The Enlighten Me Podcast

I always love when I schedule an interview because I think other people need to hear the content, and instead I end up getting a personal counseling session that I didn’t know I needed. Christina and Pai are back this week with more good advice for navigating the uniqueness and beautiful differences of relationships! While we’re primarily talking about intercultural and interracial relationships like theirs, what they share is applicable no matter what type of relationship you’re in. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

In Part 1 of my interview with Pai and Christina last week, they shared about their dating story and what it was like journeying through a relationship with two people (and two families) coming from two very different cultures. They have learned a lot about healthy communication and compromise along the way, and they dealt out their best advice for all of us to learn from. Today, the good advice continues, but we’re also diving a little deeper. I asked Christina and Pai to share about how becoming parents has impacted the celebration of cultures in their home, and also how it has changed their outlook on the climate of our country in this time.

As Pai states, 2020 was a hard year for everyone - but especially so for people of color and people in interracial relationships. Christina opened up about how, even as a white woman, the events of the year directly impacted her. Pai discussed how he appreciated so many aspects of unity and a desire to learn that he witnessed, but also about how exhausting that was for him and how he had to learn to point folks to other resources besides himself. Their main messages of asking intentional questions, listening well, and letting our differences bring us together rather than divide us ring so true on the topic of racism and beyond.

Get excited, because the wisdom doesn’t stop here. Season 2 of Pai and Christina’s podcast is currently in the works, so you’ll get to hear even more from them soon!

Links from the show:

Goods & Better Store:

https://www.goodsandbetterstore.com?ref=mackenzieneally

“Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35259724-behold-the-dreamers

“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489625-between-the-world-and-me

“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander:

https://newjimcrow.com/

13th Documentary:

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

Taking Cara Babies:

https://takingcarababies.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Christina and Pai:

Instagram:...

Have you ever thought about it? We’re the only species on earth who drinks another species milk, and the only species who drinks milk for life. Strange, right? It’s no wonder that up to 50% of people struggle with lactose intolerance - maybe it’s because we were never meant to consume cow's milk in the first place!

Don’t get me wrong - I love me some cheese and ice cream. But, do we really need to be consuming dairy milk as much as 90’s campaign ads led us to believe? Turns out that we can get protein, calcium, and fat from plenty of other foods, including non-dairy beverages!

Today on the show I am sharing some delicious, healthy, and more sustainable alternatives to cow's milk that you can find in the store. In doing a little research, one thing I learned is that it depends on what you need milk for to decide what milk alternative is best for you. Your needs might vary depending on if you’re looking for the right thing to transition your little one from breastmilk versus if you’re looking for something to top off your coffee in the morning. I’m discussing a few of those options in the show and also advising you on what ingredients to watch out for!

In this episode I’ll also describe the super easy method for making your own mylk. Spoiler alert: you only need two ingredients (and one of them is water). Non-dairy milks don’t just have health benefits, but this way they can be even more affordable!

Links from the show:

FDA Report:

https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/problems-digesting-dairy-products

BBC article:

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200207-which-milk-alternative-should-we-be-drinking

UW Medicine article:

https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/healthy-non-dairy-milk

Harvard Med article:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/confused-about-eating-soy

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

When two cultures collide, beautiful things can happen. Christina and Pai’s marriage is a picture of just that! A Black Zimbabwean and a white Tennessean don’t make up your ordinary couple - when Pai and Christina first got together, they felt that firsthand. Between their journeys of dating in a town where no one looked like them, direct experiences with racism, and joining families of two very different cultures together, this couple recognized that there was some community missing here. Now, they’re on a mission to help others navigate intercultural and interracial relationships. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

After I learned about Pai and Christina’s podcast and online work, I knew I had to talk to them. I especially wanted to get their perspective on what it’s like being in an interracial and intercultural marriage (and doing some parenting along the way!) while living in America. In Part 1 of our conversation, they’re sharing all the details of their story. We’re talking about how they met and the early years of their dating relationship, planning an intercultural wedding, and what some of the biggest lessons they have learned over the years have been that they like to share with others.

To be honest, when I first sat down with this couple I didn’t expect to be able to relate to so many different parts of their story and the obstacles they have faced. I’m not in an intercultural or interracial marriage myself, so I wasn’t thinking that I would learn much from them that I could personally apply. Boy - was I wrong! There were so many times throughout our interview that I told Pai and Christina that the messages they were preaching were helpful for ANYONE in ANY kind of relationship - romantic or otherwise! So, enjoy this free counseling session you didn’t know you needed.

Next week in Part 2, we’re diving further into the hard topics. We’ll be talking specifically about the racial climate in the United States over the past year and how it has affected Pai and Christina, and how it’s changed their outlook on parenting. This couple has a lot of wisdom to share and, get excited, because they have more of it coming on season 2 of their own podcast that they’re recording now! Make sure you check out the links below to learn more.

Links from the show:

Paper Culture:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1038478&u=2650427&m=26768&urllink=&afftrack=0

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Christina and Pai:

Instagram: @theculturetalkcollective

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

Website: https://theculturetalkcollective.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-culture-talk-collective/id1484431708

Just as no one chooses their skin color, no one chooses what country they are born in or what language they grow up speaking. That’s something I was reminded of in my discussion with Sarah on immigration, and yet it’s something that gives many of us great privilege that we have done nothing to deserve. Chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve benefited from some of that privilege yourself. Sarah is back this week to share about how we can harness that privilege to help those around us.

In Part 1 of our conversation last week, Sarah spent a lot of time answering all the questions I had about immigration policy in the US. I’ll be honest - I didn’t know half as much as I thought I did about this topic! It was so great to learn from someone who has not only done her research and has the statistics to prove it, but from someone who’s on the frontlines and sees the ins and outs of our current immigration setup on a daily basis.

That’s what Sarah is chatting about with us today - she’s sharing the frontline work she and her team do through Casa de Paz. This organization has grown leaps and bounds since Sarah first started it nearly 9 years ago, and the work that they do is truly admirable. The best part about it, though? We can all be involved from wherever we’re at! Sarah is providing us with some ways that we can contribute to correcting this broken system, whether it’s with The Casa or elsewhere. She’s got all kinds of resources for us on how we can become more educated and take a stand for our fellow human beings. Because that’s what this is really all about, isn’t it?

Links from the show:

Shop Nu Leaf Naturals - Use code HIPPIE20 for 20% off:

https://nuleafnaturals.com/

Casa de Paz Pen Pal Program:

https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/volunteer

“Safe Passage on City Streets” by Dorothy T. Samuel:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7707837-safe-passage-on-city-streets

Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition:

https://www.metrodenversanctuary.org/

Freedom For Immigrants:

https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/

Detention Watch Network:

https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/

Casa de Paz Online Volunteer Training:

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYIlGb2g7dvbmiJ8QB3piCOxfgaWCPxLvC1oZ_9cWVCfLM_A/viewform

“Little Bee” by Chris Cleave:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6948436-little-bee

Brene Brown Podcast:

https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-drs-john-and-julie-gottman-on-what-makes-love-last/

Dr. Dray YouTube Channel:

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxmUrGMtpQT844Yd_l7Zyg

CeraVe Skincare:

https://www.cerave.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email:

Treat others how you’d like to be treated - it’s the golden rule we can probably all agree on, right? We can also probably all agree that it’s much easier said than done, especially when it comes to divisive political topics. I’ve said it before with issues discussed on this show - when we make things out to be “political,” we lose sight of the heart of the matter. Specifically, humanity. So, let’s set aside our political alignments and policy beliefs as we learn together today on a very broken system in our country - immigration.

When Sarah Jackson signed up to take a trip to the US and Mexico border, she was mostly in it for the all-expenses-paid vacation she thought she’d be getting. Little did she know that this trip would not only change her views on immigration in America, but it would propel her into her life’s mission with her current organization. Case de Paz is going on 9 years now of serving immigrants and their families who have been detained in ICE facilities. The work that they do is simply amazing, but that’s not all that Sarah is here to share about today.

I asked Sarah to come on the show because I think immigration is something we all could stand to learn a little more about. Because it’s so often viewed solely as a political topic, many of us rely on politicians to be our sources of information and don’t truly understand the process that takes place. Today in Part 1, Sarah is sharing what it’s like to be an immigrant coming to the United States and she’s answering common questions like, “Why don’t immigrants just come here the legal way?” She takes a faith-based approach for much of what we discuss, and I think you’ll see why this is such a beautiful and important way to look at things.

No matter where you live or where you stand in your views, keep in mind that immigration is a global issue, not just one that America deals with. Education is the starting point for change when it comes to this topic and so many others, so keep your heart (and your ears) open as Sarah shares about her experiences and the stories of her friends with us! Oh, and make sure you tune back in for Part 2 next week where Sarah is sharing more about Casa de Paz and how we can get involved to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. 

Links from the show:

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

https://www.redeemedwithpurpose.com/

“The House that Love Built” by Sarah Jackson:

https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/book

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Sarah:

Website: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/

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

Instagram: @casadepazco

Book: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/book

When it comes to diapers, most parents are looking for the easiest option out there. That’s part of why disposables are so popular! But, if you tuned in last week, you know that when you choose disposables you might be sacrificing a lot of things that you’re not okay with. So, how can we make cloth diapering a little easier? That’s what Bailey and I are here to do today! In Part 2, Bailey is tackling the “how-to’s” of cloth diapers and answering all the questions you might have. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

What type of diaper is best for me? How many different types are there?! Where is the best place to buy cloth diapers? And how in the world do I clean these things? These are just a few of the common questions that any cloth diapering mama might have. Well, Bailey and I giving you the straight poop on how cloth diapers actually work. We’re talking about how you can make sure your diapers are truly getting clean and providing plenty of other resources to give you some support on this parenting and diapering journey, both for the stay-at-home parents and the working ones!

One of my biggest takeaways from what Bailey shared was the encouragement that we don’t have to do things perfectly to make a difference. Even if we still use the occasional disposable diaper, or if we’re only using cloth diapers on the weekends, our choices as consumers and as caretakers still hold a lot of impact. May that knowledge empower you, and don’t forget that you have two people here for you in this journey right here!

Links from the show:

Shop Xtrema Cookware:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=832803&u=2650427&m=52296&urllink=&afftrack=

Cloth Diaper Quiz:

https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/cloth-diaper-quiz/

Types of Cloth Diapers Guide:

https://www.instagram.com/clothdiaperpodcast/guide/types-of-cloth-diapers/17857760216271927/

Diaper Dawgs:

https://diaperdawgs.com/

Noleo Care 3-in-1 Diaper Cream:

https://www.noleocare.com/collections/noleo-3-in-1-diaper-rash-cream-for-baby

Cloth Diapering at Daycare Episodes:

https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/?s=daycare

Thirsties on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/Thirsties/

Green Mountain Diapers on Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/greenmountaindiapers/

“Fake Silk” by Paul David Blanc

https://www.amazon.com/Fake-Silk-Lethal-History-Viscose/dp/0300204663

“To Call Myself Beloved” by Leisse Wilcox:

https://www.amazon.com/Call-Myself-Beloved-Healing-Coming/dp/1989716032

History of Swear Words documentary:

Cloth diapering - it’s not just for the crunchy crazies or the eco-friendly angels! And actually, it’s not just for parents of toddlers to know about, either. The disposable diaper industry has been able to change a whole way of thinking to make us think that anything besides what they have to offer is unsafe, unsanitary, and just plain weird. Today, Bailey is on the show to tell us why that’s far from the truth. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

While this topic might seem like one that’s exclusively for stay-at-home mamas, after listening I think you’ll see that that’s simply not the case. We all should be aware of the diaper industries major impact on our economy and on our environment. Whether you’re currently a parent or not, learning about this topic can affect you as a consumer and can give you some helpful info to share with your friends!

Today, Bailey - a mom of two, author, and fellow podcaster - is sharing about her own journey as a cloth-diapering mama. She’s also explaining what some of the biggest benefits to using cloth diapers are and why you may want to consider them over the more wasteful, more expensive, and potentially unsafe alternative of disposable diapers. Something you should know as you listen is that this is a judgement-free zone. Bailey and I aren’t here to tell you that you have to use cloth diapers to be a good person. Instead, we’re here to help you be a more mindful consumer and make the best decision for your family.

Next week on Part 2, Bailey and I will be going through the “how-to’s” of cloth diapering. This is something I personally gets TONS of questions about - especially the ever-popular, “How do you clean them?!” question. Bailey will be answering that and more next week and helping cloth diapers to feel like a much more accessible option no matter where you’re at.

Links from the show:

Goods & Better Store:

https://www.goodsandbetterstore.com?ref=mackenzieneally

Bailey’s Podcast:

https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/

Bailey’s Book: 

https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/book/

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Bailey:

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

Instagram: @clothdiaperpodcast

Twitter: @clothdiaperpodcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkRQfls0ZADmuN4urQe32Q

Website: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cloth-diaper-podcast/id1408366170

Book: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/book/

Enjoying pregnancy - is that a paradox? I thought about titling this episode “Surviving Pregnancy” because “enjoying” feels like a bit of a stretch. Even though pregnancy has been extremely demanding physically, it’s a time that I truly appreciate and am amazed at my body for handling. So today, I want to share a few tips that have helped me to get through pregnancy with very few battle scars - mentally or physically.

Now, I’m hardly an expert at carrying and delivering children compared to lots of moms out there. But, I do have a few words of wisdom I want to share. I also want to acknowledge that this can be a triggering topic for many. Pregnancy is hard and comes with loss and grief - I know it firsthand. So, if you need to skip this episode or save it for later, do that. Take care of yourself, mama.

Every body and every pregnancy is different so these tips might not work well for you. That’s okay! And actually, I’d love to hear what does work for you. Let’s share the wealth of knowledge and get through these growing pains together!

Links from the show:

Blog about vitamins:

https://wearefeel.com/blogs/learn/danger-of-cheap-multivitamins

Count the Kicks:

https://www.countthekicks.org/

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Vote with your dollar! Most of us have heard this phrase before, but how exactly do we do that? Today in Part 2 of our conversation, Bethany and I are discussing how we can be more mindful consumers and ways that we should think twice about where we invest our money. Last week, we talked about some of the ethical issues that MLM businesses present. Well, there’s a little more of that happening this week - but really, this is a much bigger conversation about being conscious consumers. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

In Part 1, Bethany and I broke down how MLM structures actually work and why they can tow the line of…well, operating illegally. Today, we’re diving more into the ethical side of things! Until Bethany educated me on this, I had no idea that this type of business plan intersected with such topics as feminism or being a small business owner. We’re talking about that more in this episode and how we should proceed knowing this information - both as consumers and as potential entrepreneurs!

Overall, Bethany’s biggest message isn’t that you should never buy from an MLM again. Rather, she’s an advocate for doing your own research and figuring out where we should invest our money so that it aligns with our values. No matter where you stand in your support of MLM businesses, I think you will learn a lot from this conversation. I promise that, and of course that you will love Bethany as much as I do!

Links from the show:

Paper Culture:

https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1038478&u=2650427&m=26768&urllink=&afftrack=0

“The Financial Diet” by Chelsea Fagan:

https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/32927009-the-financial-diet

“(Un)well” docuseries:

https://www.netflix.com/title/81044208

Earrings by Emily:

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

Clay by Cait:

https://www.claybycait.com/

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Bethany:

Instagram: @bethany.heasley // @heasleysathome

There’s not many episodes I’m nervous about doing, but this was definitely one of them! Multi-level marketing companies often get a bad rap. But why? What’s really going on here? Today on the show, my friend Bethany is sharing all about the research she’s done on these businesses and why there may be some ethicality issues that many of us as consumers (and even as entrepreneurs) are blind to. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Bethany is not only a good friend of mine, but she’s also a marketing professional, which makes her the perfect person to speak into this topic! Many of us have had friends, or sometimes even strangers, present us with business opportunities that seem too good to be true where we’re left wondering what the deal is... Well, that’s what Bethany is here to share about! But, before we dive in, we both want to be very clear that we’re not here to be MLM haters. We recognize that for some folks, MLM’s are a big part of their livelihood, and that’s okay! As Bethany says - you do you.

But, that doesn’t change the fact that there’s some things we all need to be aware of before we buy from or work for these companies. There’s a lot of MLM’s out there, and a lot of them are dealing with legal issues. So, Bethany is educating us on how many of these brands cross the line of ethics and legal practices in their structure.

Really though, this conversation is much more broadly about mindful consumerism. Again, we’re not here to be anti-MLM proponents, but we’re here to help you think twice about where you’re putting your dollar and what kind of world you’re voting for when you do. This will be discussed even more on Part 2, so make sure you tune in next week to hear more from Bethany!

Links from the show:

NuLeaf Naturals - Use code HIPPIE20 for 20% off:

https://nuleafnaturals.com/shop/

FTC article on MLM’s:

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0065-multi-level-marketing-businesses-and-pyramid-schemes

Connect with Mackenzie:

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

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

Website: www.heartfelthippie.com

Email: [email protected]

Connect with Bethany:

Instagram: @bethany.heasley // @heasleysathome