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 a...
Jul 09, 2025•49 min•Ep. 278
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 accountabilit...
Jun 25, 2025•1 hr•Ep. 277
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 an...
Jun 11, 2025•48 min•Ep. 276
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 o...
May 28, 2025•41 min•Ep. 275
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 in...
May 14, 2025•48 min•Ep. 274
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 envir...
Apr 30, 2025•35 min•Ep. 273
REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on June 7th, 2023. Imagine a world where you could significantly reduce plastic waste in your home simply by changing the way you buy shampoo. Get inspired by our conversation with Lindsay McCoy, the CEO, and founder of Plain Products, as she shares her journey toward creating a Netflix-style returnable system for shampoo bottles. Lindsay's passion for conservation and low-waste living began during her time in the Bahamas, where she...
Apr 16, 2025•36 min
REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on April 26th, 2023. This conversation with Maia illustrates the connection between the inability to separate mental health and the environment. It serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of us all and the reality of our climate crisis. Listen for practical tools on how to deal with climate anxiety, connect to nature, and live consciously. Maia Kiley is a licensed psychotherapist and certified ecotherapist (nature-based heali...
Apr 02, 2025•32 min
REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and originally premiered on March 29th, 2023. What an honor to have Ed Begley Jr. on Consciously Clueless. An environmental inspiration for decades Ed has a wealth of knowledge to share on how to save our planet. Ed Begley, Jr. is a Hollywood icon with hundreds of film and television credits to his name. The Golden Globe and seven-time Emmy nominee burst onto the national television scene in the series “St. Elsewhere” and currently can be seen in the film “...
Mar 19, 2025•36 min
REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and premiered on December 7, 2022. Yvette Baker is a Los Angeles–based writer, educator, social critic, and animal liberation activist. Her work is devoted to exposing and analyzing the intersections of human and nonhuman oppression through an Afro-Indigenous lens. As a lifelong social justice advocate for human rights with experience in strategic grassroots organizing, she has become passionate about furthering collective liberationist frameworks and aims ...
Mar 05, 2025•52 min•Ep. 269
REPLAY: This episode is from the vault and premiered on November 23, 2022. Sabs Katz, a dynamic creator and co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalists, joins us for a conversation that sheds light on the entwined paths of identity, activism, and environmentalism. Sabs courageously shares their experiences confronting anti-Semitism while navigating the world of social justice and environmental advocacy through a Jewish and vegan lens. We explore the vital role of setting boundaries with media...
Feb 19, 2025•47 min•Ep. 268
Listen in as Taylor Wolfram shares the motivations that led them to transition from vegetarianism to veganism, primarily driven by a commitment to animal rights and a desire to disconnect from the animal agriculture industry. Taylor recounts the role an animal rights group at their university played in supporting this lifestyle change and how it expanded their involvement in the broader activist community. We also uncover Taylor's academic shift from pre-med to dietetics, a decision fueled by a ...
Feb 05, 2025•48 min•Ep. 267
Destiny DeJesús' journey into veganism began with a quest to clear her skin, but it quickly grew into something much larger. What started as a personal health endeavor transformed into a mission rooted in animal liberation and social justice. Destiny's story is a testament to the multifaceted nature of adopting a plant-based lifestyle and how individual choices can inspire broader ethical commitments and community growth. Throughout our conversation, Destiny shares the triumphs and hurdles of bu...
Jan 22, 2025•45 min•Ep. 266
Join me for an inspiring exploration of youth-led activism in the animal rights movement, featuring a conversation with Claire Howe, a passionate advocate who transitioned from a career in animal law to hands-on work with HEART. Hear more about the origin story of the Raven Corps, a collective liberation organization dedicated to animal rights and social justice. Listen in as we recount the journey from the Youth Animal Advocates of Portland to the formation of the multidimensional Raven Corps, ...
Jan 08, 2025•38 min•Ep. 265
After a childhood rooted in dairy and pig farming, Brigitte Gemme, the creator of Vegan Family Kitchen, experienced a pivotal moment in 2013 that led her to question their environmental footprint and embrace a vegan lifestyle. A simple remark about the environmental impact of fueling a bike commute with steak versus driving a Hummer sparked a profound transformation. Join us as Brigitte shares her inspiring journey from traditional farming roots to an urban life focused on sustainability and pla...
Dec 11, 2024•59 min•Ep. 264
Following a social media trend, on December 31st, 2023 I posted a list of my "ins" and "outs" for 2024. In this episode, I look back and see how that list influenced my year. I explore how a commitment to a mindful morning routine, including gratitude journaling and mindfulness practices, has transformed my mindset and daily life. The pursuit of honesty has also led to significant decisions, such as discontinuing my coaching services to align my business with genuine intentions rather than trend...
Dec 04, 2024•34 min•Ep. 263
Waseem Hijazi, a passionate Palestinian vegan food blogger, and Victoria Hertel, an anti-Zionist Jewish vegan advocate from Vegans for Palestine join the show this week. Wasim discusses how his journey into veganism is not just about health but also a means to advocate for Palestinian rights, while Victoria reveals her transformation into anti-Zionism and her dedication to supporting Palestinians through the lens of veganism and activism. We scrutinize the ethical implications of Western veganis...
Nov 27, 2024•1 hr 28 min•Ep. 262
Christina's journey with cannabis is anything but ordinary. Growing up in Washington DC and initially shying away from the plant due to severe reactions, she never imagined it would play a pivotal role in her life. Yet, as she stepped into the cannabis business world, she rediscovered cannabis through a lens of wellness and mindfulness. Together, we unravel how understanding dosages and product sources transformed her perspective and how staying true to one's mission can guide intentional and me...
Nov 20, 2024•47 min•Ep. 261
Could young activists hold the key to a more liberated world? Join us on Consciously Clueless as we chat with Cami and Onyx from the Raven Corps, a nonprofit that's redefining activism by integrating veganism with social and environmental justice. From their beginnings as a high school animal rights club, they've grown into a force that tackles systemic issues like capitalism, consumption, and commodification. Discover the unique insights young minds bring to these complex problems, and how thei...
Nov 13, 2024•1 hr 4 min•Ep. 260
Join me for a not-so-solo episode as Calen Otto 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! Calen sheds light on the work being done by organizations like Beloved Asheville and Ziggy's Refuge, emphasizing...
Oct 30, 2024•33 min•Ep. 259
What if embracing veganism could also be an act of solidarity with marginalized communities? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Carter guides us through the multifaceted intersections of veganism, race, and spirituality. Christopher shares a deeply personal narrative that connects their transformative path to veganism with their family's historical struggles, drawing powerful parallels between the exploitation of migrant farm workers today and the harsh realities of the Jim Crow South. As we explo...
Oct 23, 2024•1 hr•Ep. 258
Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, Lulu Tsui experienced a unique perspective on cannabis, where it was as common as backyard barbecues. This early exposure shaped her understanding of how cannabis perceptions could differ vastly from mainstream narratives. Lulu's journey led her to co-found On the Revel in 2016, a series of events challenging the status quo of New York City's cannabis industry. Her mission? To foster authentic connections and create a community where diversity and genuine conversati...
Oct 16, 2024•50 min•Ep. 257
What happens when compassionate living meets culinary creativity? Join me in this episode as we sit down with the visionary behind Kim Sujovolsky, Brownble, an online sanctuary for vegan enthusiasts, to hear her inspiring journey from discovering veganism to building a community centered on ethical lifestyle choices. Together, we reflect on the profound connections between personal well-being, planetary health, and mindful eating. Hear firsthand how our guest transformed their passion for plant-...
Oct 09, 2024•1 hr 11 min•Ep. 256
Have you ever wondered what it's like to feast freely at the ultimate vegan celebration? Join me, Carly, as I take you through the unforgettable experience of VegFest 2024 in Minnesota! Think of it as the "State Fair" for vegan food lovers, filled with heartwarming connections and inspiring stories. Listen in as festival-goers share their joy and sense of community at this annual event. Be ready to feel motivated by initiatives pushing for plant-based lunches in public schools and get a behind-t...
Oct 02, 2024•16 min•Ep. 255
A health scare changed everything for our special guest Dr. Melanie Joy, leading her from a routine, omnivorous life to a transformative vegan journey. In this episode, Melanie shares her powerful story, detailing how a wake-up call for personal health evolved into a deep commitment to veganism and advocacy. We explore the intricate link between individual well-being and the planet's health, revealing how conscious dietary choices can create ripples of positive change. We shine a light on the hi...
Sep 25, 2024•53 min•Ep. 254
Another installment in the monthly Consciously Cannabis series is here! My guest Khadijah A. Tribble explore their transition into the cannabis advocacy sphere, recounting first encounters with cannabis during college and their impactful work in the HIV community. Together, we uncover the profound implications of cannabis legalization and celebrate the remarkable contributions of marginalized groups in pushing for reform. We discuss the systemic barriers faced by individuals with criminal backgr...
Sep 18, 2024•43 min•Ep. 253
Get ready for a wild and inspiring ride with the fabulous Vegan Queens, Gemini and her daughter Miasma! 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 un...
Sep 11, 2024•47 min•Ep. 152
How often do you think about the importance of mental health and the transformative power of therapy in your life? Last month, I shared some personal milestones—six years as a vegan and five years alcohol-free. This month I'm talking about another milestone - five years of therapy, shining a light on how therapy has been a cornerstone in managing anxiety and depression. Listen as I recount the crucial steps of reaching out for professional help, and learn why you don’t need to hit rock bottom or...
Sep 04, 2024•27 min•Ep. 251
Megan Hunter is a passionate advocate from Mercy for Animals, who in this episode, shares their remarkable transition from physical therapy and emergency dispatching to championing animal welfare and sustainable agriculture. Megan recounts how early experiences with animal rescue and an interest in preventative medicine fueled their drive to reduce suffering and promote systemic change. Influenced by leading figures, they now serve as the Transformation Midwest Coordinator, working to create a m...
Aug 28, 2024•45 min•Ep. 250
Our guest's journey with cannabis began as a youthful experiment but transformed into a profound exploration of its medicinal and truth-telling properties. In this episode of Consciously Cannabis, Stephanie Karzon shares her evolution with cannabis, moving from casual use to a deeper appreciation for its potential for mental and physical wellness. From setting up an integrative medicine clinic in LA to understanding the holistic approach to women's health, Stephanie shares insights into combinin...
Aug 21, 2024•54 min•Ep. 249
