The Enlighten Me Podcast

A cultured convo with a cultured Tejana! Maria Escamilla (or Tori, for short) is a Texan native with Mexican-American roots and experience as a US Veteran. See what I mean by “cultured”?! In her 32 years of life, Tori has been a lot of places and seen a lot things. All of these experiences have given her some unique perspectives on what we might consider “hot” topics. That’s what we’re chatting about in today’s episode! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Above all else, I appreciate Tori’s patience and openness with me in this conversation. She gave me permission to ask about her cultural background and what it’s like to be a Mexican-American woman in today’s world. We talked about things that could easily be frustrating or tiring for her, but she was willing to educate me and to give me a safe space to ask important questions. I loved the understanding that we both shared for one another and I think you’ll no doubt hear that as we chat. Specifically, Tori’s experience working for the American government has exposed her to so many things. I feel that this gives her a lot of credibility to talk about topics like immigration from an unbiased place. One one hand, her great-grandparents immigrated to Texas from Mexico. On the other hand, she has sacrificed a lot of her life to fight for this country. Who better to share their standpoint on what can often be such a controversial, black-and-white topic?

My hope for you as you listen to Tori and I speak is that your mind will be opened to hearing the story of someone who is different from you. In these politicized times we live in and with an election season right around the corner, it’s easy to make some of these topics about laws rather than about lives. If it weren’t for immigration, Tori wouldn’t be here today serving our country in the multiple ways that she does!

I think this episode will also demonstrate to you why having proximity to people who are different than us matters. I’m not trying to say that we all have to agree in the end, but if you are only surrounding yourself with people who have similar opinions and similar life experiences to you, you’re missing out. My other hope for you after listening to this episode is that you’ll go watch Jane the Virgin after listening to us - now THAT you will not regret!

Big hugs to Tori for her time in this convo! San Antonio, you’re so lucky to have her! Make sure you check out her radio show if you’re in the area, and if not you can catch her on the podcast (linked below) any day!

Links from the show:

“Tejana Talk” Podcast:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tejana-talk/id1453198442

Jane the Virgin:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80027158

One Day at a Time:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80095532

“Caramelo” by Sandra Cisneros:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C8S9WOW/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

“The Drama Club” Podcast:

http://www.dramaclubpod.com/

“Lip Service” podcast by Angela Yee:

https://soundcloud.com/lipservicepodcast

“Stuff You Missed in History Class” podcast:

https://www.missedinhistory.com/podcasts

“Latina Money” Podcast:

https://www.latinamoney.com/copy-of-podcast

Eric Thomas - The Hip Hop Preacher:

https://www.youtube.com/etthehiphoppreacher

“Inner Hoe Uprising” podcast:

https://innerhoeuprising.com/

“The Popcast with Knox and Jamie” podcast:

http://knoxandjamie.com/

KISS Gel Fantasy Nails:

https://www.cvs.com/shop/kiss-gel-fantasy-nails-prodid-1015178

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Connect with Tori:

Instagram: @tejana_talk / @the_cultured_tejana / @tori_e989

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tejana-talk/id1453198442

Radio Show: KLMO App or 98.9FM in San Antonio

This conversation has been brought to you by...Canadian coffee shop parking lots! Naomi is a busy wife and momma who runs a business. She lives in the Canadian mountainside and when it was time for our interview, she had to scramble to get to town for a better internet connection. After 1.5 hours of sitting in her car outside her local cafe, we had ourselves one of my favorite interviews to date. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or go to my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

This conversation was not my favorite because it was a fun topic. It was a hard topic, actually, and an uncomfortable one. Many of us talk about the effects that slavery has had on our society, but we talk about it like slavery no longer exists. That’s far from the truth. In fact, there are more people enslaved today than have ever been before. Sexual exploitation is one of these cruel forms of human bondage, and that’s what Naomi is working towards bringing to an end. With her small business making adorable jewelry, she donates half of her proceeds to various organizations that are fighting human trafficking.

While this interview centers on a sensitive topic that you might not want little ears to listen to, Naomi will share why it’s still one that we need to educate our kids on. The average age for a person to be captured into sex slavery is 13. Did you catch that? 13 years young! Educating our children can potentially protect them from ever running the risk of being exploited. You might be thinking that this would never happen to your own child, but in this interview you will hear how something so tragic can happen to a seemingly “normal” kid, and how this is currently taking place in our very own cities.

As always, this conversation isn’t meant to make you feel sad about the topic at hand. While I hope it stirs up feelings in you, I hope it equally empowers you to take action. There are practical steps that you and I can take to bring human slavery to an end. Ending the human slave trade IS possible in our lifetime, but first we need to learn about how we may be unknowingly contributing to the billion-dollar industry. After listening, think about what you can do to help the cause and commit to it! Maybe it’s buying some cute RWP jewelry for yourself or someone you know - that’s what I just did! Shop the collection and check out my latest purchases using the links below!

Links from the show:

RWP Website:

https://www.redeemedwithpurpose.com/

Fight the New Drug - Documentary:

https://brainheartworld.org/?_ga=2.150413360.788075652.1569906454-1102055909.1569906454

“The Johns: by Victor Malarkey:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CKXBAKE/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

LIFT International:

https://www.liftinternational.org/

Charles Mully’s Foundation:

http://www.mullychildrensfamily.org/

International Justice Mission (IJM):

https://www.ijm.org/

Thorn:

https://www.thorn.org/

A21:

https://www.a21.org/index.php?site=true

Fight the New Drug - Addiction Resources:

https://fightthenewdrug.org/

https://www.joinfortify.com/

Focus on the Family - Addiction Resources:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/

Amy Weatherly:

https://www.amyweatherly.com/

@amyweatherly

“Conversations With A Pedophiie” by Amy Zabin:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00E8301D6/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1

Focus on the Family Broadcast Podcast:

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/shows/broadcast/

Mackenzie’s latest RWP purchases:

https://www.redeemedwithpurpose.com/listing/721799326/light-grey-shiny-cabochon

https://www.redeemedwithpurpose.com/listing/719146302/v-shaped-elegant-24k-gold-plated-ring

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Naomi:

Website: www.redeemedwithpurpose.com

Instagram: @redeemedwithpurpose

Facebook: RWP Jewelry

One billion. That’s the number of people still living in extreme poverty. But give them 10 years, and The Adventure Project will make that number dwindle. In this episode, Becky Straw, co-founder and president of TAP, is telling us about the amazing organization she started and how they are fighting poverty in countries across the globe. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

A few years ago I was looking for some meaningful Christmas gifts I could give my family that we’re ethically made and had some kind of a positive impact on the world through my purchase. In my search I came across the charcoal soap that TAP makes. I didn’t know much about the organization, but from some brief research I knew I could vibe with it. A few years and several bars of soap later and here we are! I was ecstatic to connect with Becky and learn more about TAP, and I was not disappointed. Becky and I bonded over being moms to littles, our faith, watching The Bachelorette, and most of all our love for people and the planet.

TAP takes a unique, four-pronged approach to addressing poverty. The focus is entirely on creating jobs in developing countries to empower locals and boost economies. These jobs include training healthcare workers, farmers, well mechanics, and sales people. While all of these are vital to helping the community thrive, my favorite is the training of women to sell charcoal-efficient stoves and run their own small businesses. I was shocked to learn about the horrible impacts that cooking over open fires has on so many women and children’s health as well as the health of our earth. The charcoal-efficient stoves are cost-effective solutions to eliminate carbon emissions from the air and protect women’s health.

It’s solutions like these that set TAP apart. Hearing about Becky’s boldness to start this organization and the amazing ways that God has provided for her to keep going is unreal. You will be compelled by her stories to want to be a part of something bigger. Becky expresses that whatever it is - donating, buying charcoal soap, or simply joining their email list - that you have the power to make a difference right where you’re at. Listen in and figure out how you can impact the lives of people who are just like us with a little less privilege.

Links from the show:

The Adventure Project:

https://www.theadventureproject.org/join-the-collective

TAP Charcoal soap:

https://shop.theadventureproject.org/

Apotheke Soap:

https://apothekeco.com/

Charity Water:

https://www.charitywater.org/

Episode 1 - Water Conservation w/ Jess Villie:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-1-water/

Episode 7 - Alleviating Poverty w/ Nate Montgomery:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-7-alleviating-poverty/

Episode 10 - The Mocha Club w/ Emily Blackledge:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-10-african-development/

Lingua Franca Sweaters:

https://linguafranca.nyc/

Catbird Jewelry:

https://www.catbirdnyc.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Becky:

Instagram: @theadventureproject

Website: https://www.theadventureproject.org/

Email: [email protected]

We’re back! And we’re continuing with the topic of animals, but this time it’s in reference to the products we use on a daily basis. In today’s episode, Stephanie explains to us what cruelty free living is, why it’s important, and how we can join in the movement! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Stephanie is a busy working woman. By day, she is a full-time chemical engineer. By night, she puts her passion for animal rights into practice by blogging about cruelty free living. Her user guides help dozens of people find brands and products that are effective and that don’t test on animals. Let me be the first to tell you that, whoever you are, this conversation is relevant to you. I used to think that “cruelty free” referred simply to makeup and beauty products, but Stephanie explains why that thinking is oh so very wrong!

In this conversation, Stephanie and I talk about the inhumane practice of animal testing and why it’s so completely unnecessary in today’s world where there are more effective alternatives. We then chat about what to look for in our products to make sure they are truly cruelty free. This might come as a surprise to you, but we can’t simply trust the tiny labels that are written on the back of our lotion bottles! Stephanie explains the different standards of certification and what to look for from our brands along with how we can do our own research on this topic. My favorite part of all, though, is that Stephanie has done a lot of this research for us and it’s all available on her blog!

What you will learn in this conversation is that supporting the cruelty free movement is easier than you think, is more affordable than you expect, and will not require you to only purchase products from the hippie at your local farmer’s market - though we are not opposed to that option. Stephanie also explains how cruelty free beauty, clean beauty, vegan beauty, and zero-waste beauty all intersect with one another. You have the ability to make an impact on the lives of animals, the wellness of our planet, and even on your own your own health without having to do much at all - why not join in?!

Links from the show:

Free the Bunnies:

https://www.freethebunnies.com/

Ultimate Cruelty Free Brand List of 2019:

https://www.freethebunnies.com/cruelty-free-brands-2019/

Cruelty Free Shopping Guide by Store:

https://www.freethebunnies.com/category/shopping/

Unfu*k Yourself by Gary John Bishop

https://www.amazon.com/Unfu-Yourself-Your-Head-into/dp/0062803832

Daring Greatly by Brene Brown:

https://www.amazon.com/Daring-Greatly-Courage-Vulnerable-Transforms/dp/1592408419

Farm to Fridge video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yfk63fJOdRw

Dropps Dishwasher Detergent Pods and Laundry Detergent Pods:

https://www.dropps.com/pages/dishwasherdetergentpods

https://www.dropps.com/collections/laundry-detergent-pods

(don’t forget to check Stephanie’s Instagram account @freethebunnieslife for a discount code!)

Connect with Mackenzie:

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Stephanie:

Website: https://www.freethebunnies.com/

Instagram: @freethebunnieslife

Hey, good for you! The word “veganism” didn’t scare you off yet! I’ve waited a long time to record an episode where we discuss veganism because I know the associations that come with the term. But here’s the rule with listening to this episode: you have to keep an open mind. That’s the only rule! Can you do it? To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Saudia Green is a boss lady. She is a wife and mom, a fitness guru, a sports nutritionist, a vegan chef, and the CEO of her company Beyond Vegans. Several years ago Saudia’s husband introduced the idea of a vegan lifestyle to her and her kids as a solution to some digestive issues he was experiencing. Together they did some research on the effects this could have on their health, our planet, and the animals that reside on it and they haven’t looked back since. Now, Saudia has created a platform that is designed to help those who are interested in pursuing a vegan diet.

My favorite part about Beyond Vegans is that it’s focused on holistic health: mind, body and spirit. In today’s conversation, Saudia makes clear that she isn’t here to judge anyone’s eating habits or lifestyles, but simply to open our minds to consider some healthy alternatives to our typical ways of eating. We chat about what veganism is, why it’s important for us and our world, and how easy it can actually be! If you’re thinking that being a vegan means only eating leaves, she’ll show you just how wrong you are.

Something to keep in mind while you listen is that this is a process. No one should decide overnight to become a vegan - it involves lots of research and small adjustments. Saudia is going to show us just how we can approach this! Again, it doesn’t mean that you have to decide today to become a vegan, but maybe you can include one or two plant-based meals a week in your home! So, is your mind open? Ready to listen? Let’s go!

Beyond Vegans Website:

https://www.beyondvegans.com/

“Sacrifice” Documentary:

https://vimeo.com/18118939

“Food Choices” Documentary:

http://www.foodchoicesmovie.com/

Beyond Vegans Clothing - “Good Vibes” Tank

https://www.beyondvegans.com/product/lifestyle-vibes-retro-womens-muscle-tank-top/

Article on The Ketogenic Diet:

https://www.backtoyourrootsherbs.com/does-the-ketogenic-diet-work/

Beyond Vegans Vegan Recipes:

https://www.beyondvegans.com/vegan-food/

The Great Cosmic Mother by Monica Sjoo and Barbara Mor:

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Cosmic-Mother-Rediscovering-Religion/dp/0062507915

“Forks Over Knives” Documentary:

https://www.forksoverknives.com/the-film/#gs.7su1jo

Red Table Talk:

https://www.facebook.com/redtabletalk/

Back to Your Roots Herbs Multivitamin:

https://www.backtoyourrootsherbs.com/product/multivitamin-nano-and-micro-minerals/

Vega Protein Cashewmilk Yogurt Alternative:

https://myvega.com/products/vega-cashewmilk-yogurt-alternative

Connect with Mackenzie:

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Saudia:

Website: https://www.beyondvegans.com/

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter: @beyondvegans

Ethically sourced. Charitable. Fine jewelry. Those are three things I can get on board with! Saint Mae has been around for less than a year now, but they are making a splash in the diamond industry with their commitment to conscious creations of stunning designs. I first came across Saint Mae on Instagram and gave them a follow because 1) I loved their mission and, 2) the rings are basically the prettiest things I have ever seen. After getting to chat with the founder of the business, Carli, I’m even more on board with what Saint Mae is doing! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

In this episode, Carli is educating us on what conflict diamonds really are. Raise your hand if you’ve seen the movie ‘Blood Diamond’ and that’s basically the extent of your knowledge on this topic! Me too, friend, me too. Even if you haven’t seen the movie, Carli is going to shed some light on what takes place in this industry and how diamond mining is harming our world. Did you know that diamond mining is extremely dangerous work taking place in primarily impoverished areas where workers (many of them children!) are exploited on a daily basis? Did you know that diamond mining is devastating our ecosystem because of how much earth has to be extracted to find one small little stone? I didn’t!

Carli is not just shedding light on the issues in the industry, but also on the solutions! I say this in nearly every episode, but it’s true - there are SO many great solutions! Even if you’re not in the market for purchasing a diamond ring anytime soon, chances are you will be at some point in your lifetime and that you know multiple people who will be, too. Here’s your chance to get educated and make a difference by spreading the word! What’s even better is that the solutions that Carli shares are actually more cost effective than traditional diamonds. That’s right - you can help save people, the planet, and cash money when you support companies like Saint Mae. Have I convinced you yet?!

You are going to be empowered, like I hope you always are, after listening to Carli talk about making a difference by voting with your dollar. I couldn’t agree with her more when she says, “We have the power to change the industry.” PREACH! I cannot WAIT to tell my friends about Saint Mae who are getting engaged or hunting for their next piece of fine jewelry! Confession: I have totally shown hubby the Saint Mae page to give him some gift ideas for the future, and I’m not ashamed! I’ve also added Carli’s hand-painted leather jackets to my wish list - check them out and you’ll see why.

If nothing else, make sure you check out the Saint Mae Insta page and give it a follow. Carli’s design skills are off the chain and you’re gonna love scrolling through her dreamy feed. Let us know what you thought of the show by leaving a rating or review on iTunes and by giving us a shout out on the socials! Ready, set, get enlightened!

Links from the show:

Saint Mae Website:

http://shopsaintmae.com/

The Going Scared Podcast by Jessica Honegger:

https://jessicahonegger.com/podcast/

Eterneva:

https://www.eterneva.com/

Charity Water:

https://my.charitywater.org/

One Girl:

https://www.onegirl.org.au/

1% For The Planet:

http://www.onepercentfortheplanet.org/

VOW:

https://vowtoendchildmarriage.org/about/

Spell & The Gypsy Collective:

https://shop.spelldesigns.com/

Start Something that Matters by Blake Mycoskie:

https://www.amazon.com/Start-Something-Matters-Blake-Mycoskie/dp/0812981448

The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss:

https://fourhourworkweek.com/

How I Built this with Guy Raz Podcast:

https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this

Kopari Beauty:

https://koparibeauty.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram/Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Carli:

Instagram: @saintmae_byderive

Website: http://shopsaintmae.com/

What significance does the month of February hold for you? In the U.S., this is a time to acknowledge and celebrate Black history. No matter what cultural background you identify with, Black History Month holds significance in what it represents for this country as well as what it causes us to consider. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: [email protected]

Black male identity development - it’s a bit of a mouthful, but it’s an important topic in today’s world. There are massive disparities and gaps in the achievements of racial subgroups in America, particularly when we look at college attendance and completion. Enter Justin! Justin Rose is the Director of the Diversity Center at the University of Illinois Springfield and also has the personal experience of being a minority student in college to draw from.

Justin is not only doing amazing work on his current campus, but he is also working on his PhD in Higher Education so that he can continue making an impact on the lives of college students. Justin and I met while in school together, and I have always appreciated his welcoming attitude that has made me feel comfortable in sharing my thoughts and opinions. I think you’ll be able to tell exactly what I’m talking about when you hear Justin speak in this episode!

In today’s conversation, Justin addresses some stereotypes surrounding Black males and also talks about the challenges faced in both getting to college as well as staying in college. Even if you are not involved in a higher education sector like Justin and I, you are going to hear how you can make a difference when we look at some of these disparities that exist for minority groups. Justin makes clear that we have the choice between being a part of the problem or being a part of the solution. This is a societal issue, not one that’s specific to one group of people, and we all hold power to make a difference!

You are truly going to be enlightened in this conversation and probably hear some things that you’ve never thought of before. Perhaps you’ve never considered why Black History Month is significant, or what the point of Affirmative Action is! My hope is that after today, your mind will be racing. We all have value to contribute to this society, and it’s time that we decrease the achievement gaps that separate us and prevent us from putting forth our assets. Also, you’re going to love Justin’s personality and wish that you could get a motivational pep talk from him every day. Make sure to check him out on Twitter so that you can get to know this amazing individual!

Links from the show:

“America to Me” TV series:

https://www.amazon.com/America-to-Me/dp/B07G2LY7N7

Report on graduation rates by race:

https://www.insidehighered.com/news/2017/04/26/college-completion-rates-vary-race-and-ethnicity-report-finds

“From Cotton Field to Schoolhouse” by Dr. Christopher Span

https://www.amazon.com/Cotton-Field-Schoolhouse-Education-Mississippi/dp/0807832901

“The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership” by John C. Maxwell

https://www.amazon.com/21-Irrefutable-Laws-Leadership-Anniversary/dp/0785288376

Motivation for Black People Podcast by Justin Michael Williams

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/motivation-for-black-people/id1341565149?mt=2

Leaders in the Trenches Podcast by Gene Hammett

https://www.genehammett.com/category/leaders-in-the-trenches/

Victor Rios’ Ted Talk:

https://www.ted.com/talks/victor_rios_help_for_kids_the_education_system_ignores?language=en

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram/Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Justin:

Twitter: @TheRealRozay

Email: [email protected]

Can you imagine living a life where you produce zero waste? ZERO things thrown in the garbage, ZERO food left on your plate, ZERO new items purchased. Sounds extreme, right? Extremely important, that is! In this episode, Elizabeth is informing us on the problems with waste and how we can start reducing it in our lives! You’re never going to think about what you’re tossing in the bin in the same way after this conversation! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Elizabeth Teo is a Seattle-transplant living in Canada who studies environmental science in school. Someday she dreams of working in environmental policy, but for now she uses her platform on social media to inform others on a zero waste lifestyle. To start this episode off, Elizabeth first educates me on the three main types of waste: food waste, fashion waste, and garbage. We talk about just how much waste there is in the world (like the fact that 25 BILLION coffee cups are thrown away every year!) and why this waste is so concerning. Spoiler alert: all of our waste is ending up in our oceans, depositing micro-plastics in our marine life, and filling up landfills and emitting greenhouse gases. Yikes!

BUT, don’t fret - as is usually the case with these types of conversations, we hold the power to make a difference! And in fact, the planet needs us to. We are running out of time, people! Elizabeth educates us on what is means to truly go “zero waste.” Another spoiler alert: nobody is 100% zero waste. This movement is not about perfection, but it’s about making progress together to reduce our footprint by reducing our wastefulness. She shares tons of simple (and I mean simple) tips about swaps we can make and hacks we can try to cut out waste from our lives. The best tip of all, in my opinion, is to start following folks on social media like Elizabeth who have allllll the zero waste advice to share! You will be amazed at all the things that are winding up in your garbage bin that really don’t need to be there, and also how many easy tricks there are to cut back!

So here’s the challenge: think twice as you toss things in the trash. How can you cut back? President Obama said it best: “We are the first generation to feel the effect of climate change and the last generation who can do something about it.” Let’s tackle this problem together!

Links from the show:

Elizabeth’s sites:

https://linktr.ee/zerowastecutie

The True Cost documentary:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80045667

Love Beauty Foods Tooth Powder:

https://www.floraandfauna.com.au/love-beauty-foods-tooth-powder-mint-neem-50g

Lauren Singer’s Trash Jar video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OuABgFsv5pw

Silent Spring by Rachel Carson:

https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Spring-Rachel-Carson/dp/0618249060

The Lorax by Dr. Seuss:

https://www.amazon.com/Lorax-Classic-Seuss-Dr/dp/0394823370

Living Downstream documentary:

http://www.livingdownstream.com/about-film

A Plastic Ocean documentary:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80164032

Meow Meow Tweet Deodorant:

https://meowmeowtweet.com/products/deodorant

https://meowmeowtweet.com/products/deodorant-stick

Instagram accounts to follow:

@going.zero.waste

@sustainably_vegan

@zerowastechica

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instragram/Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Elizabeth:

Instagram: @zerowastecutie

Link Tree: https://linktr.ee/zerowastecutie

The wait is over! Part 2 of my conversation with Aussie babe Gabi Goddard is HERE!!! During this interview with Gabi, I kept saying, “I’m sorry I’m keeping you so long!” but then we just kept talking. SO MUCH FUN! If this gal wasn’t across oceans from me, I’d be asking her to hang out all the time. I’m pretty sure you’ll feel the same way after listening to her speak. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, do yourself a favor and go listen to that first! You’ll find us hilarious either way I’m pretty sure, but you’ll follow along much easier if you listen in the correct order. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Part 1 was mostly devoted to Gabi explaining what fast fashion is and why it is such an issue. In part 2, we’re focusing on how we can be a part of the solution! Gabi shares a lot of great (and easy peasy) tips for being a more ethical consumer - shopping secondhand, finding out what brands are ethical and what ones are not, rewearing your wardrobe and getting out of consumeristic cycles, so on and so forth. Gabi is honest about her struggles when it comes to wanting to buy, buy, buy, and I can compleeeeetely relate. Becoming a conscious consumer is a process, but there are so many tools to help you do it! I’m particularly excited about the app that Gabi recommends - link for that is below!

Once again, Gabi has so many good thoughts to share. This was also probably the longest amount of time I’ve spent in an interview chatting about products that we’re loving. I could’ve cut some of it out to make this episode shorter, but I chose not to and you’ll hear why. If nothing else, make sure you follow Gabi on the ‘gram after listening to this convo - her style and her words will influence you like they have me. Let’s put an end this armor of willful ignorance we’ve been trying to protect ourselves with and start making an impact for the better through our fashion choices!

Links from the show:

Agathos Athleisure

https://agathosathleisure.com/

Good On You App:

https://goodonyou.eco/app/

Baptist World Aid:

https://baptistworldaid.org.au/

Labour Behind the Label:

http://labourbehindthelabel.org/

Six Items Challenge:

http://labourbehindthelabel.org/get-involved/fundraise-for-us/the-six-items-challenge/

Ethical Clothing Australia:

https://ethicalclothingaustralia.org.au/

US Certification Brands:

https://eluxemagazine.com/magazine/ethical-fashion-certifications/

“The True Cost” documentary:

https://truecostmovie.com/about/

https://www.netflix.com/title/80045667

The War on Waste:

https://itunes.apple.com/au/tv-season/war-on-waste-australia/id1254456206

https://www.abc.net.au/tv/programs/war-on-waste/

“Minimalism” documentary:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80114460

Hashtags to follow:

#30wears

#fashionrevolution

Emma Watson’s Instagram accounts:

@the_press_tour

@emmawatson

The Sustainable Fashion Handbook by Sandy Black:

https://www.amazon.com/Sustainable-Fashion-Handbook-Sandy-Black/dp/0500290563

Carly Bergman and Brendan Fitzgerald’s Instagram accounts:

@carly_bergman

@the_sustainable_ceo

@sustainable_duo

The Diva Cup:

https://divacup.com/

Modibodi:

https://www.modibodi.com/

THINX:

https://www.shethinx.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Gabi:

Instagram: @gabigoddard

Have you ever thought about the entire process that goes into making a garment? There is much more to fashion than designing and stitching - it actually starts on the farm when a seed is planted that eventually turns into fabric. And where does that process end? In the store, or in your closet? Actually, the process doesn’t really end until garments are at their last stop of the landfill. The planet and the people working in the fashion industry are terribly affected by this long and harmful process.

It’s not all doom and gloom, though! In my conversation with Gabi Goddard, she taught me all about fast fashion AND all about the other side of the coin in ethical fashion. There was sooooo much good content with this interview that I had to split it into two episodes! This first episode is focused on learning what the issue is with fast fashion. There’s A LOT of information here, so I encourage you to follow it up with some of your own research! Watch the documentary that Gabi recommends, and maybe even listen to this episode on repeat so you can soak up all of Gabi’s words of wisdom!

Part 2 will be devoted to ethical fashion and how we can be a part of the solution to this global issue. This is a toughie because it truly does impact our convenience - BUT, Gabi promises (and I do, too) that the transition isn’t all that difficult after all. Also, it’s completely worth it once you hear about the lives that are at stake. Don’t let this conversation overwhelm or depress you, but let it challenge you to become a difference-maker!

Full disclosure that Gabi and I get off-topic a handful of times here. I got to learn a lot about Sydney, Australia where Gabi calls home and have been convinced that I must go for a visit as soon as humanly possible! You’re going to laugh and smile with us as you hear about Gabi’s Aussie actor life and how she became interested in fashion and in human rights issues. Let this sweet and powerful girl educate and challenge you in this episode, and make sure you stay tuned for the next part of our conversation, too! You’re going to learn not just about the issue at hand, but about your role in the resolution.

Links from the show:

Gabi’s Instagram:

@gabigoddard

The Rana Plaza collapse:

https://www.hrw.org/news/2018/04/24/remember-rana-plaza

Episode #8 with Diana:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-8-green-cleaning/

“The True Cost” documentary:

https://truecostmovie.com

Agathos Athleisure:

https://agathosathleisure.com

Episode #3 with Samantha:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-notes/episode-3-ethical-clothing/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Gabi:

Instagram: @gabigoddard