Walking the Talk: Bernardo Carreira on Building 8000Kicks, the World’s First Hemp Shoe Brand

Walking the Talk: Bernardo Carreira on Building 8000Kicks, the World’s First Hemp Shoe Brand

Author: Sustainable Jungle June 4, 2025 Duration: 33:24
Meet Bernardo Carreira, founder of 8000Kicks—the brand behind the world’s first waterproof hemp sneakers. In this episode, Joy speaks with Bernardo about the personal story behind the company, how he (with the help of his grandmother) launched an innovative hemp footwear brand, and what it takes to build a business rooted in sustainability, ethics, and performance. 8000Kicks is one of Sustainable Jungle’s Top Rated brands—recognized for its use of innovative materials like hemp, strong supply chain transparency, fair labor practices, and commitment to reducing its footprint. Members-only bonus: In the extended bonus segment, we go behind the scenes to discuss the personal challenges of running a mission-led company, how Bernardo balances innovation with business realities (and a grueling workload), and some more killer advice for other sustainability focused entrepreneurs. Stay tuned for details on how to access this exclusive content or register your interest here: https://forms.gle/cJEE2Q1vAxW6yYpdA Important Links See 8000Kicks' Rating: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-ratings/8000kicks/  Visit 8000Kicks (affiliate link): https://www.sustainablejungle.com/8000kicks-brand-rating-and-review/  Subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/newsletter Show notes: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/podcast/episode-76/  Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/pODntNv5zRY  Find other rated brands: https://www.sustainablejungle.com/brand-directory/  SJ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sustainablejungle/  How to Support the Podcast Thank you for listening! If you enjoyed this episode, please: Follow or subscribe wherever you listen Leave us a review on your favorite platform Share it with someone who cares about conscious consumption Your support helps us keep the conversations going 💚

Tune into The Sustainable Jungle Podcast for conversations that cut through the noise around sustainability. Host Joy McConnochie sits down with founders and leaders from a fascinating array of consumer brands, the ones quietly and not-so-quietly reshaping their industries from the ground up. This isn't about doom and gloom; it's a deep, practical look at the solutions being built right now. Each episode explores the intersection of thoughtful business, scientific innovation, and cultural change, revealing how commerce can be a genuine force for good. You'll hear the real stories behind the products and companies aiming to do better, focusing on tangible ideas and actionable paths forward. The discussions naturally span topics from ethical supply chains and material science to the entrepreneurial spirit driving this shift, all grounded in a genuine mission. For anyone curious about the people building a more responsible future, this podcast offers an essential and hopeful perspective. Sustainable Jungle brings these voices together, creating a space where complex challenges are met with compelling, human-centered dialogue.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Sustainable Jungle Podcast
Podcast Episodes
51 · JENNY WHELAN AND OSCAR PEARCE · CARBON NEUTRAL SCHOOLS [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:18
Jenny Whelan is a true eco-warrior and is the Admin Director / Enrolment & Payroll Officer of Albert Park Kinder in Melbourne, Australia. She was the driving force that ultimately converted the Kinder into the very first…
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Ayana Young is a podcast and radio personality specializing in intersectional environmental and social justice, deep ecology and land-based restoration. Graduating summa cum laude with an undergraduate degree from Loyola…
49 · DAN KURZROCK · EDIBLE UPCYCLING @REGRAINED [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:29
“Dan is the Co-Founder and Chief Grain Officer of ReGrained, a mission-driven ingredient platform that leverages technology and culinary science to transform beer waste into food. Dan is an entrepreneurial systems thinke…
48 · MIKE SMITH · WHAT BETTER TIME THAN NOW @ ZERO CO [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:34
Mike Smith is an experienced entrepreneur, having spent the past decade building start-ups across a range of industries including technology, surfing, hospitality, fashion and wine. He’s also the founder of registered Au…
44 · ADAM VERWEY & KIRSTIN HUNTER ·  SUPER FOR OUR FUTURE [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:01
Adam has a long history in ethical investment, with an expertise in superannuation, ESG (environmental, social and governance) research and constructing ethical sharemarket indices. He leads the ethical investment team a…