Fast Fashion, Consumerism & Retail Therapy: Why We Really Buy with Aja Barber

That little high right after you hit "complete purchase," followed an hour later by the vague nausea — that's not a personal failing. That's the system working exactly as designed.This week I'm talking with Aja Barber — writer, consultant, and author of Consumed: The Need for Collective Change, Colonialism, Climate Change and Consumerism — about why we buy, who actually benefits from it, and what it takes to opt out without burning yourself out over it.We get into:Why "treat yourself" culture is a symptom, not a personality traitThe Birkin bag story that shows exactly what status buying is really aboutWhy individual shaming misses the point — and where the real leverage is with big corporations"Weaponised incompetence" and the "I just can't find ethical brands" excuseWhat happens when you track every clothing purchase you make for a yearThe difference between style (can't be bought) and fashion (can)If you've ever caught yourself sitting in the car after a shopping trip feeling worse than when you left the house, this one's for you.Join us on the scenic route.Connect with Aja BarberWebsiteInstagramThreadsJoin her Patreon for all things sustainable fashion (incl. the best secondhand finds!)Buy her book Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and ConsumerismSend me a DMSupport the show_____________________________________________________________________🔮 Daily Affirmation Cards The free Scenic Route Affirmation Card Deck is your online invitation to trust your inner voice again. What does your card say? 👉 Pull your daily affirmation🐨 Crave something Soft?Sign up for Soft — one gentle email each month to help you ground before everything speeds up again, complete with the meme de jour and a roundup of my favourite things.⭐ LOVE THE SHOW?If this episode resonated with you, please leave a rating and review. It helps other midlife women find their way to the Scenic Route podcast.