How do we empower youth to take action on the climate crisis without losing hope? Remember that Whitney Houston song about children being the future? If we know they're the future, why aren't we giving their voices credit? And how do we use radical imagination to inspire real action?

OneUpAction founder, Kevin J. Patel, is here to inspire with his story of fighting back against climate injustice and how that work motivated him to help other youth speak up. Kevin shares how he began climate organizing in middle school in South Central Los Angeles after witnessing inequities like a lack of green space and healthy food and experiencing severe smog-related illness.

Warning: “hope” will be a consistent theme on this podcast. I didn’t plan it, but thankfully, it keeps coming up. Kevin describes hope as a community-based practice tied to action, empathy, and joy. The reports are in (again), and Kevin shared that social media is not helping us radically imagine a new future. Agreed.

Not only in OneUpAction but in everything Kevin does, he focuses on what comes after protests and rallies and uses radical imagination to achieve it. Kevin describes radical imagination as turning visions into practice. Don’t stop at the dreaming. Imagine something bigger and then figure out how to start making it a reality. Kevin did this when he created the first Youth Climate Commission in LA County (incredible!!!) and is now inspiring youth worldwide. Kevin is about doing the WORK! And you know we love to see it.

Listen now to find out how Kevin has been unwinding lately!

Find out more about Kevin's work: imkevinjpatel.com

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Find zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.com

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Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media

How much does the transportation sector contribute to the climate crisis? What communities are getting public transit right? How can we all work to get more public transit options in our communities?

Here to share why the future is public transit are MOVE MN Executive Director MJ Carpio and Joon Community Executive Director Reza Cristián. I chatted with MJ and Reza about how they got into transit work. And while both arrived in transit work from different places, a strong through line is their love for public transit and their experience using it - good and bad examples. MJ and Reza shared models of public transit abroad that are getting it right (Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris) - which really made me want to travel but mostly made me wish we had more rails and trains in this country.

Transportation is a top carbon polluter, especially in Minnesota - I did not know that! We also discussed the influence oil and gas companies have on politics, ever-rising gas prices, and the community infrastructure. Highways and land-use planning have shaped car dependence, sprawl, and community harm since the 1950s. Politicians are quoted literally saying how much they “need” Chevron to win an election. It’s not hard to see why gas-powered cars have become the standard above all else when many (most?) politicians have been bought by the oil and gas industries.

MJ and Reza shared practical ways to act locally—vote, engage public works staff (they work for us, remember!), ride transit to boost ridership metrics, and join community bus tours like #BusBabes. Remember, the work we do in our communities is all part of the larger ecosystem.

Learn more about Move MN and Joon Community.

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Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media

What does grief have to teach us about the environment? What does solar have to teach us about love? And how can a polar bear teach us about renewable energy?

Bob Blake, the owner of the Minneapolis-based solar developer Solar Bear, is here to answer these questions today. Bob’s introduction to the world of solar, and even his interest in the climate crisis, was anything but conventional. While he was mourning the loss of his brother, he kept seeing an image of a polar bear - which he perceived as his late brother's spiritual return – and it inspired him. After his brother’s death, Bob became a surrogate father to nieces and nephews, and was confronted with the thought of their futures.

Bob thought he might as well try to tackle this whole climate change thang for their sake, thinking it would be as easy as checking it off the to-do list. What started as a business plan for a college class about a solar company became his life-saving purpose (obsession!) that evolved into climate action.

He now runs Solar Bear and Native Sun Community Power Development. Blake shares updates on projects like electric school buses, EV infrastructure, and e-bike grants for Red Lake. One of my favs? The Solar Cub program—an open-source, culture- and language-integrated STEM curriculum expanding across grades and communities. He also discusses creating workforce development opportunities for formerly incarcerated citizens and military veterans.

To say Bob is inspiring is an understatement. A lesson I can’t stop thinking about from this episode: his empathy when facing pushback, mistrust, or misinformation about the climate crisis and renewable energy.

Listen now to find out how Bob has been unwinding lately!

Find out more about Solar Bear and Native Sun Community Power Development.

Support the podcast: unwindmovementmedia.com/unwind-shop-membership

Find zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.com

Follow on Substack: unwindmovementmedia.substack.com

Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media

What the actual f is going on with climate politics right now? What regulations are cancelled? How much of it is fear mongering? And what can we do about it? Thank goodness today’s guest, Chris Conry—campaign director of 100% Minnesota and longtime labor and community organizer—has some insight to share about all of this and more. Speaking of politics, we are in primary voting season here in the U.S. Check out voting resources below. Chris started by sharing how his daughter’s March for Science speech pushed him toward climate work. Chris outlines Trump-era actions: executive orders targeting regulations (including the endangerment finding), congressional rollbacks of Biden-era clean energy investments, illegal impoundment of climate funds (including FEMA grants), increased costs for wind and solar, disinformation on climate science, and fossil-fuel-driven foreign policy. Boooo. He argues faux populism exploits real grievances with false blame, and believes climate solutions should improve material conditions through affordability, efficiency, electrification, updated building codes, thermal energy networks, industrial decarbonization, and pragmatic adaptation for floods and heat. As is becoming a regular part of the conversation on the pod, Chris emphasizes curiosity and participation, and suggests people join climate organizing in ways that match their skills—from advocacy and voting to creative work.

Check out 100% Minnesota to learn more about the work Chris is doing: 100percentmn.org

Find the climate action that fits your skills and passions: Climate Action Venn Diagram by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson

Make sure you’re registered by heading to vote.org.

Compare candidates and track their voting records using knowyourvotes.com.

And finally, as Chris reminded us, these issues all intersect, from here to Palestine. Use trackaipac.com to see what politicians are serving the interests of corrupt lobbies before yours.

Support the podcast: unwindmovementmedia.com/unwind-shop-membership

Find zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.com

Follow on Substack: unwindmovementmedia.substack.com

Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media

This episode with guest Arielle V. King (she/they) focuses on storytelling, attention, and whose voices get heard in the climate crisis and whose do not. Arielle V. King is a strategist and The Joy Report host with training in environmental law, civil rights, and environmental justice, including research on the Flint water crisis. Ariel discusses the importance of translating complex science for everyday people, the need to center and compensate lived expertise in environmental justice, and defines environmental racism as the targeting of communities of color with polluting infrastructure. She shares examples such as Cancer Alley and the South Bronx’s “Asthma Alley,” rooted in redlining and layered policy. They connect current data center expansion to environmental injustice, emphasize radical imagination (this keeps coming up!), critique hyper-consumerism and forced tech adoption, and explore how storytelling builds empathy and supports policy change. Carly and Ariel talk about how our futures are all at stake when we don’t hear everyone’s story. Ariel shares what sustains her hope and how she unwinds through food, music, time outside, and community. Listen now as Arielle brings a dose of joy from her show to Unwind.

Check out Intersectional Environmentalist to learn more about her work and listen to the Joy Report: intersectionalenvironmentalist.com

Support the podcast: unwindmovementmedia.com/unwind-shop-membership

Find zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.com

Follow on Substack: unwindmovementmedia.substack.com

Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media

Grab your space suits; it's time to time-travel. Carly kicks off a new season of Unwind with a focus on radical imagination. In a new segment, Carly first chats with comrade Claire Howe about sustaining hope amid collective hopelessness, balancing engagement with overwhelm, and making space to dream by limiting social media. Carly then interviews Rob Hopkins, co-founder of Transition Network, which began in Totnes 20 years ago to help communities wean off fossil fuels through local food, energy, and housing projects now spanning thousands of groups in about 50 countries. Rob traces his roots to punk and permaculture, defines imagination as seeing things as if they could be otherwise, and argues the climate crisis demands bold, systemic reimagining rather than incremental fixes. Rob shares how hope grows from action, highlighting real-world examples of better futures. Rob and Carly wrap up by talking about the importance of playfulness. And of course, Carly can't help but bring up social media. Rob warns that social media erodes attention and deep understanding, and suggests practices like seeking solution stories, creating imaginative space, and learning improv. Zip zap zop for the climate?

Check out Rob's website to learn more about his work and buy his book: robhopkins.net

Support the podcast: unwindmovementmedia.com/unwind-shop-membership

Find zines, take classes with Carly, and more: unwindmovementmedia.com

Follow on Substack: unwindmovementmedia.substack.com

Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media

I took a "quick" break from podcasting and ended up rebranding my whole business. Oops.

Tune in to hear how my business has shifted into its next evolution like a Pokémon and what's next for the podcast.

Check out the NEW website.

Subscribe on Substack.

Music produced by M Baxley of Bear Witness Media.

REPLAY: This episode with Calen Otto is from the vault and originally premiered on October 30, 2024.

Calen is a queer, anti-speciesist travel blogger who explores the big, wide world on a very small budget and is our most recurring guest on this podcast. Calen and I connected through the world of podcasting and became friends pretty instantly. It’s been over a year since Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast part of the United States, so it felt like a good time to replay this important episode. In this episode, Calen helps us explore the profound impacts of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina. Calen shares their personal experiences during the hurricane and reads a poignant essay weaving themes of climate change, speciesism, and social justice. Calen shared this essay on their podcast, and I instantly knew Consciously Clueless listeners needed to hear!

Guest Bio: Calen Ann Otto is a queer, anti-speciesist travel blogger who explores the big, wide world on a very small budget. After completing a solo trip across the USA at the age of 19 with only $300 and a bike, Calen discovered that there are so many alternative ways to travel that cost less. Inspired by their love of meeting strangers and sharing their incredible stories, Calen created the Unruly Travel blog. There, they share photos, videos, articles, and podcast episodes from their unique travels in hopes of inspiring others to get out and grow. Calen has been to 5 continents, 35 states, 20 National Parks, and more than 20 countries as a vegan and is passionate about doing the least amount of harm wherever they go. They wrote and published 'The Art Of Unruly Travel On A Budget' travel guidebook to make travel more accessible to all. 

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!

Music by M Baxley

Helpful Links from Calen:

• Hurricane Helene Essay: wanderwoman.online/index.php/2024/…north-carolina/
• Donate to mutual aid orgs in WNC: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/757985…69466110330501
• Episode #24 on Hurricane Florence: Unrulytravel-podcast – Modern-love-story-pig-rescue-hurricane-florence-north-carolina

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on July 17, 2024.

Navigating the realm of sustainability and lifestyle choices can seem overwhelming, but this conversation with Tyler Chanel brings clarity and encouragement. Together, we explore small steps to reduce plastic consumption, discuss balancing convenience with sustainability, and challenge the pressure of achieving perfect sustainability. Tune in, re-learn from Tyler's experiences, and discover the seemingly small ways you can embrace a more sustainable lifestyle today.

Guest bio: Tyler Chanel is an ethical blogger and model based in Los Angeles, California. Her blog and YouTube Channel, Thrifts & Tangles, provides educational tips to inspire others to give thrifting, sustainability, and their natural selves a chance.

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on July 17, 2024.

Discover the transformative journey of our inspiring guest, Lauren Ornelas, who has been an unwavering advocate for veganism and social justice since childhood.

Guest Bio: Lauren Ornelas has been a deeply involved animal rights activist since 1987 and is the founder and General Programs Collective Member of Food Empowerment Project (F.E.P.), a vegan food justice nonprofit that promotes veganism, champions the rights of farm workers, highlights the lack of access to healthy foods in Black and Brown communities, and raise awareness about the worst forms of slavery, including child labor, in the chocolate industry. Watch Lauren’s TEDx talk on The Power of Our Food Choices. Learn more about F.E.P.’s work at www.foodispower.org.

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on November 17, 2021.

Listen in as Carly and Amanda talk fast fashion, greenwashing, and how to shop sustainably in an unsustainably built world.

Amanda McCarty wanted to be an art teacher, but somehow ended up with a career in fashion that began as a seasonal part-time sales associate. She has worked in the buying and merchandising departments of some of the most iconic millennial lifestyle brands. Now she hosts two podcasts (Clotheshorse and The Department), writes epic Instagram captions, and frequently cites the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. She has been known to cry at Hello Kitty events, and she loves a good miniature museum. Her current obsessions are faux fruit, maximal design, vintage cookbooks, and workers’ rights. Connect with Amanda on her Instagram or website!

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on April 10th, 2024.

Listen in as Brian, the insightful host of the Conscious Action Podcast, shares his transformative journey toward a more mindful existence. He gives us a glimpse into the profound shifts he's experienced, such as overcoming road rage, and discusses how he now incorporates these life lessons into his multifaceted roles as a university teacher, business owner, and wellness advocate. Brian and I exchange personal stories, illustrating how small acts of awareness can relieve physical tension and contribute to overall well-being. We also touch on the impact of sharing our personal growth journeys online, creating spaces for authenticity and demonstrating that evolution is possible. This episode delves into the complexities of motivation, from health and environment to animal welfare, and how aligning our actions with our values can foster a deeper understanding and commitment to issues like veganism and sustainability. Join us as we explore how inner healing and education can amplify our impact on the world and how balancing personal growth with the desire to enact social change is crucial to avoiding burnout and achieving a holistic vision for a better future.

Guest Bio: Brian Berneman is a beacon in the realm of conscious living, merging his foundational expertise in neuroscience with over 15 years of holistic wellness practice. Seamlessly blending ancient wisdom with modern science, Brian offers a unique perspective on well-being that resonates with audiences globally. As the co-founder of Conscious Action and You Being You, he has cemented his commitment to promoting intentional, heart-connected living. At the core of Brian's work is a passionate mission: to guide individuals on their journey to a more mindful, balanced, and purpose-driven existence. Listen to Brian's Podcast.

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on March 30th, 2022.

Jake Conroy is a long-time activist, designer, and writer currently residing in Seattle, WA, USA. He helped organize and participated in successful local, regional, national, and international pressure campaigns. He also helped build the foundation of SHAC USA, considered one of the most successful grassroots animal rights campaigns in history. He and his co-organizers were arrested by the US government for their roles and dubbed the SHAC7. Jake and his codefendants were found guilty after a lengthy trial, and he was sentenced to 4 years in federal prison. In 2019, the Joaquin Phoenix produced documentary, The Animal People, was released, detailing the campaign and the controversial court case. Currently, Jake hosts the podcast Radicals & Revolutionaries and works at the Rainforest Action Network, an international organization using pressure campaigns to stop rainforest deforestation and fossil fuel extraction and support human rights. He can be found pontificating online as the Cranky Vegan, where he helps reimaginate the tactics, strategies, and optics of the grassroots animal rights movement. Connect with Jake on Instagram, YouTube, Patreon, or Facebook.

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Music by M Baxley.

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on June 30th, 2021.

Christopher “Soul” Eubanks is a climate, human, and animal rights activist who was raised in Atlanta, Ga, and has dedicated himself to doing advocacy work that combats all forms of injustice. After learning the horrors of animal exploitation, Christopher became vegan, began doing community organizing, and has helped co-organize Atlanta’s first-ever animal rights march. Christopher plans to use education, public speaking, and creativity as tools to advocate for the climate, a vegan diet, and the end of all forms of injustice. Christopher and Carly journeyed through so many enlightening stories and lessons in this episode. Connect with Christopher on Facebook, Instagram, or his website.

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Music by M Baxley.

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on August 2nd, 2023.

Join me for an enlightening chat with Calen Otto from the Unruly podcast, where we confront the challenges of being creators, sharing our lives, beliefs, and imperfections while trying to make a living. Listen as we explore the idea of living more mindfully and eco-consciously and the struggles of being a recovering perfectionist in a world that isn't set up for that. The conversation takes an interesting turn as we discuss our journey of discovering eco-friendly period products and how we both became advocates for sustainable menstruation. We shed light on the lawsuit against Thinx and how it has influenced our approach to talking about period products. We also share our thoughts on how we can consciously approach life and be comfortable with it. Navigating brand partnerships and sponsorships as content creators can be complex, but it's a topic we tackle head-on. Calen and I discuss the ethical considerations involved and how certain brands' questionable practices have posed dilemmas for us and other creators. We also explore the importance of meeting people where they are for real and lasting change, and the need to stay true to our beliefs while navigating the intricacies of online content creation and brand partnerships. Jump in as we share our experiences and insights in this engaging and thought-provoking episode.

Guest Bio: Calen Ann Otto is a queer, anti-speciesist travel blogger who explores the big wide world on a very small budget. After completing a solo trip across the USA at the age of 19 with only $300 and a bike, Calen discovered that there are so many alternative ways to travel that cost less. Inspired by their love of meeting strangers and sharing their incredible stories, Calen created the Unruly Travel blog. There, they share photos, videos, articles, and podcast episodes from their unique travels in hopes of inspiring others to get out and grow. Calen has been to 5 continents, 35 states, 20 National Parks, and more than 20 countries as a vegan and is passionate about doing the least amount of harm wherever they go. They wrote and published 'The Art Of Unruly Travel On A Budget' travel guidebook to make travel more accessible to all. 

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Music by M Baxley.

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on March 27th, 2024.

Why do environmentalists have veganphobia? What's the disconnect? And why does the vegan movement need feminism? Do you have to watch graphic animal agriculture footage to be a "real" vegan? These questions and more are answered in my conversation with Corey Lee Wrenn, a notable sociology professor from the University of Kent. Our heartfelt discussion unwraps the complex layers of empathy, personal accountability, and the broader implications of our dietary choices on the living world around us. As the dialogue unfolds, it's not just about food, but the intersection of academic research and honest advocacy. This blend shapes our journey from social justice to a pointed focus on environmental and animal rights. Corey and I navigate the challenging landscape of academia, where the quest for truth often grapples with the constraints of funding and institutional biases, particularly when examining the impact of animal agriculture on the planet. Our exchange takes on a collective spirit as we address the diverse motivations that inspire individuals to embrace veganism, from personal health to the stark realities of systemic oppression and environmental degradation. We dissect the use of graphic imagery in advocacy, weighing its powerful message against its emotional fallout, and pledge to the necessity of self-care and community support within the activism sphere.

Guest bio: Dr. Corey Lee Wrenn is a Lecturer of Sociology at the School of Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Research at the University of Kent and co-director of the Centre for the Study of Social and Political Movements. Get in touch with Dr. Wrenn on her website and Instagram.

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on September 11th, 2024.

Get ready for a wild and inspiring ride with the fabulous Vegan Queens, Gemini and her daughter Myasma! Gemini takes us on a nostalgic journey back to her early days in drag during the 1980s, all while being cheered on by her supportive mother. Miasma shares her informal yet heartwarming introduction to the world of drag, leading to the creation of their unique act that brilliantly blends personal history and professional flair. And let's not forget their dramatic escape from Putin, adding an unforgettable twist to their story. We then shift gears to tackle pressing issues of intersectionality in vegan advocacy. By examining the Amazon rainforest's crucial role and critiquing misleading ethical labels, we highlight the deep connections between environmental conservation, animal agriculture, and social justice. Through candid discussions, we draw thought-provoking parallels between speciesism and homophobia, revealing how societal norms perpetuate harm and the importance of visible queerness in challenging these injustices. Finally, we explore the profound mission of Pink Triangle Theatre and the dimensions of oppression faced by both animals and marginalized communities. By sharing compelling personal anecdotes and reflections on emotions, we underscore the universal nature of feelings and the ethical implications of recognizing this interconnectedness. From laughter to grief, we embrace the messy spectrum of human emotions, advocating for a shift towards veganism and a more compassionate world. What's the connection between drag and vegan living? The Vegan Queens are here to show you.

Guest Bio: The Vegan Queens - an ever-so-traditional Mancunian drag family. Meet Gemini, the matriarch of the Haus of Andro, and her daughter Miasma. Together they are The Vegan Queens - the live-singing, pun-slinging, tofu-chomping temptresses of the North West. With their own unique brand of ‘dragtivism’, the queens aim to educate, inspire, and entertain, serving the vegan message with a side salad of sass.

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Music by M Baxley.

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on January 17th, 2024.

Unlock the secrets of enterprise with a conscience with Maria Cebrian, the visionary behind the vegan supplement company, Terraseed. Hear her riveting journey from personal conviction to creating a supplement brand that stands as a beacon of sustainability and transparency in the vegan community, particularly through the tumult of a global pandemic. Maria's narrative is a powerful reminder that dedication to one's values can forge success, even when faced with daunting challenges like supply shortages and a competitive market. Venture further into the heart of controversy as we confront the ethical quandaries of the meat industry alongside activists from Direct Action Everywhere. Prepare for a candid discussion that dispels the fog around vegan nutrition, while contrasting the diverse cultural attitudes towards health and supplementation in the US and Europe. This is not just talk; it's an invigorating examination that could reshape your understanding of sustaining a healthy, plant-based lifestyle. Finally, embrace the optimism for a greener future as we highlight the incredible advancements in eco-friendly packaging within the supplement industry, championed by leaders like Terraseed. We'll reflect on the success stories, like the Lomi countertop composting device, that demonstrate a significant shift in consumer behavior toward sustainability. This episode is a rallying cry for anyone who cares about their health and the health of our planet, offering practical ways to contribute to change and an insight into the role the younger generation is playing in the movement. Join us for a conversation that's not just about living — it's about living with intention.

Guest Bio: Maria is a third-time entrepreneur and a Forbes 1000 honoree. She has 14 years of experience in the digital and wellness industries, and her second company was acquired by Gaia, the world’s biggest conscious media platform. Now, she is set out to build companies that support the health of the people and the planet. Her current company Terraseed has created the most ethical and sustainable supplements on earth and was the first vegan company to be selected by the prestigious accelerator Techstars! Try Terraseed today! Get 50% off your first month of vegan vitamins at: https://lddy.no/11h0l or use code CARLY50

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Music by M Baxley.

REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on January 3rd, 2024.

Sometimes, a melody can lead to a movement; this was the case with John Pabon's transformation from a music student to a beacon of sustainability. Our conversation with John casts a light on his pivot from the arts to political science, his work with the United Nations, and his ultimate venture into the consultancy world with Fulcrum Advisors. With John, we crack open the tough shell of greenwashing and peer into its core – where intention doesn't always align with action, and eco-friendly facades sometimes hide a less verdant truth. The discussion is an eye-opener on the sophisticated tactics companies employ to appeal to our greener senses, and it's a call to arms for transparency and accountability. We don't shy away from the hard questions, like the impact of influencers and the importance of adaptability in career paths that aim for a future where sustainability isn't a role but a foundation. The episode culminates with a message of hope and a reminder of the power of focused, individual actions. We share insights on balancing the scales of passion and skills against the weight of global challenges and on the emotional journey of lifestyle changes. Wrapping up, we touch upon the importance of self-care and gratitude amidst the struggle for a better environment, encouraging listeners to embrace their contributions to the collective journey towards sustainability. Carly loves John's approach to hard topics and knows you will too. 

Guest Bio: John Pabon has spent two decades in the business of saving our Earth. After leaving his role at the United Nations, John traveled the world studying the impacts of sustainability first-hand in factories, on fields, and at Fortune 500s. John’s global career has taken him from Los Angeles to New York, Shanghai to Seoul to Melbourne. He’s had the privilege of working with the United Nations, McKinsey, A.C. Nielsen, and as a consultant with BSR, the world’s largest sustainability-focused business network. A decade of experience living and working in Asia inspired him to found Fulcrum Strategic Advisors with a mission to help companies, governments, and individuals capitalize on the benefits sustainability offers. He is a regular contributor to major publications and speaks to an array of global audiences on issues of sustainability, geopolitics, communications, and societal change. John is the Chair of The Conference Board’s Asia Sustainability Leaders Council, a member of the United Nations Association of Australia, and serves on the board of advisors to the U.S. Green Chamber of Commerce. He is the author of “Sustainability for the Rest of Us: Your No-Bullshit, Five-Point Plan for Saving the Planet” and “The Great Greenwashing: How Brands, Governments, and Influencers are Lying to You."

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REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on November 8th, 2023.

A life-changing trip to Costa Rica opened Jessica McGhee's eyes to the breathtaking beauty and heartbreaking destruction of the environment, igniting her passion for environmental conservation. This jewelry artist turned environmentalist shares a captivating tale of her evolution from selling vintage items in a boutique to finding a deeper purpose in creating art that educates others about reducing their environmental impact. We discuss how Jessica's journey in the world of art took a revolutionary turn when she began transforming trash into stunning pieces of jewelry. We explore her unique craft, from sculpting coral reefs out of garbage to designing sustainable jewelry pieces that not only stand the test of time but also stand as a testament to her commitment to sustainability. Dialogues also veer into her painstaking efforts to maintain a traceable supply chain for her materials and create her own packaging, a manifestation of her dedication to eco-conscious living. The concluding part of the enchanting conversation is on the importance of environmental education and the need to remain motivated in the face of environmental challenges. With a focus on the grand impact of small actions like picking up trash and leading cleanups, my guest leaves us with a stirring call to action. Jessica exhorts us to be part of the solution, to contribute in our small ways to conserve our environment, and to inspire others to follow suit. Listen in for a riveting conversation that perfectly intertwines art, sustainability, and environmental activism.

Guest Bio: Jessica Thomas McGhee is an environmental artist, public speaker, entrepreneur, and podcaster who is known across social media as “loveheylola.” Her artistic medium of choice is literal garbage, as she believes the transformation of trash into works of art is a powerful metaphor for finding our own self-worth. She hopes you have a nice day.

Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Music by Matthew Baxley