The Green Collar Pod

Aparna & Kiersten
  • 5.0 (12)
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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. 31 - Kiersten & Aparna

    6D AGO

    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
  2. 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
  3. 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
  4. 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
  5. 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
  6. 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 us Fan Mail

    36 min
  7. 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 us Fan Mail

    37 min
  8. 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 us Fan Mail

    41 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
    32
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Green Collar Pod
  • Show Website
    The Green Collar Pod