Stephanie Marie Seferian's Blog, page 10

Why Repairability Matters

In some ways, our preponderance toward tech disposability is systemic. We consumers in the US are denied the right to repair: fixing a broken smartphone, then, is costly. It’s simply more convenient to replace our broken item for the newest model.

When your device is broken you should have more options than a high-priced service or the landfill, and New York agrees. The Digital Fair Repair Act should make it easier to repair our smartphones and laptops at shops of *our* choosing. It’s good news,...

Lessons Re-Learned

Over the holidays my family and I staycationed for 9 glorious days. During this time of introspection I re-learned these 4 universally applicable lessons which we are discussing today:

[2:45] Appearance is everything (when shopping, at least).

[10:00] Explanations are unnecessary.

[18:00] No ones need to eat like royalty *every* night.

[27:00] Habit forming? Remember dosage. Repetition too!

 

Resources mentioned:

Mailbird (Note: it’s not free!)Episode #223: Reclaiming Movement Opportunities

 ...

Get Growing

Whether you boast a small windowsill herb garden, a thriving hydroponic system or something in between, growing your own food is great for your well-being. And when you’re in the regular process of growing what you eat? You also happen to reduce the environmental harm that’s incurred by industrial agricultural methods; you eliminate food miles, too.

Kevin Espiritu has built a modern homestead on a very modest urban lot; he also happens to help millions of home growers take their gardening effort...

SMART Resolutions

A New Year’s resolution is a tool that helps us become the best possible versions of ourselves. And yet research finds most people abandon their resolutions by February.

Many New Year’s resolutions fail because they’re too broad, too lofty, and not at all time-sensitive. On today’s show we set ourselves up for resolution success by applying the 5 components of SMART goals to our 2024 aspirations.

 

Here’s a preview:

[2:00] What do the statistics say? Here’s just how many resolutions fail, and wh...

Modern Distractions, Meet Meditation

We are taught from an early age that contentment is found in possessions. But lasting peace comes from within, and meditation is a powerful (and free!) way to find what so many of us seek.

Yet thanks to All. The. Distractions, modern life has engineered out opportunities to go inward. And at the same time? Meditation has never been more needed or necessary.

On today’s show, a conversation with Brett Koon about the #1 way to boost happiness, reduce stress, hop off the consumerist bandwagon for go...

The Obesogens

The human endocrine system is delicate and complex. While scientists first discovered endocrine disrupting chemicals in 1991, obesogens – a subset of endocrine disruptors in personal care products that cause weight gain – were discovered only within the last two decades.

Our cosmetics can cause us to develop more and bigger fat cells; they may also make it harder to stay at a healthy weight. On today’s show: A conversation with Andrea Dahr about the endocrine disruptors, with special attention t...

The Happiness Formula

Research finds that, by and large, happiness is a learned and cultivated behavior. Even better? Decades of psychological research lay the foundation for a handy-dandy formula that helps us *increase* the amount of happiness we experience in our daily lives.

On today’s show: abandoning our cultural expectations in favor of a happiness formula that’s both practical and empirically-based.

Here’s a preview:

[3:00] If happiness isn’t a state of being, what is it, really? Should we even seek it out?

[...

Sustainable Shopping Is An Oxymoron

Sustainable living has the reputation of being, well, expensive. When money is tight, how do modern families decide what to prioritize with their dollars?

Today I chat with Whitney Leigh Morris about the space where eco-consciousness and finances collide.

Here’s a preview:

[3:30] Think you can’t afford to be eco-friendly? Think again

[6:00] $8 leggings from Target or a $35 pair from an ethical brand? It’s complicated …

[13:00] Electric vehicle? Heat pump? How to get in the habit of asking whethe...

How To Buy Wine Like A Conscious Consumer

Like wine? Me too! On today’s show: Everything you need to know about selecting wine that’s aligned with your values.

 

Here’s a preview:

[3:00] Why, oh why aren’t there ingredients labels on alcohol?

[8:00] Your favorite wine may have up to 6 dozen additives within. Let’s chat about a few of them

[13:00] Do sulfites deserve their bad rap? (hey there, red wine headaches!)

[20:00] Grapes are listed as #8 on the EWG’s Dirty Dozen. Should we be buying organic wine?

[24:00] Biodynamic wine is organi...

It’s More Than Just Stuff

Many of us have a complicated relationship with our stuff. And while no one wants their possessions to possess their lives, our stuff often has fascinating stories to tell.

On today’s show: A conversation with psychotherapist and professional organizer Helen Sanderson about what the state of our homes reveal about our psychology.

 

Here’s a preview:

[3:45] Pack rat, minimalist, or somewhere in between? Here’s what our homes show us about ourselves

[6:15] How to best guide your child toward tidin...