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PODCAST

Mama Earth Talk

What happens when you wear your own trash for 30 days? You start a podcast. Welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for eco-curious individuals and conscious businesses who want to make a real difference, live lighter on the planet, and do it all without the pressure to be perfect. I’m Mariska Nell, founder and host of Mama Earth Talk—a sustainability advocate, and passionate believer in progress over perfection. With a Master’s in Sustainable Design, postgraduate studies in Environmental

science earth sciences

All Episodes

33:50

208: How to Grow Your Own Food in a Small Space with...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/09/01

TL;DRIn this episode of the Mama Earth Talk podcast, host Mariska Nell talks with Christy Wilhelmi, founder of Gardenerd and author of five books, who grows 50–70% of her family’s produce in under 300 square feet using bio-intensive gardening. The big takeaway: healthy soil, not chemicals, gadgets, or acreage, is what makes growing your own food work.Have you ever wondered if you could actually grow your own food, even with a tiny backyard, a balcony, or barely any space at all? In this episode of

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01:00:35

207: Why Table Salt Isn’t Real Salt (And the Desert...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/07/06

TL;DRIn this episode, we talk to Samantha Skyring, founder of Oryx Desert Salt. She grew up in South Africa, built and sold an aviation refurbishment business by 21, ran a kayaking expedition company on Lake Malawi, and eventually sold her house to buy 34 tons of Kalahari Desert salt with no business plan, just conviction. Today Oryx Desert Salt is stocked in Whole Foods, Amazon, and retailers across South Africa, and its ceramic "refill, not landfill" grinders have saved over 1.2 million bottles

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47:09

206: Solving the Global Water Crisis for Just 30...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/05/04

In this episode, we talk to Kurt Avery. He is the owner and founder of Sawyer Products and someone who has dedicated his life to solving one of the world’s most urgent challenges, access to clean water, through innovation, partnerships, and a business model that gives back by donating 90% of their profits in a truly powerful way.During this episode, we explore the global water crisis and how one simple innovation is transforming millions of lives. Kurt Avery, shares how his company is tackling

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13:50

205: Earth Month: Small Steps, Big Impact (Plus a...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/04/06

In this episode, I share why Earth Month holds such a special place in my heart, how a bold experiment in 2018 sparked meaningful conversations around waste, and why sustainability doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We explore how small, realistic steps can create real impact, and I also share an exciting Earth Month announcement to help you get started on your journey.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[00:00]-Intro[00:30] Welcome + intro to the solo episode[01:00] The

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36:01

204: What It Really Takes to Build a Sustainable...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/03/02

In this episode, I shares the real story behind building a sustainable hard-goods brand in the pet industry, unpacking the engineering, manufacturing, certification, and financial trade-offs that most people never see. From design constraints and material decisions to B Corp, 1% for the Planet, and sustainability reporting, this is an honest founder-level look at what it actually takes to balance environmental ambition with business reality, and why sustainability is a discipline, not a

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39:16

203: It’s Not Just Toilet Paper: The Hidden Cost of...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/02/02

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, we talk to Sahar Karoubi, founder of Bambuyu, a sustainable tissue company challenging the way everyday household products are made and consumed.Together, we unpack something most of us use daily, toilet paper, and explore the hidden systems behind it, from deforestation and material sourcing to the real impact of “eco” alternatives. Sahar shares how her personal sustainability journey as a mother led her to build Bambuyu, why bamboo stood out as a powerful

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47:00

202: How to Build a Sustainable Wardrobe with Julia...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2026/01/05

In this episode, we chat with Julia Dietmar, Co-Founder and CEO of OpenWardrobe, a platform helping people use what they already own and make smarter fashion choices. Julia shares how a messy closet sparked her sustainability journey, how OpenWardrobe helps digitize closets and plan outfits with AI, and why the most sustainable choice is wearing what you already have. We also explore her Style Blueprint approach and the real impact of fashion’s overproduction and waste.In this episode, we talk to

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53:36

201: Plant-Based Holiday Tips with Molly Patrick:...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/12/01

In this episode, we talk to Molly Patrick, — co-founder & CEO of Clean Food Dirty Girl, certified life coach, and straight-talking expert in whole-food, plant-based eating. Molly shares her unconventional roots, why progress beats perfection, and specific ways to add joyful, plant-powered dishes to your holiday table.During this episode, Molly shares how her off-grid upbringing shaped a lifelong sustainability compass and the playful, imperfect ethos behind Clean Food Dirty Girl. She busts the

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24:02

200: Embrace your Ideas: The world needs you,...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/11/03

In this conversation, Mariska emphasizes the importance of sharing unique ideas and stories, highlighting that the world needs diverse voices rather than a few perfect examples. She advocates for embracing imperfection, especially in the context of sustainability, and encourages listeners to trust in the value of their contributions. Our 200th episode, we could not have done this withouth everyone of you listening, so this is the biggest Thank you from the bottom of my heart.Timestamps to relevant

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53:12

199: Beyond Box-Ticking: Building Trust and Impact...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/10/06

In this episode, we talk to Jim Massey. He is the best-selling author of Trust in Action and the soon-to-be-released Risk in Action. He’s also the founder of Eastward, a company rethinking how organizations see and act on risk. A former Chief Sustainability Officer at AstraZeneca and Zai Lab, Jim has spent his career helping leaders turn trust, ethics, and innovation into impact.During this episode Jim shares how he’s advised boards, led bold ESG agendas, and built simple models that cut through the

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54:12

198: Coffee Watch: A Mission for Change with Etelle...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/09/01

In this episode, we talk to Etelle Higonnet. She is the Founder & Director of Coffee Watch. A graduate of Yale Law School, she's an attorney and environmental and human rights activist. She previously worked at Mighty Earth, National Wildlife Federation, Greenpeace, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch, as well as two war crimes courts. She was knighted as a Chevalier de l'ordre national du Mérite in her home country of France for her pioneering efforts to curb deforestation in

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41:30

197: The Role of Earthworms in Soil Health with Sam...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/08/04

In this episode, we talk to Sam Baker. He shares his journey from studying chemistry and pyrotechnics to founding Wriggle Brew, a company focused on creating sustainable fertilizers using earthworms. He discusses the environmental challenges posed by synthetic fertilizers, the importance of soil health in combating climate change, and the role of decomposers in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Sam also highlights the challenges faced in developing their product and the significance of perseverance in

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21:44

196: Why National Parks Matter

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/07/07

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, host Mariska shares her transformative experience hiking through Yellowstone National Park, emphasizing the beauty and importance of national parks for conservation, mental health, and cultural heritage. She discusses the challenges these parks face, including poaching and budget cuts, and highlights the need for protection and expansion of these vital spaces for future generations.Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:[00:00] Exploring

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37:07

195: The Ground Beneath Our Feet: A Hidden Climate...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/06/02

In this episode, we talk to Rebecca Tickell. She is an award-winning environmental filmmaker, activist, and co-director of Kiss the Ground and Common Ground, two powerful documentaries that spotlight the role of regenerative farming in healing our planet.During this episode, we dive into the urgent need to restore soil health, the surprising connection between agriculture and climate change, and how storytelling can drive global transformation. Rebecca shares her journey from child actor to

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05:37

How to Support the Mama Earth Talk Podcast

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/05/21

Ever wondered how you can support Mama Earth Talk? In this special bonus episode, I (Mariska) answer the many requests from our amazing community about how to help us grow and continue spreading sustainability inspiration.Ways to Support the Podcast:1. Listen to More EpisodesListen to the podcast on your favorite platformCatch up on older episodes and explore curated playlists3 Podcasts to get you startedSustainable Business PlaylistPlastic Rebels: Breaking Free from

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02:32

Mama Earth Talk: Real Stories, Honest Advice & a...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/05/20

Hello and welcome to Mama Earth Talk—a podcast for busy, eco-curious individuals and businesses who want to make a real difference, live a little lighter on the planet... and do it all without the pressure to be perfect.I’m Mariska Nell, Founder and host of Mama Earth Talk and Tails and Tones. With a background in Environmental Science, a Master’s in Sustainable Design, and years of experience in sustainability across lifestyle and industry—I’m here to help you cut through the noise and take

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07:37

Mama Earth Talk: The Thank You Episode – Behind the...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/05/05

In this special episode, I’m hitting pause—not on the podcast, but on the journey—to say thank you.From the very first episode to now, over 180 episodes later, Mama Earth Talk has grown into something far greater than I ever imagined… and it’s all thanks to you—our amazing guests, loyal listeners, generous collaborators, mentors, and my beautiful Crazy Birds community.Special thanks to: Dr. Sylvia Earle Captain Paul WatsonDr. Jane GoodallNatalie (Tully) HoreBob Brown Yvon Chouinard – Founder of

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24:41

194: Is Coldplay’s Eco-Tour the Real Deal or Just...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/05/05

In this episode of Mama Earth Talk, Mariska explores Coldplay's sustainability efforts during their world tour. She discusses the band's commitment to reducing carbon emissions, innovative solutions for sustainable touring, and the importance of transparency in their environmental claims. The episode highlights how Coldplay engages fans in their green initiatives and emphasizes that while they may not be perfect, their efforts are a significant step towards a more sustainable music industry.[00:00]

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20:47

193: Hope in Action with Dr. Jane Goodall

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/04/07

In this episode, we celebrate the incredible life and legacy of Dr. Jane Goodall — world-renowned primatologist, environmentalist, and lifelong advocate for animals and the planet.During this very special episode, we reflect on her 91st birthday and share highlights from a rare and personal interview I had the honor of recording with her. We explore the connection between science, spirituality, and activism, dive into what chimpanzees might teach us about ourselves, and reimagine how we define our

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46:44

192: Plugging the Past, Protecting the Future: Curtis...

Mama Earth Talk ·

2025/03/02

In this episode, we talk to Curtis Shuck. He is the Founder and Chairman of the Well-Done Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to tackling the environmental challenges posed by the millions of orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells. During this episode we dig deep into the scale of the issue, the environmental impact of their work as well as look at the innovative solutions the Well Done Foundation is implementing.Links from the episodes: Landman Where can people find Curtis and the Well

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212 results

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