I’m excited to announce an exciting new podcast from BiocharBiochar is a carbon-rich material created from biomass decomposition in low-oxygen conditions. It has important applications in environmental remediation, soil improvement, agriculture, carbon sequestration, energy storage, and sustainable materials, promoting efficiency and reducing waste in various contexts while addressing climate change challenges. More Today. Launching in February 2025, The Biochar Show will feature conversations with biochar experts from around the world, from researchers, to industry leaders, to policy experts, to enthusiasts, and beyond. In line with the mission of Biochar Today, the goal of the podcast is to bring all of these groups together as part of a common conversation, and to raise general awareness of biochar’s transformative potential.

In advance of the podcast’s launch, I wanted to take the opportunity to introduce our host, Meghan K. Lees. Meghan is an exceptional talent with deep experience as an actress and producer. With a background in science and agriculture, Meghan is ideally suited to have rich conversations with a variety of people with diverse perspectives and in ways that make complex ideas accessible to a broad audience.

I recently sat down with Meghan to learn more about her background and ambitions for the show. Read our conversation below and stay tuned for our first episode on February 4, 2025.

Timothy Harfield: Tell me a little bit about yourself?

Meghan K. Lees: I am a Canadian-American with a BSc in Biology and Chemistry. Growing up in the Alberta prairies, I was always excited to explore and travel the world. I did just that after I graduated from University.  Once my travel adventures were done, I pursued acting and screenwriting in Los Angeles for 12 years. I am now back in Vancouver, embracing new adventures. I have passion for storytelling, science, and exploration, and of course, my love of dogs!

TH: How did you learn about biochar? What is it that excites you the most about this space?

MKL: I first learned about biochar through my friend Steen Rasmussen, who has a company called Ikigai Carbon. As someone who loves nature and is passionate about innovative ways to heal our planet, I was immediately intrigued by its potential to enhance soil health, sequester carbon, and improve agricultural resilience. What excites me most about this space is its incredible ability to bridge environmental impact with practical applications—whether in farming, carbon markets, or waste management. I hope those unfamiliar with biochar are just as excited to learn about its movement forward as I am.

TH: In February 2025, you will be launching a new podcast for Biochar Today. What is that about? What are you hoping to achieve?

MKL: The Biochar Show podcast will be a deep dive into the world of biochar, sustainability, and regenerative solutions. In each episode, I’ll explore the science, business, and real-world applications of biochar through conversations with industry leaders, scientists, entrepreneurs, farmers, and policy makers.

We’ll uncover the groundbreaking ways biochar is being used to enhance soil health, sequester carbon, manage waste, and revolutionize agriculture. We’ll tackle challenges, misconceptions, and the evolving role of biochar in global climate solutions. 

TH: Why does it matter?

MKL: I think what people will come to understand is that Biochar isn’t just another sustainability trend—it’s a tangible, scalable solution to some of the world’s biggest environmental challenges. By spotlighting innovators and real-world applications, the podcast aims to bridge the gap between knowledge and action. My goal is to educate, inspire, and empower our listeners—whether they’re farmers looking for better soil solutions, investors eyeing climate tech, or anyone passionate about sustainability—to see biochar’s immense potential and take part in shaping a more resilient future.

TH: What big questions are you looking to investigate through these conversations?

MKL: The Biochar Show podcast isn’t just about what biochar is—it’s also about why it matters and how it can drive real change. Through the expert interviews, we’ll dig into some of the biggest questions shaping the future of biochar, sustainability, and regenerative solutions. I’m curious to know:

• How can biochar help fight climate change?
• What makes biochar a game-changer for agriculture?
• What are the challenges and misconceptions about biochar?
• What groundbreaking research and technologies are pushing the field forward?

TH: You are relatively new to the biochar industry. Why do you think that you are a good person to host a podcast like this?

MKL: Yes, while I am relatively new to the biochar industry, I think that is exactly what makes me the perfect host for this podcast. The Biochar Show isn’t just about talking to experts—it’s about bringing together researchers, industry leaders, and practitioners while also expanding the conversation to a wider audience. My goal is to make biochar accessible, engaging, and educational for everyone, whether they’re deeply involved in the field or just discovering it for the first time, like myself.

My background in science (BSc in Biology and Chemistry) gives me the foundation to understand complex scientific concepts and translate them in a way that’s both accurate and easy to grasp for listeners. My experience in B2B sales and communication means I know how to connect with different industries and highlight the economic opportunities biochar presents. And my background in performance and storytelling as an actress, writer, and podcast host allows me to make conversations engaging, clear, and compelling.

Most importantly, being new to biochar gives me the advantage of asking the very questions that many listeners might have but are too afraid to ask. I can bridge the gap between experts and the general public by making sure our conversations are both in-depth and approachable.

At its core, The Biochar Show is about learning, collaboration, and expanding the biochar community. By bringing curiosity, expertise, and accessibility to each episode, I hope to inspire more people to see biochar’s incredible potential and become part of this movement.

TH: What’s one interesting thing about you that many people probably don’t know?

MKL: One interesting thing about me that many people probably don’t know is that I once traveled the world for a year after finishing my BSc and before fully committing to my acting and writing career. That experience shaped so much of who I am—it deepened my love for different cultures, my adaptability, and my curiosity about the world. It also gave me a profound appreciation for nature, especially when I found myself hiking through remote landscapes, swimming in hidden waterfalls, or staring up at the stars in Africa untouched by the city lights.

That love for exploration and discovery is something I bring into everything I do, whether it’s acting, storytelling, or hosting this podcast. I’m always excited to learn, connect, and uncover fascinating stories—especially when it comes to big ideas that can make a difference in the world, like biochar.

Would you like to appear on an upcoming episode of The Biochar Show? Is there someone in the biochar field that you think we should talk to? An important topic that we should cover? Drop us a line at biocharshow@biochartoday.com.