Characters

We're reflecting on the first seven episodes of Love Island USA with my friend and fellow creator, Jackson Strike (@jacksonstrike)! We talk about who we'd like to see the newest bombshells couple up with, our favorite couples, individual Islanders that are really standing out so far, and our predictions for the next elimination from the villa. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unlikely friendship of Marilyn Monroe and Ella Fitzgerald, and the phone call that helped quietly boost one of the greatest careers in music history! We're covering one of my favorite Marilyn stories after last week's episode - the story of her calling up Hollywood's Mocambo night club to lobby on behalf of Ella Fitzgerald's residency, and how Ella Fitzgerald credits Marilyn to her "never playing a small club again." Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Let's talk about the first episode of Love Island USA! We're overviewing the intro package themes - a lot of mentions of marriage, babies, and the narratives of being "lovers." Plus, the maturity and weight that is implied by people coming in with regular jobs. Plus, the disconnected initial couples - where two of the five already not interested in continuing to "date" because of a trait they would not pursue in the real world. I loved the fun of leaning into "Love Island norms," like making breakfast and comments as the cast explores the villa. Lastly: are people just here for fame? And if so - who cares? Find me everywhere: Linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On the week marking what would be Marilyn Monroe's 100th birthday, we are revisiting (and reframing) one of the most famous brand relationships she was understood to be a part of: Playboy Magazine, serving as their first ever cover model. We'll overview the story of why Marilyn posed nude in the first place, how Hugh Hefner got his hands on the rights to those images, and her own reflection on how she was used to generate millions (with not even a thank-you note). Plus, the follow-up invitation to pose for the magazine, after she posed unclothed in a swimming pool on the set of Something's Got To Give - photos that ended up in Life Magazine, successfully generating buzz for her career again while Fox poured money and attention into Elizabeth Taylor. The Playboy "invitation" came on her last day alive. Finally, we'll overview another Playboy model's celebrated "kinship" to Marilyn, Anna Nicole Smith, and our understanding of how Marilyn was used as a template for the magazine's next 60+ years. Find me everywhere!! Linktr.ee/LiterallyLauraD Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We got our first glimpse of the new cast of the world's biggest reality show, Love Island USA! We'll overview today what we know so far about the twelve OG Islanders entering the Villa. Plus, I'll share some of my predictions for this upcoming season and what I *do not* want to see! For the Love Island USA season, I think Friday episode of Characters will be focused on overviewing the happenings and ongoing discussions of the previous week on the show (so we can continue the real-time conversations we'll be having on social media!). Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show has been one of the highest viewed fashion moments since its television debut in 2001. We're overviewing the history of the fashion show: from the modest first show in NYC in 1995, to the sensational show in Cannes in 2000, and the history-making first broadcasted show in 2001. We're zooming in on one of my favorite pop culture moments: the 2004 Angels Across America Tour, when in lieu of the cancelled show, the brand sent Heidi, Gisele, Tyra, Alessandra, and Adriana to four cities in five days. The 2004 tour changed so much about how the brand was recognized and related to by the everyday consumer - VS became the most aspirational mall brand. We'll talk about the fashion of this tour, its impact, and what people mean when they say "they want the OGs back." Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro, Casting Calls in 2026 02:22 Early VS Fashion Shows (1999-2000); First Angels 05:37 2001 First Televised Fashion Show 06:23 Who are the Angels? 08:18 2004 Cancellation 09:15 Angels Across America Tour 14:49 2005 Show + Beyond 15:52 Impact of Angels Across America 17:42 Open Casting Calls Today Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was the fight between Kelsey and Rosie *really* about the square footage of Rosie's home? Let's unpack that altercation... that I feel will be a foundational conflict in this franchise's next few seasons. After Kelsey arrives at Rosie's home, with sirens, announcing "house police" (allegedly a joke) .. the scene almost instantly becomes an altercation attacking insecurities around notoriety, sense of accomplishment, and local celebrity status. What do 30-something women want from being on a Real Housewives? Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Cher is one of the most iconic figures in modern fashion. We are overviewing the milestones in her fashion history of consistently pushing the envelope on what's accepted, what's allowed, and what is celebrated. We're of course discussing her longtime friendship and partnership with costume designer Bob Mackie, and sharing the stories behind some of her most monumental looks. From baring the first navel on national television, to outfits that defined eras! The "naked dress" at The Met Gala is 1974; her Academy Awards "revenge dress" in 1986; her Oscar-winning gown in 1988; and bonus! the insane costume on the set of a Navy battleship for her "If I Could Turn Back Time" music video. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro: The Met, 1974 02:18 Bob Mackie 03:36 Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour 05:22 Censorship - The Navel Wars 08:04 The Met, 1974, "The Naked Dress" 11:30 Academy Awards, 1986, "The Revenge Dress" 13:35 Academy Awards, 1988, Moonstruck Win 14:42 "If I Could Turn Back Time", 1989 17:27 Timeline Recap + Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I've been noticing lately reality casts being prompted to "open up" - from Ladies of London to the most recent episodes of Real Housewives of Rhode Island. We're talking about these "forced trauma bonding" activities - what they do to actually bring casts together, and what they do to humanize the "characters" to the audience. We'll also reference Real Housewives of Atlanta and Beyond the Villa as we question: how much performance is necessary on shows today? How much "opening up" really must happen on television today? Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro to "trauma prompts" 02:10 Ladies of London - Misse 04:35 RHORI - Liz's unmasking dinner (ep 6) 08:41 RHORI - Alicia and Jo-Ellen's walk (ep 7) 09:30 Audience impact 11:35 RHOA - Pinky Cole 11:57 Preforming for TV - Beyond the Villa 12:28 Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tippi Hedren infamously had a full grown, 400-pound male lion named Neil living in her home for years in the 1970s. As she and her then-husband Noel Marshall set out to make Roar, a film that would hopefully support big cat conservation, they began acquiring big cats themselves (and living with one). Photos in Life Magazine of Neil the Lion sleeping in bed with her daughter Melanie Griffith still live in our imaginations. Roar went on to be what is today referred to as the most dangerous film ever produced - with over 70 cast and crew members injured by the 40+ exotic animals on set. We'll discuss today the film, the chaos, and Tippi Hedren's big cats today at Shambala Preserve. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:26 Tippi Hedren 02:23 Tippi and Noel Marshall go to Mozambique 03:37 Roar concept 04:48 Life magazine photos 07:13 Roar production 09:52 Roar release 11:11 Shambala Preserve 14:00 Reflections Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

I'm loving Netflix's Running Point , which just aired its second season. Kate Hudson stars as Isla Gordon, the president of her family's professional basketball team. We're talking today about the real woman who inspired the character of Isla - Jeannie Buss, former president of her family's organization, the Los Angeles Lakers. We're overviewing the parts of Jeannie's life that loosely inspire the show, and what she has said about serving as Executive Producer on this Netflix show. We're also getting into what I think makes this show so great - the humor, the family dynamic, and the representation of an unapologetic woman in charge. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 01:21 Jeannie Buss, re: Isla Gordon 05:13 Isla Gordon, flawed characters 06:52 Sibling dynamic 08:41 Relationship with media 09:01 Engagement storyline 10:29 Humor 11:26 Friendship with Ali Lee (Brenda Song) 12:16 We need more Islas 13:09 Favorite characters - Links mention: ESPN, 2017: How did the Lakers get here? The inside story of the Buss drama Netflix, 2025: How to Run an NBA Team: Meet Running Point’s Real-Life Inspiration, Jeanie Buss Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first season of Ladies of London: The New Reign has just wrapped with glowing reviews! We're digging into what made this reboot so well-received: the strong ties among the group, friendships arcs, and the value of cast connections over wealth. We're also discussing the origin of the "light" conflict (the spiraled, into Margo vs Mark) and the resolution of Kimi and Misse's dispute. This show feels oddly nostalgic because everyone seems to be having fun! Would love to hear your thoughts on what made the first season of this reboot so great. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:59 Drivers of Success 02:48 Emma 04:02 Martha 05:47 Cast trip to Longleat 09:04 Is Margo performing for cameras? 09:40 Conflict, the need for a "common villain" 12:11 Friendship arc: Margo and Martha 13:45 Friendship arc: Kimi and Misse 16:43 Conclusion Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In celebration of The Devil Wears Prada 2's release this weekend, a sequel twenty year after the original release, we're revisiting Miranda Priestly's "cerulean blue sweater" monologue. The scene serves as our lens to understand the themes of the original film: ambition, identity, and conformity, during the height of the girl boss era. We're discussing how our reception of these themes and the characters have changed in twenty years - when did the "real villain" become Andy's boyfriend, and the tyrannical boss become an icon simply of a competent woman working hard? How much of ourselves must we truly give up to get ahead in the workplace? Plus, I am sharing my thoughts after seeing the sequel! The decline of print media, callbacks to the original film, and what the film says today about how much "choice" we truly have. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Miranda Priestly's Cerulean Sweater monologue linked here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rDTRuCOs9g Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:41 Your input requested! Help me improve the platforms 04:52 Miranda's Cerulean Sweater Monologue 07:08 The Devil Wears Prada as a time capsule 09:08 Audience reception in the girl boss era 10:36 What the film said about culture 12:08 The Devil Wears Prada 2 review + thoughts 15:34 What is the sequel asking about culture? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From hidden cameras in Fiji to the "performance" of a reality show... Beyond the Villa is a social anthropological document of the impacts of a rabid fanbase on the regular people who were cast on the insane global stage that is Love Island. We're asking ourselves: have the new fans "ruined" Love Island USA? Or is some level of social media infamy just part of the risk one takes when joining a dating competition show? We're talking about how Beyond the Villa actively breaks the fourth wall in a perhaps progressive take on the concept of a show about the impacts of another show. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hulu announced new concepts and updates to their unscripted television this week at their "Get Real" live event - and I have *so many thoughts*. We are overviewing the highlights and I am giving my takes on the most interesting new concepts, the more confusing announcements, smart crossovers in the Hulu universe... and more. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 01:39 Hulu Get Real event overview + announcements 03:03 Dancing With The Stars 04:06 DWTS x Project Runway 04:42 Khloe Kardashian's "The Girls" (and "the fall" of the Kardashians) 08:52 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Runway (vs Victoria's Secret Fashion Show) 11:39 Get Real Podcast 16:08 Secret Lives of Mormon Wives: Orange County Hulu press release linked here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When Camille Grammer called Faye Resnick "morally corrupt" during season one of the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, she was not commenting on Faye's Playboy "spread." Rather, she was calling back to Faye's very specific betrayal of Nicole Brown Simpson, ex-wife and murder victim of OJ Simpson. We're talking through who Faye Resnick is, her friendship with Nicole Brown Simpson (and Kris Jenner), and the wild, salacious book about Nicole published just as the murder trial was set to begin. We'll discuss public response, impact on the trial, and how all the relationships evolved post-verdict. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Intro 00:56 Who is Faye Resnick 02:59 Nicole Brown Simpson's Murder 03:33 Book Publication 08:41 Impact on Trial, Public Response 10:59 Celebrity, Playboy Cover 12:21 Camille Grammer, RHOBH 14:00 Kris Jenner Friendship Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What would the Housewives universe be without reality tv superstar NeNe Leakes? We are visiting her youth, upbringing, and marriage(s) to Gregg Leakes. Plus, exploring the cast dynamics of Real Housewives of Atlanta, particularly on the first two seasons - friendships, feuds (Kim Z!), and the impact of such great reality tv. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:41 The Anchor 02:03 Youth, Family 05:13 Marriage to Gregg 06:43 Dwight 07:55 Divorce (and marriage again!) 08:25 Cast dynamics 12:21 My opinions on NeNe as a character 13:59 "The Fall" 15:22 Impending return to Bravo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vanessa Williams, one of the most recognizable stars of her generation, started her career in the public eye as the first Black Miss America. We're discussing her historic win in 1984 - the impact and the backlash - and the road that got her into pageants. With just seven weeks left in her reign, explicit photos that she had taken years prior were sold to Penthouse. When the news broke of their publication, she was given just 72 hours to respond. We'll discuss the lawsuit, her massive career post-Miss America, and the organization's apology in 2015. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Overview 01:42 Youth 03:55 Miss America: The Weight of the Crown 06:24 The Photographs 09:52 Resignation + Lawsuit 13:35 The Comeback! 15:38 The Apology 18:14 My Takeaways Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we saw the premiere of Real Housewives of Atlanta, including the introduction of two new cast members, K. Michelle and Pinky Cole. We'll discuss their introductions to the show and Porsha's dinner party. Plus, we got this week the second episode of the brand new franchise, Real Housewives of Rhode Island. I'm sharing my takeaways as we continue to get to know this cast: Kelsey's second boyfriend, Liz's stepmotherhood, and the Rulla/Jo-Ellen conflict. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 0:28 RHOA, meeting K. Michelle and Pinky Cole 03:50 Porsha's dinner party 06:08 RHORI, Kelsey's second boyfriend 07:24 Liz's role as a stepmother 08:19 Meeting Rulla 09:37 Rulla vs Jo-Ellen Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

By popular demand, we're visiting the story of Carrie Leigh: the 19-year-old model who became Hefner's live-in girlfriend for five years... and then sued him for $35 million. Carrie Leigh was the first person on record to refer to the world of Playboy as a "cult." We're covering her rise in the public eye as "first lady of the Playboy Mansion," and the palimony suit alleging she was promised marriage, children, a Malibu beach house, and an annual salary. Plus: the (suspected?) allegation against Carrie Leigh by Jennifer Saginor, author of Playground, that they had a romantic relationship while the author was a teenager. Find me everywhere: linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 01:41 Road to Playboy 04:22 Relationship with Hugh Hefner 06:43 Life at the Playboy Mansion 09:06 Break up 09:44 Palimony suit 11:55 More lawsuits 12:36 Jennifer Saginor 16:30 Calling Playboy a Cult Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a new Housewives franchise! I am reflecting on the first episode of Real Housewives of Rhode Island - meeting the cast, group dynamics, and what I am most intrigued to learn the rest of the season. Overall, pleasantly surprised - speaking on what the speculation beforehand and what I think will be the magic of the show. Find me on socials!! linktr.ee/literallylaurad Time stamps: 00:00 Speculations + initial thoughts 01:14 Alicia 02:43 Rosie 04:02 Jo-Ellen 05:54 Kelsey 07:31 Liz and Dolores 08:21 Ashley I 10:06 Rulla 10:46 Group dynamics, intrigue for the rest of the season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined in conversation today by Laura Arden, a creature actor and intimacy coordinator. We speak about developing specialties on film sets, self-advocacy, neurodivergence, and the value in being a multifaceted talent. Spoiler: Laura is also one of my dearest friends, so the conversation is both tender and giggly and so fun. Time stamps: 1:26 Becoming an actor 3:53 Creature acting 12:58 Confidence and self-expression 18:40 Intimacy coordination 24:02 Multifaceted talent 29:30 How Hollywood is changing, consumption habits + AI 33:37 Intimacy coordinator tips for every day relationships 37:25 Self advocacy 42:56 Dream roles, favorite creatures in film 44:52 Specializing vs generalizing in Hollywood 46:31 Fashion modeling Find me on socials!! linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our first Friday content roundup!! We have a lot to discuss about this week on television. We will of course overview Alex Cooper's new reality dating show on Hulu, Love Overboard (actually wild). Also: this season so far on Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, including my thoughts on Amanda Frances; and the new series (reboot) Ladies of London: The New Reign and their forced trauma bonding activity. We'll close discussing this season of Ryan Murphy's FX show, Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette - I am getting into *all* my thoughts on the season and today's finale episode. Timestamps: 1:31 Love Overboard 6:54 Real Housewives of Beverly Hills 9:45 Ladies of London: The New Reign 14:38 Love Story: JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette Find me on socials!! www.linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're diving into the career, personal life, and lasting legacy of icon Farrah Fawcett. From her early career, to *that* poster, and from her professional pivot after one impatful season on Charlie's Angels. Plus, her relationships with Lee Majors, Ryan O'Neil, and the college boyfriend that reveal their rekindled romance after her passing. PLUS! Exciting news - Characters will now be coming out twice per week, Tuesdays and Fridays!! Find me on socials! https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Timestamps: 01:57 Early life 3:19 The iconic poster 4:27 Charlie's Angels 5:46 Career pivot: Extremities, grittier roles 8:21 Cancer diagnosis + documentary 9:35 Romantic relationships 13:25 Greg Lott vs Ryan O'Neil Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Holly Madison joins us for a candid conversation about life during and post her seven-year residency at the Playboy Mansion. From the complicated reality of the relationship she was in, to the impact of Girls Next Door on her life (despite not being paid for the show until season five)! Holly opens up about rebuilding her life in Las Vegas, as shared on her spin-off show, Holly's World. She looks back on the backlash to her opening up about the abusive nature of her relationship with Hugh Hefner, initially with her book, Down the Rabbit Hole, and later in the wake of his passing and the Me Too Movement. We reflect on friendships and other iconic women throughout Playboy history, and what it's meant to revisit these GND years through her own podcast, Girls Next Level. Find me on socials!! https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined today by content creator and screenwriter Tess Higgins! We're talking all things dating shows: from Bachelor/Bachelorette, the Goldens, to Love is Blind, Love Island, and even more. We're sharing our predictions for Taylor Frankie Paul's upcoming Bachelorette season, plus what we think drove Bachelor Nation to this point of "desperation." You can find Tess Higgins on socials at @tessdhiggins If you're in Denver - I will be hosting watch parties for The Bachelorette! Details to come on social media asap. Find me on socials! The video version of this show is available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined today by legendary costume designer Mona May! She'a reflecting on the fashion of the iconic film Clueless - we're talking about sourcing and designing the outfits for Cher, Dionne, Tai and Amber; telling stories through costumes; and the impact of the film's fashion thirty years later. We're also speaking about her fabulous work in cult classic films like The House Bunny and Romy and Michele's High School Reunion (among so many)! You can find Mona May online everywhere at @itsmonamay and her book The Fashion of Clueless is out now. Find me on socials! The video version of this show is only available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by content creator Kate Riccio for a friendly conversation all about reality television: the evolution from shows like Jersey Shore to Real Housewives, the landscape of performance on reality tv today, and cities we'd love to see on our screens. Plus, our takes on Real Housewives of Rhode Island, the "Housewives to prison" pipeline, the inclusion of bloggers in storylines, and more. You can find Kate at @ricciorecaps Find me on socials! The video version of this show is only available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to Characters!! We are joined on our first episode by Pamela Des Barres, "the world's most famous groupie," for a conversation about her legendary rock and roll memoir, I'm With The Band. Originally published in 1987, I'm With The Band chronicles Pamela's time in the 1960s as a member of the GTOs; friendships and romantic relationships with rockstars like Mick Jagger, Jimmy Page, Gram Parsons, Frank Zappa, Robert Plant, and more; and firsthand experience of music history being created. Find me on socials! The video version of this show is only available on Youtube - https://linktr.ee/literallylaurad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new show by Laura Diez, on the characters we love to consume. Exploring the portrayals of real people on reality tv, fictionalized women that stay in our memories, and pop culture legends. Characters premieres February 17, 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're comparing passenger train travel between the US and Europe: why does Europe do rail so well? We're overviewing a handful of regional and intercity routes that do train travel well, and pointing out what American communities could learn from - investments, political will, high-speed rail, and much more. We're also discussing scenic routes and trains as part of the trip, rather than simply a means of transportation. I share the triumphant, community-advocated-for Winter Park Express, from Denver, CO to a nearby ski resort. Episodes to revisit: The Death of the Third Place Urban Revitalization + Sustainable Development | Alan Sneider Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Virginia Chamlee is an artist, writer, and author of the best-selling book, Big Thrift Energy. She joins us for a conversation on finding your personal style, the best tips for shopping secondhand for furniture and unique homewares, and curating a home that feels truly *you*. Find Virginia on TikTok @virginiachamlee and Instagram @vchamlee Thanks to our sponsor! Get started at $1.49 per meal at EveryPlate.com/podcast and use code 49EcoChic Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are joined by Katie Gatti of Money With Katie, financial literacy blogger, podcast superstar, and one my favorite people on the internet!! We are discussing today what Katie calls "the hot girl hamster wheel" - the never-ending beauty maintenance that women often feel financially and socially committed to. Today's conversation explores beauty consumerism, female-targeted marketing, and what it means to reject the norms we've never collectively considered optional. Truly one of my favorite conversations we've ever had on this show!! Find Katie on MoneyWithKatie.com, The Money with Katie Show, and her new show, Bossy Read Jessica DeFino's new column, Ask Ugly in The Guardian Thanks to our sponsor! LumeDeodorant.com with code ECOCHIC Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're rewinding on one of our most buzzy topics: fast furniture. When did we start thinking of furniture as disposable? Today we're discussing the under-exaggerated problem of fast furniture: cheap, low quality, and mass-produced pieces designed to be dumped. We're breaking down (ha) two iconic fast furniture items, and exploring tips for your next point-of-purchase furniture decision. More for you: Ep 196: Creating Thoughtful Spaces | Amanda Gunawan, OWIU Designs ‘Fast Furniture’ Is Cheap. And Americans Are Throwing It in the Trash. (NY Times) Fast furniture: what’s wrong with it and 7 ways to make better choices (for you and the planet) (Heidi Bischoff, 2019) Ikea keeps price of popular Billy Bookcase the cheapest in Euro zone (Independent UK) Thanks to our sponsor today! EveryPlate.com/podcast and use code 49ecochic Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Shannon McNamara of Fluenty Forward for today's profiling of Les Wexner: the billionaire businessman behind *all* the mall brands. Wexner is credited with mainstreaming fast fashion marketing techniques, and targeted consumers through his ownership and acquisition of brands like The Limited, Victoria's Secret, Bath & Body Works, Abercrombie & Fitch, and many, many more. Wexner also was the primary billionaire client of Jeffrey Epstein, with the Victoria's Secret brand playing a major role in Epstein's story. Wexner is the longest serving CEO of a Fortune 500 company, with 57 years upon his retirement. Today's conversation explores the advent of fast fashion marketing, as well as Wexner and L Brands' impact on the culture of the 1990s and early 2000s. Thanks to our sponsor! JustThriveHealth.com/ECOCHIC or use code ECOCHIC for 20% off your 90 day supply - try the probiotic and Just Calm!! Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our final episode for 2023, we're reflecting on the "ins" and "outs" for the year: the themes we hope continue strong and those we're happy to see go! Reflecting on how our conversations have shifted this year around conscious consumption, personal climate action, and mental health, today's conversation hopes to refresh and reset as we enter the new year, eco chic. For episode recaps of the year's most loved, most viral eps: EC Wrapped: Best of 2023 The Death of the Third Place And mentioned: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce romance is bad for the planet. Couple burns a whopping $70,779 jet fuel in the last three months (Economic Times) Thanks to our sponsor! JustThriveHealth.com/ECOCHIC or use code ECOCHIC for 20% off your 90 day supply - try the probiotic and Just Calm!! Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The world's biggest climate change conference recently wrapped, and we're excited to speak today about the successes of the historic two weeks! We're joined by Charly Frisk, Director of Climate Action at Time for Better, to discuss the on-the-ground energy in Dubai, the outcomes, and how mainstream media can continue community building around historically exclusive climate events. Thanks to our sponsor! JustThriveHealth.com/ECOCHIC or use code ECOCHIC for 20% off your 90 day supply - try the probiotic and Just Calm!! Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is everyone healing their gut? Tina Anderson, CEO and co-founder of Just Thrive, joins us to talk all things gut health: from Big Pharma to modern agriculture. Today’s conversation explores connections from the gut to chronic disease, our moods, and cognitive health. We’re discussing the science behind spore-based probiotics, and how natural remedies and modern medicine can go hand-in-hand for holistic healing. Visit justhrivehealth.com with promo code ECOCHIC for 20% off - try the Probiotic and I also love Just Calm!!  Babbel - get 55% off your Babbel subscription - but only for our listeners - at Babbel.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is less common that ever to be a "regular" - which feels so good to be, because it means you're a stable fixture in a community. If your home and workplace are your first and second places, respectively, what can you call your third place? Today, we're discussing some of the reasons we've seen a rapid decline in third places (is it social media? affordability? the suburban dream??) and better understanding their value in social sustainability. For more: The Power of Walkable Cities Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Data time - we’re revisiting some of our most shared, most loved, + most viral conversations from the year! 2023 was such a special year of growth, learning, + reflection. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to engage in these!!  Total Ethics Fashion | Emma Hakansson, Collective Fashion Justice Imperfect Environmentalism | Megan McSherry Urban Revitalization + Sustainable Development | Alan Sneider We’re Finally De-Influencing Green Jobs + DEI in Sustainability | Kristy Drutman, Brown Girl Green, Green Jobs Board Everything About the Western Water Crisis, with WesternWaterGirl | Teal Lehto Finding Community, Plastics Policy, + Sustainable Storytelling | Lauren Bash Thanks to our sponsor today!! CarawayHome.com/ECO for up to 20% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Our Black Friday episode this year is an opportunity for us to indulge in pop culture - we're discussing how some mega-celebrities have made sustainability such a central part of their platforms. It's like a new take on the tabloid classic series, "Celebs, They're Just Like Us!" - we all care about the planet, and it's so cool to see people platforming causes they're passionate about. We're overviewing icons like Jane Fonda and Pamela Anderson, and hopefully giving you an opportunity to loop your environmental activism into pop culture conversations throughout the season. Also check out: Conscious, Creative Gift Guide Thanks to our sponsor today! YouCanBeam.com/ECOCHIC for 10% sitewide Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Green jobs are a huge discussion already on the presidential campaign trial - and young people have never been more motivated to secure a job ensure a climate-positive future. We're breaking down what a green job even is, and why we want to invest in them. We're also overviewing the American Climate Corps, a green job training program funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), aimed at upskilling 20,000 young people in its first round. More episodes on green jobs: Green Jobs + DEI in Sustainability | Kristy Drutman, Brown Girl Green, Green Jobs Board Crafting Climate Careers | Yesh Pavlik Slenk, Environmental Defense Fund Resources: FACT SHEET: Biden-⁠Harris Administration Launches American Climate Corps to Train Young People in Clean Energy, Conservation, and Climate Resilience Skills, Create Good-Paying Jobs and Tackle the Climate Crisis Thanks to our sponsors today!! CarawayHome.com/ECO Babbel.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Without even realizing, sustainability can quickly slip from our priority list around the holidays. We're walking through some frameworks to consume more consciously throughout the season, and walking through my sustainable gift guide: from experience-based giving, to thoughtful physical gifts. This episode will hopefully allow us to go into this season, typically overflowing with hyper-consumption, with clear ideas and values driving those purchases. Leave me a voicemail about your sustainable holiday tips and traditions!!! SpeakPipe.com/EcoChic Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

When we think of fast fashion, we probably think of the online mega-retailers (cough cough, SHEIN). Fast fashion has become such a norm of consumption that we sometimes fail to recognize brands that are employing the same techniques, ignoring the ethical and environmental wrongdoings, to produce obscene amounts and turnover inventory quicker than ever before. Today we're exposing some "secretly" fast fashion brands - places we may shop because we're more comfortable than the brands we associate with hyperconsumption, but that we may not realize are competing with such at the best of their abilities. More eps for you: The True Cost of Free Shipping and Returns Total Ethics Fashion | Emma Hakansson, Collective Fashion Justice 5 Ways to Spot Fast Fashion Thanks to our sponsor today! FactorMeals.com/ecochic50 Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Actress and comedian Cheryl Hines joins us to share her personal sustainability journey: from humble Florida childhood to stretching every dollar as an aspiring entertainer, sustainability was an unconscious way of life. She shares with us her new brand, Hines + Young, founded with her daughter Kat: an everyday luxury brand, plastic-free and all natural. We discuss how her awareness of environmental issues grew over time and how Hines + Young's partnership with the Waterkeeper Alliance is core to their grassroots, community-oriented brand philosophies. This episode was an absolute treat for me!! Thanks to our sponsors today! Carawayhome.com/ECO Babbel.com/EcoChic Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The thrift queen is here!! Macy Eleni (of @blazedandglazed) is a content creator, internet personality, soon-to-be-published author, and the ultimate secondhand fashion superstar. Today we discuss her early exposures to the fashion industry (do you remember Teen Vogue University??), her thrift philosophies, and her upcoming book. We also discuss our qualms with online pressures of hyperconsumption and the ethical implications of "loving fashion." This conversation is chatty, full of laughter, so deeply honest, and bursting with tips not only to get you thrifting but also to reframe your relationship with the fashion space. Find Macy on TikTok, instagram, + YouTube Thanks to our sponsor today! YouCanBEAM.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's ep is peering into my inner thoughts on clean beauty - a topic I was once deeply passionate about, which now feels like a co-opt term that doesn't mean much. I've talking through my personal perspective on the clean beauty marketplace today, as well as why I feel consumers are drawn to purchase these products, even if they themselves aren't totally eco chic. While I am an advocate for sustainable brands, I'm dissolutioned with how many brands are claiming to be such. Greenwashing is alive and well, but we've also allowed ourselves to lean into marketing narratives around terms like "non-toxic" and "natural" that deserve more nuance. More on what I mentioned: The Kosas Mold Debacle Isn't as Wild as It Sounds (Allure) Does “Clean” Beauty Have A Mold Problem? (Refinery29) Fear of Preservatives? (Credo Beauty) Thanks to our sponsor today! TryFUM.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Oliver English is a filmmaker, photographer, chef & food advocate. He serves as the co-founder and CEO of Common Table Creative, an impact-driven production & hospitality company. Prior to launching Common Table Creative, Oliver led his family company, The Olive Group’s, international restaurant development sector. Today, Oliver joins us for a discussion around how we gather, how we eat, and how our food systems can be fundamentally rethought to support regenerative, planet-conscious futures. Oliver shares stories from his childhood to Feeding Tomorrow, Common Table Creative's upcoming documentary on how education, healthcare, and policy intersect with our food systems. Today's conversation is deeply personal and inspires us to more often ask: where did my food come from? Thanks to our sponsor today! Babbel.com/ECOCHIC for 55% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's no such thing as free ... not even two day shipping from Amazon. Today we're discussing a consumer norm we very often forget has environmental and supply chain impacts: free shipping and free returns. We discuss the immediate emissions and packaging waste, of course, but also textile waste - where do our return things truly go? Resources: TEDTalk by Arana Mehta, "Where do your online returns go?" Why ‘free’ shipping isn’t free (CNBC) Why your online returns may end up in landfill—and what can be done to fix it (Fast Company) The unsustainable cost of free returns (Vogue Business) Why fashion brands destroy billions’ worth of their own merchandise every year (Vox) Thanks to our sponsors today! FactorMeals.com/ecochic50 for 50% off CarawayHome.com/ECO for 10% off Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fall always feels like back-to-school season, no matter what age we're at - perfect time to get organized and learn something new. Today, we're overviewing five nonfiction books I'm excited to read this fall focused on climate, waste, outdoor recreation, and more. Most of the books mentioned on today's episode are very recently released and are receiving great reviews - I tend to gravitate towards memoirs and books with beautiful settings, so today's list reflects books I anticipate to be really engrossing! Also listen to: ECO CHIC Summer Reading List Climate Optimism | Zahra Biabani Thanks to our sponsor today!! TryFum.com/ECOCHIC Sign up for our biweekly newsletter here!! Sign up for our community spotlight here!! Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at [email protected]. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices