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”Green Minds” is a collaboration between members of the Southeast Sustainability Directors Network and guests who have experience, knowledge, passionate and dedication to sustainability. About SSDN: The Southeastern U.S. is no different than the rest of the world when it comes to dealing with the problems associated with climate change. Extreme heat, rising seas, strengthening storms, flooding, drought, and crop loss are just some of the challenges we face. The Southeast Sustainability Directors Network (SSDN) addresses these problems through sustainability efforts — work that creates a healthy, clean, and more stable environment for current and future generations. We connect local government sustainability professionals throughout the region to accelerate, scale, and implement sustainable best practices so that communities are equipped to adapt to and mitigate climate change. Learn more about SSDN at www.southeastsdn.org

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Check latest episodes from SSDN‘s Green Minds podcast

Ep. 40: Green Minds: Building Healthier Homes

2026/09/24

In a city as historic as Charleston, balancing preservation with modern sustainability can be a challenge. In this episode of Green Minds, host Mika Gadsden (Director of Sustainability for the City of Charleston) sits down with April Magill, Principal Architect of Root Down Designs, to discuss how we can build healthier, more resilient homes without losing the character of our city. April is a true pioneer in the advancement of Healthy Buildings. As an architect, small business owner, Executive Director, and Adjunct Professor, she brings a wealth of knowledge on how to navigate the intersection of design, policy, and public health. Together, Mika and April dive into the nitty-gritty of engaging local government, the challenges of retrofitting historic structures, and the urgent need for sustainable building practices in the Lowcountry.

Green Minds Ep. 39: Finding Common Ground on Climate

2026/08/17

Climate change is often described as a generational issue, but is age really what shapes how people think about climate action? The reality is more nuanced, especially in a time of deep polarization. On this episode, leading climate scientist and climate communications expert Dr. Katharine Hayhoe join podcast host and Senior Sustainability Strategist for the City of Raleigh, N.C., Jessica Reid, to discuss how we can connect climate change to people's values and help them take action. The conversation also examines a challenge that is especially relevant across the American South: how climate discussions intersect with rapid growth, community identity, and differing visions for the future. Whether you work in local government or are interested in the future of your community, this episode offers practical insights for fostering productive conversations across generations and finding common ground in a changing world.

Green Minds Ep. 38: Quietly Changing the Landscape

2026/07/21

Dr. Shaleen Miller talks with Cameron Gonzalez, Grounds Maintenance Supervisor, and Kimberly Conley, Sustainability Coordinator, with the Town of Morrisville, NC, about the real-world transition to electric vegetation management equipment. Hear what they have learned about costs, battery life, charging, crew performance, staff buy-in, and quieter day-to-day operations. #sustainability #SSDN #SoutheastUS

Green Minds Ep. 37: Sustainability Takeaways

2026/05/26

Join host Diego J. Cancel from Coral Gables, Florida, as he interviews several of our SSDN members and leadership at the 2026 Annual Meeting. Interviewees share the important things they learned and what they are taking home with them.

Green Minds Ep. 36: Mobility in the Southeast: Making Transportation Safe and People First

2026/05/19

Celebrate Mobility Month this May as host Mika Gadsden, Director of Sustainability for Charleston, South Carolina, interviews Executive Director Katie Zimmerman and Director of Programming Savannah Brennan with Charleston Moves about local mobility efforts. #biking #charlestonmoves

Green Minds Ep. 35: Sustainability and Mental Health: Supporting our Communities and Ourselves

2026/04/15

This Earth Month, we explore the connection between sustainability work and mental health. Host Jessica Reid is joined by two guests bringing complementary perspectives. Ashley Stokes, who currently works for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and is the creator of the documentary Good Natured, discusses the role of storytelling in helping people process climate emotions and move toward action. Sarah Sterzing of Keep Norfolk Beautiful shares how her background in social work informs a trauma-informed approach to sustainability. Together, this conversation offers practical insights and reflections for those working in climate and sustainability, especially those navigating the emotional weight of the work. Watch Good Natured Check out this article that some of our SSDN members enjoyed, inspiring this episode.

Green Minds Ep. 34: Storm Resilience with Environmental Journalist Mark Schleifstein

2026/03/19

🎙️ March Green Minds Podcast Coral Gables Sustainability Supervisor Diego J. Cancel and SSDN member sits down with Pulitzer Prize winning environmental journalist Mark Schleifstein to discuss climate and resilience to major storm events. #GreenMindsPodcast #SSDN #Louisiana #resilience

Green Minds Ep. 33: Turning Glass into Sand

2026/02/27

🎙️ February Green Minds Podcast Got glass? Get sand. Osceola County, Florida, is doing something unique with their recycling program. They are turning their glass into sand. Explore the topic with Dr. Shaleen Miller in our latest Green Minds podcast edition, featuring Paul Conover, Sustainability Project Manager and Nicole Enverga, Sustainability Program Specialist. #GreenMindsPodcast #LocalSustainability #GlassRecycling #SSDN

Green Minds Ep. 32: One Year In: Why Local Sustainability Needs Strong Networks

2026/01/22

🎙️ January Green Minds Podcast This month’s episode of Green Minds features a conversation with Rob Phocas, SSDN’s new Executive Director. Rob shares with host Dr. Shaleen Miller why he’s excited to be back with SSDN at a pivotal moment, what it’s been like to see the network grow into its first year as a nonprofit, and why peer networks are essential for sustainability professionals working at the local level. We also talk about what makes a network work — what SSDN needs from participants, why showing up matters, and how shared learning and collaboration help move projects forward faster and with greater impact. If you work in or alongside local government and are looking for connection, practical support, and a community that understands the realities of this work, this episode is for you. #GreenMindsPodcast #LocalSustainability #ClimateLeadership #PeerLearning #SSDN

Green Minds Ep. 31: Weathering the Storm: Climate Resilience + Recovery

2025/12/16

How do local governments talk about resilience and recovery after hurricanes and tropical storms? In this episode, Jessica Reid from the City of Raleigh, North Carolina, talks with local government leaders from across the Southeast about how they communicate through crisis, connect with residents, and frame climate challenges in ways that build trust and understanding. Guests include Leslie Gahagan, the Sustainability and Natural Resources Director for the City of Foley, Alabama; Matt Efird, Assistant Town Manager and Community Services Director for the Town of Hillsborough, North Carolina; and Ashlee Painter, Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Sanibel, Florida. Our thoughts and hearts are with all the communities that continue to experience impacts from climate-related disasters. Check out the episode to hear some great insights about how communities can respond to and prepare for these impacts.

Green Minds Ep. 30: Leave the Leaves Campaigns

2025/11/25

In this episode, interview host Dr. Robyn Byers of Charlotte, NC, interviews John Richardson and Brennan Bouma (Chapel Hill, NC) and Jackie LeBouitz (Sarasota County, FL Extension Agent) about Leave the Leaves. Many of our member communities have already started their own Leave the Leaves campaigns, where residents are encouraged to not rake their leaves during fall. Leaf cover offers many benefits including a warm place for smaller animals to live during the colder months and by keeping soil mulched and moist. We hope you enjoy this episode of Green Minds. Chapel Hill Leave the Leaves https://www.townofchapelhill.org/government/departments-services/public-works/streets-and-construction/leaves/leave-your-leaves FL Extension Office Leave the Leaves https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/sarasotaco/2025/03/19/support-your-local-bugs-leave-the-leaves-get-a-free-bumper-sticker/

Green Minds Ep. 29: Sustainability and AI

2025/09/23

AI is already transforming how we manage energy, model climate risks, and optimize city services—but it also has a growing environmental footprint. How can we use AI sustainably? In this episode of Green Minds, host Dr. Shaleen Miller speaks with Dr. Arun Majumdar, Dean of Stanford Doerr School of Sustainability and former VP of Energy at Google, about what AI means for local governments, the planet, and the future of climate work. From vendor certifications to data transparency and digital equity, this conversation is packed with insights for cities, sustainability leaders, and anyone curious about the climate-AI connection. #GreenMindsPodcast #GreenMinds #Sustainability #Resilience #AI

Green Minds Ep. 28: Explore Careers in Sustainability

2025/08/13

In this episode of Green Minds, Shaleen Miller dives into the realities of landing—and thriving—in sustainability jobs, especially in local government. From breaking into the field to stepping into leadership roles like Chief Sustainability Officer, our guests Abena Ojetayo with the City of Tallahassee and Shelby Buso, formerly with the City of Atlanta and now with the City of San Diego, CA, share their personal career journeys, the skills that matter most, and the advice they wish they’d had starting out. We also get real about burnout, balance, and staying grounded over the long haul. Tune in to hear practical tips, candid stories, and inspiration for building a purposeful career in sustainability.

Green Minds Ep. 27: Climate Action Planning - planning, iterations, collaboration, and funding.

2025/08/13

In this episode, we are joined by Michelle Midanier (Atlanta, Georgia) and Leif Olson (Fayetteville, Arkansas) to talk climate action planning. The conversation built from where were we in the late 2010's to now, what has been added, how to integrate climate action plans with other strategic plans, and how about funding? These great guests cover that and more in this episode of GreenMinds. Enjoy! Fayetteville, Arkansas Sustainability Atlanta's Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Resilience

Green Minds Ep. 26: What is the benefit to joining SSDN for non-members?

2025/03/08

In this episode, Dr. Shaleen Miller with Winston Salem and I tackle what we love about SSDN member and talk with Rebecca Coplin, Beautification Project Manager for the City of High Point NC, who is considering SSDN membership. We talk about the traditional and non-traditional benefits of SSDN, gush about our relationship building and connections, talk about grant support, and more. If you are not a member of SSDN, consider listening to all the benefits and let's sing you up :). For those of us who are members or know someone who isn't sure about membership, may not have a sustainability position, etc., please share this one wide as we celebrate this great organization. As always, please send topic ideas to [email protected]. Have a great one!

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JRS-3 2022/04/13

Fantastic, Scalable content for what good we can do in our own Communities

I love the Green Minds podcast, which features sustainability leaders in local government across the southeast. These stories and interviews give me s...

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