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Have you heard the hype? The Enneagram is the personality test to beat all personality tests. But, it’s much more than just giving you a bunch of numbers or letters to tell you about your traits and strengths. This model is actually designed to be a tool to tell us what to watch out for in our habits and tendencies and also to increase our empathy and understanding in relationships. That’s what Jess, the Enneagram coach, is here to tell us about today!Jess Gartner has a hard time describing herself because she has her hand in A LOT of things! One of those is podcasting, which is how we first got connected. I was on her show a few months back and had such a fun time talking with her that I knew I needed to get her on my show, too. The most important hats that she wears, though, are those of mom and wife. That was probably my biggest takeaway from today’s episode - how the Enneagram can make such an impact on the close, personal relationships in your life! Since we chatted, I have already recounted so much of the information that Jess shared with me in conversations with my friends, my husband, and even my counselor!If you’re a personality test skeptic, let me tell you this isn’t your average strengths-finder quiz. The Enneagram is so much more! In Part 1 today, Jess is explaining all the major components of how the Enneagram works, where it comes from, and how to use it in our every day lives. We’re also diving into the nine different personality types. Heads up - you might start sweating when you hear your type identified! We’re just discussing the first three today so you’ll have to tune back in for Part 2 to hear the rest. But whatever number you identify with, remember that learning about all the numbers can be so helpful to your relationships at work and at home.Links from the show:Shop Xtrema Cookware:https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=832803&u=2650427&m=52296&urllink=&afftrack=Jess’s Blog:https://www.jessgaertner.com/blogThe Modern Mamas Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modern-mamas-podcast/id1248144260“The Road Back to You” by Ian Morgan Cron and Suzanne Stabile:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/28268515-the-road-back-to-youJess’s preferred Enneagram test:https://www.enneagraminstitute.com/rheti-instructionsConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Jess:Instagram: @jess.holdthespaceWebsite: https://www.jessgaertner.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-modern-mamas-podcast/id1248144260Email: jess@jessgaertner.com

I always love when I schedule an interview because I think other people need to hear the content, and instead I end up getting a personal counseling session that I didn’t know I needed. Christina and Pai are back this week with more good advice for navigating the uniqueness and beautiful differences of relationships! While we’re primarily talking about intercultural and interracial relationships like theirs, what they share is applicable no matter what type of relationship you’re in. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comIn Part 1 of my interview with Pai and Christina last week, they shared about their dating story and what it was like journeying through a relationship with two people (and two families) coming from two very different cultures. They have learned a lot about healthy communication and compromise along the way, and they dealt out their best advice for all of us to learn from. Today, the good advice continues, but we’re also diving a little deeper. I asked Christina and Pai to share about how becoming parents has impacted the celebration of cultures in their home, and also how it has changed their outlook on the climate of our country in this time.As Pai states, 2020 was a hard year for everyone - but especially so for people of color and people in interracial relationships. Christina opened up about how, even as a white woman, the events of the year directly impacted her. Pai discussed how he appreciated so many aspects of unity and a desire to learn that he witnessed, but also about how exhausting that was for him and how he had to learn to point folks to other resources besides himself. Their main messages of asking intentional questions, listening well, and letting our differences bring us together rather than divide us ring so true on the topic of racism and beyond.Get excited, because the wisdom doesn’t stop here. Season 2 of Pai and Christina’s podcast is currently in the works, so you’ll get to hear even more from them soon!Links from the show:Goods & Better Store:https://www.goodsandbetterstore.com?ref=mackenzieneally“Behold the Dreamers” by Imbolo Mbue:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35259724-behold-the-dreamers“Between the World and Me” by Ta-Nehisi Coates:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25489625-between-the-world-and-me“The New Jim Crow” by Michelle Alexander:https://newjimcrow.com/13th Documentary:https://www.netflix.com/title/80091741Taking Cara Babies:https://takingcarababies.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Christina and Pai:Instagram: @theculturetalkcollectiveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theculturetalkcollective/ Website: https://theculturetalkcollective.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-culture-talk-collective/id1484431708

Have you ever thought about it? We’re the only species on earth who drinks another species milk, and the only species who drinks milk for life. Strange, right? It’s no wonder that up to 50% of people struggle with lactose intolerance - maybe it’s because we were never meant to consume cow's milk in the first place!Don’t get me wrong - I love me some cheese and ice cream. But, do we really need to be consuming dairy milk as much as 90’s campaign ads led us to believe? Turns out that we can get protein, calcium, and fat from plenty of other foods, including non-dairy beverages!Today on the show I am sharing some delicious, healthy, and more sustainable alternatives to cow's milk that you can find in the store. In doing a little research, one thing I learned is that it depends on what you need milk for to decide what milk alternative is best for you. Your needs might vary depending on if you’re looking for the right thing to transition your little one from breastmilk versus if you’re looking for something to top off your coffee in the morning. I’m discussing a few of those options in the show and also advising you on what ingredients to watch out for!In this episode I’ll also describe the super easy method for making your own mylk. Spoiler alert: you only need two ingredients (and one of them is water). Non-dairy milks don’t just have health benefits, but this way they can be even more affordable!Links from the show:FDA Report:https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/problems-digesting-dairy-productsBBC article:https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200207-which-milk-alternative-should-we-be-drinkingUW Medicine article:https://rightasrain.uwmedicine.org/body/food/healthy-non-dairy-milkHarvard Med article:https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/confused-about-eating-soyConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.com

When two cultures collide, beautiful things can happen. Christina and Pai’s marriage is a picture of just that! A Black Zimbabwean and a white Tennessean don’t make up your ordinary couple - when Pai and Christina first got together, they felt that firsthand. Between their journeys of dating in a town where no one looked like them, direct experiences with racism, and joining families of two very different cultures together, this couple recognized that there was some community missing here. Now, they’re on a mission to help others navigate intercultural and interracial relationships. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comAfter I learned about Pai and Christina’s podcast and online work, I knew I had to talk to them. I especially wanted to get their perspective on what it’s like being in an interracial and intercultural marriage (and doing some parenting along the way!) while living in America. In Part 1 of our conversation, they’re sharing all the details of their story. We’re talking about how they met and the early years of their dating relationship, planning an intercultural wedding, and what some of the biggest lessons they have learned over the years have been that they like to share with others.To be honest, when I first sat down with this couple I didn’t expect to be able to relate to so many different parts of their story and the obstacles they have faced. I’m not in an intercultural or interracial marriage myself, so I wasn’t thinking that I would learn much from them that I could personally apply. Boy - was I wrong! There were so many times throughout our interview that I told Pai and Christina that the messages they were preaching were helpful for ANYONE in ANY kind of relationship - romantic or otherwise! So, enjoy this free counseling session you didn’t know you needed.Next week in Part 2, we’re diving further into the hard topics. We’ll be talking specifically about the racial climate in the United States over the past year and how it has affected Pai and Christina, and how it’s changed their outlook on parenting. This couple has a lot of wisdom to share and, get excited, because they have more of it coming on season 2 of their own podcast that they’re recording now! Make sure you check out the links below to learn more.Links from the show:Paper Culture:https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1038478&u=2650427&m=26768&urllink=&afftrack=0Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Christina and Pai:Instagram: @theculturetalkcollectiveFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theculturetalkcollective/ Website: https://theculturetalkcollective.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-culture-talk-collective/id1484431708

Just as no one chooses their skin color, no one chooses what country they are born in or what language they grow up speaking. That’s something I was reminded of in my discussion with Sarah on immigration, and yet it’s something that gives many of us great privilege that we have done nothing to deserve. Chances are if you’re reading this, you’ve benefited from some of that privilege yourself. Sarah is back this week to share about how we can harness that privilege to help those around us.In Part 1 of our conversation last week, Sarah spent a lot of time answering all the questions I had about immigration policy in the US. I’ll be honest - I didn’t know half as much as I thought I did about this topic! It was so great to learn from someone who has not only done her research and has the statistics to prove it, but from someone who’s on the frontlines and sees the ins and outs of our current immigration setup on a daily basis.That’s what Sarah is chatting about with us today - she’s sharing the frontline work she and her team do through Casa de Paz. This organization has grown leaps and bounds since Sarah first started it nearly 9 years ago, and the work that they do is truly admirable. The best part about it, though? We can all be involved from wherever we’re at! Sarah is providing us with some ways that we can contribute to correcting this broken system, whether it’s with The Casa or elsewhere. She’s got all kinds of resources for us on how we can become more educated and take a stand for our fellow human beings. Because that’s what this is really all about, isn’t it?Links from the show:Shop Nu Leaf Naturals - Use code HIPPIE20 for 20% off:https://nuleafnaturals.com/Casa de Paz Pen Pal Program:https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/volunteer“Safe Passage on City Streets” by Dorothy T. Samuel:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/7707837-safe-passage-on-city-streetsMetro Denver Sanctuary Coalition:https://www.metrodenversanctuary.org/Freedom For Immigrants:https://www.freedomforimmigrants.org/Detention Watch Network:https://www.detentionwatchnetwork.org/Casa de Paz Online Volunteer Training:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScYIlGb2g7dvbmiJ8QB3piCOxfgaWCPxLvC1oZ_9cWVCfLM_A/viewform“Little Bee” by Chris Cleave:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/6948436-little-beeBrene Brown Podcast:https://brenebrown.com/podcast/brene-with-drs-john-and-julie-gottman-on-what-makes-love-last/Dr. Dray YouTube Channel:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnxmUrGMtpQT844Yd_l7ZygCeraVe Skincare:https://www.cerave.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Sarah:Website: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasaDePazCo/Instagram: @casadepazcoBook: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/book

Treat others how you’d like to be treated - it’s the golden rule we can probably all agree on, right? We can also probably all agree that it’s much easier said than done, especially when it comes to divisive political topics. I’ve said it before with issues discussed on this show - when we make things out to be “political,” we lose sight of the heart of the matter. Specifically, humanity. So, let’s set aside our political alignments and policy beliefs as we learn together today on a very broken system in our country - immigration.When Sarah Jackson signed up to take a trip to the US and Mexico border, she was mostly in it for the all-expenses-paid vacation she thought she’d be getting. Little did she know that this trip would not only change her views on immigration in America, but it would propel her into her life’s mission with her current organization. Case de Paz is going on 9 years now of serving immigrants and their families who have been detained in ICE facilities. The work that they do is simply amazing, but that’s not all that Sarah is here to share about today.I asked Sarah to come on the show because I think immigration is something we all could stand to learn a little more about. Because it’s so often viewed solely as a political topic, many of us rely on politicians to be our sources of information and don’t truly understand the process that takes place. Today in Part 1, Sarah is sharing what it’s like to be an immigrant coming to the United States and she’s answering common questions like, “Why don’t immigrants just come here the legal way?” She takes a faith-based approach for much of what we discuss, and I think you’ll see why this is such a beautiful and important way to look at things.No matter where you live or where you stand in your views, keep in mind that immigration is a global issue, not just one that America deals with. Education is the starting point for change when it comes to this topic and so many others, so keep your heart (and your ears) open as Sarah shares about her experiences and the stories of her friends with us! Oh, and make sure you tune back in for Part 2 next week where Sarah is sharing more about Casa de Paz and how we can get involved to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. Links from the show:Shop Redeemed With Purpose - Use code MACKENZIEN for 15% off:https://www.redeemedwithpurpose.com/“The House that Love Built” by Sarah Jackson:https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/bookConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Sarah:Website: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CasaDePazCo/Instagram: @casadepazcoBook: https://www.casadepazcolorado.org/book

When it comes to diapers, most parents are looking for the easiest option out there. That’s part of why disposables are so popular! But, if you tuned in last week, you know that when you choose disposables you might be sacrificing a lot of things that you’re not okay with. So, how can we make cloth diapering a little easier? That’s what Bailey and I are here to do today! In Part 2, Bailey is tackling the “how-to’s” of cloth diapers and answering all the questions you might have. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comWhat type of diaper is best for me? How many different types are there?! Where is the best place to buy cloth diapers? And how in the world do I clean these things? These are just a few of the common questions that any cloth diapering mama might have. Well, Bailey and I giving you the straight poop on how cloth diapers actually work. We’re talking about how you can make sure your diapers are truly getting clean and providing plenty of other resources to give you some support on this parenting and diapering journey, both for the stay-at-home parents and the working ones!One of my biggest takeaways from what Bailey shared was the encouragement that we don’t have to do things perfectly to make a difference. Even if we still use the occasional disposable diaper, or if we’re only using cloth diapers on the weekends, our choices as consumers and as caretakers still hold a lot of impact. May that knowledge empower you, and don’t forget that you have two people here for you in this journey right here!Links from the show:Shop Xtrema Cookware:https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=832803&u=2650427&m=52296&urllink=&afftrack=Cloth Diaper Quiz:https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/cloth-diaper-quiz/Types of Cloth Diapers Guide:https://www.instagram.com/clothdiaperpodcast/guide/types-of-cloth-diapers/17857760216271927/Diaper Dawgs:https://diaperdawgs.com/Noleo Care 3-in-1 Diaper Cream:https://www.noleocare.com/collections/noleo-3-in-1-diaper-rash-cream-for-babyCloth Diapering at Daycare Episodes:https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/?s=daycareThirsties on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/Thirsties/Green Mountain Diapers on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/greenmountaindiapers/“Fake Silk” by Paul David Blanchttps://www.amazon.com/Fake-Silk-Lethal-History-Viscose/dp/0300204663“To Call Myself Beloved” by Leisse Wilcox:https://www.amazon.com/Call-Myself-Beloved-Healing-Coming/dp/1989716032History of Swear Words documentary:https://www.netflix.com/title/81305757Lillypost Subscription Box:https://lillypost.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Bailey:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clothdiaperpodcast/Instagram: @clothdiaperpodcastTwitter: @clothdiaperpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkRQfls0ZADmuN4urQe32QWebsite: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cloth-diaper-podcast/id1408366170Book: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/book/

Cloth diapering - it’s not just for the crunchy crazies or the eco-friendly angels! And actually, it’s not just for parents of toddlers to know about, either. The disposable diaper industry has been able to change a whole way of thinking to make us think that anything besides what they have to offer is unsafe, unsanitary, and just plain weird. Today, Bailey is on the show to tell us why that’s far from the truth. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comWhile this topic might seem like one that’s exclusively for stay-at-home mamas, after listening I think you’ll see that that’s simply not the case. We all should be aware of the diaper industries major impact on our economy and on our environment. Whether you’re currently a parent or not, learning about this topic can affect you as a consumer and can give you some helpful info to share with your friends!Today, Bailey - a mom of two, author, and fellow podcaster - is sharing about her own journey as a cloth-diapering mama. She’s also explaining what some of the biggest benefits to using cloth diapers are and why you may want to consider them over the more wasteful, more expensive, and potentially unsafe alternative of disposable diapers. Something you should know as you listen is that this is a judgement-free zone. Bailey and I aren’t here to tell you that you have to use cloth diapers to be a good person. Instead, we’re here to help you be a more mindful consumer and make the best decision for your family.Next week on Part 2, Bailey and I will be going through the “how-to’s” of cloth diapering. This is something I personally gets TONS of questions about - especially the ever-popular, “How do you clean them?!” question. Bailey will be answering that and more next week and helping cloth diapers to feel like a much more accessible option no matter where you’re at.Links from the show:Goods & Better Store:https://www.goodsandbetterstore.com?ref=mackenzieneallyBailey’s Podcast:https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/Bailey’s Book: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/book/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Bailey:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/clothdiaperpodcast/Instagram: @clothdiaperpodcastTwitter: @clothdiaperpodcastYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwkRQfls0ZADmuN4urQe32QWebsite: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cloth-diaper-podcast/id1408366170Book: https://www.clothdiaperpodcast.com/book/

Enjoying pregnancy - is that a paradox? I thought about titling this episode “Surviving Pregnancy” because “enjoying” feels like a bit of a stretch. Even though pregnancy has been extremely demanding physically, it’s a time that I truly appreciate and am amazed at my body for handling. So today, I want to share a few tips that have helped me to get through pregnancy with very few battle scars - mentally or physically.Now, I’m hardly an expert at carrying and delivering children compared to lots of moms out there. But, I do have a few words of wisdom I want to share. I also want to acknowledge that this can be a triggering topic for many. Pregnancy is hard and comes with loss and grief - I know it firsthand. So, if you need to skip this episode or save it for later, do that. Take care of yourself, mama.Every body and every pregnancy is different so these tips might not work well for you. That’s okay! And actually, I’d love to hear what does work for you. Let’s share the wealth of knowledge and get through these growing pains together!Links from the show:Blog about vitamins:https://wearefeel.com/blogs/learn/danger-of-cheap-multivitaminsCount the Kicks:https://www.countthekicks.org/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.com

Vote with your dollar! Most of us have heard this phrase before, but how exactly do we do that? Today in Part 2 of our conversation, Bethany and I are discussing how we can be more mindful consumers and ways that we should think twice about where we invest our money. Last week, we talked about some of the ethical issues that MLM businesses present. Well, there’s a little more of that happening this week - but really, this is a much bigger conversation about being conscious consumers. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comIn Part 1, Bethany and I broke down how MLM structures actually work and why they can tow the line of…well, operating illegally. Today, we’re diving more into the ethical side of things! Until Bethany educated me on this, I had no idea that this type of business plan intersected with such topics as feminism or being a small business owner. We’re talking about that more in this episode and how we should proceed knowing this information - both as consumers and as potential entrepreneurs!Overall, Bethany’s biggest message isn’t that you should never buy from an MLM again. Rather, she’s an advocate for doing your own research and figuring out where we should invest our money so that it aligns with our values. No matter where you stand in your support of MLM businesses, I think you will learn a lot from this conversation. I promise that, and of course that you will love Bethany as much as I do!Links from the show:Paper Culture:https://shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1038478&u=2650427&m=26768&urllink=&afftrack=0“The Financial Diet” by Chelsea Fagan:https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/32927009-the-financial-diet“(Un)well” docuseries:https://www.netflix.com/title/81044208Earrings by Emily:https://www.etsy.com/shop/ebeclaycreationsClay by Cait:https://www.claybycait.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Bethany:Instagram: @bethany.heasley // @heasleysathome

There’s not many episodes I’m nervous about doing, but this was definitely one of them! Multi-level marketing companies often get a bad rap. But why? What’s really going on here? Today on the show, my friend Bethany is sharing all about the research she’s done on these businesses and why there may be some ethicality issues that many of us as consumers (and even as entrepreneurs) are blind to. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comBethany is not only a good friend of mine, but she’s also a marketing professional, which makes her the perfect person to speak into this topic! Many of us have had friends, or sometimes even strangers, present us with business opportunities that seem too good to be true where we’re left wondering what the deal is... Well, that’s what Bethany is here to share about! But, before we dive in, we both want to be very clear that we’re not here to be MLM haters. We recognize that for some folks, MLM’s are a big part of their livelihood, and that’s okay! As Bethany says - you do you.But, that doesn’t change the fact that there’s some things we all need to be aware of before we buy from or work for these companies. There’s a lot of MLM’s out there, and a lot of them are dealing with legal issues. So, Bethany is educating us on how many of these brands cross the line of ethics and legal practices in their structure. Really though, this conversation is much more broadly about mindful consumerism. Again, we’re not here to be anti-MLM proponents, but we’re here to help you think twice about where you’re putting your dollar and what kind of world you’re voting for when you do. This will be discussed even more on Part 2, so make sure you tune in next week to hear more from Bethany!Links from the show:NuLeaf Naturals - Use code HIPPIE20 for 20% off:https://nuleafnaturals.com/shop/FTC article on MLM’s:https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/articles/0065-multi-level-marketing-businesses-and-pyramid-schemesConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Bethany:Instagram: @bethany.heasley // @heasleysathome

Being a responsible traveler isn’t about checking items off of a list. It’s about dedicating yourself to being a lifelong learner - something I’m a huge advocate for - to consistently be aware of ways you can live more mindfully. What a great mindset, and not just for travel right?! Today, Erin is back on the show to continue to teach us about being responsible travelers. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comLast week on Part 1, Erin and I went through 7 of her 10 best tips for being a responsible tourist. We talked about things like acknowledging diversity and being respectful of other cultures - it was truly an enlightening time with so many good lessons that apply to many areas of life even beyond tourism. Today, we’re going through the rest of Erin’s tips and focusing mostly on the sustainability side of travel. There are so many ways to reduce our environmental impact while traveling and Erin has plenty of great ideas for us. I loved all of Erin’s advice and it has me excited to plan my next trip, whether it’s an international getaway or a local road trip! Even though many of us are currently unable to travel, I think you will find this time with Erin inspirational and it will help you to be a little more mindful the next time you hop on a plane, on a train, or even in your car with tent in tow. Links from the show:Shop Redeemed With Purpose Jewelry - use code MACKENZIEN for 15% off:https://www.redeemedwithpurpose.com/shopPina Travels Blog Post:https://www.pinatravels.org/discoveries/responsible-tourist?rq=responsibleAlpaca My Bags Podcast Episode with Natasha Daly:https://www.pinatravels.org/episodes/animal-tourismGrayl Water Bottles:https://grayl.com/Alpaca My Bags Podcast Episode with Evelina Utterdahl:https://www.pinatravels.org/episodes/sustainable-travel“Little Fires Everywhere” by Celeste Nghttps://www.goodreads.com/book/show/51704136-little-fires-everywhereYou’re Wrong About Podcast:https://yourewrongabout.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Erin:Instagram, TikTok, and other socials: @pinatravelsFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/PinaTravels/Website: https://www.pinatravels.org/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alpaca-my-bags/id1449041086

“Leave a place better than you found it.” That was always the golden rule when I went to Girl Scout camp as a little kid, but I haven’t thought about the concept much since then. But, have you ever considered the responsibility we have as travelers to other cities, states, and countries? The idea of traveling responsibly is much bigger than picking up your trash wherever you go (though, you should do that, too). Today on the show, travel blogger and podcaster Erin Hynes is sharing what responsible tourism really looks like.Erin is a Canadian gal but started traveling the world at a young age. It was these experiences with other cultures that led her to recognize some ways she could be a little more mindful while traveling. Her blog and podcast are dedicated to exploring topics like these more - she is particularly passionate about discussing sustainability and diversity and how they connect with travel. As someone who loves to travel myself (and someone who is bored of being at home), I was stoked to get to learn from Erin and dream of someday hopping on a plane and heading overseas again! In this episode Erin is giving us 10 ways that we can be more responsible tourists and, let me tell you, these will change the way you view travel for good! In Part 1, we’re chatting about ways that we can be mindful of other cultures we encounter and how tourism affects local people groups. In Part 2 that will be available next week, Erin and I are focusing more on the environmental impact of travel. Make sure you’re subscribed to the show so you don’t miss it!Links from the show:How to leave a review:https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/how-to-write-a-podcast-review/Pina Travels blog post:https://www.pinatravels.org/discoveries/responsible-touristNo White Saviors:https://nowhitesaviors.org/https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/voluntourism-and-no-white-saviors/id1449041086?i=1000464670429Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Erin:Instagram: @pinatravelsWebsite: https://www.pinatravels.org/Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/alpaca-my-bags/id1449041086

“The hidden danger is in the combined effect of repeated small exposures and accumulation over time of all the toxic substances we encounter little by little, day by day.” - Pop of Health on InstagramYou might be thinking, how could a few parabens in my shampoo or a little synthetic fragrance in my perfume be so harmful? Well, it’s probably not that bad on it’s own. But, when we consider that we encounter these toxins in small amounts every hour of every day, that adds up to a lot of toxic exposure! There’s no way to know how these toxins are going to affect our health, so why not reduce them where we can?Removing your shoes before going inside is one small way to keep toxins out of your home! Several studies have proven that our shoes track in loads of bacteria and toxins thanks to all the places we wear them. (Think about that mysterious liquid you stepped on in that public restroom last week…now think about tracking that onto your carpet. Bleh!) These bacteria can live on our shoes for up to weeks at a time, so let’s play it on the safe side and kick off our kicks before we step inside.Today, I’m sharing my tips for how to start implementing the new habit of removing your shoes before going inside and how you can make your guests more comfortable with this house rule. It might be uncomfortable to implement at first but trust me, once you do it you’ll be glad you did! Not only are you reducing your toxic exposure, but this means less cleaning for you! Yay!Links from the show:ABC News article:https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Consumer/story?id=5177409&page=1EPA study:https://pubs.acs.org/doi/abs/10.1021/es980580oNew York Times article:https://www.nytimes.com/2019/08/27/science/shoes-in-house-germs.htmlConnect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.com

It’s time to get LUPii! No, I don’t mean crazy or silly. I’m referring to the newest plant-based protein bar on the market! Isabelle Steichen recently launched her business that’s bringing delicious vegan protein without all the added sugar to our shelves. Why the name LUPii? Well, that name is in honor of the main ingredient in these bars - the small but mighty Lupini bean! That, along with a few other things, is what Isabelle is here to share about today. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comLast week Isabelle came on the show to share about her journey of going plant-based and some of the biggest benefits she has seen from this lifestyle change. She shared then that cooking was not one of her fortes in her life as an omnivore, but out of necessity she has gotten pretty creative in the kitchen these days. Now, several years into her journey with veganism, and she can call herself a professional chef! Isabelle noticed there was a need in the market to provide some nutritious, protein-packed snack foods for vegans that didn’t come with all the sugar and other additives. If you’re an ingredient-checker like me, you know this is true! Now, she’s running her business thanks to this one ingredient that so many of us are unfamiliar with.Before meeting Isabelle, I had never heard of the Lupini bean before. If you’re right there with me, Isabelle is going to share about it’s long history and many health benefits in Part 2 today. We also discuss how growing this specific plant is much more efficient than so many other types of agriculture. This led us into a discussion about the benefits that plant-based eating has not just on our own health, but on the health of our planet. No matter how plant-based you are (or aren’t), this is something that every consumer needs to hear!Ultimately, Isabelle’s main message stays the same - our food choices matter. Every time we go grocery shopping or head out to dinner and purchase things to eat, we’re voting with our dollar for the kind of world we want. I don’t say that to scare you, but rather to encourage you! You don’t have to go 100% vegan to make a difference in your own life or the lives of animals. Your little steps matter, so keep taking them! And hey, why not start with a delicious LUPii bar? Listen to the show or follow Isabelle and I on Instagram to learn about a chance to win some of these tasty bars for FREE!Links from the show:LUPii Website:https://getlupii.com/Food Choices documentary:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B2rmpFChifc“How Not to Die” by Michael Greger:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/25663961-how-not-to-die“How Not to Diet” by Michael Greger:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43252570-how-not-to-diet?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=QGgE3SDnik&rank=1The Biggest Little Farm documentary:https://www.amazon.com/Biggest-Little-Farm-John-Chester/dp/B07R4CFF3MArmchair Expert podcast:https://armchairexpertpod.com/The Plantiful Podcast:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-plantiful-podcast/id1157229959The Big Favorite:https://thebigfavorite.com/‘Okina:https://www.okinakitchen.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Isabelle:Instagram: @getlupii // @theplantifulWebsite: https://getlupii.com/Email: isabelle@getlupii.comPodcast: https://theplantiful.com/category/podcast/

Growing up in Western Europe traditionally means eating a diet that is heavy with meat and cheese. However, after moving to NYC shortly after college, Isabelle decided it was time to cut those things out of her life for good! Just a few years later and now Isabelle Steichen is inspiring dozens of others to live a plant-based lifestyle through her creative ventures. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comWhether it be through her blog, her podcast, or her co-owned snack food business, Isabelle has dedicated much of her life to helping others on their journey with veganism. But, like I mentioned before, this wasn’t always the way she lived her life. Today on the show, Isabelle is sharing about her journey to going plant-based. And really, not just her journey but her husbands too (who she herself calls a former “dedicated meat-eater!”). Isabelle has learned a lot since then and is now certified in plant-based nutrition! So, we’re also chatting about some of the benefits she has reaped from a plant-based diet as well as a few of the common concerns from non-vegans about how this type of diet can affect their health. (Yep, you guessed it - we’ll answer the infamous question of, “But where do you get your protein?!”). I say this every time, but I learned so much from Isabelle! For instance, I need to make sure I’m taking my daily dose of B12 and getting enough fiber in my diet. No matter what kind of diet we eat, we should all be checking ourselves to make sure we’re getting the right amount of nutrients that we need. But friends, be encouraged - you don’t have to completely cut out meat and cheese and all the other animal products like Isabelle did to make a difference. Every purchase we make, every meal we cook, holds power to make an impact on our environment and on our health. So, let’s all incorporate a little more plants in our life!Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Isabelle:Instagram: @getlupii // @theplantifulWebsite: https://getlupii.com/Email: isabelle@getlupii.comPodcast: https://theplantiful.com/category/podcast/

Heartfelt conversations, laughter, and a few corny moments. That’s what you can expect to hear on Part 2 of the 2020 Year in Review episode with my husband, Justin. (And really, that’s what you can expect with any conversation with him!) The annual Year in Review episode is something I always look forward to, and because of the way he inspires and the way he makes me laugh, Justin is always the perfect guest to join me for it! In case you missed it, Part 1 of the Year in Review aired last week. Make sure you check that out first to hear all about our 2020 and our hopes and dreams for 2021! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comIn today’s show, we’ll be sharing more about what 2021 is going to look like for us. At least, what we tentatively plan on it looking like. If we learned anything last year, it’s not to get too lofty with our goals because who knows what the Lord has in store! We’re being cautiously optimistic as we look ahead to the new year, but we’re also reviewing a few of our favorites from the past. I always love getting recommendations from guests on things like books to read and brands to try, and so today’s conversation is no different.You can find links to everything that Justin and I recommend below. Of course, you know that if you follow along with me on social media you’ll be getting my recommendations year ‘round. However, Justin only makes an annual appearance on the show, so pay close attention to his tips. Until next year, listeners!Links from the show:Plant Therapy Germ Fighter Essential Oil:https://www.planttherapy.com/germ-fighter-essential-oil-blendZarbee’s Naturals Immune Support:https://www.zarbees.com/Everyone Bath Products:https://www.eoproducts.com/collections/everyoneHello Toothpaste:https://www.hello-products.com/shop/toothpaste/Uncle Harry’s Toothpaste:https://www.uncleharrys.com/mouth-care/toothpasteRevisit on Adoption/Foster Care Episode with Lindsay Walder:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/51-enlighten-me-on-parenting-through-foster-care-adoption/id1375899371?i=1000495617570Racial Reconciliation Episode with Chris Singleton:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/56-enlighten-me-on-racial-reconciliation-part-1/id1375899371?i=1000501170230EMM Episode about Chewing Gum:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emm-4-chewing-gum/id1375899371Non-Toxic Living Episode with Sandee and Callie:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/35-enlighten-me-on-non-toxic-living-part-1/id1375899371“Jesus Feminist” by Sarah Bessey:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/17570843-jesus-feminist“Shepherding a Child’s Heart” by Tedd Tripp:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/535785.Shepherding_a_Child_s_Heart?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=hzLvKuXBbu&rank=1“The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” by John Mark Comer:https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43982455-the-ruthless-elimination-of-hurry?ac=1&from_search=true&qid=OvWtnUKrS6&rank=1The Popcast with Knox and Jamie:http://knoxandjamie.com/“The Social Dilemma” Documentary:https://www.netflix.com/title/81254224“Snowden” Movie:https://www.netflix.com/title/80064514Jackbox Games - Quiplash:https://www.jackboxgames.com/quiplash/Kahoot Trivia Games:https://kahoot.com/Jeopardy Labs Custom Games:https://jeopardylabs.com/Coffee Sock:https://coffeesock.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.com

Another new year, another new year-in-review episode! For the third consecutive year my husband, Justin, is joining me on the podcast to take a look back at how 2020 went and some of the things we have planned for 2021. We are answering some thoughtful listener’s questions and having a lot of laughs along the way! To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comOne thing we always do in preparation of this time is listen back to last years Year in Review episode. Last year was comprised of a lot of parenting talk as we had recently become first-time parents. All that talk was paired with A LOT of baby crying in the background - how fitting! This year, there’s much less parent talk and absolutely no baby cries. We actually got away for the weekend to do some New Years goal-setting and we recorded this episode while in our hotel room. Hopefully our neighbors didn’t mind!In today’s show, we’re talking a lot about how 2020 went differently than we had planned and some of the good that came out of it. Of course, there are a few silly questions thrown in there, and I’m hoping that you find yourself laughing along with us and simultaneously being inspired as we enter 2021 together. But remember as you listen, this is just Part 1! To be honest, I hadn’t originally planned on splitting this episode into two parts when we first recorded. It shouldn’t be surprising to me, though, that we just had so much fun with the listener questions that I didn’t want to cut too much out! So, as always, make sure you’re subscribed to the show so that you’re notified next week when Part 2 of the annual Year in Review is available!Links from the show:2019 Year in Review Episode:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/goodbye-2019-hello-2020/id1375899371Quarantine Olympics:https://www.goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/family-hosts-virtual-quarantine-olympics-series-tiktok-70183344EMM 12: Goal Setting:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/emm-12-setting-goals-for-the-new-year/id1375899371?i=1000504249602Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.com

Entering a new year tends to bring up a time of reflection and resolutions for many of us. I love the idea of reflecting on the past year and thinking about what went well and what you’d like to see change. But, how many times have you made a New Year’s resolution only to forget what that resolution was by the time March rolls around? No judgement - I’ve been there too!That’s why my husband and I started doing some intentional goal-setting a few years back. We actually started the tradition of doing a one or two-night getaway (with just us) to have heart-to-heart conversations and set our priorities for the year ahead. Talking about setting goals is a little off-brand for me, but I decided to make it the focus for this months' mini episode because we get so many questions about it! Oftentimes, other couples want to know what exactly we discuss in this time and what types of questions we ask each other. I love sharing this information because it’s one of my favorite things we do together - it’s great for us individually, and it’s so so good for our marriage and family dynamic.But hey, single people, don’t get scared off! Goal-setting is obviously not just for couples, so I’ve purposefully included ways to make these conversations and times of reflection work for you, too. Whether you’re married with kids, a young couple, a single person with a roommate, or riding totally solo, this here is for you. In this episode, I’ll primarily discuss:Setting SMART goals,Using the 5 F’s,Making a family mission statement, andAsking thought-provoking questions.To view the complete list of our “thought-provoking questions for couples,” head to this link: https://theheartfelthippie.wordpress.com/2020/12/28/thought-provoking-questions-for-couples/And don’t forget to use the other links below to connect with me and ask any follow-up questions you may have! Happy New Year everyone, and happy goal-setting!Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.com

“But…are your kids getting enough socialization??” Questions like these are not uncommon to Iviana, who’s been homeschooling her kiddos since Kindergarten. There are plenty of valid questions and concerns when it comes to educating at home, and that’s why I wanted to have Iviana on the show! In Part 1, she opened up to us about her journey with becoming a homeschooling family. It wasn’t necessarily the path she had picked out for herself, but now she wouldn’t have it any other way! Today on the show, she’s breaking down how homeschooling actually works. To view the full show notes, continue reading here or visit my website: www.heartfelthippie.comHow much does homeschooling cost? Where do you find a good homeschooling curriculum? How do you teach kids of multiple ages at once? And of course, how do you ensure that your kids are getting a good education and will be college-ready? These are just a few of the questions I had prepared for Iviana to answer. If you’re like me, homeschooling sounds like a daunting task. I’ve met many a homeschooling mama and said to myself, “I could never do that!” But in this episode Iviana truly helped to demystify the process and make it seem so much more accessible for all kinds of parents. One of my favorite takeaways from the show (and something I didn’t previously know about homeschooling) is just how much you can adapt it to the needs of you and your children. Be it the time frame you’re doing school in or the lessons themselves, there are ways to make homeschooling work for nearly any family. Whether you’re a parent, a prospective mommy or daddy, or even just a curious public school worker, Iviana sheds some great insight and leaves us with lots of advice on homeschooling. If 2020 has taught us anything, it’s that we all can stand to be prepared to educate at home because we never know what’s coming!Links from the show:Homeschool Legal Defense Association:https://hslda.org/“What Your _____ Grader Needs to Know” by E.D. Hirsch, Jr.https://www.coreknowledge.org/store/?filter_type-of-product=type-02-what-your-grader-needs-to-know&query_type_type-of-product=or#store-content“The Wingfeather Saga” by Andrew Peterson:https://www.wingfeathersaga.com/Connect with Mackenzie:Instagram: @theheartfelthippie // @the.enlightenme.podcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/theheartfelthippie/Website: www.heartfelthippie.comEmail: mackenzie.heartfelthippie@gmail.comConnect with Iviana:Website: https://ivianabynum.com/Instagram: @ivianabynumFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/GraceForBreakfast/Podcast: Grace for Breakfast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/grace-for-breakfast-with-iviana-bynum/id1475116433