Previous Impact Episodes
Impact with John Shegerian produces new episodes every week. Visit regularly to explore our archive of past conversations below.
Helping Big Brands Reduce Environmental Impact wtih the ‘Truth About Green Business’ Author Gil Friend
Gil Friend, who just released a new book titled The Truth About Green Business, speaks with John and Mike about sustainable business and how you “don’t have to choose between making money and making sense.” After 40+ years working with green businesses, Gil has helped companies like Coca-Cola, General Mills, Hewlett Packard and PG&E make…
Focusing on the Economics of Recycing with RecycleBank’s Ron Gonen
Today, John and Mike interview Ron Gonen, the co-founder of RecycleBank, a program that focuses on the economics of recycling and diverting waste from landfills. RecycleBank allows residents to earn reward points based on how much material their household recycles, and then redeem those points for rewards from stores such as Target or Sears. Listen…
Connecting Green Issues and Business Ventures with Paul Mitchell Hair Products’ John Paul DeJoria
This week, John and Mike interview a guest who was green before it was cool: John Paul DeJoria, the co-founder of Paul Mitchell hair products. From developing the Tea Tree products line in conjunction with American Forests — a nonprofit group devoted to preserving and growing trees — to starting the first hair company that…
Discussing the Emergence of the ‘Green Collar’ Worker with Ecopreneur John Ivanko
John and Mike meet with John Ivanko, an ecopreneur who advocates purpose, community and green behavior over profit. Even in today’s unstable economy, John explains how “green” collar workers are emerging and new business opportunities can be found just by taking traditional ideas and turning them green. You too can become an ecopreneur, restore the…
Conserving Energy with CFL Light Bulbs with Greenlite Lighting Corporation’s Tom Cohen
Today’s guest, Tom Cohen, is the Director of Sales at Greenlite Lighting Corporation, a company devoted to conserving energy through the use of CFL light bulbs. The green team discusses how buying energy-efficient lighting products can make a difference to the planet and to your wallet. Along with John and Mike, learn about the benefits…
Using Natural Fiber Products in the Insulation Industry with Bonded Logic’s Tod Kean
On this episode, John and Mike speak with Tod Kean, the founder of Bonded Logic. Since its start in 1994, Bonded Logic has become the leading manufacturer of natural fiber insulation in the country by creating this insulation out of recycled denim and other natural fabrics. Kean discusses his goals as a member of the…
Conveniently Reducing Environmental Impact with ‘The Lazy Environmentalist’ Josh Dorfman
This week, we join John and Mike as they interview Josh Dorfman, the “Lazy Environmentalist,” who encourages people to “think smarter” about the benefits of green behavior. After having an epiphany inspired by an interesting question, Josh decided to embark on endeavors that would reduce people’s impact on the environment without great personal inconvenience or…
Discussing ‘the Greenest Pizza in America’ with Pizza Fusion’s Mike Parisi
On today’s show, John and Mike host Mike Parisi, a local ecopreneur who recently opened the fourth Pizza Fusion restaurant in California. Pizza Fusion, a franchise that originated in Florida, is dedicated to producing high-quality organic food and “the greenest pizza in America.” Listen in as they discuss how the Pizza Fusion chain is helping…
Recycling Cell Phones to Prevent E-waste with PaceButler’s Tom Pace
John, Mike and guest Mandingo Cain speak with Tom Pace, an inspirational entrepreneur and the founder of PaceButler, one of the largest cell phone recycling companies in the nation. Because cell phones are fully recyclable, PaceButler purchases used cell phones to prevent excessive environmental waste. Beyond his work with cell phone recycling, Pace also authored…
Promoting Green Behavior in the Media with Environmental Media Association’s Debbie Levin
John and Mike speak with Debbie Levin, President of the Environmental Media Association (EMA), about how her organization puts environmental messages into TV shows and movies. Though also working on other programs and initiatives, the EMA’s goal is to have the media promote green behavior, almost like “product placement for the environment.” Listen in as…
Spearheading a Green Movement with City of Fresno’s Joseph Oldham
Joseph Oldham, today’s featured guest, is the interim Sustainability Manager for the City of Fresno. Oldham is also the Chairman of the Fresno Green Team and spearheaded Fresno’s “three-can system,” where residents received two recycling containers along with their regular trash can. This movement, together with many others, has made the city of Fresno the…
Preserving the Natural Wonders of California with Keep California Beautiful’s Christine Flowers-Ewing
This episode focuses on California, the leading state for promoting green and sustainability issues. John and Mike interview Christine Flowers-Ewing, the Executive Director of Keep California Beautiful, a volunteer-based organization dedicated to preserving the natural wonders of California through education, effort and enforcement. With initiatives such as the upcoming reusable bag campaign, Flowers-Ewing’s organization hopes…