Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio: the circular economy technology podcast!

In our first episode of the new season, we sit down with Danai Osmond, founder of Refulfil, a rental commerce and operations consultancy. Danai shares his unique journey—from serving as an army officer to working as a data analyst at Bloomberg, and then joining the net-zero laundry startup Oxwash, where he tackled the challenges of scaling a 24/7 operation.

Danai also discusses his transition into his current work exploring different rental business models, including event-based rentals, subscription models, and membership-based systems. Along the way, he shares lessons about operational efficiency, profitability, and maximising inventory utility while keeping customer trust and convenience at the core.

This conversation weaves together personal reflection, hard-earned operational insights, and broader thinking about systems change, emotional courage, and the real-world application of circular principles.

This podcast is brought to you by HappyPorch. We specialise in technology and software development for Circular Economy minded purpose-driven businesses.

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio!

We are back with a very exciting new season where our host Barry O’Kane will be joined by two new co-hosts, each bringing unique perspectives and expertise. Jo Weston is a brand builder helping sustainable and circular businesses. Tandi Tuakli is working in fashion and technology and also helping brands create circular business models.

This season the focus is on Rental business models & Rental as an approach to circularity. A major theme will be the role of enablers — from tech platforms to logistics providers — that make rental systems viable. We will be talking to various guests and experts on the following topics:

• Defining Rental, leasing, and subscription-based business models in the circular economy.
• How Rental can range from short-term rentals to long-term product servitisation.
• Where are we seeing rental success? (product types, geographies, established products/sectors vs newer approaches, B2C vs B2B)
• Exploring tech and logistical infrastructure necessary for scaling rental businesses.
• What are the challenges?
• What are the future opportunities?
• And much more!

Stay tuned, the first episode is coming out soon!

Welcome back to HappyPorch Radio!

We are delighted to share our special episode which is part of Podcasthon - the world’s largest podcast charity initiative that brings together podcasters in over 45 countries and over 1650 podcasts to raise awareness globally for charitable causes. Each participating podcast is dedicating an episode to a cause that truly matters to them, and for us, the choice was clear—the vital role that charities and social enterprises play in the circular economy.

In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Michael Cook, CEO of Circular Communities Scotland, an organisation that represents a dynamic network of more than 260 charities and social enterprises dedicated to advancing the circular economy across Scotland.

Michael shared invaluable insights into how Circular Communities Scotland supports third-sector organisations in achieving their circularity goals, from facilitating collaboration to advocating for policies that enable sustainable change. He also talked about some of the member organisations, their fascinating projects and initiatives that range from reuse and repair programs to innovative ways of reducing waste and extending the life of products and materials. Michael highlighted the strong connection between environmental and social benefits in the circular economy, explaining how it creates jobs, supports marginalised groups, and helps break down employment barriers.

Tune in to learn more about the challenges and opportunities of embedding circular practices into communities across Scotland and how community-led initiatives are creating a more resilient and environmentally responsible society!

Welcome to the highly anticipated finale of our mini-series on Happy Porch Radio - "Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion." In this compelling Episode 3, your hosts Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle, alongside a stellar line-up of guests, continue their exploration into the dynamic world of fashion re-commerce. Get ready to dive deep into the transformative impact of technology on the second-hand market, pushing boundaries and fostering a new era of digital thrift.

Join us as we traverse the landscape of re-commerce, shedding light on the myriad opportunities it holds while addressing the inevitable challenges that crop up along the way. We’ll talk pricing and quality control, delve into shopping experiences for consumers and sellers alike, and reveal how innovations are shaping a new future for the industry. This episode isn't just about insights - it's an invitation to think differently about fashion, sustainability, and the circular economy.

Welcome to the second episode of our intriguing mini-series on HappyPorch Radio-"Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion". Your hosts, Barry O'Kane and Emily Swaddle, navigate the fascinating realms of re-commerce in the fashion industry alongside esteemed guests Joe Metcalfe from Thrift+, Jessica Potter from Used and Loved, and Wilson Griffin from Recurate.

In this compelling episode, dive into the exploration of different marketplace models, from managed marketplaces like Thrift+ to peer-to-peer platforms like Vinted and eBay. Our hosts and guests untangle the complexities of pricing, underline the critical need for quality control, and shed light on optimising the shopping experience for both buyers and sellers in the re-commerce context.

Our guests share their valuable experiences and insights on how technology bolsters re-commerce. Discover the transformative power of software solutions that assist brands in managing resale and creating distinctive listings. Let's also venture into the future landscape of AI, image recognition, and predictive intelligence in the re-commerce sphere.

However, our mini-series isn't just about us revealing insights—we want you to shape the final chapter of this narrative with your unique experiences and perspectives on re-commerce.

Connect with us at hosts@happyporchradio.com. Your thoughts, questions, and feedback are invaluable, and we aim to include them in the final, third episode, airing this May. We don't want you just to listen; we want you to partake in and influence the unfolding story of re-commerce in the fashion industry.

Behind the Threads: The Interplay of Tech and Circularity in Fashion Re-commerce

Welcome to the first episode of a brand-new mini-series on HappyPorch Radio-"Exploring Circular Tech: Re-commerce in Fashion". We delve deep into the transformative effect of re-commerce within the fashion industry, focusing on the role of software and technology, the digital enablers for circularity, in this sustainable solution. Join hosts Emily Swaddle and Barry O'Kane as they probe into the potential of re-commerce in the circular economy. From reducing waste and promoting sustainable consumption to its impact on the excesses of the fashion industry.

The episode features insights from industry experts: Cynthia Power, founder of Molte Volte; Andy Ruben, founder of Trove; Gerrard Fisher and Kristina Bull from QSA Partners; and J.R Siegel of Worldly. Together, we discuss and debate the sustainability of re-commerce and its impact on reducing waste.

We don't just want you just to listen; we want you to be part of the story. Your thoughts and experiences are crucial to this narrative. Reach out with your perspectives, questions, or feedback (hosts@happyporchradio.com), and we will include them in the final 3rd episode (in May).

We are back with a special season of HappyPorch Radio!

Our hosts Barry O’Kane and Emily Swaddle are back and excited to take a deep dive into the role of technology in the dynamic realm of fashion re-commerce.

What can you expect from this upcoming 3 episodes special?

• The role of technology in shaping the second-hand marketplace
• Unique challenges and innovative solutions within re-commerce
• Diverse perspectives on e-commerce's current and potential impact on consumers, brands, and the planet
• And much more

Stay tuned, the first episode is coming out in early April.

Welcome to our final, Wrap-Up episode of Season 7!

In this episode, we reflect on all the fascinating conversations we’ve had in season 7. We have spoken to a range of consultants, experts, trainers and advisors who help others transition to circular economy practices. We express our gratitude for the diverse and inspiring guests who have shared their insights and experiences in this field, and pull out our favourite themes from the whole season.

One central theme that emerged throughout the season is the idea that circularity cannot exist in isolation and requires systemic change. We discuss the complexity of circularity, it can be both transformational and prone to misdirection. Embracing complexity and understanding context within the system is crucial.

Another prominent theme is the evolution of the circular economy over the past few decades. Guests on the show have witnessed changes in how people engage with and access circular economy concepts. This shift is a turning point in history, with various aspects of life and systems undergoing transformation, offering both challenges and opportunities for those leading the change!

Tune in to hear more about our Season 7 “Pioneering Sustainable Solutions for a Circular Future” impressions!