Stephanie Marie Seferian's Blog, page 11

Secondhand Sunday

Is that Christmas in the air, or is it capitalism? There’s no doubt about it: overconsumption degrades the planet. Enter Secondhand Sunday, a new-ish shopping holiday that’s nestled between Black Friday and Cyber Monday. It’s dedicated to all-things thrifted and redirects shoppers away from mass consumption and toward pre-loved items instead.

On today’s show Poshmark‘s Kelly Mason inspires us to think differently about shopping during the holidays.

(P.S. Are you putting up your Christmas tree th...

Waking Up Grateful

Are you doing gratitude wrong?

So many of us are always waiting for more. But when you greet each moment gratefully? You’re always receiving.

On today’s show author Kristi Nelson offers a mini-formula for grateful living (put this conversation on as you’re preparing for Thanksgiving!).

 

Here’s a preview:

[10:00] It’s not happiness that makes us grateful; it’s gratefulness that makes us happy (and other research-backed benefits to grateful living)

[20:00] Is what once was plenty now no longer en...

A Minimal-ish Holiday

The holidays are meant to be about peace, joy, and togetherness … but they often end up steeped in chaos, rush, and overspending.

Not this year! There’s really no better time than right this minute to practice slowing down and getting intentional *before* we say yes to another obligation or hit ‘add to cart’.

On today’s show podcast host Desirae Endres reminds us that the holidays aren’t just for kids; they are for us to enjoy too.

 

Here’s a preview:

[6:30] First things first: We can’t manufact...

How To Buy Soap

Choosing the right hand soap and body wash isn’t *just* about cleanliness. You deserve non-toxic products and our waterways deserve non-polluting ones, so it’s really about committing to a higher standard of care.

We’re likely using soap every day for the rest of our lives; it’s prudent, then, to get intentional about this must-have product. On today’s show: conscious consumerism in the soap aisle.

 

Here’s a preview:

[3:00] Are antibacterial/antimicrobial soaps really necessary?

[6:30] A hand s...

Sustainable Investing 2.0

Perhaps you’re a veteran investor, or maybe you’re just now starting to financial plan. Either way, where you put your money can substantially increase (or decrease!) your annual carbon footprint.

Don’t put your money where your mouth is, put it where your values are instead. On today’s show financial consultant Shila Wattamwar leads this advanced level discussion about sustainable investing for the eco-conscious.

Here’s a preview:

[5:00] The sneaky ways you may be funding fossil fuels with your...

Just Stop It! (Holiday Decor Edition)

Some environmentalists call Christmas the world’s greatest annual environmental disaster, and for good reason: All that cheap, ultra-trendy decor adds up. On today’s show: getting intentional about our holiday decorations once and for all.

 

Here’s a preview:

[3:00] Let’s talk numbers: How much do Americans spend each year on holiday decor?

[10:00] 3 ways in which ‘Christmas Creep’ encourages us to spend more than we intended on decorations

[13:00] The origins of those inflatable lawn thingys: W...

Micro Activism

Many of us shy away from the word ‘activist’ because the term brings to mind a very specific type of person. But if you’re regularly taking action to make the world a better place? Guess what my friend, you’re already an activist (yes, really!).

What matters is not the size of the action, nor how vigorous the action is. It’s all about consistency. On today’s show author Omkari Williams helps us find the kind of social justice engagement that feels both empowering *and* sustainable.

Here’s a prev...

Modern Stress

It’s sad but true: Americans are some of the most chronically stressed people on the planet. On today’s show: how to incorporate Japanese lifestyle philosophies into our lives for reduced stress, greater well-being, and a longer life.

Here’s a preview:

[3:00] The physiology of stress: What *actually* goes on in our bodies when we encounter a stressor?

[11:00] 5 reasons why Americans are among the most stressed in the world

[20:00] The secret to a great life isn’t the accumulation of $$, it’s thi...

Eating Out

Whether you’re dining at a restaurant or ordering takeout, eating out leaves a footprint.

On today’s show: asking the right questions, minimizing food waste, and reading through All. The. Greenwashing the next time you head to a restaurant.

Here’s a preview:

[6:30] The food waste issue at fine dine, quick serve, and fast casual

[12:00] Farm-to-table? How to find restaurants that actually care about environmental sustainability

[22:30] The best way to *gently* suggest a change in a restaurant’s p...

To-Do List Freedom

We are often told that if we accomplish as much as possible in a day’s time we’ll feel fulfilled come day’s end.  Enter to-do lists, which provide focus, direction, and purpose. But action doesn’t always equal progress; it’s no surprise, then, that so many of us feel drained and dissatisfied once the sun goes down.

On today’s show: how to find freedom in your to-do list and (finally!) make room for peace, connection, and fulfillment.

Here’s a preview:

[4:00] Your daily to-do list should have 7 i...