Sustainability For Sinners

About Sustainability For Sinners

Long-form podcast exploring sustainability, culture, ideology, institutional power, human behaviour, and the future direction of society. - all from an ‘enlightened’ self-interest perspective. Through open and thought-provoking conversations with scientists, authors, journalists, critics, and independent thinkers, the show explores where environmental issues intersect with politics, economics, media narratives, technology, agriculture, mental health and culture. The goal isn’t political tribalism or blind agreement — it’s curiosity, critical thinking, and honest conversations.

Publisher

Chris O'Connor

Category

society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

Yes

First episode

12 Feb 2025

Latest episode

11 Feb 2026

Latest episodes

18 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   11 Feb 2026

   Julian Mellentin - Sustainable Food - Hype vs. Reality?

   Interview with Julian Mellentin — Nutrition, Food Systems & the Future of Sustainable Eating In this in-depth conversation, we dive with Julian Mellentin — Director and founder of New Nutrition Business, one of the world’s leading consultancies in the business of food, nutrition, and health. Julian brings decades of experience analysing global food trends, consumer behaviour, and the shifting landscape of nutrition and sustainability. Throughout our interview we unpack analysing: The plant-based movement: what’s real, what’s hype, and why the category isn’t living up to a lot of the expectations in the media and investment circles. The rise of lab-grown meats: what it means for consumers and the environment, and how it fits (or doesn’t) into long-term sustainable food systems. A critical look at environmental and food journalism: Julian shares why many media narratives around food, nutrition, sustainability, and “solutions” are often oversimplified — and sometimes misleading. The broader food landscape: how traditional foods, industry dynamics, and consumer beliefs shape what ends up on our plates. What sustainable food really looks like: moving beyond buzzwords to evidence-based, systems-level thinking about health and planetary impacts. This was one of the most thoughtful and nuanced discussions yet — especially for anyone curious about the intersection of nutrition science, media narratives, and environmental realities. Connect with Julian here - 📌 Website — New Nutrition Business: https://www.new-nutrition.com/ (where you can find his podcast) 🐦 X (Twitter): https://x.com/JulianMellentin

2. 

   5 Feb 2026

   Prof. Frank Mitloehner: The Scientist Mainstream Media Tried to Cancel

   If you’re tired of talk and want real science, real debates, and real solutions — this interview cuts through the noise. In this hard-hitting conversation, I sit down with Professor Frank Mitloehner, Ph.D., Air Quality Specialist and Professor of Animal Science at UC Davis — a scientist who’s been attacked in The New York Times and by environmental activists for his research and outspoken views on food systems and sustainability.  Mitloehner has become a lightning rod in the debate over climate science, livestock, and the future of food — accused of bias simply for working with farmers and industry to reduce environmental impacts. Yet the investigations claiming wrongdoing find no breach of disclosure requirements, and he continues to defend his work on its merits.  In this interview we dig into: • Why he believes the narrative around livestock and greenhouse gases is misleading • How scientific debate gets distorted when media prioritises clicks over context • His quest for truth, not ideology • Why he defends farmers and working food producers • His critical perspective on synthetic foods & lab-grown meat hype 👉 Follow him on X/Twitter: @GHGGuru — the official handle where he shares research insights and commentary.  📌 Featured in NY Times article “He’s an Outspoken Defender of Meat. Industry Funds His Research, Files Show” — explore more and judge for yourself.  ***Interview recorded 3rd September 2025***

3. 

   30 Jan 2026

   Kate Mason investigates how NET ZERO AGENDA's are impacting our personal lives

   In this interview, I’m joined by investigative journalist Kate Mason, a researcher and writer dedicated to examining the evolving state of democracy in Australia and critically deconstructing the narratives surrounding the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).Kate’s work emerged from deep concern during the Covid years, when Australians were confronted with conflicting political messaging — calls to “return to normal” alongside promises to “Build Back Better.” Rather than accepting these slogans at face value, Kate set out to uncover what Building Back Better actually meant in practice — and who stood to benefit.Since 2021, she has rigorously analysed government and corporate policy documents, tracing the connections between public institutions, private corporations, and their collaborative bodies. Her investigations span global frameworks down to the Australian political landscape, with a particular focus on net zero agendas, technological transformation, and the policy mechanisms driving large-scale societal change.Kate’s work cuts through carefully crafted, reassuring language to examine the real-world impacts of these agendas — asking how they affect democracy, sovereignty, communities, and individual rights. Her focus is on documenting what governments and corporations are openly stating in their own plans, strategies, and partnerships.With an Honours degree in Applied Science (Social Ecology) and a long history working in community development and welfare, Kate brings both academic depth and lived, people-centred insight to her research. At the heart of her work is a deeply held belief that people have a right to full access to information about transformative policies — and a genuine voice in shaping the future being built around them.Kate argues that government and public–private partnership initiatives must be transparent, accountable, and meaningfully engage the people they affect, rather than being driven by technocratic processes removed from democratic scrutiny.In this conversation, we explore democracy, net zero policies, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and the societal consequences of top-down transformation, asking who decides, who benefits, and what these agendas mean for the future of civic life in Australia and beyond.*Also, just a minor correction regarding Kate's comment that Australia's energy is privatised - she has clarified that some states have privatised energy, others (including the Northern Territory) are public and some are a mixture of both public and private.Where to Find Kate’s WorkWebsite / Research Hub:https://www.katemasonresearch.com.au/YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UChK4hnsPQX40yx-IslLFqdgSubstack:https://kate739.substack.com/Rumble:https://rumble.com/user/katemasonIMOP

4. 

   1 Jan 2026

   Prof. Peter Byck - the Amazing Results of Regenerative Farming, and the Science to back it up!)

   Professor Peter Byck discusses the promising outcomes of regenerative farming practices and the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness, highlighting the potential for soil health and carbon storage in this interview.

5. 

   10 Sept 2025

   Prof. Frédéric Leroy on Food Wars, Idealism, Shady Science, Money & Policy, the Dublin Declaration

   Host interviews Prof. Frédéric Leroy, a food science expert, about livestock's role in sustainable food systems and critiques of plant-based agendas.

6. 

   26 Aug 2025

   Elze van Hamelen: Protecting Farmers, Fishermen & SME's, Aggressive Climate Agendas, Windfarms

   Investigative journalist Elze van Hamelen discusses aggressive climate agendas and windfarms with host [Host Name], offering insights into protecting farmers and SMEs.

7. 

   16 Jul 2025

   The Great Plant Based Con - Why a Plant Based Diet Won't Improve Your Health or Save the Planet

   Jayne Buxton, author, discusses the realities of the global plant-based movement and its impact on health, animal welfare, and the environment in an interview, revealing insights into sustainable food systems.

8. 

   9 Jul 2025

   Irish Farmer Transforms Forest into Regenerative Farm!

   Brendan Guinan MSc discusses his award-winning regenerative farm converted from a commercial forest in Ireland and his documentary, 'Malin to Misenhead,' in this interview.

9. 

   16 Jun 2025

   Standing With Farmers: Dairy Girl Diaries on the Fight to Save Family Farms

   Stephanie Nash of Dairy Girl Diaries discusses the increasing pressures that fifth-generation family farms face from environmental organizations, highlighting the importance of supporting farming communities in an interview with the host.

10. 

    8 Jun 2025

    Helen Fisher: Protecting Farmers, The Benefits of Community & Systemic Change through a Regenerative Lens

    Podcast host Helen Fisher discusses protecting farmers, the benefits of community, and systemic change through a regenerative lens in this interview episode.

11. 

    28 May 2025

    Katie Delimon - Mindfulness, The Shadow Self and Sustainability Efforts

    Katie Delimon, somatic coach, explores mindfulness as it relates to environmentalism, critiques its misuse by corporations, and discusses integrating the shadow self for personal growth and sustainability in this interview.

12. 

    18 Apr 2025

    Suzanne Boothby: Water & Your Health, Your Personal Water Crisis Plan, Home Buying Considerations

    In this episode, I speak to Suzanne Boothby—co-author of 'Superman’s Not Coming' alongside environmental activist Erin Brockovich. This is hands down one of the most practical and empowering books out there when it comes to water issues, chemical contamination, and grassroots action. They bring years of frontline experience, and the book is a blueprint for real change, packed with legal insight, case studies, community success stories, and the tools you need to find your voice and organise locally. This isn’t theory—it’s written by people who have been doing the work for decades. Whether you’re dealing with contaminated water, toxic chemicals like PFAS, or feeling helpless about the state of public health, this episode (and this book) gives you a way forward. We also talk about The Brockovich Report, a must-read newsletter that dives deep into environmental and public health issues across the country (but can be applied everywhere). This is where you can find the Water Crisis Plan we referred to. Links mentioned in this episode: • Buy the book Superman’s Not Coming: https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/622678/supermans-not-coming-by-erin-brockovich-with-suzanne-boothby/ • The Brockovich Report Newsletter: https://www.thebrockovichreport.com

13. 

    17 Apr 2025

    Nadaline Webster (Round 2): Our Attention Spans, Lies About Farming, Animal Welfare, Adult Bullying

    Another great conversation with author Nadaline Webster about many different issues - adult bullying, hitting tough times in life, our attention being stolen by technology, failing climate policy that's hurting farmers and misleading the public, the long-term damage done to the reputation of traditional farming. Her recent book (link below), examines the shortcomings of current methane emission calculations for livestock, highlighting how these flawed metrics unfairly penalise farmers. She believes in a fair, scientifically accurate approach to environmental responsibility-one that supports farmers rather than punishing them. ***WHERE YOU CAN BUY HER BOOK: AMAZON (Germany)https:// www.amazon.de/dp/BOCQDH5JRWTitle - Flawed Figures & Fragile Futures: Why science, not politics, should be driving climate policy (Nadaline Webster)

14. 

    18 Feb 2025

    Simone Gisondi: Holistic Health, Hitting Rock Bottom, Organic Food, Taking Care of Yourself

    Holistic Health Expert & Author - Simone Gisondi After following her content on instagram and listening to her podcasts for the longest time, I was so happy to finally speak to Simone! She's a wealth of knowledge and dished out lots of great advice (*AHEM* - the type of expert holistic health advice people pay a lot of money for in to hear in private!! There's a saying in Germany "Ein guter Rat ist teuer", which basically translates into "Good advice is expensive" . They say it all the time. This here, this is that kind of expensive advice, and you get it for free! :) It was absolutely every bit as fun and educational as I had hoped it would be. So I really hope you get something out of it too. Find Simone here! Go check her stuff out, totally worth it! :) Podcast:The Health Confidential with Simone Gisondi (https://simonegisondi.com/so/afPKOomET/c?w=FY1V-ZAgmKS8dx9eoqTWejYrGTJGFmO41tqhogJOEFM.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly9vcGVuLnNwb3RpZnkuY29tL3Nob3cvNlBNZjE1MGdtWm5kUXMzUkljVTd6aSIsInIiOiI1MDIxZGM2NS03MmM3LTQ1NTgtYjFjYS1hYjQ3NmU1NTliOWYiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5YTg4ZjJkOS03Zjg2LTRlNTMtYTBjZS1hYzY3Njc0YTRkMzAifQ) on Spotify (Tune in for inspiring conversations and expert knowledge on healing and health *** In particular, check out the podcast she did on organic foods - 'The True Cost of Health: Understanding the Value of Organic Eating' *** Instagram:@simone.gisondi ( (https://simonegisondi.com/so/afPKOomET/c?w=HoEQRZq-GetK5xhylhjB3DTS_njGPqY5HiGZD95CCvc.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaW5zdGFncmFtLmNvbS9zaW1vbmUuZ2lzb25kaSIsInIiOiI0ZWJhNDVhNC03ZjA4LTRhZWYtYTBlZS0xOWMxZGI2NDQ1ZjUiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5YTg4ZjJkOS03Zjg2LTRlNTMtYTBjZS1hYzY3Njc0YTRkMzAifQ)Behind-the-scenes content, daily wellness tips, and insights into living a healthier life.) YouTube:Health Confidential ( (https://simonegisondi.com/so/afPKOomET/c?w=dYh3J0RU4mb2emypbidkJQ6Qb8ZZ9Qmct7H5_ECq1ow.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cueW91dHViZS5jb20vQEhlYWx0aENvbmZpZGVudGlhbC92aWRlb3MiLCJyIjoiNTQzY2I5ZGQtZWMwMC00MjkwLWIyNzEtNjVjMDk3NzQyNjI4IiwibSI6Im1haWwiLCJjIjoiOWE4OGYyZDktN2Y4Ni00ZTUzLWEwY2UtYWM2NzY3NGE0ZDMwIn0)Explore in-depth videos on holistic health, natural remedies, and expert interviews.) Consultation: Booking Page for 30 min Appointment (https://simonegisondi.com/so/afPKOomET/c?w=_T6K4RkFX7zewLeOFXD5aiMw6fsnrc73xUGDd3tg18c.eyJ1IjoiaHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc2ltb25lZ2lzb25kaS5jb20vYm9va2luZy1jYWxlbmRhci8zMC1taW4tYXBwb2ludG1lbnQtd2l0aC1zaW1vbmUtZ2lzb25kaSIsInIiOiI3NWI3YjAxOC00MTFjLTQxYmUtYjEwOS0xM2VmZDEzNzFjZjQiLCJtIjoibWFpbCIsImMiOiI5YTg4ZjJkOS03Zjg2LTRlNTMtYTBjZS1hYzY3Njc0YTRkMzAifQ) Website: simonegisondi.com (where you can sign up to her newsletter) Find Chris here! Instagram - @sustainabilityforsinners Podcast (Spotify, Apple, Amazon Music) - sustainabilityforsinners Youtube - sustainabilityforsinnersLINKTREE - (to understand my background and the objective of my work)about.me/sustainabilityforsinners

15. 

    18 Feb 2025

    Stacy Malkan: Healthy Food, Safe Cosmetics, Propaganda, Billionaires, False Environmental Solutions

    Stacy is pretty much what I'd describe as a PERSONAL HERO of mine. The battle to 'Make America Healthy Again has long been going on before it became a popular mainstream movement, with Stacy Malkan being one of the bravest souls leading the way. Now I don't mean to say that you and I are ungrateful or anything, but we all actually probably owe her a great deal of gratitude for continuously fighting the battles behind the scenes to keep our FOOD, our WATER, our AIR, our COSMETICS and all our HOUSEHOLD PRODUCTS clean & healthy. Her work as an investigative journalist, writer and organiser is nothing but outstanding, and she's been doing this for decades. She stood up to (and stopped!) the biggest baddest companies you can think of from misbehaving - all in the name of PROTECTING PUBLIC HEALTH. I say the following with strong conviction - The work she and her team do, at 'The US Right to Know', is at the forefront of investigative journalism. What we read in our daily newspapers or see on the news and in documentaries is actually what trickles down from investigative platforms like this one. They work tirelessly to stop unsuspecting citizens from being preyed upon. So when calling out and tackling the bad behaviour of corporations and corrupt governments, it is Stacy and her colleague's efforts that very often form the backbone and strength needed to see these cases through successfully. (Do you see why I think we kind of owe them a debt of gratitude??!) Anyways, I'm delighted this worked out and I wish her and her colleagues all the very best in their investigative work and top quality journalism. Also, from a self-interest perspective - If they win, we win. So we should all be rooting for them! *** Below is her bio. Stacy Malkan is a prominent figure in environmental health and transparency advocacy. She co-founded U.S. Right to Know (USRTK), a nonprofit dedicated to investigating the food and agricultural industries, focusing on public health impacts, corporate influence, and transparency. Her investigative work at USRTK has exposed corporate lobbying and PR efforts, particularly in the pesticide and GMO sectors, and she has addressed critical issues like pesticide-linked health risks and corporate influence over scientific research. Additionally, Stacy co-authored Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry (2007), a book examining toxic ingredients in cosmetics and advocating for consumer health and safety. This work complements her role as a co-founder of the Campaign for Safe Cosmetics, where she pushed for safer standards across beauty products. She has also contributed articles on related topics in major outlets like The New York Times and Washington Post and appeared in documentaries such as The Human Experiment, highlighting environmental health issues.Throughout her career, Malkan has sought accountability from major corporations and supported legislative efforts like California’s Right to Know GMO-labeling initiative, underscoring her commitment to health, environmental integrity, and transparency. Her recent publications at USRTK continue to investigate influential entities in global agriculture and food policy, including the Gates Foundation’s impact on African agriculture and pesticide risks in the U.S.For more on her work, see her recent investigations and publications at U.S. Right to Know and Food Revolution Network. - US Right To Know - https://usrtk.org - Not Just a Pretty Face: The Ugly Side of the Beauty Industry (2007) - https://www.amazon.co.uk/Not-Just-Pretty-Face-Industry/dp/0865715742

16. 

    13 Feb 2025

    Nadaline Webster: Protecting Small Farmers, Failing Climate Policy, Politics, Rural Life

    *** Even though we speak about Ireland a lot, the SAME THING is happening all across the world. *** This was a great conversation with author Nadaline Webster about small farmers, climate emissions and how they are measured. Her recent book (LINK BELOW), examines the shortcomings of current methane emission calculations for livestock, highlighting how these flawed metrics unfairly penalise farmers. She believes in a fair, scientifically accurate approach to environmental responsibility—one that supports farmers rather than punishing them.***WHERE YOU CAN BUY HER BOOK: AMAZON (Germany)https://www.amazon.de/dp/B0CQDH5JRWTitle - Flawed Figures & Fragile Futures: Why science, not politics, should be driving climate policy (Nadaline Webster)

17. 

    12 Feb 2025

    Mel Gavin: Retrofitting, Environmental Skeptics, Capitalism, Sketchy Climate Solutions, Immigration

    Mel and I have worked together on a couple of projects relating to energy efficiency and carbon reductions. His thoughts and insights on ourattempts at transitioning to a low carbon economy and to a more sustainable world are invaluable. Why? Because he literally has on the ground experience with so many different types of projects and can see the good and bad in how they are all progressing, quite unlike the classic 'armchair intellectual' in a university (no offence) or the government bureaucrat who only ever sits behind his or her desk (take some offence). He's different, because he is ON THE GROUND and really understands what's going on. I value his opinion and hope we can do this again some day. ***Mel Gavin, RD&I Coordinator, IT SligoMel is a Civil & Structural Engineer and Certified Energy Manager with experience in design and project management on a wide range of private and public projects including, sustainable buildings, wind farms, energy efficiency, product and process design, waste and resource efficiency. Mel currently manages the Contract Research Unit at IT Sligo providing outreach external engagement in research, development and innovation support to regional enterprises, communities and individuals.

18. 

    12 Feb 2025

    Colin Nunan: The Global Antibiotics Crisis, Health, Reducing Our Exposure, Animal Welfare

    Colin Nunan is a Policy and Science Manager for the Save Our Antibiotics Alliance. We discuss the urgent global crisis of antibiotic resistance. Colin shares insights on how overuse of antibiotics in farming and healthcare is fuelling the rise of superbugs and endangering public health worldwide.We explore the environmental and societal impacts of antibiotic misuse, potential solutions for sustainable agriculture, and what individuals, policymakers, and industries can do to combat this growing threat. Want to hear more from Colin? Check out his powerful TED Talk here: https://www.ted.com/talks/coilin_nunan_change_farming_and_save_our_antibiotics?subtitle=en🔗 Learn more about Save Our Antibiotics Alliance: https://www.saveourantibiotics.org📢

Who has been a guest on Sustainability For Sinners

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Peter Byck
• Prof Frédéric Leroy
• Elze van Hamelen
• Jayne Buxton
• Brendan Guinan

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

YouTube views

16,795

Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025

Spotify

4.9 / 5

9 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 28 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

15

Social presence

0

YouTube

72

Engagement

32

Contact Sustainability For Sinners

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.