On this bonus episode, we're joined by environmental reporter and former Non-Toxic co-host, Andrew Lewis, to discuss the first weeks of the Trump administration's climate policy. We've also got some personal life updates like moving to Cape Cod, and trying to build a house without wrapping it in plastic. Listen in for insights on FEMA investigations, woke weather, future climate predictions, and our wobbily food system.

⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠ via Patreon andfollow us ⁠⁠on Substack⁠. And for more detailed doomscrolling, check outDrilled's tally of Trump's enviromental executive orders.

On this episode of Non-Toxic, we're going Hollywood, breaking down the PR wars and legal wrangling between the stars of the domestic violence drama, It Ends With Us. Justin Baldoni, the director and co-star of the film, is facing serious allegations  of sexual harassment, inappropriate on-set behavior–and a coordinated PR campaign to destroy the reputation of the film's leading actress, Blake Lively. (Notably, he's also the host of the podcast Man Enough.) Now, he's filed countersuits of his own. With insights from journalist Emily Kirkpatrick and gender justice researcher Dr. Will McInerney, this episode unpacks how PRs take advantage of misogyny on behalf of their clients, why branding yourself a male feminist might be problematic, and whether this case is the final nail in the coffin of #MeToo.

⁠⁠Support the show⁠⁠ and follow us ⁠⁠on Substack⁠. If you liked this episode , ⁠⁠⁠check out my conversation with ⁠⁠beauty reporter Jessica de Fino⁠ about the oppressive beauty standards coming for men.

Guest Bios:

Emily Kirkpatrick is a writer covering celebrity and pop culture for outlets such as New York magazine, Glamour, W, Vogue, and the New York Times. Her popular weekly newsletter, I <3 Mess, rounds up the best of the worst celebrity fashion.

Dr. Will McInerny is a researcher and educator who studies gender-based violence; violence prevention; men and masculinities; peace and conflict studies; and arts-based research.

The NYT articles in question:

‘We Can Bury Anyone’: Inside a Hollywood Smear Machine

‘It Ends With Us’ Actor and Director and His Publicists Sue The Times for Libel

The Levers of Change Gender Equality Attitudes Study 2022

Masculinity and women's equality: study finds emerging gender divide in young people's attitudes

For this end of year episode of Non-Toxic, we dive back into the vault to revisit a fascinating conversation with Alec Leach, a sustainability strategist and author of The World is on Fire but We're Still Buying Shoes. (He's also ⁠got a great substack.)

Alec shares his eye-opening journey from a high-flying fashion editor to an advocate for mindful consumption. We discuss the myths around sustainability, the psychological grip of fashion marketing, and practical steps to deprogram from excessive buying habits. Alec also talks about the pervasive influence of "hype culture" on contemporary fashion, his own wardrobe mistakes, and ways to make more sustainable choices.

For more Non-Toxic fashion advice, ⁠check out my conversation with Nicolaj Reffstrup⁠, former CEO of Ganni. And to hear more about consumer culture and the climate crisis,⁠ listen to this episode with sustainability advertising expert Lucy von Sturmer⁠.

Support the show and follow us on Substack