Best Fergal Byrne Podcasts (2025)

1
Episode 200: Exploring the Austin Edgelands: Christopher Brown discusses his latest book, A Natural History of Empty Lots. 50:44

4d ago50:44

50:44

In this thought-provoking episode, Christopher Brown—lawyer, novelist, and urban naturalist— takes us on a journey through the landscape around his home in Austin, Texas, the edgelands where the city meets the wild. Drawing from his latest book, A Natural History of Empty Lots, Christopher explores the resilience of urban ecosystems, the unexpected…

1
Episode 114: Lessons from Nedjip Tozun on scaling d.light to 180 million people through innovation, strategy, and mission-driven growth 1:13:30

11d ago1:13:30

1:13:30

In this episode of Inspiring Social Entrepreneurs, Fergal Byrne speaks once again with Nedjip Tozun, co-founder of d.light, about the strategic, operational, and financial challenges of scaling social enterprises. Since its inception, d.light has reached nearly 180 million people in emerging markets with off-grid solar solutions. Nedjip shares key …

1
Episode 199: : Author Manda Scott on Conscious Evolution, Systemic Change, and the Power of Storytelling 1:01:28

1M ago1:01:28

1:01:28

In this thought-provoking episode of The Sustainability Agenda, Fergal Byrne speaks with Manda Scott—award-winning novelist, podcaster, and shamanic practitioner—about the profound challenges of our time and the transformative possibilities of conscious evolution. Manda discusses the "polycrisis" of climate breakdown, systemic inequities, and the e…

1
Episode 113: The Road to Impact at Scale: Lessons for social entrepreneurs from Mulago CEO, Kevin Starr. 58:03

1M ago58:03

58:03

What does it take for an organization focused on impact to drive meaningful, large-scale change? In this compelling episode, Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation, shares his deep expertise in scaling solutions to address some of the world’s most pressing problems. Kevin introduces Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling, including their “Doer…

1
From Vision to Scale: Mulago's Kevin Starr shares his blueprint for transformative social impact 59:28

3M ago59:28

59:28

What does it take for an impact-first organization to achieve meaningful, large-scale change? In this insightful episode, Kevin Starr, CEO of the Mulago Foundation, shares decades of experience on scaling solutions that address the world’s toughest challenges. Kevin explains Mulago’s distinctive approach to scaling… their “Doer and Payer at Scale” …

1
Episode 112: Unlocking AI for Social Good-- Insights from Ashoka’s AI Lab 1:09:04

4M ago1:09:04

1:09:04

In this fascinating episode, Fergal Byrne sits down with Odin Mühlenbein, co-leader of Ashoka’s AI Lab, for a deep dive into the transformative role and potential of AI for social entrepreneurs. With a background spanning philosophy, social venture development, and an early passion for programming, Odin brings a unique perspective to the possibilit…

1
Episode 197: EcoVadis’ Bettina Grabymayr on the critical role of sustainability assessments in managing supply chain risks 31:37

5M ago31:37

31:37

In this interview,with Bettina Grabymayr, Methodology and Research Director at EcoVadis, we explore the critical role of sustainability assessments in managing supply chain risks, particularly as global regulations like the EU’s CSRD and CS3D come into play. Bettina shares how EcoVadis’ comprehensive rating methodology helps companies gather reliab…

1
Episode 196: Why Capitalism Won't Save the Planet. with Professor Brett Christophers 1:32:02

5M ago1:32:02

1:32:02

In this fascinating interview with Professor Brett Christophers from Uppsala University, we dive deep into the complex relationship between finance, energy markets, and the global climate crisis, as explored in his new book The Price Is Wrong: Why Capitalism Won’t Save the Planet. Brett provides critical insights into why global greenhouse gas emis…

1
Episode 195: Interview with ClientEarth founder, James Thornton, about his latest book Nature, My Teacher: How to Be Alive in a World under Threat. 1:01:05

6M ago1:01:05

1:01:05

In this fascinating interview, James Thornton, founder and CEO of ClientEarth, discusses his latest book Nature, My Teacher, offering a unique perspective on the intersections of law, nature, and spirituality. Reflecting on his decades-long career as an environmental lawyer, Thornton shares how his work to protect the environment has been shaped by…

1
E197: John Elkington on five decades of pioneering corporate sustainability and his latest book, 'Tickling Sharks' 55:54

7M ago55:54

55:54

In this compelling discussion, John Elkington, delves into his five-decade experience advocating for corporate responsibility and sustainability and discusses his latest book, "Tickling Sharks," which combines his personal memoir with a manifesto for future action. John reflects on the evolution of the sustainability agenda, highlighting significan…

1
Episode 193: Deep dive with economist Guy Standing on the the destruction of fragile ocean ecosystems 1:11:40

8M ago1:11:40

1:11:40

Eye-opening discussion with Guy Standing on the deteriorating conditions in our oceans… the destruction of fragile ocean ecosystems, marine pollution, habitat destruction and destruction of coastal communities, driven by overfishing, corporate exploitation, lax regulatory enforcement, increasing extraction-- and growing sea commodification. His ana…

1
Episode 192: Dale Jamieson, Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy at NYU, talks about the importance of environmental justice and discusses the metaphysical challenges of climate change 1:02:26

9M ago1:02:26

1:02:26

In this thought-provoking interview, Dale Jamieson, Professor of Environmental Studies and Philosophy at NYY, talks about the importance of environmental justice and discusses his recent thinking on the metaphysical challenges of climate change --the way a rapidly changing world unmoored from the traditional sources of meaning in our lives. He also…

1
Episode 191: Sir Ronald Cohen, "the father of social investment," discusses how to reshape capitalism to drive real change. 44:36

10M ago44:36

44:36

A fascinating deep dive on impact investment with Sir Ronald Cohen, “the father of social investment.” This is a spirited discussion about Sir Ronald’s book, Impact, exploring his vision of how impact investing is reshaping capitalism to deliver a form of capitalism that can deal with the profound social and environmental challenges we are facing—i…

1
Episode 190: Dr. Xander Dunlap discusses how current environmental policies and "green" technologies are perpetuating ecological destruction. 1:00:24

10M ago1:00:24

1:00:24

In this thought-provoking interview, Xander Dunlap argues that current environmental policies and "green" technologies are perpetuating ecological destruction under the guise of sustainability. He contends that solutions like solar and wind energy are wedded to capitalism and leading to increased mining, extractivism, and social control. Dunlap cal…

1
Episode 189: Interview with Irish rewilding pioneer Eoghan Daltun in the Beara peninsula of Co. Cork, Ireland. 1:17:29

11M ago1:17:29

1:17:29

In this fascinating interview, conducted with my daughter, Catherine Byrne, we delve into the world of Eoghan Daltun, an Irish farmer and advocate for rewilding. Eoghan's journey is a testament to the power of nature and the importance of ecological balance. He shares his experiences running a farm and rewilding project on the Beara peninsula of Co…

1
Episode 188: Interview with Bhutanese lama Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche...offering a distinctive Buddhist outlook on current environmental crises. 51:11

1y ago51:11

51:11

In this compelling interview, Dzongsar Khyentse Rinpoche, a revered Bhutanese lama and educator, offers a distinctive Buddhist outlook on the critical environmental crises we are currently facing. Rinpoche stresses the necessity of immediate action and illustrates how a Buddhist viewpoint can foster a deep comprehension of humanity’s interconnected…

1
Episode 187: Interview with indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist, Dr. Anne Poelina. 57:48

1y ago57:48

57:48

In this episode, we speak to Dr. Anne Poelina an indigenous Australian academic and human and earth rights activist. Dr. Poelina explains her role as a “Yimardoowarra marnin,” which, translated from the Nyikina language, means “a woman who belongs to the Martuwarra River,” in Western Australia. Dr. Poelina discusses what she calls “first law,” the …

1
Episode 186: Interview with Steve Trent, founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation 58:01

1y ago58:01

58:01

In this revealing interview, Steve Trent, the founder of the Environmental Justice Foundation, delves into the Foundation’s pivotal work at the intersection of environmental security and human rights. He underscores the Foundation’s vital role in actively probing and witnessing environmental abuses, and the importance of presenting evidence and inf…

1
Episode 185: Interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola on man's relationship with nature. 1:04:17

1y ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Fascinating interview with leading French anthropologist Professor Philippe Descola, first posted in 2021, exploring man's relationship with nature. Professor Descola argues that we can, and must today, learn from other ways of connecting to nature--and move beyond the strict separation between the cultural worlds of human beings and the non-human …

1
Episode 184: Interview with Dr. Matthew J. Bell, EY Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader 52:55

1+ y ago52:55

52:55

Matthew is Global Climate Change and Sustainability Services Leader Leader at EY, the professional services company. He has a background in government climate and energy policy, and science. Matt has more than 20 years' experience supporting organizational transformation toward a more sustainable path. Working across the public and private sectors,…

1
Episode 183 Interview with Professor Katharina Pistor on How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality. First aired on December 13th, 2021. 53:45

1+ y ago53:45

53:45

Katharina Pistor, Professor of Comparative Law and director of the Center on Global Legal Transformation at Columbia Law School, discusses her most recent book The Code of Capital: How the Law Creates Wealth and Inequality. In this fascinating discussion, she highlights the various ways that debt, complex financial products, and other assets are se…

1
Episode 182: Journalist Vincent Bevins discusses his new book If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution 55:13

1+ y ago55:13

55:13

In this revealing interview, journalist Vincent Bevins discussed his newly released book If We Burn: The Mass Protest Decade and the Missing Revolution, based on his research of a wide range of social movements between 2010 and 2020. Beginning with an analysis of the "Yellow Vest" protests in France, the discussion focusses on the challenges, nuanc…

1
Episode 181: Environmental degradation, capitalism, and imperialism with Jason W Moore 57:54

1+ y ago57:54

57:54

In this fascinating, hard hitting interview, Jason Moore talks about the intertwining relations between environmental degradation, capitalism, imperialism, and climate change-stressing the need to recognize the role of imperialis--and counter-insurgency across the past century to advance climate justice. He argues it is naïve to believe that eco-so…

1
Episode 180 Net Zero: Beyond the hype. Professor Angel Hsu on the reality of Net Zero Pledges 57:24

1+ y ago57:24

57:24

Fascinating discussion with Professor Angel Hsu on the significance and challenges surrounding the Net Zero emissions goals. While companies often tout their commitment to Net Zero, a recent report suggests that many are not taking credible steps towards this target. Angel argues that the Net Zero space is filled with confusion and misinformation, …

1
Episode 179: Jeremy Lent talks about finding our place in the universe by integrating science and traditional wisdom 1:01:56

1+ y ago1:01:56

1:01:56

In this wide-ranging interview, first published in 2021, Jeremy Lent discusses his fascinating new book Web of Meaning which combines findings in cognitive science, systems theory and traditional Chinese and Buddhist thought, to develop a framework that integrates both science and meaning in a coherent whole. Jeremy discusses what he sees as an ess…

1
Episode 178: Discussion with Paula DiPerna of the pros and cons of a market based approach to our environmental problems. 1:14:13

1+ y ago1:14:13

1:14:13

In this in-depth, and spirited interview, we discuss the pros and cons of a market based approach to our environmental problems-and climate change in particular. Paula DiPerna discusses her new book, Pricing the Priceless: The Financial Transformation to Value the Planet, Solve the Climate Crisis, and Protect Our Most Precious Assets, arguing for a…

1
Episode 177 Author Ned Beauman talks about his satirical extinction novel, Venemous Lumpsucker. First aired in September 2022. 1:02:19

1+ y ago1:02:19

1:02:19

In this interview, British novelist, journalist and screenwriter Ned Beauman discusses his latest novel Venomous Lumpsucker-a brilliant, darkly satirical and terrifying novel about endlings (the last of a species), the manipulation of extinction credit markets... the elusive Hermit Kingdom: described by The Times Literary Supplement as “a tale of c…

1
Episode 176: Interview with Mike Davis, CEO of pioneering campaigning NGO, on their work unmasking global corruption, safeguarding the environment, and advocating for human rights 54:06

1+ y ago54:06

54:06

In this revealing interview, Mike Davis CEO of pioneering campaigning NGO Global Witness provides an in-depth look at the work of the organization which is committed to uncovering and addressing human rights and environmental violations across the globe. Mike highlights the organization's intricate investigative strategies used to reveal the interp…

1
Episode 175: Dr. Samantha Montano: Understanding Emergency Management in the Climate Change Era 47:57

2y ago47:57

47:57

In this episode, Dr Samantha Montana, an expert in disaster policy, discusses the U.S.'s approach to emergency management, specifically in the context of climate change. She highlights the complexity of disaster policy, which often necessitates a balance between immediate and long-term action. She explains that the U.S. has traditionally taken a re…

1
Episode 174: Interview with Professor Daniel Aldrich on resilience and the importance of social capital in post-disaster recovery, first aired October 2021 59:00

2y ago59:00

59:00

In this deep dive on resilience, Professor Daniel Aldrich gives a fascinating overview of different ways of thinking about resilience—focussing in particular on the kind of resilience that allows communities to recover from disasters in a way that brings together resources — and allows the communities to rebuild themselves so they’re not as vulnera…

1
Episode 173: Interview with Scottish author Martin MacInnes on contemporary literature and the climate crisis 58:03

2y ago58:03

58:03

In-depth, frank, and fascinating exploration of contemporary literature's response to current environmental crises, with Scottish writer Martin MacInnes, author of the recently acclaimed novel, In Ascension. Martin believes literature is profoundly implicated in the crises, and that it has a responsibility to challenge certain assumptions regarding…

1
Episode 172: Professor Neta Crawford discusses the emissions of the Pentagon -- the world’s largest single greenhouse gas emitter. 55:25

2y ago55:25

55:25

In this eye-opening interview, Professor Neta Crawford discusses the research in her new book The Pentagon, Climate Change, and War focussing on the huge carbon footprint of the Pentagon -- the world’s largest single greenhouse gas emitter. She tracks the interconnect long-term cycles of economic growth, and fossil fuel use-and growth of the US mil…

1
Episode 171: Interview with Dr Jeffrey Kiehl, climate scientist and Jungian analyst. 1:04:55

2y ago1:04:55

1:04:55

In this fascinating interview, first aired April 13th 2021, Dr. Jeffrey Kiehl brings to bear two very different ways of thinking about climate change: the scientific and the psychological—and his journey as an experienced climate scientist to bring these different perspectives together. Jeffrey explains the essential features of a depth psychologic…

1
Episode 170: Interview with renowned climate scientist Will Steffen, first aired in June 2020, on the dangers of “tipping cascades” that could post an existential threat to civilization. 46:45

2y ago46:45

46:45

In this fascinating interview, first aired in June 2020, renowned climate scientist Will Steffen discusses Earth System science, and his research on so-called “tipping cascades,” when one tipping point kicks off a series of others, posing a growing threat of abrupt and irreversible climate changes. Will draws parallels between -19 and climate chang…

1
Episode 169: Interview with environmental anthropologist Peter Sutoris on new models for schooling and environmental activism. 55:51

2y ago55:51

55:51

Peter Sutoris believes that the Anthropocene challenges the very definition of education and, indeed, its key goals. He argues that educators must look outside conventional models and ways of education for inspiration --if education is to live up to its responsibilities at this critical time. In this revealing interview, Peter shares the results of…

1
Episode 168: Veteran activist Stephen Corry, former CEO of Survival International, provides a coruscating analysis of the outcome of COP15 53:01

2y ago53:01

53:01

In this hard-hitting, no-holds barred interview, Stephen Corry, who has been working as indigenous rights activist for some 50 years, gives his assessment of the outcome of COP15. Stephen brings an on-the-ground, hands-on perspective, and provides an analysis of the key policies and commitments that have been come out of COP15. In particular, Steph…

1
Episode 167: Interview with Professor Daniela Gabor on funding the transition to a low carbon economy, first aired June 2021 1:04:30

2y ago1:04:30

1:04:30

In this fascinating interview, first aired in June 2021, Professor Daniela Gabor discusses the eye-opening sums of money needed to achieve a transition to a low carbon economy – $1 trillion-$2 trillion a year to achieve net zero emissions by mid-century, according to some estimates– and how this can be funded. She explores the evolving relationship…

1
Episode 166. Pascoe Sabido from Corporate Europe Observatory reflects on the outcome of COP27 45:56

2y ago45:56

45:56

In this hard-hitting interview, Corporate Europe Observatory’s Pascoe Sabido reflects on the outcome of COP27. While celebrating the success of the loss and damage agreement, he worries about the follow through on the Loss and Damage provisions-and the likely ways in which this finance is structured, with the reliance on debt and provide finance. P…

1
Episode 165 Interview with pioneering American political activist, urban theorist and Marxist environmentalist Mike Davis, first aired in January 2022 1:05:25

2y ago1:05:25

1:05:25

In this wide-ranging and hard-hitting interview, first aired in January 2022, pioneering American writer, activist, and Marxist environmentalist, Mike Davis speaks out about the dangers of this moment, politically, which he sees as similar to the late 1930s, and the relentless environmental destruction of the planet, and growing nuclear threats. Di…

1
Episode 164 Harjeet Singh, head of Global Political Strategy at Climate Action Network International on his expectations for COP27 45:07

2+ y ago45:07

45:07

In this timely interview on the eve of COP27, Harjeet Singh shares his expectations for this COP and explains why 'Loss and Damage' compensation is the centrepiece of COP27 -and what he believes needs to happen over the next five days. Harjeet Singh is head of Global Political Strategy at Climate Action Network International, a network of over 1500…

1
Episode 163: Interview with David Loy, professor, writer, and Zen teacher of Japanese Zen Buddhism 53:23

2+ y ago53:23

53:23

In this episode, first aired on December 23, 2020 , Zen teacher David Loy shares his thinking about EcoDharma: combining the teachings of Buddhism with ecology . In this fascinating discussion, David explore the ecological implications of Buddhist teachings with insights into how to embody that understanding in the kind of eco-activism that is need…

1
Episode 162: Groundbreaking nuclear scholar Professor Elaine Scarry shares her views on today’s growing nuclear threats – and discusses how citizens and communities can prepare for emergency situations ... 58:40

2+ y ago58:40

58:40

Nuclear scholar and social thinker Professor Elaine Scarry shares her views on today’s growing nuclear threats –the underlying problems with the nuclear architecture and governance, based on her groundbreaking book Thermonuclear Monarchy, lessons on how to deal with our global climate challenges, and discusses key ideasa in her book Thinking in an …

1
Episode 161 Interview with Indian Marxist historian Vijay Prashad –looking at today’s environmental problems through a Marxist lens.shad 56:05

2+ y ago56:05

56:05

In this wide-ranging, hard hitting discussion, Vijay Prashad explores the environmental crises we are facing today through a Marxist lens. At the heart of this discussion, Vijay highlights the failings of capitalism, with a particular focus on environmental externalities, and also critiques capitalism’s impact on the development of the global south…

1
Episode 160 Author Ned Beauman talks about his satirical extinction novel, Venemous Lumpsucker 1:02:19

2+ y ago1:02:19

1:02:19

In this interview British novelist, journalist and screenwriter Ned Beauman discusses his latest novel Venomous Lumpsucker-a brilliant, darkly satirical and terrifying novel about endlings (the last of a species), the manipulation of extinction credit markets... the elusive Hermit Kingdom: described by The Times Literary Supplement as “a tale of ca…

1
Episode 159: Deep dive on the destruction of the blue commons, with economist Guy Standing 1:11:35

2+ y ago1:11:35

1:11:35

Eye-opening discussion with Guy Standing on the deteriorating conditions in our oceans… the destruction of fragile ocean ecosystems, marine pollution, habitat destruction and destruction of coastal communities, driven by overfishing, corporate exploitation, lax regulatory enforcement, increasing extraction-- and growing sea commodification. His ana…

1
Episode 158: interview with McKinsey partner Peter Spiller on how to deal with Scope 3 emissions 41:15

2+ y ago41:15

41:15

As questions surrounding Scope 3 emissions are rising on the business agenda, understanding why and how companies need to decarbonize their supply chains has become increasingly important. In this interview, McKinsey’s Peter Spiller shares his perspective on key questions around how to tackle Scope 3 emissions. Peter explains why Scope 3 is so impo…

1
Episode 157: Interview with American theologian, philosopher, and environmentalist John B. Cobb 1:09:22

2+ y ago1:09:22

1:09:22

American theologian, philosopher, and environmentalist John B. Cobb talks about his half-century long commitment to the environment, and environmental ethics, his life long work as a theologian and philosopher. He talks about the recent popularity of his ideas in China and why, at 97, he has cofounded the Living Earth Movement to inspire global coo…

1
Episode 156: interview with Dasha Karma Ura, President of the Center for Bhutan studies, and Gross National Happiness Research 58:15

2+ y ago58:15

58:15

Deep dive on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness (GNH) as developed in Bhutan. Karma Ura explores the origins of this radically different way to think about a nation’s priorities based on measures of individual and collective happiness and well-being of the population, relationship with the environment--and Buddhist values. Karma Ura talks a…

1
Episode 155: Art curator and critic Hans Ulrich Obrist discusses the role of art in climate communications and activism 57:40

2+ y ago57:40

57:40

A wide-ranging discussion with Hans Ulrich Obrist on ecology and contemporary art. Hans discusses his work as at the Serpentine Gallery in London which has made an important commitment to ecology. He highlights the Gallery’s ongoing exploration of an idea of communion with the environment through is exhibitions and activities—and how he has been in…

1
Episode 154: Interview with Professor Helen Thompson on her new book Disorder: Hard Times in the 21st century. 58:07

2+ y ago58:07

58:07

Fascinating interview exploring the interwoven geopolitical, economic, and political history of Western democratic societies since the early 20th century, revealing the way in which the battles for energy and for resources has shaped politics, the fault lines ultimately leading to many recent crises. Helen shares her perspective on the evolving rel…

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Fergal Byrne Podcasts

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