The Sustainable Act with Smiely Khurana

In this heartful and energizing episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down in person with climate justice leader and social entrepreneur Kevin J. Patel—and it’s been years in the making!

From his family's roots as climate migrants in Gujarat, India, to founding OneUpAction International and passing the groundbreaking Youth Climate Commission, Kevin opens up about his powerful journey, the importance of youth voices, and what it means to be a young brown leader in a space that wasn’t built for us.

Together, Smiely and Kevin reflect on friendship, community, and how staying rooted in culture and values has helped them navigate—and reshape—the climate movement.

Whether you're an aspiring changemaker or a longtime activist, this episode is a reminder that we all belong in the fight for a just and sustainable future.

Tune in to hear:

- Kevin’s earliest memories of growing food with his father in South Central LA

- What fuels his vision for youth empowerment and intersectional climate action

- The importance of showing up as your full self in advocacy spaces

Learn more about Kevin and his organization below:

https://www.imkevinjpatel.com/

https://oneupaction.org/our-story/

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Website: https://www.thesustainableact.com/

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In this powerful episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down with 22-year-old social entrepreneur and changemaker JC Arce to explore how lived experience fuels meaningful impact.

JC opens up about navigating homelessness and systemic barriers as a queer, BIPOC, first-generation youth—and how those challenges shaped his mission to build resilient, community-rooted systems for sustainability and justice.

Together, we dive into the intersections of policy, culture, grassroots organizing, and economic development—plus a behind-the-scenes look at what’s ahead for LA Climate Week 2025.

JC’s story is a testament to courage, creativity, and the power of showing up for your people.

🎧 Tune in for a raw and inspiring conversation on reclaiming agency, cultivating emotional sustainability in movements, and why real change always starts with community.

Links below:

https://collidescope.foundation/

https://laclimateweek.com/

https://www.thesustainableact.com/

Have you ever felt like you’re juggling everything yet wondering if you’re even doing it right? Same. In this cozy journal-entry-style episode, I’m reflecting on life, growth, and the journey of building my dream while managing imposter syndrome, stress, and self-doubt.

Join me as I share updates from the past year—exciting milestones like stepping out of my comfort zone, breathwork techniques that have become my secret weapon against spiraling, and the power of slowing down to refuel ambition. I’ll also dive into how practices like Pilates and yoga have taught me the art of balance, both in body and mind, and how I’ve applied those lessons to my work and life.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder to embrace the messy middle, breathe through the hard moments, and keep showing up—even when self-doubt creeps in. By the end, I hope you’ll feel inspired to take that leap, challenge your comfort zone, and trust the process.

Grab your favourite cozy drink, take a deep breath, and let’s dive in.

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The holidays are a time for joy, love, and togetherness—but what if they could also be a time for sustainability? In this episode of The Sustainable Act, Smiely shares easy, creative ways to keep the holiday magic alive while being kinder to the planet.

From thoughtful gift-giving to eco-friendly décor and greener gatherings, we’re talking all about how to make the season meaningful without the excess waste. Whether you’re looking to simplify your celebrations or just add a sustainable twist to your traditions, this episode is packed with inspiration and ideas to help you celebrate with intention.

Tune in and let’s sleigh the holidays sustainably together!

✨ Listen now and share your sustainable holiday tips with #TheSustainableAct

In this inspiring episode of The Sustainable Act Podcast, Smiely sits down with Miranda Jackson, a passionate environmentalist navigating the dynamic intersection of sustainability and the entertainment industry. From her journey moving from Florida to Los Angeles to her transition into corporate sustainability, Miranda shares insights on fostering sustainable practices in film production, building communities, and balancing environmental impact with industry demands.

In this engaging episode, dancer, sustainability advocate, and community leader Jackson Xia shares his inspiring journey from environmentalism on film sets to founding Soulful Sundays, a dance initiative for mental well-being, and his newest initiative Soulful Movement. Through candid stories, Jackson discusses the power of movement in addressing climate anxiety, the connection between mental health and sustainability, and his mission to create inclusive spaces for healing and joy. Tune in to discover how community, dance, and mindful rest drive Jackson's vision for a more connected, sustainable future.

Learn more about Soulful Shifters here: https://soulfulshifters.com/

Learn about Jackson here: https://www.jacksonxia.com/story

Check out more episodes and read our blog at https://www.thesustainableact.com/

Join host Smiely Khurana as she sits down with environmental artist and filmmaker Tehya Jennett to explore the powerful intersection of climate storytelling and art. From documentaries like Gen Z Mental Health Climate Stories to the experimental film Dreamland, and her latest project Healing Lahaina, Tehya shares her journey, the role of community resilience, and the challenges of conveying climate hope amidst environmental crises. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on how creative expression is driving climate action and sparking change!

Follow and support Tehya through the links below:

https://www.strandedastronaut.com/ 

https://www.instagram.com/tehya.jennett/ 

https://www.instagram.com/healinglahainafilm/ 

Follow and subscribe to The Sustainable Act and check out our links below:

Website: https://www.thesustainableact.com/ 

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainableact/ 

In this episode of The Sustainable Act podcast, host Smiely Khurana welcomes the multifaceted artist Yasmine Ross for an inspiring conversation on creativity, vulnerability, and social change. Yasmine, who grew up in Beijing and graduated from the University of British Columbia with a degree in Film Production, shares her incredible journey from environmental studies to the world of cinematography.

Now a dynamic actress, musician, and content creator, Yasmine talks about her films, her burgeoning music career with a debut EP on the horizon, and her passion for painting and self-expression.

Join us as Yasmine reveals how she uses her platform to inspire thousands to embrace their true selves, create safe spaces for vulnerability, and share raw emotions. Discover how her artistic journey and dedication to supporting the arts continue to impact and uplift artistic communities everywhere. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the intersection of art and social change.

Follow Yasmine:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasmineross_/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@yasmine.ross

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2alXtssNaLUnqz9n2hvevJ?si=CbC_fGmOQeC8pGPDVnQ63A&nd=1&dlsi=d76ca41efaa04dc0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thesustainableact/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thesustainableact

LinkedIN: https://ca.linkedin.com/company/the-sustainable-act

Join host Smiely Khurana as she sits down with two inspiring voices from the BIPOC Credits Podcast team, Andy Wong and Nightingale, for an enlightening and dynamic conversation. Andy Wong, a seasoned filmmaker and assistant director, and Nightingale, a multidisciplinary artist and mental health advocate, share their journeys and insights into the evolving landscape of the film industry.]

Why You Should Listen:

This episode dives deep into the power of community, networking, and the importance of collaboration over competition. Andy and Nightingale discuss their pivotal moments, the strategies they've used to overcome obstacles, and how they've built meaningful partnerships with organizations like the DGC and Vancouver Asian Film Festival.

Listeners will gain valuable insights on:

Andy also shares his experiences across different film genres and how it shapes his mentoring approach, while Nightingale opens up about her initiatives like Bridging the Gap In Motion and Quarantine Qapsule, highlighting the intersection between art and mental health advocacy.

Don't miss this engaging and informative episode that showcases the power of representation, sustainability, and authentic storytelling in driving social change. Tune in and be inspired to make a difference in your own creative journey! 🎧✨

Check out the BIPOC Credits podcast here: https://beacons.ai/bipoccredits 

Follow BIPOC Credits on Instagram: @bipoccredits

Check out and follow The Sustainable Act:

https://www.thesustainableact.com/

@thesustainableact 

Available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and your favourite podcast platforms.

Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Ursula Galvao, the brilliant mind behind the page Zero Waste Cult. Dive into Ursula's personal journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle, where she shares her unique challenges and triumphs along the way. From her early days in the film industry to becoming a leading voice in the sustainability movement, Ursula's story is one of passion, dedication, and innovation.

In this episode, we explore the genesis of Zero Waste Cult, an online platform Ursula started to educate and inspire others to reduce waste. She opens up about her transition to veganism, discussing the hurdles she faced, the narratives that shaped her journey, and how embracing a plant-based diet intersects with broader issues of food security and waste reduction.

We also get an exclusive introduction to Ursula’s latest role as the Creative Director behind The Sustainable Act, where she is set to lead new, exciting initiatives in the sustainability space.

Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and powerful insights that will leave you motivated to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.

Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and sign up for our newsletter on our website to stay updated with the latest episodes and sustainability tips. Follow The Sustainable Act on all social media platforms to join a community committed to making a positive impact on our planet. Your journey to a zero-waste lifestyle starts here!

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@thesustainableact