Episode 13

Our Mother (Earth)

Episode 13: Embracing Earth's Embrace

Welcome to The Mirror Project!

Welcome back to The Mirror Project! I'm Christine, and I'm Alexandra, and we're thrilled to have you join us for a conversation that's near and dear to our hearts: our precious Mother Earth. With Earth Day just around the corner on April 22nd, it's the perfect time to turn our focus to environmentalism and sustainability. So, let's roll up our sleeves and delve into this vital discussion. Are you ready? Let's dive in!

Stay Connected

Before we delve into today's discussion, make sure to like, subscribe, or follow us on your preferred listening platform. Take a moment to do it now – we'll be waiting for you!

Our Journeys

Let's kick things off by addressing the million-dollar question: What sparked our interest in environmental causes and sustainability? It's a journey we've both embarked on, seemingly for a lifetime, and we're eager to delve deeper into our experiences. As we navigate our environmental journey, we pause to reminisce on standout moments that shaped our perspectives. From encounters with the Great Pacific Garbage Patch to unforgettable memories, we share personal anecdotes that fueled our passion for sustainability.

Groups, Movements, & People

Let's shine a spotlight on the environmental movements and individuals making waves. From zero waste initiatives to the inspiring innovations that Sam Bentley (@sambentley) shares from various innovators, we explore what resonates with us. In a world rife with blame, we advocate for a shift towards solutions. What do we want to see less of in the environmental discourse, and how can we channel our energies towards constructive action? Building on our vision for a sustainable future, we envision the changes and initiatives we'd love to witness in the environmental movement. What positive developments do we hope to see more of, and how can we contribute to their realization?

Engage with Us on Socials

Want more engaging content and behind-the-scenes fun? Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Join the conversation and be part of our community!

Our Individual Aims for the Next Year

As we chart our course for the year ahead, we hone in on one or two key environmental focuses. What specific goals do we each aim to prioritize in our personal sustainability journeys? Embracing change often requires sacrificing old habits or behaviors. What are we willing to give up or modify to align with our environmental values? It's a crucial step towards creating meaningful impact. Accountability is key to driving progress. We explore strategies to hold ourselves, as well as our friends and family, accountable to environmental causes. How can we foster awareness and action within our inner circles?

Closing Thoughts

As we wrap up today's conversation, it's clear that our exploration of environmentalism has only just begun. We'd love to hear from you – what topics did we miss, and who or what inspires you in the environmental movement? Share your stories and insights by commenting on this episode's post or sending us a DM. Join us next week as we embark on a journey to explore new and familiar landscapes. Until then, stay curious and environmentally conscious, friends!

Support Our Journey

If you're enjoying our discussions, consider supporting us through our Buy Us a Coffee. Every contribution helps us continue creating content we're passionate about. Find the link in our show notes or visit our Linktr.ee.

Join Us Next Time  

Before we sign off, make sure to like, subscribe, or follow us on your preferred listening platform. We'll catch you next time for another engaging episode of The Mirror Project! Until then, take care and keep the conversation going!

Transcript
Christine:

Hello and welcome to the Mirror Project.

2

:

We are your hosts, Christine,

3

:

Alexandra: And Alexandra.

4

:

Christine: and we are so

glad you are joining us.

5

:

Today, we're diving deep into

a topic close to our hearts,

6

:

our beloved Mother Earth.

7

:

As we gear up for Earth Day, day on April

22nd, we're turning our attention to

8

:

environmental concerns and sustainability.

9

:

So buckle up because we're about

to embark on an insightful journey.

10

:

Let's dive into this important

discussion and unpack the issues at hand.

11

:

Alexandra: Before we dive in today's

topic, like, subscribe, or follow us

12

:

on your preferred listening platform.

13

:

Go ahead, pause, and do

it now before you forget.

14

:

Don't worry, we won't

get started without you.

15

:

Christine: All righty.

16

:

So Alexandra, why don't you kick us

off and share with us what piqued

17

:

your interest in this topic and these

18

:

Alexandra: Hmm.

19

:

So I kind of remember it being

always a part of my life.

20

:

I grew up in Southern California

where there was a lot of environmental

21

:

consciousness, I would say.

22

:

And I remember doing, if it was like a

canal cleanup with my dad and his company

23

:

when I was really small, but I would say

it really came to about in high school.

24

:

My AP World History teacher had shared

information about a group called

25

:

the Surfrider Foundation and I got

involved in the local chapter there

26

:

in Huntington Beach and I loved it

because we got to clean up some beaches

27

:

because there was so much So much waste.

28

:

I mean, cigarette butts,

needles, all the things.

29

:

So it was really cool

to be part of a group.

30

:

And they also talked about things like

collecting rainwater and rain barrels.

31

:

And so there was a lot of

definitely that influence on

32

:

my life in Southern California.

33

:

And in high school, there's a

huge ordinance in, I think Orange

34

:

County that was banned the bag.

35

:

So.

36

:

We weren't allowed to get plastic

bags at markets or anything.

37

:

So if you did, I think they charged

you like 10 cents or something a piece

38

:

until it was really almost habit.

39

:

And for people to bring

their reusable shopping bags.

40

:

So that was really cool.

41

:

And then I think when I was starting

to go off into college is when I heard

42

:

more about the zero waste movement.

43

:

And I, That was so cool to me.

44

:

I was like, this is so awesome that

people are like trying to live their

45

:

life without plastic because like how

dependent is our life on convenience

46

:

and a lot of that comes with plastic.

47

:

So I think that's where

I really got my start.

48

:

But you know, I just, I love

the planet that we live on

49

:

and want to take care of it.

50

:

So I think that's always been

near and dear to my heart.

51

:

What about you, Christine?

52

:

How did you get started?

53

:

Christine: well, thinking back I

think, you know, the ways in which

54

:

I first got involved really started.

55

:

I was a Girl Scout growing up.

56

:

I went through the whole thing.

57

:

I got my gold award, which

is the highest award that you

58

:

can receive as a Girl Scout.

59

:

And, you know, I think back fondly

on my time with that organization and

60

:

with the group, my, my troop and we

did so many fun and different things.

61

:

And as you were talking about your, what

you got involved with It made me remember

62

:

different beach initiatives we helped

with when I was a Girl Scout and one

63

:

in particular was protecting, it was an

initiative to protect our beaches because

64

:

I think about the first time I, I went

out to California with you and seeing,

65

:

I've never, that was my first time on the

West Coast and seeing the beaches you have

66

:

out there and I kid you not, I looked at

where the land ended and the, and the,

67

:

the ocean started and looking at that

beach and I was like, that's a mile long.

68

:

Because.

69

:

Alexandra: Can you imagine

what it was like for me to

70

:

go to New Jersey and go, what

71

:

Christine: beach?

72

:

Alexandra: it's the

73

:

Christine: I know.

74

:

Alexandra: then the whole thing of paying

to get onto the beach was just a wild.

75

:

Christine: Yeah.

76

:

Yeah.

77

:

Welcome to New Jersey.

78

:

There are, there are maybe two beaches

in New Jersey where you don't have

79

:

to pay to get on the beach, but

you, you, they get you elsewhere.

80

:

I think you have to pay like

a million dollars to park near

81

:

the beach or whatever, but yeah.

82

:

Alexandra: paid for parking at the beaches

in California and it was different between

83

:

city or state beach, but you know, Hey,

if you could park far away and walk.

84

:

You did.

85

:

Christine: and yes, a similar case

here because well, New Jersey.

86

:

We're a smaller state.

87

:

It's, it's hard to get

a prime parking spot.

88

:

Luckily you don't have to

park at least in the beaches.

89

:

I grew up going to, but the beaches here

in New Jersey are like not even, they're

90

:

less than half the size of the beach I

saw at, in California in Huntington beach.

91

:

I was like, Oh my God, I, I like my

beach because I won't be exhausted

92

:

by the time I get out there and,

you know, just going to the beach.

93

:

A little bit of a tangent going to the

beach is already such a production like

94

:

you got to bring all your stuff and you

got to make sure you have a lunch or

95

:

snacks or because you're essentially

moving out onto the beach for the day.

96

:

Anyway, I digress.

97

:

thinking About the beach initiative

we got involved in, which was

98

:

because our beaches are small.

99

:

Where we, we want to try and protect our

beaches from erosion, essentially from

100

:

the ocean, and I remember fondly going

out and planting seagrasses into dunes,

101

:

because another thing, because the beaches

are so short here in New Jersey, we build

102

:

up dunes to protect the land, you know.

103

:

They're an okay first line of defense,

but, you know, things still happen.

104

:

I think back to her, to her yeah,

Superstorm Sandy, which I don't know

105

:

why they downgraded it from a hurricane

because that's essentially what it

106

:

was, but we call it Superstorm Sandy.

107

:

So that's sort of my first one of

the first memories that came to

108

:

mind when we first started shooting.

109

:

Talking about this and a lot of what sort

of spurred my interest in environmentalism

110

:

and learning how we can take care of our

Earth better really did start with the

111

:

beach for me because I love, as I was just

talking about, I love going to the beach.

112

:

It's one of my favorite places to

be and I agree, I want to take care

113

:

of our Earth because If we take

care of her, she'll take care of us.

114

:

So that's where,

115

:

Alexandra: Can I add one more story

to you know, we, we both talked

116

:

to Beach about the beach, but my

grandfather used to have a house up

117

:

in Lake Tahoe on the California side.

118

:

Cause it splits Nevada and California.

119

:

Yeah.

120

:

And.

121

:

Until we just got talking, I

really didn't think of it as, Oh,

122

:

this is an environmental thing.

123

:

But I remember learning

Southern California.

124

:

Like there was, I feel like there

was constantly a drought when I, when

125

:

I grew up we had like El Ninos and

then there was the Santa Ana winds.

126

:

So it was very dry and windy.

127

:

And like during, I guess, for lack

of a better term, fire season,

128

:

like, air would get kind of ashy

and clouded and hard to breathe.

129

:

But going up to the mountains,

something very common, I feel

130

:

like in Southern California was

the idea of Smokey the Bear.

131

:

And he talked about fire

safety and wildfire.

132

:

And now that I'm thinking about

it, I'm like, oh, that's not super

133

:

environmental, but it kind of is, right?

134

:

Because it's how We as humans behave

and what we can do to not accidentally

135

:

cause wildfires and, you know, like

fully putting out your cigarette butts

136

:

and properly disposing of them or don't

leaving fires unattended and it makes

137

:

me think of, I don't remember when it

was, but maybe during COVID, do you,

138

:

do you remember seeing that couple that

was in California and doing one of those

139

:

gender reveal parties and it set off a

smoke thing and it ended up catching fire

140

:

and, um, it got picked up.

141

:

Yeah, it got so big.

142

:

I think there was a couple

like property destruction.

143

:

I don't know if people were

hurt, but it was, it was massive.

144

:

And I was like, seriously, I feel

like that was the silliest thing

145

:

to do in Southern California

with all of that messaging from

146

:

childhood, you know, drilled into us.

147

:

So

148

:

that made me think of

149

:

Christine: yeah.

150

:

Well, to your point, like I noticed now.

151

:

When I checked the weather every

day, especially when we get into the

152

:

summer and it gets drier, you know,

they're constantly telling you when

153

:

to not, and when to not light a fire

because of the wind or how dry it is.

154

:

Like brush fires are so damaging.

155

:

Like there, it really takes no time at

all to have a devastating fire catch.

156

:

to your point about education, for

me growing up, like you growing up in

157

:

Southern California, Smokey the Bear, I

remember growing up here in New Jersey

158

:

not so much when it comes to wildfires,

but at least in the school I grew up

159

:

going to, like, education around recycling

was really big and Learning what, what

160

:

recycling is and what those numbers mean

on the bottom of, of your, your plastic

161

:

tin or containers and things like that.

162

:

And, As I've gotten older, learning,

learning how misleading that all had,

163

:

had been at one point, and I don't know

about you, but it certainly was a little

164

:

discouraging for me, but it impacted, it

has impacted how I look at moving through

165

:

the world going forward talking about

the plastic bag initiatives that you had

166

:

in place when you were a kid growing up.

167

:

That hasn't hit New Jersey

until a year or two ago.

168

:

Like there are now no plastic bags here

in New Jersey, but I, you know, whenever

169

:

I order, order in food, I, https: otter.

170

:

ai

171

:

Alexandra: hmm.

172

:

Mm

173

:

Christine: I try not to feel super guilty

about all of the plastic containers,

174

:

takeout containers I, I now get and

I try and hang on to a couple of them

175

:

just to re, reuse them or, or recycle

them properly, but it, certainly

176

:

has opened my eyes a lot, diving in

more, learning more about what it

177

:

means to recycle, what, what lies the

government has shared about recycling.

178

:

And then too, also thinking, you know,

there's many around the, around the

179

:

world, but in the last, I'd want to

say, five years learning about the

180

:

great the great Pacific garbage patch

off the coast of California and just

181

:

Alexandra: Mm hmm.

182

:

Christine: how at times that has

made me feel a little hopeless.

183

:

But then I read about these wonderful

organizations like the ocean cleanup

184

:

initiative who are like pushing every

day to clean up the mess we have made.

185

:

And that just makes me want to

focus on like, okay, how do I not

186

:

keep contributing to this issue?

187

:

How do I make the small changes?

188

:

Alexandra: Definitely.

189

:

Christine: think that's where

I sort of find myself today.

190

:

And I, I love that we're talking

about this because I think we

191

:

need to talk about it more.

192

:

Alexandra: Yeah.

193

:

I

194

:

say, I definitely think that this is

something that should be a recurring

195

:

topic here in this space, because I

would love to hear from our listeners,

196

:

like what they're interested in.

197

:

And, or, or if today we miss something

that they want to hear about, that we

198

:

can kind of connect with other people.

199

:

And as you, as you said earlier,

start to make the changes.

200

:

With ourselves to start with, you

know, it's like a, it's a step forward.

201

:

But yeah, so Christy, where are you

in your journey today with this?

202

:

Like, what are, what's up with you?

203

:

What are you doing?

204

:

Christine: well, I think, you know,

I'm going to make this disclaimer.

205

:

I know, I don't know nearly enough

about this issue, so I want to

206

:

continue to learn more about it.

207

:

I certainly try to make

those small changes.

208

:

I have my reusable bags with me

whenever I go to the grocery store.

209

:

I've tried to eliminate plastic as

much as I can from my day to day.

210

:

Like, even when I'm like in the kitchen

cooking, storing things, I'd rather have

211

:

like glass containers things that'll,

you know, have a longer life And like

212

:

carrying around my, my water bottle rather

I think about, you know, every time I

213

:

go, every time I go out to eat, I'm happy

that people have made the swift, the

214

:

switch from plastic straws to a different,

more environmentally conscious one.

215

:

I hate the paper ones, but

216

:

Alexandra: fact, those are

actually not super environmentally

217

:

Christine: is it because

they're covered in like a their

218

:

Alexandra: So they are not recyclable.

219

:

Yeah.

220

:

And they're not great.

221

:

So,

222

:

you know, metal or

223

:

silicone or

224

:

Christine: No,

225

:

not

226

:

Alexandra: think the paper part might,

but the, the coating is the problem.

227

:

So I think like things

like glass or metal,

228

:

I think I've seen bamboo straws, silicone.

229

:

Christine: and then I think even

like straws that you can straws

230

:

that you can now get at Starbucks I

could be mistaken, but they might be

231

:

made with biodegradable materials.

232

:

Like it's not, it's not a paper one.

233

:

But you know those are

small little changes.

234

:

And then sometimes I even just opt out.

235

:

I don't need a straw at all.

236

:

Anyway, so those are some, those

are some little changes I focus on.

237

:

That's where I find myself today.

238

:

But what about you, Alexandra?

239

:

Alexandra: Oh, wow.

240

:

Okay.

241

:

So like, Christine, I don't know

nearly as much as I would love to know.

242

:

And I am not a hundred percent

perfect at any of this.

243

:

And I think I kind of get into that

guilt cycle of like, Oh, I didn't

244

:

do this one thing this one time.

245

:

So I ended up with a plastic cup from

Starbucks and straw and like, Oh shoot.

246

:

You know, so kind of

going, Hey, you know what?

247

:

Once in a while, not the biggest

deal in the world, just every day.

248

:

And I think part of it too is feeling

comfortable being the person that people

249

:

will kind of like give a weird look to

when you come up with your own cup, which

250

:

is getting more and more common now.

251

:

But I still feel like There's

times where people like, what?

252

:

And, and like, I'd love to feel confident

and comfortable bringing my own containers

253

:

into the grocery store to, to pick out

like deli meats instead of getting it in

254

:

the plastic bag, kind of just doing that.

255

:

So that is something I want to

work on and where I'm currently at

256

:

is that I really want to do this

and I'm dedicated to doing it.

257

:

But Not feeling comfortable or confident

doing it because it's so weird It's so

258

:

out of the thing and that has more to do

with my own, you know, my own shit but One

259

:

thing I do love is I hate plastic utensils

and stuff Like I just dislike them, but

260

:

I I think I want to get another set.

261

:

I have a set of reusable silverware

So I have one in my lunch bag that I

262

:

bring to and from work and it's got

a set of chopsticks, two different

263

:

straws, like a straight and a angled

one fork, spoon, and oh, straw cleaner.

264

:

So I'd love to get another

one and it comes in this nice

265

:

handy dandy pouch that zips.

266

:

And so sometimes when I don't have

my reusable coffee cup with me, if

267

:

I go across the street from work to

pick up a coffee and it's an iced

268

:

drink, I'll get the plastic because

I believe those are typically more

269

:

recyclable than the, you can't recycle

the paper cups from hot coffee.

270

:

And I'll, I'll come back to work and

they're like, Oh, do you want a straw?

271

:

I'm like, no, no, I've

I've got one at work.

272

:

I'm good.

273

:

I'll use my middle straw there.

274

:

And I'm the weird person that I don't

actually, I don't want to say I'm weird.

275

:

I'm I'm the person who thinks.

276

:

And when I finished a drink or something,

I try to rinse out the paper cups.

277

:

Either the paper cup part and the

plastic lid or all the plastic and

278

:

actually properly separate like

the plastic lids into the recycling

279

:

and the paper into the trash.

280

:

But yeah, it's, it's really, I

think part of it is realizing

281

:

that it's not going to be easy.

282

:

And that's where I've been for a while.

283

:

Like I think I'm like, Oh,

let me make the switch.

284

:

It'll be easy, but like, no, it

takes forethought and planning.

285

:

And so.

286

:

Really trying to think about

that for thought and planning,

287

:

I think is where I'm at.

288

:

So trying to have stuff in my car, like

I've got all my reusable bags, but maybe I

289

:

should build up a car travel kit for like

a collapsible coffee mug that's silicone.

290

:

So like, hey, if I'm on the road,

I can use that instead of, you

291

:

know, having to take a paper cup.

292

:

Christine: Yeah, I think

that's, I think that's great.

293

:

And to your point that you made

about trying to not feel guilty

294

:

and like that it's okay every once

in a while, you're not perfect.

295

:

I think that's a great point because

it, when that does happen, it's just

296

:

a reminder for you, but it shows,

that you're conscious of it, right?

297

:

I think a lot of people just existing

today, not really thinking about

298

:

how they're, how they're impacting

the world around them in a myriad of

299

:

ways, but especially our environment.

300

:

And I think that's, you and I are

aligned there because every time.

301

:

I too, you know, end up with a

takeout container or the plastic

302

:

cup from Starbucks or whatever.

303

:

I think about it and I think

that's, that right there is a big

304

:

first step because I don't think

a lot of people think about this.

305

:

Alexandra: no, and it's almost like I'm

to the point where I would rather have

306

:

the plastic cup or container from takeaway

food than the, the paper ones or the,

307

:

the theoretically more environmental,

because at least if the plastic gets to

308

:

a recycling plant, like I know it will

be, can be recycled versus the ones

309

:

with the, the paper with the lining,

the coating that can't be recycled.

310

:

Or so it is, it's very

interesting to see that shift.

311

:

It's like, okay, if there's

going to be plastic.

312

:

What kind of plastic kind of stuff so

313

:

Christine: We didn't

even touch on styrofoam.

314

:

Alexandra: God styrofoam needs to go

315

:

Christine: Yeah.

316

:

Alexandra: But like you said sometimes it

is so big and it feels kind of hopeless

317

:

But then you know read stories and hear

things and go, okay, I can do this one

318

:

small piece or there is big There are

people thinking and innovating new ways

319

:

to use that trash in different ways.

320

:

Christine: Yeah, exactly.

321

:

Alexandra: I feel like that's a perfect

segue into our next section where we

322

:

want to kind of delve into the groups

and movements and people that we've

323

:

seen in the sphere that we like.

324

:

So Christine, is there anything,

you know, movement wise or people

325

:

that you follow like, and love to

326

:

Christine: Yeah.

327

:

So I think you, you're going

to bring it up in a moment.

328

:

So I won't, I won't bring that

up because you, you shared a lot

329

:

of his, his content with me.

330

:

But anyway, I'll leave it

for Alexandra to share.

331

:

But I mentioned it a little while

ago, the ocean cleanup organization.

332

:

I when I started first diving

into learning more about the issue

333

:

of the plastic in our oceans and

the great Pacific garbage patch

334

:

and microplastics and just, ooh,

went down a rabbit hole there.

335

:

But the organization that I really

Learned a lot about and came to really

336

:

have a lot of respect for and have

been following over the last couple of

337

:

years is the ocean cleanup and seeing

the work that they do and the, and

338

:

the inventions they've come up with

to capture, not just the big pieces of

339

:

plastic that are floating out in our

oceans and in rivers that end up dumping

340

:

in the ocean, but the microplastic.

341

:

And.

342

:

Alexandra: And I think there's even

a smaller category now, nanoplastics.

343

:

And yeah, in that wild

344

:

Christine: That is so wild.

345

:

I mean, there's plastic

in our bodies right now.

346

:

It's in our drinking water.

347

:

It's on the tops of mountains

because it's so small that it

348

:

evaporates and then comes down.

349

:

Like, it's, it's a, it's a lot.

350

:

try

351

:

Alexandra: could, I could audibly and

visually see Christine hold, hold it back.

352

:

Christine: Oh my gosh.

353

:

So that's, that's one

I, I have come to mind.

354

:

But how about, how about you, Alexandra?

355

:

What are some?

356

:

Organizations are people.

357

:

Alexandra: okay, so.

358

:

Before I talk about the one that

Christine had hinted at I think one of

359

:

the things that I really was excited

about was the zero waste movement

360

:

that I learned about kind of before

I went into college around:

361

:

And I remember, cannot remember the

woman's name, but she had the I think

362

:

her handle is Trashes for Tossers and I

remember seeing a late night interview

363

:

with her on the television and, and

it kind of opened my world to the

364

:

idea of like all of her garbage for a

year fit in a mason jar kind of thing.

365

:

And I thought that was really cool

and I started delving more into

366

:

zero waste products like toothpaste

and deodorant and that kind of

367

:

led me to more of like thinking

about how I live my life with more

368

:

natural for lack of a better

word, but things that come

369

:

more directly from the earth.

370

:

In terms of products, skincare, and

by the way, I am by no means perfect.

371

:

I was a major Sephora aholic in

college, as Christine can attest to.

372

:

We both love to spend

time in the makeup aisle.

373

:

Christine: we

374

:

Alexandra: And I think I got distracted

by the, the asceticism that seemed to

375

:

come with people who were zero waste

minded, and realizing, That that is

376

:

a very specific group of people who

can do that and if you can do that

377

:

that's awesome and like have that very

like all your trash in a single jar.

378

:

And I recently, I would say more within

the past year or two, have started

379

:

following people on Instagram who

have a different view of zero waste.

380

:

It's still like zero

waste, but really reusing.

381

:

So like, Christine, you mentioned

like the takeaway food containers,

382

:

like they keep them and reuse them

and reuse them and reuse them.

383

:

So that kind of provided a more balanced,

less extreme view of zero waste.

384

:

And, and something that is more

approachable for most people.

385

:

And, and people in that space

have talked about like the

386

:

ideal zero waste is very hard.

387

:

And.

388

:

In the sense that it is off

putting to people feeling like,

389

:

I'll never be that, so why try?

390

:

So, making it more approachable.

391

:

And then since both Kristi and I live

in the States I don't know where I

392

:

heard this, but there's a, a grocer

in Canada, I want to say in Ottawa or

393

:

something called Bulk Barn, and it is,

Like you could bring your own containers

394

:

and they will tear it and you can buy

stuff in bulk and It's supposed to be

395

:

like a zero waste type grocery store.

396

:

So there's not really any plastic or

waste created I was like this needs

397

:

to come to the States so that got

me super excited and as as Christine

398

:

hinted earlier the person that I started

following I think it just came up on

399

:

my for you feed Once was Sam Bentley

and his page is called Sam and then

400

:

kind of a space in sustainable living.

401

:

I think he's based out of the UK and he

talks about all these people who come

402

:

up with different inventions on how

to, you know, deal with plastic waste

403

:

problems or circumvent even using plastic

or just more environmental initiatives.

404

:

Like I thought one that was really cool

was a Kind of a porous sidewalk material,

405

:

and so it was supposed to help with

drainage for water instead of flooding

406

:

streets, but you know, there's some

limitations with that technology right

407

:

now like cars can't necessarily drive

on it or a lot of cars, so I was like,

408

:

I'd love to see a lot more of this kind

of, you know, Go into the different

409

:

parts of the world and be adopted

and so stuff like that gives me hope.

410

:

But yeah, that Oh, and with, as

we've talked about before, I'm

411

:

doing an MBA and both of the

classes, this term that I'm taking.

412

:

Have kind of strategic management

has touched on the concept of

413

:

shared creating shared value.

414

:

And then innovations has talked

about the circular economy, which I

415

:

think is something that definitely

businesses need to shift more into to

416

:

create things that 1 use less plastic

or create less environmental waste.

417

:

And really think consciously about.

418

:

Not just creating a product, but how that

product will be recycled, how it will be

419

:

reused, and what portion of it will end

up as waste and really thinking through,

420

:

through the longevity of the product.

421

:

And I think a shift towards that

mentality will really help overall.

422

:

Christine: Absolutely.

423

:

Alexandra: Those are the

things that get me jazzed.

424

:

Christine: Yeah, , I'll just bring

up a one thing that you actually

425

:

introduced me to back in college.

426

:

The video you shared with me was funny,

but it was talking about solar roadways.

427

:

Alexandra: Oh yeah, solar fricking

428

:

Christine: Yeah, but it was so, it

was, it was one of the things in,

429

:

I don't know, that one of the first

things I saw in terms of like an an

430

:

invention that was turning something.

431

:

That people use every day.

432

:

They drive on them every day.

433

:

And using that to create Energy for

us rather than focusing on rather than

434

:

relying on gas or, or things like that.

435

:

So that's just one thing that popped

into my head that I wanted to share.

436

:

So if anybody else out, if anybody out

there hasn't heard about solar roadways I

437

:

don't know if it'll ever become a thing,

but it's certainly a, a fascinating one.

438

:

And honestly, with the rise of LED

screens, LED, like watching like the

439

:

Superbowl or something and stages

and people using that technology.

440

:

I don't see why we, why we would, would

not make the investment to shift our

441

:

roadways because living here in New

Jersey, we're coming out of winter

442

:

and the potholes are pretty bad.

443

:

They're not holes, they're chasms.

444

:

My poor car.

445

:

The suspension always

gets, gets banged around.

446

:

But anyway why don't we talk a little

bit about what we want to see more of and

447

:

what we want to see a little bit less of.

448

:

Alexandra, you want to kick us off?

449

:

Alexandra: Oh, sure.

450

:

Okay.

451

:

I feel like there's so

much that I want to see

452

:

Christine: Yeah, and, and just to

clarify, that's in terms of like

453

:

and our environmental changes

going forward and harmful ones.

454

:

Alexandra: so the biggest thing I would

like to see is less blame going around.

455

:

I think it's so easy for us to fall

into the, the trap, the human way of

456

:

blaming somebody else for the problem.

457

:

Like, Oh, I don't have to worry about it.

458

:

I don't have to fix it.

459

:

You're like, Oh, it's government.

460

:

Oh, no, it's business.

461

:

Oh, no, it's individuals.

462

:

Okay.

463

:

Can we just take the blame off the table

and figure out a different way forward?

464

:

Because honestly, what is figuring out

who is to blame going to do for us?

465

:

Not, not a whole lot.

466

:

I don't think, I think

it's just distracting.

467

:

Christine: think that

is 100 percent right.

468

:

It's distracting.

469

:

I think, I think perhaps our government

is using that to distract us and

470

:

from keeping things moving forward.

471

:

But, what do I know?

472

:

I'm just a little Little Christine

living here in New Jersey.

473

:

But anyway, sorry to interrupt you.

474

:

Alexandra: No, it's okay.

475

:

And I think with that, I'd love

to see more innovation of really

476

:

reusing how to recycle some of

the harder to recycle things.

477

:

What are ways that can be and innovation.

478

:

in value chains, in creating shared

values between companies and local

479

:

clusters of groups that can benefit

economically and socially from things.

480

:

So I think it's really about changing

how we think about business as

481

:

operating will be a major step forward.

482

:

And part of this comes up with as I

mentioned, this term kind of Circled

483

:

around some of that stuff like strategic

management and choices that we make.

484

:

Christine: your, this is your, your

your current term for your MBA, right?

485

:

That's what we're.

486

:

Alexandra: Yes.

487

:

Yeah.

488

:

Yeah, like deep in the trenches of this

489

:

term.

490

:

Christine: I'm certainly

learning a lot by proxy, but.

491

:

Alexandra: And it's kind of funny that we

were talking about this because from my

492

:

innovations class my team and I, we had

to do this human flourishing innovation

493

:

process around a wicked problem.

494

:

And the problem that our professor set for

us was develop an innovation to address

495

:

the single use plastics in a company.

496

:

And so we, we picked a company

and we were looking at the.

497

:

plastic stretch wrap that they use in

logistics and transportation because

498

:

plastic stretch wrap is one, one use only.

499

:

Like you put it on, you

cut it off and that's it.

500

:

Can't use it again.

501

:

And so much of it is used in this

company that we're working with.

502

:

To develop an innovation for, they're

like, we really work to recycle it.

503

:

They pick it up and they'll bail it.

504

:

And the recycling

company will come get it.

505

:

Once it's bailed, he said, but that's only

about, I think he, the person we spoke to

506

:

was said 40 to 50 percent was recycled.

507

:

So that means 50 to 60 percent is.

508

:

thrown into a trash, maybe

caught into a recycling bin when

509

:

the drivers are on the road.

510

:

So we, there's so much to this process,

right, to do this innovation thing.

511

:

And part of it was secondary research.

512

:

So I was looking up like EU has so

in Europe they have more, Legislation

513

:

around removing plastics from

business and being responsible.

514

:

But there's a lot of, yeah,

great, get rid of plastics.

515

:

But there's very little directive

on is it the consumer who's

516

:

responsible, is it the producer?

517

:

And so kind of, and figuring

out what is recyclable.

518

:

Apparently plastic stretch

wrap is recyclable, but it has

519

:

to get there kind of thing.

520

:

So all this stuff around.

521

:

You know, macro, micro and

anaplastics know it's bad.

522

:

So what can we do to do it?

523

:

And we kind of came up with a

cool invention that meets the

524

:

needs of what this company needs.

525

:

The plastic stretch wrap to do and

coming to material, we had a whole

526

:

long conversation and I think we've

kind of settled on a level two plastic.

527

:

So it would be the, the two and the

recycling, the two or three because

528

:

there's concerns of hygiene and Hygiene,

you know, plastic can be very hygienic.

529

:

You can clean it, you can sanitize

it but we were like, okay, if we do

530

:

plastic, because we're trying to get

rid of single use plastic, what is

531

:

the one that can be recycled very

easily, and how can we think about the

532

:

product, not just what it needs to be

right now, but through its life cycle.

533

:

So, It was a really interesting

way to look at stuff.

534

:

So I'd love to see more companies thinking

about their product, their packaging

535

:

in that way of not just like, what

is it right now, but what will it be?

536

:

I think, who is it?

537

:

Patagonia is a great company.

538

:

If you want to learn more about circular

economy kind of stuff, they, they really

539

:

work to say, we take only what we need.

540

:

They try to work with more sustainable

cotton growing and materials and

541

:

Because they're an outdoor company,

they found out some of the coating that

542

:

they would apply to fabric to make it

waterproof was toxic to the environment.

543

:

So changing, you know, what is, what

would a different formula, how can

544

:

we accomplish that and differently?

545

:

So I think I'd love to see more of

that, just kind of thinking outside the

546

:

box of what we think is possible and

coming up with new ways to do stuff.

547

:

But yeah, that's kind of what

I'd love to see more and less of.

548

:

What about you, Christine?

549

:

Anything top of mind?

550

:

Christine: Oh boy.

551

:

I mean, I, I really agree with

everything you were bringing up and,

552

:

I think the big thing I want to see

less of is the blame but I think it

553

:

is used as a tool to distract the

larger conversation unfortunately.

554

:

I, thinking like globally I was watching,

I think it was, did you ever watch

555

:

that Netflix docuseries with Zac Efron?

556

:

I

557

:

Alexandra: I didn't watch it, but

I remember seeing the, the trailer

558

:

Christine: Okay, yeah, each episode

focused on a different thing and there

559

:

was one episode around water and it

was so fascinating because there are

560

:

like how there's sommeliers for wine,

there's like that equivalent for

561

:

Water which is so fascinating and like,

you don't really think about the taste of

562

:

water, but water can be very flavorful.

563

:

Alexandra: Did you know, Christine, that

there is such a thing as designer water?

564

:

Christine: I did.

565

:

Yes.

566

:

Alexandra: Yeah, there are some companies

that will charge outrageous amounts of

567

:

water.

568

:

Christine: think the, the, the one

I've known the longest, I haven't

569

:

really dived too, too far into

it, but Evian, like, I feel like,

570

:

I know

571

:

Alexandra: no, Christine, even a class

572

:

Christine: I know, I'm sure.

573

:

But I just think like, You know,

at the, at the convenience store,

574

:

just seeing all the different

575

:

kinds of water and the different pricing.

576

:

But anyway, my point is it was

bringing up the show is I think

577

:

they ended up in France and it

was talking about how, I think.

578

:

I need to learn more about what France

has done, but on a environmental and

579

:

sustainability level, I think they've

made some really interesting changes for

580

:

a city in providing clean water to anybody

on the street with, with fountains.

581

:

And even and people carry around

their reusable bottles and

582

:

they're able to get clean water.

583

:

Water for free.

584

:

I think it's just such a great

example, one that I would love

585

:

to see here in the States more,

especially in in major cities.

586

:

So those.

587

:

Those were just some, some quick

things that came to my mind.

588

:

But before we started our episode

today, Alexandra and I were, were

589

:

diving in a bit more and on different

things she was learning this semester.

590

:

And I'd love for her to

continue sharing things.

591

:

But one of the things she had brought

up was the, like Nespresso, Nestle,

592

:

right?

593

:

I think this leans back into the circular

economy point a little bit, but just,

594

:

Alexandra: Creating shared value as

595

:

Christine: yeah, I think, you

know, one thing I want to see more

596

:

of is, is these major companies.

597

:

Really putting it, putting, putting

these issues first and foremost,

598

:

and, and not thinking of it so much

as an afterthought as like when it

599

:

comes to corporate responsibility.

600

:

And I think

601

:

really instilling that into their, you

know, core values as an organization

602

:

and a company and making it just as

much of a priority as Profit is, is,

603

:

is something I want to see more of.

604

:

And I think those changes are being made

because of the pressure that they're

605

:

receiving, but I really wish it wasn't

because they're receiving pressure.

606

:

Alexandra: Well, and I think

that's really something.

607

:

I read an article from the

Harvard business review for this

608

:

class for strategic management

about creating shared value.

609

:

And Nestle was brought up and I think.

610

:

It brought up a good point, whether

people agree with it, it was these two

611

:

authors opinions, that corporate social

responsibility is the first step, and it

612

:

kind of backfires in some ways because

it is reliant on external pressures.

613

:

Where the change ought to occur, and I

would probably agree with this, is Making,

614

:

like Christine said, first and foremost,

the thinking about the environment,

615

:

thinking about social, you know, groups

and peoples and, and how to having that

616

:

be the core of how you think about your

value chain or your supply chain as well.

617

:

So instead of having it,

Oh, if we have profits.

618

:

We'll, we'll do something, but

really actually making it a core.

619

:

And I think there's this also concept

that we've kind of gotten to that it is

620

:

either, you know, capitalism is terrible.

621

:

It's awful.

622

:

It's all those things.

623

:

I'm like, have people exploited it?

624

:

Hell yes.

625

:

Is it essentially bad?

626

:

I don't, I don't think so.

627

:

My opinion is no, but how do we shift and

say, this is not all a company can be.

628

:

Company can be a major driving

force without government.

629

:

And then, You know, what if, what

if they had the responsibility

630

:

and took part of, for their whole

value chain of what they do?

631

:

So anyway, there's, there's so much to go

and because I don't know that government

632

:

and NGOs are as good as they are.

633

:

They probably think they are, you

know, it's, it's very disjointed.

634

:

And I think a more collaborative approach

going forward is definitely going

635

:

to be needed, but to that end what I

want to see more of is people making

636

:

small steps in their everyday life.

637

:

And I know we'll probably talk about

that in a, in a little bit because

638

:

I think the small stuff does matter.

639

:

And it's so easy to go, well, you

know, Me and my take away containers,

640

:

if I just throw it in the trash

and it's plastic, no big deal.

641

:

It's not, it's just, it's just me.

642

:

But it's a lot of people, so I

think all the little stuff matters.

643

:

And that you don't have to be this perfect

member of a zero waste community kind of

644

:

thing with the aestheticism and this is oh

what it looks like and it's like sometimes

645

:

what it means to be more environmentally

conscious is completely finishing

646

:

your products and then rinsing out the

containers and properly disposing them.

647

:

So I'd love to see more of that people,

you know, taking the extra few minutes

648

:

to, you know, scrape out the peanut

butter jar and rinse it out before

649

:

putting in the recycling kind of thing.

650

:

So yeah, those were the couple

things I wanted to mention.

651

:

Christine: Yeah.

652

:

That's a great

653

:

Alexandra: But yeah, there's So

much in business and, you know,

654

:

government, we could totally go

655

:

down the

656

:

Christine: This, this can honestly

become like a mini series that we, we,

657

:

we come back to time and time again.

658

:

And I think, you know, one of the big

things I'm looking forward after this

659

:

episode goes live is that I want to see

the conversation with those who listen.

660

:

What are their thoughts?

661

:

What have they learned?

662

:

I certainly, you know, I'm a sponge.

663

:

I want to learn all the things.

664

:

So I, I certainly will do my

part, but please share with us.

665

:

What you've learned what you, what

small changes you have made, what,

666

:

Alexandra: any cool

inventions address something.

667

:

Christine: absolutely.

668

:

absolutely.

669

:

But, yeah, so, , I think, going forward

I'd love to hear from you, Alexandra,

670

:

what sort of things you have, On

your mind this year do you have one

671

:

or two things that you want to focus

on for:

672

:

this?

673

:

Alexandra: yeah.

674

:

I, I think The biggest things

is I used to subscribe to As we

675

:

talked about I was a little bit

of a make a pollock for a while.

676

:

I subscribe to a lot of the Subscription

things and so trying to finish up

677

:

products that I currently have or finding

a way to Recycle, reuse kind of stuff.

678

:

A mentor of mine said like, Oh,

if you have old eye shadow, you

679

:

could always use it as painting.

680

:

And but I think there's some like

women's shelters who will take, and

681

:

you can, I was reading that you can

actually donate makeup as long as you've

682

:

cleaned it, like you can spray it with

rubbing alcohol and sanitize and stuff.

683

:

So really kind of going through

the products that I have.

684

:

And as I said earlier, finishing

up what I like and you know,

685

:

what I don't like, okay.

686

:

And so both and think consciously

about before I buy something

687

:

because I can get into the habit of

like, Oh, pretty, it's new, shiny.

688

:

And going, maybe not the best.

689

:

So yeah, so finishing up, I have being

more conscious about my purchases.

690

:

What else?

691

:

I think I'd love to get involved with some

group, but just this year is crazy busy.

692

:

So I think that will be maybe a next

year, a:

693

:

a better products for my, my skin,

my body, my hair, that maybe look at

694

:

companies that do think about the impact

on the environment and the quality of

695

:

ingredients that they put in their stuff.

696

:

So kind of making using.

697

:

my individual purchasing power

to, to make choices like that.

698

:

And I know briefly forgot to mention

earlier that I had moved again still

699

:

in North Carolina, but it's the second

time in about less than two years.

700

:

And something we did was we knew we

were going to move again and that the,

701

:

the place the last place was temporary.

702

:

So instead of just getting the

the boxes and chucking them.

703

:

We actually put them in storage

with a lot of this stuff that we

704

:

had and reused it for this move.

705

:

So, I mean, I think things as small

as that are important to think about.

706

:

I remember the other thing, getting

more confident, just bringing my

707

:

reusable containers into the market and

saying, can you put my, you know, deli

708

:

meats and cheeses in here, or even to

restaurants for takeaway or leftovers.

709

:

So I think that's,

that's really important.

710

:

Those are the really two to three

things I want to focus on for the

711

:

rest of 2024 and get very comfortable

and have that become habit.

712

:

What about you, Christine?

713

:

Christine: Yeah, I think like you were

saying Alexandra, the the small changes

714

:

really do add up and They're the easiest

changes we can make, so just keeping

715

:

that top of mind each day I think is

something I continue to focus on and want

716

:

to, you know, like, like with anything,

people, people observe what others are

717

:

doing, so that idea reusable container

to have to eat or to the grocery store.

718

:

Yeah, you might get a little bit

of like, oh, what's she doing?

719

:

But that's going to stick with

them and they're going to think

720

:

like, oh, why is she doing that?

721

:

And maybe it'll spark them to research

into like, why someone might be doing

722

:

that or, or whatever the case may be.

723

:

That's sort of like something I, I

want to, To keep, keep forward and not

724

:

only, not only changing how I, how I do

things, but may impact others around me.

725

:

Alexandra: Well, and to that

point, I wonder if, you know, more

726

:

people doing things like that.

727

:

And I'm thinking of company, maybe

like Starbucks or big coffee chains.

728

:

If more people brought their reusable

cups in for hot and cold drinks, maybe

729

:

they would redesign how they do service to

institute more of that sustainable thing.

730

:

So, you know, and what you said, like,

It may look weird to people, but it

731

:

would probably stick in their head

going, Oh, hey, maybe I should do

732

:

Christine: yeah, yeah, exactly.

733

:

Alexandra: I didn't mean to cut you

off, Christine, but I got so excited.

734

:

I was like, Ooh.

735

:

Christine: no, I think that,

that, that was my main point

736

:

of what I want to focus on.

737

:

I also, one of the, one of the things

I want to focus on this year going

738

:

forward, just always sort of keep it.

739

:

In the back of my mind is thinking

about ways to hold myself and my

740

:

friends and family accountable

or aware of, of, of environmental

741

:

causes or things that need attention.

742

:

Because.

743

:

That's the easiest way to, to

move a movement forward, right?

744

:

Is to talk about it, to educate yourself

on it, to share that education with

745

:

those that you know, and, and care about.

746

:

So I, like I mentioned before the

ocean cleanup organization, I want

747

:

to keep diving into learning more

about their, their work and initiative

748

:

and their initiatives that they're

enacting around the world and sharing

749

:

that with, with friends and family

and Perhaps even getting involved

750

:

in, in, in my local community because

751

:

Alexandra: hmm.

752

:

Christine: that's, you know, day to day

something I, we all encounter is, is

753

:

what's going on in our local communities.

754

:

So I think sometimes people

might get caught up in like

755

:

the grand scheme of, of it all.

756

:

But I think, you know, you really just

got to focus locally and, and seeing

757

:

how you can help your own community.

758

:

Alexandra: Yeah, I like that.

759

:

And I definitely know that Christine is

One of my accountability partners for,

760

:

for many things that we have talked about

on this, this podcast made me think that

761

:

maybe at the end of 2024, we should do

a, like a post or a recap of all the

762

:

things that we said we'd keep track

763

:

Christine: know

764

:

You guys will keep us honest, right?

765

:

Those listening.

766

:

Yeah.

767

:

Alexandra: going, Hey, what

about that thing you mentioned

768

:

back on episode X, Y, Z.

769

:

So, Yeah and then kind of maybe shifting

how I do things in my home when it comes

770

:

to really, I think it's going to be,

if I can do something, then maybe it'll

771

:

show somebody how, how they can do it

and kind of living by example and I think

772

:

that too, but also to share ideas, like

whether it's an Instagram story that

773

:

we saw that was really exciting or a

magazine article or something with people.

774

:

And I love to hear about stuff.

775

:

And so, you know, somebody says

something offhand, I'm like,

776

:

Oh, tell me more about that.

777

:

Just being really curious about

things I think will be helpful.

778

:

And a behavior that I want to change

is, is I said being more confident

779

:

about bringing my reasonable stuff

is I want to, I want to get more.

780

:

Assertive, saying no to plastic,

like no to plastic bags.

781

:

Great example was yesterday

when I did not say no.

782

:

I was in the market, only had one

reusable bag with me because I

783

:

thought that's all I would need.

784

:

Of course I needed more.

785

:

And they're like, okay, paper or plastic.

786

:

And I was like, oh, okay, just back.

787

:

I just was like trying

to pay at the same time.

788

:

And I wish I had said, Neither

just put it in the cart.

789

:

I will take care of it because I

had more bags in the car So that's a

790

:

perfect example of like a behavior.

791

:

I want to change with myself It's not

only being more confident bringing stuff

792

:

but assertive saying no, no plastic forks

for takeaway food like no to the plastic

793

:

bag no to XYZ and just You know, and I'm

hoping that it'll become habitual, that

794

:

at some point, like, it'll be different

to change my patterns and behaviors and,

795

:

you know, hard to constantly keep making

those choices until it becomes habitual,

796

:

so I think that's, that's something.

797

:

But and I think doing that will maybe

show, you know, friends and family

798

:

around me that, hey, it is possible.

799

:

It's not as hard as it may seem.

800

:

Christine: Yeah.

801

:

All right.

802

:

Is there one thing you're willing to give

up or change that you haven't already?

803

:

I don't know if I have an

answer to this question.

804

:

Alexandra: put me on the

805

:

Christine: I know.

806

:

I'm sorry.

807

:

It

808

:

It just came to my mind.

809

:

Alexandra: okay.

810

:

Here's one thing.

811

:

I'm a bit of a coffee addict as well.

812

:

So I think one thing I would like

to change and give up is if I do

813

:

not have a reusable coffee cup with

me for iced or hot, I cannot buy

814

:

Christine: Mmm.

815

:

Alexandra: I think that might

be a really good like economic

816

:

tie to something as well.

817

:

Christine: That's a good, that's a good

goal to hold yourself accountable to.

818

:

Alexandra: yeah, and it's

something small because I do

819

:

drink and consume a lot of coffee.

820

:

So I think that's a good

place for me to start.

821

:

Christine: All right.

822

:

Awesome.

823

:

Alexandra: Okay.

824

:

So we have only begun to delve into this

monumental topic and I'm certainly looking

825

:

forward to the next time we discuss it.

826

:

Did we miss something in today's talk

that you wanted to hear more about?

827

:

Let us know.

828

:

And for the next time we discuss about

caring for our planet, perhaps maybe

829

:

we'll even have a guest on next time.

830

:

I know, but there's a couple of

people I would like to invite into

831

:

this chat for those listening.

832

:

Do you have any movement or

individuals that you like to hear

833

:

from or draw inspiration from?

834

:

We would love to hear it.

835

:

What are some of the environmental

conscious goals for you this year?

836

:

Share with us your stories and the

innovations you have seen by commenting

837

:

on this episode's post or DMing us.

838

:

And don't forget to join us next

week as we pack our bags to travel

839

:

lands explored and unexplored.

840

:

Talk then!

841

:

Christine: Enjoying the

conversations we're having and

842

:

the topics we're discussing?

843

:

Consider supporting us through

our Buy Us a Coffee page.

844

:

We greatly appreciate any help in

creating this podcast we love so much.

845

:

Link in our show notes and link tree.

846

:

Before we end, don't forget to

like, subscribe, or follow us on

847

:

your preferred listening platform.

848

:

And we'll catch you next time.

Next Episode All Episodes Previous Episode

About the Podcast

Show artwork for The Mirror Project
The Mirror Project

Listen for free

About your hosts

Profile picture for Christine Borowsky

Christine Borowsky

Introducing our enchanting co-host Christine, a nostalgic soul with a creative spark and an infectious optimism. A devourer of books, a music aficionado, and a film buff, she's immersed in the art of storytelling. Nature is her sanctuary, from forests to oceans. Eager for adventure, she's a perpetual learner, finding growth in every experience. Family and friends provide her comfort and joy. Unafraid of uncomfortable conversations, she navigates them with humor, believing they're vital for understanding and growth. Join her and Alexandra on this podcast where creativity meets curiosity, and laughter blends with wisdom.
Profile picture for Alexandra Montross

Alexandra Montross

Meet Alexandra, the spirited co-host of this captivating podcast, where everyday topics transform into enchanting conversations. With an old soul and a knack for the eclectic, she weaves a unique blend of organization and quirky charm into each discussion. Alexandra's passions span from wellness to metaphysics and dive into the thrilling world of entrepreneurship. Tune in for her lively perspective and insightful takes, adding a touch of magic to every episode alongside Christine. Get ready for a journey where Alexandra's vibrant energy and depth of knowledge create an unforgettable podcast experience.