Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

Hello, hello! We’re so excited to be here and embark on an enlightening journey with our fellow planet advocates - yes, we’re talking about you – to leave the earth cleaner! 💪🌏Tune in for engaging conversations around the evolution of the packaging industry as we scale up towards a more sustainable future 🌱Join us, in our endeavour to learn from our inspiring guests and get their insight on the pertinent (and our forever favourite) question – what does #GoodGarbage mean to you? ♻️✨Feedback? Collaboration requests? Guest recommendations? Hit us up at connect@goodgarbagepodcast.com ✍️

Good Garbage with Ved Krishna is a science podcast hosted by Pakka, with 116 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Pakka hosts Good Garbage with Ved Krishna, a science show with 116 episodes published.

Our AI reads these to draft pitches. Use them as grounding for a pitch that cites a real guest and a specific topic.

• 

  Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

  A Masterclass in Biodegradability & PLA with Dr. Ramani Narayan | Part 1

  Aug 6, 20261h 21m

  Hello, hello! This week, we sit down with the OG of biopolymers and the man behind PLA as we know it today-- the one and only Dr. Ramani Narayan, Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University. In this masterclass episode, he teaches us everything to know about biodegradability: from the science to the myths. Full episode on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast In this episode: • Biodegradability as a property, not a magic solution • Standards for biodegradation and compostability • The role of microbial activity and environmental factors • Misconceptions about plastic breakdown times • The importance of proper waste management and composting • The science of microplastics and environmental impact • The difference between natural and synthetic biodegradable materials ️ Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and guest background 01:08 Ramni Narayan's journey from basketball to biopolymers 03:19 How did Dr. Narayan get into organic chemistry and biopolymers? 08:44 The evolution of biopolymers and their market potential 15:25 Understanding biodegradability vs. compostability 22:18 Standards and testing for biodegradation 36:45 Environmental conditions affecting biodegradation rates 44:44 The role of waste management and composting 01:00:09 The science of polymer breakdown and microbial activity 01:12:20 Impact of temperature and environment on degradation 01:22:51 Clarifying misconceptions about biodegradable plastics Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: What is Good Garbage? ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast Contact us: sargam.krishna@goodgarbage.info

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

  From War Zones to Sustainable Solutions | Kenya's First Green Packaging Company with Anita Shah

  Jul 15, 20261h 12m

  Hello, hello! 🌱 Join us this week for a conversation with the amazing Anita Shah, who spent two decades of her life doing humanitarian work in places like Lebanon, Iraq and Somaliland — leaving it all behind to serve the planet. Shah founded Green Stem Products Ltd. as the first of its kind manufacturing facility in her homeland of Kenya to create biodegradable and compostable tableware products. Her journey began with a bank account emptied to support a big dream. Now, her facility produces hundreds of thousands of pieces a month and won the 2025 Sustainability Brand Awards! 🌳 With a 70% female team, Green Stem's mission goes beyond packaging solutions. They also provide employment opportunities to people with hearing impairments, albinism and ex-female convicts. Shah is an economist, nutritionist, yoga instructor, aid worker and businesswoman. Who better to learn from about service to the self, people and the planet? 🌍 In this episode with Anita Shah: • How Jainism and Iyengar Yoga have influenced a life of service for Shah • How Kenyan supermarkets and turtles ignited a passion for sustainable solutions • The difficulties of starting a business with nothing but a leaf-pressing machine • The challenges with pulping and thermoforming • Figuring out scaling and investments for a smaller business 🎙️ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:42 Empathy Through Humanitarian Work 07:59 The Role of Yoga and Meditation 11:17 Jainism and Environmental Connection 13:34 Transitioning from Humanitarian to Environmental Work 19:05 The Birth of Green Stem 25:42 Innovating Sustainable Packaging 28:49 Challenges in Pulping Technology 34:50 Achieving Quality in Small Scale Pulping 39:25 Thermoforming Technology and Future Plans 49:10 Choosing the Right Technology for Thermoforming 52:43 Understanding the African Market and Product Development 57:40 Challenges in Pricing and Production Efficiency 01:01:30 Raw Material Sourcing and Transportation Issues 01:05:33 Innovations in Coating Technology 01:19:55 Vision for the Future of GreenStem 🌱 Good Garbage is a podcast about sustainable materials, packaging and regeneration, hosted by Ved Krishna — conversations with the innovators, scientists and founders building a cleaner planet. The question behind every episode: What is Good Garbage? 🌐 Green Stem's Website: https://greenstemproducts.com 📱 Green Stem's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/green__stem?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== ▶ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@GoodGarbage 🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 🔗 More: https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast 💌 Contact us: sargam.krishna@goodgarbage.info

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

  Revolutionizing Materials | Efrat Friedland on The Future of Sustainable Design

  Jul 1, 20261h 16m

  Hello, hello! 🌱 In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna is joined by Efrat Friedland, Founder of materialscout and Co-Founder of Positive Plastics. They speak at length about Friedland's journey from being a designer to leading two businesses, her experience running a Materials Library and her view of the future of material science. 🧪 🧠 Together, we will be diving deep into big questions about the world of sustainable materials: • Why is greenwashing harmful? • Can plastic simply be labelled "good" or "bad" without nuance? • If a product breaks down, should it be repaired or replaced? • Who is ultimately responsible for the functioning of the products we buy? • Are bioplastics a good fit for every product? ... and much, much more! If you are someone who is fascinated by the world of material science, or simply want to learn more from an industry expert like Friedland, this episode is for you! 🌐 Follow & Listen materialscout: https://www.materialscout.com Positive Plastics: https://www.positiveplastics.eu Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

  From Petroleum to Purpose | Nima Vakili on Building the Future of Biomaterials

  Jun 18, 20261h 9m

  Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with Nima Vakili, Founder & CEO of Safa Bioworks, for a fascinating conversation on circularity, biomaterials, and what it really takes to build sustainable systems in a world still dependent on fossil resources. Coming from a family deeply rooted in petrochemicals and polymer manufacturing, Nima shares his journey from growing up around industrial plastics to creating a company focused on transforming agricultural and organic waste into high-value biomaterials. This conversation explores the intersection of material science, circular economy, innovation, and long-term thinking—while also diving into personal stories about nature, leadership, business, and the role of optimism in creating systemic change. From recycling carpets and creating closed-loop manufacturing systems to building biobased alternatives in the UAE, Nima explains why sustainability isn’t about eliminating plastics overnight—it’s about designing smarter pathways for the future. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond the usual sustainability narrative and explores what happens when someone from the heart of the petrochemical industry begins asking bigger questions. Can biopolymers coexist with traditional materials? What does circularity actually look like at an industrial scale? How do countries create ecosystems that enable innovation? And what can nature teach us about regeneration and systems thinking? Through personal reflections and practical insights, this episode uncovers how sustainability becomes meaningful when it moves from ideology to execution. If you've ever wondered: •⁠ ⁠Can bioplastics realistically complement traditional plastics? • Why are circular manufacturing systems difficult to scale? • How do regional policies shape sustainable innovation? • What role does nature play in inspiring industrial solutions? • What happens when business and environmental ambition intersect? This episode answers these questions with honesty, curiosity, and optimism. 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn •⁠ ⁠How Nima transitioned from petrochemicals into sustainable innovation • The realities and limitations of bioplastics adoption • Why circularity is more than recycling • The role of agricultural and organic waste in future materials • Lessons from building closed-loop manufacturing systems • How the UAE is enabling climate-tech and sustainable infrastructure • Why long-term thinking matters in sustainability • The relationship between business, storytelling, and impact • How nature inspires innovation and regenerative thinking • Why the future of materials must focus on diversification—not replacement This episode is for anyone curious about the future of materials, sustainability, circular economy, and building systems that create value beyond waste. 🎬 Credits Producer: Utsav Kurchania Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Safa BioWorks: https://safabioworks.com/company Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch— Would you choose biodegradable materials, plastic alternatives, or an entirely new system? Why?

  ListenShow Notes
• 

  Good Garbage with Ved Krishna

  Influencing Sustainable Practices with Aashima Aghi

  Jun 4, 20261h 32m

  Hello, hello! In this episode of the Good Garbage Podcast, host Ved Krishna sits down with sustainability content creator Aashima Aghi to explore how conscious living, mindful consumption, and everyday lifestyle choices can create a meaningful impact on both personal well-being and the planet. Aashima shares her journey from being a curious child to becoming one of India's leading voices in sustainability content. From discovering healthier habits during the COVID lockdown to building a platform around sustainable living, she reflects on how small personal changes can inspire broader societal shifts. The conversation covers everything from conscious parenting and reusable products to consumer psychology, minimalism, and the growing commercialization of everyday life. With practical examples and personal experiences, Aashima highlights why sustainability is not about perfection, but about making informed, mindful choices that work for both people and the environment. 🎙️ What This Episode Explores This conversation goes beyond common sustainability advice and dives into the real behaviors that drive overconsumption. From the commercialization of childhood and disposable lifestyles to reusable alternatives and conscious consumerism, Aashima shares practical insights on how individuals can rethink their relationship with products, convenience, and consumption. The discussion also explores how brands can make sustainability aspirational, how storytelling influences purchasing decisions, and why the future of sustainable living depends as much on mindset shifts as it does on innovative products. If you've ever wondered: •⁠ ⁠Can sustainability become a natural part of everyday life? • Why do we continue to overconsume even when we know better? • How can parents make more conscious choices for their children? • Are reusable products actually better for our lifestyle and not just the environment? • How can brands make sustainable choices more appealing to consumers? This episode answers these questions with honesty, personal stories, and practical takeaways. 🧠 In This Episode, You'll Learn •⁠ ⁠How Aashima's sustainability journey began during the COVID lockdown • The connection between healthy habits, mindful living, and sustainability • Why buying less is often the most sustainable choice • The impact of overconsumption and the commercialization of childhood • Practical approaches to conscious parenting and mindful purchasing • The benefits and challenges of reusable products and sustainable alternatives • How personal experience drives lasting behavioral change • Why convenience culture fuels waste and overconsumption • How brands can make sustainability more attractive through storytelling and design • The growing importance of community-driven and purpose-led brands • Why sustainability should be viewed as a lifestyle rather than a trend Whether you're beginning your sustainability journey, looking to reduce waste in your daily life, or interested in understanding the psychology behind consumer behavior, this episode offers valuable perspectives on creating positive change- one mindful choice at a time. 🎬 Credits Producer: Utsav Kurchania Video Editor: Sargam Krishna 🌐 Follow & Listen Aashima's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/planetfirstplease?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== Aashima's YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@sustainabilitywithaashima?si=vXRvJWiOW5N2zHGY Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts Instagram: @goodgarbagepodcast LinkedIn: Good Garbage Podcast 💭 Let’s Talk If you had to redesign packaging from scratch— Would you choose biodegradable materials, plastic alternatives, or an entirely new system? Why?

  ListenShow Notes

Recent guests on Good Garbage with Ved Krishna. Study who booked and why before you pitch.

Based on semantic analysis of episode topics and host coverage, this show is a strong guest fit for executives in:

Industry fit is computed by PitchCentric using vector embeddings of the show's episode catalog.