Sustain This!

In this bittersweet episode, we're chatting with our co-host Signe as she bids the podcast farewell (as an official co-host) to focus more on her growing young family. We talk about the highs and lows of content creation, her plans for the future, and just have a great hangout as friends as a send off. Thank you to Signe  ⁨@UseLess_dk⁩ for everything over the years! Alyssa and Christina will continue to share weekly slow fashion episodes on the podcast, returning in Sept 2025 for SEASON 4!

Please show Signe some love in the comments! We will miss you! 

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcJYVNEjjhXRdCKZ7i6itw/join

CONTACT US: [email protected]

In this episode, we dive into the clothes we LOVE but feel like we don't necessarily "pull off" like we wanted to, and how our personal style has shifted over time. We also talk about the push and pull between our fantasy looks, how personality plays into what we wear, and why some trends just don’t always work...and how that can be a good thing! 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction, Comfort Eating and Body Image
03:00 Exploring Fashion Choices and Personal Style
05:59 The Balance of Romantic and Sporty Styles
09:00 Understanding Personal Preferences in Clothing
12:01 The Influence of Personality on Fashion Choices
14:57 Patterns, Prints, and Their Appeal
18:00 The High-Waisted Dilemma and Body Proportions
19:47 Body Image and Fashion Choices
22:56 Personal Style Preferences
26:34 Understanding Body Types
30:01 Finding Balance in Fashion
33:58 The Concept of Flattering
37:00 Reflection on Personal Style

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In today's episode, we sit down with Izzie Kalaja, the Director of Operations and ESG (Environment, Sustainability and Governance) from Frankie4, the contemporary comfort footwear brand changing how women experience shoes. We talk about how the brand is blending style and support, and Izzie shares her journey from consulting into a dedicated sustainability role within the company.
We get into the realities of building a business that’s both responsible and viable—what it really looks like to make thoughtful choices around materials, transparency, and communication in the fashion world. We also chat about personal style, how fashion trends are evolving, and why platforms like Substack and long-form content are starting to feel more appealing.

Discover more about Frankie4 here: https://frankie4.com/
Find Frankie4 on IG here: https://www.instagram.com/frankie4footwear/ or at @frankie4footwear 

Chapters

00:00 Early Morning Vibes and Coffee Culture
03:06 Introducing Frankie Four: A New Era in Footwear
06:01 The Comfort Revolution: Customizable Footbeds
08:57 Sustainability at Frankie Four: A Core Value
12:04 Izzie's Career Journey: From Consulting to Sustainability
18:14 Balancing Business and Responsibility
21:02 Consumer Awareness: Understanding Sustainable Practices
27:09 The Language of Responsibility vs. Sustainability
39:50 Navigating Brand Complexity and Consumer Trust
41:55 Transparency in Brand Communication
45:56 Sustainable Footwear: Lifespan and Recycling
48:03 Fashion Trends and Personal Style
55:55 Engaging with Sustainable Content

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcJYVNEjjhXRdCKZ7i6itw/join

CONTACT US: [email protected]

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

-----------------

CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In this chat, we dive into Sarah Horgan's journey toward intentional living and minimalism, which was sparked by her battle with stage four cancer. She talks about how perfectionism and people-pleasing shaped her life, and how mindfulness and emotional health became key in her transformation. Sarah explains how minimalism became a deeply personal journey, not just about physical stuff, but about self-awareness, emotional healing, and simplifying life for more fulfillment. We also discuss her experience with the challenges of motherhood, highlighting the importance of self-forgiveness, the impact of consumerism, and how minimalism plays a role in parenting.

Sarah Horgan of Simple + Intentional is a coach, teacher, wife, and mom to a 6-year-old, passionate about living simply. Her journey to simplicity began in 2014 when she was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer, which led her to deep self-reflection. Over time, she realized that perfectionism and people-pleasing weren't serving her, sparking a shift toward simplicity. Becoming a mom further pushed her toward minimalism out of necessity, as she navigated the challenges of parenting without family support. By decluttering her home, she found it easier to maintain a calm, organized space, which allowed her to focus on internal growth. Sarah’s mission is to help others simplify their lives, let go of unnecessary clutter, and prioritize what truly matters.

Guest Links 

Web: https://www.simpleintentional.com/

IG: http://instagram.com/simpleintentional/

Chapters

00:00 The Journey to Intentional Living

08:51 Mindfulness and Emotional Health

18:10 The Deeper Meaning of Minimalism

23:59 Practical Steps to Declutter and Simplify

29:40 Navigating Body Image and Self-Care

34:16 The Journey of Self-Forgiveness

39:39 Minimalism and Motherhood

44:15 Spring Cleaning: A Fresh Start

48:29 Rapid Fire Reflections

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In this episode, we chat with creative director and content creator Elysia Berman about her journey to overcoming debt through a no-buy challenge. She talks about the emotional toll of debt, her shopping habits, and how consumerism shaped her spending. We dive into the impact of personal loss and career changes, how they shifted her priorities, and the mental clarity she’s found on her path to financial freedom. Plus, we talk about unlearning consumer habits and focusing on authenticity in both style and life.

Follow Elysia here!

Web: https://www.elysia-berman.com/

TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@elysiaberman

IG: https://www.instagram.com/elysiaberman

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elysia's Journey

01:30 The Burden of Debt and Motivation for Change

03:22 The Rock Bottom Moment

06:32 Understanding Impulse vs. Intentionality

10:01 The Impact of Late Stage Capitalism on Consumerism

12:19 Transformation Through the No Buy Challenge

17:00 Replacing Shopping with Fulfilling Activities

22:28 Navigating Setbacks and Temptations

26:45 Dressing for Reality vs. Fantasy Self

30:56 Navigating Loss and Identity Changes

32:43 Shifting Perspectives on Fashion and Self-Expression

36:17 The Impact of Career on Personal Style

41:16 Unlearning Consumerism in the Beauty Industry

44:44 Embracing Financial Freedom and Future Aspirations

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In this episode, we chat with Aleks Petrakieva from @alexonabudget with her leap from corporate life to full-time content creation. We talk about the highs and lows of that transition, from going viral with personal finance content to dealing with negative comments and finding support in community.

We also explore how content consumption is shifting toward long-form, how travel has shaped our views on money, and why experiences matter more to us than stuff. Plus, we touch on family expectations, brand partnerships, and the importance of staying authentic in the world of content creation.

Follow Aleks here!

https://www.instagram.com/alexonabudget/ 

https://www.youtube.com/@alexonabudget

https://www.tiktok.com/@alexonabudget

Chapters

00:00 A New Beginning: Leaving Corporate Life
02:21 The Journey to Content Creation
05:50 Going Viral: The Power of Personal Stories
09:39 Navigating Negativity: The Impact of Hate Comments
12:40 Monetizing Content: Turning Views into Income
15:57 Debt-Free Journey: Sharing Financial Transparency
19:12 The Importance of Community and Support
22:47 Shifting Content Focus: From Debt to Growth
25:42 The Future of Content Creation: Embracing Long-Form Media
26:30 The Shift Towards Long-Form Content
29:45 Mindset Around Money and Identity
30:38 Traveling and Its Impact on Financial Perspectives
34:36 Consumer Culture and Loneliness
37:57 Investing in Experiences Over Material Goods
39:52 Navigating Family Expectations and Social Media
46:31 The Complexity of Personal Sharing in Content Creation
50:55 The Challenges of Content Creation
54:44 Transitioning from Corporate to Creative
01:00:00 Navigating Brand Deals and Transparency
01:02:36 Embracing Flexibility and Potential as a Creator

Mentions
Aja Dang – YouTuber who inspired Christina’s student loan repayment journey 

Join this channel to get access to perks:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbcJYVNEjjhXRdCKZ7i6itw/join

CONTACT US: [email protected]


SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved

-----------------

CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In this episode, we dive into the art of packing for long-term travel, sharing tips on building a versatile capsule wardrobe, managing workout gear, and choosing the right footwear. We explore how to avoid outfit boredom, do laundry on the go, and balance personal style with practical needs. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or planning your first extended trip, this conversation will help you pack smarter and travel lighter—without sacrificing style.

Chapters

00:00 Living Out of a Suitcase: The Experience

04:02 Packing Strategies for Long-Term Travel

08:00 Core Capsule Wardrobe Essentials

12:00 Mixing and Matching: Versatility in Packing

16:02 Footwear: The Game Changer in Travel Packing

19:13 Packing Essentials and Versatility

22:07 Workout Gear and Space Management

24:49 Boredom with Capsule Wardrobe

30:03 Cravings for Closet Variety

34:41 Top Tips for Packing and Travel

Alyssa's travel capsule video for spring: https://youtu.be/mDEN0wqrgoE?si=fZFF_Vvnb4NPYKyb 

Christina's packing video: https://youtu.be/sk9lWIW_vl4?si=viMoe5ZXlFFInCNv

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In this episode, we dive into spring fashion trends—what we love, what we’re skipping, and why. We chat about the return of nautical styles, the surprise comeback of plaid, and the nostalgia of denim skirts. We also share past fashion regrets, tackle tricky styles like peasant skirts and the tennis aesthetic, and reflect on how our personal styles have evolved.

Chapters

00:00 Spring Trends: A Bypass Perspective

02:14 Nautical Vibes: Deck Shoes and Personal Style

06:39 Plaid: An Unexpected Spring Trend

12:07 Denim Skirts: Nostalgia vs. Modern Style

15:27 Peasant Skirts: A Love-Hate Relationship

19:55 Tennis Aesthetic: Trends and Personal Preferences

21:47 Fashion Regrets and Second Chances

24:43 Exploring Current Trends

27:56 Layering and Styling Challenges

30:52 Athleisure and Sporty Styles

34:00 Color Trends and Personal Preferences

37:03 Knitwear and Seasonal Wardrobe Changes

39:50 Reflecting on Trends: What We Bought and Regretted

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In this episode, we dive into how self-care practices tie into our shopping habits. We chat about how fitness impacts what we buy, the importance of self-confidence and trust, and how being more aware can shift our consumption choices. We also talk about gratitude, journaling, and meditation—and how they help us feel more abundant and confident in our decisions, especially when it comes to personal style. Overall, we highlight the power of small, consistent actions in building a solid self-care routine that leads to more mindful shopping and better decision-making.

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:

📖 Atomic Habits by James Clear (Timestamp: 13:34 - 14:49)

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Self-Care and Shopping

03:06 The Impact of Fitness on Shopping Habits

06:00 Building Self-Confidence Through Promises

08:51 Awareness and Tracking Consumption Habits

11:56 The Role of Gratitude in Self-Care

15:01 Systems vs. Goals in Personal Development

17:58 The Emotional State and Shopping Decisions

21:57 The Power of Self-Care Practices

25:23 Journaling and Gratitude: Tools for Abundance

27:32 Meditation and Mindfulness in Daily Life

32:04 The Importance of Sleep and Nighttime Routines

38:15 Connecting Self-Care to Personal Style and Confidence

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo

In today's episode, we talk to Lora Nikolaev - founder and designer behind the womenswear brand Lora Gene - about what it means to center women at every point in the production and consumption process of fashion. Lora is also a textile expert, and shares her expertise around different types of fabric and what we as consumers, can pay attention to when we're shopping. We learned so much from this conversation, and we hope you do too! 

Lora Gene website: https://www.loragene.com/

Lora Gene TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@lorageneatelier

Lora Gene IG: https://www.instagram.com/lorageneatelier/

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CONTACT US: [email protected]
JOIN OUR PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/SustainThisPodcast

SIGNE HANSEN
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@UseLess_dk
Website: https://www.uselesswardrobe.dk/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/useless_dk/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@useless_wardrobe

CHRISTINA MYCHAS
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Christinamychas
Website: https://www.minimalist-ish.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/christina.mychas/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@christina.mychas

ALYSSA BELTEMPO
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@AlyssaBeltempo
Website: https://msbeltempo.com/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/msbeltempo/
TT: https://www.tiktok.com/@msbeltempo

If you loved this episode please share it on your stories and tag us! We love to see which episodes resonate with you and it helps to spread the word more than you know, xo