
ReFi Podcast
The regenerative finance (ReFi) movement in web3 offers hope to both the climate conscious and the crypto-curious. At the intersection of these two unlikely worlds lies an ecosystem of innovation answering "How do we redesign money and heal the earth?"
Latest episodes

Mar 1, 2024 • 1h 1min
Vision For a New $EARTH with Utkarsh Patel │ Season 3 Episode 22 🎧
Can the Solarpunk movement offer the blueprint for a greener, more sustainable future? In this episode of ReFi Podcast, host John Ellison and guest Utkarsh Patel from Solarpunk DAO explore this thought-provoking question. A few weeks ago, Solarpunk DAO unveiled $EARTH coin, a bold initiative designed to transition individuals from petrochemical finances to regenerative, eco-friendly money with just a few clicks.
While explicitly not investment advice, this conversation offers a deep educational journey into Utkarsh's lifelong immersion in nature and his critical examination of the root causes behind climate change, biodiversity loss, topsoil degradation, and more. Utkarsh shares his Solarpunk vision for the future, reflecting on his journey from studying environmental sciences to becoming a pioneering entrepreneur in sustainable development across India and beyond. From their early encounters in Founders Circles, John was struck by Utkarsh's fierce determination to advance his vision.
In this episode, you will:
🌿 Discover the revolutionary concept of $EARTH coin by Solarpunk DAO, aimed at transitioning individuals from conventional, petrochemical finances to a regenerative, eco-friendly monetary system.
🧠 Dive deep into Utkarsh's journey from a nature-immersed childhood to becoming a leader in sustainable entrepreneurship, and his insights into the complex crisis of climate change and biodiversity collapse.
💡 Explore the innovative projects and partnerships within the Solarpunk DAO community, including their unique crypto-economic designs and commitment to financing environmental regeneration.
Time stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:57] Introduction
[00:02:54] Check-in with Utkarsh
[00:03:56] Utkarsh’s Commitment To Climate Action
[00:14:07] What Is The Root Cause?
[00:28:38] $EARTH Coin and Real World Impact
[00:31:44] Project Supported By Solarpunk DAO
[00:35:21] Funding Traditional Projects
[00:40:55] Investing In Regeneration & Meme Coins
[00:43:26] Taking The Leap Into The Solarpunk Future
[00:46:33] The Tokenomics Of $EARTH Coin
[00:51:03] $EARTH & Glo Dollar
[00:57:32] How To Get Involved?
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
Hashtags:
#Podcast,
#ReFiPodcast,
#RegenerativeFinance,
#EARTHcoin
#Web3
#TechForGood

Feb 7, 2024 • 35min
Building a Solar Flywheel with William Skinner │ Season 3 Episode 21 🎧
In this latest episode of ReFi Podcast, host John Ellison sits down with William Skinner, the founder and CEO behind Helios. Helios is not just a platform; it's a bridge connecting investors to a world of renewable energy investment opportunities across emerging markets. With its unique protocol, Helios allows for the selection of geographic pools focusing on renewable energy installations in locations like India and Brazil.
For over two years, Helios has been at the forefront of financing renewable energy projects, boasting an impeccable track record. While we're here to share knowledge and insights, remember, this conversation is purely educational and not intended as investment advice.
This episode highlights the seamless integration of real-world assets into the ReFi space, offering planet-positive yields that benefit not only our environment but communities worldwide. 🌍✨
In this episode, you will:
🌱 Discover Helios, designed to connect investors with renewable energy opportunities in emerging markets.
📈 Learn about the integration of real-world assets into the ReFi space, offering yields that are beneficial for both the planet and its communities.
🚀 Hear about William Skinner's journey and Helios's ambition to become an infinite pool of capital for renewable energy projects worldwide.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:28] Introduction
[00:02:06] Check-in with William
[00:02:59] An overview of Helios
[00:04:10] The Scope of Helios’ Launch
[00:06:45] Getting Traction Today
[00:07:42] Risk Management at the Protocol Level
[00:08:55] The Cashflows Sustaining the Protocol
[00:16:57] Distributing the Shares
[00:21:01] Keeping the Team During Times of Uncertainty
[00:25:14] What Success Looks Like
[00:26:35] What’s coming up for Helios?
[00:30:36] How To Get Involved?
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
#Podcast,
#ReFiPodcast,
#RegenerativeFinance,
#SolarEnergy
#ClimateChange
#TechForGood

Jan 23, 2024 • 1h 3min
Redesigning Money with Karla Córdoba Brenes │ Season 3 Episode 20 🎧
Can the path of regeneration in Latin America offer global insights into harnessing technology for sustainable growth?
In this episode, we delve into the inspiring world of regeneration and innovation with Karla Córdoba. Karla, an entrepreneur and visionary, is known for her impactful ventures such as Cambiatus, ReFi Costa Rica, and Vagabonds Labs. She is also the new co-host of the podcast “Vagabonds” where she and her husband and business partner, Ranulfo, explore the narrative of regeneration in Latin America and the Spanish-speaking world.
We delve into a profound conversation about one of Karla's key ventures, Cambiatus. This innovative project is revolutionizing local economies by creating tools for community currencies, empowering local communities to develop new forms of money that align with their values and priorities. Discover how these currencies are fostering support for local initiatives, art, ecological restoration, and more in regions like Costa Rica and Brazil.
Furthermore, the episode provides a sneak peek into Karla's upcoming projects within the Starnet ecosystem, utilizing zero-knowledge proofs and the latest technological advancements to serve these communities even better.
In this episode, you will:
🌱 Discover how Karla and her team are redefining the concept of value and community through innovative local currencies.
🤝 Learn about the synergy between pioneering leaders in various industries and how they are integrating technologies like Web 3 and AI to pave the path of regeneration.
💡 Gain insights from Karla’s journey of overcoming challenges, and how this experience fueled her passion and vision for creating sustainable and empowering community ecosystems.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:01:08] Introduction
[00:03:22] The Launch of Vagabonds Podcast
[00:05:51] Englightning Conversations
[00:09:24] High Level Overview Of Karla’s Ventures
[00:22:00] The Catalyst Moment For Well-Being
[00:28:58] The Ruth Cause Of Our Current Condition
[00:34:07] Redesigning Money
[00:40:40] Sacred Economics
[00:46:06] Implementing Blockchain Backed Communty Currencies
[00:50:45] Starknet, Vagabond Labs and Zero Knowledge Proof
[00:59:38] Gratitude and Getting in Touch
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
Hashtags:
#Podcast,
#ReFiPodcast
#RegenerativeFinance
#CommunityCurrency
#SustainableInnovation
#TechForGood

Jan 16, 2024 • 1h 24min
Sovereign Nature Initiative with Ale Mazzi │ Season 3 Episode 19 🎧
In today's episode of ReFi Podcast, John Ellison is joined by Alessandro Mazzi, the Head of Partnerships and Field Research at the Sovereign Nature Initiative, based in Lisbon.
Join us as we delve into the innovative work of this organization, recognized for its pioneering thought leadership at the convergence of culture, community, data, and conservation. Ale shares his inspiring journey, transitioning from a master's in international law to the vital work of conserving nature's most precious ecosystems.
The discussion navigates through several groundbreaking pilots, including the Kenya Wildlife Trust initiative. This project showcases how data about specific species, like lions, can be brought to gaming communities and organizations worldwide, highlighting the critical value these organisms hold for human and planetary health.
In this episode, you will:
🌱 Learn About Conservation Innovations: Discover how advanced technologies and community initiatives are being leveraged for the conservation of vital ecosystems.
🤝 Explore Partnerships in Action: Gain insights into the powerful collaboration between the Sovereign Nature Initiative and various global organizations, driving impactful conservation efforts.
🌐 Understand the Web3 Connection: Unravel the intriguing role of Web3 in biodiversity conservation and how it's shaping the future of environmental stewardship.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:01:10] Introduction
[00:03:00] Check-in With Ale
[00:08:08] Why Does Biodiversity Matter?
[00:12:30] The Sovereign Nature Initiative
[00:18:43] Species-Specific Data
[00:27:36] The In-game Community
[00:42:16] IRL Cultural Experiments
[00:49:30] The Kenya Wild Trust
[00:55:08] Hope and Optimism in Conservation
[01:05:37] Becoming Architects Of Life
[01:17:27] Alpha With WalletConnect
If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! 🌟 Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think.
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
Hashtags:
#Podcast, #ReFiPodcast, #RegenerativeFinance, #BiodiversityConservation, #Web3, #Nature, #Conservation, #SovereignNatureInitiative,

Jan 9, 2024 • 1h 3min
Building Trust In Carbon Markets with Adrian Wons │ Season 3 Episode 18 🎧
In this episode of ReFi Podcast, we're diving deep into the fascinating intersection of carbon markets and Web3 technology.
John Ellison sits down with Adrian Wons, the CEO and co-founder of Senken, a pioneering digital carbon marketplace. Senken is making waves by connecting buyers with high-quality, nature-based carbon credits, aiding them in fulfilling their climate commitments beyond internal decarbonization and emission reduction efforts.
We explore Adrian's compelling journey through the complex and often tumultuous confluence of the carbon market and Web3. Discover how the team at Senken is meticulously listening to the signals from both buyers and suppliers. Their focus? Removing all barriers to create a seamless and trust-building user experience, utilizing carbon credits as a tool to finance climate solutions and protect our planet's precious natural habitats.
In this episode you will:
🌐 Explore the innovative intersection of carbon markets and Web3 technology, understanding how they collectively drive climate action.
🌱 Hear the inspiring journey of Adrian Wons, from his early days in the Kernel fellowship to leading Senken, and how he's shaping the future of digital carbon marketplaces.
💡 Delve into the challenges and advancements within the carbon credit system, gaining insights into the perseverance and vision required to navigate this complex domain.
If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! 🌟 Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:50] Introduction
[00:02:48] An Update From Senken
[00:08:50] Senken Today And Its Yourney
[00:18:17] The Level Of Scale
[00:24:52] A Break Down Of The Assets
[00:32:10] The Nature Based Focus
[00:38:12] Determining The Quality Of Nature Based Projects
[00:45:41] The Risk Of Not Taking Action
[00:48:38] Senken’s Score Card
[00:50:06] The Missing Link To Build The Market
[00:53:10] An Internal Carbon Pricing Tool
[00:55:05] Maintaining Centre As A Founder
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
Hashtags:
#Podcast,
#ReFiPodcast,
#RegenerativeFinance,
#RegenerativeLeadership,
#CarbonCredits,
#Web3ForClimate,
#SustainableTech,
#GreenEntrepreneurship,

Jan 3, 2024 • 58min
Unlocking The Value Of Carbon With Robin Klemens │ Season 3 Episode 17 🎧
Welcome to the latest episode of the Refi Podcast where John Ellison sits down with Robin Klemens, CEO and Founder of KUMO.
KUMO started with a groundbreaking concept - a natural capital-backed stablecoin, aiming to redefine how we use money. Their vision? To create a currency that not only facilitates transactions but also actively protects and restores nature.
Robin shares the intensive journey of KUMO, from interviewing project developers to engaging with institutional capital allocators. We delve into their latest innovation - a lending protocol that allows depositing carbon credits, tokenized into Kumo, to secure loans in US dollars or Euros. This unique approach eliminates the need for crypto involvement in the transaction, attracting significant interest from top-tier banks.
Robin and John discuss the increasing trend of banks looking to lend against carbon credits, seeing nature as a diversified asset in their portfolios. This shift is driven by both regulatory pressures and a growing desire in the banking sector to invest in nature and decarbonize heavily carbon-footprinted portfolios.
Join us as we delve into the complex world of project developers and institutional capital allocators. Robin provides intriguing insights into the future of this market, looking ahead at the next 12, 18, and 24 months.
In this episode, you will:
🌱 Learn about KUMO's transformation from a natural capital-backed stablecoin to an innovative lending protocol using carbon credits.
🏦 Discover how KUMO's approach is attracting top-tier banks to invest in nature as a valuable asset in their portfolios.
💡 Gain insights into the challenges of climate change and how regenerative finance is evolving to meet these challenges using web 3 technologies.
If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! 🌟 Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:30] Introduction
[00:02:34] Check-in With Robin
[00:03:24] What Is KUMO?
[00:04:01] The Original Vision Of A Nature Backed Currency
[00:07:48] The Obstacles In Bringing The Vision To Life
[00:18:20] The Market Response & COP28
[00:22:54] AHA Moments With Institutional Actors
[00:29:04] The Composability Layer
[00:37:06] The Partnership With Solid World
[00:39:00] Unpacking The Black Hat
[00:46:31] What’s Coming Next?
[00:49:48] Unlicking A Unique Value
[00:55:11] Staying Centered And Grounded
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
Hashtags:
#RefiPodcast, #Kumo, #SustainableFinance, #CarbonCredits, #JohnEllison, #RobinKlemens, #ClimateChange, #Innovation

Dec 22, 2023 • 1h 6min
Being Other with Hanae Bezad │ Season 3 Episode 16 🎧
What is good ReFi Nation! Join John in this enlightening episode of the ReFi Podcast, where he sits down with Hanae Bezad, a serial entrepreneur, changemaker, public speaker, and newly-minted author. In this episode, they delve into the themes of Hanae's book "Being Other."
As a black and Indigenous woman of color from Arab African descent, Hanae stands as a formidable figure against the backdrop of our challenging times. Her book, available in print and as an Audible audiobook, offers a deeply moving narrative that challenges conventional perceptions.
The conversation in this episode revolves around the current state of human civilization, teetering on the edge of systemic collapse. Hanae's book sheds light on new models of leadership essential in today's world - leaders who are capable of rising above the trauma and transgressions of our times, leading with compassion and understanding.
Working with The Sovereign Nature Initiative in Lisbon, Hanae is at the forefront of financing conservation and biodiversity preservation, leveraging the power of web 3 and online gaming communities.
In this episode, you will:
📘 Discover the inspiring journey of Hanae Bezad, a black and Indigenous woman of color, as she navigates through her experiences as an entrepreneur, speaker, and author, revealing her groundbreaking approach to leadership and systemic change.
🌍 Explore the critical issues facing our civilization, including the brink of systemic collapse, and how new models of regenerative leadership can lead to transformative change and a more interconnected humanity.
💡 Gain valuable insights into the role of technology and community in conservation and biodiversity preservation, particularly through Hanae's work with The Sovereign Nature Initiative, and how web 3 and online gaming communities are contributing to this vital cause.
If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! 🌟 Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:44] Introduction
[00:03:04] Check-in With Hanae
[00:03:54] A Snapshot of COP28
[00:09:09] The Sovereign Nature Initiative
[00:13:47] “Being Other”
[00:21:34] The Time Is Now
[00:26:24] Breaking Down The Components Of Our Identity
[00:29:45] Learning Compassion
[00:33:45] Being In The Middle Of Systemic Challenges
[00:37:26] Changes In Web3 To Nurture A Place Of Belonging
[00:41:21] A Source Of Wisdom For Leaders In ReFi
[00:46:42] Paving Our Way To A Regenerative Future
[00:51:45] Reconnecting With The Truth Of Your Body
[00:56:48] Intergenerational Trauma
[01:03:12] A Peek Into “Being Other”
A special thanks to Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
Hashtags:
#Podcast, #ReFiPodcast, #RegenerativeFinance, #RegenerativeLeadership, #BeingOther, #Web3Conservation, #DiverseVoicesInTech

Dec 15, 2023 • 57min
Introducing Planta-R with Rica Amaral │ Season 3 Episode 15 🎧
In this episode of ReFi Podcast, John Ellison welcomes Rica Amaral - a pioneer in the positive impact space and a visionary in utilizing blockchain for social and ecological justice. Rica has been active in this field since 2007, and his journey is a testament to his dedication and foresight.
In this exciting episode, we celebrate the launch of Planta-R, a new podcast which offers a unique perspective on the regenerative economy in Portuguese. The show highlights conversations with predominantly female leaders who are at the forefront of pioneering the regenerative economy in their local industries, leveraging the power of Web 3 and other decentralized technologies.
We delve into Rica's unique perspective, having been a part of this movement before it was even known as ReFi. We explore his key learnings and insights gained through conversations with figures like Suzanne from Impact Market and Jimos from Sylvie Protocol. This episode offers an overview for those interested in the unique contributions that the Portuguese-speaking world is making to the global movement of regeneration.
We hope you enjoy the show! If you feel compelled, please give us a five-star review. Every single one counts and supports our journey. Thank you for your time, and let us know what you think in the comments below!
In this episode, you will:
🔍 Delve into Rica's unique perspective, having been a part of this movement before it was even known as ReFi.
🗣️ Explore Rica’s key learnings and insights gained through conversations with figures like Susanne from Impact Market and Djimo from Silvi Protocol.
🌐 Get an overview for those interested in the unique contributions that the Portuguese-speaking community is making to the global movement of regeneration.
If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! 🌟 Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:41] Introduction
[00:01:57] Check-in With Rica
[00:02:29] Who is Rica Amaral And What Is Planta-R?
[00:07:53] Regenerative Stories From The Portuguese-speaking Community
[00:11:19] ReFi Anchored In Local Cultures
[00:16:24] The Evolution Of ReFi
[00:23:57] Rica’s Journey at Celo
[00:28:17] Where Are We Now In ReFi?
[00:32:04] Silvi’s Evolution
[00:36:30] Shifting Capitalism
[00:40:05] The Natural Capital Economy
[00:45:13] Inner And Outer Regeneration
[00:47:50] The Volatility Of ReFi
[00:54:49] Learn More About Planta-R
Thank you Marcio Vilela for the beautiful art photography on the wall from his Superflora collection in the Amazon.
#Podcast, #ReFiPodcast, #RegenerativeFinance, #PlantaR, #PortugueseSpeakers, #Regeneration

Dec 8, 2023 • 1h 25min
Regeneration Inside & Out with Moniek van Erven from Oyasin │Season 3 Episode 14 🎧
In this enlightening episode of the ReFi Podcast, host John sits down with Moniek van Erven, a remarkable figure in the realm of regenerative finance and personal growth. Moniek, a master of finance and a serial entrepreneur, has influenced positive change globally, with projects spanning India, South Africa, Portugal, and more.
John begins by sharing his personal experience of inner regeneration, involving sacred medicine and nature, which led him to meet Moniek. As they delve into Moniek's unique path, highlighting her transition from financial mastery to working intimately with sacred medicine, they reflect on her dedication towards fostering internal change as a catalyst for external transformation in the world.
The episode focuses also on Moniek's Oyasin and their work with leaders striving to create significant change, aiding them in aligning their internal ambitions with their life experiences, emotions, and relationships through her company. A highlight of the episode is the announcement of an upcoming retreat led by Moniek in Tulum, from March 4th to 10th 2024. This retreat features free diving and sacred medicine sessions, aiming to explore the theme of water as a vital element for transformation in both individuals and the world. Visit www.oyasin.co for more information.
In this episode, you will:
🌍 Explore the intersection of personal growth and global change, learning how inner transformation can fuel positive impacts in the world.
💡 Gain insights from Moneik van Irvin's journey from a finance expert to a guide in sacred medicine, and how this shift represents a deeper commitment to holistic regeneration.
🧘 Delve into the concept of regeneration from an inner perspective, understanding how our thoughts, emotions, and body awareness are crucial for creating meaningful change in our lives and communities.
If you enjoy the episode, don't forget to leave us a 5-star review! 🌟 Your feedback is greatly appreciated. Thanks for listening and let us know what you think.
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:00:53] Introduction
[00:03:03] Guided Meditation
[00:07:15] Who is Moniek van Erven?
[00:11:43] 20 Minutes of Stillness
[00:19:52] One Giant Leap
[00:26:13] A Force For Good
[00:31:02] The Fear Of The Unknown
[00:40:52] Ayahuasca Medicine And Its Role In The Amazon
[00:47:55] The Great Devide In Our Society
[00:57:55] An Invitation To Create Time
[01:08:56] Money: The Primary Coordination Vehicle
[01:10:40] Your Unique Gifts
[01:20:46] Getting In Touch
Hashtags:
#Podcast, #ReFiPodcast, #RegenerativeFinance, #RegenerativeJourney, #InnerTransformation, #SacredMedicine, #SpiritualGrowth

Nov 28, 2023 • 1h 8min
The Power of Climate Data with Sid and Osho Jha from dClimate │ Season 3 Episode 13 🎧
Come on a journey with John from ReFi DAO in an engaging episode with Sid and Osho Jha, founders of Arbol and dClimate. The Jha brothers share the story of creating organizations that leverage climate data for impactful solutions. Learn about Arbol's pioneering parametric insurance for farmers and dClimate's role in developing an open data platform that simplifies complex data analysis and application building.
The discussion also covers CYCLOPS, a satellite imagery-driven platform for monitoring nature-based solutions, and Egis, a climate risk assessment tool applied to cities like New York. This episode is a deep dive into how these initiatives are shaping new markets and industries in the realm of regenerative finance and environmental data innovation. Tune in to explore the future of climate data utilization and its potential in local and global communities.
In this episode you will:
🌱 Explore the innovative journey of Arbol and dClimate, led by the Jha brothers, and their impact on farming and environmental data analysis.
🛰️ Dive into the functionalities of Cyclops and Egis, groundbreaking tools using satellite imagery and climate risk assessment for real-world applications.
🌍 Understand the significance of these platforms in shaping regenerative finance, pioneering new markets, and empowering community-driven environmental solutions.
Remember to leave a five-star review if you enjoy the show! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Time Stamps:
[00:00:00] Teaser
[00:01:06] Introduction
[00:04:09] The Big Picture of dClimate
[00:10:07] The AHA Moment for Osho
[00:15:14] The Motivation to Build CYCLOPS
[00:25:34] Building Carbon 2.0 at CYCLOPS
[00:36:44] People’s Response to dClimate
[00:40:59] Implementing Open Source and Open Data in dClimate and CYCLOPS
[00:46:00] What is Eges and How Does It Work?
[00:51:35] What’s Coming Next for Climate Data?
[01:00:04] The Roadmap for Decentralization at dClimate
[01:03:16] Getting Involved
Hashtags:
#Podcast #ReFiPodcast #CarbonMarkets #cClimate #CarbonCredits #ClimateImpact #ClimateAction