Shows
Talking in SpiralsAlways & Forever: A Love Letter to Secondhand Shopping30: In this episode, we dive deep into our love for thrifting and why secondhand shopping is more than just a budget-friendly choice — it’s a lifestyle. We share the why behind our commitment to buying used, our go-to thrifting tips for finding the good stuff, and some of our favorite secondhand scores over the years. Whether you're a seasoned thrifter or curious about getting started, this episode is packed with inspiration, practical advice, and a little secondhand magic.Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Flora Flora Co, who makes handcrafted botanic...2025-06-0651 minTalking in SpiralsHow to Stay Afloat in a World That Feels Heavy29: There have been a few heavy news weeks lately, so Maria & Brennan chat about how to protect their peace. How do we continue to show up, when do we speak out and when do we stay quiet? When is it okay to post something light and joyful, without it feeling like a betrayal of everything else in the world?Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Flora Flora Co, who makes handcrafted botanical essentials for softer hair, healthier scalp, & a cleaner earth with every wash. Use the code SPIRALS15 to save on your purchase.Want t...2025-05-231h 05Talking in SpiralsFrom Perfection to Progress: The Evolution of Zero Waste28: What were we like in the beginning of the zero waste movement—were we insufferable? Yes, probably. Maria & Brennan chat about how the sustainability and slow living movement has changed over the last 10 years, and how habits have shifted. Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Suri, who makes sustainable electric toothbrushes with recyclable, plant-based heads. Use the code SPIRALS to save on your purchase.Want to sponsor the next episode?Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2025-05-091h 07Talking in SpiralsSurviving in This Economy27: Maria & Brennan share their best money-saving tips to help survive the potential recession and current economic turmoil. These tips are also planet-centered and focus on using resources readily available to us. We will get through this together!We chat about utilizing YouTube, using what you have, and replacing shopping hobbies. Leave a comment with your best money saving tip!Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Suri, who makes sustainable electric toothbrushes with recyclable, plant-based heads. Use the code SPIRALS to save on your purchase.Want to sponsor th...2025-04-251h 07Talking in SpiralsNature, Community & Action: A Guide to Earth Month26: In this Earth Month special, we dive into how you can make a real impact by joining local community organizations, reconnect with nature, and embrace sustainable living. Whether you're looking to volunteer, build a greener lifestyle, or simply find new ways to appreciate the environment, this episode is for you!Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Aerflo, who makes a carbonation water bottle that transforms still into sparkling water. Use the code SPIRALS15 to save on your purchase.Want to sponsor the next episode?Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2025-04-1140 minTalking in SpiralsMore Stuff, More Problems: Deconstructing Overconsumption25: We've lost the plot. Overconsumption is not normal, but instead has been normalized. In this episode, Maria & Brennan break down a video that shares the effects of overconsumption on young people. Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Aerflo, who makes a carbonation water bottle that transforms still into sparkling water. Use the code SPIRALS15 to save on your purchase.Want to sponsor the next episode?Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.comEpisode marked explicit due to swearing2025-03-281h 05Talking in SpiralsConscious Consumerism—What's In Our Homes?24: We are continuing from the last episode by doing a deep dive into the products we genuinely love and use daily in our kitchens and homes. We're sharing our go-to brands that align with our values.Curious to explore these brands for yourself? Tune in, take notes, and check out the links in our show notes to support ethical, sustainable, and high-quality products!Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Livelihood who makes beautiful, sustainable swaps. Use the code TALKINGINSPIRALS to save on your purchase.Head to our instagram to enter into our giveaway!2025-03-141h 07Talking in SpiralsConscious Consumerism—What’s in Our Bathrooms?23: Although Brennan and Maria often discuss anti-consumerism, today’s episode is a deep dive into the products we genuinely love and use daily in our bathrooms. From personal care and skincare to shower essentials, period products, and even bidets—we're sharing our go-to brands that align with our values.Curious to explore these brands for yourself? Tune in, take notes, and check out the links in our show notes to support ethical, sustainable, and high-quality products!Connect with usShoutout to this episode's sponsor, Livelihood who makes beautiful, sustainable swaps. Use the code TA...2025-02-281h 19Talking in SpiralsEnjoy Spending Time Together Without Spending a Dime22: Contrary to popular belief, you can walk out of your house and spend time with your loved ones, without spending money! In this episode, Maria and Brennan share ideas on how to spend time with your friends and family in ways that are low waste and little to no cost. We also throw in some commentary about reading, Maria's unwind time, and cults. So, the usual.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, W&P, who makes beautiful, sustainable swaps. Use the code SPIRALS15 to save on your purchase.
Brennan loves the reusable silicone bags & ic...2025-02-1448 minTalking in SpiralsCrafting a Life You Love in the New Year21: In this episode, Brennan and Maria dive into setting intentional routines and goals for the new year. From creating daily habits that align with your values, to making conscious choices about how you spend you money, we discuss practical ways to make 2025 your best year yet. Whether you're looking to stay on track with your New Year's resolutions, or seeking inspiration to live a more fulfilling life, this episode is for you!
We chat about:
- Brennan's new meal plans
- Maria's new labels
- The Oura Ring (of course)
2025-01-311h 20Talking in SpiralsGrieving What Could've Been & Moving Forward20: Brennan & Maria close out season two discussing the results of the 2024 presidential election in the United States and how to move forward.
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Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-11-1542 minTalking in SpiralsSave Money by Reducing Food Waste19: Vote for people and planet, donate to hurricane relief funds, and also reduce food waste.
Maria & Brennan chat all about ways to reduce food waste and preserve food, from stepping foot in a grocery store to composting in your backyard.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Souper Cubes
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-11-011h 06Talking in SpiralsAvoiding Overconsumption This Holiday Season18: The holidays generate more waste & overconsumption than any other time of year.
Let's chat all about how to celebrate the holidays between October and January a little more sustainably.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Almond Cow—Brennan is a big fan and hopes you are too! Use the code BRENNAN25 to save on your purchase.
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-10-181h 02Talking in SpiralsHosting an Ecofriendly Wedding: Challenging Traditions & Expectations17: Maria & Brennan dissect the world of ecofriendly weddings and challenging traditional expectations surrounding the big day.
From venues to favors, flowers and more, we chat about aligning values with wedding celebrations, while also minimizing environmental impact.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Everly, who makes sustainable candle refill kits—Maria & Brennan are big fans and hope you are too! Use the code SPIRALS10 to save on your purchase.
Maria loves the Primavera Vessel & Magia scent 🕯️
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email T...2024-10-041h 30Talking in SpiralsLevel Up Your Life16: Let's chat all about positive life changes we've made in our 20s to set us up for success!
Some of these changes have helped us get through some tough times & burnout.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, W&P, who makes beautiful, sustainable swaps. Use the code SPIRALS15 to save on your purchase.
Brennan loves the reusable silicone bags & ice cube trays 🌎
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-09-2058 minTalking in SpiralsAn Honest Conversation about Body Image15: This one gets a bit emotional and a bit vulnerable.
TW: Body Image, Eating Disorders, Health Anxiety, Mental Health. Take care of yourselves, and feel free to skip 🫶🏻
We discuss our individual journeys struggling with body image throughout our lives, and how we have begun to heal.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Souper Cubes
Head to our Instagram to enter a giveaway with Souper Cubes!
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-09-061h 22Talking in SpiralsThe Rise of Traditionalism & Becoming Self Sustainable14: The housing crisis, sourdough bagels, and the unrealistic standards set by internet tradwives—the perfect combo! Join us as we do a deep dive into the rise of traditionalism as two people who are both trying to live more self-sustainable lives.
Tradwives Video by Abbie Richards
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Magic Mind🌎
Use our code SPIRALS20 to save on your subscription!
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-08-2354 minTalking in SpiralsThe Hot Girl Hamster Wheel13: Let's chat about the expectations placed on women to conform to beauty standards! We discuss the "Hot Girl Hamster Wheel," overconsumption, double standards and money spent.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Magic Mind🌎
Want to sponsor the next episode?
Email TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com2024-08-0958 minTalking in SpiralsNavigating Climate-Conscious Financial Wellness12: All about our never-ending journey to sustainable financial wellness. Maria & Brennan break down the steps they take to ensure financial wellness with climate friendly banks, high yield savings, mortgages emergency funds, debt payoff, investing & more.
They also chat about gardening, and the rise of far right traditionalism, ya know. Lot's of fun stuff.
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, W&P, who makes beautiful, sustainable swaps. Use the code SPIRALS15 to save on your purchase.
Brennan loves the reusable silicone bags & ic...2024-07-2648 minTalking in SpiralsBuilding a Community You Love11: TIS is back for season two—chatting all about building a community, with some chaos of course.
Brennan & Maria catch up on life updates and talk all about Mango Season and their Oura Ring obsessions.
Get ready for an in-depth conversation about:
- The overlap of building a community & sustainability
- How to make friends as adults
- Buy Nothing Groups & Coworking Spaces
- The Death of Third Places
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Shoutout to this episode's sponsor, Everly...2024-07-121h 01Talking in SpiralsOur Approach to Sustainable Fashion10: Join Maria & Brennan for their last episode until the summer, chatting all about approaches to sustainable fashion.
We chat all about thrifting, fast fashion, clothing made to fit all stages of life, clothing swaps, online secondhand shopping and more!
That's a wrap on season one! Let us know what you loved and didn't love for season one, and what you want to see from us in season two. Send us a DM on Instagram and get in touch!
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...2024-05-1054 minTalking in SpiralsLife Updates & Greenwashing 1019: We have some life updates, some general earth month commentary, and chat about how to spot greenwashing.
We also talk about:
- Amazon's Second Chance program
- Sourdough bread & discard pizzas
- Maria's recent project
- Gram update 😻
-Why we're called Talking In Spirals
Connect with us 2024-04-2644 minTalking in SpiralsPracticing Imperfect Environmentalism8: How we practice imperfect environmentalism in our day to day lives.
We talk about:
- Maria's easy sourdough bread recipe
- breaking a no buy year buying a kindle
- things we do and don't do as imperfect environmentalists
Connect with us: linktr.ee/TalkingInSpirals2024-04-1237 minTalking in SpiralsNavigating Climate Change & Climate Anxiety7: All about budgeting, resets, Brennan's "When Did I Last" list, and more shenanigans. Oh yeah, and climate change.
We talk about:
- climate change impacts we personally experience in New York and Florida
- this year's lack of snow, last summer's heat wave
- how we deal with climate anxiety as environmentalists
Connect with us: linktr.ee/TalkingInSpirals2024-03-2948 minTalking in SpiralsBack to Basics: The Healing Power of Cooking from Scratch6: In this episode we chat all about homemade kitchen restocks, why we do them, how we do them, and the transition to an ingredient-based household. We also get deep, discussing our relationships with food and diet culture.
This episode is sponsored by The Blue Bag! Use the promo code: 101E2Q36 to take 10% off for Talking in Spirals listeners.
https://www.amazon.com/stores/TheBlueBag/page/235A0A76-AF1A-44F9-841D-8D5371F6481B?ref_=ast_bln
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com...2024-03-1537 minTalking in SpiralsSustainability is Not One Size Fits All5: Sustainability Q&A: In this episode, we answer frequently asked questions about sustainability topics and answer questions from our audience.
We talk about:
- How to travel more sustainably
- Living with others who are not as sustainable
- Reusable toilet paper, aka family cloth
- Being a perfect environmentalist
Visit our Instagram to enter our giveaway with Everly Candles!
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talking.in.spirals
Follow Brennan: https...2024-03-0153 minTalking in SpiralsDeinfluencing: Do You Really Need It? Probably Not.4: In this episode, we chat all about deinfluencing, a viral trend of influencers sharing items you shouldn't buy for various reasons.
We touch on:
- Maria, an environmentalist with a Stanley cup
- Deinfluencing & minimalism
- Brennan's criteria for buying material items guideline
- How a No Buy or Low Buy Year can help
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talking.in.spirals
Follow Brennan: https://www.instagram.com/brennankai/
Follow Maria: https://www.instagram.c...2024-02-1645 minTalking in SpiralsThe Ins and Outs of Content Creation3: Both Brennan & Maria are full time content creators in the sustainability space who want to share their knowledge of working in the industry. We chat everything about going full time, all the hats we wear, mental health, content types, partnerships, money management, and being a freelancer.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talking.in.spirals.
Send us a DM and let us know what you enjoyed most about this episode!
Follow Brennan: https://www.instagram.com/brennankai/
Follow Maria: https://www.instagram.com/livingplanetfriendly/2024-02-0447 minTalking in SpiralsThe Slippery Slope from Slow Living to Trad Wife Life2: In this episode, join our candid conversation about the slippery slope from slow, intentional living, to crunchy living. We chat everything about our own slow living journeys, how we almost spiraled into the crunchy trad wife life, and how to find a healthy balance, avoiding the purist mentality.
We touch on:
The Crunchy-to-Alt-Right Pipeline
Holistic Living & the Wellness Industry
The Crunchy, Scrunchy & Slow Living overlap
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talking.in.spirals. Send us a DM and let us know what you enjoyed most about...2024-02-0432 minTalking in SpiralsOn Living A Slow Life1: Welcome to Talking in Spirals with Brennan & Maria! Today we're introducing ourselves, chatting about our slow living journeys, and what you can expect to hear from us every other week during the first season.
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talking.in.spirals
Follow Brennan: https://www.instagram.com/brennankai/
Follow Maria: https://www.instagram.com/livingplanetfriendly/2024-01-0527 min
Talking in SpiralsWelcome To Talking In SpiralsHi there and welcome to Talking in Spirals, hosted by Brennan {@BrennanKai} & Maria {@LivingPlanetFriendly}, where we chat all about slow living. This podcast explores sustainability, conscious consumerism, minimalism, and so much more. Come hang out with us every other week and see if we’re spiraling.
Follow us on Instagram at @TalkingInSpirals
Email us at TalkingInSpirals@gmail.com
2023-12-2601 min