John Seryak, founder of Go Sustainable Energy, believes the biggest hang-ups in sustainable energy aren't about technology or money, they're about listening. In this deeply honest conversation, John explores his journey into the world of sustainable energy, which began not with a grand vision, but with a childhood attempt at a perpetual motion machine (turning a bicycle into a helicopter) and a near-total burnout from mechanical engineering. He shares the story of a pivotal mentor who saved him from quitting, pointing him toward energy as a path to making a real difference.

John recounts starting a sustainability club in college, not just out of passion, but as a deliberate "practice run" for entrepreneurship to see if he could build something from scratch. He discusses the crucial, and often uncomfortable, lessons learned after graduation while working in a company where he felt his vision didn't align. This experience led to a profound realization: building a successful company isn't just about the technical work; it's about creating a culture of transparency, shared ownership, and genuine interest in what your colleagues are doing. John pulls back the curtain on the challenges of leadership, the human tendency to create false narratives, and why the most important tool for solving our energy problems might just be the simple act of listening.

Episode in a glance

02:48 The Perpetual Motion Machine: An Engineer's Origin Story
04:19 A Crisis of Purpose
07:20 Starting a Club as an Entrepreneurial Test
10:42 The Realization It's About Culture, Not Just Engineering
16:53 Go Sustainable's Culture of Sharing the Mic
20:20 The Real Barrier to Sustainable Energy Isn't Tech or Money

About John Seryak

John Seryak is the founder and managing partner of Go Sustainable Energy, where he is reshaping what an energy engineering firm looks like from the inside out. He has built a team of inquisitive engineering talent focused on providing accurate, unbiased guidance on sustainable energy. With a culture built on transparency and shared ownership, John is dedicated to proving that the most effective solutions emerge from a foundation of listening and genuine collaboration.

Connect with John and his work

• Website → https://www.gosustainableenergy.com/
• John’s LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-seryak-59630437/
• Go Sustainable Energy Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/company/go-sustainable-energy-llc/

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Danna Lotz, a lifelong educator with 18 years of experience, is now the School Programs Administrator at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). Her story is an example of how a passion for teaching and a commitment to resourcefulness can lead to a career in sustainability, making a lasting impact on students and communities.

Danna discusses SWACO's mission to reduce landfill waste and the innovative programs they've developed to engage schools in this effort. She explains the School Recycling Champion Program, which provides free resources, education, and support to schools in Franklin County, helping them establish and improve their recycling programs. She also discusses the School District Consortium, a unique initiative that brings together district leaders to collectively bid for waste and recycling services, and the newly launched Green Team Network, which connects and empowers student environmental clubs across the region.

She shares inspiring stories of student-led initiatives, from data-tracking projects to community outreach campaigns, highlighting the creativity and passion of young environmental stewards. Danna also discusses the challenges schools face in implementing recycling programs, from logistical hurdles to the need for ongoing education and stakeholder engagement. She also shares how SWACO's approach to school programming has evolved, emphasizing the importance of dedicated staff, streamlined processes, and strong partnerships. She also discusses SWACO’s new “GreenPrint” initiative, which will focus on hard-to-recycle items like textiles and mattresses, and the expansion of convenience centers for residents.

Episode in a glance

04:01 Danna's Role at SWACO
05:47 The Power of Green Teams
07:01 The School Recycling Champion Program
13:53 Challenges in School Recycling
15:14 The Evolution of SWACO's School Programs
19:51 The Role of Schools in Sustainability
23:33 SWACO's "GreenPrint" Initiative

About Danna Lotz

Danna Lotz is the School Programs Administrator at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). With 18 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, she brings a deep understanding of the education system and a passion for empowering students to her role. Danna is dedicated to creating engaging and impactful programs that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Connect with Danna Lotz and her work:

• Website → https://www.swaco.org/201/Schools
• Apply to be a School Recycling Champion → https://www.swaco.org/324/School-Recycling-Champion-Program
• Email → schools@swaco.org
• LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/in/danna-lotz-09aa99327/
• GreenPrint → https://www.swaco.org/502/Greenprint-For-a-Sustainable-Future

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Danna Lotz, a lifelong educator with 18 years of experience, is now the School Programs Administrator at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). Her story is a powerful example of how a passion for teaching and a commitment to resourcefulness can lead to a career in sustainability, making a lasting impact on students and communities.

Danna shares her journey from a small-town upbringing, where collecting bottles and cans with her dad sparked an early interest in recycling, to her 18-year career as an elementary school teacher. She recounts how the practical needs of the classroom led her to embrace upcycling and waste reduction long before it was a formal part of her job description. From turning cereal boxes into book holders to salvaging markers, Danna's classroom was a hub of creative reuse.

Her path took a pivotal turn when she discovered SWACO's free landfill tour program. Initially hesitant, she was captivated by the eye-opening experience and the powerful questions it sparked in her students. This annual field trip became a catalyst for countless student-led projects, transforming her classroom into a space for environmental action and problem-solving. Danna discusses her transition from teacher to her current role at SWACO, a move that felt like a "full circle moment," allowing her to leverage her deep understanding of the education system to support schools across the region.

Episode in a glance

- From Tutoring to Teaching
- An Early Spark for Recycling
- A Teacher's Path to SWACO
- What a Landfill Tour is Like
- Bringing a Teacher's Perspective to SWACO
- How School Green Teams Get Started

About Danna Lotz

Danna Lotz is the School Programs Administrator at the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio (SWACO). With 18 years of experience as an elementary school teacher, she brings a deep understanding of the education system and a passion for empowering students to her role. Danna is dedicated to creating engaging and impactful programs that inspire the next generation of environmental stewards.

Connect with Danna Lotz and her work

Website → https://www.swaco.org/201/Schools

Apply to be a School Recycling Champion → https://www.swaco.org/324/School-Recycling-Champion-Program

Email → schools@swaco.org

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/in/danna-lotz-09aa99327/

GreenPrint → https://www.swaco.org/502/Greenprint-For-a-Sustainable-Future

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Grab a warm drink and settle in for our special 2025 holiday wrap-up! After releasing an episode every single Tuesday and growing to over 90 episodes, we're taking a moment to celebrate the incredible people and inspiring stories that made this year so memorable.

This year took us on an incredible journey, from the mountains of Italy for the NanoValbruna conference to the heart of the Midwest for the Midwest Regional Sustainability Summit. We revisit the power of international storytelling with guests like Francesca Cercelletta, who taught us how to make impactful films with just a phone, and Duccio Travaglini, who showed us how to turn "cold data" into "cool data."

We also reflect on the amazing collaborations we saw closer to home, from our live panel on waste diversion to the inspiring work of innovators like Shailah Maynard at Sew Valley and Zack Burns, who's sustainably feeding giraffes at the Cincinnati Zoo. Through it all, the beating heart of this season has been community. We discuss how champions like Jamie Richards have created change from within corporations and how the infectious energy of Emily Rials and Susan Swinford from Columbus Food Rescue inspired Adam to become a food rescue volunteer himself.

It's a celebration of the people who give us hope and a reminder that we all have a role to play. Thank you for being part of our community this year.

Episode in a glance

- A Year in Review 90+ Episodes and Counting
- Favorite Moments from Italy (NanoValbruna)
- Highlights from the Midwest Summit (MRSS)
- The Beating Heart of 2025 Community in Action
- Adam Gets Inspired to Rescue Food
- Looking Ahead to 2026

About Dominique Hadad & Adam Morris:

Dominique Hadad and Adam Morris are the co-hosts of the Green Champions podcast. Dominique brings her expertise in sustainability, while Adam adds his passion for social impact and entrepreneurship. Together, they explore the diverse ways individuals and organizations are creating a greener future.

Episodes we Discussed:

• Duccio Travaglini - Breaking Climate News With Cool Data
• Francesca Cercelletta - Using iPhone Storytelling to Frame the Change
• Shailah Maynard - Sew Much More Than Fashion
• Jessica Glorius-Dangelo - Sustainable Architecture Begins at the Drafting Table
• Zack Burns - How Hydroponics Feeds Giraffes and Cuts Emissions at the Zoo
• Kristan Uhlenbrock – Creating a New Institute at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science
• Emily & Susan – How They Rescued One Million Pounds of Food
• Jamie Richards - Inside Bansk Beauty’s Regenerative Shea Project in Uganda

Connect with Green Champions:

Website → https://www.thegreenchampions.com/

Instagram →

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Duccio Travaglini, Co-founder of Greencome Media, shares his innovative approach to environmental communication and his mission to transform how we discuss climate change. Rather than contributing to climate anxiety through catastrophic messaging, Duccio and his team focus on solution-oriented storytelling that mobilizes people to action. He discusses the importance of finding relatable stories of "normal people" making change and combining these narratives with data in engaging ways - what he calls turning "cold data into cool data."

As a moderator at NanoValbruna, Duccio led discussions about regeneration versus sustainability, emphasizing how regeneration takes environmental action to the next level by focusing on community-centered economic systems. He shares insights about measuring success through quality engagement rather than quantity, and emphasizes that sustainability is a journey of continuous learning rather than a demand for perfection.

About the Mini Series

This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy.

Episode at a glance

-The Evolution of Environmental Communication
-Regeneration vs. Sustainability: Moving Beyond Impact Reduction
-Storytelling Strategies: Combining Human Stories with Data
-Quality Over Quantity in Environmental Media
-The Journey Approach to Sustainability

About Duccio Travaglini

Duccio Travaglini is the Co-founder of Greencome Media, an Italian media platform focused on environmental and climate topics. Currently studying Environmental Economics and Politics, Duccio is pioneering a new approach to climate communication that emphasizes solutions and positive action while maintaining factual accuracy.

Connect with Duccio Travaglini and his work

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/greencome_ita

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@greencome_ita

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/greencome1

Newsletter → https://greencome.substack.com/

Green Tonic Podcast → https://open.spotify.com/show/7dgeH02vAlJyz3M6UR34Xq?si=887794e218404d75

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Kristan Uhlenbrock, a scientist, writer, and communicator, leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, where she is dedicated to weaving thoughtful science into public conversations and decision-making. Kristan shares the origin story of the Institute for Science and Policy, a unique organization born from a desire to address the growing politicization of science and create a space for nonpartisan, evidence-based dialogue. She describes the institute’s mission to make better decisions as a society by integrating science and evidence into public discourse. Kristan recounts the institute's early days, from its conceptualization in 2018 to navigating the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately broadened their focus to include public health.

She discusses the institute's work in climate change, energy, natural resources, and public health, emphasizing the importance of partnerships and collaboration in tackling these complex, intersectional issues. Kristan details the institute's convening model, which brings together diverse stakeholders to find common ground and develop actionable solutions. She also introduces the new Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program, a landmark initiative that will place scientists in the state legislature to provide technical expertise and support evidence-based policymaking. She also discusses her podcast, "Laws of Notion," explaining how it uses the power of storytelling to explore complex societal issues, from the energy transition in coal communities to the water crisis in the West.

Episode in a glance

- The Origin Story of the Institute
- Bridging the Gap Between Science and Decision-Making
- The Institute's Focus Areas
- Convenings and Collaborative Problem-Solving
- The Colorado Science and Technology Policy Fellowship Program
- The Power of Storytelling and the "Laws of Notion" Podcast

About Kristan Uhlenbrock

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a scientist, writer, and communicator who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. With a background in marine science and a passion for bridging the gap between science and society, she is dedicated to fostering thoughtful public conversations and evidence-based decision-making. Kristan is also the host of the "Laws of Notion" podcast, where she explores how we can rethink our ideas to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock and her work:

Laws of Notion Podcast → https://lawsofnotion.org/

Institute for Science and Policy → http://institute.dmns.org/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhlenbrock/

Send us a message!

Kristan Uhlenbrock, who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, is a scientist, writer, and communicator dedicated to bridging the gap between science, policy, and community. Her journey from a free-roaming kid in rural Indiana to a leading voice in public discourse on climate change is a testament to the power of curiosity, connection, and embracing the messiness of it all.

Kristan shares her origin story, recounting how a childhood spent exploring the creeks and forests of southeast Indiana nurtured a deep love for nature. She describes her unexpected path into science, from being a "pre-med kid" to discovering her passion for chemistry and marine science, a journey that took her from the heartland to the coasts of Florida. Kristan explains how her academic pursuits evolved from pure research to a fascination with the social and political dimensions of environmental issues, leading her to write op-eds, engage with local leaders, and eventually find her way to the world of science policy in Washington D.C.

She offers valuable insights on how to find your voice and engage in public discourse, emphasizing the importance of approaching conversations with humility, curiosity, and a genuine desire to understand different perspectives. Kristan discusses the "messiness" of both science and people, advocating for an embrace of uncertainty and a willingness to learn from failure. She shares her philosophy that being kind to yourself is the first step toward creating positive change in the world.

Episode in a glance

- A Childhood Rooted in Nature
- The Winding Path from Pre-Med to Marine Science
- Finding a Voice in Science and Policy
- How to Engage with Leaders and Find Your Voice
- Embracing the "Messiness" of Science and People
- Advice for a Younger Self Be Kind

About Kristan Uhlenbrock

Kristan Uhlenbrock is a scientist, writer, and communicator who leads the Institute for Science and Policy at the Denver Museum of Nature & Science. With a background in marine science and a passion for bridging the gap between science and society, she is dedicated to fostering thoughtful public conversations and evidence-based decision-making. Kristan is also the host of the "Laws of Notion" podcast, where she explores how we can rethink our ideas to create a more sustainable and equitable future.

Connect with Kristan Uhlenbrock and her work

Laws of Notion Podcast → https://lawsofnotion.org/

Institute for Science and Policy → http://institute.dmns.org/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/kuhlenbrock/

Send us a message!

Did you know that Columbus, Ohio generates a staggering one million pounds of food waste per day?

But the city taking concrete steps towards sustainability, and Aryeh Alex, its Sustainability Manager, is leading the charge. The city's ambitious Climate Action Plan has already seen success with its weekly recycling program. The new food scrap drop-off program, specifically targeting underserved communities, has collected an astounding 30,000 pounds of food scraps in just six months. Alex discussed the recently launched waste and reuse convenience centers, offering residents a free way to recycle and reuse items like electronics, clothing, and furniture. But perhaps most inspiring is Alex's vision for a circular economy in Columbus, a system that could create a thousand new jobs by transforming discarded materials, such as red solo cups, into valuable resources like marble tiles. The city's dedication to sustainability is not only reducing its environmental footprint but also empowering its residents and fostering a greener future.

Episode in a glance

- The Columbus's Climate Action Plan
- Waste reduction and the concept of a circular economy
- The potential for Food Rescue
- The success of Food Rescue Columbus
- Waste diversion successes in Columbus
- The Waste and Reuse Convenience Centers
- Aryeh's vision for a thousand circular economy jobs

About Aryeh Alex

Aryeh Alex is the Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful and the Sustainability Manager for the City of Columbus, Ohio. In these roles, he leads the city's residential recycling, organic waste, waste reduction, community education, and volunteer litter programs. Aryeh also serves as the Sustainability Coordinator for the Division of Refuse Collection and is a Commissioner of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.

Connect with Aryeh Alex & Keep Columbus Beautiful

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/keepcolumbusbeautifuloh/

Tiktok → https://www.tiktok.com/@keepcbusbeautiful

X/Twitter → https://x.com/kcbcolumbus

LinkedIN → https://www.linkedin.com/company/keep-columbus-beautiful

Send us a message!