Terrorism, corporate pay-offs, open-fire raids, rebranding and scandal....yes, we are talking about bananas. In this episode of our Hot Commodities series, we're peeling back the layers on the world's most popular fruit to reveal a history of corporate empires, political coups, and systematic exploitation that shaped entire nations. From the United Fruit Company's control over "banana republics" to Chiquita's 2007 guilty plea for funding Colombian paramilitaries, we trace how your 60-cent banana became so cheap and who paid the real price.

We'll also explore the environmental impacts and supply chain of this fruit and why monoculture farming puts our entire global banana supply at risk. Join us as we follow bananas from tropical plantations through ripening rooms to your grocery store, uncovering the complex supply chain logistics that keep shelves stocked year-round.

Fear not!! We also we sit down with Jennie Coleman, the President of Equifruit, to learn how ethical sourcing and Fair Trade practices are working to transform this troubled industry and provide a future for a new wave of banana agriculture. This episode is bananas!! literally and figuratively.

We cut through the noise and jargon to define what ESG actually is and what it isn't. ESG feels like a sea of acyromns and alphabet soup, we help you understand the state of the current landscape and different reporting frameworks. Whether you're new to sustainability reporting or a seasoned professional, join us as Marcy Twete of Veerless helps us breaks down the fundamentals in clear, accessible terms that anyone can understand.

We explore how the current administration's policies are reshaping corporate ESG strategies and what companies can expect in the months ahead. From regulatory shifts to stakeholder expectations, Marcy provides insider perspective on the challenges and opportunities organizations face as they balance purpose with performance and practical insights on what businesses should prioritize in 2026

This episode offers the clarity and context you need to understand one of the most debated topics in business today.

In this festive year-end episode, Cecilia and Nethra are mixing it all together, personal updates, podcast reflections, and the sustainability success stories that made us smile this year. From quirky innovations to feel-good climate wins, we're spotlighting the moments that brought a little extra hope to 2025.

We also share our favorite tips for sustainable gift-giving, low-waste holiday traditions, and simple ways to keep the season joyful without going overboard. Think of it as your cozy, low-pressure guide to celebrating with intention.

Grab a warm drink and join us for a cheerful, reflective Holiday Hodge-Podge to wrap up the year.