Episodios

  • Ep 88 - A Walk in the Park

    Ep 88 - A Walk in the Park
    Jan 12 2026

    In this bonus episode we're joined by Kara Escajeda from Parrie Haynes Ranch, a park in Central Texas under threat of being closed. Kara discusses the challenges facing the park, and the current state of public land in Texas. She also explains the importance of parks in general for local communities and the environment, and offers tips for how to advocate for green spaces in your area. Resources discussed in this episode:

    Save Parrie Haynes Ranch website

    Parrie Haynes Ranch Facebook group

    Environment Texas website

    New state parks in Texas article

    Urban Heat Islands article

    Engagement with Parks report

    EXPLORE Act

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

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    Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.
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    31 m
  • Ep 87 - Ordinary Soil

    Ep 87 - Ordinary Soil
    Dec 29 2025

    The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode:

    Ordinary Soil book

    Analog Sun book

    Alex Woodard website

    Dr. Zach Bush website

    Farmer's Footprint website

    Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) video

    Previous Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods:

    Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane Podcast

    Episode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, Author

    Episode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture Guild

    Episode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire Farm

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

    You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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    1 h y 10 m
  • Ep 86 - Taking a Shine to Solar

    Ep 86 - Taking a Shine to Solar
    Nov 24 2025

    As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it has become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is especially attractive, as it allows consumers to produce energy onsite. Owen Barrett from Shine joins us to discuss the basics of residential solar, and how his company is helping make solar available to multifamily housing units. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and why he's optimistic it will continue to grow despite continued opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Resources discussed in this episode:

    Shine website

    Owen's LinkedIn

    Less Talk More Action podcast

    Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group

    Our previous episode about solar energy: Soak Up the Sun

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

    You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.
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    37 m
  • Ep 85 - Up in the Air

    Ep 85 - Up in the Air
    Oct 27 2025

    There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, but how do we pick which one(s) to use? Rinaldo Brutoco, Founding President and CEO of the World Business Academy and H2 Clipper, Inc., joins us to discuss why he believes hydrogen is the best choice. Rinaldo explains how hydrogen works and how it's being used today. He also discusses common misconceptions about hydrogen, and why the transition away from fossil fuels could be much easier than we expect. Resources discussed in this episode:

    World Business Academy

    World Business Academy Books

    H2 Clipper

    ARCHES

    Hydrogen Insight magazine

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

    You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.
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    1 h y 4 m
  • Ep 84 - Life Finds a Way

    Ep 84 - Life Finds a Way
    Sep 29 2025

    Our planet is home to millions of species, many of which have yet to be discovered. Human activity is threatening an alarming number of these species, resulting in a biodiversity crisis that is drastically impacting human and non-human life. Dr. Debbie Saunders of NatureHelm joins to discuss this crisis and possible solutions. She maintains a hopeful outlook while emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect all life on earth.

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

    You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.
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    56 m
  • Ep 83 - The Golden Toad

    Ep 83 - The Golden Toad
    Aug 25 2025

    This month we're joined by Trevor and Kyle Ritland, authors of the new book The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species. The book explores the mysterious disappearance of the golden toad from its home in Costa Rica, and how Trevor and Kyle's lifelong fascination with the species led them to investigate its disappearance. They discuss this experience and how it fits into the global amphibian crisis that has emerged in recent decades. We also grapple with the implications of species extinctions, and the ecological grief that accompanies it. Resources discussed in this episode:

    The Golden Toad book

    findthegoldentoad.com

    The Golden Toad Goodreads

    The Golden Toad on Bookshop.org

    Trevor's Instagram

    Kyle's Instagram

    Adventure Term Instagram

    Adventure Term Facebook

    Adventure Term Twitter

    Children's Eternal Rain Forest

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

    You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

    Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz
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    1 h y 3 m
  • Ep 82 - How to Surf a Hurricane

    Ep 82 - How to Surf a Hurricane
    Jul 29 2025

    As the climate continues to change, so too do our expectations for what the future might hold. Climate fiction (cli-fi) is a growing genre that explores these possibilities, for better or worse. Clean energy tech expert Todd Medema is one of the people telling these stories in his debut book How to Surf a Hurricane. Todd joins us to discuss his inspiration for writing the book, and how and why he developed a climate story that is intentionally hopeful. He also shares his perspective on effective ways to tackle the climate crisis. Resources discussed in this episode:

    How to Surf a Hurricane book

    Ways to take action

    Todd Medema LinkedIn

    Todd Medema Facebook

    Todd Medema Instagram

    Todd Medema Mastodon

    Todd Medema Twitter

    Todd Medema Medium

    Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

    Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

    You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

    Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

    Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz
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    31 m
  • Ep 81 - Just say NO to Fossil Fuels!

    Ep 81 - Just say NO to Fossil Fuels!
    May 26 2025
    Our addiction to fossil fuels has devastating impacts on the environment, weather, and human health and security. Tzeporah Berman, Founder & Co-Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, joins us to discuss the consequences of climate change and the need for urgent action to avoid further damage. She explains why reducing fossil fuel emissions is not enough, that we must also prioritize reducing production. Tzeporah shares how the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is raising support for an international agreement that supports the equitable transition away from fossil fuels. Resources discussed in this episode:Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty websiteFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty reportsFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty FacebookFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty InstagramFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty LinkedInFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty TwitterFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty BlueskyFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty YoutubeFossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty ThreadsTzephorah's Ted TalkNot Too Late by Rebecca SolnitHope in the Dark by Rebecca SolnitGenevieve GuentherDr. Michael MannUNEP Production Gap ReportIPCC SummaryTzeporah's LinkedInTzeporah's BlueskyTzeporah's InstagramTzeporah's TwitterHave an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz
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    59 m