Consensus in Conversation

In the more than a century since humans first took to the skies with powered flight, still only about 20% of the world’s population has actually flown on an airplane. But that demand is on the rise, and air travel’s CO2 emissions are set to triple by 2050. So Benjamin Stabler and Heart Aerospace have a groundbreaking solution: decarbonize and democratize flight for all. Ben, who joined Heart as CTO earlier this year, has been leading technical work on the ES-30, an innovative, battery-electric hybrid regional aircraft. Heart Aerospace is building a system of decarbonized, short-haul aircrafts that are cheaper to operate and more energy-efficient than traditional air travel. Founded in 2019, the startup has raised over $140 million to date developing and scaling its revolutionary technology, which is not only more sustainable, but, given its significant reduction in direct operating costs per trip, potentially more profitable too, allowing for the development and revitalization of regional air travel networks that help create a more connected world. Prior to leading technical development for Heart’s newly established North American operations, Ben received an M.S. in electrical engineering from Stanford University, led software and hardware teams for the SpaceX Crew Dragon program, and co-founded Parallel Systems, an automated, battery-electric freight rail vehicle startup. Hear Ben talk about his lifelong love for aviation, how the ES-30 actually works, and why electrified, short-distance flights could change the future of aviation as we know it. Episode Highlights:00:00 Benjamin Stabler on decarbonizing short distance flights 00:49 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and Heart Aerospace05:28 Passion for airplanes, Stanford engineering, and SpaceX16:07 Origin of Heart Aerospace, joining as CTO, and electric aviation26:39 Hybrid electric regional aircraft, efficiency, and the U.S. markets30:17 Decarbonizing flight and democratizing air travel38:11 Rising aviation demand, the long-term horizon, and exciting climate tech45:43 Remaining optimistic and where to learn more49:48 End credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Forrest North and Jason Marks of TELO Trucks on EVs, Mini Pickups, and Autonomous TechMore on Ben Stabler and Heart Aerospace:linkedin.com/in/ben-stabler linkedin.com/company/heart-aerospace heartaerospace.com Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, a marine biologist and climate policy expert, shares her passion for ocean conservation and innovative climate solutions. She discusses her journey in marine biology and highlights a sustainable fishing trap design that benefits both ecosystems and local economies. Ayana delves into the economic vulnerabilities of tourism-dependent Caribbean regions affected by climate change. She emphasizes the need for businesses to adopt a regenerative mindset and inspires listeners to transition from passive hope to proactive engagement in environmental challenges.

Knowing whether or not to invest in a startup isn’t easy – it’s a skill that makes VCs like Zal Bilimoria extremely valuable. And Zal, the co-founder and solo GP of seed-stage VC firm Refactor Capital, is leveraging his knowledge to build a portfolio of human and planetary health-focused startups merging profits, sustainability, and technology. Zal honed his skills and eye for the market working for tech industry giants like Microsoft and Google through pivotal moments in their history, and even created a new role for himself at Netflix, pioneering their dedicated mobile platform, before turning his hand to investing at a16z. It was there that he recognized his passion for health, biotech, and other impact-oriented industries, and in 2016, Zal struck out on his own to launch Refactor Capital. The firm has since invested in over 100 companies – four of which have gone on to reach unicorn status – and recently finished raising its fourth $50M fund.Hear Zal share key insights from his time at tech and VC behemoths, the importance of believing in founders over ideas, and which startups and technologies could literally change the world for the better. Episode Highlights:00:00 Zal Bilimoria on super responsiveness00:44 Conor Gaughan introduces Zal and Refactor Capital07:03 Early passion for computers, UPenn, and Microsoft 11:36 Google, head of mobile at Netflix, and product management18:05 Biotech and health, angel investing, and shifting investment strategy21:49 Launching Refactor Capital, being a solo GP, and hard tech 28:47 Getting deals done, communication, and managing portfolios 36:20 Aligning profit and impact, exciting tech, and sci-fi vs science reality 42:53 Climate tech and human health, urgency, and Checkerspot 47:42 Aether Biomachines, founder dinners, and entrepreneurship52:15 Leaving a legacy and defeating defeatism 56:01 Conclusion and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Pavle Jeremic of Aether Biomachines on Rearranging Atoms, Scaling Deep Tech, and Defeating Scarcity More on Refactor Capital and Zal Bilimoria:refactor.com linkedin.com/company/refactor-capital linkedin.com/in/zalzally Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Soli Organic grows approximately 120,000,000 units of fresh herbs and greens every year, making it the number one grower of fresh, organic, culinary herbs in the U.S. That’s an impressive agriculture story on its own, but Soli has an even more amazing twist – they grow it all indoors! Led by CEO Matt Ryan, former head of brand management at Disney and chief marketing officer at Starbucks, the company is taking the indoor agriculture sector by storm (or rather, soil) with its commercial-grade organic growing systems and sustainable soil-based technology. Founded over 30 years ago as Shenandoah Growers, the Virginia-based company has grown under Matt’s leadership to serve over 20,000 retail locations across the country while developing an integrated platform of farms, production, and logistics facilities. As the only controlled-environment producer to use soil-based technology, Soli is still growing rapidly, even launching a 140,000-square-foot soil-based vertical farm in Texas earlier this year. Hear Matt Ryan share his business wisdom from game-changers like Disney and Starbucks, the revolutionary potential of precision fertilizers for indoor, soil-based growing, and how Soli is working to make flavorful, nutritious, and affordable organic produce available to all.Episode Highlights:00:00 Matt Ryan on indoor organic technology 00:46 Conor Gaughan introduces Matt and Soli Organic05:30 Harvard studies, history, and passion for business09:47 Working at Disney and marketing at Starbucks13:57 Joining Soli’s board, becoming CEO, and its origin 17:30 The elevator pitch, soil tech, and precision organic fertilizer 24:10 Defining organic, sustainability in farming, and climate tech29:57 Raising capital, critical storytelling, and the triple bottom line36:03 Community engagement and leaving a legacy38:20 Where to learn more39:23 Conclusion and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Nicolas Pinkowski of Nitricity on Lightning-Powered Fertilizer and the Decarbonized Future Of FoodMore on Soli Organic and Matt Ryan:soliorganic.com linkedin.com/company/soliorganic linkedin.com/in/mattryanceoConnect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.comIf you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

60 billion board feet of wood products are used in the U.S. every year, a majority produced by fresh logging and shipped from across the globe, while simultaneously, millions of tons of local wood waste ends up in landfills off-gassing carbon as it rots. But that inefficiency could rapidly change thanks to Cambium and its CEO and co-founder, Ben Christensen, who are revolutionizing lumber supply chains with their Carbon Smart Wood™ and Traece operating system. Cambium reclaims fallen or removed trees that would typically end up in landfills and turns them into a locally sourced, carbon negative material that could potentially cut global carbon emissions by 4%. The firm is also using new technology to better track the trees during the supply chain process, increasing transparency, traceability, and sustainability. Cambium is also just getting started, partnering with mega brands like Microsoft and Patagonia in recent years and continuing to develop their clean technology and expand their markets. Ben Christensen is an accomplished ultra marathon runner, so it’s probably fitting that the company he runs is built with long-haul sustainability and scalability in mind. Surrounded by forests and the outdoors as a child, Ben went to Yale School of Forestry & Environmental Studies to pursue his passion, and it was there that the idea for Cambium first took root. Not long after, Ben and his co-founder, Theo Hooker, a childhood friend and fellow ultra marathon runner, were racing to transform waste wood into valuable building materials. Hear Ben share how his love for the outdoors turned into a revolutionary sustainable materials startup, why wood waste is such a massive problem (and also a potential market), and what carbon smart wood means for the future of lumber, supply chains, and our planet. Episode Highlights00:00 Ben Christensen on wood waste 00:51 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and Cambium06:34 Early passion for wood, a childhood co-founder, and ultra running16:37 Yale’s Forestry Program, natural climate solutions, and carbon sinks22:42 Launching Cambium, wood’s waste issue, and carbon smart materials29:09 The potential market, building with scalability in mind, and evaluating impact 35:33 Brand partnerships, remaining unique, and aligning purpose with profits44:37 Innovations to watch, the blue carbon space, and staying optimistic 49:20 Leaving a legacy and where to learn more51:57 End creditsIf you liked this, listen next to our episode with Jasmine Crowe-Houston of Goodr on Being A Voice For Hunger And Why Food Waste Is All About Logistics.More on Cambium and Ben Christensen:cambiumcarbon.com linkedin.com/company/cambium-carbon linkedin.com/in/btchr Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgone.Have questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really does make a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

C-Zero and Zach Jones, its co-founder and CEO, are using innovative thermocatalysis technology to convert natural gas into zero-emission hydrogen, offering the tantalizing potential to decarbonize major industries while scaling the fuel of the future. Hydrogen is one of the most promising sources of clean energy in existence, and a key component in alternative fuels capable of decarbonizing hard-to-electrify industries like heavy shipping. But there’s a catch: the current processes used to extract hydrogen from hydrocarbons like natural gas create a rather unsustainable byproduct – carbon dioxide. Hard-tech firm C-Zero has the answer: a revolutionary method to convert natural gas into hydrogen and a solid carbon byproduct instead, which could have industry, or even world-changing, implications. And Zach, a biomedical engineer, multi-time founder, and venture capital investor with a lifelong passion for hydrogen, is perfectly positioned to take this technology to the next level, having spent his entire career in and around the innovation economy. Hear Zach share how his interest in hydrogen led him to the idea that would become C-Zero, why “turquoise hydrogen” is the secret to Hydrogen 3.0, and why thermocatalysis could decarbonize the future of energy. Episode Highlights:00:00 Zach Jones on turquoise hydrogen 00:54 Conor Gaughan introduces Zach and C-Zero06:05 Ranch life, interest in chemistry, and Duke University10:39 Entrepreneurial bug, business school, and investing career 18:17 The hydrogen thesis, origin of C-Zero, and the TAM25:42 Turquoise hydrogen, transport, and public private partnerships34:32 Pitching investors, global markets, and the long-term horizon44:19 Fighting climate change, future scale, and exciting innovations50:16 Staying positive and leaving a legacy52:29 Where to learn more53:09 End credits If you liked this, listen next to our episode with Dr. Seonghoon Woo of Amogy on Materials Science, Decarbonized Transport, and Alternative FuelsMore on C-Zero and Zach Jones:czero.energy linkedin.com/company/c-zero linkedin.com/in/zachjones06 Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgoneHave questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

A favorite soda can be a huge part of people’s identity – roughly half of the American population drinks at least one soda on a daily basis – which is why OLIPOP is completely reimagining the soda industry with its healthier, prebiotic, low sugar alternative that tastes as good – if not better – than its traditional counterparts. Ben Goodwin has spent his entire career building the beverage industry and business skills needed to conjure great tasting flavors from great-for-you ingredients. Ben is not only OLIPOP’s co-founder, CEO, and formulator, but also a huge reason why the innovative B Corp Certified startup’s bright-colored cans are already in stores across the country. At just 20 years old, he helped ferment (launch) a kombucha company, later founded and worked as lead formulator for kefir-based probiotic soda brand Obi, and then launched OLIPOP in 2017 with co-founder David Lester. Hear Ben share OLIPOP’s “15-year overnight success story,” the science behind the benefits of prebiotics vs probiotics, and his lifelong quest to disrupt the soda behemoths with a sustainable, healthy alternative – which IS still a soda! Episode Highlights00:00 Ben Goodwin on creating functional soda 00:54 Conor Gaughan introduces Ben and OLIPOP04:42 Rough upbringing, passion for health, and dropping out of college11:23 Founder mythologies, key habits, and first beverage formulation 17:57 Learning to tinker, microbiology, and building a first beverage brand25:51 What is OLIPOP, the 3rd wave of soda, and making healthy taste good32:13 First 4 flavors, scaling to stores nationwide, and the science of microbiomes44:40 B Corp Certification, doing good and doing well, and defining positive impact52:52 Where to learn more (and find the closest store with OLIPOPs near you!53:41 End credits If you liked this, listen next to our episode with Joey Zwillinger of AllbirdsMore on OLIPOP PBC and Ben Goodwin:drinkolipop.comdrinkolipop.com/pages/store-locator linkedin.com/company/olipop-pbclinkedin.com/in/ben-goodwin-646a9376 Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgoneHave questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com. If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

The world currently removes less than .0001% of the carbon required to meet the IPCC’s 2050 goal – so there’s A LOT of work to be done – which is what makes Graphyte’s ready-to-go solution all the more valuable.Barclay Rogers, a former environmental lawyer, mechanical engineer, and multi-time founder, is bringing his unique set of experiences and leadership skills to making scalable, affordable CO2 removal an immediate reality with his new startup, Graphyte. Rather than rely on energy-intensive and still-developing technology like Direct Air Capture, Barclay and his team realized that they could use nature’s own hyper-efficient carbon capture process – photosynthesis – to leverage natural resources in their revolutionary Carbon Casting process, a first-of-its-kind technique that traps carbon in easy to store bricks forged from the biomass waste generated by farms, logging camps, and paper mills. With their world-leading carbon removal operations already underway at their Pine Bluff, Arkansas facility, Graphyte is able to offer durable carbon removal that's scalable, affordable, and, maybe most importantly, ready right now. Hear Barclay Rogers talk about Graphyte’s origin story, the importance of scalability for climate solutions, and why his native Arkansas is the perfect home for biomass-based carbon removal.Episode Highlights00:00 Barclay Rogers on carbon removal in the heartland00:32 Conor Gaughan introduces Barclay Rogers and Graphyte04:37 Arkansas roots, natural resources, and mechanical engineering09:36 Environmental law, government, and pivot to entrepreneurship 19:20 Startup career, the carbon industry, and the potential of biomass 25:25 The origin of Graphtye, durable carbon removal, and scalability33:43 Innovation curves, public policy factors, and the value of carbon40:24 Breakthrough Ventures, climate change, and growing a community 46:11 Leaving a legacy and finding motivation47:43 Where to learn more and end creditsIf you liked this episode, listen next to Dr. Vince Romanin of Gradient on Heat Pumps, Zero-Carbon Infrastructure, and the Triple Bottom LineMore on Graphyte and Barclay Rogers:graphyte.com linkedin.com/company/graphytecarbon linkedin.com/in/barclayrogers Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgoneHave questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Tom Neyhart founded PosiGen in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina to help the families and communities most impacted by the disaster rebuild their homes, save money, and boost energy resilience through solar power. He not only succeeded, but created an entirely new market by providing affordable solar and energy efficiency to low and middle income families. Tom, who moved from CEO to Executive Chairman of the Board last year, pioneered a new era of solar development years ahead of other firms, positioning B Corp Certified PosiGen as a key leader in the industry. An inspirational leader, successful businessman, and serial entrepreneur, he held leadership roles in construction and retail before starting PosiGen in 2011. Tom grew the innovative company as CEO over the next twelve years, expanding from Louisiana to other states, skyrocketing its revenue, and receiving numerous recognitions, including the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Blue Ribbon Award and Department of Defense’s Patriot Award. Hear Tom Neyhart talk about how a desire to help others led him to revolutionize solar power as we know it, what makes PosiGen’s unique model so affordable, and why prioritizing impact benefits people, the planet, and profits. Episode Highlights00:00 Tom Neyhart on rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina00:48 Conor Gaughan introduces Tom and PosiGen305:25 Louisiana roots, serial entrepreneurship, and teamwork 14:44 Hurricane Katrina, helping others, and the origin of PosiGen23:19 Selling solar savings, PosiGen’s unique model, and building trust29:50 Pitching investors, B Corp status, and maximizing impact 39:59 The future of renewable services, public policy, and scaling solar46:38 What’s next for PosiGen, exciting innovations, and leaving a legacy50:19 Where to learn more and end credits If you liked this episode, listen next to Michael Chanin of Cherry Street Energy on Scaling Solar, Utilities, and Market CompetitionMore on PosiGen and Tom Neyhart:posigen.com linkedin.com/company/posigen linkedin.com/in/thomasneyhart Connect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgoneHave questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.

Goodr has a simple but powerful mission: feed more and waste less. The sustainable waste management firm’s founder and CEO, Jasmine Crowe-Houston, believes that hunger in America is not a scarcity issue– it’s a problem of logistics. Which is actually good news, because that’s an issue technology can solve! By leveraging detailed inventory management, predictive analytics and advanced supply chain logistics, Goodr is helping businesses reduce waste, cut carbon emissions and harness tax credits, all while supporting sustainable hunger solutions across the nation. Jasmine is an award-winning business leader, TED speaker, and author, who began her entrepreneurship journey spotlighting black celebrity philanthropy, nonprofits, and other charitable causes on BlackCelebrityGiving.com. After moving to Atlanta in 2013, she began hosting free pop up restaurants every Sunday out of her own pocket, offering soul food meals to people experiencing homelessness. When a video of Jasmine at one of these events went viral in 2016, she was inspired to learn more about food donations and soon discovered the shocking scale of America’s food waste problem. Realizing that a truly sustainable hunger solution couldn’t rely on donations alone, Jasmine launched Goodr in 2017 to offer businesses a win-win way to save money and build food security in their communities, and she has since grown her local startup into a B Corp Certified company serving a national network.  Hear Jasmine talk about turning her Sunday passion into a thriving company, why Goodr takes a holistic approach to waste management, and how technology can help create a hunger-free future.Episode Highlights00:00 Jasmine Crowe-Houston on sustainable solutions to hunger00:52 Conor Gaughan introduces Jasmine and Goodr04:15 Early life, the importance of storytelling, and giving a Ted Talk08:48 Entrepreneurship, blackcelebritygiving.com, and sports for good 15:45 Feeding the hungry in Atlanta, going viral, and launching Goodr  20:39 The logistics of hunger, win-win solutions to food waste, and growth30:47 Covid, pivoting to hunger relief, and scaling a national network38:09 Impact report, the Goodr Foundation, and grocery store program43:40 Finding inspiration 45:10 Where to learn more and end creditsIf you liked this episode, listen next to Jamila Norman of Patchwork City Farms on Urban Farming, Food Advocacy, and Good FoodMore on Goodr and Jasmine Crowe-Houston:goodr.colinkedin.com/company/goodrco linkedin.com/in/jasminecrowe instagram.com/goodrcoConnect with Conor Gaughan on linkedin.com/in/ckgone and threads.net/@ckgoneHave questions, or a great idea for a potential guest? Email us at CiC@consensus-digital.com If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review the show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify – it really makes a difference! Consensus in Conversation is a podcast by Consensus Digital Media produced in association with Reasonable Volume.