Join me for an inspiring exploration of youth-led activism in the animal rights movement, featuring a conversation with Claire Howe, a passionate advocate who transitioned from a career in animal law to hands-on work with HEART. Hear more about the origin story of the Raven Corps, a collective liberation organization dedicated to animal rights and social justice. Listen in as we recount the journey from the Youth Animal Advocates of Portland to the formation of the multidimensional Raven Corps, a testament to the revolutionary spirit and passion of young advocates. The discussion touches on the cultural resonance of the raven symbol and the sense of community it fosters, especially within the goth subculture, emphasizing the power of youth-led movements in addressing systemic oppression.

The episode further explores the unique dynamics of engaging younger generations within activist organizations, highlighting the invaluable perspectives they bring to social movements. We share personal experiences of transformation from conventional careers to passionate involvement in the animal rights movement, underscoring the importance of providing platforms for diverse voices. As we discuss the evolution of activism, you'll hear about an exciting new project by the Raven Corps—creating vegan Counter Crispies treats as a means of funding advocacy efforts. This creative initiative demonstrates how community support can seamlessly blend with activism to promote collective liberation.

Guest Bio:

Claire Howe is a long-time activist, humane educator, animal rights attorney, and co-founder of youth activist organization The Raven Corps. Beyond that, she's an old Goth who loves 80's nostalgia, wiener dogs, garage sales, and margaritas. 

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

After a childhood rooted in dairy and pig farming, Brigitte Gemme, the creator of Vegan Family Kitchen, experienced a pivotal moment in 2013 that led her to question their environmental footprint and embrace a vegan lifestyle. A simple remark about the environmental impact of fueling a bike commute with steak versus driving a Hummer sparked a profound transformation. Join us as Brigitte shares her inspiring journey from traditional farming roots to an urban life focused on sustainability and plant-based living, revealing the intricate ties between personal choices and environmental consciousness.

Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle while honoring family traditions presents its own set of challenges. Brigitte candidly discusses the struggles and triumphs of swapping dairy with leafy greens and crafting nourishing meals for a family deeply entrenched in dairy farming heritage. Discover her creative strategies for simplifying vegan cooking, from developing popular meal plan templates to understanding the basic grammar of cooking. Learn how these strategies not only ease decision fatigue but also help them connect with others on similar journeys.

While navigating the social dynamics of veganism can be daunting, our conversation highlights the power of mindfulness, community support, and the practice of batch cooking as key elements in maintaining a sustainable lifestyle. Brigitte shares insights into forming a virtual cooking club that fosters connection and accountability, offering a welcoming space for anyone interested in plant-based cooking. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist teachings, she reflects on the broader implications of food choices, emphasizing their impact on health, relationships, and societal well-being.

Guest Bio:

Brigitte Gemme is passionate about helping more people eat more plants. She empowers others to take charge of their health and live in alignment with their values. On her website VeganFamilyKitchen.com, she teaches regular workshops about healthy vegan nutrition and cooking, from mindset to meal planning and batch cooking. Previously, she worked as an academic researcher in the fields of education, sociology, and clean energy. She lives in Vancouver with her husband and two children.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

Following a social media trend, on December 31st, 2023 I posted a list of my "ins" and "outs" for 2024. In this episode, I look back and see how that list influenced my year. I explore how a commitment to a mindful morning routine, including gratitude journaling and mindfulness practices, has transformed my mindset and daily life. The pursuit of honesty has also led to significant decisions, such as discontinuing my coaching services to align my business with genuine intentions rather than trends. These reflections highlight the importance of personal growth in fostering both personal and systemic change.

This episode also examines sustainable financial and fashion choices, encouraging a shift towards ethical banking and responsible investment practices. Check out the BankingForGood site mentioned. By aligning financial activities with personal values, we can support a sustainable future. I share my experience of reducing fast fashion consumption through the rule of five challenge, where I committed to purchasing only five new clothing items a year. Conversations with experts like Emily Fenves and Amanda McCarty provided valuable insights into sustainable alternatives, prompting a reevaluation of consumption habits and their impact on the environment.

In addition, I discuss the power of radical imagination in combating climate doomism and nurturing hope for a better future. Emphasizing the importance of authentic self-expression, I share personal victories, such as successfully nurturing houseplants and resisting toxic positivity. Finally, I reflect on my passion for podcasting and the importance of building a community. I'm excited to continue exploring the interconnectedness of personal growth, environmental sustainability, and community building.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

Waseem Hijazi, a passionate Palestinian vegan food blogger, and Victoria Hertel, an anti-Zionist Jewish vegan advocate from Vegans for Palestine join the show this week. Wasim discusses how his journey into veganism is not just about health but also a means to advocate for Palestinian rights, while Victoria reveals her transformation into anti-Zionism and her dedication to supporting Palestinians through the lens of veganism and activism.

We scrutinize the ethical implications of Western veganism's silence on Palestinian oppression and the troubling practice of "vegan washing" by the Israeli government. Our discussion ventures into the wider landscape of activism, examining the power of collective actions like the BDS movement. 

We wrap up our episode by emphasizing the importance of community-driven efforts and solidarity across movements. From supporting Palestinian families with plant-based food parcels to critiquing the support of Israeli vegan products, we call for genuine engagement and the preservation of cultural integrity. This episode is a thought-provoking exploration of how veganism can be a tool for activism and social change, inviting you to reconsider the impact of your choices on a global scale.

Guest Bios:

Victoria Hertel (she/her) is Vegan for Palestine’s Public Image Committee Chair. She is an anti-Zionist Jew, vegan and queer person currently residing on the Lands of the Peoria, Mississauga, Bodwéwadmi (Potawatomi), Anishinabewaki ᐊᓂᔑᓈᐯᐗᑭ, and Wyandot Peoples on Turtle Island. She believes Zionism contradicts the values of Judaism and by conflating the two it is detrimental to the religion. Judaism, according to the Torah, forbids Jews to have our own sovereignty and forbids to kill or steal. Zionism is a genocidal and nationalistic political ideology, which was created by non-religious people. Standing in opposition to the state of “Israel” is standing with true Jewish values, and calling that anti-Semitic is inaccurate. Victoria is a photographer and a healthcare professional. She recognizes her white privilege and continues to learn and unlearn in order to be a better advocate and ally for all sentient beings. She believes that vegans have a duty to be intersectional in their advocacy and cannot only advocate for non-human animals because every injustice is connected whether it’s humans, non-human animals, or the environment.

Waseem Hijazi is a Palestinian vegan content creator, and the founder of the food blog: Plant Based Arab. His journey towards veganism started around five years ago, after taking on monthly challenges in pursuit of a healthier lifestyle. This led to a deeper realization of how our actions - even as individuals - can contribute to the suffering of other living beings.

He's involved with the Vegans for Palestine group: a space to be in community with fellow vegans and animal rights activists, to advocate for Palestine. Helping to raise awareness about Israel's vegan-washing, and how we may be contributing to the oppression of Palestinians with what we choose to consume rather than boycott; as well as highlighting some of the ways to support Palestinians in Gaza via on the ground initiatives, and more.

Waseem has contributed a selection of Arabic and Palestinian recipes to a fundraiser eBook, in collaboration with a collective of vegans of the Global Majority, called: Flavours of Freedom. You can find more of his vegan recipes on the website: www.plantbasedarab.com, and connect with him directly on Instagram @plantbasedarab.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

Christina's journey with cannabis is anything but ordinary. Growing up in Washington DC and initially shying away from the plant due to severe reactions, she never imagined it would play a pivotal role in her life. Yet, as she stepped into the cannabis business world, she rediscovered cannabis through a lens of wellness and mindfulness. Together, we unravel how understanding dosages and product sources transformed her perspective and how staying true to one's mission can guide intentional and meaningful cannabis use.

The ever-evolving concept of wellness takes center stage as we explore its intersection with the cannabis industry. Drawing from my experiences with Conscious Capitalism and the founding of Rooted Therapeutics, we reflect on how business can indeed be a force for good. We also spotlight the efforts of Standard Wellness in Maryland, as we discuss the importance of empathy, open-minded parenting, and how personal definitions of wellness can shift over time amidst commercial pitfalls.

Cannabis is more than just a plant; it's a tool for creativity and stress relief, especially within Black and Latino communities facing historic challenges. Christina and I delve into how changing the narrative can promote participation and self-expression in these communities. We also tackle leadership challenges, particularly the balancing act between personal wellness and organizational demands. From making tough decisions to maintaining community connections, we highlight the necessity of intentional wellness efforts, supportive networks, and the ongoing journey of achieving balance in a demanding world.

Guest Bio: Christina Betancourt Johnson is the founder and chief executive officer of Standard Wellness Maryland (SWM), the first African American and Latina majority-owned vertically integrated cannabis company in the United States, and the first vertically integrated social equity licensee to launch in Maryland. Christina brings more than 15 years of executive leadership to the cannabis industry and holds leadership roles on the U.S. Cannabis Council and the National Hispanic Cannabis Council’s Board of Directors. In Maryland, she serves as Vice Chair of The Maryland Wholesale Cannabis Trade Association (CANMD) and was recently appointed by Governor Wes Moore to the Advisory Board on Medical and Adult-Use Cannabis. Christina is passionate about developing young women and is committed to identifying strategies for wealth-building and wellness in Black and Brown communities.

https://www.standardwellness.com/maryland

https://theforestdispensary.com/baltimore-md

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

Could young activists hold the key to a more liberated world? Join us on Consciously Clueless as we chat with Cami and Onyx from the Raven Corps, a nonprofit that's redefining activism by integrating veganism with social and environmental justice. From their beginnings as a high school animal rights club, they've grown into a force that tackles systemic issues like capitalism, consumption, and commodification. Discover the unique insights young minds bring to these complex problems, and how their fresh perspectives are challenging societal norms and inspiring change.

Cami and Onyx open up about their personal journeys toward veganism, exploring how privilege and societal expectations can shape our choices. They discuss the importance of building inclusive spaces that empower youth activists and recognize the intersections of their identities. Through powerful campaigns like "Operation Mind Over Milk" and "Operation 13," the Raven Corps is not only advocating for plant-based milk in schools but also shining a light on the exploitative practices in the animal agriculture industry. These initiatives are a testament to the power of community-driven activism that seeks both immediate and long-term solutions.

As we wrap up, we tackle the often-unspoken challenges of activism: burnout and mental health. Our guests candidly share their struggles and the coping strategies that have helped them maintain balance. Whether it's overcoming addiction or finding solace in animal sanctuaries, they highlight the crucial role of community support in sustaining their commitment to activism. If you're keen to understand the dynamic world of youth activism or are searching for inspiration to drive change in your community, this episode promises valuable insights and encouragement.

Guest Bios:

Cami (they/them) is the former Youth Director and Campaign Coordinator at The Raven Corps. They've been involved with the organization since 2018 and are a passionate advocate for total liberation.

Onyx Helper is a youth collective liberation activist and Conspirator at The Raven Corps. They focus a lot on animal liberation campaigns as well as various other liberation struggles, such as the fight for Palestinian liberation. Onyx studies philosophy at SUNY Cortland, but you can also probably see them at a local NYC fur protest.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

Join me for a not-so-solo episode as Calen Otto helps us explore the profound impacts of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina. Calen shares their personal experiences during the hurricane and reads a poignant essay weaving themes of climate change, speciesism, and social justice. Calen shared this essay on their podcast and I instantly knew Consciously Clueless listeners needed to hear! Calen sheds light on the work being done by organizations like Beloved Asheville and Ziggy's Refuge, emphasizing the crucial role of local mutual aid organizations in disaster relief. They challenge us all to reflect on their connections to these global issues and consider how they can contribute to ongoing recovery efforts.

As Calen recounts community resilience in the face of disaster, we question the roles of various societal players in perpetuating environmental harm and stress the interconnectedness of all living beings. In their powerful essay, Calen shares on the importance of personal and systemic actions for sustainability, urging us to push for change even when the path seems daunting. We wrap up with practical resources and ways for listeners to take action, from personal lifestyle changes to supporting initiatives like A Well-Fed World. Listen in for a conversation that inspires reflection and action in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Guest Bio: Calen Ann Otto is a queer, anti-speciesist travel blogger who explores the big wide world on a very small budget. After completing a solo trip across the USA at the age of 19 with only $300 and a bike, Calen discovered that there are so many alternative ways to travel that cost less.

Inspired by their love of meeting strangers and sharing their incredible stories, Calen created the Unruly Travel blog. There they share photos, videos, articles, and podcast episodes from their unique travels in hopes of inspiring others to get out and grow. Calen has been to 5 continents, 35 states, 20 National Parks, and more than 30 countries as a vegan and is passionate about doing the least amount of harm wherever they go. They wrote and published 'The Art Of Unruly Travel On A Budget' travel guidebook to make travel more accessible to all. 

Helpful Links from Calen:

Hurricane Helene Essay: wanderwoman.online/index.php/2024/…north-carolina/

Donate to mutual aid orgs in WNC: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/757985…69466110330501

Episode #24 on Hurricane Florence: Unrulytravel-podcast – Modern-love-story-pig-rescue-hurricane-florence-north-carolina

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

What if embracing veganism could also be an act of solidarity with marginalized communities? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Carter guides us through the multifaceted intersections of veganism, race, and spirituality. Christopher shares a deeply personal narrative that connects their transformative path to veganism with their family's historical struggles, drawing powerful parallels between the exploitation of migrant farm workers today and the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South. As we explore these connections, we challenge listeners to rethink ethical eating as a profound statement of unity and resistance against systemic injustices.

We further untangle the complex threads linking cultural identity and dietary choices, shedding light on how historical diets have been manipulated to signify sophistication and power. Through engaging stories of resilience and adaptability, we discover the rich tapestry of vegan soul food and its ability to nourish both body and heritage. Inspired by the work of earlier trailblazers, our conversation emphasizes that aligning one's cultural identity with vegan values doesn't mean losing touch with one's roots but rather finding innovative ways to celebrate them.

The episode also takes a deep dive into the radical compassion inherent in Christianity, questioning if teachings can inspire a modern spiritual path of inclusivity and justice. By drawing on the legacies of Cesar Chavez and Martin Luther King, we discuss how religions can be reclaimed from oppressive narratives to create communities grounded in empathy and understanding. This discussion invites listeners to embrace personal growth, self-care, and community engagement, all while reflecting on the interconnectedness of life through the lens of radical veganism.

Guest Bio: Rev. Dr. Christopher Carter’s teaching, research, and activist interests are in Black, Womanist, and Environmental ethics, with a particular focus on race, food, and nonhuman animals. He is the co-creator of Racial Resilience, an anti-racism and anti-bias program that utilizes the combined insights of contemplative practices and critical race theories. His academic publications include “Blood in the Soil: The Racial, Racist, and Religious Dimensions of Environmentalism” in The Bloomsbury Handbook on Religion and Nature (Bloomsbury, 2018), The Spirit of Soul Food (University of Illinois Press, December 2021), and “Race, Animals, and a New Vision of the Beloved Community” in Animals and Religion (Routledge, 2024). Currently, he is an Associate Professor of Theology, Race, and Ecology at the Methodist Theological School of Ohio, a Faith in Food Fellow at Farm Forward, and lead pastor of The Loft at Westwood UMC, in Westwood California.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, Lulu Tsui experienced a unique perspective on cannabis, where it was as common as backyard barbecues. This early exposure shaped her understanding of how cannabis perceptions could differ vastly from mainstream narratives. Lulu's journey led her to co-found On the Revel in 2016, a series of events challenging the status quo of New York City's cannabis industry. Her mission? To foster authentic connections and create a community where diversity and genuine conversation flourish beyond the typical trade show atmosphere.

In this episode, host Carly Puch and Lulu dive into a fascinating conversation, exploring personal anecdotes and professional insights that reveal how early exposure and family acceptance can influence one's path in the cannabis sector. Lulu shares invaluable lessons learned along the way, including how humor and strategic media campaigns like "I'm High Right Now" are crucial in reducing stigma and shifting public attitudes toward cannabis.

Carly and Lulu explore the importance of building diverse teams and prioritizing self-care in the dynamic field of cannabis. As we move through themes of personal growth, authenticity, and the importance of self-governance, Lulu reflects on how these principles guide her actions and decisions in both business and life. This episode offers juicy insights for anyone interested in the transformative potential of the cannabis industry or who just wants to level up in life, Lulu will inspire.

Guest Bio:

Lulu Tsui is the co-founder and chief experience officer at On The Revel, the parent company for a collection of curated educational and networking experiences that democratize information for those interested in the regulated cannabis industry. On The Revel events, known as Revelry, are conferences aimed at fostering an inclusive, collaborative, and flourishing cannabis sector. These regular in-person events along with On The Revel’s Dope People online membership community, podcast, and virtual experiences, celebrate the diverse people that have been and are currently building the cannabis industry in the aim of developing its gold standard, with opportunities for all. Lulu is seasoned in Experience Design (XD) and User Experience (UX) with 15+ years of experience leading research, strategy, and design for enterprise software, Software as a Service (SaaS), mobile, and touchscreen technologies. Lulu applies her vast XD and UX expertise across verticals in the cannabis industry while championing ways to normalize and destigmatize cannabis and entheogens. Lulu has designed entire enterprise systems and introduced cross-platform mission-critical apps for clients Bloomberg LP, Mastercard, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, John Hopkins University, Roche, Thermo Fisher, Pearson, and McGraw-Hill. Lulu designed a software platform with Root Sciences aimed at supporting and standardizing operations and data for cannabis/hemp extraction, distillation, and post-processing. She also served as the principal experience designer for Chill, a cannabis e-commerce order and delivery platform. Along with On The Revel, Lulu serves as President of the Cannabis Media Council, an organization dedicated to destigmatizing and normalizing cannabis using the power of traditional media, and User Experience and Research Advisor at Oakland Hyphae, founders of the Oakland Psychedelic Conference and the Psilocybin Cup. https://ontherevel.com https://www.revelryny.com 

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley

What happens when compassionate living meets culinary creativity? Join me in this episode as we sit down with the visionary behind Kim Sujovolsky, Brownble, an online sanctuary for vegan enthusiasts, to hear her inspiring journey from discovering veganism to building a community centered on ethical lifestyle choices. Together, we reflect on the profound connections between personal well-being, planetary health, and mindful eating. Hear firsthand how our guest transformed their passion for plant-based living into a thriving business, offering resources and cooking classes that emphasize veganism as a lifestyle beyond just food.

Navigating the world of advocacy and communication, we tackle the diverse ways individuals connect with activism, whether through direct confrontation or gentle persuasion. Our conversation touches on the impact of social media in shaping the vegan movement's messaging and the importance of tailoring content to resonate with varied emotional states and experiences. As advocates, we share personal stories of transitioning to veganism driven by emotional sensitivity, exploring the pivotal role of impactful media and a supportive community in fostering lasting change.

Discover practical tips for those new to veganism, with insights into mindful cooking practices and kitchen organization to reduce stress and inspire creativity. We also delve into the importance of self-care amidst life's chaos, with personal anecdotes about balancing education, work, and mental health through movement and mindfulness. By embracing authenticity and effective communication, we celebrate the joy of finding kindred spirits in the vegan community. Our discussion underscores the importance of citing sources in conversations to enhance credibility, making each discussion an opportunity for growth and understanding.

AND Kim was kind enough to grant listeners a 20% off FOREVER discount code for her online courses. Use code CARLY24 at Brownble.

Guest Bio: Kim is a certified plant-based cook and the co-founder of Brownble, an online hub, and online vegan cooking school that has been dedicated to helping people go vegan or make more plant-based choices for over 9 years. She's also the host of the More Plants podcast where she shares resources, gives people support on their vegan journeys, and interviews inspiring guests on the topics of vegan cooking, eating, lifestyle, the psychology of eating, and more. All of Brownble's work is done through an approach that meets people where they are, allowing for flexibility and helping people have a mindful and attuned relationship with food. Kim is also currently getting her degree in psychology, hopefully, to help support people in positive habit changes that align with their values while promoting a positive relationship to food and body. Kim lives in Madrid, Spain with her husband and business partner and their two rescue dogs, and where vegan food is always cooking.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/

Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly

Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/

Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog

Music by Matthew Baxley