In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, host Sascha Mayer talks with Noah Miller, a leader in Environmental and Social Governance (ESG). The discussion delves deep into the definition and importance of ESG pillars: environmental stewardship, social impact, and governance. Noah recounts his unique career path, including his time as a professional athlete and Israeli army commander, and how these experiences shape his ESG work. Highlighting the significance of gender equity and UN Sustainable Development Goals, the conversation also explores the complexities and rewards of implementing ESG initiatives within organizations. Noah expresses his belief in the importance of empathy, collective action, and the realization that we are capable of solving the biggest challenges through collaborative efforts. The episode concludes with Noah discussing his proudest personal achievements and sharing his audacious optimism about the future.

00:00 Introduction to Noah Miller and ESG

02:27 Understanding ESG: Environmental, Social, and Governance

04:02 Mamava's ESG Journey and Practices

05:02 Noah's Role as a Fractional ESG Director

06:33 UN Sustainable Development Goals and Gender Equity

11:49 Noah's Unique Career Path: From Athlete to ESG Leader

20:16 Challenges and Opportunities in ESG

21:33 The Impact of Fatherhood on Noah's Work

27:21 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Mentioned in this episode:
University of Vermont’s Sustainable Innovation MBA

Rho Impact

Vermont Businesses For Social Responsibility (VBSR)

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals

EcoVadis

JUST Capital

National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA)

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, Sascha interviews Dr. Lisa Stellwagen, a pediatrician and leading advocate for breastfeeding and milk banking. Dr. Stellwagen, who played a key role in establishing UC San Diego's baby-friendly hospital designation and cofounded the UC Health Milk Bank, discusses the importance of milk banks in providing donor breast milk for fragile and premature babies. She explains the historical context, safety protocols, and the life-saving benefits of donor milk compared to formula, particularly in preventing necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The conversation also covers the donor screening process, legislative efforts, and the cultural significance of milk donation. Dr. Stellwagen shares her personal journey and the broader impact of breastfeeding advocacy.

00:00 Introduction to Dr. Lisa Stellwagen

02:04 The Basics of Milk Banking

03:22 The Importance of Donor Milk for Premature Babies

08:05 The Process of Donating Milk

19:31 Challenges and Awareness in Milk Banking

24:21 Dr. Stellwagen's Journey and Advocacy

31:11 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Mentioned in this episode:
Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA)
UC Health Milk Bank
UC San Diego Health, Baby-Friendly designation

In this episode of the Bodacious Optimist podcast, the host interviews Tricia Johnson, a professor at Rush University's Department of Health Systems Management. As a human milk economist, Tricia discusses her work in understanding the economic drivers of healthcare spending, particularly focusing on the cost-effectiveness of feeding mother's own milk (MOM) to premature infants. Tricia shares her journey into this niche field, her collaborations with other researchers, and the significant health and economic benefits of MOM for preterm infants in the NICU. The conversation touches upon the disparities in breastfeeding among different racial and socio-economic groups and the impact of policies and interventions like the "ReDiMOM" trial, which aims to reduce these discrepancies. Tricia also emphasizes the importance of long-term economic evaluations, discussing the broader implications of her work, including policy development and healthcare strategies. Finally, she reflects on the challenges and opportunities of balancing her professional research with her personal life as a parent.

00:00 Introduction to Human Milk Economics
03:28 Tricia Johnson's Journey into Human Milk Economics
05:35 Economic Impact of Preterm Births and Human Milk
07:34 Research on Breastfeeding and Health Outcomes
10:27 Addressing Racial Disparities in Breastfeeding
14:28 The "ReDiMOM" Trial: Reducing Disparities
16:15 Economic Theories and Cash Transfers in Breastfeeding
20:53 Challenges and Solutions in Breastfeeding Support
25:32 Personal Insights and Optimism
29:03 Conclusion and Future Aspirations

Mentioned in this episode:
RUSH University Department of Health Systems Management Research
Human Milk Institute
National Institutes of Health
Rush Mothers' Milk Club
"ReDiMOM" Cohort Study
"LOVEMOM" Cohort