In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Shrey, Ishaan, and Eshan sit down with Niklas Kei Nyblom, a first-year doctoral student in the Clinical Psychology Ph.D. program at Teachers College, Columbia University. Raised in a multicultural household spanning Japan and Sweden, Niklas brings a unique global perspective to the intersection of psychology, sustainability, and community health. With experience in ecopsychology, community-based research, and global health advocacy, including work with the Global Healthy Living Foundation and as a liaison to the United Nations, Niklas explores how mental health and environmental responsibility are deeply interconnected. Together, they discuss the psychological impacts of climate change, the role of emotional connection to nature in motivating sustainable behavior, and how community-driven initiatives can complement policy-level solutions.

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Ishaan, Eshan, and Shrey sit down with Ms. Ashima Mehra, founder of The Simple Fare, a consciously crafted café in Millburn, New Jersey that blends Indian-inspired cuisine, sustainability, and community. Together, they explore Ashima’s journey from her early environmental influences to her mission of building a café rooted in health and eco-conscious living. She talks about sourcing locally, minimizing waste, and the real-world challenges of running a sustainable business. Ashima also shares practical advice for listeners on making small but impactful changes in their everyday food choices. This conversation offers a new perspective into how mindful businesses can shape a healthier, more sustainable future.

Be sure to check out Simple Fare at 35 Main Street in Millburn, New Jersey!

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Ishaan, Eshan, and Shrey get the opportunity to speak with Kale Black, the Senior Program Coordinator at BurlingtonGreen. We talk about his journey from a high school co-op student to a leading environmental advocate in Ontario, Canada. Kale shares his work with youth programs, habitat restoration, and event greening initiatives.

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Shrey, Ishaan, and Eshan engage in a fascinating discussion with Ms. Laurel N Zaima, a graduate from Columbia University with an M.S. in Sustainability Science. She has worked on various projects to bring sustainability technologies into applied solutions for non-profit and private entities. Her career has been dedicated to teaching multi-generational and culturally diverse audiences about marine science, climate change, and sustainability. These efforts are designed to build more equitable communities by fostering a deeper understanding of and engagement with environmental issues. They explore different initiatives taken in the topic of climate change, and arguably the most important thing, actionable steps that students can take in their day to day lives!

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Shrey, Ishaan, and Eshan engage in an intriguing discussion with Ms. Vanita Gangwal, a partner with KPMG's financial services tax practice and a passionate advocate and committed community volunteer for sustainable living and climate action. They explore the current state of sustainability awareness, ways youth can drive change, strategies for spreading awareness among young people, and practical steps we can all take to live more sustainably.

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Shrey, Ishaan, and Eshan engage in a captivating discussion with Mr. Brock Dickinson, Entrepreneur-in-Residence and an Adjunct Professor at the University of Waterloo. He has played a prominent role in promoting sustainability with his contributions to a White Paper, launched at COP 28 UAE, on encouraging youth-led innovation to accelerate the implementation of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals. They explore the current progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals, the role of youth-led innovation, how to promote it, and how we can lead more sustainable lives for a more sustainable future.

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Shrey, Ishaan, and Eshan engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Vincent Brinas, a physical therapist at the Barnabas Health Ambulatory Care Center. They explore the challenges of Sustainable Development in the healthcare sector, the progress toward achieving these goals through Greenhab, and the role we can play in raising awareness and driving change in hospitals. Dr. Vincent Brinas shares insights from his personal experiences in his hospital about the effects of a changing climate and the lack of awareness regarding sustainability.

In this episode of Sustainability Steps, hosts Ishaan, Eshan, and Shrey engage in a thought-provoking discussion with Dr. Radhika Iyengar, Director of Education at the Center for Sustainable Development at Columbia University. They explore the challenges of sustainable development, the progress toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and the role of individuals and governments in driving change. Dr. Iyengar shares insights on how the youth can lead sustainable lives and contribute to their communities, inspiring listeners to take action for a more sustainable future.