other things to Check Out Climate Action NowWashington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA)'s iconic social media Plant-based plastic from Japan that dissolves in saltwater   Legislation to standardize “sell by / use by” labels to reduce food wasteSend us Fan Mail

    47 min
  5. 30 - Maria Juenger

    Mar 31

    30 - Maria Juenger

    Happy episode 30, Pod People! We hope you enjoy this conversation with Dr Maria Juenger.  Dr Juenger studied and teaches about the materials that literally hold our built environment together, with an emphasis on chemical issues in cement-based materials. She's a professor at UT Austin (hook 'em!) and also the current present of the American Concrete Institute, where she helps to guide how industry uses the most common building material at a global scale. We chat about her work, how she infuses sustainability into coursework, and the importance of mentorship and organic connections.  Resources and organizations mentioned:  American Concrete Institute Check this out for webinars, certifications (Fundamentals of Concrete), and technical documents (like ACI 323 Low Carbon Concrete code)Students - membership is free! American Cement Association Check this out for free and reliable educational content. This is the best starting point for beginners! ACI 323 - Low Carbon Concrete Code Carbon Leadership ForumCheck this out for free and reliable technical content. There are local chapters in most regions who host events and webinars, so see if you have a hub nearby adn get invovled here. Send us Fan Mail

    44 min
  6. 29 - Michael Orbank

    Mar 15

    29 - Michael Orbank

    In this episode, we’re joined by Michael — a sustainability leader working at the intersection of construction, materials, and the built environment. Michael shares how his career evolved from an early interest in sustainable design to leading efforts that tackle one of the industry’s biggest challenges: reducing embodied carbon in buildings. We talk about why the materials we use in construction matter, how the industry is beginning to rethink waste and circularity, and where real progress is happening today. From certifications and policy to emerging tools and technologies, this conversation explores how sustainability professionals can drive meaningful change in the built environment. Connect with Michael on LinkedIn.  Resources mentioned:  MIT Energy Efficiency NewsletterCarbon Leadership Forum case studies USGBC and associated certifications LEED GALEED AP TRUEWELL Organizations mentioned:  Carbon Leadership Forum Built Environment Plus Send us Fan Mail

    41 min
  7. 28 - Olivia Amyette

    Mar 1

    28 - Olivia Amyette

    In this episode, we’re joined by Olivia Amyette, founder and CEO of Infinite Energy Advisors and the Solar Knowledge Institute. Olivia shares her remarkable journey: from launching a solar company at just 20 years old, to building Georgia’s only DOL-approved registered apprenticeship for solar construction and expanding access to affordable energy across the Southeast. We talk workforce development, navigating solar in rural communities, mentorship, and why energy needn’t be political — it is practical. Whether you’re sustainability-curious, considering entrepreneurship, or passionate about expanding opportunity, this conversation is full of heart, honesty, and tangible ways to create impact. Connect with Olivia on LinkedIn.  Books:  Freeing Energy: How Innovators Are Using Local-scale Solar and Batteries to Disrupt the Global Energy Industry from the Outside In by Bill NusseyClean Economy Now: Stories from the Frontlines of an American Business Revolution by Bob KeefeResources & Companies Mentioned: Young Urban Builders (YUB) program part of Athens Land TrustBob Keefe's episodeInfinite Energy AdvisorsSolar Knowledge InstituteHabitat for HumanityE2UGA Small Business Development CenterSend us Fan Mail

    40 min
  8. 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 us Fan Mail

    46 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
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Green Collar Pod
  • Show Website
    The Green Collar Pod

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