Explore every episode of the podcast Characters

Vanessa Williams, one of the most recognizable stars of her generation, started her career in the public eye as the first Black Miss America. We're discussing her historic win in 1984 - the impact and the backlash - and the road that got her into pageants. With just seven weeks left in her reign, explicit photos that she had taken years prior were sold to Penthouse. When the news broke of their publication, she was given just 72 hours to respond. We'll discuss the lawsuit, her massive career post-Miss America, and the organization's apology in 2015. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Overview 01:42 Youth 03:55 Miss America: The Weight of the Crown 06:24 The Photographs 09:52 Resignation + Lawsuit 13:35 The Comeback! 15:38 The Apology 18:14 My Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we saw the premiere of Real Housewives of Atlanta, including the introduction of two new cast members, K. Michelle and Pinky Cole. We'll discuss their introductions to the show and Porsha's dinner party. Plus, we got this week the second episode of the brand new franchise, Real Housewives of Rhode Island. I'm sharing my takeaways as we continue to get to know this cast: Kelsey's second boyfriend, Liz's stepmotherhood, and the Rulla/Jo-Ellen conflict. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 0:28 RHOA, meeting K. Michelle and Pinky Cole 03:50 Porsha's dinner party 06:08 RHORI, Kelsey's second boyfriend 07:24 Liz's role as a stepmother 08:19 Meeting Rulla 09:37 Rulla vs Jo-Ellen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, we're visiting the story of Carrie Leigh: the 19-year-old model who became Hefner's live-in girlfriend for five years... and then sued him for $35 million. Carrie Leigh was the first person on record to refer to the world of Playboy as a "cult." We're covering her rise in the public eye as "first lady of the Playboy Mansion," and the palimony suit alleging she was promised marriage, children, a Malibu beach house, and an annual salary. Plus: the (suspected?) allegation against Carrie Leigh by Jennifer Saginor, author of Playground, that they had a romantic relationship while the author was a teenager. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 01:41 Road to Playboy 04:22 Relationship with Hugh Hefner 06:43 Life at the Playboy Mansion 09:06 Break up 09:44 Palimony suit 11:55 More lawsuits 12:36 Jennifer Saginor 16:30 Calling Playboy a Cult Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a new Housewives franchise! I am reflecting on the first episode of Real Housewives of Rhode Island - meeting the cast, group dynamics, and what I am most intrigued to learn the rest of the season. Overall, pleasantly surprised - speaking on what the speculation beforehand and what I think will be the magic of the show. Find me on socials!! linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Speculations + initial thoughts 01:14 Alicia 02:43 Rosie 04:02 Jo-Ellen 05:54 Kelsey 07:31 Liz and Dolores 08:21 Ashley I 10:06 Rulla 10:46 Group dynamics, intrigue for the rest of the season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined in conversation today by Laura Arden, a creature actor and intimacy coordinator. We speak about developing specialties on film sets, self-advocacy, neurodivergence, and the value in being a multifaceted talent. Spoiler: Laura is also one of my dearest friends, so the conversation is both tender and giggly and so fun. Time stamps: 1:26 Becoming an actor 3:53 Creature acting 12:58 Confidence and self-expression 18:40 Intimacy coordination 24:02 Multifaceted talent 29:30 How Hollywood is changing, consumption habits + AI 33:37 Intimacy coordinator tips for every day relationships 37:25 Self advocacy 42:56 Dream roles, favorite creatures in film 44:52 Specializing vs generalizing in Hollywood 46:31 Fashion modeling Find me on socials!! linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first Friday content roundup!! We have a lot to discuss about this week on television. We will of course overview Alex Cooper's new reality dating show on Hulu, Love Overboard (actually wild). Also: this season so far on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, including my thoughts on Amanda Frances; and the new series (reboot) Ladies of London: The New Reign and their forced trauma bonding activity. We'll close discussing this season of Ryan Murphy's FX show, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette - I am getting into *all* my thoughts on the season and today's finale episode. Timestamps: 1:31 Love Overboard 6:54 Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 9:45 Ladies of London: The New Reign 14:38 Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Find me on socials!! www.linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're diving into the career, personal life, and lasting legacy of icon Farrah Fawcett. From her early career, to *that* poster, and from her professional pivot after one impatful season on Charlie's Angels. Plus, her relationships with Lee Majors, Ryan O'Neil, and the college boyfriend that reveal their rekindled romance after her passing. PLUS! Exciting news - Characters will now be coming out twice per week, Tuesdays and Fridays!! Find me on socials! https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Timestamps: 01:57 Early life 3:19 The iconic poster 4:27 Charlie's Angels 5:46 Career pivot: Extremities, grittier roles 8:21 Cancer diagnosis + documentary 9:35 Romantic relationships 13:25 Greg Lott vs Ryan O'Neil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holly Madison joins us for a candid conversation about life during and post her seven-year residency at the Playboy Mansion. From the complicated reality of the relationship she was in, to the impact of Girls Next Door on her life (despite not being paid for the show until season five)! Holly opens up about rebuilding her life in Las Vegas, as shared on her spin-off show, Holly's World. She looks back on the backlash to her opening up about the abusive nature of her relationship with Hugh Hefner, initially with her book, Down the Rabbit Hole, and later in the wake of his passing and the Me Too Movement. We reflect on friendships and other iconic women throughout Playboy history, and what it's meant to revisit these GND years through her own podcast, Girls Next Level. Find me on socials!! https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined today by content creator and screenwriter Tess Higgins! We're talking all things dating shows: from Bachelor/Bachelorette, the Goldens, to Love is Blind, Love Island, and even more. We're sharing our predictions for Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming Bachelorette season, plus what we think drove Bachelor Nation to this point of "desperation." You can find Tess Higgins on socials at @tessdhiggins If you're in Denver - I will be hosting watch parties for The Bachelorette! Details to come on social media asap. Find me on socials! The video version of this show is available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined today by legendary costume designer Mona May! She'a reflecting on the fashion of the iconic film Clueless - we're talking about sourcing and designing the outfits for Cher, Dionne, Tai and Amber; telling stories through costumes; and the impact of the film's fashion thirty years later. We're also speaking about her fabulous work in cult classic films like The House Bunny and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (among so many)! You can find Mona May online everywhere at @itsmonamay and her book The Fashion of Clueless is out now. Find me on socials! The video version of this show is only available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by content creator Kate Riccio for a friendly conversation all about reality television: the evolution from shows like Jersey Shore to Real Housewives, the landscape of performance on reality tv today, and cities we'd love to see on our screens. Plus, our takes on Real Housewives of Rhode Island, the "Housewives to prison" pipeline, the inclusion of bloggers in storylines, and more. You can find Kate at @ricciorecaps Find me on socials! The video version of this show is only available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Characters!! We are joined on our first episode by Pamela Des Barres, "the world's most famous groupie," for a conversation about her legendary rock and roll memoir, I'm With The Band. Originally published in 1987, I'm With The Band chronicles Pamela's time in the 1960s as a member of the GTOs; friendships and romantic relationships with rockstars like Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Gram Parsons, Frank Zappa, Robert Plant, and more; and firsthand experience of music history being created. Find me on socials! The video version of this show is only available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new show by Laura Diez, on the characters we love to consume. Exploring the portrayals of real people on reality tv, fictionalized women that stay in our memories, and pop culture legends. Characters premieres February 17, 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're comparing passenger train travel between the US and Europe: why does Europe do rail so well? We're overviewing a handful of regional and intercity routes that do train travel well, and pointing out what American communities could learn from - investments, political will, high-speed rail, and much more. We're also discussing scenic routes and trains as part of the trip, rather than simply a means of transportation. I share the triumphant, community-advocated-for Winter Park Express, from Denver, CO to a nearby ski resort. Episodes to revisit: The Death of the Third Place Urban Revitalization + Sustainable Development | Alan Sneider Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virginia Chamlee is an artist, writer, and author of the best-selling book, Big Thrift Energy. She joins us for a conversation on finding your personal style, the best tips for shopping secondhand for furniture and unique homewares, and curating a home that feels truly *you*. Find Virginia on TikTok @virginiachamlee and Instagram @vchamlee Thanks to our sponsor! Get started at $1.49 per meal at EveryPlate.com/podcast and use code 49EcoChic Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Katie Gatti of Money With Katie, financial literacy blogger, podcast superstar, and one my favorite people on the internet!! We are discussing today what Katie calls "the hot girl hamster wheel" - the never-ending beauty maintenance that women often feel financially and socially committed to. Today's conversation explores beauty consumerism, female-targeted marketing, and what it means to reject the norms we've never collectively considered optional. Truly one of my favorite conversations we've ever had on this show!! Find Katie on MoneyWithKatie.com, The Money with Katie Show, and her new show, Bossy Read Jessica DeFino's new column, Ask Ugly in The Guardian Thanks to our sponsor! LumeDeodorant.com with code ECOCHIC Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're rewinding on one of our most buzzy topics: fast furniture. When did we start thinking of furniture as disposable? Today we're discussing the under-exaggerated problem of fast furniture: cheap, low quality, and mass-produced pieces designed to be dumped. We're breaking down (ha) two iconic fast furniture items, and exploring tips for your next point-of-purchase furniture decision. More for you: Ep 196: Creating Thoughtful Spaces | Amanda Gunawan, OWIU Designs ‘Fast Furniture’ Is Cheap. And Americans Are Throwing It in the Trash. (NY Times) Fast furniture: what’s wrong with it and 7 ways to make better choices (for you and the planet) (Heidi Bischoff, 2019) Ikea keeps price of popular Billy Bookcase the cheapest in Euro zone (Independent UK) Thanks to our sponsor today! EveryPlate.com/podcast and use code 49ecochic Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Shannon McNamara of Fluenty Forward for today's profiling of Les Wexner: the billionaire businessman behind *all* the mall brands. Wexner is credited with mainstreaming fast fashion marketing techniques, and targeted consumers through his ownership and acquisition of brands like The Limited, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch, and many, many more. Wexner also was the primary billionaire client of Jeffrey Epstein, with the Victoria's Secret brand playing a major role in Epstein's story. Wexner is the longest serving CEO of a Fortune 500 company, with 57 years upon his retirement. Today's conversation explores the advent of fast fashion marketing, as well as Wexner and L Brands' impact on the culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. Thanks to our sponsor! JustThriveHealth.com/ECOCHIC or use code ECOCHIC for 20% off your 90 day supply - try the probiotic and Just Calm!! Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final episode for 2023, we're reflecting on the "ins" and "outs" for the year: the themes we hope continue strong and those we're happy to see go! Reflecting on how our conversations have shifted this year around conscious consumption, personal climate action, and mental health, today's conversation hopes to refresh and reset as we enter the new year, eco chic. For episode recaps of the year's most loved, most viral eps: EC Wrapped: Best of 2023 The Death of the Third Place And mentioned: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance is bad for the planet. Couple burns a whopping $70,779 jet fuel in the last three months (Economic Times) Thanks to our sponsor! JustThriveHealth.com/ECOCHIC or use code ECOCHIC for 20% off your 90 day supply - try the probiotic and Just Calm!! Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world's biggest climate change conference recently wrapped, and we're excited to speak today about the successes of the historic two weeks! We're joined by Charly Frisk, Director of Climate Action at Time for Better, to discuss the on-the-ground energy in Dubai, the outcomes, and how mainstream media can continue community building around historically exclusive climate events. Thanks to our sponsor! JustThriveHealth.com/ECOCHIC or use code ECOCHIC for 20% off your 90 day supply - try the probiotic and Just Calm!! Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is everyone healing their gut? Tina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Just Thrive, joins us to talk all things gut health: from Big Pharma to modern agriculture. Today’s conversation explores connections from the gut to chronic disease, our moods, and cognitive health. We’re discussing the science behind spore-based probiotics, and how natural remedies and modern medicine can go hand-in-hand for holistic healing. Visit justhrivehealth.com with promo code ECOCHIC for 20% off - try the Probiotic and I also love Just Calm!!  Babbel - get 55% off your Babbel subscription - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is less common that ever to be a "regular" - which feels so good to be, because it means you're a stable fixture in a community. If your home and workplace are your first and second places, respectively, what can you call your third place? Today, we're discussing some of the reasons we've seen a rapid decline in third places (is it social media? affordability? the suburban dream??) and better understanding their value in social sustainability. For more: The Power of Walkable Cities Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data time - we’re revisiting some of our most shared, most loved, + most viral conversations from the year! 2023 was such a special year of growth, learning, + reflection. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to engage in these!!  Total Ethics Fashion | Emma Hakansson, Collective Fashion Justice Imperfect Environmentalism | Megan McSherry Urban Revitalization + Sustainable Development | Alan Sneider We’re Finally De-Influencing Green Jobs + DEI in Sustainability | Kristy Drutman, Brown Girl Green, Green Jobs Board Everything About the Western Water Crisis, with WesternWaterGirl | Teal Lehto Finding Community, Plastics Policy, + Sustainable Storytelling | Lauren Bash Thanks to our sponsor today!! CarawayHome.com/ECO for up to 20% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Black Friday episode this year is an opportunity for us to indulge in pop culture - we're discussing how some mega-celebrities have made sustainability such a central part of their platforms. It's like a new take on the tabloid classic series, "Celebs, They're Just Like Us!" - we all care about the planet, and it's so cool to see people platforming causes they're passionate about. We're overviewing icons like Jane Fonda and Pamela Anderson, and hopefully giving you an opportunity to loop your environmental activism into pop culture conversations throughout the season. Also check out: Conscious, Creative Gift Guide Thanks to our sponsor today! YouCanBeam.com/ECOCHIC for 10% sitewide Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Green jobs are a huge discussion already on the presidential campaign trial - and young people have never been more motivated to secure a job ensure a climate-positive future. We're breaking down what a green job even is, and why we want to invest in them. We're also overviewing the American Climate Corps, a green job training program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aimed at upskilling 20,000 young people in its first round. More episodes on green jobs: Green Jobs + DEI in Sustainability | Kristy Drutman, Brown Girl Green, Green Jobs Board Crafting Climate Careers | Yesh Pavlik Slenk, Environmental Defense Fund Resources: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Launches American Climate Corps to Train Young People in Clean Energy, Conservation, and Climate Resilience Skills, Create Good-Paying Jobs and Tackle the Climate Crisis Thanks to our sponsors today!! CarawayHome.com/ECO Babbel.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Without even realizing, sustainability can quickly slip from our priority list around the holidays. We're walking through some frameworks to consume more consciously throughout the season, and walking through my sustainable gift guide: from experience-based giving, to thoughtful physical gifts. This episode will hopefully allow us to go into this season, typically overflowing with hyper-consumption, with clear ideas and values driving those purchases. Leave me a voicemail about your sustainable holiday tips and traditions!!! SpeakPipe.com/EcoChic Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think of fast fashion, we probably think of the online mega-retailers (cough cough, SHEIN). Fast fashion has become such a norm of consumption that we sometimes fail to recognize brands that are employing the same techniques, ignoring the ethical and environmental wrongdoings, to produce obscene amounts and turnover inventory quicker than ever before. Today we're exposing some "secretly" fast fashion brands - places we may shop because we're more comfortable than the brands we associate with hyperconsumption, but that we may not realize are competing with such at the best of their abilities. More eps for you: The True Cost of Free Shipping and Returns Total Ethics Fashion | Emma Hakansson, Collective Fashion Justice 5 Ways to Spot Fast Fashion Thanks to our sponsor today! FactorMeals.com/ecochic50 Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress and comedian Cheryl Hines joins us to share her personal sustainability journey: from humble Florida childhood to stretching every dollar as an aspiring entertainer, sustainability was an unconscious way of life. She shares with us her new brand, Hines + Young, founded with her daughter Kat: an everyday luxury brand, plastic-free and all natural. We discuss how her awareness of environmental issues grew over time and how Hines + Young's partnership with the Waterkeeper Alliance is core to their grassroots, community-oriented brand philosophies. This episode was an absolute treat for me!! Thanks to our sponsors today! Carawayhome.com/ECO Babbel.com/EcoChic Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thrift queen is here!! Macy Eleni (of @blazedandglazed) is a content creator, internet personality, soon-to-be-published author, and the ultimate secondhand fashion superstar. Today we discuss her early exposures to the fashion industry (do you remember Teen Vogue University??), her thrift philosophies, and her upcoming book. We also discuss our qualms with online pressures of hyperconsumption and the ethical implications of "loving fashion." This conversation is chatty, full of laughter, so deeply honest, and bursting with tips not only to get you thrifting but also to reframe your relationship with the fashion space. Find Macy on TikTok, instagram, + YouTube Thanks to our sponsor today! YouCanBEAM.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's ep is peering into my inner thoughts on clean beauty - a topic I was once deeply passionate about, which now feels like a co-opt term that doesn't mean much. I've talking through my personal perspective on the clean beauty marketplace today, as well as why I feel consumers are drawn to purchase these products, even if they themselves aren't totally eco chic. While I am an advocate for sustainable brands, I'm dissolutioned with how many brands are claiming to be such. Greenwashing is alive and well, but we've also allowed ourselves to lean into marketing narratives around terms like "non-toxic" and "natural" that deserve more nuance. More on what I mentioned: The Kosas Mold Debacle Isn't as Wild as It Sounds (Allure) Does “Clean” Beauty Have A Mold Problem? (Refinery29) Fear of Preservatives? (Credo Beauty) Thanks to our sponsor today! TryFUM.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver English is a filmmaker, photographer, chef & food advocate. He serves as the co-founder and CEO of Common Table Creative, an impact-driven production & hospitality company. Prior to launching Common Table Creative, Oliver led his family company, The Olive Group’s, international restaurant development sector. Today, Oliver joins us for a discussion around how we gather, how we eat, and how our food systems can be fundamentally rethought to support regenerative, planet-conscious futures. Oliver shares stories from his childhood to Feeding Tomorrow, Common Table Creative's upcoming documentary on how education, healthcare, and policy intersect with our food systems. Today's conversation is deeply personal and inspires us to more often ask: where did my food come from? Thanks to our sponsor today! Babbel.com/ECOCHIC for 55% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no such thing as free ... not even two day shipping from Amazon. Today we're discussing a consumer norm we very often forget has environmental and supply chain impacts: free shipping and free returns. We discuss the immediate emissions and packaging waste, of course, but also textile waste - where do our return things truly go? Resources: TEDTalk by Arana Mehta, "Where do your online returns go?" Why ‘free’ shipping isn’t free (CNBC) Why your online returns may end up in landfill—and what can be done to fix it (Fast Company) The unsustainable cost of free returns (Vogue Business) Why fashion brands destroy billions’ worth of their own merchandise every year (Vox) Thanks to our sponsors today! FactorMeals.com/ecochic50 for 50% off CarawayHome.com/ECO for 10% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fall always feels like back-to-school season, no matter what age we're at - perfect time to get organized and learn something new. Today, we're overviewing five nonfiction books I'm excited to read this fall focused on climate, waste, outdoor recreation, and more. Most of the books mentioned on today's episode are very recently released and are receiving great reviews - I tend to gravitate towards memoirs and books with beautiful settings, so today's list reflects books I anticipate to be really engrossing! Also listen to: ECO CHIC Summer Reading List Climate Optimism | Zahra Biabani Thanks to our sponsor today!! TryFum.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are rewinding to a conversation with Dr. Samantha Montano all about disaster management, in response to our recent episode on the concept of disaster capitalism. We get into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about living with stronger hurricanes, tornados, heatwaves… and just how we can protect our communities. Dr. Montano and I discuss her interest in disaster recovery in New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina and the Levee Failure. Samantha educates of the phases of Disaster Management (and what can go right or wrong in each one!), and gaps in our current legal and political systems when it comes to actively preparing for and mitigating events that are often incorrectly referred to as ‘natural disasters.’ We also dig deeper into the mismanagement of the covid catastrophe response. This episode was originally published December 2021 under the title "Disasters Aren't Natural: Managing Catastrophes + The Climate Crisis. Dr. Montano is an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She is the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis published by Park Row. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Emergency Management from North Dakota State University.  Thanks to our sponsor today!! CarawayHome.com/ECO for 10% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We've heard that the most sustainable item is the one you already own - but when you *are* acquiring something, around here, we like to shop secondhand first. Even if you're a seasoned thrifter, there are plenty of areas we don't usually think of shopping secondhand. Today's episode will hopefully help us expand our mindsets around shopping pre-loved - from your home to your hobbies, whatever you want is almost certainly already circulating in the marketplace. Mentioned resources: ECO CHIC Ep: What is Fast Furniture? Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel Or Prada Sunglasses? They're All Made By This Obscure $9B Company (Forbes) Thanks to our sponsor today! Babbel.com/ECOCHIC for 55% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As recovery efforts are underway on the island of Maui, there's been more discussions around the threat of predatory real estate practices - unfortunately, this isn't the only way the rich and powerful can profit off a disaster. We're overviewing today the topic of disaster capitalism, a term coined by Naomi Klein referring to the very real exploitation around crises. We're also zooming in a bit to better understand disaster capitalism in practice through the case study of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We acknowledge that most recovery efforts, whatever the crisis, are in good faith - it's a few powerful actors that are taking advantage of a community in chaotic times. However, knowing that natural disasters are becoming more intense under climate change, we're familiarizing ourselves with how these potentially predatory practices that can pop up in any disaster. Resources mentioned: Help Maui Families (community fund and toolkit) ECO CHIC Episode 160: Disasters Aren't Natural: Managing Catastrophes + The Climate Crisis | Dr. Samanta Montano How White People Pushed Out Hawai'i's Monarchy (Teen Vogue) Naomi Klein: how power profits from disaster (The Guardian) Brad Pitt foundation agrees on $20.5m settlement to owners of faulty post-Katrina houses (The Guardian) Brad Pitt and the Bizarre Charity Mess That’s Left Katrina Victims Stranded Again (The Hollywood Reporter) Thanks to our sponsors!! TryFum.com/EcoChic for 10% off the Journey Pack HelloFresh.com/50ecochic for 50% off plus free shipping Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Patel is a powerful, eloquent, solutions-oriented environmental youth activist based in Los Angeles. At just 12 years old, he began a peer learning program aimed at solving food injustices within his community of South Central LA. He went on to found the first Mayor's Youth Climate Council, and serves currently on the Los Angeles County Youth Climate Commission. Kevin is Founder and Executive Director for the youth-led climate movement, OneUpAction International. Today we discuss his early exposure to activism and community building, and how he has quickly scaled solutions to support climate activists around the world, accelerating climate policy and platforming young leaders. Kevin recently graduated with his Bachelor's in Political Science and Government from Loyola Marymount University. Thanks to our sponsors! CarawayHome.com/ECO FactorMeals.com/EcoChic50 Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Bash is a sustainability content creator, storyteller, and producer. With a particular passion for advocacy around ocean conservation and plastics pollution, Lauren shares how she became involved with her local Surfrider chapter, and how she's become involved through that community in shaping legislation banning single-use plastics. Lauren shares about her family openly, and today shares a special, thoughtful tribute to her late father, whom we all loved as TikTok's Dad. Lauren shares actionable tips on finding community and being your most authentic self in your environmental advocacy. Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all *love* getting outdoors - but sometimes you don't have the time (or desire) to take a hike or spend the weekend camping. Today we're solo chatting about ideas for how to connect with nature when you're in a city - connecting with your community, supporting local, taking little walks into new or familiar neighborhoods... you'll leave with lots of ideas for tiny ways you can incorporate the outdoors into your summer. Thanks to our sponsor today! Babbel.com/EcoChic for 55% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carissa Cabrera is a marine biologist and content creator dedicated to connecting people with conservation! We sit down for a conversation on all things ocean: how she became a marine biologist, the links between the ocean and climate change, and the role of content creators in sharing solutions. Carissa also shares perspectives from her home in Hawaii on ethical conservation tourism and conservation entry points - experiences like snorkeling, or reef-safe sunscreen, or watching a sea turtle hatching that encourages *you* to care more about the environment at large. Find Carissa on TikTok @carissaandclimate + Instagram @carissaandclimate Find FutureSwell on Instagram at @FutureSwell Listen to FutureSwell's Sustainability & The Sea Podcast here on Apple Related episodes: Reef Safe Sunscreens: Are They Truly Better? Conscious Travel + EcoTourism | Sophia Toomb Thanks to our sponsors today! HelloFresh.com/EcoChic50 and use code EcoChic50 for 50% off + free shipping AirDoctorPro.com and use promo code EcoChic for up to 39% off or up to $300 off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jessica Clifton is a sustainable lifestyle content creator and public lands enthusiast (like me!). On this very chatty episode, we talk about our favorite National Parks and how Jess recommends folks begin participating in more outdoor recreation - we talk about camping, involving friends and family, and her favorite parts about spending a weekend outdoors. Jess hosts Eco Retreats, where she brings a group with her to spend a week in a National Park with the goal of connecting with themselves, others, and nature. We talk all about the impact and success of these retreats - she has a few spots left for one she's leading to Zion this fall! Learn more about Jess' Eco Retreats here. Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Thanks to our sponsor today! CarawayHome.com/ECO for 10% off Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attempting today to tackle the classic environmentalist debate: is plastic bad? We're going through a brief history of plastic - from its accidental discovery to the WW2 utility of polythene, to how it ended up in American households (plus: Tupperware parties' influence on modern feminism). We're then reviewing how single use plastics became so prevalent in our world, and what how we as consumers should react to their negative environmental impact. We also highlight microplastics, the value of recycling plastics (or not?), and single-use plastic ban policies. Thanks to our sponsor today! JoinCrowdHealth.com, code EcoChic Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the orange haze coating NYC this week, there's been a lot of discussion about the unusual wildfires on Canada's east coast - while communities in the west worry about wildfires year-round, climate is becoming more unpredictable, so it's time to normalize these conversations from coast to coast. Today's episode is your introduction to wildfires - how the start, why they start, and how we work to prevent them from becoming too destructive. You'll leave with a great basis to discuss current events and a deeper understanding of how every natural event is clearly tied to a warming planet. Thanks to our sponsors! CarawayHome.com/ECO for 10% off HelloFresh.com/EcoChic16 and code EcoChic16 for 16 free meals + free shipping Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Friend, content creator, and eco fashionista Megan McSherry (@acteevism ig / @acteevism tt) joins us today to discuss her slow fashion journey - including her data driven approach to closet audits (and why she's tracking her outfits every day this year!). Megan also opens up about her experience being diagnosed with Lyme disease, and how living with chronic illness influenced her sustainability habits and beliefs. We close discussing fashion policy she's excited to see gaining momentum across the US. Thanks to our sponsor today! JoinCrowdHealth.com and use code ECOCHIC Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Whether you're in a reading rut or just trying to add some environmental themes onto your TBR, today's episode definitely has you covered. We're discussing *lots* of books - fiction, non-fiction, and my personal favorite genre, memoirs. Themes include climate change, fashion, business, and personal growth... something for everyone picking their next read. More bookish episodes for you: Book Club with Jessica Clifton: Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy Book Club with Zahra Biabani: How to Avoid A Climate Disaster by Bill Gates Book Club with Morgan Cook: Consumed by Aja Barber Book Club with Kathleen Sheppard: Let My People Go Surfing by Yvon Chouinard Book Club with Sameera Polavarapu: Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer Influence, Book Deals + Individual Action with Ashlee Piper Thanks to our sponsor today! GreenChef.com/EcoChic60 + use code EcoChic60 for 60% off Check out Book of the Month here, first book is $5 - not an ad! Just something I mentioned and love receiving each month! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Alán Sneider is the Director of Impact for Primestor Development, a socially conscious urban real estate firm, keenly focused on equitable, sustainable, community-driven revitalization. Through the lens of Los Angeles, Alán discusses the value of public transportation - how it's currently organized, and the opportunity to massively rethink it. We learn about redlining, and how it has continued to impact communities despite no longer being formally enforced by government. We also discuss green spaces, food deserts, and successful community engagement. We close with our reflections on what it means to be a truly sustainable community. Alán Sneider earned a graduate certificate in Sustainable Cities and Communities from Harvard Extension School. He earned his M.S. in Sustainability Management from Columbia University. Alán also earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in real estate from the University of Southern California Marshall School of Business. Links for you: The Lasting Legacy Of Redlining (Ryan Best and Elena Mejia; FiveThirtyEight) Opinion: Want to tear down insidious monuments to racism and segregation? Bulldoze L.A. freeways (Matthew Fleischer, LA Times) California’s History of Poor Public Transit Affects the Working Class (Santa Clara University Journalism) Thanks to our sponsor today! GreenChef.com/EcoChic60 + use code EcoChic60 for 60% off Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Sophia Toomb (@sophiaxverde) joins us to discuss all things sustainable travel, an often hush-hush activity in the world of environmentalism. Sophia gives actionable tips and reflections for planning a conscious travel experience, from where you're staying to the activities you're choosing while at your destination. We also get into some controversial topics, like voluntourism, Airbnb, and corporate give-back programs. Today's conversation is chatty, funny, and full of immediately helpful guidance on how to become a more ethical, environmentally-focused travel. Find Sophia on TikTok @sophiaxverde and Instagram @sophiaxverde. Listen to Sophia on our episode 166: Sustainable Weddings: Chic Chats. Thanks to our sponsor today! CarawayHome.com/ECO or use code ECO for 10% off Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With warmer months upon us, we're discussing a hot topic in the marine sustainability space: reef safe sunscreens. We're overviewing the 'why' behind these products, and what motivates cities to enact policies supporting these SPFs, plus what to look for when you're making a purchase. We're also discussing some of the controversy surrounding these products... spoiler alert: companies love greenwashing tactics! More on reef safe sunscreens: Your Guide to Reef Safe Sunscreens (Surf Rider Foundation) The Truth About 'Reef Safe' Sunscreens (Consumer Reports) Opinion | Is Your Sunscreen Poisoning the Ocean? (New York Times) Thanks to our sponsors today! AirDoctorPro.com/EcoChic for up to 39% off or $300 off peacecoffee.com promo code ECOCHIC40 for 40% + free shipping! Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Happy Earth Day! We're walking through 5 tips on how to elevate your sustainable habits - if you're already living an eco-conscious lifestyle, today's episode will help you level up those hobbies and routines. Whatever your inclinations may be, this episode aims to support you in how you travel, eat, shop, learn ... and everything else. Thanks to our sponsor today! GreenChef.com/EcoChic60 and use code EcoChic60 for 60% off Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Zahra Biabani joins us (again!) for a conversation around her first book, Climate Optimism: Climate Wins and Creating Systemic Change Around the World. We discuss biases around climate that lead to doomism, Global South innovations, and how individuals can influence systemic change. Zahra is a youth climate activist, entrepreneur, and influencer. She is the CEO and Founder of In the Loop AI (which she discuss on this episode of ECO CHIC!) Order Zahra's first book Climate Optimism here! Thanks to our sponsors today! CarawayHome.com/ECO or use code ECO for 10% off peacecoffee.com promo code ECOCHIC40 Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices