Consciously Clueless

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

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

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

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

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

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.Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow!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 CARLY50Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! 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."Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Music by Matthew Baxley

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

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 witnessed the devastating effects of plastic waste on the environment. Join us as we explore the challenges and solutions for sustainable living, from the importance of progress over perfection to the power of collaboration in the journey toward sustainability. Lindsay's experience as a conservationist in the Bahamas offers a unique perspective on the dichotomy between overfished and dying reefs and the areas that still have healthy resources. We discuss the idea of trying to be perfect in an imperfect world and the unhealthy emotions of guilt and shame that can come with the environmental problem. Through this enlightening conversation, we learn about the mission of Plain Products and discover how we can all make small changes in our habits to create lasting change for our planet. We delve into the power of staying positive in an overwhelming world and the importance of acknowledging and celebrating small successes and connecting with people to share our stories. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from Lindsay's experiences and be inspired to make a difference in your own life and the world around you. Guest Bio: Lindsey McCoy is the co-founder and CEO of Plaine Products, which offers premium personal care products in aluminum bottles that can be returned, refilled, and reused. She was inspired to start Plaine Products after spending 10 years working on environmental education in the Bahamas, islands full of single-use plastic. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Plaine Products is B Corp and a member of 1% for the Planet. Lindsey has a master’s degree from the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University. She is currently on the Board of the Plastic Ocean Project and a volunteer for the Citizen’s Climate Lobby. Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Music by Matthew Baxley

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 healing). As a member of the Climate Psychology Alliance, she works with clients dealing with climate distress. She incorporates the power of nature into sessions as a source of healing. Maia received her master's in counseling psychology and ecotherapy certificate from Pacifica Graduate Institute. For more on her style and approach: maiakiley.com or @the_ecotherapist. Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Music by Matthew Baxley

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 “Amsterdam” and the series “Young Sheldon” and “Better Call Saul”. Ed is one of our most noted environmentalists dedicated to multiple charities and initiatives to make our planet a better place.   Connect with Ed on Instagram: @e_-begley_jr Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Music by Matthew Baxley

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 to empower the vegan movement as a movement for total liberation. Connect with Yvette on IG! Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/ Music by Matthew Baxley

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 and the importance of acknowledging diverse perspectives to create a more inclusive movement that tackles pressing social issues like the water crisis in Flint, Michigan. Our discussion takes an intriguing turn as Sabs reveals how adopting a vegan and zero-waste lifestyle transformed their approach to sustainability. Initially skeptical of aligning with advertising, they discovered its potential to deliver powerful sustainability messages. Together, we examine the dual nature of social media in activism, recognizing its power to amplify voices and create inclusive spaces for change. We touch on eco-anxiety and the hurdles posed by systemic barriers, yet find hope in effective communication and acknowledging solutions that inspire climate action. We celebrate the mission of Intersectional Environmentalists, where Sabs and their co-founders aim to blend social justice with environmentalism through community engagement and digital initiatives like Earth Sessions. Sabs shares personal stories of sustainable fashion, finding inspiration in vintage family pieces, and the broader implications of mindful shopping. Through these narratives, we embrace the power of creative wardrobe choices and the joy they bring, highlighting how these acts resonate deeply in the quest for a sustainable future. Guest Bio: Sabs Katz (she/her) is a Brooklyn-based advocate of conscious, intentional, and holistic living. She aims to inspire and empower others through low-waste living, ethical + secondhand fashion, plant-based eating, conscious consumerism, and personal health + wellness. She is also a co-founder of Intersectional Environmentalist. Connect with Sabs on IG and her website! Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/ Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/ Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog Music by Matthew Baxley

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 passion for personal interaction and counseling, which traditional medical fields often lack. In our conversation, we examine the concept of anti-diet vegan nutrition and its implications in the world of misinformation and diet culture. Taylor shares personal experiences and professional insights into the harmful effects of diet culture, its ties to systems of oppression, and the importance of moving away from restrictive eating habits. The discussion further explores the challenges of navigating healthism, veganism, and anti-diet culture, emphasizing the societal pressures faced by those whose health conditions cannot be resolved through diet alone. Taylor reflects on the complexities of adopting a vegan lifestyle for ethical reasons versus engaging in restrictive dieting, underscoring the importance of resilience in the face of societal norms. We wrap up with an engaging discussion on supporting vegan families in a non-vegan world, focusing on the experiences of raising vegan children amidst societal and cultural influences. Taylor offers insights into the privilege and challenges of being a registered dietitian raising vegan kids, sharing strategies for navigating social situations, and instilling compassion in young minds. We highlight the importance of understanding proper nutrition for children and adults alike, particularly within the vegan community, and encourage listeners to seek personalized guidance from dietitians to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle. Guest Bio: Taylor Wolfram, MS, RDN, LDN, (she/her/hers) is a long-time vegan and owner of a weight-inclusive nutrition therapy practice. She is a Certified Befriending Your Body Teacher and works with adults who are interested in ditching the diet mentality, reconnecting with their bodies, and learning to trust their inner wisdom. She also specializes in vegan nutrition and created the Anti-Diet Vegan Nutrition Online Course. Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/ Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/ Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog Music by Matthew Baxley

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 building a thriving vegan community in Dallas, particularly for vegans of color who often feel isolated in their dietary choices. From intimate farmer's market meetings to bustling potlucks, her efforts have fostered a sense of belonging and connection. Alongside her community-building, Destiny's food journal debunks the myth that veganism is costly, offering practical tips and strategies for budget-friendly plant-based eating. We also tackle the societal challenges of transitioning to a vegan lifestyle, from confronting misconceptions about protein intake to navigating cultural pressures during family gatherings. With insights on the role of social media in uniting like-minded individuals and initiatives like Texas Eats Green, Destiny illustrates the power of community and awareness. Her narrative encourages listeners to explore plant-based living not just as a diet but as a pathway to personal growth, enhanced culinary skills, and even new career opportunities. Join us to discover how veganism can offer a rich, inclusive, and affordable journey for more. Guest Bio: Destiny DeJesús, originally from the Bronx, NY, relocated to Dallas, Texas, in 2016 in search of more affordable living options amid the rising costs in her home city. It was in Texas that she discovered her calling in community organizing and embraced a vegan lifestyle. As the founder of Texas Eats Green, Destiny is dedicated to promoting plant-based options in restaurants within BIPOC communities in Dallas and San Antonio. She is also the driving force behind "Eat Yo Destiny," where she passionately advocates for budget-friendly vegan living, prioritizing food accessibility and empowering individuals with the knowledge to shop locally at grocers and convenience stores. Her platform serves as a guide, revealing vegan options within communities while tapping into local resources like pantries and community fridges. With her creative culinary skills, Destiny empowers others to create wholesome and nourishing meals with limited ingredients. As a community organizer, she creates inclusive spaces for BIPOC to share their experiences within the vegan movement and hosts events focused on food justice, plant-based living, and sustainability. Thanks for listening to another episode. Follow, review, and share to help Consciously Clueless grow! Connect with me: https://www.consciouslycarly.com/ Join the Consciously Clueless community on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/consciouslycarly Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/consciously.carly/ Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/consciously.carly.blog Music by Matthew Baxley