The Enlighten Me Podcast

Happy New Year to all! The start of the new year is often a time for reflection and nostalgia, as well as a time for dreaming and goal-setting. For this very special episode of the podcast, I’ve invited my very best friend to join me to process through all these happy thoughts and memories. We asked some of our dearest friends and devoted listeners to send us some questions that they would like to hear us answer together. Some of the questions were about the podcast and what we’ve learned this year, and some are more personal; some are serious and thoughtful questions, and some are extremely silly, just like us.

I hope you get a kick out of this episode (because we sure had a fun time recording it!) and that we can give you some practical tips to start your 2019 off right. I also hope that this causes you to reflect a bit and maybe even go back to listen to some of the past episodes. I have found that I have gotten the most out of the interviews that I have listened to multiple times over - there’s just too much good content to take in in one sitting!

Justin and I are super excited to share with you and to have you get to know us better. We are big believers in vulnerability and big supporters of marriage, so we hope that you feel that through this conversation. I am also super excited for what’s upcoming this year and all the awesome interviews I have in store for you. I am ready to make 2019 the best year evaaa and to help you to do the same. Bring it on, world!

Links from the show:

Episode #1 - Water Conservation with Jess:

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

Episode #11 - Fair Trade Chocolate:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-11-fair-trade-chocolate/

Episode #12 - Eco Eating:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-12-eco-eating/

Episode #7 and Episode #10 - Poverty:

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

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

Episode #4 - Racism:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-4-racism/

Episode #6 - Save the Bees:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/6-save-the-bees/

Episode #5 - Foster Care:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-5-foster-care-and-adoption/

Episode #15 and #16 - Single Parenting:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-15-single-parenting-part-2/

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-16-intuitive-living/

Episode #3 - Agathos Athleisure:

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

Episode #8 - Green Cleaning:

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

Chess Not Checkers by Mark Miller:

https://www.amazon.com/Chess-Not-Checkers-Leadership-Performance/dp/1626563942

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas:

https://www.amazon.com/Hate-U-Give-Angie-Thomas/dp/0062498533

What to Expect When You’re Expecting by Heidi Murkoff:

https://www.amazon.com/What-Expect-When-Youre-Expecting/dp/0761187480

Oklahoma State Football Coach's thoughts on Twitter:

https://twitter.com/TheGreat_Nate/status/1056438001365106688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1056438001365106688&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sbnation.com%2Fcollege-football%2F2018%2F10%2F28%2F18033540%2Fmike-gundy-taylor-cornelius-rant

The Going Scared Podcast with Jessica Honegger, Episode 36:

https://jessicahonegger.com/podcast/episode-36-quit-trying-with-aaron-edelheit/

Strawbit:

https://strawbit.com/

Burt’s Bees Baby:

https://www.burtsbeesbaby.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

What if there was a way to make the world a better place while you shop for cute jewelry and accessories that you love? Wait, you didn’t know there already is?! You must not have heard of Noonday Collection before! Enter Emily. Emily Chappell is a wife, mom, educator, and Noonday ambassador. In this episode, Emily is telling us alllll about Noonday and more generally about being a conscious consumer. To view the full show notes, keep reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Noonday began 8 years ago when the founder, Jessica Honegger, was adopting internationally. Now, Jessica co-runs the largest fair trade, direct sales fashion brand in the world! This company is single-handedly changing the reputation of direct sales. It works like this: artisans across the globe living in marginalized communities make beautiful products, and then ambassadors in the US sell their products where there is a market for them, and both earn an income! Oh, and did I mention they are fair trade certified, a Certified B Corporation, and make their products out of recycled, natural materials? Emily actually got to witness all of this when she went to Peru with Noonday to visit some of the artisans, which she tells us all about in the show.

Emily also explains why shopping ethically is important no matter where you’re shopping from. She teaches us how we can be more conscious consumers, and how that doesn’t automatically mean you need to quit shopping at your favorite stores. Rather, it can be as simple as checking where a product was made before purchasing it. When we as consumers increase the demand for ethically-made goods, we are going to make an impact on this world and the labor behind the label. If you are listening to this, you are most likely living in a well-established country, which means that you have a responsibility. How cool is it that we can take action in such fun ways as supporting companies like Noonday? You can also join in the fun by supporting Noonday and hosting a trunk show! Ask Emily how!

With the holiday season here, we all know that this time is filled with shopping and gift-giving. As you listen to this episode, think about how you can make your purchases count for something that really matters. Have a Merry Christmas and wonderful holiday season, and now go check out Noonday!

Links from the show:

Noonday Collection:

emilychappell.noondaycollection.com

“Flourish” blog by Noonday Collection:

https://blog.noondaycollection.com/

Going Scared Podcast by Jessica Honegger:

https://jessicahonegger.com/podcast/

“Imperfect Courage” by Jessica Honegger:

https://www.amazon.com/Imperfect-Courage-Purpose-Leaving-Comfort/dp/0735291292

Ten Thousand Villages:

https://www.tenthousandvillages.com/

Noonday Wildflower Clutch:

https://emilychappell.noondaycollection.com/shop/wildflower-clutch/

“Doctor Faustus” by Christopher Marlowe:

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Faustus-Dover-Thrift-Editions/dp/0486282082

“I’m Still Here” by Austin Channing Brown:

https://www.amazon.com/Im-Still-Here-Dignity-Whiteness/dp/1524760854

“The Danger of a Single Story” by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie:

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

Younique Makeup:

https://www.youniqueproducts.com/products#.XBvoFf5Ki9Y

Norwex window cloth:

https://shopus.norwex.biz/en_US/customer/shop/product-detail/324147

Noonday Rustic Leather Tote:

https://emilychappell.noondaycollection.com/shop/rustic-leather-tote/

Noonday Dainty Paper Bead Necklace:

https://emilychappell.noondaycollection.com/shop/dainty-paper-bead-necklace/

Noonday Mod Marble Studs:

https://emilychappell.noondaycollection.com/shop/mod-marble-studs/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram/Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Emily:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EmilyChappellNoonday/?ref=bookmarks

Website: emilychappell.noondaycollection.com

Email: [email protected]

Have you ever had an experience that made you ask yourself, “Did that happen because of my skin color?” Jari has. After a racialized experience during Obama’s first run for presidency, Jari became aware of ways that she needed to use her voice to stand up for what she believes in. Not only that, but she has a passion for getting others involved, too, that is going to leave your mind racing. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit: www.heartfelthippie.com

Jari is currently a doctoral student at the University of Illinois studying higher education with a special interest in Black student activism. This research interest stems from her own time spent at a major university in the deep south and recognizing some of the injustices that took place on that campus while also seeing that there was a lack of advocacy from students that these injustices directly affected. Jari was heavily involved in Obama’s first campaign, and now she is researching how we can continue to get students of color involved in movements that matter.

In this episode, Jari and I discuss Black history as it relates to activist movements. She brings to light how the movements from the past can inform the movements of today, and how we can all learn from American history. We also address some common stereotypes that surround activism - Jari explains how not all movements are going to include violence or be extremely time consuming. Finally, Jari encourages listeners, no matter their skin color, that we all have a responsibility to get involved, AND that it’s actually not that difficult to do so! Sometimes being an activist can mean being involved in a protest, but sometimes being an activist means correcting someone when you hear something that’s not right. I think that means we can all be activists!

Get ready to be convicted, but get ready to be fired up! The responsibility is on us, but the power for change is also with us. In the words of Jari, “just do something.” Let’s go together and make a difference!

Links from the show:

“Black Power on Campus” by Dr. Joy Williamson Lott:

https://www.amazon.com/Black-Power-Campus-University-Illinois/dp/025207971X

“What the Health” documentary (available on Netflix):

http://www.whatthehealthfilm.com/

“Ethical Ambition” by Derrick Bell:

https://www.amazon.com/Ethical-Ambition-Derrick-Bell/dp/074756454X

“Critical Race Theory” by Delgado and Stefancic:

https://www.amazon.com/Critical-Race-Theory-Introduction-America/dp/0814721354

“The Warmth of Other Suns” by Isabel Wilkerson:

https://www.amazon.com/Warmth-Other-Suns-Americas-Migration/dp/0679763880

“Ready from Within” by Septima Clark:

https://www.amazon.com/Ready-Within-Septima-Movement-Narrative/dp/0865431744

Essentia Water:

https://essentiawater.com/water/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Jari:

Instagram: @dalastdragon

Twitter: @likemariewithaJ

“I would never change the way it all happened.” That’s what Lily has to say about the battles with health that she has faced in her short lifetime. Even though it’s been tough, her journey has led her to this point. From being a normal, American teenager with a typical teenage diet, to long hospital stays and invasive surgeries, to now influencing thousands of people with her clean eating and intuitive living lifestyle, Lily Ross has lived a lot of life and has a lot to say about it! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or check out my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Lily is a student at Oakland University currently studying integrative medicine. She is particularly interested in how food can be used to heal the body, since that's what it has done for her! Lily was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis when she was in high school. She started out treating the disease with typical medications prescribed to her by her physician, but after suffering through some extreme side effects brought on by the meds and a long hospital stint, she decided to take a closer look at holistic medicine.

Despite what her regular physician said, Lily started a balanced diet of purely whole foods that ultimately brought a lot of healing to her damaged digestive system. Now, she’s on a mission to educate others on this lifestyle of hers! In this episode, we won’t be talking about any of the fad diets or cleanses. Lily doesn’t subscribe to any of those labels except for saying that she lives an 80/20 lifestyle. Lily explains exactly what this looks like for her and how she firmly believes in feeding your body what it needs, no matter the calorie count.

This conversation also focuses on exercise and fitness. Lily used to be the type of girl that was constantly in the gym, checking her weight on the scale and worrying about how she looked in the mirror. Another part of this journey for her has been recognizing that her health, both mental and physical, is so much more important than the way she looks. Lily talks about her experience with yoga and how, though it can be intimidating for beginners, there is a place for everyone! What she shares about her times in yoga class and her year of growth with the practice will make you want to join the yoga movement. I am joining, too, by attending local classes once a week for a year - all thanks to Lily!

Lily will make you a believer. A clean lifestyle and healthy diet is more possible than you probably think. Let her inspire you in this episode, and make sure you follow her on all the socials for added encouragement!

Links from the show:

Boho Beautiful yoga vieos:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWN2FPlvg9r-LnUyepH9IaQ

Resisting Happiness by Matthew Kelly:

https://www.amazon.com/Resisting-Happiness-Matthew-Kelly/dp/1942611927

Joyce Meyer:

https://www.joycemeyer.org/

The Happy Hour Podcast with Jamie Ivey:

https://jamieivey.com/category/podcast-2

The Goal Digger Podcast by Jenna Kutcher:

https://podcast.jennakutcher.com/

Grownups Read Things They Wrote as Kids podcast:

https://grownupsreadthingstheywroteaskids.com/podcast/

Julian Bakery:

https://julianbakery.com/

Bhu Foods:

https://www.bhufoods.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Connect with Lily:

Instagram: _intuitivelivigwithlil

Email: [email protected]

Has the anticipation been killing you? I’m with you, friend! Well, here it is - Part 2 of my conversation with Diamond Downs. In today’s episode, Diamond and I continue the conversation on what it’s like to be a single parent. If you haven’t yet listened to Part 1, stop what you’re doing RIGHT NOW and go listen! You don’t want to miss what Diamond has to say. To view the full show notes for this episode, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

In Part 1, Diamond and I talked about the journey of starting her business and some of the truths and myths about being a single, working parent. I really enjoyed this second part because Diamond speaks to those listening that are single parents and gives some serious encouragement about chasing their dreams. Spoiler alert: If you’re a single parent, it doesn’t mean your life is over! She also addresses those of us who maybe can’t relate to being a single parent and tells us how we can make this world better by serving and helping those around us. No matter where you’re at in life, you will take something away from what Diamond shares. It’s just practical advice for how humans should treat humans. Another spoiler alert: Single parents enjoy being treated like regular people!

At this point, you may be wondering what exactly it is that Diamond does with her business, Gehati. We cover that in this episode, too! We talk about Gehati’s three main products and why you should probably have them in your house. Diamond explains how each of these products are made and why using natural products is so important for your health and your home! I can tell you already that I am a huge fan of the shower bombs. Even when I’m not using the shower, I can smell the eucalyptus as soon as I set foot in my bathroom. Ahhhmazing! I also can’t wait to try out the candles - did you know that some candles don’t burn clean and the black smoke they give off actually isn’t too good for you? Well, not with Gehati candles. They burn clean because they are made from soy wax - what Diamond shares will most likely change the way you shop!

You’re going to walk away from this conversation feeling inspired to chase your dreams. I love Diamond’s advice of “just go for it!” because you never know where it could end up. Can I get an Amen?! Make sure you check out the shop and support this hardworking mama, you won’t regret it!

Links from the show:

Shop Gehati fragrances and jewelry:

www.gehati.com

www.etsy.com/gehati

VIBES Shower Bomb:

https://www.gehati.com/collections/shower-bomb/products/eucalyptus-spearmint-shower-bomb

RECHARGE Shower Bomb:

https://www.gehati.com/collections/shower-bomb/products/shower-bomb-lavender-peppermint

“The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne:

https://www.thesecret.tv/products/the-secret-book/

“The Secret” documentary:

https://www.netflix.com/title/70063484

https://www.amazon.com/Secret-Extended-Rhonda-Byrne/dp/B000K8LV1O

LUSH products:

https://www.lushusa.com/

LUSH Shampoo Bars:

https://www.lushusa.com/hair/shampoo-bars/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Connect with Diamond:

Instagram and Facebook: @gehati // @gehaticandles

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/gehati/

Website: www.gehati.com

Etsy Shop: www.etsy.com/gehati

Diamond Downs did not always plan on being a single mom who ran her own business. In fact, when she first started in college she was attending a fashion school where she had dreams of becoming a designer in a big city. Fast forward to nearly a decade later and that definitely isn’t her story, but the lessons she learned in design and creation are still serving her today. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Fragrance and jewelry were something that Diamond had a knack for, so when her family members suggested she start selling her products, she took the idea and ran with it. Seven years later and Gehati is a growing company that produces some AWESOME products! I first came across Diamond in my search for soy candles that are made clean and are good for us to breathe in. Little did I know she would have several other sweet products to offer. We talk more about Gehati’s specific products in Part 2 of this episode, but Part 1 is focusing specifically on her journey.

That’s right - there are two parts to this episode! Diamond and I chatted for TWO WHOLE HOURS and I ate up every second of it! I normally try to shorten my episodes to around an hour, but I didn’t want to take any part of this conversation out! So instead, I decided to split it up into two equally amazing parts. In Part 1, Diamond is super vulnerable in sharing about her tragic, unexpected journey in becoming a single mom. Shortly after giving birth to her now two-year old son, Diamond’s partner was in an accident that disabled him from being able to participate as a partner or as a parent any longer. Diamond was suddenly faced with the decision of whether or not to take the risk of continuing to run her young business. A corporate job would have been a safer, more secure route, but Diamond, along with the help of her precious family, persisted in pursuing her dream of running Gehati. Even though this wasn’t how Diamond planned for it all to go, she is rocking being a single mom as well as a girl boss.

On top of talking about her journey as a businesswoman and a single parent, Diamond addresses some of the common stereotypes she encounters as a single mom and puts those to rest. She also speaks into some of the truer aspects of what it’s like to be a single parent. With single parents becoming more and more common throughout our world, it’s so important to have these conversations so that we can understand how to better treat and serve those around us.

Diamonds resilience and determination will surely inspire you today. All of us go through hard trials, and I am for sure going to remember Diamond in these times. I love her honesty in saying that she still questions if she made the right decision, particularly when the stress is getting to her. But hey, that’s what the soy candles and shower bombs are for!

Links from the show:

Shop Gehati:

https://www.gehati.com/

https://www.etsy.com/shop/GEHATI

Gehati Shower Bombs:

https://www.gehati.com/collections/shower-bomb

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Connect with Diamond:

Instagram: @gehati // @gehaticandles

Website: https://www.gehati.com/

Pinterest: https://tr.pinterest.com/gehati/

Breanne Johnson might seem like your typical Texan mom and wife at first look, but take a step closer and you will see a multi-passionate chick that is taking steps to change the world. Breanne is a boutique owner, a photographer, and a fellow podcaster on top of all her other duties with being a wife and a mommy to two! In today’s episode, we are primarily chatting about her online boutique called Salt and Light Trading Co. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

S&L is based out of Waco, Texas (which Breanne and her family now call home!) and is devoted to selling fair trade and ethically made pieces. Adorable pieces, I might add. Breanne didn’t always know that she would be a business owner but has always had an entrepreneurial spirit about her. When she first decided to dive into being a girl boss, she had to pause and think about what type of company she would run. In the show, we talk about how a lot of her inspiration came from her time spent as a missionary in the Amazon, and how her eyes were opened to the needs that impoverished communities face. Enter fair trade fashion and you have a small business that is impacting lives!

Breanne offers some excellent advice to us consumers who want to shop ethically but don’t always know how. She explains what to watch out for on labels and price tags, and also what to look for in the companies that we’re purchasing from. Although shopping fair trade might not always be possible, we can look to shop secondhand first in an effort to reduce our footprint and can also try to support small businesses over larger corporations. Altogether, Breanne enforces the idea that where we put our money matters. She said something that I have been learning time and time again: we are making a difference with our purchases, so why not make it a positive difference?

I don’t know about you, but I am pretty in love with the idea that I can help make someone’s life better by purchasing a cute tee. Breanne explains why these purchases are actually better and more sustainable than simply making a donation to someone in need. If I can promise you one thing that you will get out of this episode, it is that Breanne will encourage your heart to be mindful with your money and to vote for the world that you want to live in. Let’s do this together!

Links from the show:

Salt and Light Trading Co:

https://saltandlighttradingco.com/

The Dreamer and Doer Podcast with Breanne Johnson:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/dreamer-doer-podcast/id1374600123?mt=2

Revelation Wellness:

https://www.revelationwellness.org/

DAGOBA Chocolate:

https://www.dagobachocolate.com/en_us/home.html

Compassion International Child Sponsorship:

https://www.compassion.com/

The Goal Digger Podcast with Jenna Kutcher:

https://podcast.jennakutcher.com/

The Happy Hour Podcast with Jamie Ivey:

https://jamieivey.com/category/podcast-2

Dance Stand Run by Jess Connolly:

https://www.dancestandrun.com/

The Business Boutique Podcast:

https://www.businessboutique.com/podcast/

Truth and Lies Waco documentary:

https://www.hulu.com/series/truth-and-lies-waco-f81030bd-cebc-4785-9481-cb9fd9c4e231

Waco series:

https://www.amazon.com/Waco-Season-1/dp/B078HH1NSG

Root Makeup:

https://www.rootpretty.com/

Clove and Hallow Lip Velvet:

https://cloveandhallow.com/products/lip-velvet

Breanne Johnson Photography:

https://www.facebook.com/breannejohnsonphoto/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Breanne:

Instagram: @breannejohnson // @saltandlighttradingco

Website: https://saltandlighttradingco.com/

Guilt free food. Wouldn’t it be nice? Well, look no further. Salad Meister has everything you need! Salad Meister is one of the nations first eco-friendly, affordable, clean-eating restaurants, and in this episode the owner and founder, Robert Meister, is educating us on each of these relevant topics. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Have you ever thought about all the problems that are present when you sit down for a meal? Be it food waste, plastic use, or simply feeling guilty over the food that you’re eating - food can bring a lot of woes, but it doesn’t have to! More and more restaurants like Salad Meister are focusing on being green, and Rob gives us an in-depth explanation as to what that really looks like. Rob has spent twelve years in restaurant management and witnessed a lot of these problems firsthand. He describes a time he remembers feeling guilty after filling up a dumpster with what he knew would be going straight to a landfill. So, he’s making a change. He’s done A LOT of research on how to best do this and has some great advice to offer us.

Rob and I also talk about clean eating, as well as his give back model and how he is fighting for less privileged groups who may not get a chance to eat healthy, all while making sure that his own employees are being treated right. Rob explains some common myths around clean eating and the terms “organic” and “all-natural." He offers his best advice to us restaurant lovers and grocery shoppers, but also advocates for self education. Time to do your homework!

I love Rob’s honesty in this conversation. Though he is a business man, he is clearly not here to get rich. It is so obvious to me that he is seeking to make the world a better place - we need more entrepreneurs and restaurant owners like him! You’re going to learn a lot in this conversation, and when I say a lot, I mean A LOT. But, don’t let it overwhelm you. Instead, I hope you feel invited into making an impact. Start small and watch the effects ripple out. You will be amazed at what a difference we can make together, and you will also be amazed at how un-difficult it is to live a clean lifestyle.

Links from the show:

Salad Meister website:

https://www.saladmeister.com/

Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger:

https://www.amazon.com/Catcher-Rye-J-D-Salinger/dp/0316769487

The Joe Rogan Podcast:

http://podcasts.joerogan.net/

Brandies website:

https://brandless.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Rob:

Facebook: @Robert Austin Meister

Email: [email protected]

Website: https://www.saladmeister.com/

Raise your hand if you’re a chocolate addict! You can’t see me, but my hand is raised. Have you noticed the dark brown chocolate bars with the beautiful photographs of animals on them? Yep, that’s Endangered Species Chocolate. Tod Dalberg, the Director of Brand and Marketing, spoke with me and educated me on two topics that are near and dear to my heart: endangered animals and Fair Trade cocoa! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Endangered Species Chocolate was started in the early 1990’s by someone who had a passion for quality chocolate but also wanted to focus on conservation and sustainability. Nearly 30 years later, the company is producing chocolate that is sold in stores nation-wide and is supporting two amazing organization: Rainforest Trust and Wildlife Conservation Network are empowered by the generosity of ESC to save our rainforests and endangered animals.

In this conversation, Tod explains what being an endangered species means and shares the jaw-dropping statistic that, in the past 50 years, over half of the animals species have become extinct. Tod also shares that, not only are animal populations being devastated, but so are our rainforests. Two things about these problems - 1) they can mostly be attributed to humans, and 2) they require action on our end to make a change. Protecting the habitats protects the animals which ultimately protects YOU and ME. Get educated, start conversations, engage your policy makers, and stay involved!

The second half of Tod and I’s conversation is all about Fair Trade. What Tod shares will get you thinking about the labor behind the food you’re eating. Supporting Fair Trade means that you are supporting sustainability for farmers lives and their land. AND, the best part is, it’s not much more than you would pay for uncertified cocoa! Tod will compel you to become a more conscious consumer - by doing so, you are making a real difference in the lives of men, women and children. This is serious stuff, but buying quality cocoa can make a world of difference. I know what you’re thinking - what a fun way to make a big difference!

Listen to what Tod shares. He is wise, and he shares a lot of relevant information that all of us humans really need so that we can live more consciously. And then, go get you some Endangered Species Chocolate!

Links from the show:

Endangered Species Chocolate:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/

Rainforest Trust:

https://www.rainforesttrust.org/

Wildlife Conservation Network:

https://wildnet.org/

Information on palm oil deforestation:

https://www.rainforest-rescue.org/topics/palm-oil

Cheyenne Mountain Zoo App:

http://www.cmzoo.org/index.php/conservation-matters/palm-oil-crisis/

Information on Endangered Species Act and lobbying in DC:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/washington/

ESC 2017 Impact Report:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/docs/doc_esc_ir_2017.pdf

Information on Fair Trade and Premiums:

https://www.fairtradecertified.org/why-fair-trade

https://www.fairtrade.org.uk/What-is-Fairtrade/What-Fairtrade-does/Fairtrade-Premium

Article on child labor in cocoa industry:

http://fortune.com/big-chocolate-child-labor/

Start with Why by Simon Sinek:

https://startwithwhy.com/books/

Tanya Menon’s Ted Talk:

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

Toms Shoes:

https://www.toms.com/

Toms Roasting Co:

https://www.toms.com/toms-roasting-co

Vineyard Vines:

https://www.vineyardvines.com/

Chance to win the TRIP OF A LIFETIME sweepstakes:

http://www.chocolatebar.com/a-once-in-a-lifetime-experience/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram and Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Connect with Todd:

Facebook and Twitter: @EndangeredSpeciesChocolate

Email: [email protected]

Website: http://www.chocolatebar.com/

Have you ever heard someone say something along the lines of, “Meanwhile, there are children starving in Africa!” Chances are, you have. BUT, do you really know what that means? Do you really know what children in African nations face, and what the development of these countries look like? Chances are, you don’t! Enter Emily Blackledge, president of the Mocha Club. The Mocha Club exists to equip local leaders to inspire lasting change across the continent of Africa. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

The Mocha Club has been around for 18 years, all the while creating sustainable change on one of the worlds most underdeveloped continents. In today’s conversation, Emily explains why this is the case. In easy-to-understand terms she gives a brief history of the land and explains why so much corruption exists in several of the countries there. You will be surprised at this history lesson, as well as at what’s taking place in Africa today. Most people are unaware of the fact that, to this very day, there are rebel wars raging across several of these nations, putting innocent lives in danger. This also adds to the controversial issue of refugees, of which Africa has many.

However, this conversation isn’t meant to be a depressing one. While you may learn some shocking information you didn’t know before about this beautiful land, you will also here of some pretty amazing efforts that the Mocha Club is taking to make a difference. The Mocha Club’s approach of asset-based development through education is an impactful one. Unlike many organizations that simply contribute charity work, the Mocha Club equips local leaders in 11 different African countries with the tools that they need to inspire change in the community they know best! This includes a multiplicity model, in which the local leaders are ready to educate those around them and create more and more powerful leadership.

The best part of it all? You can be a part of this change! The Mocha Club actually designates it’s giving to reflect a model that empowers young people (who don’t have the largest paychecks) to give at a reasonable amount - less than the cost of one cup of coffee from Mickey D’s a day! After hearing Emily’s passion for the ways that Mocha Club is serving the African people and understanding your proximity to these fellow human beings, you will be compelled to join in the efforts.

Emily will inspire you to want to make a difference in this world in whatever way you are passionate about. She firmly believes in every day generosity - we are where we are today because of the sacrifice of others, so we too can make sacrifices to make the world a better place. How are you going to make a difference with every day generosity?

Links from the show:

Mocha Club Website:

https://themochaclub.org/

African Leadership Organization:

https://www.africanleadershipinc.org/

Don’t Shoot, It’s Only Me by Bob Hope:

https://www.amazon.com/Dont-Shoot-Its-Only-Me/dp/0399135189

The Anatomy of Peace by The Abridger Institute:

https://www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Peace-Resolving-Heart-Conflict/dp/1626564310

Babies documentary:

https://itunes.apple.com/us/movie/babies/id383844949

The Unknown Known documentary:

https://www.amazon.com/Known-Donald-Rumsfeld/dp/B00JV054FQ

Art Naturals essential oils:

https://artnaturals.com/

Young Living Essential Oils:

https://www.youngliving.com/en_US

Information on Ellie’s Run for Africa:

https://themochaclub.org/events/run-for-hope-2018-8-11

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Emily:

Instagram, Facebook & Twitter: @mochaclub

Email: [email protected]