Louis De Jaeger is an award-winning entrepreneur, filmmaker, author, and advocate working to protect the very ground we depend on - soil. Founder of Commensalist and co-founder of the Food Forest Institute, he designs regenerative landscapes from small gardens to private islands and promotes large-scale edible forests that feed people while restoring nature.  In his latest book, “SOS: Save Our Soils”, Louis explores how soil health underpins human health and a thriving planet. We discuss his bold campaigns - from persuading the King of Belgium to turn lawns into meadows, to launching a night train company - and why saving our soils is key to safeguarding our future. Highlights:09:21 Louis' Journey to Change Making18:36 Understanding Food Forests and Their Benefits27:30 Commensalist: Designing Sustainable Landscapes29:10 Cultural Sensitivity in Global Collaboration33:24 Challenges in Communication and Climate Adaptation37:11 Impactful Moments in Environmental Activism38:54 Motivation and Self-Care in a Busy World41:59 Innovative Ventures and Learning from Experience46:51 Finding the Right People for Your Team51:41 Looking Ahead: Future Projects and Activism Follow Louis here: www.louisdj.com & www.commensalist.com

Over 1.3 billion people worldwide live with disabilities - yet most assistive technologies remain expensive and out of reach. Hunny Bhagchandani, founder of Torchit Electronics, is changing that with affordable innovations like the Saarthi Smart Cane, Jyoti AI Smart Glasses, and ENABLE MART, often called the “Amazon for Accessibility.” His products have already reached half a million people across 40 countries. From an eye-opening internship at a blind school to being named Forbes 30 Under 30 and pitching on Shark Tank India, Hunny has turned a simple idea into a global movement. Join us for an inspiring conversation about breaking barriers, building inclusive tech, and championing the Purple Economy to empower 10 million families by 2030.Highlights: 00:00 Transforming Accessibility Through Technology07:31 The Journey of Innovation and User-Centric Design14:26 Scaling Impact: Community and Collaboration21:43 Empowering Lives: Stories of Change26:10 Innovative Assistive Technology for the Visually Impaired30:52 Affordability and Accessibility of Jyoti AI Glasses34:32 Lessons Learned as a Social Entrepreneur37:57 Future Innovations and Goals for Torchit Follow Hunny and Torchit here: https://mytorchit.com/ 

Dr. Ally Zlatar is an award-winning artist, activist, and academic working at the intersection of art, mental health, and social justice. Drawing from her own lived experience with an eating disorder, she founded The Starving Artist, an international initiative using creative expression to amplify marginalised voices and drive systemic reform. She also established the Starving Artist Scholarship Fund, providing financial support to help individuals access inpatient mental health treatment. In this episode, Ally shares her journey from personal struggles to launching a global movement recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30. We discuss how she uses art to heal, build inclusive communities, and drive meaningful social change. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of art to create impact. Highlights:02:49 The Role of Art in Mental Health05:34 Personal Journey and The Starving Artist08:16 Art as a Medium for Social Change11:10 Building Community Through Art14:06 Challenges in the Art World16:45 Supporting Emerging Artists19:43 Mental Health and Accessibility22:10 Reflections on Growth and Resilience24:57 Future Projects and Advice for Aspiring Change Makers30:37 Closing Thoughts and Personal Insights Find out more about Ally and The Starving Artist here: https://starvingartist.cargo.site/ 

Robyn Natsuko Shinozaki is the founder of Green Neighbors, a social enterprise reimagining how cities grow food, foster connection, and promote sustainable living. Drawing on her multicultural upbringing in Japan and Singapore, Robyn blends urban farming with community engagement to transform underused city spaces into thriving green ecosystems. In this episode, Robyn shares her journey from growing up between two cultures to launching Green Neighbors in Tokyo - a grassroots movement that brings people together through foodscaping, sustainability workshops, and local agriculture. We dive into the challenges of introducing new environmental ideas in Japan, the power of community collaboration, and how urban farming can shift not only landscapes but also mindsets. Robyn also reflects on the lessons she’s learned as a social entrepreneur, her vision for scaling Green Neighbors, and how food can be a powerful tool for connection and climate action. Join us for an inspiring conversation about green cities, social impact, and the future of food in urban life.   Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Robyn's Journey 05:10 Roots and Early Influences 09:09 Inspiration from Singapore's Urban Farming 15:27 Starting Green Neighbors 21:05 Challenges in the Japanese Market 27:55 Community Engagement and Workshops 33:25 Impact on Local Communities 39:00 Future Vision for Green Neighbors 43:14 Lessons Learned and Advice 54:02 Conclusion and Contact Information   Follow Robyn and her team at Green Neighbors here: https://www.greennbs.com Follow the Green Neighbors Instagram accounts here: https://www.instagram.com/greenneighbors.co/

Emre Caglar is the founder of Youth for a Future, a nonprofit organization working to empower children living in orphanages across Japan through education, mentorship, and self-discovery. In this episode, Emre shares his journey from launching a student club focused on the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) to building a growing youth-led movement for social impact. We delve into the challenges of working in the nonprofit sector, the emotional weight of leadership, and the deep importance of sustainability and collaboration when creating lasting change. Emre also reflects on how a pivotal experience at the One Young World summit shaped his vision and helped him build a community around youth empowerment. From quiet moments of connection in Japan’s orphanages to big-picture dreams for the future of education, Emre brings a thoughtful and grounded perspective to social entrepreneurship. Join us for an inspiring conversation about purpose, resilience, and the transformative power of giving young people the tools to shape their own futures. Highlights:00:00 Empowering Youth for a Brighter Future 10:06 The Journey of Youth for Future 20:05 Impacting Lives: Stories from the Orphanages 30:10 Challenges and Growth in Nonprofit Leadership Follow Emre and his team at Youth for Future here: https://www.yfforg.com/Follow Emre’s LinkedIn and Instagram accounts here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/emrecaglar2005/ https://www.instagram.com/emre._caglar/

Zachary Brown is a Co-Founder of Creattura, a climate tech startup dedicated to reducing methane emissions from rice farming through cutting-edge AI, satellite data, and sustainable agricultural practices. In this episode, Zachary shares his inspiring journey from a self-taught tech enthusiast to a social entrepreneur driving innovation in climate solutions. He delves into the challenges of integrating technology with agriculture, particularly in addressing the significant environmental impact of rice farming. Zachary also discusses the importance of data-driven solutions, the role of carbon credits in promoting sustainable practices, and the critical need for community engagement in successful climate projects. Through personal stories, he reflects on the lessons learned from his transition into social entrepreneurship, his motivations for tackling climate change, and his vision for the future of sustainable agriculture in Southeast Asia and Japan. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Zachary on how technology, collaboration, and innovation are shaping a more sustainable future. Highlights: 00:00 Introduction to Climate Tech and Creattura 02:11 Zach's Background and Journey into Tech 05:41 Life in Zambia and Its Influence 10:27 The Birth of Creattura and Its Mission 16:47 Addressing Methane Emissions from Rice Farming 20:37 Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Agriculture 24:09 Utilizing Satellite Technology for Climate Impact 28:00 Harnessing Satellite Data for Agricultural Innovation 32:05 Community Engagement in Agricultural Projects 34:57 Personal Stories of Impact and Inspiration 39:01 Lessons from Social Entrepreneurship 40:58 Ensuring Integrity in Carbon Credits 45:59 Future Projects and Expansions   Follow Zachary and his team at Creattura here: https://creattura.com/

Narayan Lal Gurjar, the founder and CEO of EF Polymer, has a mission to solve one of agriculture’s most pressing issues—water scarcity. Hailing from a farming community in Rajasthan, India, Narayan’s journey into agri-tech was deeply personal, inspired by his father’s struggles with water shortages. In this episode, Narayan opens up about his entrepreneurial journey, sharing the challenges, setbacks, and successes in creating a sustainable, food waste-derived solution that helps farmers thrive in water-scarce areas. He reflects on the importance of perseverance and resourcefulness, stressing how crucial these traits were in transforming his idea into a reality. Narayan also touches on the critical role mentorship, education, and community support played in his growth. Join us for an insightful conversation on innovation, sustainability, and how Narayan’s vision is making a lasting impact on both farmers and the planet. Discover the trials of building a startup from the ground up and the valuable lessons that have shaped his path toward empowering millions of farmers worldwide. Highlights 00:00 Introduction to Narayan Lal Gurjar and EF Polymer 02:32 Narayan's Early Life and Inspiration 12:10 The Journey of Innovation and Prototype Development 26:30 Overcoming Challenges and Building a Startup 29:18 Innovative Solutions for Water Scarcity 30:54 Overcoming Challenges in Entrepreneurship 41:23 Key Learnings and Reflections 46:56 Scaling and Future Aspirations 48:14 What Not to Do as an Entrepreneur Follow Narayan and his team at EF Polymer here: https://efpolymer.com/

Riki Yamauchi is a venture capitalist at Novastar Ventures, focused on driving sustainable growth through impactful investments in Africa. In this episode, Riki shares his journey from a successful finance career in Japan to becoming a leading advocate for startup innovation in Africa.  Riki discusses the unique opportunities and challenges of venture capital in Africa, highlighting how startups are innovating to solve local problems and drive positive change. He also reflects on the importance of measuring impact in his investments, the critical role of building trust in the venture capital space, and how young entrepreneurs are shaping Africa’s future. Join us as Riki shares his personal experiences, lessons learned from navigating a new market, and offers advice to aspiring changemakers looking to make a difference through business and investment. Don’t miss this insightful conversation on entrepreneurship, sustainable growth, and the transformative potential of venture capital in Africa.   Highlights:   03:11 Riki's Journey: From Finance to Venture Capital 06:02 Understanding Venture Capital: A New Perspective 15:07 Spotlight on Startups: Innovations in Africa 17:56 Life in Kenya: Surprises and Insights 21:14 Challenges Faced: Personal and Professional Growth 24:05 The Drive for Impact: Riki’s Motivation 26:58 Reflections on Growth: Lessons Learned 29:46 Advice for Aspiring Change Makers 33:09 Future Endeavors: What's Next for Riki and NovaStar Follow Riki and his team at Novastar Ventures here:https://www.novastarventures.com/

Dedy Tien is the Founder of the Peduli Learning Center, a nonprofit organisation empowering children in rural Indonesia through education. Growing up in a remote village without electricity, Dedy’s journey to becoming an education innovator and social entrepreneur is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Dedy shares how he transformed his personal challenges into a passion for providing local children with essential skills such as English proficiency, entrepreneurship, and communication. He delves into the evolution of Peduli Learning Center, discussing the hurdles he faced in building the organisation, as well as the impact it has on the community.  Dedy also explores the role of mentors and the integration of AI tools like ChatGPT to improve the learning experience for both students and educators. Join us for a deep dive into the importance of continuous learning, the power of mentorship, and how technology is shaping the future of education in rural communities. Highlights 06:36 A Growing Interest in Social Entrepreneurship15:55 Challenges and Growth of the Peduli Learning Center32:52 Using AI Tools like ChatGPT in Education44:33 Key Skills for Students and Future Plans Follow Dedy & the Peduli Learning Centre here: https://peduli.school/ 

Thomas Chevallier, Co-founder and Director of Plant the Seed, launched a community-run organic farm as a student. Years later, this evolved into an impact-driven business providing end-to-end waste management solutions to South African schools and businesses.  Plant the Seed has diverted 100,000+kgs of waste from landfills through its innovative ‘Zero Waste Toolkit’, as well as empowering 17,000+ people, including 1,000+ educators, with training in recycling and waste management. We follow Thomas’ journey from starting a student movement to leading a revolutionary waste management business. He explores the challenges and successes of turning a passion into a business, finding ‘bleeding neck problems’, and how his team uses creative videos and nudges to drive behaviour change in schools. Join us for an uplifting conversation about entrepreneurship, waste management, perseverance, education, and Thomas’ ongoing mission for a cleaner, greener future.Highlights 06:09 Launching the Student Organic Farm11:01 Challenges in Establishing a Sustainable Business16:05 Identifying the 'Bleeding Neck Problem'24:02 The Zero Waste Toolkit: A Comprehensive Solution30:33 Systems Thinking in Action37:11 Bridging Gaps: Education and Infrastructure44:34 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Challenges and Motivations50:20 Key Learnings, Reflections & Future Aspirations Follow Thomas & Plant The Seed here: https://planttheseed.co.za/  

Anaiah Singh is a 15-year-old changemaker and the creator of HeartTalk, an app transforming teen mental health through peer-to-peer voice messaging.  Inspired by her own struggles with bullying and isolation, Anaiah is on a mission to provide a lifeline for teens facing loneliness and mental health challenges. Her Instagram account reached 30 million+ people and the beta version of her app attracted 3,000+ users within weeks. In this episode, Anaiah shares her journey from a struggling middle schooler to a teen entrepreneur, discussing the youth mental health crisis and the challenges of building a supportive community. She reflects on personal growth, resilience, and the lessons learned in bringing her vision to life. Join us for an inspiring conversation about using technology for good, building human connection, and Anaiah’s dream of a world where no teen feels alone. Highlights 00:00 Anaiah’s Story 08:48 The Impact of Social Media on Teen Mental Health 15:54 Building the MVP and Going Viral 20:57 Overcoming Challenges in Social Media 26:27 Reflections on Personal Growth 31:31 Encouragement for the Younger Self Follow Anaiah and HeartTalk here: https://hearttalk.app/welcome_page   

"What is your dream?" That was the question Taichi Ichikawa, CEO of World Road, asked 201 young people from 201 countries. Their answers are captured in his groundbreaking book, “We Have a Dream”, a collection of stories from around the globe focusing on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).  Taichi’s mission to empower young people quickly expanded beyond the page, inspiring a TV series on the Discovery Channel that showcases these powerful stories. We explore how Taichi turned his vision into a global platform, building an education and training company, navigating the challenges of cross-cultural storytelling, and harnessing the power of community to drive change. Join us for an uplifting conversation on dreaming big, resilience, and the power of storytelling to unite 201 countries with one vision. Highlights03:03 Taichi's Journey: From Struggles to Inspiration09:02 The Birth of World Road and Its Mission11:56 Creating the Book: We Have a Dream18:07 Documentary and Media Collaborations21:04 Reflections on Inspiration and Community Support30:00 The Power of Vision and Support38:59 Common Threads in Dreams and Goals44:08 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers50:00 Finding Your Dream and Role Models Follow Taichi & the World Dream Project: www.instagram.com/worlddreamproject

Anya Raza, a Pakistani-Dutch filmmaker, uses storytelling to challenge norms and drive social change. Known for her impactful documentaries, Anya’s work spans economic empowerment, humanitarian causes, human rights, and freedom of expression. For example, her film “How She Moves” follows classical dance guru Indu Mitha, showcasing her feminist and secular approach to dance in Pakistan, illustrating the power of art to inspire change.In this episode, Anya shares her journey from economics to filmmaking, reflecting on the importance of empathy, speaking up on sensitive issues, and connecting with audiences on a human level. Join us as Anya shares insights on navigating complex social issues, personal growth, and making an impact through storytelling.Highlights04:17 The Journey to Filmmaking07:22 Questioning the Status Quo11:23 The Power of Storytelling19:56 Inspiring Action Through Films21:21 Guiding Viewers to Take Action & Challenges31:43 Human Connection in Storytelling41:26 The Importance of Trusting Your Intuition46:49 Upcoming ProjectsFollow Anya and her impactful work here: https://www.instagram.com/anyarazaofficial/

Kai Childs is on a mission to change education with The Innovation Fellowship, a new international school in Tokyo that empowers students to explore their passions and build real-world skills.In this episode, we explore Kai’s path from career experimentation in his 20s to building a purpose-driven school in his 30s.At The Innovation Fellowship, students learn through project-based work, self-paced academics, and research. They tackle unique projects that spark their curiosity and build essential skills for the future. Kai candidly shares about the school's launch, the importance of a shared vision, and the power of starting small.Join us as we discuss reimagining education, building purpose-driven communities, and Kai’s take on meaningful, lasting change.Highlights00:00 Getting to know Kai13:26 Experimentation & Mindset Shift: From 20s to 30s21:28 Building a School: Launching the Innovation Fellowship in Tokyo28:42 Personalised Projects for Students35:01 Accreditation and a Well-Rounded Education36:38 Creating Value and Developing Real-World Skills52:21 The Importance of Alignment and Not Forcing ThingsFind out more about The Innovation Fellowship: https://www.innovationfellowship.org/

Kana Watando is the Co-founder and Director of INOW Kamikatsu, an educational tourism organisation based in Japan’s first “Zero Waste village”, Kamikatsu. With a mission to integrate sustainable living practices into everyday life, Kana helps visitors immerse themselves in the village's unique and charming lifestyle, offering homestay experiences and hands-on educational programs that build deep connections between visitors and the local community.We explore Kana’s journey from Canada to rural Japan, examining the challenges and rewards of life in Kamikatsu, where 80% of the village's waste is diverted from landfills. This innovative approach has established the town as a leading example of sustainable living and waste management, serving as a model for communities in Japan and beyond.Join us for an inspiring conversation about Zero Waste living, rural revitalization, and the power of community-driven change.Highlights02:07 Kana’s Journey to Kamikatsu06:23 Choosing to Live in Rural Japan11:29 Zero Waste Efforts in Kamikatsu15:43 Projects and Impact of INOW Kamikatsu22:36 Tours and Experiences Creating Impact26:27 Overcoming Challenges in Sustainable Tourism and Education28:19 Deep Understanding of Place and Co-Creation in Sustainable Tourism32:04 Balancing the Needs of the Local Community and Authentic Experiences36:49 Seeking Community and Taking Things Step by StepFind out more about INOW Kamikatsu and follow Kana’s journey: https://inowkamikatsu.com/

Carole Fuchs is a green ultra athlete, entrepreneur, and climate activist who has climbed some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest. As the founder of Feel Run, a circular economy business that creates sustainable sportswear, Carole is passionate about reducing the environmental impact of the sports industry.We explore her many adventures in extreme environments, including her experiences climbing Everest and the challenges she faced on the way. She also discusses her latest project, the Great Himalaya Run—a 1,600-kilometer run across the Great Himalayan Trail in Nepal—where she will document the devastating impacts of the climate crisis on both the environment and the local communities.Join us for an inspiring conversation with Carole about adventures, resilience, climate activism, storytelling, and blazing a new path towards impact.Highlights02:25 From Alpinist to Environmental Entrepreneur06:05 Overcoming Fear and Taking Action14:22 The Impact of the Climate Crisis23:26 Challenges and Successes of Feel Run28:05 Carole's Daily Routine and Motivation33:36 Reaching the Peak of Everest38:49 Environmental Challenges on Everest: Melting Glaciers and Waste41:52 The Great Himalaya Run: Raising Awareness and Engaging Communities52:37 Advice for Aspiring Changemakers: Take Action and Build MomentumFollow Carole here: https://www.instagram.com/carolefuchs/And support her Great Himalayan Run crowdfunding campaign: https://gogetfunding.com/the-great-himalayan-run/

Zar Li Aye, a lawyer and human rights defender from Myanmar, has dedicated herself to building a network of legal experts who courageously protect the rights of persecuted individuals - often risking their own lives in the process.She shares her remarkable journey from an aspiring musician to a key figure in the fight for justice in Myanmar.Zar Li delves into the country’s political landscape, shedding light on the hurdles her team faces in providing legal aid to the imprisoned and oppressed. She also explores the significance of trust, courage, and collaboration in their vital mission to amplify the voices of the voiceless. Drawing from rewarding stories from the front lines, she offers advice for aspiring changemakers and shares her goals and dreams for the future.Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Zar Li on resilience, hope, and the pursuit of justice in Myanmar and beyond.Highlights08:41 From Musician to Lawyer25:03 Challenges and Triumphs in Providing Legal Assistance31:04 The Power of Trust and Teamwork in Leadership36:13 Rewarding Moments and Appreciation42:59 Personal Growth and Advice for Changemakers50:28 Future Goals and Aspirations53:34 Ways to Support Zar Li's WorkFollow Zar Li and her vital work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zar-li-aye-99889595/

Kei Ikegami is the Founder and CEO of Planet Savers, Japan’s first Direct Air Capture (DAC) startup. From working in international development in the Middle East to completing his MBA at Cambridge, Kei shares his entrepreneurial story and his company’s mission to tackle the climate crisis through its deep technology that captures carbon dioxide directly from the atmosphere. He discusses building his company from scratch, including developing the startup’s core technology, raising funds from investors, and finding the right team to make his vision come to life. Kei also candidly shares his successes and challenges, as well as the many learnings from his unique journey.We discuss Kei’s “why” behind what he does and Planet Savers’ road map for the future, as well as insights on how changemakers can embrace failure and pursue their passions to make an impact.Highlights06:42 Kei's Journey: From International Development to Climate Tech14:22 Building Planet Savers: Motivation and Technology24:08 Challenges in Climate Tech Entrepreneurship28:07 Fundraising and Support 33:08 The Entrepreneurial Journey: Passion, Motivation, and Challenges43:55 Becoming a Father and Changing Perspectives50:56 The Future of Planet Savers: Projects and ChallengesFind out more about Planet Savers and follow their journey here: https://planetsavers.earth/

Serkan Toso launched byFood, a platform connecting foodie travelers with unique culinary experiences, in 2019. Since then, the company has donated 600,000+ meals to children in need through its ‘Food for Happiness’ program.Having moved from Turkey to Japan, Serkan shares his fascinating journey into entrepreneurship and his many learnings from building and scaling his company.He candidly shares how byFood diversified its revenue streams during the pandemic, merging companies with another like-minded entrepreneur, and the company’s successes and challenges, including raising funds from investors to scale their service globally.We discuss how Serkan - a Forbes 30 Under 30 Honouree - deals with stress and maintains balance as a founder and recent father, his key insights on scaling a startup through different phases of growth, and how to differentiate in the competitive online travel industry. Highlights08:02 Starting byFood & Overcoming Challenges26:43 Scaling and Hiring the Right People34:11 Maintaining Work-Life Balance as a Founder & Father43:16 Overcoming Challenges as a Foreign Entrepreneur53:21 Advice for Aspiring ChangemakersFind out more about byFood and follow their journey here: https://www.byfood.com/

Ralph Nicolai Nasara is Co-founder and CTO of OOYOO, a social impact startup focused on capturing carbon dioxide and cleaning air for a sustainable future.Ralph shares his personal story and how his fascination with energy and batteries at a young age led him to pursue a career in climate tech, including a 10-year deep dive into the field of lithium-ion batteries.He explains the challenges and opportunities of carbon capture, as well as OOYOO's core technology - a passive membrane filtration system capturing CO2 - and shares about the company's future plans and current partnership with the Japanese government.Ralph also openly discusses the significance of mentors, building a team culture where people can be their authentic selves, and the value of humility and open-mindedness in problem-solving.Highlights00:00 Early Days: Fascination with Batteries to Climate Tech08:15 Carbon Capture: Challenges and Opportunities 25:41 Collaborating with the Japanese Government and Technology Deployment36:38 The Power of Mentors and a 'Challenge Network'45:06 The Importance of Humility and UnlearningFind out more about OOYOO: https://www.ooyoo.co.jp/en/