Sign up to save your podcasts
Or
Share The Enlighten Me Podcast
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Share to email
Share to Facebook
Share to X
Or
The Enlighten Me Podcast
By The Heartfelt HippieSociety & Culture
The Enlighten Me Podcast episodes
- 42: Enlighten Me on Sustainable Men's Fashion - Part 1Sustainable fashion. Ethical fashion. Fast fashion. These are terms we’ve all heard before; these are things I’ve even discussed on the show before! But, for some reason this tends to be a female-dominated conversation. Well, that stops here! For today’s episode, I got to interview a leading entrepreneur in the sustainable men’s wear industry - Garik Himebaugh, founder of Eco-Stylist. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comGarik would not have described himself as a fashionable person in years past. He actually claims that he used to attempt to hide in his own clothes. How many of us can relate to that?! However, he eventually recognized that his clothing choices could be a way for him to express himself. Combine this with a passion for doing good in the world and Eco-Stylist was eventually born. Garik now runs this amazing site that provides resources for men to find sustainable and ethical fashion and even does personal styling for the fashionably-challenged. He believes that finding brands you can trust who do good for the planet and its inhabitants should not be a hard thing. Even though his platform focuses on men’s wear, I’ve personally benefited from all of the resources he provides on many occasions! He has dozens of blog posts that answer so many questions you might be wondering - like, what can I do with clothes and shoes I don’t want anymore? Or, is Everlane really a sustainable brand, or are they practicing greenwashing? So much good stuff!On Part 1 of this interview, Garik and I discuss his journey with Eco-Stylist and why he felt the need to start this company. AKA - what is up with fast fashion? Even if this is a topic you’ve heard about before, let’s keep the conversation going! It’s important to remind ourselves why supporting fast fashion is so incredibly harmful. It’s also important to know what our alternatives are! Garik and I will talk more about that in Part 2, but he does offer some great tips today. For instance, did you know that two thirds of your fashion footprint comes after you’ve purchased your clothing and brought it home? That’s right, I’m talking about the impact our laundry has! Garik is going to shed light on things like this and remind us why the environmental and humanitarian impact of fashion is something we can’t stop talking about.Links from the show:Eco Stylist website:https://www.eco-stylist.com/Adelante Shoe Co.:https://adelanteshoes.com/Remake - Criteria for ethical shopping:https://remake.world/Wearable Collections - Solutions for unwanted clothes:https://www.wearablecollections.com/Soles 4 Souls - Solutions for unwanted shoes:https://soles4souls.org/Blog post - “What Are The Best Ways to Repurpose Your Old Clothes?”:https://www.eco-stylist.com/what-are-the-best-ways-to-repurpose-your-old-clothes/Blog post - “The Most Sustainable Shirt Is Not The One You Own”:https://www.eco-stylist.com/the-most-sustainable-shirt-is-not-the-one-you-own/Nudie Jeans Repair Service:https://www.nudiejeans.com/repair-spotsTaylor Stitch:https://www.taylorstitch.com/Guppyfriend Washing Bag:https://us.guppyfriend.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie.comConnect with Garik:Facebook & Instagram: @yourecostylistWebsite: https://www.eco-stylist.com/43 min
- EMM 6: Single-Use PlasticsWe are ending #plasticfreejuly with a BANG over here at The Enlighten Me Podcast! Today on the show I’m talking about single-use plastics. These are things that can only be used once and then have to be tossed. There are some really useful single-use plastics, like plastic surgical gloves! But there are also some really wasteful and unnecessary single-use plastics, like plastic straws and coffee cups. There are so many different types of single-use plastics that you might not even realize just how many are in your life. In this episode, I’m talking about what these are, why they’re so bad, and some easy ways to cut that plastic out! To view the full show notes, continue reading here of visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comYou might be thinking, why are people so worried about plastic? It can be recycled and reused! While this is mostly true, there are some problems here. For one, a lot of types of plastic can’t actually be recycled. Think of potato chip bags here. Also, while you might have your recycling game down pat, a lot of countries around the world don’t have great waste management systems, let alone recycling programs. Finally, it should be noted that a whopping 91% of recyclable plastics are not even recycled! Shocking, right?The plastic pollution crisis is ravaging our planet and our wildlife. There are millions of tons of plastic getting dumped into our oceans every year. And what’s worse is that our wildlife is consuming these plastic particles, and then we are consuming them too! According to the Plastic Oceans documentary, we’ll be eating plastic every time we eat seafood by the year 2050… I’ll pass on the crab cakes, thanks.Overall, we need to be more conscious consumers and watch our plastic use. Anytime we can cut back, we should. If we were to eliminate those single-use plastics, we would cut the worlds plastic pollution by 50%! So, here are some practical ways that you can reduce your waste:-Buy reusable grocery sacks, produce sacks, coffee cups, water bottles, straws, and cutlery-Look for paper, glass and aluminum packaging over plastic-Shop your Farmer’s Market first-Buy dry goods in bulk and bring your own containers-Use reusable rags for cleaning instead of sponges or towels-Switch to reusable diapers over disposable-Use wash cloths instead of baby wipes-Follow hashtags on Instagram: #noexcuseforsingleuse, #zerowastekitchen, #zerowastebathroom for more ideas-Buy local instead of online and request plastic-free shipping when buying online-Participate in beach clean ups or neighborhood clean upsLinks from the Show:NRDC:https://www.nrdc.org/stories/single-use-plastics-101?gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8r4BRCzARIsAA21i_Di4s3II-3_SF4B-mGQoEiFJw-gEa292B02S6ElrwNr3dQAJoFZcvMaAi6QEALw_wcBUniv. of Georgia article: https://science.sciencemag.org/content/347/6223/768.abstract?ijkey=BXtBaPzbQgagE&keytype=ref&siteid=sciPlastic Footprint Calculator:https://www.earthday.org/plastic-pollution-calculator-2/Plastic Oceans Documentary:https://plasticoceans.ca/?matchtype=b&network=g&device=c&adposition&keyword=plastic%20environment&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu8r4BRCzARIsAA21i_Cf2FfnC9YjZ05gGUSsY59VO9bZcOe__JaEXbNhys4WXZqEv95l80caAoLvEALw_wcBConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]12 min
- EMM 5: EMF RadiationOn this EMM we’re talking about EMF’s! No, that’s not a typo - it stands for Electromagnetic Fields, AKA radiation. There are all kinds of EMF’s out there that we know about, like X-Rays, but did you know that your cell phone and laptop are constantly producing the same type of radiation at a lower frequency? Yikes! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comToday on the show, I’m breaking down EMF’s and explaining what the research on them tells us. Unfortunately, it’s not much. There has never been and never will be a study on humans to find out the effects of low-frequency EMF radiation. But, most researchers agree that the long-term exposure to this stuff will have some effect on us, the largest being a potential to cause cancer. That means that we’re the experiment! Again, yikes!!I never share this type of information to scare people, but rather to educate you so that you can know better and do better! After explaining what EMF’s are and why they’re dangerous, I go through a list of different ways to reduce your exposure and proximity to this radiation. This list is long, but I really think you’ll find it helpful. I’ve come up with many different healthy habits to start using with your cell phone, but I also discuss some common household appliances that you might not expect to be emitting EMF’s and how to handle those. In case you listened and need a recap, here’s the gist:1. Speakerphone is your friend2. Don’t keep your phone on your body3. Don’t have your laptop directly on your lap4. Avoid bluetooth headsets5. Keep your cell phone on airplane mode6. Download things ahead of time and turn off data/wifi7. Don’t charge your phone by your bed8. Stop using your microwave9. Ditch the hair dryer10. Unplug appliances that aren’t in use11. Turn off phones and computers when they aren’t in use12. Choose wired over wireless13. Switch from a smart meter to an analog meter14. Buy an EMF-reducing phone case15. Buy salt rock lamps and plants for your home16. Grounding outside for 20 minutes per dayOur electronics are not as safe as we always thought. So, let’s unplug, get outside, and rebalance our bodies!Links from the show:EMF’s explained - National Cancer Institute:https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/radiation/electromagnetic-fields-fact-sheethttps://www.niehs.nih.gov/health/topics/agents/emf/index.cfmNational Toxicology Report:https://www.niehs.nih.gov/news/newsroom/releases/2018/november1/index.cfmWHO Carcinogen Report:https://www.iarc.fr/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/pr208_E.pdfIdeas for reducing exposure:https://www.mamanatural.com/emf-exposure/https://thewholejourney.com/reduce-emf-exposure/“EMF*D” by Dr. Joseph Mercola:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/emf-d-dr-joseph-mercola/1135103322Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]15 min
- EMM 4: Chewing GumWhether it’s in pink and blue wrapping and you can blow big bubbles with it, or it’s got a nice green and minty flavor to freshen your breath, we love gum! It’s fun to chew, it cleanses the mouth, and it’s yummy of course. But, gum isn’t as innocent as you may think it to be. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comHave you ever thought about why your mom always told you not to swallow your gum? Well, that’s probably because it’s not meant to be ingested. The standard stick of chewing gum is made from synthetic polymers, AKA plastic and rubber. That’s why it can pass through your digestive tract almost completely unaltered - it’s not really food! That’s also why we see gum SO often stuck to the sidewalk and under desks and chairs. Because of it’s ingredients, gum can’t break down and biodegrade. And this is stuff we’re putting in our mouths?! Yuck!Gum is a major contributor to the waste stream and costs tax payers and businesses thousands of dollars to clean up each year. Not to mention all the waste that comes from packaging it, too! But have no fear, there are better options! In this episode I discuss the problem with gum even further as well as some easy solutions, such as using a tongue scraper to freshen breath, switching to mints, and one company that I’ve found that has a truly sustainable gum option. Listen in for more!Links from the show:The Atlantic article:https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/12/chew-on-this-what-gum-has-cost-society-in-its-5000-year-history/383452/Washington Post article:https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/science/the-green-lantern-is-chewing-gum-bad-for-the-environment/2011/03/29/AFrVjO1D_story.html"Dark Side of the Chew" TED Talk:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Myce8GLcJsQSimply Gum:https://www.simplygum.com/8 min
- 41: Enlighten Me on Sun Protection - Part 2Welcome back to the show! Today, we are continuing the very important topic of sun protection, AKA - SPF. In Part 1 of this conversation, Priya and I talked about what SPF is and why it matters. Though Priya likes to preface that she is not a scientist, she has done a lot of research on this topic for her blog (@hair_and_skin_diaries) so she is pretty knowledgeable on it. For Part 2, we’re continuing the SPF discussion and answering a few more important questions. To view the full show notes, you can continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comAfter listening to Part 1, you know that you need sunscreen EVERY SINGLE DAY. Yep, even on those cloudy and cold winter days! Whenever there’s light outside, we gotta protect our skin. Now that we know, how do we pick out a good ‘screen? That’s what Priya and I are chatting about today. We talk about the different types of sunscreen out there, what ingredients to look for (and look out for), and some of our own favorite brands! Even though summer is already her for many of us, it’s never too late to stock up on some good SPF. Especially since now we know we need it year-round! Use what you have first, and then step up your SPF game with some of our recommendations.Another thing Priya and I discuss today is the importance of doing your own research. Of course, you can trust the advice we give, but a lot of the decisions around all kinds of purchases (not just sunscreen) depend on each individual consumer and their needs. For instance, Priya uses synthetic sunscreen whereas I prefer a mineral-based product. You’ll hear why in this episode we each feel like we need a different type of sunscreen, and it’s important for you to consider the needs of yourself and your family in your purchases. I think after listening today, you’ll feel equipped to do that research and make an informed decision. Whatever you do, make sure you are layering up every day!Links from the show:EVY Technology Sunscreen Mousse:https://www.evytechnology.com/en/#productsLa Roche-Posay Mineral Sunscreen:https://www.laroche-posay.us/sunscreen/sunscreen-product-type/mineral-sunscreenPaula’s Choice Sunscreen:https://www.paulaschoice.com/skin-care-products/sunscreenCaudalie Skincare:https://www.sephora.com/brand/caudalie?&om_mmc=ppc-GG_699042701_42133175891_kwd-453604764__217087200897_9010513_c&country_switch=us&lang=en&gclsrc=aw.ds&ds_rl=1261438&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl4v4BRDaARIsAFjATPnGE7_ol_2fMCR21wmdNomUmke3ERyIKwp6EwGjck_b-dm-aT7UqZ4aAgONEALw_wcBREN Clean Screen Mineral SPF:https://usa.renskincare.com/products/clean-screen-mineral-spf-30-mattifying-face-sunscreen?variant=10068957757487&gclid=Cj0KCQjwl4v4BRDaARIsAFjATPnF69NiKXmMgvcTB5x0nnn6k8rFpGZCKdYgGBuLx5GfkchjTxJrKokaAiTNEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.dsCoconut Joe’s Zinc Oxide Sunscreen:https://www.coconutjoessuncare.com/category-s/101.htm“Atomic Habits” by James Clear:https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/atomic-habits-james-clear/1129201155Jay Shetty’s Podcast - “On Purpose”:https://jayshetty.me/podcast/Jada Pinkett Smith - “Red Table Talk”:https://www.facebook.com/redtabletalk/Rob Moore’s Podcast - “The Disruptive Entrepreneur”:https://robmoore.com/podcast/Dr. John Demartini:https://drdemartini.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]Connect with Priya:Instagram: @hair_and_skin_diariesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairandskindiaries/38 min
- 40: Enlighten Me on Sun Protection - Part 1Summer is here (for us Westerner’s, that is) and it is HOT. If you’re living in the Southern US like me, you’re probably sweating as you listen to this. As the heat rages, talking about sun protection has never been more relevant! It’s about this time of year that we all check our bathroom cabinets to see what SPF we have leftover from last year, and fingers crossed that it’s not expired! However, did you know that we actually need that SPF every single day? Yep, even when it’s cold and cloudy and even raining and snowing! That’s what Priya’s here to educate us on. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comPriya has devoted her spare time to running a blog that shines a light on hair and skin tips as well as trustworthy brands. This isn’t just any blog, though - she is particularly passionate about sustainability and actually works with brands to help them become more eco-conscious! One element of skincare she is interested in is educating folks on the importance of sun protection. There are A LOT of misconceptions about this topic, such as who needs to be wearing SPF and when we need to wear it. (I’ll give you a hint: it’s everyone and it’s all the time.)That’s what today’s episode is about! This is just Part 1 of our conversation, but we’re addressing what SPF really is and why it’s important. After listening, you’re going to want to stock up on the ‘screen, but wait a second before you do! In Part 2, which will be available next week, Priya and I are going to be discussing what to look for in your SPF, as well as what to avoid, and we’ll even give you some recommendations of brands that we trust. Until then, layer up on the sunscreen no matter what the weather is today!Links from the show:Priya's Blog:https://www.facebook.com/hairandskindiaries/https://www.instagram.com/hair_and_skin_diaries/?igshid=1w5j23w9nd8w8&fbclid=IwAR1lpZRbUZRQAfycQ7pRNjJ0M_YE6iNnAmoHV8s99kfbat7IrhslgnqGwmUOuai Haircare:https://theouai.com/Paula’s Choice:https://www.paulaschoice.com/Cruelty Free episode:https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-25-cruelty-free/Non-Toxic episodes:https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-35-non-toxic-living-part-1/https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-36-non-toxic-living-part-2/“The Skincare Bible” by Dr. Anjali Mahtohttps://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/36360055-the-skincare-bibleConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]Connect with Priya:Instagram: @hair_and_skin_diariesFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/hairandskindiaries/38 min
- EMM 3: An Example of Systemic Racism
Yep, you read that right. I'm tackling the subject of systemic racism in a mini episode. There are a few things you should know before listening, though. First, I'm white. Maybe you already knew that, but I wanted to point it out in case you didn't. Second, I was an education major in college, not a history major - so, if you hear anything that doesn't sound correct to you, go easy on me! Last, I recognize that I'm not aways correct and that I can sometimes say things that don't accurately represent the experience of people of color or that can be hurtful. That being said, please listen with an open mind, be gracious, and educate me when you can! Just like you, I am here to learn. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.com
With so much attention on the injustices that racial minorities are facing right now, I wanted to continue this conversation. I have heard some confusion surrounding the term "systemic racism" and some disbelief that this is a real thing. In this episode, I am attempting to explain what I know systemic racism to be in layman's terms. Rather than just give the definition, I am attempting to explain it through one of the most prime examples that I have come to recognize - the American housing industry. What you'll hear today is a brief history of America's suburbs, projects, and home loans and the discrimination that people of color have faced within this system. This is one example of many that I was able to choose from, but it's one that I think illustrates what folks are referring to when they use the term "systemic" or "systematic" racism.
My hope for today is twofold. I hope that, if you are a white person listening, that you see things from a new perspective; that you recognize that you may have stereotypes based on unfair circumstances for certain people groups; that you recognize the advantages you have had that others did not simply because of the the family you were born into; and that you don't feel guilty learning about these advantages and disadvantages, but that it enlightens you to live a little better and continue to listen to other's stories and leverage those advantages when you can. Also, I hope that, if you are a person of color listening, that you feel like I have brought to light something that has been kept in the dark; that you feel heard and seen; and that you feel comfortable enough to tell me if I've missed something. Everyone is welcome here.
Links from the show:
The Atlantic article:
https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2014/05/the-racist-housing-policy-that-made-your-neighborhood/371439/
NPR article:
https://www.npr.org/2017/05/03/526655831/a-forgotten-history-of-how-the-u-s-government-segregated-america
The New Yorker article:
https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2016/10/10/the-widening-racial-wealth-divide
ProPublica article:
https://www.propublica.org/article/reading-guide-segregation-in-america
National Center for Education Statistics report:
https://nces.ed.gov/programs/coe/indicator_cma.asp
Adam Ruins Everything – History of the Suburbs:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ETR9qrVS17g
“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489625-between-the-world-and-me
“White Rage” by Carol Anderson:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/26073085-white-rage
“The Color of the Law” by Richard Rothstein:
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/32191706-the-color-of-law
Connect with Mackenzie:
Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippie
Website: www.heartfelthippie.com
Email: [email protected]
Don't forget to leave a review! Not sure how? View the instructions at this link:
https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/how-to-write-a-podcast-review/
14 min - Recast: Minority College ExperiencesIn light of what is taking place around the country, I've decided to postpone my regularly scheduled episodes and take time instead to reflect and help amplify voices besides my own. This interview was from Episode 22 of the podcast airing in 2019, but it is still relevant today. Please take the time to listen with an open mind. You can view the show notes for the original episode at this link:https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-22-minority-experiences-in-college/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]1 hr 12 min
- Recast: Racial Justice ActivismIn light of what is taking place around the country, I've decided to postpone my regularly scheduled episodes and take time instead to reflect and help amplify voices besides my own. This interview was from Episode 17 of the podcast airing in 2018, but it is still relevant today. Please take the time to listen with an open mind. You can view the show notes for the original episode at this link:https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-17-racial-justice-activism/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]1 hr 26 min
- Recast: 5 Things I've Learned about RacismIn light of what is taking place around the country, I've decided to postpone my regularly scheduled episodes and take time to reflect instead. This interview was from Episode 4 of The Enlighten Me Podcast airing in 2018, but it is still relevant today. Please take the time to listen with an open mind. You can view the show notes for the original episode at this link:https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/episode-4-racism/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram & Facebook: @theheartfelthippieWebsite: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: [email protected]1 hr 5 min
About The Enlighten Me Podcast
From the publisher's feed
Learn with me as I get educated on topics that matter. From talking about social justice issues to environmental concerns, my hope is to learn about conscious living in a sustainable way through…
interviews with cool people who I consider experts on these topics. With new episodes releasing every Thursday, The Enlighten Me podcast is a fun way to learn about relevant issues that affect each and every one of us, and to do so in a way that is entertaining and practical. If you're wondering how you can make an impact on our world in every day ways, this show is for you.