The Enlighten Me Podcast

Scholars, collegiate athletes, secondhand fashion experts, AND business owners…how do they do it all?! That’s the question you’ll be asking yourself after listening to Brigit Blote and Payton Ryz today. These USD Coyote’s didn’t expect to be running a brand new small business before even graduating with their undergraduate degrees, but thanks to a campus competition focusing on sustainability, their wildest entrepreneurial dreams are coming true!

Brigit and Payton, two of the three co-founders for Fomeno, are here today to tell us their story and why a business like this one is necessary in our world of fast fashion and online shopping. If you’ve been listening to the show for a while now, you know that secondhand fashion is a passion of mine. That’s why my Uncle (a fellow Coyote) sent me an article on Fomeno when he heard about it through his alumni network. I was so excited to see that this all-star team of young women are coming up with a platform that makes thrifting simpler for us all and reached out to them right away!

I often hear from people that they’re not “good” at thrifting like I am, or that they just don’t have the time to sift through secondhand clothes at the thrift shop. Well, Fomeno is the answer to a lot of these problems! Today Payton and Brigit are sharing about why they became interested in sustainability, how secondhand shopping can have a huge impact on our planet, and how a global prize has set them up to turn this idea into a real life business. Next week they’ll be back to share more about Fomeno (like how they got the name, which I know you’ve gotta be curious about!), so don’t forget to tune back in for Part 2 on Thursday!

Shop Green Kid Crafts:

https://www.shareasale.com/r.cfm?u=2650427&m=40843&b=387394

Connect with Mackenzie: 

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with the Fomeno team:

Website: https://thriftfomeno.com/

Instagram: @thriftfomeno

Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fomeno

Vulnerable. Brave. Inspiring. Those are just a few words of many I could use to describe Raquel McCloud. Beginning with the day she was born, this woman was not dealt an easy hand of cards. But, just like the story line from so many of her favorite books and movies, she was able to rise above her circumstances and create a beautiful life out of the hard and the messy. And not only that, but she is using the things she has been through and many of the things she is still dealing with to help inspire and teach and encourage others. I’m so thankful that she is willing to share the things she is struggling with and working on so that we can all benefit from it!

Last week, Raquel came on the show and shared Part 1 of her Lifetime Original story. That story included some childhood trauma and abuse, experiences with adoption and emancipation, and a romance that began in none other than Taco Bell. Today, we’re continuing that story and hearing about what her family dynamic looks like now. She’s also sharing on the stereotypes of birth moms, rights that birth moms should have, and how we can all be better advocates for such an underprivileged group of women.

Adoption and birth stories aren’t the only thing Raquel likes to share about, though. She also gets super vulnerable online sharing about mental health struggles, body positivity and self love, parenting, marriage, and many other hard but beautiful things that we can all relate to! Over the course of her online growth, Raquel has had to endure a lot of critics. But as she would tell you, it’s worth it to reach those who she knows can relate to her struggles. Those who have felt isolated and alone for so long and didn’t know there was anyone else out there who understood how they felt. She has found purpose in her pain and in her journey and isn’t going to let a few online haters stop her from sharing it!

Links from the show:

Shop greenUP Box:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1496207&u=2650427&m=95060&urllink=&afftrack=0

“100 Days of Sunlight” by Abbie Emmons:

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/45431240-100-days-of-sunlight

“The Green Ember” by S.D. Smith:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/23754884-the-green-ember?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=iCamXMW2YH&rank=1

“The Glass Castle” by Jeannette Walls:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7445.The_Glass_Castle?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=8m5zn106BP&rank=1

“Blue Miracle” movie:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81298682

“Secondhand Lions” movie:

https://www.amazon.com/Secondhand-Lions-Michael-Caine/dp/B005KSW5PA

Connect with Mackenzie: 

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email:

“Truly, this child saved my life.” Those are powerful words, especially when they’re coming from an unplanned teen pregnancy… Raquel often gets told that her story sounds like a Lifetime Original. After listening today, you’re going to understand why! Today, Raquel is getting super vulnerable and sharing about her childhood trauma, stories of abuse, and placing her first child up for adoption. We’re also hearing a few of the highlights, including the very romantic story of a Taco Bell boy!

Raquel is no stranger to vulnerability. After coming out on the other side of so much trauma, she knew she had to share her story with the hope of helping others in vulnerable situations. What started with local high school ministry has turned into thousands of people, particularly women and fellow birth mothers, following along with her journey. Sometimes Raquel has to endure some online critics, but she pushes through the hate and keeps opening up so that we can learn from her experiences. Sometimes, she also has to do multiple podcast interviews when her interviewer loses the audio files! For that, she is truly a champion in my book!

Next week Raquel will be back to talk more about the story of her relationship with her birth daughter, what her family looks like now, and how we can move forward after hearing her story and be better advocates for the vulnerable people around us. Something that Raquel shared with me in this interview is how birth moms can often be vilified in stories of adoption. I hope this episode challenges your perspective (and maybe some stereotypes you didn’t even know you had) and reminds you to listen to untold stories like this one.

Shop Simply Straws:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1583072&u=2650427&m=99518&urllink=&afftrack=0

Connect with Mackenzie: 

Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Raquel:

Instagram: @mccloudlife

Website: https://www.mccloudlife.com/

In light of the Olympic Games starting next month and the Paralympics in August, I’ve decided to postpone my regular podcast schedule and instead take the time to share a previously aired episode. This interview was from Episode 2 of the podcast airing in May of 2018 - an oldie but a goodie! So much of this interview is still relevant today and, while we still have a long ways to go, it’s fun to look back and see how far we’ve come. Please take the time to listen with an open mind and remember to tune into the Paralympic Games next month! You can view the show notes for the original episode at this link:

https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-notes/episode-2-disability/

Connect with Mackenzie: 

Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippie

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Pause and consider. Those are two words that really stuck with me after speaking with Dr. Marissa. Pause and consider the impact that your words may have. Pause and consider how the experiences of others may be different than your own. Pause and consider that someone’s pain may be greater than yours. What would the world look like if we paused and considered these things more?

Dr. Marissa is back this week with more advice and tools for us on how we can reach solidarity and end hate of all kinds! Last week in Part 1, she shed light on some really devastating types of discrimination that are happening in our country. This week, we’re continuing that conversation but she’s also showing us the ways that we need to work on ourselves first before we can fix any of the problems we see in society. Once again, you’re going to walk away inspired by this motivational speaker!

We’re also chatting in this episode about some books and movies that Dr. Marissa is loving, and I finally hear the story about how she was named “The Asian Oprah.” You’re not going to want to leave today without checking out all the goodies she has available online, including some freebies she’s throwing in exclusively for podcast listeners! Connect with her online and listen in to learn more.

Links from the show:

PlushBeds:

https://www.plushbeds.com/?sscid=61k5_mmg8i

A Class Divided:

https://www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/class-divided/

8 Ways to Happiness by Dr. Marissa Pei:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/40519864-8-ways-to-happiness

The Four Agreements by Miguel Ruiz:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6596.The_Four_Agreements

13th Documentary:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80091741

The United States vs. Billie Holiday:

https://www.hulu.com/movie/the-united-states-vs-billie-holiday-6f7be3b0-69c5-49ab-8472-2b5b1dabcfe8

The Social Dilemma:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224

21 Day Fast from Complaining:

https://www.drmarissa.life/21dayfastfromcomplaining

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Marissa:

Website: www.drmarissa.life

Book (Mention The Enlighten Me Podcast for some free goodies!): https://www.drmarissa.life/shop

Instagram: @docbalance

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LLjk_JiFCQRtzoxnUnkew

Have you ever thought about the social impact of the jewelry you buy or the clothes you purchase? What about where you buy your groceries and home goods? Or, how about where you bank?! Naomi started Redeemed With Purpose 4 years ago with the mission of raising money to support organizations rescuing lives from human trafficking. But, over time she has come to recognize how much farther she can take her business to create sustainable social impact that goes far beyond donations, and it starts with some of these consumer decisions!

Normally on my mini episodes I’m flying solo, but this week I invited Naomi on to share about these exciting updates. I originally met Naomi when I interviewed her for the podcast back on Episode 27, but we’ve been friends ever since! I am a representative for her brand and love being involved with such an important mission. When Naomi shared about expanding her shop to feature more fair trade and responsibly made products from around the globe, I wanted to give her an even bigger platform to spread the news!

In this episode Naomi is also talking about another change she made to RWP, which was changing her hosting site that she sells her products on. After a few years selling on Etsy, Naomi made some startling discoveries about what the site supports and promotes. Ever since this discovery she’s been on a mission to hold Etsy accountable, and part of that was switching to Shopify! This is important info to know for any small business owners out there, but it’s also a much bigger conversation on conscious consumerism and what to think about when we’re choosing where to shop.

Use the links below to check out Naomi’s new site and products!

Links from the show:

Shop Redeemed With Purpose - Use code MACKENZIEN for 15% off!

www.redeemedwithpurpose.com

Etsy Petition:

https://www.change.org/p/etsy-stop-selling-incest-and-child-abuse-themed-merch/u/29203589?cs_tk=AgIxw-9YCk8pM69Z0GAAAXicyyvNyQEABF8BvCI4JKBpFYOFnLvicCnXMCw%3D&utm_campaign=200f4f2d808b442ea8145ca59ff633f7&utm_content=initial_v0_5_0&utm_medium=email&utm_source=petition_update&utm_term=cs

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Growing up in a predominantly white community, Dr. Marissa felt ashamed of her background and her heritage. Over the years, however, she has learned to embrace who she is and to be proud of where she came from. Now, the woman dubbed “the Asian Oprah” is on a mission to help others find this same freedom and joy in who they are. Part of that mission is embracing cultural diversity and group differences!

Discrimination against Asians has happened for a long time in this country, but just recently has it received the attention it deserves. Over AAPI Heritage Month, Dr. Marissa and I sat down to talk about how we can see Asian hate come to an end. Today in Part 1, she’s sharing about the history of Asian hate and her own personal journey with it. Next week in Part 2, we’ll be talking more about how we can be a part of systemic change to see this discrimination end.

One of Dr. Marissa’s many roles includes being a motivational speaker. I can promise you that after listening today you will see why! Her passion and her drive to inspire others is so visible and contagious - she’s going to leave you wanting more! Make sure you tune back in next week for Part 2 so you don’t miss out/

Links from the show:

Shop Madison Reed:

https://www.madison-reed.com/?SSAID=2650427&utm_source=affiliate&utm_medium=534951&utm_campaign=2650427&sscid=61k5_ml2e4

8 Ways to Happiness 501c:

https://www.drmarissa.life/8waystohappiness501c

Stop AAPI Hate:

https://stopaapihate.org/

13th Documentary:

https://www.netflix.com/title/80091741

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Dr. Marissa:

Website: www.drmarissa.life

Book (Mention The Enlighten Me Podcast for some free goodies!): https://www.drmarissa.life/shop

Instagram: @docbalance

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2LLjk_JiFCQRtzoxnUnkew

Thousands of people across the United States don’t currently have an address or a roof over their heads. This problem can often feel much too big to solve - but could it be possible that such a massive crisis has some simple solutions? Today, Melany Jackson is back to teach us what we can do to help folks without homes, and I’m telling you - it’s easier than you think!

Last week, Melany shared with us about the nonprofit ministry she started in Central Illinois to help be a part of systemic change for friends without addresses. This time, she’s sharing more about homelessness as it relates to our country. We’re talking about stats, causes, and common misconceptions about the homeless population. We’re also discussing what it’s truly like to live on the streets and how we should handle situations of panhandling. I found this conversation so helpful as someone who always wants to help those in need, but isn’t always sure what to say or do when I find myself in those situations!

While Melany does share some great tips and conversation starters for these times, her biggest message is this: treat them with dignity. We’re talking about real human lives here, so it makes sense that the most practical and impactful thing we can do is to treat them like fellow human beings. Doing things like making eye contact, saying hi, and showing basic kindness can make a huge difference in the life of someone who is homeless and often ignored. This practice can also help us to have more empathy for our brothers and sisters in need. After all, isn’t that how we would want to be treated if we were in their shoes?

Links from the show:

Chews Happiness:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1709783&u=2650427&m=101836&urllink=&afftrack=

When Helping Hurts by Corbett, Fikkert, and Perkins:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6595233-when-helping-hurts?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=B5j2QJqe0z&rank=1

Toxic Charity by Robert D. Lupton:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/11869727-toxic-charity?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=ritTQKGThQ&rank=1

Under the Overpass by Mike Yankoski:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/208767.Under_the_Overpass?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=imvO7sAQ2y&rank=1

More Than Enough by Melany Jackson:

https://morethanenoughthebook.com/

Radical by David Platt:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7497897-radical?from_search=true&from_srp=true&qid=FuV9xDtI93&rank=2

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email:

Half a million. That’s the approximate number of people living without addresses in the United States. And that number is closer to billions when we look from a global scale! To say that homelessness is a crisis is an understatement. Sometimes, this problem feels way too big to even solve, but the ministry that Melany Jackson started says otherwise.

C-U at Home exists to serve folks without an address in the Central Illinois community. While most of you listening to this episode likely don’t live there, the principles of Melany’s nonprofit can apply no matter where we live! Today on the show, Melany is sharing the journey of starting this organization and how it has grown over the years. She’s sharing about some of the key components of their services and the events they hold, including an event that literally gets hundreds of people from the community sleeping in boxes on the street in the middle of a Midwest winter. This organization is having a tremendous impact in a region that needs it, and we can all learn from it!

Next week in Part 2, Melany is going to share about what we can do to help with the epidemic of homelessness wherever we’re located. We’ve all been approached by people asking for money on the streets, and for many of us we’re left wondering what the “right” thing to do in these situations is. Melany’s addressing this and more next week! My biggest takeaway from today, though, is that it’s all about relationships. As Melany puts it, there isn’t a 12-step program that is going to fix the issue overnight. Instead, it’s about investing in people to breed real, systemic change that sticks! You’re going to be inspired once you hear about Melany’s approach to doing this.

Links from the show:

Chews Happiness:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1709783&u=2650427&m=101836&urllink=&afftrack=

The Canteen Run:

http://www.cucanteenrun.org/

100,000 Homes Campaign:

https://world-habitat.org/world-habitat-awards/winners-and-finalists/the-100000-homes-campaign/

CU at Home:

https://www.cuathome.us/

The Phoenix: Hope is Rising documentary:

http://www.thephoenixhopeisrising.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Melany:

Book: www.morethanenoughthebook.com

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - none of us is too small to make a difference in this world. Haley is back again this week to remind us of just that! In her own life, Haley has embraced living in what she calls “the messy middle.” We might not be able to do sustainability or ethical shopping perfectly all the time, but it’s about making the little changes that we can and embracing the collective impact we have. This is true in her socially conscious fashion brand, Atonement Design, and even in her day-to-day lifestyle.

In Part 1 last week, Haley shared all about her brand and the amazing products she sells, and also how she started her small business to help fight slavery. I love brands like hers that curate the best products that we can buy with confidence without having to do the background research on them ourselves! This week, we’re focusing on her favorite tips on how we can create sustainable AND achievable habits in our every day lives.

We’re also getting into some of the nitty gritty details of Haley’s personal life today. Haley, like me, describes herself as someone who struggles with having a filter. While some people might see this as a bad thing, Haley embraces it about herself and uses the platform she has to talk about things (on top of slavery and sustainability) that truly matter. She gets personal in this episode and shares a little bit about her faith, her family, and even her journey with fertility. I appreciate Haley’s vulnerability in all of these areas and the ways that she is empowering women, men, and consumers of all kinds that they’re not alone!

Links:

Chews Happiness:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1709783&u=2650427&m=101836&urllink=&afftrack=

Rent the Runway:

https://www.renttherunway.com/

The Black Tux:

https://theblacktux.com/

“Boundaries” by Cloud & Townsend:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/944267.Boundaries?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=ZxbHOCACRr&rank=1

Women of Welcome Bible Studies:

https://womenofwelcome.com/bible-studies-films/

Brene Brown Podcast:

https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-on-ffts/

Moxie Movie:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81078393

Thrive Causemetics Mascara:

https://thrivecausemetics.com/products/liquid-lash-extensions-mascara

Connect with Mackenzie:

Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcast

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Haley:

Website & Newsletter: https://atonementdesign.com/

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