Unwind with Carly Jean Puch

Waseem Hijazi, a passionate Palestinian vegan food blogger, and Victoria Hertel, an anti-Zionist Jewish vegan advocate from Vegans for Palestine join the show this week. Wasim discusses how his journey into veganism is not just about health but also a means to advocate for Palestinian rights, while Victoria reveals her transformation into anti-Zionism and her dedication to supporting Palestinians...

Christina's journey with cannabis is anything but ordinary. Growing up in Washington DC and initially shying away from the plant due to severe reactions, she never imagined it would play a pivotal role in her life. Yet, as she stepped into the cannabis business world, she rediscovered cannabis through a lens of wellness and mindfulness. Together, we unravel how understanding dosages and produc...

Could young activists hold the key to a more liberated world? Join us on Consciously Clueless as we chat with Cami and Onyx from the Raven Corps, a nonprofit that's redefining activism by integrating veganism with social and environmental justice. From their beginnings as a high school animal rights club, they've grown into a force that tackles systemic issues like capitalism, consumption,...

Join me for a not-so-solo episode as Calen Otto helps us explore the profound impacts of Hurricane Helene on North Carolina. Calen shares their personal experiences during the hurricane and reads a poignant essay weaving themes of climate change, speciesism, and social justice. Calen shared this essay on their podcast and I instantly knew Consciously Clueless listeners needed to hear! Calen sheds...

What if embracing veganism could also be an act of solidarity with marginalized communities? In this episode, Dr. Christopher Carter guides us through the multifaceted intersections of veganism, race, and spirituality. Christopher shares a deeply personal narrative that connects their transformative path to veganism with their family's historical struggles, drawing powerful parallels between t...

Growing up in Eugene, Oregon, Lulu Tsui experienced a unique perspective on cannabis, where it was as common as backyard barbecues. This early exposure shaped her understanding of how cannabis perceptions could differ vastly from mainstream narratives. Lulu's journey led her to co-found On the Revel in 2016, a series of events challenging the status quo of New York City's cannabis industry...

What happens when compassionate living meets culinary creativity? Join me in this episode as we sit down with the visionary behind Kim Sujovolsky, Brownble, an online sanctuary for vegan enthusiasts, to hear her inspiring journey from discovering veganism to building a community centered on ethical lifestyle choices. Together, we reflect on the profound connections between personal well-being, pla...

Have you ever wondered what it's like to feast freely at the ultimate vegan celebration? Join me, Carly, as I take you through the unforgettable experience of VegFest 2024 in Minnesota! Think of it as the "State Fair" for vegan food lovers, filled with heartwarming connections and inspiring stories. Listen in as festival-goers share their joy and sense of community at this annual event...

A health scare changed everything for our special guest Dr. Melanie Joy, leading her from a routine, omnivorous life to a transformative vegan journey. In this episode, Melanie shares her powerful story, detailing how a wake-up call for personal health evolved into a deep commitment to veganism and advocacy. We explore the intricate link between individual well-being and the planet's health, r...

Another installment in the monthly Consciously Cannabis series is here! My guest Khadijah A. Tribble explore their transition into the cannabis advocacy sphere, recounting first encounters with cannabis during college and their impactful work in the HIV community. Together, we uncover the profound implications of cannabis legalization and celebrate the remarkable contributions of marginalized grou...

Get ready for a wild and inspiring ride with the fabulous Vegan Queens, Gemini and her daughter Miasma! Gemini takes us on a nostalgic journey back to her early days in drag during the 1980s, all while being cheered on by her supportive mother. Miasma shares her informal yet heartwarming introduction to the world of drag, leading to the creation of their unique act that brilliantly blends personal...

How often do you think about the importance of mental health and the transformative power of therapy in your life? Last month, I shared some personal milestones—six years as a vegan and five years alcohol-free. This month I'm talking about another milestone - five years of therapy, shining a light on how therapy has been a cornerstone in managing anxiety and depression. Listen as I recount the...

Megan Hunter is a passionate advocate from Mercy for Animals, who in this episode, shares their remarkable transition from physical therapy and emergency dispatching to championing animal welfare and sustainable agriculture. Megan recounts how early experiences with animal rescue and an interest in preventative medicine fueled their drive to reduce suffering and promote systemic change. Influenced...

Our guest's journey with cannabis began as a youthful experiment but transformed into a profound exploration of its medicinal and truth-telling properties. In this episode of Consciously Cannabis, Stephanie Karzon shares her evolution with cannabis, moving from casual use to a deeper appreciation for its potential for mental and physical wellness. From setting up an integrative medicine clinic...

Ever wondered how early memories can shape your culinary journey? Learn more in this chat with Stephanie White about her fascinating path from childhood raspberry bushes in Connecticut to becoming a champion of plant-based cuisine. Stephanie’s vivid recollections of experimenting with fresh produce and her favorite vegan carrot cake offer a poignant look at how formative experiences can ignite lif...

Six years ago, I embarked on a journey that transformed my life. From choosing a vegan lifestyle to going alcohol-free, I've encountered numerous challenges and triumphs that shaped my wellness journey. Join me in this solo episode of Consciously Clueless as I celebrate these significant milestones and share candid reflections on how these choices have impacted my mental and physical health. ...

In this inspiring episode, host Carly connects with Robbie Lockie, the co-founder of Plant Based News, to discuss their shared journey in veganism and media. Robbie shares deeply personal accounts of the health struggles and ethical awakenings that led him to adopt a vegan lifestyle. These experiences fueled their dedication to activism and projects such as the Freedom Food Alliance, aimed at prom...

Discover how Jabria Craft, also known as That Dope Coach, transformed her career from higher education and nonprofit work to becoming a pioneering cannabis coach. Inspired by the need for accurate and accessible cannabis education, Jabria tackles the systemic barriers of censorship and high costs in the industry. She offers a glimpse into her mission to make cannabis knowledge affordable and commu...

Discover the transformative journey of our inspiring guest, Lauren Ornelas, who has been an unwavering advocate for veganism and social justice since childhood. Growing up in Texas, their initial empathy for cows sparked a lifelong commitment to vegetarianism, eventually evolving into full veganism after a life-changing speech by an ex-vivisector. Lauren's deep-rooted involvement in social jus...

What does it mean to be a "changemaker," and how can you join a global movement for social impact? In this episode of Consciously Clueless, we sit down with the visionary founder of GoodRipple, Carlos Terol Marrero, a pioneering platform that aims to unite 300 million changemakers by 2030 and learn how this platform is mobilizing individuals to tackle critical issues such as climate change...

Unlock the secrets of overcoming chronic pain and rebuilding your life through the transformative power of cannabis. Join us as our guest, a native of Boulder, Colorado, recounts a deeply personal tale that began with teenage experimentation and led to a life-altering encounter with severe stomach pain at 21. Despite a grim journey marked by prescription pain medications, including fentanyl, a tim...

Unlock the secrets to a fulfilling vegan lifestyle as we chat with one of the dynamic duos behind Vegan Punks, whose transformative journey began in 2017. Working at Ecotricity, the world's first green and vegan energy company, our guest went from skeptical pescatarian to enthusiastic vegan. Discover how Ecotricity's proactive measures—like serving only vegan food at events and adopting pl...

It's becoming increasingly clear that self-care is vital not just for personal well-being but also for sustaining a desire to better the world for the long term. In this episode, I delve into how radical imagination and self-care are intertwined, nurturing individual and collective freedom. I want to challenge the capitalist narrative that reduces self-care to consumerism and instead advocate...

Join me for an enlightening conversation as I welcome back Miguel, a dedicated plant-based coach from Cyprus. Miguel shares his inspiring journey from a traditional 9-to-5 job to launching his own online coaching service in 2019, driven by his passion for exercise and nutrition. He discusses his transition to a vegan lifestyle in 2015, his motivations, and his increasing interest in plant-based ea...

This month's Consciously Cannabis guest is Dr. Riley Kirk, here to help us discover the intersection of academia and cannabis culture. Listen in as we tackle the hurdles faced by cannabis researchers, stemming from the tight grip of the DEA and outdated legislation. Our conversation takes an exciting turn when we delve into the world of stoner science, examining how embracing the term 'sto...