Looking for inspiring podcasts on sustainability, ethical supply chains, and purpose-driven business? To start 2026, we’re sharing a curated list of five podcasts our team at Elucid has been listening to – from coffee storytelling and textile industry insights to data literacy and conscious leadership.

Last summer, we explored similar themes in our “Sustainable Agri-Food & Health Summer Reading List“. We really enjoyed the range of topics and perspectives that came out of it. Now, with colder months and longer evenings ahead, podcasts felt like the perfect way to keep learning. Consider this your invitation to enjoy some thoughtful, sustainable content – all while keeping your hands warm in your pockets.

Ears perked? Here are our top podcast recommendations to kick off the year.

Big Closets, Small Planet by Michael Schragger

Recommended by Sambhavna Biswas, Partnerships Manager

Big Closets, Small Planet is a podcast that puts the textile and apparel industry under the microscope. At Elucid, we’ve got our eye on the textile sector – because we know that limited access to healthcare and difficult working conditions don’t only affect smallholder farmers.

Here’s why Sambhavna recommends it:

I really like how they bring in different stakeholders to talk about the real day-to-day realities of garment workers. Hearing workers, factories, brands, labor advocates, and NGOs together gives a more honest, nuanced picture than you usually get, and it makes the conversations feel grounded in what’s actually happening on the ground.

Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics by Regina Nuzzo and Kristin Sainani

Recommended by Louisa Truß, Head of Partnerships

Normal Curves: Sexy Science, Serious Statistics, takes topics often labelled “boring” and makes them pique your interest immediately. It’s funny, smart, and right up our alley.

Here’s why Louisa loves it:

Normal Curves is a witty and wonderfully tangible listen, where stats meet real life. Regina Nuzzo and Kristin Sainani turn data into stories you actually remember, mixing sharp insights, humour, and just the right amount of nerdy charm to make you see statistics in a whole new way.

Filter Stories by James Harper

Recommended by Angela Capogna – Head of Communications

Filter Stories blends the secrets behind your morning brew with genuine storytelling. While Angela recommended this podcast, a few of us on the team have been listening to it too!

Here’s what Angela had to say:

I like how James blends human stories with historical and scientific depth, showing coffee as a social, economic, and emotional ecosystem. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting some of the Colombian producers he interviews, and I loved how he captures both their successes and challenges with such vivid storytelling.

Going Conscious by Nikki Trott

Recommended by Jan Lühmann, Topic Lead for Coffee

Going Conscious looks at what it means to transform and redesign business to impact the world in a positive way. Through conversations with entrepreneurs and leaders driving changes, Nikki Trott looks at how to create “prosperity through purpose.” (In our reading list from the summer, we actually recommended her new book, Sacred Business, too!)

Here’s what Jan had to say about it:

Many of Nikki´s interviews are deeply spiritual, but also very practical.

Bonus: An Episode of The Jack & Ash Show

In a recent episode of The Jack & Ash Show, Leonie Krone, our Founder’s Associate, heard one of our partners, Tony’s Chocolonely, mentioned. The hosts had made a joke about Tony’s ‘exploiting’ their farmers – not knowing anything about the company. In good humour, Tony’s got back to them, which resulted in a funny segment on their show, bringing awareness to how chocolate companies can build healthy, sustainable supply chains from the ground up.

Take a listen, starting at minute 48:09 for a nice insight into positive cocoa impact!

Where stories meet impact

From garment workers’ realities to the stories behind our daily cup of coffee, these podcasts remind us that sustainability isn’t built on systems alone. It’s shaped by people, perspectives, and the conversations we choose to have.

At Elucid, we believe that real impact starts with understanding: listening to different voices, learning across sectors, and staying curious about how business, health, and sustainability intersect. We hope these podcasts spark new ideas, thoughtful moments, and maybe even a few meaningful conversations of your own.

If you give any of them a listen, let us know – we’d love to hear what resonated with you!