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 light on the work being done by organizations like Beloved Asheville and Ziggy’s Refuge, emphasizing the crucial role of local mutual aid organizations in disaster relief. They challenge us all to reflect on their connections to these global issues and consider how they can contribute to ongoing recovery efforts.

As Calen recounts community resilience in the face of disaster, we question the roles of various societal players in perpetuating environmental harm and Stress the interconnectedness of all living beings. In their powerful essay, Calen shares on the importance of personal and systemic actions for sustainability, urging us to push for change even when the path seems daunting. We wrap up with practical resources and ways for listeners to take action, from personal Lifestyle changes to supporting initiatives like A Well-Fed World. Listen in for a conversation that inspires reflection and action in the pursuit of a sustainable future.

Guest Bio: Calen Ann Otto is a queer, anti-speciesist Travel blogger who explores the big wide world on a very small budget. After completing a solo trip across the USA at the age of 19 with only $300 and a bike, Calen discovered that there are so many alternative ways to travel that cost less.

Inspired by their love of meeting strangers and sharing their incredible stories, Calen created the Unruly Travel blog. There they share photos, videos, articles, and podcast episodes from their unique travels in hopes of inspiring others to get out and grow. Calen has been to 5 continents, 35 states, 20 National Parks, and more than 30 countries as a vegan and is passionate about doing the least amount of harm wherever they go. They wrote and published ‘The Art Of Unruly Travel On A Budget’ travel guidebook to make travel more accessible to all. 

Helpful Links from Calen:

Hurricane Helene Essay: wanderwoman.online/index.php/2024/…north-carolina/

Donate to mutual aid orgs in WNC: preview.mailerlite.io/preview/757985…69466110330501

Episode #24 on Hurricane Florence: Unrulytravel-podcast – Modern-love-story-pig-rescue-hurricane-florence-north-carolina

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Music by Matthew Baxley

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Carly Jean Puch Podcaster

As I stumbled through the perils of answering the ultimate question, "what do you want to do with your life?" I knew somehow my answer would incorporate helping others. This translated into paths that, when I tuned into the universe, I realized were very connected. (Funny how that always happens!)

People are complicated, messy, and layered with identities. So is this space. I am a meditation enthusiast that sits in quietness every morning and a lover of blasting 90's hip-hop at full volume. I'm a gym rat and a yoga instructor. I am both learner and a teacher. We are all many things. Together we can make them all work.

I love to share all the things I'm learning along the way. Learning how to be your most fabulous self but being honest about how damn hard and messy it can be along the way lets you speak your truth. It allows you to best use your voice for the causes that matter to you. Let's get healthy and change the world together!