Straight Talking Sustainability
Emma Burlow 99 episodes Nov 9, 2026
Host Emma Burlow explores practical sustainability in business, cutting through confusion to focus on actions that truly work. Through expert interviews and real-world examples, she addresses common roadblocks that hinder progress. The goal is to make sustainability simpler and more effective, helping businesses integrate meaningful changes. Each episode offers straightforward advice for lasting impact.
Episodes
How to Win the Financial Case for Climate with Nigel Topping, Chair UK Climate Change Committee
The climate transition is moving faster than the news suggests. In this episode, industry guru Nigel Topping makes the commercial case for paying attention to exponential growth, falling technology costs, and the financial incentives that can turn climate action into sound business strategy.In this episodeWhy positive climate progress rarely makes the news, despite battery costs falling by 18% per
The BS Asymmetry Principle: Brandolini’s Law and How to Save Your Sanity
Emma Burlow explores why sustainability professionals shouldn’t spend all their energy trying to refute every piece of misinformation or resistance they encounter.Brandolini’s Law states that:“The amount of energy needed to refute bullshit is an order of magnitude bigger than to produce it.”That imbalance makes endless fact-checking exhausting, and it can hand control of the conversation to the pe
Mighty Hearts in Sustainability with Rhian Sherrington, Women in Sustainability Network (WINS)
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma Burlow talks with Rhian Sherrington, founder of the Women in Sustainability Network, about building meaningful professional communities, navigating gender bias, and developing the inner capacity to lead through conflict and uncertainty.Rhian Sherrington, FRSA, MScRhian Sherrington, Founder and Head Coach, Women in Sustainability Network and
See it, Say it, Sort it
When did climate change become awkward to talk about? This episode explores the gap between what people think others believe and what people actually support, arguing that silence can make climate action seem more divisive than it is.The episode is a spin on the famous Transport for London prompt: see it, say it, sorted.In this episodeReflections from the Blue Earth Summit, including an unexpected
How people pleasing could ruin your sustainability career with Liv Cropper, Yellow Bench Coaching
In this episode, Emma Burlow talks with Liv Cropper, transformational coach and host of the podcast Rooted: The Human Side of Sustainability Leadership.Liv Cropper shares how she moved from 25 years in financial services into coaching sustainability leaders, why she nearly quit a postgraduate sustainability course, and what happens when sustainability work becomes too closely tied to your identity
How to survive a sustainability recession
The sustainability sector is facing a slowdown, pushback, and political reframing. In this episode, Emma Burlow explains how to stay relevant, find work, and avoid burning out when sustainability knowledge alone no longer sets you apart.In this episodeWhy some sustainability work is being sidelined, rebadged, or called something else 02:59Why narrowing your niche can lead to more work than present
'Plan for 2... Stress test for 4' with Sarah Mukherjee CEO of ISEP
Emma Burlow talks with Sarah Mukherjee, CEO of the Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals, about the pressures facing sustainability professionals, the business case for climate resilience, AI, public engagement, optimism, and why failure is part of progress.In this episodeWhy professional standards matter in sustainability, and how ISEP evolved from IEMA 01:10How ISEP support
What 100 Episodes Have Taught Me
Emma Burlow marks 100 episodes of Straight Talking Sustainability by reflecting on why she started the podcast, what has surprised her, and where the show goes next.In this episodeWhy a podcast felt more achievable than writing a book after nearly 30 years in sustainability 03:07The need for more female voices in sustainability podcasting 03:59How the podcast helps Emma Burlow share experience, co
Can Sex Sell Climate Change? With Jessica Riches, Adult Content Creator
Emma Burlow talks with Jessica Riches, independent filmmaker and existential crisis communication strategist, about using sex, entertainment, humour, and trusted creators to make climate communication cut through.In this episodeWhy climate communicators need to “jump off the cliff of the norm” rather than take small steps, as Jessica Riches explains at 02:57.The three reasons people shut down when
Should We Be Talking About 1.8°C?
The conversation focused on the implications of the UNEP report Limiting Overshoot, which warns that global warming could reach 1.8°C even under the best-case pathway, with current policies potentially leading to 2.6°C.The discussion explored whether sustainability professionals should replace the 1.5°C message with 1.8°C, or stay focused on the existing target. The answer depends on the audience.
From Collecting Data to Successful Net Zero Strategy – with Louise Rehbinder, COO Exponential Roadmap Initiative
This episode explores how businesses can bridge the gap between setting net zero targets and actually achieving them, moving from data collection to actionable strategies. Emma Burlow is joined by Louise Rehbinder, who delves into the Exponential Roadmap Initiative’s Five Pillars framework and its essential role in forming resilient, actionable net zero strategies for businesses of all sizes.The T
Are you a Lurker?… plus an Update from STS & Lighthouse
Emma returns post-surgery with updates on Straight Talking Sustainability (STS) and Lighthouse Sustainability. She addresses current sustainability fatigue and the importance of moving beyond passive "lurking" online to taking action. The episode previews upcoming guests, reflects on the impact of community support and trainer development at Lighthouse, and shares ways listeners can get involved a
The Net Zero Pushback
This week is a special compilation episode as Emma recovers from surgery. The focus: recent political and media pushback on net zero and why system-based, foundational shifts are still crucial for meaningful progress.Emma shares her own “pushback” against negative and misleading coverage, then compiles highlights from three recent solo episodes:Mind the Gap: How to Close the Target Action Gap and
Turn your Out of Office into a Secret Sustainability Weapon
In this summer episode, Emma Burlow reflects on how to communicate about sustainability in everyday work and life, inspired by an out-of-office response from Abby Chicken. Rather than overt activism, Emma Burlow suggests six subtle but powerful strategies for integrating sustainability into your communication and encouraging cultural change—without shouting from the rooftops.The 6 Significant Shif
Change is the only constant with Elise Foster Vander Elst, The Design Museum
In this episode, Emma sits down with Elise Foster Vander Elst from the Design Museum to discuss the significant role museums can play in driving sustainability and tackling the climate emergency. The conversation reveals how museums leverage their trusted status, how collective action sparks innovation, and how every job can contribute to meaningful environmental change.Key Topics & Highlights
The world is literally on fire...why aren't we acting?
In this episode, Emma Berlow dives deep into the concept of cognitive dissonance—how it impacts our response to climate emergencies, and why so many people seem immobilized or contradictory in their climate actions, especially amid heat waves and wildfires.Emma Burlow also shares personal reflections on her recent work with Innovate UK’s Battery Innovation Programme, offering listeners a sense of
Repair is the new recycling with Heather Davies, Re-Action Collective
This week, Emma Burlow is joined by Heather Davies to discuss why repair is quickly becoming the new recycling, especially in the context of sustainability and community impact. Heather Davies shares the inspiring story behind the Re-Action Collective, a growing network aimed at amplifying local repair, upcycling, and community reuse of outdoor gear.They explore how repair initiatives started at a
The Unspeakable 'C' word
In this episode, Emma tackles the “unspeakable C word”—climate—and explores why, even amid extreme weather and record-breaking heatwaves, there’s a widespread reluctance to talk about climate change directly. Instead, conversation often pivots to coping strategies and adaptation, neglecting the root causes and mitigation.Talking About Heat, Not Its CauseSociety focuses on the discomfort and practi
Career Pivot Special - 3 Guest Compilation
This special compilation episode is a celebration of midsummer and a chance to reflect on the journeys of impact-driven professionals working in sustainability. Hayley takes the helm, curating clips from three standout past guests whose insights, honesty, and approaches have inspired the podcast community. Whether on holiday, commuting, or simply in need of motivation, listeners are invited to rev
How to Talk to a Climate Denier Part 2
R – RegulateE – EmpathiseS- Stay CuriousE – ExploreT – Take BoundariesIn this episode, Emma shares hands-on advice for handling conversations with climate change deniers, especially in professional settings. Drawing on a real-life training experience with a group of engineers, she introduces her “RESET” model—a practical framework for navigating challenging interactions without losing your composu
Is People, Planet, Pint the parkrun of Sustainability? With Adam Bastock, Small99
In this episode, Emma sits down with Adam Bastock, founder of Small 99 and the grassroots movement People Planet Pint. The conversation dives into Adam Bastock's journey from digital marketing to sustainability, the origins and evolution of People Planet Pint, and the critical role of community-led action in making real, lasting change.Key TopicsAdam Bastock's Background & MotivationStarted in
Emma in the Hot Seat: Lessons from 30 Years in Sustainability
In this special episode, the usual host Emma is interviewed by her colleague and co-founder of Not Sustainable, Rebecca Watson. The tables are turned as Emma shares her journey, expertise, and reflections on her 30-year career in sustainability. The conversation covers her background, the evolution of her work, her approach to training and advisory, and her motivation for supporting individuals an
Making Sustainability Less Miserable with Lucy Hawthorne, Climate Play
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma welcomes Lucy Hawthorne, founder of Climate Play, to unpack how play—especially using LEGO—can be a powerful tool in making sustainability engagement more effective and enjoyable. They discuss the neuroscience of play, overcoming cynicism, and practical facilitation techniques to unlock creativity and connection in sustainability journeys.Ke
Why You Must See the People's Emergency Briefing!
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma discusses the emotional and practical impacts of climate change amidst record-breaking heat in the UK. She dives into the ways misinformation and social media can fuel anxiety and helplessness, and highlights how the People's Emergency Briefing provides both vital information and a sense of community. Emma reflects on her own skepticism abou
Why Sustainability isn’t the Sustainability Director’s Problem with Joss Tantram, Terrafiniti
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma welcomes longtime friend and experienced sustainability strategist Joss Tantram, Partner at Terrafiniti. Together, they dive into the evolution of corporate sustainability, the practical realities facing professionals in the field, and the challenges of driving real change within organizations.Joss Tantram, Partner, Terrafiniti Joss is a lif
Everything, Everywhere, All at Once
This podcast tackles the often overwhelming world of sustainable practices with straightforward advice and relatable insight. Key Topics CoveredOverwhelm and where to start with sustainability at work or at homeThe importance of mindset: "putting your green glasses on"Visible actions vs. invisible actions for sustainabilityHow small changes shift social norms and influence othersThe underestimated
Shifting Mindsets with Charly Cox
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma welcomes Charly Cox, Executive Director of Climate Change Coaches and a pioneer in the field of climate coaching. Together, they explore the psychological aspects of driving sustainable change in organizations, the unique challenges faced by sustainability professionals, and practical strategies for overcoming barriers to effective climate a
How to scale sustainability and the Prisoner’s Dilemma
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma explores the limitations of competitive mindsets in tackling systemic challenges like climate change. Drawing on the concept of the Prisoner’s Dilemma, Emma illustrates how organizations acting in self-interest by hoarding knowledge or refusing to collaborate actually end up moving slower and increasing costs for themselves and the sector as
Speak Up Woman! Uncomfortable conversations with Annie Beavis
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma welcomes Annie Beavis to discuss navigating difficult conversations in sustainability, building resilience during economic turbulence, and supporting each other within the industry.The episode highlights the work of Not Sustainable, a collective focused on impact, and dives into the realities of driving change, especially in medium-size
Building an Army - The Secret to Scaling Sustainability
In this solo episode, Emma discusses the importance of building capacity, capability, and resources—what she analogizes as "building an army"—to effectively drive sustainability initiatives in businesses and organizations. She shares her personal journey into carbon literacy training, the challenges of scaling training across large organizations, and the development of her “Train the Trainer” mode
You Cant Make Money From a Dead Planet with Mark Shayler
This week, Emma is joined by sustainability sector stalwart and optimist Mark Shayler for a deep dive into his book You Cant Make Money From a Dead Planet. Mark shares his career journey, the challenges and lessons of working in sustainability, and his recent personal health scare.The conversation tackles why businesses must embed sustainability at their core, the importance of systems thinking, a
Know When To Hold 'em
Welcome to this week's episode of Straight Talking Sustainability! Host Emma Burlow takes inspiration from "The Gambler" song to explore when to push, pause, pivot, or fold your sustainability efforts within your business, particularly when sustainability is being deprioritised.Key Topics CoveredSustainability's Changing EnvironmentThe landscape for sustainability in business has shifted dramatica
Why Poor Design Still Blocks Progress with Dr Vicky Lofthouse
In this practical product design episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Dr Vicky Lofthouse (industrial designer, sustainable innovation consultant working across aerospace to face cream) to explore why circularity remains frustratingly niche despite massive opportunities, how Triton Showers removed single-use plastic whilst reducing costs through unexpected sec
New Normal: Remove Sustainability Friction With Defaults
In this grounding and practical solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow tackles the frustrating value-action gap (why 80% of people care yet nothing changes), revealing that sustainability fails not because colleagues don't care but because systems don't support change, friction remains everywhere, and everything stays optional rather than default.Inspired by Outrage and
Speak Up Woman! Being Called Inspiring Is Not A Compliment with Joanna Yarrow
In this revealing Speak Up Woman episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Joanna Yarrow, former IKEA sustainability leader now working on regenerative placemaking at Human Nature, to explore why urgency is rising whilst agency remains absent, why sustainability professionals (predominantly women) are burning out in unachievable roles, and why being told your pres
Going viral - Lessons for sustainability from Memes & the Romans
In this intellectually stimulating solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow draws unexpected connections between Richard Dawkins' 1976 concept of memes from "The Selfish Gene," Professor Alice Roberts' book "Dominance" exploring Christianity's spread across the Roman Empire, and the historic Green Party by-election win in Manchester to explain why some workplace sustainabi
Finding Treasure: The elephant-size reuse opportunity with Cathy Benwell, A Good Thing
In this practical and inspiring episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Cathy Benwell, co-founder of A Good Thing, a Community Interest Company (CIC) that has created a matchmaking platform connecting 1,000 UK businesses donating surplus items with 3,500 charities and non-profits desperate for exactly those materials, from construction supplies and hotel bedding
Why Won't It Stop Raining? The Case for Global Wetting AND Global Warming
In this timely and practical solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow challenges decades of climate communication focused on warming, heat, and melting ice caps by asking a provocative question: should we be talking more about global wetting, given that people find it incredibly easy to talk about weather (especially rain) but remarkably difficult to discuss sustainability
How Do You Know its Time to Change Your Job? With Claire Osborne
In this practical and liberating episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma Burlow talks with Claire Osborne, accredited climate career coach with 15 years of sustainability experience and more than 2,000 hours coaching clients from organisations including the Ellen MacArthur Foundation, Amnesty International, Octopus Energy, and Unilever.Together they explore why experienced sustainability
What Are The 5 Pillars of Net Zero? A Simple Maturity Framework To Show Where You Are and What Comes Next
In this practical and clarifying solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow cuts through net zero jargon by introducing the Five Pillars framework from the Race to Zero campaign's Exponential Business Playbook, giving listeners a step-by-step maturity model that reduces overwhelm, helps organisations identify where they actually sit on the journey (often further ahead than t
Is Climate Anxiety Actually Healthy? With Climate Psychologist Steffi Bednarek
In this profound and paradigm-shifting episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Steffi Bednarek, Director of the Centre for Climate Psychology and author of Climate Psychology and Change, to challenge one of sustainability's most damaging narratives: that feeling anxious about climate change represents a disorder requiring treatment.Steffi flips this entirely, as
How Does System Change Actually Work? The 3 Rules That Accelerate Net Zero
In this essential and clarifying solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow demystifies one of sustainability's most intimidating concepts (system change) by walking listeners through a practical framework from Nigel Topping's Race to Zero TED Talk that has been stuck on her office wall for years.With three simple visual rules (ambition loops, exponential goals, and shared a
The Secrets of Authentic Sustainability Marketing with Crista Buznea, Ecologi
In this insightful and energising episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Crista Buznea, Head of Sustainability Marketing at Ecologi, to explore how effective communication can transform sustainability from a worthy burden into an engaging, dopamine-filled journey that drives real business action.With a background spanning tourism marketing at Heathrow and TUI b
The Science of Friction-Free Sustainability Wins
In this practical and uplifting solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow kicks off 2026 with a powerful reframe for sustainability professionals exhausted by negativity, what-aboutism, and constant battles over every small change. Drawing on groundbreaking research published in Nature Food, Emma demonstrates how clever behind-the-scenes switches can deliver massive carbon
Don't Waste Good Food: Food Insecurity and Climate Crisis in the Caribbean with Sian Cuffey-Young
In this powerful and eye-opening episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Sian Cuffey-Young, founder of SAEL Environmental in Trinidad and Tobago, to explore the intersection of food waste, food security, and climate action in Caribbean island states.With 20 years of experience in waste management and a mission statement that "waste is sexy," Sian brings infectio
From Drained to Driven: A Year‑End Straight Talking Reset
In this powerful year-end compilation episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow revisits the three solo episodes that resonated most strongly with listeners in 2025, addressing the thorniest challenges facing sustainability professionals today.From navigating conversations with climate sceptics to avoiding the "evangelical trap" that alienates colleagues, to breaking free from t
Inside B&Q's Net Zero Transformation: From Plant Pots to Supplier Collaboration, How to Make Sustainability Stick
In this practical and inspiring episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Sanita Garley, Net Zero Transition Plan Lead at B&Q, to explore the often-discussed but rarely-demonstrated journey from setting net zero targets to actually implementing change across a major retail organisation.With over 20 years in buying and product development before transitioning i
Top 5 Carbon-Cutting Switches: Simple Actions That Slash Your Carbon Footprint (Plus £332 in Savings and Bonuses)
In this action-packed solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow delivers exactly what sustainability-conscious listeners have been asking for: five straightforward switches that make the biggest dent in your personal carbon footprint, complete with referral codes, money-off promotions, and practical bonus links worth £332 to remove every excuse for inaction.Top 5 Carbon‑Cut
Building a Career in Sustainability: Why Mastery Beats Passion with Nick Valenzia, Leafr
In this career-focused episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Nick Valenzia, co-founder of Leafr (the world's largest marketplace for sustainability skills), to unpack the brutal realities facing sustainability professionals today: unclear career pathways, exhausting job searches, and the dangerous myth that passion alone will get you ahead.Nick reveals how Lea
The 80-25 Rule: Why You Only Need to Activate 25% of Your Workforce to Transform Sustainability Culture
In this game-changing solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow reveals the counterintuitive strategy that's transforming how organisations achieve climate action: forget trying to convince everyone and focus on activating just 25% of your workforce to create unstoppable momentum.Emma unpacks the frustrating paradox facing sustainability professionals everywhere: if 80% of
The Untapped Power of Volunteering: How Community Action Cured My Climate Anxiety with Ben Luger, Ecosurety
In this inspiring and deeply personal episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Ben Luger, Marketing Project Specialist at Ecosurety, to explore how volunteering can be the secret weapon for engaging people in climate action whilst simultaneously improving mental health and building stronger communities.Ben's journey from delivering carbon literacy training to est
One Year of Straight Talking Sustainability: Anniversary Special Featuring the Most Powerful Insights from Nicola Jones, Briony Pete, Andy Middleton, Jen Gale, and Phil Korbel
In this landmark anniversary episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow celebrates one year of the podcast by revisiting the most impactful moments from five extraordinary guests who have shared their hard-earned wisdom over the past 12 months. After nearly 30 years in the sustainability sector, Emma knows that we simply do not have time to keep knowledge locked away, which is wh
How Mid-Sized Companies Can Navigate Carbon Reporting Without Breaking the Bank with Kirsteen Harrison, Not Sustainable
In this practical and reassuring episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow reconnects with long-time colleague Kirsteen Harrison from Not Sustainable to tackle the carbon reporting challenges facing what they call "the missing middle" (companies with 250 to 1,000 employees).These businesses face intense supply chain pressure to report emissions but often lack the dedicated susta
Mind the Gap: How to Close the Target Action Gap and Turn Your Workforce Into Net Zero Champions
In this powerful and practical solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow tackles the most frustrating challenge facing corporate sustainability teams today: the target action gap. Companies have set ambitious net-zero targets, invested heavily in reporting and data collection, yet most employees remain disengaged and the sustainability team feels isolated, pushing a rock up
How Corporate Sustainability Leaders Can Stop Spinning and Drive Real Change with Julia Vol
In this insightful and practical episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Julia Vol, an independent sustainability consultant who helps organisations move beyond sustainability theatre to genuine impact.With experience spanning corporate roles at major companies like Sainsbury's and Decathlon, plus expertise in sustainable packaging and circular economy, Julia br
Dismantling the China Excuse: Eight Powerful Responses to "But What About China?" in Climate Conversations
In this passionate and fact-packed solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow tackles one of the most common conversation stoppers in climate action discussions: "There's no point in us doing anything because we're only 2% of global emissions. What about China?" This excuse appears everywhere, from boardrooms to living rooms, and Emma has had enough of watching it derail pro
Solving the Corporate Sustainability Talent Gap with Silja Chouquet, Match for Impact
In this ground-breaking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Silja Chouquet, former pharmaceutical executive turned social entrepreneur and founder of Match for Impact.With extensive experience weaving between corporate leadership roles and startup ventures, Silja has identified a critical gap in the sustainability and social innovation landscape: highly skil
52 Sustainability Hacks Finale: From E-Waste to Ethical Pensions, the Ultimate Autumn Action Guide
In this practical and empowering final episode of the 52 Simple Sustainability Hacks series, host Emma Burlow delivers the last actionable tips (numbers 40 to 52) that prove sustainable living doesn't have to cost money or consume your life. Recording in beautiful autumn while resisting the urge to tidy her garden, Emma wraps up this comprehensive series with hard-hitting advice that ranges from d
Steel's 90% Carbon Reduction Transformation with Nicola Jones, Tata Steel UK
In this inspiring episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Nicola Jones, a 26-year veteran of the steel industry and a sustainability professional at Tata Steel UK.From starting as a business apprentice in 1999 when the company was British Steel, to now spearheading sustainability initiatives during one of the industry's most dramatic transformations, Nicola offe
Will EPR solve the £136 Million Plastic Packaging Problem? With Catherine Conway, Go Unpackaged
In this ground-breaking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Catherine Conway, the visionary founder of the UK's first modern zero-waste store and current CEO of Go Unpackaged. With over 20 years of experience pioneering reusable packaging solutions, Catherine has evolved from running a small unpackaged shop to leading industry-transforming research that coul
Red Flag Words and Sustainability Conversations: The Trojan Mouse Strategy
In this tactical and transformative solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow delivers a game-changing challenge that could revolutionize how you approach sustainability conversations at work. If you've ever felt like you're on the back foot when discussing environmental initiatives, constantly defending your position with facts and evidence, this episode offers a radically
Well I Wouldn't Say I'm An Expert... Breaking Through The Authority Barrier with Coach Tamsin Acheson
In this deeply personal and transformative episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with Tamsin Acheson, a life coach and leadership development expert, to tackle one of the most uncomfortable questions facing experienced professionals: Why is it so hard to claim our expertise, even after decades in our field?Emma opens up about her own struggles with the dreaded elev
Norway's Sustainability Secret: How Oil Money Built One of the World's Greenest Countries
In this thought-provoking solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow returns from her travels to Oslo, Norway, with some uncomfortable truths about sustainability assumptions that might just change how you view the climate conversation forever.Fresh from a four-day trip to one of the world's most sustainable cities, Emma peels back the glossy green exterior of Norway's envir
Making Sustainability Irresistible: Communication, Mindset, and Leadership with Virginia Cinquemani
In this transformative episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow interviews Virginia Cinquemani, a sustainability communication expert, coach, and author who specialises in helping sustainability leaders engage audiences and communicate their message powerfully.Virginia brings a unique background combining architecture, sustainable building expertise, and coaching to help sustai
Climate Change Is Everywhere: Why Sustainability Is Closer Than You Think
In this reflective solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow shares powerful insights from her holiday experiences that reveal how climate change and sustainability conversations are happening everywhere; we just need to know how to recognise and join them.Fresh from a transformative trip to Costa Rica, Emma challenges the common belief that sustainability professionals are
Speak Up Woman! Problem Solving For Women in ESG Leadership with Sharon Oranekwu
In this empowering episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow interviews Sharon Oranekwu, an award-winning ESG consultant and sustainability leadership expert, for the third instalment of the "Speak Up Woman" series.Sharon specializes in ESG reporting, CSRD compliance, corporate sustainability strategy, and environmental governance, helping companies across Europe navigate comple
Is Climate Change a Big Joke? Comedy, Climate, and Corporates with Comedian Stuart Goldsmith
In this thought-provoking episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow sits down with climate comedian Stuart Goldsmith to explore the unexpected intersection of humour and environmental action.Stuart, who has been performing comedy for 20 years and moved into climate comedy four years ago, shares his unique journey from traditional stand-up to addressing the climate crisis on stag
From Stuck to Starting: How to Move Forward with Your Sustainability Goals
In this empowering solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, host Emma Burlow tackles a challenge familiar to many sustainability professionals: feeling stuck.Drawing on years of experience, Emma offers a compassionate but practical framework for getting unstuck, starting with self-awareness, small wins, and intentional discomfort.This is not about fixing everything overnight. It’s about bu
Moving Past Green Guilt - Rethinking Engagement, with Green Jujitsu Creator Gareth Kane
In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma sits down with Gareth Kane, sustainability author and creator of the “Green Jujitsu” engagement model, for a wide-ranging conversation that challenges long-held assumptions about how we drive environmental action inside organizations.From the pitfalls of PowerPoint preaching to the psychology behind real behaviour change, Gareth shares decad
Commitment over Passion: The Power to Keep Going With Your Sustainability Goals
In this powerful solo episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma delves into the profound difference between passion and commitment in the world of sustainability.We've all been called "passionate" about our work, but is that enough? Emma makes a compelling case that true, lasting impact comes not from fleeting enthusiasm, but from deep, unwavering commitment, especially when the outcomes ar
Scaling Carbon Literacy with Phil Korbel, Co-Founder of the Carbon Literacy Project
In this energising and honest conversation, Emma and Carbon Literacy Project co-founder Phil Korbel dive into what truly makes carbon literacy impactful. Spoiler: it’s not just about what you know, it’s about how you apply it, talk about it, and make it real in your organisation.From training Nobel-adjacent scientists in Antarctica to working with major corporations facing internal resistance, Emm
52 Simple Sustainability Hacks for 2025 - Summer
This week I’m sharing part of our summer series - 12 simple sustainability tips (numbers 27–38) that are easy to action even when you’re in holiday mode. From switching your search engine to Ecosia, to skipping the lawnmower, there are plenty of small changes that make a big difference.We’re covering everything from flea treatments and sunscreen to eco-friendly ways to host a party and travel duri
Getting Past 'Yes... in Principle'. Sustainability Leadership with Briony Pete
This week, I’m speaking with Briony Pete - leadership coach and engagement specialist - about why change doesn’t start with strategy; it starts with people. We explored how traditional sustainability roles often miss the mark by not equipping professionals with the mindset or leadership tools needed to influence real transformation.Briony shared that the biggest blocker isn’t a lack of knowle
I'm Not Recruiting For A Cult
In today’s episode, I share what happened when someone told me, “You need better evidence if you want to convince us.” It made me realise - we’re not here to convince, we’re here to connect.I explore why trying to prove the case for sustainability can create more resistance, and how shifting to curiosity, listening, and meeting people where they are is a far more effective approach.If you’ve ever
Inside Track on new B Corp Standards with Ellie & Jessica of Twelve
This week on Straight Talking Sustainability, I’m diving into one of the biggest shake-ups in the sustainability world - the B Corp standards reset. I’m joined by the brilliant Ellie Austin and Jessica Farrow from 12, who work hands-on with purpose-led consumer brands navigating B Corp certification.We talk about what’s changed in the new standards, why the old point-scoring system is out, an
Big News!!
We’ve officially done it - Lighthouse is now a certified B Corp! This episode is a bit of a behind-the-scenes on what that really means, why I decided to go for it, and what the journey’s been like as a small business.I’m sharing what helped us get over the line, what surprised me along the way, and the parts that were way more challenging than I expected. It’s been nearly four years in the
Speak Up Woman! Owning Your Voice with Caroline Harvey
In this inspiring conversation, Emma welcomes global communications coach Caroline Harvey to explore why so many women - especially in STEM and sustainability - struggle to be heard. From imposter syndrome to the myth of “not being expert enough,” they dig into the common barriers women face in sharing their expertise with confidence.Caroline shares practical tips for owning your voice, simplifyin
Playing The Long Game
In this solo episode, I’m talking about something I know so many of us in the sustainability space are feeling right now - things feel loud, divisive, and at times, completely disheartening.I share why sustainability doesn’t disappear with bad politics, and how progress often works in cycles - not a neat upward line. You’ll hear why I believe chaos creates opportunity, why we need to accept r
Finding your Sustainability Superpower with Jarvis Smith
In this episode, I sit down with the brilliantly bold Jarvis Smith - founder of My Green Pod and the PEA Awards - to talk about what it really means to fuse business with spiritual purpose. From shamanic training and sacred plants to launching the world’s biggest ethical lifestyle magazine, Jarvis shares how a transformative experience on a landfill (yes, really) shaped his life’s work.
Tackling Sustainability Overwhelm
Feeling totally swamped by sustainability? You're not alone. In this episode, I’m getting straight to the point about why so many of us are stuck in a cycle of burnout, blank stares from the boardroom, and to-do lists that never shrink. It’s not you - it’s the impossible expectations. I’m breaking down the real reasons behind sustainability overwhelm and sharing a practical way
