Stephanie Marie Seferian's Blog, page 27
May 3, 2022
Mental Minimalism
While minimalism may sometimes seem trendy, the reality is that the lifestyle has been around for centuries. Indeed, ancient philosophies touted the importance of Less Is More living as a means of finding inner peace amidst frenetic daily life.
Today I speak with author Jessie Kanzer about first steps toward mental minimalism. Jessie argues that you don’t have to be a Zen master to simplify your cognitions and reduce unnecessary internal chatter; she argues too that enlightenment is about first ...
April 28, 2022
Forever Chemicals
When carbon and fluorine fuse together they create a virtually unbreakable compound. These days, such per- and polyfluoroalkyl (or PFAS) substances are widely used in thousands of products from food packaging to clothing, carpets, and more. And because these chemicals are designed to be unbreakable, “forever chemicals” are adding up in our bodies and in the environment.
On today’s episode I’m answering a listener’s question about the group of chemicals known as PFAS by bringing you an interview ...
April 26, 2022
How to Use A Safety Razor
It’s no secret that plastic razors are meant to be used a handful of times and then thrown in the garbage. As with any disposable product, if we continue buying them, companies will continue making them. Enter the alternative: safety razors.
A safety razor is a steel razor with replacement blades: while you replace the blade (and recycle it!) once it’s dull, the razor itself is made to last a lifetime. On today’s show I speak with Tung Do, co-founder of WLDOHO. Tung is on the show to explain how...
April 14, 2022
No Mow May
In my corner of the world trees are budding and flowers are blooming. But leaf blowers are also blowing, and it’s nearly time for that first grass cutting. Enter No Mow May.
Lawns that aren’t exactly pristine may indeed get your neighbors’ side-eye, as intentionally not mowing your lawn here in the US is a quietly revolutionary act. But environmental advocates argue that there are many benefits to stepping away from overzealous lawn maintenance, at least for one month.
On today’s short and sweet...
April 12, 2022
Minimalist Master Bedroom Design
Our master bedrooms *should* be our sanctuaries. While they’re the singular space we retreat to for rest, relaxation, and recharging, all too often our master bedrooms become like any other room in our homes: havens for clutter.
Today I speak with professional organizer Amy Mayorga about all-things minimalist master bedroom design. Amy argues that Step One is honoring the purpose of the room: to honor its purpose, we must first ruthlessly declutter. Amy also offers her best organizing tips for t...
April 7, 2022
The White Gold Rush
Lithium is so much more than the name of a (very) famous Nirvana song. Lithium is a metal affectionately known as white gold, and it’s having a moment.
On today’s show we are examining the environmental implications associated with our growing lithium needs for batteries in electric vehicles, laptops, cell phones, and more.
Here’s a preview:
[3:00] Everything you need to know about lithium: its benefits, its drawbacks, how it’s extracted
[8:45] The white gold race and the political/economic fo...
April 5, 2022
The Best Things Are Free: Rich Conversations
What’s better than deep and meaningful connections with those we love?
Join me today for this third and final episode in our What’s Best In Life Is Free series as we discuss this importance of rich conversations. Research finds that rich talk is the antidote to the stress we experience in our daily lives, and Dr. Rebecca Rolland offers practical ideas for shifting conversations with your children toward what’s meaningful for the long haul.
Here’s a preview:
[5:45] The many benefits of rich talk
...March 28, 2022
Conscious Spending
“I’m stuck between trying to spend as little money as possible while also buying sustainable, timeless items from eco-conscious companies (which often inherently cost more). Even though I’m buying fewer items and using my money more intentionally, I don’t find that I’m saving much. What tips do you have for conscious spending, i.e. spending less without sacrificing quality or values?”
Ethical items, quality garments and organic food, oh my: Because eco-friendly purchases are often more expensi...
March 24, 2022
Spring Cleaning For Home, Head and Heart
The origins of spring cleaning date back to times when homes were heated by fires: spring, then, offered an opportunity to sweep out the soot and grime that accumulated throughout the long winter. These days, the tradition of deep cleaning in spring rejuvenates our spaces, increases productivity, and clears out dust and other allergens.
On today’s miniature episode we apply the principles of spring cleaning to all important areas of our lives for greater clarity and well-being as we welcome the ...
March 20, 2022
The Best Things Are Free: Sleep
People who get great sleep get sick less often. They also think more clearly and are better able to maintain a healthy weight. Still, approximately 70 million Americans suffer from chronic sleep problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Today we continue our limited podcast series into how to make the best (free) things in life even better. I have a content-rich conversation with chief mattress maker at My Green Mattress Tim Masters about the fundamental differences ...
