Brilliant or Bullshit

Is “sustainable tourism” a real path forward or just the travel industry’s favorite greenwashed buzzword?
In this episode, Soleil sits down with sustainable tourism researcher and consultant Annie Combs, co-founder of ECPC Travel, to unpack what’s actually happening behind the marketing.

Fresh off part one with Palauan climate advocate Ivory Vogt, we zoom out from island life to the global tourism system: who’s benefiting, who’s losing out, and how travelers can tell the difference between real sustainability and clever branding.

You’ll learn:– What “sustainable tourism” should mean (vs. what companies say it means)– Why certifications often fail—and how they can work when done right– How to spot greenwashing in hotels, tours, and travel platforms– What local communities actually need from tourism– How your travel spending shapes destinations (for better or worse)

By the end, we answer the big question:
Is sustainable tourism brilliant… or bullshit?

If you enjoyed this episode please leave a rating, review, and subscribe where you get your podcasts so you can continue to see the world a little clearer than you did before.

Links:

ECPC Travel: https://www.ecpctravel.com/

Annie's Instagram for Sustainable Travel Tips: https://www.instagram.com/sustainabletravelgirl/

Annie's TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@sustainabletravelgirl

Siona Nation: https://amazonfrontlines.org/partners/siona/

Napo Wildlife Center: https://napowildlifecenter.com/

Brilliant or BS TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@brilliantorbullshit

In this powerful episode, climate and sustainable-travel expert Ivory Vogt takes us inside the real story of tourism in coastal and island communities like Palau. From the rising cost of living to water shortages, climate impacts, and cultural loss, Ivory breaks down how the global tourism economy can uplift and undermine local communities at the same time.

We explore why places like Hawaiʻi, Mexico City, Barcelona, and Palau are seeing pushback against overtourism; how tourism leakage drains money away from local economies; and why Indigenous knowledge, languages, and cultural systems are essential to the planet’s future. Ivory also reveals how small island nations are fighting back—through ocean conservation, climate action, and community-led tourism strategies that put people first.

You’ll learn:

• How tourism impacts coastal ecosystems, island economies, and local culture

• Why global travelers rarely see where their money actually goes

• The real stakes of overtourism, foreign-owned development, and climate pressure

• How island nations like Palau are reshaping tourism to protect nature and community

• What responsible, ethical, sustainable travel actually looks like

• Practical steps travelers can take to support the places they visit

Whether you’re a frequent traveler, sustainability nerd, or someone trying to understand the complex relationship between paradise and prosperity, this episode will change how you see tourism forever.

🌊 Explore the Palau Sustainable Travel Guide and learn more about 'An Ocean Inheritance':https://www.seastoria.com/palau

🌴 Learn more about Ivory’s work:https://www.emeraldreamspalau.com/

Electric cars promise a clean-energy future, but if their batteries depend on dirty, fragile supply chains, is the EV revolution really as green as it seems?

In this debut episode of Brilliant or BS, host Soleil Rain sits down with Brian Dillard, former head of battery R&D at VinFast and longtime battery industry veteran, to unpack the messy truth behind the EV boom. From lithium mines in Australia to gigafactories in China, we follow the global journey of a battery — exploring what’s brilliant about this technology, what’s pure BS, and what it means for the planet (and your next car).

Along the way, Soleil and Brian break down:
🔋 What’s actually inside an EV battery

🌍 How the global supply chain works and who holds the power

♻️ Why recycling could make or break a clean future

💰 The role of government incentives and what “subsidies” really mean

⚠️ And how to separate genuine innovation from overhyped headlines

So… are EVs brilliant or bullshit? Let’s find out.

News audio courtesy of WLNS 6 News (May 2025), 9 News Melbourne (August 2025), Global News (2024), Car Coach Reports (August 2025)

Used under fair-use principles for commentary and analysis.

Original music licensed from Blue Dot Sessions.

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In this final episode of Sweat, Strategy, and Success, I sit down not with a guest—but with myself. After 30 powerful interviews with athletes, creatives, and entrepreneurs, I reflect on the lessons this show has given me: how to find your voice, build confidence, listen deeply, and create something meaningful.

I share behind-the-scenes moments that shaped my growth as a host, why I started this podcast, and what I’ve learned about showing up with intention—even when no one’s watching. Whether you’re a creator, a dreamer, or someone seeking clarity, I hope this episode reminds you that courage is often quiet, and success is about more than metrics.

Thank you for being on this journey with me. Here's to what's next.

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Aaron Kamnetz is not just a world-class para-triathlete—he’s a force of resilience, precision, and heart. After a life-changing spinal injury ended his military career, Aaron didn’t stop. Instead, he turned to para-triathlon with unshakable grit, training his way to Team USA and living at the Olympic Training Center.

In this powerful episode of Sweat, Strategy, and Success, Aaron shares what it takes to rebuild a life from scratch and compete at the highest level of adaptive sport. From training routines and mindset shifts to managing recovery, adversity, and ambition, this is a conversation about the pursuit of greatness—on your own terms.

We also talk about:

• Why consistency beats motivation

• His hardest mental battles—and how he got through them

• The systems he uses to train like an elite athlete

• How to turn pain into purpose and perform under pressure

Whether you're an athlete, a creative, or simply rebuilding your own life after a setback, Aaron’s story will leave you inspired—and ready to move forward with intention.

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In this episode, Soleil is joined by her friend Iain, a Gonzaga alum and flight attendant, for a candid conversation about navigating life in your twenties. They reminisce about their college days, unpack the challenges of adulting, and dive into the highs and lows of life in the air—from hilarious passenger stories to the physical demands of constant travel.

The episode ends with reflections on trusting your instincts, embracing uncertainty, and redefining success one decision at a time.

If you enjoy this episode, please don't forget to follow Sweat, Strategy, and Success on Spotify.

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Learn more about The SIX App: https://your6.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAadm-Xo1mc-vdVhOknqHQs_WcCx-MYzCNQRZF9U2eDfZbXQXSNQOV62NqNRftg_aem_VXUumBFyHinMJ55cGvHd4w

Why do we trust total strangers? How does oxytocin actually shape our behavior? And what does it really mean to thrive?

In this episode, neuroscientist and entrepreneur Dr. Paul Zak — best known as the "father of neuroeconomics" and the pioneer behind the “moral molecule” — breaks down 20+ years of research into trust, storytelling, connection, and emotional fitness. We talk about everything from blood draws in Papua New Guinea to why your daily “key moments” can predict happiness… and how your brain might know more about your well-being than you do.

Dr. Zak also shares how his latest work, the Immersion platform and Six app, turns brain science into simple, actionable tools to help us live better, more connected lives.

You’ll learn:

• How oxytocin impacts trust, empathy, and morality
• What the science says about thriving in a high-stress world
• Why emotional fitness might be the missing link in your wellness journey
• The power of real connection (yes, even through FaceTime)
• Simple ways to create more joy, connection, and purpose in your day

One thing’s for sure — you’ll never look at your daily interactions the same way again.

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What do dissecting a fetal pig, tracking eye movement, and oxytocin levels during a music festival have in common? For Dr. Laura Beavin-Yates, they’re all pieces of a winding (and wildly inspiring) path from behavioral neuroscience to marketing and mentorship.

In this episode, Laura shares how her curiosity about human behavior led her from dissecting brains in school to measuring emotional connection in real time. We talk about finding clarity through aligned action, recognizing red flags in toxic work environments, and how your story—yes, yours—is your biggest asset.

Whether you’re pivoting careers, navigating burnout, or wondering how to actually follow your gut, Laura’s insight is a masterclass in trusting the spark, taking the next step, and building a life that lights you up.

Topics we cover:

• What neuroscience can teach us about storytelling and decision-making
• Why red flags at work are sometimes your biggest gift
• How to overcome imposter syndrome and build confidence as a woman in business
• Practical advice for career pivots, leadership, and emotional fitness

✨ This one’s packed with honesty, science, and so much wisdom. Don’t miss it.

Learn more about SIX: The Emotional Wellness App - https://your6.com/?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafTuM_RYHPZiRTdid6tbmMOydmyC4j9jKdS_wSL--Qjqm9F9-jdQGgtai29Yw_aem_gdtXRR92eB4th0yMZ_S6ZQ

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What if becoming a parent didn’t mean giving up your edge—but unlocking a new one?

In this episode, Soleil Rain sits down with CT, former pro football player, coach, and proud girl dad, to talk about building strength that lasts—on and off the field. CT shares how his journey from athlete to father shifted his definition of success, the real reason he created The Athletic Dad training program, and what most fitness plans get wrong about dads.

We explore:

• How to reclaim your athleticism after fatherhood
• The mental shift required to stay fit while parenting
• Why most workouts fail real-life dads—and how CT fixes that
• What CT hopes his daughter hears when she listens to this years from now

This is a vulnerable, actionable episode for anyone balancing identity, ambition, and parenthood—with or without a gym membership.

🧠 Tap into mindset, movement, and mission.

💪 Follow CT on Instagram @theathleticdad and get the training program at The Athletic Dad

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What happens when your lifelong dream suddenly stops and something unexpected takes its place? In this episode, Soleil Rain sits down with Pato Gomez, the founder of What Excites You, an art and fashion brand born from a detour in life’s path.

Once a Division I soccer player, Pato found himself sidelined and questioning his future, until a creative spark turned into a passion for painting and fashion design. Together, we explore:

• How art became a refuge during a challenging time
• The mental shift from athlete to artist
• Why inspiration alone isn’t enough—and how diligence fuels creativity
• What it really takes to build creative confidence
• How to keep going when the process is messy and frustrating

Whether you're building a brand, nurturing a side project, or rediscovering your creativity—this conversation is a reminder that what excites you is worth chasing.

Follow Pato's work:

Instagram – @pato.g

What Excites You – @what_excites_you | wearwey.com