Best Sport And The Sustainable Development Goals Podcasts (2025)

1
Award-winning author Sophie Pavelle explores climate and nature - Climate Conversations 38:38

Play Pause

2h ago38:38

38:38

The impact our changing climate has on nature is complex. Whilst some species have thrived, many others have struggled, and it is therefore essential to understand developments in order to reduce the rate of species loss. Alex Burkill caught up with Sophie Pavelle, an award-winning author and science communicator. In Sophie’s first book, Forget Me …

1
Empowering Indigenous Youth Through Sport (with Spirit North) 30:10

6d ago30:10

30:10

Jake Finney is a Community Program Leader with Spirit North in Edmonton and Athabasca, Alberta, in Treaty 6. Jake grew up in Fort Chipewyan and Athabasca in Treaty 8 and is a member of the Athabasca Fort Chipewyan First Nation. He has been with Spirit North for 4.5 years and the programs Jake leads are inspired by culture and the freedom connected …

1
The Future of Sport in Canada: A System at a Crossroads 17:17

7d ago17:17

17:17

The Future of Sport in Canada Commission released its preliminary report on August 28th 2025. With 71 recommendations, it is the most comprehensive review of the Canadian sport system that I have ever seen. In this episode, I share some of my thoughts and reactions on the preliminary report and recommendations. Future of Sport in Canada Commission …

1
Has Climate Change influenced UK storms? Climate Conversations Shorts 6:07

8d ago6:07

6:07

The new list of storm names for the 2025/26 storm season has been announced. But is climate change influencing storms in the UK? Clare Nasir is joined by Met Office Climate Scientist Dr Mark McCarthy to find out more.By Met Office

1
Fantasy Football for Good (with Joe Flynn) 27:54

14d ago27:54

27:54

This project started with a simple idea: what if fantasy football told the full story? Not just rushing yards and touchdowns, but backpacks donated, meals served, scholarships awarded, and lives changed. Now, with the Fantasy Football Draft Guide for Good, fans can see the causes players support off the field—right alongside their on-field stats. B…

1
2025 St. John's Canada Summer Games 34:05

26d ago34:05

34:05

The Canada Games brings together more than 2,000 able-bodied athletes and athletes with physical and intellectual disabilities for the largest amateur multi-sport event in the country. Alternating between winter and summer, they span over 30 different sports to showcase the very best in Canadian sport and spirit. The Games are held under the stewar…

1
Visceral storytelling: A more effective way for athletes to platform sustainability? 33:22

1M ago33:22

33:22

Isabella Bertold is going on an adventure to show there’s a different way for athletes to communicate about sustainability and the importance of nature. The Canadian sailor and cyclist is preparing for an expedition that will take her by boat from the UK to Norway, and then across the Norwegian fjords by bike, joined by a handful of other intrepid …

1
Communicating about the future - Climate Conversations 12:17

29d ago12:17

12:17

Communicating information about our climate and how its changing has always been a difficult task; whether it’s providing the latest facts and figures or information on new initiatives and projects happening to help adapt to the future. Earlier this summer the university of Exeter and the Met Office hosted a climate forum, and climate communication…

1
Climate tech isn’t investing in sport sponsorship – but here’s why it should 35:22

2M ago35:22

35:22

Most climate tech startups aren’t investing in sport sponsorship – yet. Many see it as too expensive, misaligned with their values, or unable to deliver on goals like awareness and adoption. But one company is breaking the mould. Svante, a carbon capture startup from British Columbia, has teamed up with Speed Skating Canada on ‘Save the Ice’, a cam…

1
Think Beyond (with Radha Balani) 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

Radha Balani is the Global Head of Leadership and Strategy at ThinkBeyond, a leading consultant in sport for social impact and sustainability. A strategist and facilitator, she crafts and guides dynamic initiatives aimed at achieving sustainable social change through sport. Throughout her career, Radha has worked with top sports organisations and a…

1
How to get 150 athletes engaged in climate policy 46:28

2M ago46:28

46:28

In this episode, Nicola Barr talks about her work with FrontRunners — the athlete-led climate movement co-founded by Emma and David Pocock. She shares how the group mobilised more than 150 athletes to support the 'Duty of Care' campaign, calling for a law that would require politicians to consider climate impacts on young people. We also talk about…

1
A Chance for Everyone (with Young Champs) 32:54

2M ago32:54

32:54

Chris Marshall is the founder of G Tennis & charity Young Champs. His main drive and passion is creating opportunities for children from underserved communities to play and access Tennis coaching. Young Champs provide free Summer coaching and equipment for local children, as well as training and mentoring for older teens on a pathway to becoming co…

1
Learnings from the Boat Race to the UN: How sport can grasp the climate transition opportunity 50:02

3M ago50:02

50:02

A recent newsletter explored the idea that athlete investors – those backing climate tech and renewables – might ultimately hold more sway in the sustainability space than athlete advocates. But this follow-up podcast conversation with US rower Christine Cavallo serves as a powerful reminder that influence comes in many forms. Even without financia…

1
🩸 Carrying the Cycle: The Future of Menstrual Health 🌍 | S3 E2 | Popping Bubbles Podcast 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

In this episode, we’re popping the bubble around menstruation with Deniz Er Wiedhaup, CEO of Yoni, a brand committed to reshaping the conversation around menstrual health, sustainability, and period equity. Support the show Find the Popping Bubbles Podcast on: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@poppingbubbles.enactus Instagram: https://www.instagram…

1
Record Summer Temperatures - Climate Conversations 27:14

3M ago27:14

27:14

After 40 Celsius was recorded in the UK for the first time in 2022, a report looking into the increasing chances of this happening again has been published. Clare Nasir takes us through the impacts of the extreme heat and then Alex Burkill catches up with the author of the report, Dr Gillian Kay, to discuss the importance of these findings. Check o…

1
Move4Nature (with Polona Fonda) 33:02

3M ago33:02

33:02

Polona Fonda is the communications officer for ENGSO and ENGSO youth and collaborates with other sport entities and experts such as Tine Vertommen (ARCH Safeguarding), Sport Union of Slovenia and orhers. With over 12 years of experience in values-based digital and project communications, including creation, design, and management, Polona has worked…

1
How sport can support regenerative tourism 42:59

3M ago42:59

42:59

Sport-related travel may only account for an estimated 1.5% of global carbon emissions, but its impact is significant – particularly in regions already affected by mass tourism and environmental stress. In this episode, we explore how sports organisations can engage with regenerative tourism, a model focused on restoring ecosystems, supporting loca…

1
The Power of Potential (with CAN Fund) 47:06

4M ago47:06

47:06

Jane Roos is deeply passionate about ensuring Canadian athletes have the resources they need to succeed on the world stage. Before founding CAN Fund, Jane was a promising track athlete whose career was cut short by a devastating car accident at the age of 19. This life-changing event inspired her to help other Canadian athletes who face challenges,…

1
Trans Voices in Sport (with Jessica Platt) 16:52

4M ago16:52

16:52

Jessica Platt is a retired professional ice hockey player and an advocate for transgender rights. She played for the Toronto Furies in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL) and was the first transgender woman to play in the league. ---- Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and…

1
Let Them Play: Trans Inclusion in Sport (with Harrison Browne and Rachel Browne) 55:30

4M ago55:30

55:30

Harrison Browne is the first transgender athlete in professional hockey. He was part of the National Women’s Hockey League and played for the Metropolitan Riveters and the Buffalo Beauts (winning a championship with both teams). He helped form the first-ever transgender policy in professional sports to aid both transmen and transwomen in their part…

1
Food Security - Climate Conversations 22:50

4M ago22:50

22:50

With the cost of food going up, we take a look at how our changing climate is impacting the ability to produce certain food types. As well as discussing the ongoing concerns we look at ways we can adapt to the changes and how we can reduce the impacts. Clare Nasir goes through some of the developments whilst Alex Burkill catches up with Thomas Croc…

1
Driving Sustainability at Cabot Saint Lucia 40:44

4M ago40:44

40:44

Many golf courses pride themselves on their lush landscapes, but few stop to consider the unseen challenges of maintaining them—especially on remote islands. In this episode, we dive into the unexpected realities of water management at one of the world’s most stunning new golf resorts, Cabot St. Lucia. Without easy access to freshwater, maintaining…

1
A Life Spent in Sport (with Kristine Deacon) 58:56

4M ago58:56

58:56

Kristine Deacon is a swim coach and the team manager for athletics Canada. ---- Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast wherever you get your podcast! Leave us a review and a 5 star rating to help bring others in the world of sports into the conversation! The Sports for Social Impact podcast was nominated for a Sports Podcast Award…

1
⚽ Leveling the Field: The Future of Sustainable Sports 🌎 | S2 E5 | Popping Bubbles Podcast 34:34

5M ago34:34

34:34

This special live-recorded episode was captured during Inclusivity Week at Tilburg University, organized by Enactus Tilburg. We’re joined by Arjo Wijnhorst, founder of Uniek Sporten, a platform committed to making sports more accessible for people with disabilities. 🔗 https://www.unieksporten.nl/ 💬 Recorded with a live audience at Tilburg Universit…

1
Breaking down the parties' promises on sport: Canada's 2025 Federal Election Primer 10:21

5M ago10:21

10:21

Who will become Canada’s next Prime Minister and who will form government will be decided on April 28th 2025. This episode explores all the sport, physical activity and recreation promises by the five largest political parties in Canada. Links: Green Party of Canada: https://cdn.greenparty.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/GP_Platform_English_Draft.pdf…

1
Bike Sharing (with Vancouver Bike Share) 33:53

5M ago33:53

33:53

Mia Kohout is the CEO of Vancouver bike share. Vancouver Bike Share Inc (Mobi by Rogers) is a public bike sharing service based in Vancouver, British Columbia. It is perfect for commuting, running errands, visiting friends, or exploring the city. Serving Vancouver with 2,000 classic bikes and 600 ebikes at 250+ stations, our bike share system has b…

51
Co-benefits of sustainable fashion – Climate Conversations 21:39

5M ago21:39

21:39

In this month’s Climate Conversations we are talking aboutsustainable fashion. Attitudes are changing towards clothing that we buy with increasing numbers choosing second hand clothing items made with more sustainable methods. Clare Nasir goes through some of the developments whilst Alex Burkill catches up with Professor Tamara Galloway from the Un…

1
From Seoul to Scarsdale: The Indoor Golf Revolution 49:45

5M ago49:45

49:45

What if the next big movement in golf wasn’t happening on the course, but in a dark room with a screen and a sensor? In this episode, we explore the future of the game through the lens of indoor golf — a trend that’s already transformed the sport in South Korea and is poised to do the same in North America. Most golfers still think of simulators as…

1
Urban Design: The Intersection of Society and Sport (with CitySHAPES) 1:21:57

5M ago1:21:57

1:21:57

Neil Saravanamuttoo is the director of CitySHAPES. He was previously the chief economist of the G20's Global Infrastructure Hub and an executive in the Department of Finance Canada. CitySHAPES is working to make cities better by sparking and implementing the change they need to become healthier, greener, and more vibrant cities where everyone can t…

1
How Neglected Public Courses Could Shape the Future of Golf 38:44

6M ago38:44

38:44

Most people don’t think twice about the public golf courses in their city—until they start disappearing. Across the country, historic municipal courses have been neglected for decades, leaving behind a patchwork of underfunded, undermaintained spaces that struggle to serve their communities. But there’s a shift happening, and it’s reshaping the fut…

1
100 - The Future of Sport is Now: Global Sports Week 5 Years On (with Lucien Boyer, Paniz Yousefi and Chloé Morard) 1:13:39

6M ago1:13:39

1:13:39

Lucien Boyer is the Co-Founder of Global Sports Week, and the Founding & Managing Partner of Inspiring Sport Capital. Paniz Yousefi is a Young Sport Maker, IOC Young Leader 2019-2021 and the Founder of Parallel Play. Chloé Morard is a Young Sport Maker and Figure Skating Deputy Manager for Milano Cortina 2026. Links: Parallel Play: https://parallel…

1
How Solar and Storage Are Changing Golf Forever with Eleanor Brown 33:32

6M ago33:32

33:32

Golf is at a pivotal moment, where the traditions of the game intersect with the pressing need to care for the environment in which we play. Today, I’m speaking with Eleanor Brown, Director of Sustainability at Southworth Development, whose work is charting a new course for the industry. Her role is not just groundbreaking—it’s essential. As one of…

1
How Sports Are Adapting Beyond the Field (with Commonwealth Sport) 1:01:50

6M ago1:01:50

1:01:50

Chris Jenkins is the President of Commonwealth Sport. Commonwealth Sport is the public brand name of the Commonwealth Games Federation. Commonwealth Sport is the organisation responsible for the direction and control of the Commonwealth Games and Commonwealth Youth Games, and for delivering on the vision of the Commonwealth Sports Movement: Our Com…

51
How is renewable energy increasing? – Climate Conversations 15:28

6M ago15:28

15:28

In this month’s Climate Conversations we are talking about renewable energy, specifically in the UK. Huge improvements have been made to our green energy output and Clare Nasir takes us through some of the important figures and promising developments. Alex Burkill then catches up with Philip Hodge, Senior Account Manager for Energy here at the Met …

1
Generation Amazing Foundation (with Nasser Al-Khori) 36:02

7M ago36:02

36:02

Nasser Al-Khori is the executive director of Generation amazing foundation. Generation amazing foundation operates in alignment with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals and the Qatar National Vision 2030. They are passionate about empowering young leaders in Qatar, across the region, and the world to transform their communities throug…

1
Grass, Innovation, and Precision: The Art of Smarter Water Management 40:15

7M ago40:15

40:15

What if the key to the future of golf was hidden in how a course manages its water? For Matteo Serena, Senior Manager of Irrigation Research and Services at the USGA, this question drives his work every day. From native grasses to advanced irrigation systems, Matteo is exploring how courses can use less water without sacrificing playability. With a…

1
National Links Trust New Model for Municipal Golf 59:33

7M ago59:33

59:33

How can 150 acres of urban public green space benefit a community beyond recreational access? How can a golf course address stormwater runoff and pollution issues, improve water quality, revitalize habitats, and improve biodiversity? How can it create partnerships and programs with other nonprofits to improve access and inclusion for underrepresent…

1
Outdoor Recreation Driven Tourism: Destination Management Planning (with Tourism Revelstoke) 36:54

7M ago36:54

36:54

Meghan Tabor is an experienced leader in marketing and destination management, with over a decade dedicated to advancing tourism and community development. As the Executive Director at Tourism Revelstoke, Meghan leads strategic initiatives and builds impactful partnerships to strengthen tourism’s role in community enhancement. In addition, she shar…

1
Golf’s On-Ramp: How Golf It! is Changing the Game 52:48

7M ago52:48

52:48

What if the game of golf could truly embrace its origins as a sport for everyone? Today I have the pleasure of sitting down with Russell Smith of Golf It! to uncover how this groundbreaking facility in Glasgow, Scotland, is redefining golf’s accessibility and inclusivity. Golf It! is a bold and innovative concept backed by the Royal & Ancient Golf …

51
Climate Conversations: How are Carbon Dioxide levels changing? 19:10

7M ago19:10

19:10

In this month’s Climate Conversations we are talking Carbon Dioxide . Clare Nasir talks us through some key developments then Alex Burkill talks to Professor Richard Betts, from the university of Exeter but also Head of Climate Impacts Research at the Met Office, to find out about his recent work looking at CO2 levels.~ #climate #climatechange #met…

1
Sport and City Building (with Rob Kerr, Dr. David Legg, and Dr. Robert Steadward) 1:24:45

8M ago1:24:45

1:24:45

Rob Kerr is a Sport Media Broadcaster. Dr. David Legg is a Professor of Sport Management at Mount Royal University. Dr. Robert Steadward is the founding President of the International Paralympic Committee. Listen to the We've Solved Nothing Podcast: https://sportcalgary.ca/news-releases/2023/we-solved-nothing-returns ---- Please subscribe to the Sp…

1
What Golf Gets Wrong About Sustainability (And How Rhett Evans Plans to Fix It) 42:00

8M ago42:00

42:00

The Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA) plays a hugely important role in shaping the future of golf, and few people embody its mission like Rhett Evans. As CEO for over 15 years, Rhett has become the voice for the 20,000 members who manage and care for millions of acres of green space across the country. His leadership isn’t …

51
Climate Conversations: Sustainable Development Goals 8:58

8M ago8:58

8:58

In this month’s Climate Conversations we take a look at the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals. The 17 SDGs are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a global partnership. They recognize that ending poverty and other deprivations must go hand-in-hand with strategies that improve health and education, …

1
Inside Marriott Golf: Innovations Driving Sustainability Across the Globe 44:51

8M ago44:51

44:51

Sustainability in golf is no longer just a buzzword; it’s becoming a defining principle for the future of the sport. As challenges around resources and environmental impact grow, leaders in the industry are stepping forward with innovative approaches. Among them is David Robinson, Senior Director of Golf Grounds at Marriott International, who overs…

1
Season 5 Opener & Reflections 22:20

8M ago22:20

22:20

Welcome back to the Sports for Social Impact podcast! This is our season 5 opener with reflections and key takeaways from the past four years of the podcast. This episode is available as an article on our website: https://www.sportsforsocialimpact.com/post/reflections-to-start-off-2025 ---- Please subscribe to the Sports for Social Impact Podcast w…

1
Inside Golf’s Greatest Sustainability Transformation—DP World Tour’s Green Drive 47:55

8M ago47:55

47:55

Golf is a game deeply connected to nature, and its future depends on how well we care for the environment. Maria Grandinetti Milton, Director of Sustainability for the DP World Tour, is at the forefront of this mission, setting a remarkable example for the sports world. Her work spans global events, innovative environmental practices, and efforts t…

1
🌿 Threading the Needle: The Future of Sustainable Fashion 🌍 | S2 E4 | Popping Bubbles Podcast 1:13:15

9M ago1:13:15

1:13:15

Welcome back to the Popping Bubbles Podcast! In this episode, our hosts Lisa and Stefan dive deep into the future of sustainable fashion with special guest Erik de Groot, co-founder of the innovative brand Iron Roots (now Boldwill). Known for creating sustainable sportswear, Erik shares his journey from engineering to building a brand focused on na…

1
Sport, Overfishing and the Just Transition (with Julia Shaw, Founder MANTA Sail Training Centre) 1:12:24

9M ago1:12:24

1:12:24

Julia Shaw is the founder of Manta Sail Training Centre. Founded in 2008, MANTA Sail Training Centre is the first and only social ocean enterprise in Vietnam which aims to promote human and environmental health via watersports. MANTA’s watersports-trained fishermen teach watersport to guests, in turn guests support sustainable development goals and…

1
A Sport Policy for Everyone to Love (with Sport NB CEO Cheryl MacDonald) 1:01:20

9M ago1:01:20

1:01:20

Cheryl Macdonald is the CEO of Sport New Brusnwick. She holds a PhD in Social & Cultural Analysis from Concordia University and completed a postdoctoral fellowship in building inclusive sporting communities at the University of Alberta. She was also the co-editor of Overcoming the Neutral Zone Trap: Hockey's agents of change (2021). Sport New Bruns…

1
What can sport learn from big tech about sustainability? 50:07

10M ago50:07

50:07

In this podcast episode, Eve Joseph, head of social impact and sustainability and a former Microsoft leader, shares insights on what sport can learn from the tech industry’s approach to sustainability. The conversation delves into the transformative role of data, highlighting why democratising access to information is essential for understanding an…