Conscious Chatter

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The first global sustainable fashion podcast, Conscious Chatter opens the door to conversations about our clothing + the layers of stories, meaning and potential impact connected to what we wear. Hosted by Kestrel Jenkins, Conscious Chatter tackles nuanced topics that intersect with sustainability, fashion, systems of oppression, health, and wellbeing through a curiosity-driven lens. Through deep dive monthly themes, the focus is on making the conversation more circular.

Recent Episodes
  • Ben Mead of OEKO-TEX® on the what brands should be doing to mitigate toxic chemicals across fashion's supply chains amidst shifting tariffs & global policy change
    May 20, 2025 – 40:45
  • Commons & the Second Nature Podcast on: what actually happens to your clothing donations?
    May 6, 2025 – 42:06
  • Personal stylist Jennine Jacob on welcoming the multiplicity of personal style while interrogating the language we use around fashion and why that matters
    Mar 25, 2025 – 44:32
  • Environmental scientist and microplastics researcher Dana Zhaxylykova on the links between fast fashion, toxicity and microplastics
    Feb 25, 2025 – 49:07
  • Sanchali Pal of Commons Commons on why they developed their own sustainable brand ratings, one way to combat fast fashion this month, & the importance of connecting data with storytelling to shift behavior
    Feb 4, 2025 – 43:30
  • Anna Bario of Bario Neal on why jewelry is integral to pushing fashion to be more sustainable, why small businesses have power to instigate change & how "investment" in jewelry can reflect economic trends
    Jan 28, 2025 – 58:08
  • How do you define *investment piece*, what makes you feel comfortable spending more on certain items & why is this integral to the sustainable fashion conversation?
    Jan 14, 2025 – 42:56
  • Motherhood, entrepreneurship & sustainability: navigating impossible expectations while caring for yourself and others, and building things that center care
    Oct 29, 2024 – 55:09
  • Kestrel on vulnerability, personal health, podcast evolutions & a question to sustainable fashion folks: are you OK?
    Oct 15, 2024 – 16:14
  • Nelson ZêPequéno of Black Men With Gardens and Cayetano Talavera of Hecho By Caye on why fashion needs to listen to nature’s lessons on slowing down, tuning in, practicing patience & cultivating creativity to better center sustainability
    Jul 2, 2024 – 01:04:31
  • Teju Adisa-Farrar of Black Fiber & Textile Network and Author Layla K. Feghali on geography and what our relationship to place can teach us about *sustainability*
    Jun 11, 2024 – 01:23:56
  • Wafa Ghnaim of Tatreez and Tea & Dr. Tanveer Ahmed of Central Saint Martins on preserving culture, decolonial frameworks, and how intersectional reform can be a pathway toward sustainable fashion futures
    Apr 23, 2024 – 01:21:11
  • Sustainable fashion podcasters unite — Emily Stochl of Pre-Loved Podcast & Stella Hertantyo of Conscious Style Podcast help us reflect on 11 years since Rana Plaza, celebrating collective movements & ways to focus our continued advocacy
    Apr 9, 2024 – 01:13:36
  • Upcycling artists Francisco Alcazar & Ella Wiznia of Series NY are redefining sustainable fashion while reimagining craft & challenging the gender binary
    Mar 26, 2024 – 01:03:57
  • How gender plays into the devaluing of knowledge and its links to sustainable fashion & wellness with Megan Schnitker of Lakota Made and Niha Elety of Tega Collective
    Mar 12, 2024 – 01:12:12
  • Celebrating the cultural tradition, past and present, of Palestinian Tatreez with artists / educators Lina Barkawi and Eman Toom & why sustainable fashion must include cultural sustainability
    Feb 27, 2024 – 01:14:30
  • Intergenerational knowledge & sustainable fashion — how clothing is more than just aesthetics; it’s about the upholding of cultural practices and the amplifying of knowledge & traditions
    Feb 13, 2024 – 58:01
  • Vintage stylist Beth Jones & Dounia Wone of Vestiaire Collective on whether fast fashion brands fit into the resale experience
    Jan 30, 2024 – 01:05:55
  • Why self work is integral to advocating for transformation in fashion & why we must deeply question our personal values to truly get active in creating a more sustainable fashion future
    Jan 16, 2024 – 01:23:30
  • Denali Jöel on fashion as an art praxis rooted in Afro-Indigenous philosophies, interrogating the emphasis placed on the *industry* & reminding us of the possibility of creating new ecosystems
    Nov 7, 2023 – 51:36
  • Julius Tillery aka the "Puff Daddy Of Cotton" on the need to remix both the perception of the cotton industry and the business model
    Oct 30, 2023 – 35:40
  • Cassandra Pintro of Consumption Project on welcoming her community to challenge their buying habits and question what is *enough*
    Oct 24, 2023 – 57:37
  • Jeanell English on navigating the pressure to project a certain image in business & across climate spaces and balancing the worlds of activists & execs as a leader in impact
    Oct 17, 2023 – 47:41
  • Muchaneta Ten Napel on utilizing tech as a tool to change how fashion does business, not a crutch that will *save us all* & preparing for the fashion policy changes that are on the horizon
    Oct 10, 2023 – 01:04:40
  • *Breaking It Down* with Rachel Arthur, lead author of The Sustainable Fashion Communication Playbook, an actionable guide co-published by UNEP and UN Climate Change
    Sep 26, 2023 – 48:29
  • Tameka Peoples of Seed2Shirt on rebuilding equitable + just cotton systems & fostering the reclamation of cotton acreage for Black farmers
    Sep 19, 2023 – 46:18
  • Lisa Diegel, Global Sustainability Director, on Faherty's Native Initiatives, what mutually beneficial relationships can look like in practice, and the nuanced ways brands must take responsibility for the products they put out into the world
    Sep 12, 2023 – 40:28
  • Eric Liedtke of UNLESS on pressing fashion to ditch the plastic ingredients and ideating on what it will take for corporations to truly change
    Sep 5, 2023 – 43:59
  • A new era of storytelling at Conscious Chatter, meet our newest team member Natalie Shehata & what slow media means for us in practice
    Aug 15, 2023 – 49:30
  • Jessie Frances (@cappuccinosandconsignment) on the complications with resale's *moment* — fast fashion addictions becoming secondhand addictions, luxury's obsession with exclusivity & the gentrification of thrifting
    Jul 18, 2023 – 49:32
  • Winona Quigley of Green Matters Natural Dye Company on reimagining what *scale* means for natural dyeing & how accessibility and limits also play into the idea of *growth*
    Jul 11, 2023 – 59:56
  • Scientist Dr. Lisa Erdle of 5 Gyres on what we know about microfiber shedding from clothing & the solutions can make an impact
    Jul 4, 2023 – 44:19
  • Liz Spencer of Dogwood Dyer on growing organic natural dye gardens to coax color from plants & acknowledging the cultural origins of dyestuffs along the way
    Jun 20, 2023 – 58:17
  • Researcher Anjana Baburaj on the pervasiveness of Shein & the ways in which social media and the drive to increase social status are directly fueling the overconsumption of clothing
    Jun 13, 2023 – 40:34
  • Lizz Leral of Quilting For Community on the links between quilting and mental health, and how accessing the flow state via hand-oriented activities can help unlock answers to life's questions
    Jun 6, 2023 – 39:58
  • Kelly Drennan of Fashion Takes Action on the importance of youth education that centers fashion's impact on people + the planet
    May 23, 2023 – 52:18
  • Rayouf Alhumedhi, creator of the hijab emoji, on examining Gen Z's shopping behavior & highlighting why product designers should rethink existing product before designing new
    May 16, 2023 – 42:29
  • Jeff Garner of Prophetik on how synthetic fabrics & toxic chemicals connected to our clothing are impacting our health
    May 2, 2023 – 48:31
  • Jenna & Jon of Revival Eyewear on what makes deadstock vintage eyewear superior in quality & how conglomerate Luxottica has created a monopoly-like hold on today's glasses industry
    Apr 11, 2023 – 46:46
  • Denica Riadini-Flesch of SukkhaCitta on rediscovering Indigenous regenerative farming and dyeing techniques & challenging the status quo
    Apr 4, 2023 – 56:11
  • Abby Mills (aka @abbyontheinternet) on the de-influencing *trend* & questioning whether this movement can help us combat overconsumption
    Mar 21, 2023 – 59:54
  • Samata Pattinson, the CEO of RCGD Global on their Sustainable Style Guide, how it's being distributed to all attendees of Academy events this Oscar® season & the power of generative conversations
    Mar 12, 2023 – 46:35
  • Amy Powney of Mother Of Pearl on the new documentary *Fashion Reimagined* and the need to reconnect to the people, the land & the process behind our clothes
    Mar 7, 2023 – 42:48
  • Trish Langman of Sovereignty on the need for comprehensive fashion education from childhood and beyond, to help collectively shift awareness about how our clothes are made
    Feb 28, 2023 – 49:25
  • Sage Paul of Indigenous Fashion Arts on why thinking sustainably is innately an Indigenous cultural practice & why we must see Indigenous designers on a global stage
    Feb 21, 2023 – 35:29
  • Doen's Director Of Impact Kristine Kim on their 2030 Roadmap & the importance of welcoming discomfort when navigating value chain impact work
    Feb 14, 2023 – 46:58
  • Kelly Lottahall on making art out of old clothes and bringing the fashion & art worlds together to tell stories about *waste culture*
    Feb 7, 2023 – 41:42
  • Angel Chang on why listening to Indigenous knowledge & preserving textile traditions can offer solutions for a more sustainable future
    Jan 31, 2023 – 01:07:57
  • Kristin Morrison of All Species asks: what if we *embodied* our garments by actually wearing the land?
    Jan 24, 2023 – 45:02
  • Katia Dayan Vladimirova on The Hot Or Cool Institute's new report, what a 1.5 degree wardrobe could look like & questioning how much is enough
    Jan 16, 2023 – 49:43
Recent Reviews
  • Refashion Bainbridge
    Must listen!
    I cannot rave enough about this show. It is exactly what we need right now and you have to sit down and listen to the episodes right now. Go through this journey with Kestral and then Nat and please work on making a difference. I have learned so much about the fashion industry and the world from these shows. Keep it up!
  • amy839359
    10/10 LOVE
    If you’re looking for a podcast that has a heart and asks the tough questions, look no further! I absolutely love this podcast. Kestrel is a force to be reckoned with. A pioneer in the fashion industry and someone who holds a space for everyone to be a part of the conversation.
  • Cplou
    Essential Podcast
    In today’s world of fast fashion and over-consumption, we need to hear more about the issues with this. Kestrel interviews amazing people in this space. Her show notes are also great! 10/10 recommend
  • Ashley Rabin
    Essential Listening for Sustainable Designers
    Thank you so much for the excellent work you do! I first discovered your podcast back in 2016 and with sustainability suddenly being a marketing buzzword, it is more important than ever to have a trusted source of information. As the designer of sustainable accessory brand "Gilded Mane," your unbiased opinion and deep probing questions are invaluable for those of us who genuinely want to do the work.
  • whamilto
    Excellent podcast
    Kestrel-your podcast skills, topic framing, questions, and show notes provide the listener with succinct and valued information. Thank you for all the work you put into this critical topic. I have learned so much from listening and pick up important tidbits from EVERY episode. Keep up the good work! Wendy
  • S.L.L.85
    Appreciative of Kestrel, Dom & guests
    I’ve been a long-time supporter of Conscious Chatter since its first episodes. This latest series (The Root) made me want to leave another 5-star review — I’m so appreciative of Kestrel and Dom’s initiation to take on this topic and their guests’ willingness to share with us all. Kudos and thank you!
  • luvinfashion
    Great Guests!
    I really enjoyed the interview with Ms. Bari, she has such a multifaceted view of fashion. Love this pod!
  • Emma2692
    Kestrel is an amazing podcast host
    I listen to every podcast available in the sustainable fashion realm and kestrel is by far the best interviewer. She has a nice format to her show: background of guest > meat of the show with lots if interesting questions > conclusion with the same final question (“how do you think people can make an impact in this field in their every day lives”?). I really like this loose structure and kestrel always has thoughtful questions, follow ups, and always lets her guests tell however long or short stories they want. I also love that her episodes are shorter, making them easier to get through when you’re a busy person. Highly recommend 💕
  • Katie Joy B.
    Sustainability Superstars!
    Kestrel and her incredibly knowledgeable guests shine the brightest of (solar powered) lights on what it means to live an eco-friendly lifestyle through your fashion choices! Bold, insightful, and engaging are just a few of the words I’d use to describe the time you’ll spend with them. Thanks for putting out such a superb show Kestrel - keep up the great work!
  • ikapcia
    Thank you for spreading the word!
    Great podcast that educates customers and encourages manufacturers and designers to do better and/or stay abreast with the trends in sustainability and eco friendly fashion. Thank you for putting a spotlight on all those wonderful trailblazing brands:)!
  • ChiefStylist
    Great podcast!
    Kestrel's podcast is informative and inspiring. She gets access to some of my favorite brands and sustainable fashion organizations I want to know more about. Can't stop listening :)
  • K. Chayne
    THE show for conscious fashionistas!
    Kestrel offers such a grounding, safe, and holistic space for exploring conscious fashion. I love tuning in to learn the behind the scenes thought processes and work from industry experts, makers, and professionals. A must-subscribe whether you’re just dipping your toes into the field or a connoisseur! Thanks for bringing these insightful conversations to me. With love from Kaméa!
  • slowfashionfamily
    Highly recommend
    I find this podcast series so inspiring and love the diversity of people and brands interviewed. Keep up the great work!
  • elixb
    Educational and inspirational
    The episodes are well planned out and always center innovative individual, companies, and organizations who are changing the eco/ethical/conscious fashion world. I love the ending question to the episode and look forward to new episodes! I have recommended it to friends in real life and they enjoy it as well.
  • JaFact
    Informative content & Great interviews
    I want to put this one on the playlist of everyone! This is the best thing you can do for an hour. Kestrel puts together legit episodes that address real issues within fashion and highlight those daring enough to create real change in their own diverse avenues of the industry. Great collection of perspectives and approaches.
  • Vistisenshan
    LOVE!!!!!
    I find myself patiently waiting for Tuesdays/Wednesdays to listen to the newest podcast. I've not only learned a lot through listening to Kestrel and the amazing guests she has on but also have found people just like me. My favs have to be with Patagonia and their closed loop process. Sustainability starts from the top and then starts to trickel down to everyone else. Thank you Kestrel for such great storytelling episodes!
  • the style revivalist
    Spot on!
    Love that I've found this podcast which drives into conscious fashion issues, stories and discussions.
  • Atruantportrait
    Informative and Inspiring
    I'm so pleased to have stumbled on this podcast and I'm really excited to hear more collabrative interviews with Gretchen. So many amazing interviews with inspiring people across the world. It's easy to feel overwhelmed and lost when trying to live a lower impact lifestyle. With resources like this I realize that I'm really part of a growing community of talented and thoughtful people across the world. Thanks for being a catalyst for change Kestrel!
  • H12468
    Interesting sustainable listen
    Interesting sustainable listen
  • LooshSD
    Great interviews!
    Great guests and lots of thoughtful discussion around a multitude of topics regarding ethical and sustainable fashion. It's such a BIG topic and I love hearing all the different perspectives!
  • Madamechausseurs
    EcoFashion Required Listening
    Inspriring! Informative! As a very small time eco fashion designer I am thrilled to listen to like minded creatives intent on improving conditions on our planet through what we design to wear. The better informed we all are, the better choices we can make for our businesses (and as consumers, bien sur) and the more articulate we become on the subject of sustainability. Thank you, Kestrel for bringing so many aspects of this business to light. Carry on:-) (Jag & Nevie on Etsy: OOAK fashion made exclusively from up cycled t shirts, cashmere & sustainable fabrics)
  • NateBern
    Education That Goes Down Smooth
    Relatable, inspiring, unique.
  • isspl
    So Good
    I got my degree is Sustainable fashion design, and it's so refreshing to hear about others in the industry. Keep it up!
  • Coat Check Chicago
    Designer, Coat Check Chicago
    I absolutely love these podcasts! As a fashion design instructor and designer it is so fantastic to engage in the conversations on a regular basis. Can’t wait to share Conscious Chatter with my students this semester!
  • Shaysav
    Transformation
    Listened to every episode! I already feel a sense of urgency to transform.
  • Scraitlin
    Refreshing! Shedding Light on a Necessary Topic
    So glad Kestrel is gathering attention for this topic. These conversations need to be happening and I'm happy she is making them public and opening the conversation for all. The way she breaks things down makes it understandable for everyone no matter your prior knowledge of the fashion industry. So excited to continue listening and learning more!
  • kirslarkin
    Refreshing & Passionate
    I look forward to listening to each new episode of Conscious Chatter from the talented and very passionate gal Kestrel. I learn something new constantly from her and she continuely reminds me to be concious of my decisions as a consumer. Thank you for teaching me something constantly and inspiring me to be a better consumer! I highly recommend this podcast to anyone who is wanting to make a change in their life to be more friendly to the planet.
  • Blair Beuttler
    Fascinating even for a newbie
    I know nothing about sustainability or the fashion industry (but I'm an avid podcast listener) and yet I find Conscious Chatter extremely engaging. You don't have to be an expert to enjoy it; it's super accessible, and has completely transformed the way I think about what I wear.
  • Jennywalln
    Style with a conscience 🌎
    Kestrel's passion for fashion and improving our world shines through. This is not a fad or trend for her, this is how she lives her life and now she's sharing some of her insight and knowledge with us. Full disclosure: I have known Kestrel and her family since she was a child-this podcast is 100% authentic to her way of life. We can all learn a lot from her. Way to go Kes, keep up the good work! Jenny I.
  • Doan | Lost in Fiber
    Chatter for Change
    Conscious Chatter provides a brilliant platform for sustainability issues and concerns that have been up for review for quite some time. Kestrel Jenkins has an amazing Rolodex of movers and shakers in this realm, and I have no doubt that he line up of interviews will continue to shed light on those topics that we need to address and collectively examine now and into the future.
  • LaEdwards51
    Empowers Consumers To Be More Aware!
    Kestrel's “Conscious Chatter” podcast series has brought forward so many informative awarenesses and ideas about the sustainable fashion world. I have found each podcast so interesting to listen to. All of the topics so far have brought awarenesses to the listener to empower themselves to be more ethical and sustainable in our clothing purchases. In the long run, the “triple down affect” that can occur with our purchases can help us feel better about ourselves when we make choices and also help so many others involved in the chain of production. Looking forward to the next topic!
  • ShanLAX22
    A must listen for the conscious consumer.
    I’m so glad there is FINALLY a podcast addressing these issues! There is no one better suited to host this conversation than Kestrel Jenkins, and I’m so excited to see her leading the charge. If you’re interested in sustainability, conscious consumption and the future of this planet, then Conscious Chatter is a must listen.
  • Be Kind Vibes
    A much needed conversation
    Cheers to Kestrel for starting a much needed conversation about the environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. Excited to listen to the journey!
  • agbs454
    Helpful Content-Complicated Topic
    Sustainable fashion is a very difficult and complex topic but one that is environmentally vital. It is important for someone to explore and decouple the space in an in-depth form and this podcast is taking the time to get it right. I’m happy to hear it and excited to learn more about how to navigate sustainability.
  • Will S (Venice)
    Insightful
    The range of guests and quality of conversation in Conscious Chatter is incredible. Please keep up with the episodes, it’s off to an awesome start!
  • Drew McGill
    Thoughtful Content
    Serial do-er Kestrel has my attention. Conscious Chatter reminds me of the little things we all can do to make the world a better place. Great thought provoking content pushing sustainable practices forward!
  • Pollywogonalog
    Thoughtful dialogue. 🙏🏼 awearing is caring
    This podcast really gets to the heart of sustainability and reminds us that there are SO many ways for us to do our part. What we wear, how we identify and hone in on causes we care about makes all the difference and Kestrel thoughtfully presents this external and internal discussion. Thank you for your inspiration! If you are part of the movement, CC is for you!
  • Hera By Day
    A refreshing message
    Wow. How wonderfully refreshing the message behind these episodes are. Being a fashionista myself - I have often questioned the supply chain and its impact on the environment. Conscious Chatter has provided a platform to not only educate but also inspire an action. So looking forward to hearing more from other conscious consumers / makers. Definitely recommend to anyone with an interested in fashion and sustainability.
Disclaimer: The podcast and artwork on this page are property of the podcast owner, and not endorsed by UP.audio.