<![CDATA[Net Podsitive: Regeneration + Resilience]]>Regenerative Conversations for a Resilient Future

The transition to a healthier, more resilient built environment depends on people willing to question conventional practices, challenge assumptions, and put better ideas to work.

Net Podsitive explores the people behind the progress, what drives them, what challenges them, and what they've learned along the way.

Hosted by Richard Garrett, the podcast features architects, designers, researchers, sustainability leaders, and others working to change how we design, build, and relate to the world around us.

Each episode explores the challenges, choices, and connections that turn ideas into action.

From regenerative design and healthier materials to climate action and community resilience, these conversations examine the ideas and experiences shaping a more regenerative future.

Net Podsitive is part of Podsitive Network, an independent media network connecting the people, places, and products advancing a healthier, more resilient built environment.

Explore the network at Podsitive.net

]]>https://podsitive.net/net-podsitive/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Tue, 03 Nov 2026 07:38:00 GMTWed, 19 Nov 2025 18:20:15 GMT60Richard Garrett<p><b><strong>Regenerative Conversations for a Resilient Future</strong></b></p><p>The transition to a healthier, more resilient built environment depends on people willing to question conventional practices, challenge assumptions, and put better ideas to work.</p><p><b><strong>Net Podsitive</strong></b> explores the people behind the progress, what drives them, what challenges them, and what they've learned along the way.</p><p>Hosted by Richard Garrett, the podcast features architects, designers, researchers, sustainability leaders, and others working to change how we design, build, and relate to the world around us.</p><p>Each episode explores the challenges, choices, and connections that turn ideas into action.</p><p>From regenerative design and healthier materials to climate action and community resilience, these conversations examine the ideas and experiences shaping a more regenerative future.</p><p><b><strong>Net Podsitive is part of Podsitive Network</strong></b>, an independent media network connecting the people, places, and products advancing a healthier, more resilient built environment.</p><p>Explore the network at <a href="https://podsitive.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">Podsitive.net</a></p>episodicRichard Garrettnetpodsitive@gmail.comno<![CDATA[Podsitive Signals | Gayathri Unnikrishnan | Who Gets Left Out of Sustainability Decisions?]]>Podsitive Signals | Who Gets Left Out of Sustainability Decisions?

As sustainability becomes part of procurement, operations, finance, and everyday business decisions, organizations are defining what they measure and reward. Those choices shape whose interests count. Human impact needs to be built into these systems if it is to influence the decisions that follow.

In People Positive: Building the Human Dimension of Sustainability, Gayathri Unnikrishnan offers a way to recognize the people affected by a decision beyond its most visible users or stakeholders. Her People Positive / People Neutral / People Extractive spectrum helps examine whether a decision, condition, or practice creates benefit, maintains the status quo, or shifts burdens onto people.

In this conversation with Richard Garrett, Gayathri, founder of Liveable, shares experiences from her career that revealed how easily people can be overlooked in otherwise reasonable design decisions. From maintenance workers to hospital patients, she reflects on who gets considered, whose interests carry weight, and why speaking up shouldn't depend on individual courage.

Drawing on her work with the WELL Building Standard, Gayathri examines what we can learn from the way sustainability measures carbon and how those lessons might help us account for human impacts. She also introduces People Positive as a practical resource for assessing those impacts and communicating them to the people who make decisions.

The goal isn't to replace our existing systems. It's to make human considerations part of how those systems work, from specifications and purchasing to budgets and operations.

Bring one consequential decision you're already making. As you listen, consider who benefits, who bears the burden, and whose experience may be missing.

CHAPTERS

00:00 Who Gets Left Out of Sustainability Decisions?
01:54 Two Experiences That Changed Gayathri's Perspective
08:37 Why Speaking Up Shouldn't Require Courage
11:24 Meet Gayathri Unnikrishnan
12:39 What Sustainability Can Learn From Carbon Measurement
15:34 People Positive: Bringing Human Impact Into Decisions
22:14 From Good Intentions to Practical Action
31:31 Who Are We Missing? Your Next Step

RESOURCES

Podsitive Network
https://podsitive.net

People Positive: Building the Human Dimension of Sustainability
https://bookshop.org/p/books/people-positive-building-the-human-dimension-of-sustainability/cf7d765edfc9d38d

Liveable
https://makeitliveable.com/

ABOUT PODSITIVE SIGNALS

Podsitive Signals is a conversation series from Podsitive Network connecting important ideas and opportunities with the people who can put them into practice.

PEOPLE. PLACES. PRODUCTS. ONE REGENERATIVE FUTURE.

#PodsitiveSignals #PodsitiveNetwork #PeoplePositive #HumanCenteredDesign #SustainableDesign #BuiltEnvironment

]]>https://podsitive.netb44f76d0-635a-4a53-89ed-78d2605e022eThu, 22 Oct 2026 00:20:56 GMT<p>Podsitive Signals | Who Gets Left Out of Sustainability Decisions?</p><p>As sustainability becomes part of procurement, operations, finance, and everyday business decisions, organizations are defining what they measure and reward. Those choices shape whose interests count. Human impact needs to be built into these systems if it is to influence the decisions that follow.</p><p>In People Positive: Building the Human Dimension of Sustainability, Gayathri Unnikrishnan offers a way to recognize the people affected by a decision beyond its most visible users or stakeholders. Her People Positive / People Neutral / People Extractive spectrum helps examine whether a decision, condition, or practice creates benefit, maintains the status quo, or shifts burdens onto people.</p><p>In this conversation with Richard Garrett, Gayathri, founder of Liveable, shares experiences from her career that revealed how easily people can be overlooked in otherwise reasonable design decisions. From maintenance workers to hospital patients, she reflects on who gets considered, whose interests carry weight, and why speaking up shouldn't depend on individual courage.</p><p>Drawing on her work with the WELL Building Standard, Gayathri examines what we can learn from the way sustainability measures carbon and how those lessons might help us account for human impacts. She also introduces People Positive as a practical resource for assessing those impacts and communicating them to the people who make decisions.</p><p>The goal isn't to replace our existing systems. It's to make human considerations part of how those systems work, from specifications and purchasing to budgets and operations.</p><p>Bring one consequential decision you're already making. As you listen, consider who benefits, who bears the burden, and whose experience may be missing.</p><p>CHAPTERS</p><p>00:00 Who Gets Left Out of Sustainability Decisions?<br />01:54 Two Experiences That Changed Gayathri's Perspective<br />08:37 Why Speaking Up Shouldn't Require Courage<br />11:24 Meet Gayathri Unnikrishnan<br />12:39 What Sustainability Can Learn From Carbon Measurement<br />15:34 People Positive: Bringing Human Impact Into Decisions<br />22:14 From Good Intentions to Practical Action<br />31:31 Who Are We Missing? Your Next Step</p><p>RESOURCES</p><p>Podsitive Network<br /><a href="https://podsitive.net/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://podsitive.net</a></p><p>People Positive: Building the Human Dimension of Sustainability<br /><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/people-positive-building-the-human-dimension-of-sustainability/cf7d765edfc9d38d" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://bookshop.org/p/books/people-positive-building-the-human-dimension-of-sustainability/cf7d765edfc9d38d</a></p><p>Liveable<br /><a href="https://makeitliveable.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://makeitliveable.com/</a></p><p>ABOUT PODSITIVE SIGNALS</p><p>Podsitive Signals is a conversation series from Podsitive Network connecting important ideas and opportunities with the people who can put them into practice.</p><p>PEOPLE. PLACES. PRODUCTS. ONE REGENERATIVE FUTURE.</p><p>#PodsitiveSignals #PodsitiveNetwork #PeoplePositive #HumanCenteredDesign #SustainableDesign #BuiltEnvironment</p>no00:34:5613Podsitive Signals | Gayathri Unnikrishnan | Who Gets Left Out of Sustainability Decisions?full<![CDATA[Arnie Didier: From Forest to Framework and the Business of Mass Timber]]>Building a viable mass timber industry takes more than promising technology. It requires businesses willing to invest, partnerships that work, and people who understand the value of long-term relationships.

In this episode of Net Podsitive: Regeneration + Resilience, host Richard Garrett speaks with Arnie Didier about the business and human dimensions of sustainable forestry and mass timber construction, drawing on Arnie's work with the International Mass Timber Conference.

The conversation explores how collaboration, work ethic, mentorship, and community investment support a growing mass timber market. Arnie and Richard discuss the challenges of building a business in an evolving industry, why complementary leadership skills matter, and how professional relationships create opportunities for innovation.

They also consider the connections between forestry, sustainable construction, and the communities whose livelihoods depend on those industries.

In this episode
  • The growth of the International Mass Timber Conference
  • Building businesses and partnerships in forestry and mass timber
  • Leadership, mentorship, and long-term relationships
  • Community investment and opportunity in sustainable construction
  • Innovation and the future of mass timber
Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Regeneration and Resilience
01:34 The International Mass Timber Conference
08:29 Building a Business in the Forestry Industry
12:13 Work Ethic and Partnerships
20:29 Personal Journey and Commitment to Sustainability
24:30 Building Strong Partnerships for Growth
28:36 The Importance of Relationships in Business
31:35 Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry
33:36 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities
37:46 Innovations in Sustainable Building
42:07 Mentorship and Community Building

Watch and connect

🎥 Watch the original episode on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7OVc4fZwC8

🌐 Explore Net Podsitive:
https://podsitive.net/net-podsitive/

About Net Podsitive

Net Podsitive is a podcast from Podsitive Network, connecting the people, places, products, and ideas advancing regeneration and resilience in the built environment.

People. Places. Products. One Regenerative Future.

#NetPodsitive #MassTimber #RegenerativeDesign

]]>https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7OVc4fZwC8e5910596-0e4d-423c-9dda-e29cdc0051e9Wed, 05 Mar 2025 20:00:00 GMT<p>Building a viable mass timber industry takes more than promising technology. It requires businesses willing to invest, partnerships that work, and people who understand the value of long-term relationships.</p><p>In this episode of <b><strong>Net Podsitive: Regeneration + Resilience</strong></b>, host Richard Garrett speaks with Arnie Didier about the business and human dimensions of sustainable forestry and mass timber construction, drawing on Arnie's work with the International Mass Timber Conference.</p><p>The conversation explores how collaboration, work ethic, mentorship, and community investment support a growing mass timber market. Arnie and Richard discuss the challenges of building a business in an evolving industry, why complementary leadership skills matter, and how professional relationships create opportunities for innovation.</p><p>They also consider the connections between forestry, sustainable construction, and the communities whose livelihoods depend on those industries.</p>In this episode<ul><li>The growth of the International Mass Timber Conference</li><li>Building businesses and partnerships in forestry and mass timber</li><li>Leadership, mentorship, and long-term relationships</li><li>Community investment and opportunity in sustainable construction</li><li>Innovation and the future of mass timber</li></ul>Chapters<p>00:00 Introduction to Regeneration and Resilience<br />01:34 The International Mass Timber Conference<br />08:29 Building a Business in the Forestry Industry<br />12:13 Work Ethic and Partnerships<br />20:29 Personal Journey and Commitment to Sustainability<br />24:30 Building Strong Partnerships for Growth<br />28:36 The Importance of Relationships in Business<br />31:35 Fostering Diversity and Inclusion in the Industry<br />33:36 Navigating Challenges and Opportunities<br />37:46 Innovations in Sustainable Building<br />42:07 Mentorship and Community Building</p>Watch and connect<p>🎥 <b><strong>Watch the original episode on YouTube:</strong></b><br /><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7OVc4fZwC8" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7OVc4fZwC8</a></p><p>🌐 <b><strong>Explore Net Podsitive:</strong></b><br /><a href="https://podsitive.net/net-podsitive/" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://podsitive.net/net-podsitive/</a></p><p><b><strong>About Net Podsitive</strong></b></p><p>Net Podsitive is a podcast from Podsitive Network, connecting the people, places, products, and ideas advancing regeneration and resilience in the built environment.</p><p><b><strong>People. Places. Products. One Regenerative Future.</strong></b></p><p>#NetPodsitive #MassTimber #RegenerativeDesign</p>no00:46:593Arnie Didier: From Forest to Framework and the Business of Mass Timberfull<![CDATA[Michelle Moore: Who Benefits from the Energy Transition?]]>The rapid growth of AI data centers is increasing demand for electricity, bringing new investment to communities while raising difficult questions about affordability, environmental impacts, and who gets to shape the decisions.

Michelle Moore believes those decisions should be made with communities, not simply for them.

In this episode of Net Podsitive, Richard Garrett speaks with Michelle, CEO of Groundswell and author of Rural Renaissance, about the choices shaping America's energy future and what it takes to build community power.

Drawing on her experience in the Obama White House, on the Tennessee Valley Authority Board, and at the U.S. Green Building Council, Michelle examines the relationship between energy infrastructure, economic opportunity, environmental justice, and local decision-making.

The conversation moves from the expansion of data centers in places like Memphis to Groundswell's practical work helping families reduce energy costs, repair aging homes, and build community resilience.

Michelle also shares the personal experiences behind her work, including memories of her grandmother's uninsulated home in rural Georgia, the influence of faith and service on her leadership, and the importance of making room for the next generation.

Along the way, Richard and Michelle explore how communities can recognize the value of their assets, negotiate with developers, and build partnerships that deliver lasting benefits.

Chapters

00:00 Who Benefits from the Energy Transition?
02:19 An Energy Transformation We Can Shape
11:03 Beyond Technology: The Human Infrastructure
13:57 Know Your Worth: Communities and Power
16:24 What Happens When Communities Have No Voice?
20:09 From Her Grandmother's Kitchen Table
30:04 Building Community Power with Groundswell
34:47 Show Me: Turning Promises into Progress
40:40 Rural Renaissance Roadshow: Connecting Communities and Solutions
46:14 Servant Leadership in Difficult Times
49:18 Leading Through Resistance and Bias
52:27 The Community Garden: Rose, Thorn, and Bud
56:03 The Next Generation and Finding Renewal

Explore the work

Groundswell
https://groundswell.org

Rural Renaissance Roadshow
https://ruralrenaissance.com/2026-roadshow/

Podsitive Network
https://podsitive.net

Net Podsitive is a podcast from Podsitive Network, connecting the people and ideas advancing a healthier, more resilient built environment.

]]>http://podsitive.net3e0dd463-192f-4b64-9754-1068936725beFri, 16 Oct 2026 00:51:51 GMT<p>The rapid growth of AI data centers is increasing demand for electricity, bringing new investment to communities while raising difficult questions about affordability, environmental impacts, and who gets to shape the decisions.</p><p>Michelle Moore believes those decisions should be made with communities, not simply for them.</p><p>In this episode of <i><em>Net Podsitive</em></i>, Richard Garrett speaks with Michelle, CEO of Groundswell and author of <i><em>Rural Renaissance</em></i>, about the choices shaping America's energy future and what it takes to build community power.</p><p>Drawing on her experience in the Obama White House, on the Tennessee Valley Authority Board, and at the U.S. Green Building Council, Michelle examines the relationship between energy infrastructure, economic opportunity, environmental justice, and local decision-making.</p><p>The conversation moves from the expansion of data centers in places like Memphis to Groundswell's practical work helping families reduce energy costs, repair aging homes, and build community resilience.</p><p>Michelle also shares the personal experiences behind her work, including memories of her grandmother's uninsulated home in rural Georgia, the influence of faith and service on her leadership, and the importance of making room for the next generation.</p><p>Along the way, Richard and Michelle explore how communities can recognize the value of their assets, negotiate with developers, and build partnerships that deliver lasting benefits.</p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Who Benefits from the Energy Transition?<br />02:19 An Energy Transformation We Can Shape<br />11:03 Beyond Technology: The Human Infrastructure<br />13:57 Know Your Worth: Communities and Power<br />16:24 What Happens When Communities Have No Voice?<br />20:09 From Her Grandmother's Kitchen Table<br />30:04 Building Community Power with Groundswell<br />34:47 Show Me: Turning Promises into Progress<br />40:40 Rural Renaissance Roadshow: Connecting Communities and Solutions<br />46:14 Servant Leadership in Difficult Times<br />49:18 Leading Through Resistance and Bias<br />52:27 The Community Garden: Rose, Thorn, and Bud<br />56:03 The Next Generation and Finding Renewal</p><p>Explore the work</p><p><b><strong>Groundswell</strong></b><br /><a href="https://groundswell.org" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://groundswell.org</a></p><p><b><strong>Rural Renaissance Roadshow</strong></b><br /><a href="https://ruralrenaissance.com/2026-roadshow/?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://ruralrenaissance.com/2026-roadshow/</a></p><p><b><strong>Podsitive Network</strong></b><br /><a href="https://podsitive.net" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">https://podsitive.net</a></p><p><i><em>Net Podsitive is a podcast from Podsitive Network, connecting the people and ideas advancing a healthier, more resilient built environment.</em></i></p>no01:03:30Michelle Moore: Who Benefits from the Energy Transition?full<![CDATA[Under Pressure: How Courage and Grit Shape Sustainability Leadership]]>In this conversation, Rochelle Routman shares her journey as a sustainability leader, emphasizing the importance of courage, mentorship, and transparency in driving change. She discusses her experiences in various roles, the challenges faced in the sustainability field, and the significance of community and collaboration among women in leadership. Rochelle highlights the resilience of the Earth and the role of consumer behavior in shaping sustainable practices, while also addressing the political challenges that impact environmental efforts. The discussion concludes with reflections on finding peace in nature and the lessons learned from gardening, symbolizing growth and adaptation.

Takeaways

  • Courage is essential for transformative change.
  • A strong connection to the environment can guide career choices.
  • Transparency in products is crucial for sustainability.
  • Women in leadership are making significant impacts in sustainability.
  • Mentorship is a two-way street that benefits both parties.
  • The Earth is resilient and can recover from challenges.
  • Consumer behavior influences corporate sustainability practices.
  • Political challenges can hinder progress in sustainability.
  • Adaptation and resilience are key in the sustainability journey.
  • Finding peace in nature can recharge and inspire action.
]]>8dd4cd71-f735-492d-b029-977917a78314Sat, 20 Dec 2025 04:07:01 GMT<p>In this conversation, Rochelle Routman shares her journey as a sustainability leader, emphasizing the importance of courage, mentorship, and transparency in driving change. She discusses her experiences in various roles, the challenges faced in the sustainability field, and the significance of community and collaboration among women in leadership. Rochelle highlights the resilience of the Earth and the role of consumer behavior in shaping sustainable practices, while also addressing the political challenges that impact environmental efforts. The discussion concludes with reflections on finding peace in nature and the lessons learned from gardening, symbolizing growth and adaptation.</p><p></p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><p></p><ul><li>Courage is essential for transformative change.</li><li>A strong connection to the environment can guide career choices.</li><li>Transparency in products is crucial for sustainability.</li><li>Women in leadership are making significant impacts in sustainability.</li><li>Mentorship is a two-way street that benefits both parties.</li><li>The Earth is resilient and can recover from challenges.</li><li>Consumer behavior influences corporate sustainability practices.</li><li>Political challenges can hinder progress in sustainability.</li><li>Adaptation and resilience are key in the sustainability journey.</li><li>Finding peace in nature can recharge and inspire action.</li></ul>no01:15:26118Under Pressure: How Courage and Grit Shape Sustainability Leadershipfull<![CDATA[From Brother to Book: Drawn from Life, Illustrated for Impact]]>In this episode of Net Podsitive, Richard Garrett speaks with Antonio Holguin about the importance of making sustainability accessible and relatable, particularly through storytelling. Antonio shares his personal journey, including his advocacy work and the creation of his children's book, 'The Adventures of the Arroyo Amigos.' They discuss the significance of community initiatives like the Texas Materials Initiative, the power of storytelling in advocacy, and the importance of maintaining optimism in the face of challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity in sustainability discussions and the impact of mentorship and personal growth.


Takeaways

  • Sustainability must be made accessible and compelling
  • Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy
  • Personal experiences shape our commitment to sustainability
  • Community initiatives can drive significant change
  • Imposter syndrome is common among advocates
  • Meeting people where they are is crucial for effective communication
  • The conversation around sustainability is growing and becoming more inclusive
  • Children's literature can play a role in sustainability education
  • Celebrating small victories helps maintain optimism
  • Big changes often start with small, incremental steps


Chapters

00:00 Transforming Eco-Anxiety into Action

01:54 The Journey to Sustainability Advocacy

08:43 Building the Texas Materials Initiative

13:12 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy

20:41 Creating a Family Legacy through Storytelling

21:13 Bridging Sustainability and Storytelling

23:39 Cultivating Optimism in Advocacy

26:56 The Journey of Advocacy

28:29 Community Engagement and Inclusion

32:07 Hope for Future Generations

34:05 Mentorship and Personal Growth

37:14 Nature as a Source of Inspiration

38:01 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy


Keywords

#sustainability #storytelling #eco-anxiety #advocacy #communityimpact #optimism #childrensbooks #materialtransparency #personaljourney

]]>https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/richard-garrett4/episodes/From-Brother-to-Book-Drawn-from-Life--Illustrated-for-Impact-e34u42td68b3730-b62c-4c2a-9105-38e71df5fa4eMon, 02 Jun 2025 18:48:00 GMT<p>In this episode of Net Podsitive, Richard Garrett speaks with Antonio Holguin about the importance of making sustainability accessible and relatable, particularly through storytelling. Antonio shares his personal journey, including his advocacy work and the creation of his children's book, 'The Adventures of the Arroyo Amigos.' They discuss the significance of community initiatives like the Texas Materials Initiative, the power of storytelling in advocacy, and the importance of maintaining optimism in the face of challenges. The conversation emphasizes the need for inclusivity in sustainability discussions and the impact of mentorship and personal growth.</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Takeaways</strong></p><ul><li>Sustainability must be made accessible and compelling</li><li>Storytelling is a powerful tool for advocacy</li><li>Personal experiences shape our commitment to sustainability</li><li>Community initiatives can drive significant change</li><li>Imposter syndrome is common among advocates</li><li>Meeting people where they are is crucial for effective communication</li><li>The conversation around sustainability is growing and becoming more inclusive</li><li>Children's literature can play a role in sustainability education</li><li>Celebrating small victories helps maintain optimism</li><li>Big changes often start with small, incremental steps</li></ul><p><br /></p><p><strong>Chapters</strong></p><p>00:00 Transforming Eco-Anxiety into Action</p><p>01:54 The Journey to Sustainability Advocacy</p><p>08:43 Building the Texas Materials Initiative</p><p>13:12 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy</p><p>20:41 Creating a Family Legacy through Storytelling</p><p>21:13 Bridging Sustainability and Storytelling</p><p>23:39 Cultivating Optimism in Advocacy</p><p>26:56 The Journey of Advocacy</p><p>28:29 Community Engagement and Inclusion</p><p>32:07 Hope for Future Generations</p><p>34:05 Mentorship and Personal Growth</p><p>37:14 Nature as a Source of Inspiration</p><p>38:01 The Power of Storytelling in Advocacy</p><p><br /></p><p><strong>Keywords</strong></p><p>#sustainability #storytelling #eco-anxiety #advocacy #communityimpact #optimism #childrensbooks #materialtransparency #personaljourney</p> no00:42:4515From Brother to Book: Drawn from Life, Illustrated for Impactfull