Striving for a greener, kinder future
EMILY CUNNINGHAM
JAMES LEWIS
KATE COPELAND-RHODES
SUSAN JOYCE
TRISTAN HESSING
DAMIAN SCIBERRAS
STEPHEN FOWLER
SARAH TURNER
CLAIRE FRAME
DAMIAN HALL
In Part 2, Jessica chats with Damian more in depth about this new book, the research behind it, aging and his message to runners out there. Damian shares more on his experiences, and what led him to write Run Forever. They also discuss sustainability in running and ways be more mindful of the planet whilst doing a sport that is so loved.
In this episode Jessica talks with author, activist and elite ultra runner Damian Hall about running and sustainability. They chat about some of his races and the forming of The Green Runners, a UK based, community led running collective dedicated to reducing the environmental impact of running. They also talk about his book We Can’t Run Away From This and his brand new book Run Forever.
Who the heck is…Jessica Davanzo?
Email Jessica Call: 07927 196767
Jessica Davanzo is a sustainability advocate, entrepreneur and creative thinker dedicated to exploring how everyday choices can shape a kinder, greener world. She is the founder of Earthy Stuff and Square Peg Promotions, two sister brands built on the belief that business can — and should — be a force for good.
Originally from the USA, Jessica moved to England in 2003 to study Creative Arts, specialising in sculpture. Like many creative journeys, life took her in unexpected directions. Following a serious illness in 2008, where she was temporarily paralysed by Guillain-Barré syndrome, everything changed. During her recovery, Jessica took what was meant to be a temporary role at a promotional merchandise company — simply to get back on her feet. Instead, she discovered a genuine love for the creativity, problem-solving and collaboration involved in working with marketing teams across a wide range of industries.
That role became a career. Jessica eventually moved to Staffordshire and founded Square Peg Promotions, where she works closely with brands to create thoughtful, impactful merchandise. Over time, however, she realised she had landed in the heart of an industry that often conflicted with her values — one driven by single-use items and products destined for landfill. Rather than turning away, she chose to become part of the solution.
Jessica began focusing on sustainable alternatives, exploring exciting innovations that solved waste problems while delivering high-quality, meaningful products. From notebooks made from recycled water bottles, tea waste and apples, to socks crafted from coffee grounds and ocean bound plastics, and refillable bottles linked to social enterprises and environmental initiatives — her clients embraced the idea that sustainable merch could be better, not just “less bad.”
As demand grew, clients began asking if they could buy these products for themselves, not just for their businesses. That question sparked the creation of Earthy Stuff — a consumer brand dedicated to showcasing unique, planet-positive products and the inspiring enterprises behind them. Many Earthy Stuff products directly support social causes, environmental projects and charitable initiatives. Each month, the business supports a UK animal sanctuary and plants trees as part of its ongoing commitment to people, planet and purpose.
Following her illness and a renewed focus on wellbeing, Jessica adopted a whole-food, plant-based vegan lifestyle, which transformed her health and deepened her passion for cruelty-free living. Today, she champions products that are not only kind to the Earth, but also to the creatures who share it.
On her podcast, aptly named Earthy Stuff, Jessica dives into all things earthy and good — speaking with suppliers, innovators and changemakers who are redefining what sustainability looks like in practice. From closed-loop recycling systems in the UK, to chewing gum collected from city streets and turned into something useful, to beautiful products made from elephant poo, the show celebrates creativity, curiosity and real-world solutions.
When she’s not working, Jessica can be found hiking, trail running, getting creative, or simply spending time with her beloved cockerpoo Darwin and husband Shaun. Her deep love of the natural world fuels her mission — and one of the biggest myths she challenges is the idea that individual actions don’t matter. Jessica believes the opposite: that small, intentional changes, made together, can lead to powerful collective impact.
Through conversation, curiosity and conscious choices, Jessica invites listeners to believe in — and participate in — a greener, kinder future.