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 the Beauty of Nature

[01:48] The Importance of National Parks

[08:51] Challenges Facing National Parks

[13:49] Why We Must Protect National Parks

Links from the episodes:

Yellowstone National Park

Yellowstone’s national park’s 150th year anniversary with Kevin Costner

Wildland Trekking

5 Day hiking tour that we took

Bob Brown Foundation

Black Mamba's

Key Takeaways:

• The beauty of untouched landscapes is transformative.
• National parks are crucial for our mental and physical health.
• Conservation and biodiversity are key reasons to protect parks.
• National parks play a vital role in climate resilience.
• Cultural and historical preservation is essential in national parks.
• Spending time in nature can lower cortisol levels and reduce anxiety.
• Budget cuts can lead to trail despair and increased poaching.
• Education programs in parks are vital for awareness and protection.
• Corporate encroachment poses a risk to national parks.
• We must value and protect our national parks for future generations.

In our next episode, we’ll be talking worms, looking at some amazing ways they are playing their part. 

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 environmental changemaker, and offers practical ways we can all support a more sustainable food system.

Timestamps to relevant points within the episode, use this format:

[02:30]-Rebecca's Sustainable Journey

[06:00]- The Power of Regenerative Agriculture

[12:50]- Documentary Impact: Common Ground and Kiss the Ground

[17:30]- The Challenges of Farming

[24:00]- The Role of Community in regeneration

[33:55]- Final 5

Links from the episodes:

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson

 Common Ground - Official Trailer | Prime Video

 Kiss the Ground - Official Movie Trailer (2020)

Where can people find our guest?

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Website

Take Action

Key Takeaways:

• Farmers who transition from industrialized agriculture to regenerative agriculture, over 90% of them saw an increase in their profits within year one.
• Feeding the world is a myth... you have to be able to feed the farmers' families and that ecosystem that the food comes from.
• Rebecca's journey began with witnessing the harmful effects of industrial farming in her family.
• Regenerative agriculture can heal the planet and improve farmers' profits.
• Soil health is crucial for climate stability and food nutrition.
• Farmers often feel trapped in a cycle of debt and chemical dependence.
• Community support is essential for transitioning to regenerative practices.
• Eating locally and seasonally can help support sustainable farming.
• The narrative of 'feeding the world' needs to shift to 'feeding communities'.
• Conversations about farming practices must be approached with empathy and understanding.
• There is hope for a sustainable future through collective action.

*Assets courtesy of Big Picture Ranch.

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 Episodes

Listen to the podcast on your favorite platform

Catch up on older episodes and explore curated playlists

• 3 Podcasts to get you started
• Sustainable Business Playlist
• Plastic Rebels: Breaking Free from the Throwaway Culture
• Eco Game Changers: The Rebels, Pioneers & Disruptors

2. Leave a Review

Reviews help others find the show and tell me what’s resonating with you.

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Hit the Subscribe or Follow button on your podcast app so you never miss an episode.

4. Share the Podcast

Know someone who loves the planet or runs a purpose-driven business? Share your favorite episode with them.

5. Connect on Social Media

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6. Join Our Newsletter

Get eco-tips, exclusive content, and behind-the-scenes updates delivered to your inbox.

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Become a Monthly Supporter

If you’d like to go above and beyond, you can join our monthly membership. Your support directly helps keep the podcast going and growing—and you’ll get access to exclusive perks.

Sponsor or Collaborate with Us

We’re also opening a few sponsorship opportunities for upcoming episodes. If you’re an eco-conscious brand, purpose-driven business, or organization interested in partnering, we’d love to hear from you.

Reach out via our Contact Page or send a direct message on Instagram.

Your support—whether through listening, sharing, reviewing, or partnering—helps amplify our message of sustainability and inspires others to live lighter on the planet.

Thank you for being part of the Mama Earth Talk journey.

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 meaningful action.

Every Monday, I bring you honest conversations, relatable stories, and super practical tips to help you reduce waste and live more sustainably—in ways that actually fit your life and your work. Whether you’re making choices at home or guiding your business away from greenwashing toward real impact, this podcast is here to support you.

No guilt. No overwhelm. Just real talk, and real change—one small step at a time.

Most episodes are just you and me, but now and then, I’m joined by scientists, activists, creators, and changemakers from around the world—people who are doing the work and bringing us hope for the future.

If you’re already part of the Crazy Birds community—welcome back. And if you’re new here: welcome in. You’re officially one of us now.

You can listen to Mama Earth Talk on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon—anywhere you tune in. And to subscribe, just head to MamaEarthTalk.com/listen.

Mama Earth has a voice—and it is us Crazy Birds.

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 Watson
• Dr. Jane Goodall
• Natalie (Tully) Hore
• Bob Brown
• Yvon Chouinard – Founder of Patagonia / 1% for the Planet
• Robin Wall Kimmerer
• Marita Peters
• John Lee Dumas
• Mark Asquith
• Podcast Websites
• Captivate
• Ashley Tough
• Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD)
• Edith Cowan University (ECU)
• Deann Garcia
• Kat O'Mara
• Angus Morrison-saunders
• Clelia Marti De Ocampo
• Teresa Ann Bertossi
• Wendy Jedlička
• Holly Robbins
• Shanna Rule
• Dawn Keene

and to all you amazing crazy birds checking in every week.

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] Coldplay's Sustainable Tour: An Introduction

[03:04]Coldplay's Commitment to Sustainability

[08:43] Innovative Solutions for Reducing Emissions

[13:12] Assessing Coldplay's Green Claims

[17:35] Engaging Fans in Sustainability

[22:19] The Verdict on Coldplay's Efforts

Links from the episodes:

157: How the sounds of the ocean can impact our lives with Joshua Sam Miller

057: How fries can fuel your car with Karl Feilder

090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill

Where can people find Cold Play?

Cold Plays Sustainability

Key takeaways:

• Coldplay's commitment to sustainability began with a pledge to not tour until they could do so sustainably.
• They aim to reduce carbon emissions by 50% compared to previous tours.
• Partnerships with companies like DHL help reduce transport emissions.
• Coldplay uses renewable energy sources to power their shows.
• The band encourages fans to participate in sustainability efforts during concerts.
• Transparency in sustainability reporting is crucial for building trust.
• Coldplay's sustainability report is accessible and easy to understand.
• Engaging fans in eco-friendly practices can inspire broader change.
• Sustainability in the music industry is about progress, not perfection.
• Coldplay's efforts could set a precedent for other artists and venues.

Photo: Coldplay via Spotify

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 relationship with nature — all through the wise and hopeful lens of Dr. Goodall.

Happy birthday, Dr. Goodall. Thank you for your tireless work and for showing us that every individual makes a difference. 

Thank you for all the messages and inparticular the two below:

Yolande Swanepoel

Her favorite quote from Dr. Jane is: “You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you.”

She writes: “Thank you, Dr. Jane, for all your inspiration, and keep doing what you do to inspire the younger generation. One person cannot save all the animals, BUT one person can make a difference for animals.”

Raksha Uttamchandani

“On your birthday, Dr. Goodall, I would simply say: Thank you. Thank you for showing us that every small action matters, that hope is a choice, and that one voice—when used with purpose—can inspire a global movement. Wishing you a day filled with the same joy and wonder you’ve given to the world.”

Thank you for the amazing team at Terra at Expo and Roots and Shoots for hosting this amazing event.

Links from the episodes:

Waste Me Not Campaign

Wounda's Journey

Where can people find Dr. Jane?

Jane Googall Institute

Roots & Shoots

Roots & Shoots UAE

Instagram

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Together we can, together we will, together we must change the world”

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 Done Foundation?

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

LinkedIn - Curtis

YouTube

Website

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Leaving things better than we found them"

In this episode, we talk to Thom Norman. He is trailblazer in the fight against factory farming and the founder of FarmKind—the first organization to use research-backed insights from GivingMultiplier.org to address this critical issue. FarmKind helps donors maximize their impact by splitting contributions between expert-recommended charities tackling factory farming’s effects on animals and the planet, and their own favorite causes, with bonuses to amplify both. Thom’s work is revolutionizing philanthropy to create a more humane and sustainable world.

During this episode, we explore how Thom transitioned from the courtroom to advocating against factory farming, shedding light on its profound environmental and ethical impacts. He shares thought-provoking insights on greenhouse gas emissions, deforestation, and the psychological toll of our food choices. We also dive into the innovative work of FarmKind, from leveraging psychology to amplify the impact of ethical donations to collaborating with chefs to transform supply chains. 

Links from the episodes

Where can people find Thom and FarmKind?

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn - Thom

YouTube

Website

KEY TAKE AWAY

“Empowering consumers to make a difference in farming”

In this episode, we talk to Brett Jenks, who leads Rare, a global organization empowering communities to protect and manage natural resources sustainably. As CEO, he has driven initiatives like Fish Forever—the world’s largest coastal fishery recovery effort—and has blended behavioral science with community-led conservation, expanding the organization’s reach to over 60 countries to address climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable agriculture. He has also extended this work into the for-profit sector with The Meloy Fund. Additionally, he is a Catto Fellow, Braddock Scholar, McNulty Prize laureate, and trustee of the Grantham Trust. His commitment to our planet has earned him global recognition, including the Rose-Walters Prize for Environmental Activism.

During this episode, we explore Rare’s innovative approach to conservation, including how behavioral science and community-led efforts are transforming global environmental action. We discuss lessons from partnerships, the role of impact investing, and the potential of tech innovations like the EverForest game. Plus, we uncover practical steps listeners can take to support conservation and examine the decisions that have shaped Rare’s impact under his leadership.

Links from the episodes:

180: 1% for the Planet: Pioneering Global Environmental Solutions with Kate Williams

Ever Forrest Game

Where can people find Brett and Rare?

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn - Rare

LinkedIn - Brett

YouTube

Website

KEY TAKE AWAY

“People change when they see other people change.”

In this episode, we talk to Wendy Jedlička. She has a strong background in design, manufacturing, and business. As a Lifetime Certified Packaging Professional and certified Sustainability Associate, she brings a wealth of expertise in sustainable design and business strategies. She is the president of a packaging design firm that specializes in creating sustainable solutions, and she’s played a key role in coordinating the o2 International Network for Sustainable Design in the US. Beyond her work in the field, she also develops curriculum and teaches courses on sustainable design, marketing, and business. An internationally recognized speaker and prolific writer, she’s contributed to leading design publications and authored chapters in well-known books, bringing cutting-edge insights to professionals worldwide.

During this episode we talked about our guest’s journey into sustainable packaging, exploring what first inspired her, how packaging has evolved, and the latest materials and technologies shaping its future. She dispels common misconceptions about sustainable packaging, shares the biggest challenges businesses face in adopting sustainable practices, and discusses her efforts to weave sustainability into education. We also talk about her books, Packaging Sustainability and Sustainable Graphic Design, and hear her advice for anyone wanting to make a meaningful impact. 

Links from the episodes:

Course 77 video

Nanobag

Where can people find Wendy?

LinkedIn

MCAD

O2 Upper Midwest

KEY TAKE AWAY

"Products and packaging needs to be a team and currently they are not treated that way."